Goodbye. No one wants to say it. And death is the most difficult goodbye of all.

After our church had five funerals in seven days, the sorrow took its toll on me. I chided myself, “Come on, Max, get over it.  Death is a natural part of living.” Then I self-corrected. No it isn’t. Birth is. Breathing is. Belly laughs, big hugs and bedtime kisses are. But death? We weren’t made to say goodbye.

God’s original plan had no farewell, no final breath, day, or heartbeat. No matter how you frame it, goodbye doesn’t feel right. But God has served notice. All farewells are on the clock. He has decreed a family reunion, and what a reunion it will be! Revelation 21:4 says on that day, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” This long journey will come to an end. You’ll see him—and you’ll see them. Isn’t this our hope?