17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. (I Thessalonians 2)
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. That is especially true of those who are bonded together in Christ. This Gospel trio of Paul, Silas and Timothy wanted to get back to Thessalonica to visit with those they had led to Christ, but at that point had not been able to do so. Notice the connection between their hope at Christ's return and their time on earth. They anticipated, hoped for seeing them when Christ comes back and joins His people all together, which helped fuel their desire to see them in this life as well. When you think of heaven, and the second coming, is it able the room(mansion), street of Gold, and precious jewels, or is it the people - especially Jesus - whose presence you will enjoy without separation. Should not our hope for this life also be the same? That the emphasis is not on the stuff we can see, but who we can see and share time with.
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