Mark was born when I was still in diapers. Hours after his welcome to this world, he slipped out of my mother’s arms and into our Father’s. In Glory, He’s waiting for his big brother’s arrival.
Will I know him? At our first introduction, will I recognize him? Will he appear as an infant, or will he have the form of an adult? Will he and dad meet me at the pearly gates with a joyous, “welcome home!”
First, can you imagine home without the excitement of giggling children? Isaiah foresaw the day when a “wolf will dwell with a lamb” (Isaiah 11:6) and “an infant will play beside the cobra’s pit, and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den” (Isaiah 11:8). In Glory, will we hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet and see their glee as these little ones explore the meadows and climb the trees? Why not?
But, will I know him? Will I recognize my little brother immediately?
Peter, James, and John recognized Moses and Elijah when they appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-6). Jesus didn’t say, “Hey Peter, I want to introduce you to the Law-Giver and the Prophet!” The Disciples instinctively knew the age-old Patriarchs.
Jesus promised “that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). Will those who are gathered around the King’s table recognize “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” without the necessity of introductions? I expect so. Just imagine… “Hey Abraham, tell us about the day you took Isaac up the hill at Moriah.”
Paul promised that when the Master returns to rapture the church, “God will bring with him those who” have gone before, and that, together, “we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 17).
Mark, little brother, I’ll see you soon!
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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