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long ago we had the occasion to have all the kids available at the same time for
a photograph. Now, just getting us together can be a bit of a chore, and we anticipate
it will get a lot harder. But AT the photographer's things can really get
interesting. First, everyone has to be somewhat color coordinated. Then we have
to check to see that the hair, or lack there of, is straightened up. More than
once I have found that everyone else was in good shape but me!
Next, imagine trying to get nine people to smile at the same
time. To do so we are often subjected to corny jokes and things to repeat. Then
there is the terminal problem of fast reflexes. Pictures without blinkers are
rare with my bunch! Looking at our family portrait, one can see there are family
resemblances in each face. I wonder, if we could see a "portrait" of the family
of God, would we notice the resemblances? They won't necessarily be physical ones.
Will you be able to handle that?
Revelation
5:9 says, "And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the
book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased
for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and
nation.."
Racial, ethnic, geographical, even denominational differences
will be bridged. How will you respond when you see that portrait? Better get used
to the fact now that there will be people in heaven who worship and talk and look
different than what you are used to. And in the mean time, why not consider that
God may want you to even work for the Kingdom with someone like that?
~  ~
All Scripture references are from the New American Standard
Version unless otherwise noted.
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