Endurance for the Journey, Featured

Eternal Recognition

And I heard a loud voice saying,
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people,
and He will dwell with them.
They will be His people,
and God, Himself, will be with them
and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said,
“I am making everything new!”
Then He said, “Write this down,
for these words are trustworthy and true.
REVELATION 21:3-5 (NIV)



Some folks are afraid that when they get to heaven, they won’t recognize anyone. They are fearful that they won’t know a husband or wife of 35 years without a name tag pinned to the robe. Luke’s account of the transfiguration seems to settle that troubling question. Not only will you know your loved ones, it’s likely you’ll know everyone else too – even without an introduction.


When two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus, Peter immediately recognized them. He blurted out, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33). Yet how did Peter know those two men? They lived hundreds of years before Peter’s time, so he never met them. There were no photographs or artist’s sketches. How did he recognize them? He just knew them, that’s all.


The transfiguration was a preview of heaven … a place where there will be no need for introductions.

“We will recognize our loved ones in Heaven,
and they will recognize us.
Furthermore, the Bible indicates that we will know them
in a far deeper and closer way
than was ever possible on earth –
and without the imperfections and sins
that mar our human relationships on earth.”
BILLY GRAHAM



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky