There is a very interesting truth given in the “mount of transfiguration” account that many seem to read right over and it never dawns on them what marvelous information or enlightenment is given in that account. The disciples instantly recognized the two persons standing beside Jesus in that vision as being Moses and Elijah. How could this be? These disciples had never seen these two men before, nor had they seen portraits of them (such images were forbidden in ancient Judaism). Moses had died approximately 1500 years before and Elijah’s ministry had occurred about 700 years before this vision, yet Peter instantly knew this was Moses and Elijah. Did they have little name tags? Did they wave and say, “Hi! I’m Moses,” and “Hey, what’s happening? I’m Elijah.”
Paul writes in I Corinthians 13 that “now (in this life) we see through a (looking) glass (a mirror) darkly (vaguely), but THEN (when resurrected) face to face. Now I know in part (our spiritual knowledge will ever remain incomplete in this present life), but then shall I know even also as I am known.” (verse 12). And, I believe this includes instantly recognizing not only fellow believers we knew in this life, but instantly recognizing believers and servants of God whom we never met in this life. The moment we see Mary we will recognize that this was the mother of Jesus! King David won’t have to introduce himself to us, nor will we have to introduce ourselves to him!
The scriptures teach that we are all brethren in the Lord. Isn’t it ludicrous to think that brothers and sisters wouldn’t recognize one another? True, the marriage bond ends at the grave, but that doesn’t mean those who were husband and wife in this life will not recognize one another upon being resurrected. It simply means they will no longer have the relationship of marriage.
Yes, we will meet again, and the sunny day on which we meet will be resurrection morning. Talk about a reunion. That will be a reunion unique in all human history. And, to top it off, we will never ever part again. And who do we have to thank for that – Jesus our Lord!
Christ’s Thankful Servant,
Donald Wiley