Opening Verse: “That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.” – John 17:21
Picture this: You’re planning the ultimate family reunion. You want everyone there – cousins you haven’t seen in years, that aunt who moved across the country, even the in-laws who joined the family through marriage. Some people belong by birth, others came in through marriage, and some were lovingly adopted into the clan. But when reunion day comes, it doesn’t matter how they got there – they’re all family.
God has been planning the ultimate family reunion since the beginning of time. And just like any good reunion, there are multiple ways people find their way into His family. Today’s readings show us different pathways to belonging and remind us that God’s heart is for everyone to have a seat at the table.
The Family Head Sets the Tone (Psalm 97)
Every family has someone who sets the tone for the reunion – usually a beloved grandparent or family patriarch whose presence makes everyone feel secure and loved. Psalm 97 shows us our heavenly Father in this role. “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice” – when Dad’s in charge, everything’s going to be alright.
Just like how kids feel safe when they know their parent is strong enough to handle any problem, this psalm reminds us that our heavenly Father’s power melts mountains and His righteousness burns away anything that would threaten His family. The false gods and empty promises that try to lead us astray? They’re no match for our family’s Head. When we gather for worship, we’re celebrating that we belong to the strongest, most loving family leader imaginable.
Jesus Prays for Family Unity (John 17:20-26)
Have you ever watched a parent pray over their sleeping children, whispering hopes and dreams for their future? That’s the heart behind Jesus’ prayer in John 17. He’s not just praying for His immediate disciples – He’s praying for all of us “which shall believe on me through their word.” That includes you and me, sitting here centuries later.
Jesus knows what every good family knows: unity doesn’t happen automatically. It takes intentional love, forgiveness, and commitment to stick together. His prayer for oneness isn’t about everyone thinking exactly alike – it’s about sharing the same deep love that flows between the Father and Son. When people see how God’s family treats each other, Jesus says they’ll believe God really did send Him. Our family love becomes the best invitation we can offer.
An Unexpected Family Addition (Acts 16:16-34)
Sometimes people join the family in the most unexpected ways. The Philippian jailer wasn’t exactly on anyone’s list of “most likely to join God’s family.” One minute he’s guarding prisoners, the next he’s washing their wounds and asking, “What must I do to be saved?”
Paul and Silas didn’t let their circumstances stop them from showing what God’s family looks like. Even in chains, they were singing worship songs at midnight – and their joy was so infectious that it literally shook the prison foundations. When the jailer saw their supernatural peace and heard about Jesus, he didn’t just want in – he brought his whole household with him. Sometimes the most powerful invitation to God’s family reunion is simply watching how family members act when life gets tough.
The Final Invitation Goes Out (Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21)
Every good reunion has that moment when someone stands up and makes sure everyone knows they’re welcome. “Come on over! There’s plenty of food! Bring the kids! Bring your friends!” Revelation 22 is God’s final, enthusiastic invitation to the ultimate family gathering.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.” It’s like the whole family – led by the Spirit and the Church (the bride) – is standing at the door shouting, “Come on in! The water’s fine! There’s room for everyone!” This isn’t an exclusive country club; it’s a family reunion where anyone who’s thirsty can “take the water of life freely.”
The Best Reunion Ever
Here’s what makes God’s family reunion different from any earthly gathering: it never ends, nobody gets excluded for past mistakes, and there’s always room for one more. We all have the same access to the Father’s love.
And the best part? We don’t have to wait until heaven to start enjoying the reunion. Every time we gather for worship, every time we choose unity over division, every time we invite someone else to “come and see” – we’re giving the world a preview of the greatest family gathering in history.
Points to Ponder
- How did you first become part of God’s family? Was it through family tradition, a personal crisis, or gradual relationship?
- What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you had the same access to God as Jesus does?
- Who in your life needs to hear the invitation to join God’s family? How can you extend that invitation this week?
- When conflict arises in your church or among believers, how can you pray like Jesus did for unity?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for making a way for each of us to belong to Your family. Help us never forget that we’re all here by Your grace, adopted into Your kingdom. Give us Jesus’ heart for unity and the Spirit’s voice for invitation. May our lives be such a compelling picture of Your family that others can’t help but want to join the reunion. And Jesus, we echo the cry of Your bride: “Even so, come quickly!” Amen.
Closing Verse: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” – Revelation 22:20
Josh Cehulik 