Together Forever

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-5

Malachi stacked blocks with Ayanna, his two-year-old sister. Today, Aunt Tori was watching them while Uncle Mike helped Mom and Dad pack for next week’s move. To save money, the two families had decided to move into one house.

Malachi began to place the blocks into the shape of a house, setting up four walls with space for a door. “Aunt Tori,” he said, “this kind of looks like our new place.”

“I love it!” Aunt Tori exclaimed.

“It still needs a roof though,” replied Malachi with a puzzled expression. “Except I’m not sure how to make a triangle-shaped one like the house has.”

“What about an open book?” asked Aunt Tori. “Ayanna, can you find a red book?”

After happily toddling over to the bookshelf, Ayanna presented a red paperback. “Wed book,” she said with a grin.

Aunt Tori took the book, opened it slightly, and gently placed it on top of the walls Malachi had built. Just then, Mom, Dad, and Uncle Mike walked in.

Malachi motioned toward the blocks. “We made a mini house with a tiny red roof!”

“You’ve done a great job,” said Dad. “Unfortunately, it’s time to head back to our house for the night.”

Ayanna burst into tears. “No want to go,” she said as she flopped into Mom’s arms. “Wanna play with Aunt Towi and Unca Mike.”

“Oh, Ayanna,” said Malachi, trying to comfort her. “I have good news for you! Pretty soon we’ll be living in the same house with Aunt Tori and Uncle Mike, remember?” This seemed to help Ayanna feel a bit better.

On the car ride home, Dad said, “You know, Malachi, what you said to comfort Ayanna reminded me of Jesus’s promises to us.”

“How?” asked Malachi.

“Jesus promises that He will return someday to make all things new,” said Dad. “Because He died and rose again for us and we have faith in Him, we know we will live forever with Jesus and other believers.”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “Right now, we get to live with Aunt Tori and Uncle Mike in our earthly house, but one day we’ll all get to live together in the new heavens and new earth with Jesus.”

Malachi grinned. “Now that’s good news!”

-Kandi Zeller

How About You?

Are you facing a big change in your life? Maybe it’s something you’re excited about, or maybe you feel disappointed or scared. As Christians, we can trust that our future is secure and that Jesus is with us no matter what we face. Even death can’t separate us from God’s love because we will get to live with Jesus and all our siblings in Christ forever! Until then, trust Jesus to be with you through life’s changes, and look to other Christians for support too.

Today’s Key Verse:
Revelation 21:3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people.” (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Christians will live with Jesus forever