For most of us, the list of people we’re longing for reunion with is lengthy. But those who have lost a child, either before or after birth, have one more compelling reason to long for Heaven. 

As 2012 winds up, I am pondering the departure this year of many Christ-followers, including our brother Chuck Colson.   

Believers periodically tell me versions of the following: “We shouldn’t be thinking about reunion with loved ones, or the joys of Heaven. We should only be thinking about being united with Christ, who is our only treasure.” 

God is the Father of this family we enjoy. We rightly sense that our relationship with them has not been terminated, only interrupted, and we know that some day each of us will be taken from this world, in one moment separated from some we love and in the same moment reunited with others we love, and above all with our Lord.

Despite my best attempts to be careful with Scripture, my understanding is far from complete and is without doubt incorrect in some areas. But if the reader diligently investigates the Scripture passages referred to in this summary, he may discover to his surprise (and either to his delight or discomfort) that some of his own notions and assumptions about heaven are in fact not biblical. In the process, he will gain a far greater understanding of this vital subject.

You may have seen the video of Christian the Lion being reunited with two men who raised him as a cub. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. And if you have, you may want to watch again.