.png)
She had no recollection of her daddy. How could she? She was only a few weeks old when he left home as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve to serve in the Second World War.
The war had ended but he had then been posted to the Far East to serve in the sweeping-up operation – a task that continued for years after the armistice.
Now he was coming home. Helen has a vague recollection of travelling with her mother some eight miles to the railway station in Ballymena to meet him. The train arrived, but he wasn’t on it. They just had to leave and make their way home.
Needless to say, he did arrive a few days later. In those post-war years timetables, even for service personnel, were unreliable and communications were practically non-existent. Nevertheless, we can hardly begin to imagine the great disappointment, especially for her mother. The letter said he was coming. But he didn’t come.
In John chapter 14 we read of Jesus speaking to his disciples. He said “I will come again.” No war, no virus, no delayed sailing, nothing on earth or in heaven will delay the time set by God the Father for the coming of God the Son. All who by faith are united to Christ can be assured of that great promise. “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am there you may be also.”
How do I know about Helen’s memory? In a few months’ time she and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. How do I know about the Great Re-union described in John 14? Jesus has given his word. He will come again. Will you be there, ready to meet him?
By Wor. Bro. Rev. Ian McClean, Grand Chaplain