So clearly true and visible today:
A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
Ecclesiastes 3:5 AMP
I’m reminded of the reuniting of Joseph and his family, and of Jacob and Esau, and Lazarus and Jairus’s daughter that Jesus raised from the dead to be reunited with their family, and Eutychus raised by Paul to be reunited with his family and friends, and the Prodigal son returned to his father, and so many dead souls raised to life to be reunited to an abiding relationship with the living God, and the reunion that awaits all of creation when Jesus returns — yes, I long for reunion.
A physical separation does not have to be an emotional or spiritual disconnection. In fact, for those with emotional and spiritual ties that bind, physical separation can “make the heart grow stronger” as the old saying goes. But for unhealthy “connections” in our lives (that only want us around for whatever we are “useful to them” for, etc.), physical separation from them is good for us and will reveal more clearly the truth of the relationship. The old saying, “Set a bird free…” comes to mind, and is true about the cleansing and revealing power of separation.
But while separation is the end goal for those unhealthy connections, it is not the end goal for the healthy connections. Reunion is the goal.
For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP
Lord, we trust you are separating and reuniting in this time with a wonderful purpose and plan. Keep watch over us, protect us, and grant us measures of faith and peace to see us through whatever today will bring our way. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 