I believe it was President Trump who dubbed Kim Jong-un ‘Rocket Man.’ The North Korean President was determined to show off his country’s space-age missile technology, despite its inability to impress. North Korea’s isolation from its southern sister state hasn’t exactly impressed anyone either. Since 1953 the two countries have been in a Mexican Standoff. Though South Korea has developed into a world leader in technology and finance, North Korea ever teeters on the edge of starvation. One of the other tragedies of the division is the separation of family members. However, since 2000 selected families have been able to spend three days together at North Korea’s Mount Kumgan resort in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which separates the two Koreas. In a recent event eighty-nine families were finally reunited. Though the comparatively wealthy South Koreans took gifts of clothing, medications and food, the only gift that really mattered was their presence. Finally, being together again was overwhelming, to say the least. Very soon it will only be cousins and extended family. Death will have taken all who were together in 1953. When Jesus attended Lazarus’ funeral the air was also emotionally charged—not with joy, but with sorrow. Everyone was feeling the sense of loss. Death separates. The hope of reunion was not the dominant thought. “Jesus wept.” Jesus is the embodiment of the hope of reunion. A reunion beyond this life. Where those who ‘die in the Lord’ will be together for eternity. Jesus promised: “I go to prepare a place for you” (Jn.14:2). A home with the Eternal Father. An invigorating hope and a glorious reward. God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev.21:4). Together again!
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