Revelation 21:3, 7-8 - “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

[7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

In today’s devotion, I would like to share a song that has touched me since I first heard it. I fell in love with it, and as a young singer, I sang it several times in Church, in family gatherings, and occasionally in memorial services.

It is powerful, not only because of its beautiful melody but because of the message it brings. The title itself would make you ask and think if you would be complete in heaven someday, as a family and with your friends!

We are in a time of survival due to the many difficulties. People are busy going on their merry ways, forgetting others. When busy and in survival mode, we only think of self-gain and protection. As long as we are okay, we feel safe. But what about our family? Are they safe? As Christians, are they prepared to meet the Creator? Amos 4:12 - “…and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God….”

I am not talking about physical preparation but eternal safety inside the Ark of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Noah was blessed to have his whole family inside the ark when the great flood occurred. But he was not only concerned with his family. While busy building the ark, he was also busy sharing the gospel of repentance to give everyone a chance to survive the flood.

For 120 years, he preached and was mocked and ridiculed for building a ship with no body of water in sight. Noah’s family did not get saved for building the ark. They were saved because they trusted God’s words and warning that a judgment was coming. They showed their faith by building the ark. Although during their time, they had not seen any rain, no idea about a flood, and they were on dry ground.

It was Noah alone who received the message from God. Yet, he took it seriously by working on the details of the Ark building and persuading his family to believe him. Praise God, all 8 of them and a pair of representatives from the animal world were preserved. What a huge task to do, but his faith was such that He believed in God and showed his faith by obeying Him.

Today, we are almost at the “close of the day.” There’s a song in the air that sounds sweet to God’s prepared people to meet Him any time. Are we only enjoying the song and rejoicing that we are ready? Are we also getting others ready? Do we have a desire to reach out to our families and circles of friends?

I trust that this song, “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” will remind us to think of those we could leave behind who are still lost and in need of the Savior. Will we allow one member in our family circle and friends not to join us in the sky?

Will our circle be complete in heaven when Christ comes back? Are there going to be breaks in our circle because of our negligence and failure to reach them now?

I am not saying that their salvation is dependent on us. No, it is purely of God. But God has given us the wonderful work of harvest and the joy to have a part in the salvation of our family and friends.

While we are here, we can do the work of harvest. It is because the fields are white. I praise God for those who always take the opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others for their eternal salvation.

Let me ask you to read the lyrics of this song, written by Ada Habershon in 1907, and its music by Charles Gabriel.

“Will the Circle be Unbroken”

There are loved ones in the glory, Whose dear forms you often miss. When you close your earthly story, Will you join them in their bliss?

Refrain:

Will the circle be unbroken By and by, by and by? In a better home awaiting In the sky?

In the joyous days of childhood, Oft they told of wondrous love, Pointed to the dying Savior Now they dwell with Him above.

You remember songs of Heaven Which you sang with a childish voice, Do you love the hymns they taught you, Or are songs of earth your choice?

You can picture happy gatherings Around the fireside long ago, And you think of tearful partings When they left you here below:

(Refrain)

One by one, their seats were emptied, One by one, they went away. Here, the circle has been broken— Will it be complete one day?

(Refrain)

Conclusion:

It would be a sad sight if we do not find our loved ones on the other side. Or perhaps you are the one in need of the Savior. Will you be there in the circle? Today is the day of salvation. This is the time our circle becomes complete! “What a fellowship, what a joy divine.”