In his excellent book "Heaven" (College Press, 1991), Bob Chambers writes, "Surely God did not create man to merely live a few years and then be buried in a black hole with memory, intellect and imagination forever obliterated. It is unthinkable that we would be real people in Heaven rubbing elbows for eternity with out loved ones and yet not knowing them." I heartily concur.

Something took place on the Mount of Transfiguration that proves that there is recognition after this life. "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, brought them up on a high mountain by themselves, and was transfigured before them...And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him"  (Matt. 17:1-3 NKJV). Moses and Elijah had been dead a long time - for centuries! - but they were recognized by Peter and the other disciples without any formal introduction. Chambers asks, "If Peter, James and John knew Moses and Elijah, whom they had not known in life, does this not indicate we will not only know the people we are no acquainted with, but also those we do not know now?" Often I am introduced to the audience before I speak, especially if I am visiting a church for the first time, but there will be no need for formal introductions in Heaven. We shall know as we are known.

Hymn: "There's a home of many mansions in the Father's house above, that our Savior is preparing for the children of His love; so my heart knows not despairing, tho' in sorrow oft I roam, gleaming from the many mansions, I can see the lights of home!" (Calia Altstaetter)