Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

28 July 2024

Reading From Isaiah 49-53

“And now the Lord says—
    he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
    and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord
    and my God has been my strength—
he says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
    to restore the tribes of Jacob
    and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
    that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

–Isaiah 49:5-6

     I love the prophecies of Isaiah.  Here Yahweh is foretelling through His prophet the fulfillment of promises given to the patriarch Abram who became Abraham.  God could have chosen any people for the Messiah to come from, but He needed to come from somewhere and someone and He chose Israel.  Unfortunately, as with many who enjoy the favor of the Lord, there were Israelites who, rather than share the abundance of spiritual wealth they were blessed with, turned inward and hoarded what was meant to be given. 

     God envisioned His manifold blessings being channeled through Israel and spreading all over the world, bringing light and love and liberty to all people.  This is fulfilled by the ministry of Jesus Christ through His Body the Church.  Whenever His people choose to yield to the flow of the Spirit from the Father through us as willing, yet imperfect vessels, His redemption, His power, His healing, His hope push back the darkness and bring the light of truth to more of the world.  As we endeavor to bring Him praise, honor and glory, His goodness is enjoyed by us and those around us. 

“Lord, I pray that we would not be selfish with the love and message You have given us, but that we would pay attention to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit as You show us opportunities to minister to others.  As You bless us materially and spiritually, may we give generously to those in need.  As we give, I ask that You would continue to refill us to overflowing with more of Your Spirit.  In the loving Name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”

–Genesis 12:1-3

Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

–Galatians 3:7-9