Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

31 July 2024

Reading From Isaiah 64-66

This is what the Lord says:

“Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
    Where will my resting place be?

Has not my hand made all these things,
    and so they came into being?”
declares the Lord.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:
    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
    and who tremble at my word.”

–Isaiah 66:1-2

     No earthly building can contain the fulness of the Lord’s glory.  God has never seemed very excited about living in a stationary house built by human hands except for the portable Tent of Meeting that could be moved wherever His people went.  Rather, it has always been His desire to dwell among His people and more than that, to dwell within the hearts of His people.  Yahweh is so magnificent and He alone is the Creator of all things, so it doesn’t make much sense that He would be impressed by even the largest, most beautiful edifice constructed by human hands.  What He really wants is you and I.

     “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”[1]  As we come to God to make a connection with Him, we must believe He exists.  Once we have dared to believe, we are confronted with how holy He is and how unworthy we are in and of ourselves.  Humility and contrition are what open the door to salvation. 

     According to Mirriam-Webster, humility is freedom from pride or arrogance and reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.  Contrition is feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for improper or objectionable behavior, actions, etc.  It is the kindness and love of our great God that leads us to repentance.  The light and warmth of His love washes over us as we turn from our own way and follow His.  We don’t deserve His favor and mercy, and yet He freely blesses us through Jesus Christ.

“How great You truly are, Lord.  You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present.  No one compares with You!  We worship You and praise Your holy Name.  I pray that we would worship You in the beauty of holiness and honor You in what we think, say and do.  Turn the hearts of mankind back to You.  Set Your children on the right path.  Bless us with Your favor as we turn our hearts toward You.  Amen.”

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

—Romans 10:9-13

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

–Mark 1:15

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

–Revelation 21:3

---

[1] Hebrews 11:6