Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

18 August 2024

Reading From II Kings 24-25, II Chronicles 36

“The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.”

–II Chronicles 36:15-16

     Yahweh is our Heavenly Father, our Perfect Parent, whose love for His people is so vast that even when they betrayed Him over and over and over again, He continually sent messengers to them exhorting them to repent and turn back to Him.  He knew that the pagan gods and goddesses the Israelites committed spiritual adultery with were evil and the cults surrounding them led to a hideous corrosion of society and ultimately, death and destruction. 

     The laws that Father God established were not put into place because He never wanted them to have a good time.  Quite the opposite.  He wanted to protect them from the disastrous consequences of wickedness and secure for them the abundant blessings that come from righteousness.  Unfortunately, still today, those who do not fear the Lord ridicule the Bible and those who obey it. 

     In this life, on this side of glory, there is a remedy for sin.  But there is coming a day when the door to the great ark of salvation will be closed.  Hebrews 9:27 says, “people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”  All of us will either die or be raptured and that is when the time to call upon God in faith for redemption will end. 

     Once we die or the Second Coming occurs, our faith will become sight.  Death or rapture will bring spiritual awareness whether we choose it or not and therefore it won’t be possible to be saved according to the way Jesus has laid out for us.  Who wouldn’t choose the Lord if they are confronted with judgment face to face?  Today is the day of salvation.  Choose Jesus while there is still a remedy.

“Thank You for Your goodness and mercy to us, Lord.  We are grateful for Your grace, Your undeserved favor.  You treat us not according to what our sins deserve, but according to Your unfailing love.  Thank You.  We love You, Lord.  Amen.”

Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
    and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

–Isaiah 55:6-7