Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

26 August 2024

Reading From Ezekiel 1-4

“And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”

–Ezekiel 3:10-11

     From the white heat of his first vision, God Almighty called Ezekiel to be His prophet to the exiles.  This would not be an easy task for him as the Lord informed Him several times that the Israelites were stubborn and rebellious, but He also gave His prophet some valuable advice that is good for anyone sharing the love and message of God.  Be faithful to speak the message, but leave the response to the listener. 

     I believe that we should do everything we can to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ, but we cannot force anyone to listen, let alone accept Him or follow Him.  This is how our Sovereign God designed faith and trust.  He gave each human being free moral agency to choose their own way or His.  If we had no choice but to serve the Lord, then our relationship with Him would not be real love or devotion.  He knows what we will choose even before we are even born, but He still leaves it to us. 

     We share truth in love with people, but their response is between them and God Himself.  As sons and daughters of the Most High, we are each called to minister to others, but none of us can save anyone.  There is only one Savior.  We must let the Spirit have His way.

“Lord, thank You for taking the pressure off of us who do Your work upon the Earth in leaving the actually work of salvation to You, our wonderful Savior.  I pray that You will continue to give Your servants the courage and strength we need to boldly share truth in grace and love.  Amen.”

Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

–John 7:17

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    you will eat the good things of the land;
but if you resist and rebel,
    you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

–Isaiah 1:18-20