Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

28 December 2024

Reading From Revelation 6-11

“Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.
‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

–Revelation 7:13-17

     We look around us and we see the traumatic, heartbreaking effects of sin all over the world.  War, disease, abuse, corruption, poverty, dissension, genocide, molestation, human trafficking, and on and on.  A major part of the blessed hope we have is that there will come an end to all of these horrible nightmares.  Jesus Christ is the Righteous Judge who will establish perfect justice all around the globe. 

In the New Heaven and the New Earth, the members of the eternal family of God will be well-fed, perfectly hydrated, enjoy perfect weather, enjoy the tender care of the Lord and we will never know pain again.  The promises of God are of great comfort to us.  As we surrender more of our lives to His control and the Kingdom advances in our present reality, we see more bits of Heaven coming to Earth.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessed hope of Your glorious appearing.  I pray that You would continue to endow us with power from on high to confront injustice and speak truth in love into situations we find ourselves in.  May we love justice and share grace and mercy wherever we go.  Bring new light and peace and tranquility to our homes and families and communities.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

 –Titus 2:11-15