Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

23 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 15:1-20

“Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” —Matthew 15:12-14

The disciples were, at this point in their discipleship, concerned about the opinions of other people, especially the religious rulers who conspired with the Romans to maintain order and status quo in Judea and Galilee. We need to be primarily concerned that we are doing what is right in the sight of God and secondarily respectfully engaging with others.

To take it a step further in our understanding, our polite but firm discourse we have with others should reflect and flow from the love and care we receive from God the Father and learn from the example set by God the Son during His earthly ministry. We are to do what God tells us to and if people are offended by us simply following Jesus, then let them. “Leave them” Jesus said. Let it go.

We are not commanded and commissioned to tell people what they want to hear. We are to speak the truth in love and present the Good News in every clear and compassionate way possible. Their response to the Gospel is up to them. Eventually the disciples grew stronger spiritually and understood this even to the point of giving their own physical lives for the cause of Christ. “But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

“Lord, please give us wisdom to know what to say, when to say it and how to say it. Help us reach people with Your truth. Give us the courage to stand up for what’s right and let the chips fall where they may.”

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10

But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. —I Thessalonians 2:4

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. —Proverbs 29:25