Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

5 March 2025

Reading From Mark 9:30-50

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”

—Mark 9:38-41

     In today’s divisive climate, it is often said that if you aren’t for us, then you’re against us (whatever the cause may be).  This is not how Jesus framed it.  He gave us a much more positive perspective from which to view the world.  “Whoever is not against us is for us.”  What a beautiful sentiment that unites everyone of the household of faith. 

     We know from other Scriptures that without faith it is impossible to please God and that without trusting in Jesus we are enemies of God.  But if we believe and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, then even if we have differing opinions on doctrines not essential to salvation, then we are not enemies, but rather friends, even more than that, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.  It is time to stop hunting each other and come together that Zion may be built upon the Earth through us as the eternal family of God.

This passage also declares that good deeds have eternal significance. All goodness we find comes from God and He will reward those who show compassion to their fellow humans. When we love God, love others and love ourselves as He does, we do His work and share His abundance.

“Lord Jesus, I pray that Christians would focus more on what unites us rather than what divides us.  Bring us together in one accord to be about our Father’s business.  May we put our hands to the plow and not turn back, but move forward in faith and unity.  Our common ground is You and Your Word the Bible.  Help us to be peace makers in this divisive world.  In Your powerful Name I pray these things, the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

—Ephesians 4:5-6