Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

14 March 2025

Reading From Mark 14:1-26

“Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

—Mark 14:4-9

     Something about the reaction to this extravagant gift for Jesus reminds me of when Martha was resentful when Mary was simply spending time with the Lord rather than helping her in the kitchen.  There are those today who believe the church is to only concern itself with spiritual matters while others devote themselves to social programs to the neglect of holy living. 

     I am a firm believer that the Kingdom of God is an all the above endeavor.  We are to spend time with the Lord, lavishing Him with our praises and worshipping Him in the beauty of holiness.  We are also called to love Him with acts of practical compassion for those who are hurting and in need.  This is also worship.  It is interesting to me that Christ said there will always be poor people.  Since all suffering will be eliminated in the New Heaven and the New Earth, I assume that He was referring to our present reality in this fallen, sinful world.  He knew it was important for people to spend as much time as possible with Him during His earthly ministry because His time was short.

“Thank You Jesus that we have all eternity to be with You.  You never leave us or forsake us; in fact, You dwell within us and are present wherever we go.  You are our very present help in time of need.  Help us to be intentional about spending quality time in Your Presence and balance that with showing Your love to others in practical ways.  I pray these things in the Name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.”

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

—James 1:27

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

—Psalm 16:11