Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

19 March 2025

Reading From Mark 16

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

—Mark 16:6-7

     I think it is so special that the angel told the women to “go, tell His disciples and Peter.”  The angel could have simply said, “go, tell His disciples” and this would have included Peter implicitly.  Rather, the Father knew that the disciples needed to know, but that Peter especially needed to hear that Jesus is alive and that everything is going to be alright.  Peter had denied Jesus three times just as the Savior had predicted, and Mark recorded that when he realized what he had done, he broke down and wept. 

     Jesus knew that Peter would fail, but He also knows that His strength is made perfect in our weakness; when we are weak, He is strong.  Jesus knew this wasn’t then end of Peter’s story or spiritual journey.  When we handle sin the right way by coming to Jesus for forgiveness with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, repent and confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Every day is a fresh start with the Lord; His mercies are new every morning.  He cleanses us and puts us back on the right path if we’ll allow Him to.  This takes humility and a willingness to accept His pardon and move forward in faith and the newness of life only He can provide.  I can imagine the angels saying, “But go, tell His disciples and Kenton that He is alive and everything is going to be ok.”

“God, I am so grateful that You are the Living Lord.  I do not serve a dead God.  You are alive and well, intervening in the lives of Your dearly loved sons and daughters.  Thank You for Your Presence, Lord.  You are our very present help in time of need.  Touch us with Your love and grace and mercy.  Refresh us spiritually so that we can continue on our journey, becoming more and more like You as we live out our faith.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

—Luke 2:10-11