Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

4 April 2025

Reading From Luke 8:1-25

 “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

—Luke 8:1-3

     Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and the grandson of Antipater the Idumean.  Idumea was previously known as Edom, a nation of people descended from Esau, brother of Jacob who became Israel.  It is remarkable to me that one of the women who financially supported the ministry of Jesus was Joanna, the wife of Chuza who was manager of the household of Herod Antipas, son of the man who tried to kill the Lord Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem and who ordered the death of John the Baptist.  John had called out Herod Antipas for his adulterous affair with his brother Herod Philip’s wife. 

     There is a concept found in the Word of God that Yahweh will take the resources of wicked people and use them for His purposes and glory.  Proverbs 13:22 tells us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”  The Lord’s ways are mysterious and beyond tracing out.  He can move the socioeconomic and geopolitical puzzle pieces around in order to free up what is needed to see His Kingdom expand.  Our part is to hold fast to His promises as Jehovah Jireh, “I AM Provides.”  Even when we do not understand where His provision will come from, we are to trust Him and continue in the faith until we see His miraculous hand at work in our lives.

“Lord, sometimes the situations we find ourselves in seem hopeless, whether by our own doing or by the machinations of others.  But I thank You that You can turn around any fix we’re in and bring about the provision of money and goods needed to do Your work upon the Earth.  You own the cattle on a thousand hills and nothing is impossible for You.  Thank You for who You are and for all that You do for us.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

—Proverbs 28:8

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

—Proverbs 3:9-10

And you will be called priests of the Lord,
    you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
    and in their riches you will boast.

Instead of your shame
    you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
    you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
    and everlasting joy will be yours.

—Isaiah 61:6-7