Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

17 April 2025

Reading From Luke 14:1-24

“Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

—Luke 14:12-14

     Jesus upends our concept of entertaining in Luke 14.  For most people, home is a private sanctuary where we can relax and be our truest selves.  This means that when we do invite others to come into our house, we only invite those we would like to be around.  But God wants us to extend love with a warm welcome and generous hospitality.  This means inviting people into our world who are different in some way or even those who aren’t our first choice to spend time with. 

     I have difficulty being in close proximity to those who are annoying, but if I’m totally honest with myself, I understand that my own personality isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and so I should extend grace and mercy to others who are occasionally obnoxious.  God loves everyone and His desire is to have as many people set free and be blessed by believing and accepting the Gospel message of Jesus.  That message lives in my heart and is meant to be shared.  I won’t be able to share Him with those who need Him most if I don’t invite them to be welcomed by my local church family and as the Spirit leads, to experience His love in my family home.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming us into Your eternal family.  One day our forever home will be Your Presence in the New Heaven and the New Earth.  Until that glorious Day, I pray that You will inspire Your sons and daughters to warmly welcome those who need to experience Your grace, mercy, redemption and pardon.  Open our eyes to opportunities to minister to others in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.”

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

—Hebrews 13:2

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
    if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
    and the Lord will reward you.

—Proverbs 25:21-22