Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

19 April 2025

Reading From Luke 15:1-10

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

—Luke 15:1-7

     God cares about everyone no matter the decisions they’ve made in life.  From John 3;16 we learn that, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  We also know from Luke 19:10 that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost and that in the New Covenant age in which we find ourselves today, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all flesh.  This means that God wants each and every one of us to make the decision to believe in Him, embrace His teachings and follow Him in freedom and joy, but He will not force us into that life-giving relationship which makes all of that possible. 

     This parable is an excellent reminder for those already in the eternal family of God that there are so many people outside the flock who are hurting and desperately need the Lord.  Unfortunately there are many factors that lead us to becoming insular, but we need to lay aside our prideful preferences and cliquish tendencies in order to welcome those who need to be saved, healed, empowered and blessed with hope. 

If we lose sight of this calling to welcome the lost with generous hospitality, then we lose sight of who we are in Jesus.  Spiritual knowledge and power is not to be hoarded.  Knowledge, power and love increase when they are shared.  Remember who you are and what you are called to.  We are deeply loved and we are to share His love and message with others. The priesthood keys of the kingdom are meant to be shared.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for these gentle reminders we discover in Your Word the Bible.  It is easy for us to become distracted by the cares, worries, stresses, temptations and hard times of this world.  Remind us of who we are, what we are called to, and where we are going in You.  In You we live and move and have our being.  Thank You for loving us even when our behavior makes us seem unlovable.  May we endeavor to bring honor and glory to You in our daily lives.  In the Name of the One who is more than able, even Jesus Christ, I pray these things.  Amen.”

God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth. There is only one God, and there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who as a man gave himself to pay for everyone to be free. This is the message that was given to us at just the right time.

—I Timothy 2:4-6

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

—Zephaniah 3:17