Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

20 April 2025

Reading From Luke 15:11-32

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

—Luke 15:17-20

     In this portion of the Prodigal Son’s story we gain insight into not only how it is that we come to know Jesus and be adopted into the eternal family of our Heavenly Father, but also how we maintain the health of that relationship.  If we desire a relationship with God, we must first believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  Our pride must be broken so that we can have some sense of our own sinfulness and need for His forgiveness.  This broken heart and contrite spirit are what the Lord requires of us.  The softness that comes with brokenness means He is able to shape us and conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. 

     If we keep this attitude of humility throughout our walk with the Lord, then He will continue to teach us, guide us, and restore us to the kind of relationship He intended for humanity when He placed them in the Garden of Eden.  One day, when this process of spiritual growth and sanctification is complete, we will be like Him.  We are partakers of His divine nature and we will share in His glory as we reign with Him forevermore in the New Eden of the New Heaven and the New Earth. 

“Lord, break any strongholds of pride within me and the hearts of my brothers and sisters.  Make us pliable in Your masterful hands as You reshape us into Your image.  Our desire is to be more like You and be transformed from glory to glory.  Continue to reveal to us who we truly are in You and guide us by Your Holy Spirit into our eternal destiny.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, amen.”

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humblywith your God.

—Micah 6:8

My sacrifice, O God, isa broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

—Psalm 51:17