Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

1 June 2025

Reading From John 12:27-50

“Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:

“He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
    nor understand with their hearts,
    nor turn—and I would heal them.”

Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”

—John 12:37-43

     Here we are given an insider’s view of how Messianic prophecy came about through Isaiah the Prophet.  Part of why this is so extraordinary is that we have the entire book of Isaiah preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls and it is dated over one hundred years before the birth of Jesus.  Even if that was all that we had of the Old Testament dated before the first advent, it would be enough for me to believe because there are so many specific prophecies in Isaiah’s writings that perfectly matched the life of my Savior.

     “Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him.”  How mind blowing is that?!  It makes me wonder how many Old Testament saints actually saw Jesus long before He became the Son of Man.  Abraham and Sarai entertaining the Three Visitors comes to mind as well as Jacob wrestling with God, Moses’ interactions on Mount Sinai and the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace with a fourth one who looked like the Son of God.  Jesus fulfilling hundreds of Messianic prophecies is one of the primary reasons I believe in Him and His Word.  He is trustworthy and true and faithful to do what He said He would do in my life and in the lives of countless other believers throughout all time and space.

“Wonderful Jesus, thank You for who You are and for what You have done for me and for every other human who has ever lived.  I think of all the injustices that people have suffered on Earth and I am thankful that You are the true, righteous and compassionate Judge.  Thank You for caring for every single soul who has ever existed.  I trust You with them, because You are God and God is Love.  You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.  You perfectly satisfied justice through Your atonement and You are the promises of Yahweh come true in human form.  I praise You because You are too marvelous for words.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

—Isaiah 9:6-7