Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

12 June 2025

Reading From John 20

“Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.”—John 20:8-10

Having faith is not easy. There are innumerable distractions in the physical world we live in that discourage us from believing in Jesus and trusting in His Word. But each one of us must come to a place in our lives when we recognize that doing life our own way in this messed up, chaotic state that is our present reality is not working and that we desperately need the unseen God’s help. It is in that moment of decision to turn away from our own futility and toward the bright light of the Son of God who became the Son of Man that we are born again.

Even as the Lord was physically present with His followers, it was difficult for them to grasp the spiritual truths He had been continually communicating to them. I think of Nicodemus, who had extensive knowledge of the Old Covenant and also the help of Yahweh in the flesh explaining deep truths to him and still it was not easy for him to understand. There were times when Jesus pointed this difficulty out to His disciples such as in Matthew 16, “Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them.”

Have some grace for yourself as you study the Bible. If Peter and the other original disciples struggled to understand what Jesus was telling them, it is natural that you will too. That is because we are natural and the Gospel is supernatural. We are finite but God is infinite. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. So we need to have patience with ourselves and those we are trying to explain spiritual truths to.

Do not give up. Keep seeking the Lord and to gain knowledge and wisdom from Him. Sincerely ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth as you wrestle with the principles of Scripture. He is faithful and will help you on your journey of discovery.

“Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your Word and the continual help of the Holy Spirit in connecting the stars of Your beautiful constellations of truth. As I read, study, meditate and put into practice Your precepts and then every once in a while step back to see part of the larger picture, I am in awe of the depth, the richness and the majesty of Your Good News. Your Gospel is a marvelous work and a wonder. Guide me into the mystery I pray in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.”

Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a]wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,^[b] get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.

—Proverbs 4:5-9