no snatching
"No one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father is greater than all, in what He has given Me, and there is no snatching out of His hand." —John 10:28-29
Most of us have family members and friends who have not given their lives to Jesus. We are rightly concerned about them. We hate to think that Jesus' death would be in vain for our loved ones (see 1 Cor 1:17). We are also painfully aware that many family members and friends are stubborn and very resistant to the gospel. When we think of this, we tend to become more discouraged.
However, we should not be preoccupied with the condition of those away from the Lord. Rather, we should fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). Although our sin is horrible, His "grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). Although we are stubborn, the Lord is all-powerful. Although we are selfish, He is Love Itself — even to the point of becoming a human being and dying on the cross for love of us. We have a free will, and we can decide to separate ourselves from the Lord forever, but the Lord also has a free, perfect will. He has decided to live, die, and rise for us in an almost irresistible way. "There is no snatching out of His hand" (Jn 10:29).
If the Lord has much to say about it, we and our loved ones will see Him face to face and be happy with Him forever in heaven. Be encouraged, confident, and hopeful of the salvation of all your family members and friends.
Prayer: Father, lead at least one of my family members into Your kingdom this Pentecost.
Promise: "He rejoiced to see the evidence of God's favor. He encouraged them all to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord, since he himself was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord." —Acts 11:23-24
Praise: Dr. Carlin performed thousands of abortions. He turned to Jesus and repented. Now he saves the lives of pre-born children.
Reference: (For more, order our leaflets, Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ, and How to Get Your Kids to Go to Church and Go to Heaven.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997