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 their sin is horrible, His "grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). Although they are stubborn, the Lord is all-powerful. Although they are selfish, He is Love Itself — even to the point of becoming a human being and dying on the cross for love of them and us. Everyone has a free will, and they can decide to separate themselves from the Lord forever, but the Lord also has a free, perfect will. He has decided to live, die, and rise for all 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 encouraged them all to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord...Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord." —Acts 11:23-24
Praise: Joe bought a rosary while at Fatima. He asked Our Lady of Fatima to make it clear whom he should marry, and promised to give the rosary to his future wife. Years later, he met a faith-filled woman. When he proposed to her, he gave her the rosary.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 30, 2013
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