God’s People Rejoice in the Way – Family Devotion – May 13, 2020

Read: 1 Peter 2:4-10

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10

God’s People Rejoice in the Way

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The young man was trapped. Heat and smoke filled the air. Flames engulfed every door and window. Total darkness blanketed his eyes. Escape was not an option. All seemed hopeless. All seemed lost until, bursting through the wall, encircled by an angelic glow, an axe-wielding firefighter cried out, “I’m here to rescue you!”

Clearly confused, the young man politely responded, “Thanks, but I was hoping for a different way out of this deadly fire than you!”

How ridiculous! When it is life or death and there is only one way out, we do not look for other options. We do not complain about that way. We do not drop our shoulders and sigh, “I guess. If I have to.” We rejoice! We grab hold of that firefighter as if our lives depended on it—because they do! We cannot stop thanking this hero for risking his life for us.

Jesus is our hero. He is the way, the only way to heaven. The Bible is clear: there is no other hero. We cannot save ourselves, we are the problem. It is our sin that got us into this hellish danger in the first place! Jesus, however, is the hero and his rescue mission on the cross is complete. Heaven is your home.

Thank him! Praise him! Rejoice! You are not alone. On the safe side of your rescue is a whole company of angels praising God that you have repented and trusted in this hero, Jesus. On the safe side of your rescue is a whole crowd of fellow believers who have also been rescued by Jesus. He has come save us all! That guarantees this: he has come to save you! Just as he burst out of that tomb on the third day, he has burst into your life through the gospel and rescued you from your sin, death, and Satan. Rejoice in Jesus your hero—the way, the truth, and the life!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, help us to understand that our sins are serious and to appreciate the joy of salvation in the way you rescued us. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What are some frightening situations you have been in?
• How does this devotion about our hero Jesus help you when you are afraid?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Look at the specific names Peter calls us in verses 9 and 10. Explain two or three of them.
• Describe different ways we can declare the praises of Jesus who rescued us from the darkness. Why would we do it?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Imagine a friend is struggling to believe that Jesus came to rescue her/him. How would you try to reassure your friend it’s true?
• Use some of the word pictures of verses 9-10 to encourage a Christian who says, “I don’t find any joy in my faith anymore.”

Hymn: CW 422:1,3 – Jesus, Lead Us On

Jesus, lead us on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless.
Guide us by your hand
To our fatherland.

When we seek relief
From a long-felt grief,
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore
Where we weep no more.