It’s the End of the World… And I’m Safe – November 16, 2022

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels… on the day he comes to be glorified among his saints and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Safe

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

Jake ran as fast as his little legs could take him. Some kids had teased him and started chasing him. He knew where he had to go to be safe, where those kids wouldn’t tease him anymore. Jake ran to his dad. Jake’s dad was a big man, bigger than the big kids. Jake even thought he was bigger than all their dads too. So he ran until he found his dad, who scooped him up in his arms high above the other kids. “What’s wrong, Jake?” his father asked. “The big kids were teasing me.” “Don’t worry. You’re safe here with me.”

Where do you run when you feel scared? Every one of us, kids and adults, needs to feel safe. When we get scared, we run to a parent or teacher, to family or friends, or even to hug a family pet or a favorite stuffed animal. While we can get scared because of nightmares or darkness, storms or monsters, sometimes those who scare us most are other people. Maybe they tease us and they’re not trying to be funny. Maybe they’re unkind and hurtful. Maybe they bully us. Maybe they look down on us. Maybe they even make fun of us for following Jesus.

People can be scary, but God makes a promise to us in his Word. He is just. It means he will make all things right. God knows what’s going on in our lives and he promises to “give relief to you who are troubled.” How will God take away our fears and make us safe forever? “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”

Someday we will see Jesus come back to our world in glory, not as a humble baby like he did on the first Christmas, but with glorious power and with all his angels. It will be an amazing sight—Jesus in all his glory! He will come to rescue all of his believers from this scary world. Yet remember: This Jesus who once came to save you from sin and fear and is coming back in glory is the same Jesus who is with you now. There’s no need to be scared. Jesus protects you even now with his loving care and almighty power.

Don’t worry. You’re safe with Jesus now and always.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, where can we run when we’re afraid? Through your Word, remind us that we can run to you. Scoop us up into your almighty arms and keep us safe until you bring us home to heaven. 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 scares you most?
• Who helps you feel safe when you are scared?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Describe a time when you felt scared and someone helped you feel safe again.
• How does Jesus help you feel safe right now? How will Jesus make you safe on the Last Day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does time spent in God’s Word keep you safe until Jesus comes back?
• Identify a Bible passage that you can tell yourself to help when you feel afraid.