Called to Glory – January 17, 2024

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:14

Called to Glory

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

“Time for dinner!” Mom called her family to help with the final preparations. Dad helped Ruth pour the drinks. Grace put the plates out, and Andrew put the food on the table. This was going to be a tasty meal. Mom didn’t just call them for a nutritious meal that would benefit their bodies, but it would taste good too! This was one of the family’s favorite meals! They would love every morsel! Mom, Dad, and the kids gathered around the table to dig in.

It’s nice to be called to something that really gets you excited. Something like a meal that doesn’t just benefit your body, but your taste buds too. Something like a recess where you will have fun with your friends. Or like a movie you can’t wait to see!

In writing to a group of Christians, the apostle Paul tells them why he gives thanks to God day after day. He gives thanks for the saving faith in Jesus that God worked in their hearts through hearing the gospel—that is, the good news of how Jesus saved us. At one time Paul himself shared that gospel with them. The Lord used Paul to call them to faith through their preaching of the gospel, so Paul had even more reason to give thanks.

But do you know what caused Paul to give thanks most of all? It had something to do with the reason the Lord called them to faith through their gospel. Yes, they had saving faith in Jesus. Yes, they had become children of God, but God had even more blessing for them! “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through faith in Jesus, they would get to enjoy Christ’s glory. They would get to enjoy eternal life with him in the glories of heaven someday. The thought of it made the apostle Paul so happy! He was excited for them!

God does the same thing for us. Through hearing the gospel, we too are called to faith in Jesus. We too are called to be children of God. Yet we are also called to “share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Think of those two words that are yours: eternal life. A time when you will be with Jesus in the glories of heaven.

May the thought of it fill you with happiness and keep you excited!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you call us to faith in you through the gospel. Guide us to look forward to the day when we will enjoy eternal life with you in the glories of 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 is the one favorite meal that gets you excited?
• What exciting news did you hear in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that God has “called us to glory”?
• List one of the reasons why the apostle Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonian Christians.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: No gospel, no faith. Know the gospel. Know faith.
• Identify someone in your life who would benefit from hearing two words: eternal life. Pray that the Lord will bless your sharing and call them to share in his glory.