May 10, 2021 (Sunday)
Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He had to respond to the call from Lazaruz’ sisters, Mary and Martha, to come to them. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, loved Jesus so much that when the call came from Bethany in a very dangerous time when Jesus’ life was being threatened, said to his brother apostles, “Let us go with Him that we may die with Him.” His statement reflects his true eelings in light of the clear and present danger for Jesus. After Jesus’ resurrection he refused to believe it had happened until Jesus appeared to Him and then bowed before Him to say, “My Lord and My God!” In spite of this very strong affirmation of faith, the proverb has continued to this day: “Don’t be a doubting Thomas.”
We would like for our faith to be at the full level all the time, but, really, is it? The fact is, sometimes like the instrument panel gauges in our car, we’re running on 3/4, 1/2, 1/2, 1/4, and nearly empty. Put yourself in Thomas’ shoes for a moment. He saw Jesus die. He saw him buried in a tomb. He was not present when Jesus had appeared to the disciples who had met without Him. I suspect that most of us would have responded as he did:
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29 NIV)
Don’t you wish you knew more about Thomas’ life after that encounter with Christ? We wish we knew more about all the apostles, but I’m sure that God has revealed to us all we need to know in order to live exemplary lives for Christ, serving Him with all our hearts, and submitting to Him as Thomas did, as “our Lord and our God!”
See the Weavers close up-Watch in full screen mode:
I WILL SERVE THEE
Songwriters: Bill Gaither, Gloria L Gaither
I will serve Thee because I love Thee
You have given life to me
I was nothing before You found me
You have given life to me
Heartaches, broken pieces
Ruined lives are why You died on Calvary
Your touch was what I longed for
You have given life to me