“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 20:26-29
What are your thoughts when you read the above verses from the 20th chapter of John? Does anybody come to mind who might be like Thomas? I can think of a few that just have no use for Jesus or God. I am also reminded of the challenge of the children who attend the Lutheran schools in Haiti and are fed a Trinity HOPE meal which is most likely for many of these their only meal for the day. This group are not doubters. Over sixty percent of the people living in Haiti are doubters as they still are following the lies of the vodou priest in their neighborhood. The group of children pictured above are the missionaries that are bringing the Good News to the ears of the doubters. So too, may our words and actions be led by our Holy Spirit as we bring the Good News to those still doubting and turning away from the Savior of this world. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘O sons and daughters of the King’ that were written by Attr. Jean Tisserand in 1674.
“O sons and daughters of the King, Whom heavenly hosts in glory sing, today the grave has lost its sting! Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! That Easter morn, at break of day, the faithful women went their way to seek the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! An angel clad in white they see, who sit and speaks unto the three, "Your Lord will go to Galilee." Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! That night the apostles met in fear; among them came their master dear and said, "My peace be with you here." Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! When Thomas first the tidings heard that they had seen the risen Lord, he doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! "My pierced side, O Thomas, see, and look upon my hands, my feet; not faithless but believing be." Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! No longer Thomas then denied; he saw the feet, the hands, the side; "You are my Lord and God!" he cried. Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! How blest are they who have not seen and yet whose faith has constant been, for they eternal life shall win. Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! On this most holy day of days be laud and jubilee and praise: to God your hearts and voice raise. Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.