“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.” John 20:27
There was a phrase in a devotion I read recently that placed its hooks into my thought process when the writer said “Jesus has changed everything!” Being a Lutheran, change is not always deemed to be good or a desired direction; after all, what was wrong with the old way. But this statement is so true; the resurrection of Jesus Christ has changed everything; for you, for me, for this child in Haiti and also for Thomas who needed ‘real’ proof that Christ had risen from the dead before he would believe.
Have you ever doubted? Have you ever caught yourself doubting the truth of the resurrection? The girl from Cap Haitian probably has a family member that still doesn’t believe that Jesus conquered satan and rolled away a huge stone to reveal His empty tomb on Easter. Vodou followers do not accept the resurrection story; they will tell you that Christ was crucified, died and was buried; nothing more. Thomas needed proof; the vodou priest needs proof.
It is interesting to imagine how our Heavenly Father will use this child to tell the truth of her risen Savior to her family, neighbors and friends; that is what God is preparing her to do. The Apostle Thomas doubted until he came face to face with Jesus and then he believed and would later bring news of the risen Christ to people in India. Jesus Christ has changed everything. His death on the cross and resurrection provides the hope of salvation for this world full of sinners. In our remaining days we need to share the message of Easter with ears that have not heard. It is our pleasure to help send this child from Cap Haitian to share the Easter message with the lost vodou followers in her city. Everything has changed; He is risen! I close today with that last three verses of the hymn ‘Abide with Me!’ that was written by Henry F. Lyte around 1847.
“I need Thy presence every passing hour; what but Thy grace can foil the Tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me! I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as 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.
May God be with you,
Jay