Roy’s Ramblings

This week we are looking at the “Doubting Thomas” story. Thomas, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, is best known for initially refusing to believe in Jesus’ Resurrection. He famously stated he would not believe unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and touched his side. (John 20:25) Eight days later, (and three verses) Jesus appeared and invited him to do so, leading Thomas to declare, “My Lord and my God!”—one of the most explicit confessions of Christ’s divinity in the New Testament. And so, while famously labeled a doubter, some interpretations consider him a “Believing Thomas” who simply desired the same evidence his friends received. Because, despite his doubt, Thomas was also known for his intense loyalty, having previously suggested going to Judea with Jesus even if it meant death, and, according to church tradition, particularly in the Acts of Thomas, he traveled to India to evangelize, where he is remembered for far more than his brief period of doubt.

Now, I am a skeptic at heart, (Doubting Roy???) but in my reading and researching for this coming Sunday I have found something about the beginnings of Christianity that haunts me (in a wonderful sort of way). The Emperor Nero was having Christians torn apart by animals, crucified and used as human torches roughly three decades after Jesus died, and yet people who believed in Jesus and swore he was raised from the dead stayed the course. And though Christianity remained illegal for three centuries, the life of Jesus and belief in his resurrection endured. Why??!!?? Life would have been so much easier for them if they had renounced their faith in Christ and just followed in step with the “Authorities”. Honestly, I believe it’s because the first witnesses actually saw something, something powerful, something real, something life-altering and soul-changing. It told them that the love, power, and glory of God were nearer, realer, and stronger than any force of death, darkness or evil that seemed to rule the world. Jesus’s resurrection convinced them that God reigns and that indeed God’s kingdom is going to prevail on Earth because of what Jesus has done.

So we bring this to modern times … Which Thomas are we? Do we question the presence/power/love/grace/example of God because of the current news from around the world? Or are we a people of great faith standing in the presence of any current “Nero” that is trying to shake or take away our faith/belief/presence/power/grace … facing the danger – having the courage – taking the path less traveled – All in the name of the Risen Christ? Is it easy? Are there dangers? Does it require us to be self thinkers and not crowd followers? Hmmmm.

I wish I could say that I am perfect in my faith and in my ministry. I wish I could say that I never doubt and would die for my causes and my faith. I wish …. <sigh> I wish …

The truth be told I am human just like all the rest and I have my periods of doubt – and shame – and shortcomings – and faults – and … and … and … But, I also have great faith in the one and true living God that looks past all of that to see our hearts and showers love, grace, peace and strength upon us so that we may continue to do miraculous things in God’s name.

We are Post-Easter People … Let us all See the Empty Tomb and Look Toward the Light –

Blessings Beautiful People – Pastor Roy