Doubting Thomas, painting by Caravaggio (1602-03), oil on canvas. Sanssouci, Potsdam. United States public domain tag
Good morning, beloved,
As I waited for my coffee to burble and gurgle, my computer to stretch and open it’s digital eyes to me, I began to ponder all the news that hit me yesterday. You see, I was beginning to think about our Thomas and the news that those ever loving disciples sprang upon him. And how he reacted…how he stayed away from their fellowship…well, I’m getting ahead.
You see, yesterday, as I performed the above ritual yesterday, I received an email that my prayer friend was being induced and going to have her baby yesterday! What joy! That kind of news brings so much joy!
Then, awhile later, I received news that a dear loved one needed to go into the hospital for tests. And as of last night, we know nothing and we wait for another doctor visit. Then, Joshua’s neurologist called. Left message. Got your results of your test back, Joshua. Please call. And we still haven’t heard on that. Waiting. Wondering. Then, my dearest love “grandma” who sat with me, cooked, helped with kids, sang with me as my Grandma walked into the gates of heaven…has been told her cancer is back. And it is rampant.
Personally before I go on, I’m going to allow a guest post here. I’m sure you’ve heard of him.
1 Peter 4
12Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.
13But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].
14If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you–happy, fortunate, [h]to be envied, [i]with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
16But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name.
19Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God’s will must do right and commit their souls [in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them].
Foz do Iguaçu, Cataratas do Iguaçú, Paraná Brasil, By Angeloleithold 2005
Thomas watched His Rabbi, His Teacher every day. He looked into His eyes every morning, broke bread, carried bags, listened to Jesus speak to the winds, the demons, the crowds, the children, the Samaritan woman…Thomas was there. And Thomas was there every time Jesus took the Pharisees, the Sanhedrin, the elders to task. He watched His teacher calmly respond to each and every poke, barb and accusation with a peace and understanding that far surpassed any Thomas could fathom. Yet in the back of the his mind, there was always this nagging the doubt. How do I know?
1DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.
2In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you.
3And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.
4And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way.
5Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?
: Avenued walk near Skibo Castle A beautiful path between farmland and an artificial lake
So, keep in mind all that poor Thomas has experienced in the past few days! Right?!?! Messiah Scriptures fulfilled…from Ezekiel, from Isaiah, from Zechariah..the fig tree, the temple and now, Judas, their friend, what was all that about? And Jesus is making a place for them? Where?
Jews have no concept of heaven friends. There is no discussion of heaven in the Torah, our Old Testament. There is discussion of Sheol…the place of the dead. I’m not going there today…Just suffice to say, Thomas is asking a good question and Jesus knows it!
Um, Jesus, I HAVE no idea where you are going how can I know the way????? And here is where verse one comes back to him…and I’m sure in the days ahead.
DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me….
It will be all they have to hold onto…
Pray on…more tomorrow…
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