Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. John 20:19 (TM)
I was talking to a friend at church the other day. When I invited this person to come help out with the upcoming production of "The Odd Couple" they quickly blew me off. "I’m to busy with church," was the reply before reeling off a litany of church activities in wich they were involved.
Now, I have no problem with being involved at church, and I have no right or desire to judge this person. What they do with their time is between them and God. What I do wonder, however, is how often we – as today’s disciples – stay safely hidden behind the "locked doors" of our church activities.
As Jesus prayed just two nights earlier, His desire was not for the disciples to leave the world – but to go into it. How can we share the good news with the lost if we won’t get out from behind locked doors to seek them out?
Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and documentarist.
27Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
I don’t really blame Thomas for doubting. The story is amazing. Raised from the dead? Yeah, whatever. It makes me wonder if Jesus has ever stood before us? Would we know it if He did? I think part of the discipline of reading scripture, memorizing it and praying is to better understand and be one with God. If you don’t know someone intimately you won’t know when they are near you. What a great reminder this morning.