The Trouble with Thomas
The man is unstoppable. So bloody predictable. Goes out into the street to get us things to eat and supplies. He had the forethought to bring another robe. None of us did, least of all me. We've been in this room for weeks now, paying a bit extra for what Matthew calls 'privacy'. More like keeping the owner happy about extended 'guests'.
When the Lord came to us - through the bolted doors, mind you 'cause I dropped the latch myself - we were overjoyed. It was all too brief and Thomas the trusted was out pounding the streets. Jesus vanished before Thomas arrived back.
We were beside ourselves and he was miffed; predictable as always, he had to see it for himself.
Eight days later we were still in the same rooms in Jerusalem. Although the women would go out to do some laundry, we were one hot, sweaty lot, trying to figure what to do next, what the Lord would expect from us next. Thomas stayed apart, mumbling and making a rope, for lack of other busy work.
The Lord came again - to us, but to directly to Thomas for whom seeing meant believing. Jesus, all the same but different, invited Thomas to test Him. "Here are the wounds you wanted to see, Thomas...go on and touch them, they pain me no more".
Thomas fell to his knees, his face full of relief and humility, his body trembling uncontrollably. Laying hands on the Lord's feet Thomas whispered, "My beloved Lord, my God".
Jesus pulled him up and raising Thomas' chin with his forefinger looked in square in the eyes. "I'm happy that you recognize me, Thomas. And I will be as happy when those who have never seen or known me before will recognize me when I come to them."
No, that was the Lord alright. He'd come to the point of His message quickly in the last month or so, not beating about with stories for us to interpret. He made it plain.
I sit to scribble this. Although I had betrayed our Lord, He forgave me with a glance that first night He appeared. No one of my brothers had blamed me for my failings during these upside down days. I know all can be forgiven in Him. Betrayal, disbelief, fear. I can hardly wait until He comes again. In the meantime, then Thomas goes out next time, I mean to go with him. That's what brothers do.
I sign my name to this for you to know this comes from me, the one who has been forgiven of much. Peter
When the Lord came to us - through the bolted doors, mind you 'cause I dropped the latch myself - we were overjoyed. It was all too brief and Thomas the trusted was out pounding the streets. Jesus vanished before Thomas arrived back.
We were beside ourselves and he was miffed; predictable as always, he had to see it for himself.
Eight days later we were still in the same rooms in Jerusalem. Although the women would go out to do some laundry, we were one hot, sweaty lot, trying to figure what to do next, what the Lord would expect from us next. Thomas stayed apart, mumbling and making a rope, for lack of other busy work.
The Lord came again - to us, but to directly to Thomas for whom seeing meant believing. Jesus, all the same but different, invited Thomas to test Him. "Here are the wounds you wanted to see, Thomas...go on and touch them, they pain me no more".
Thomas fell to his knees, his face full of relief and humility, his body trembling uncontrollably. Laying hands on the Lord's feet Thomas whispered, "My beloved Lord, my God".
Jesus pulled him up and raising Thomas' chin with his forefinger looked in square in the eyes. "I'm happy that you recognize me, Thomas. And I will be as happy when those who have never seen or known me before will recognize me when I come to them."
No, that was the Lord alright. He'd come to the point of His message quickly in the last month or so, not beating about with stories for us to interpret. He made it plain.
I sit to scribble this. Although I had betrayed our Lord, He forgave me with a glance that first night He appeared. No one of my brothers had blamed me for my failings during these upside down days. I know all can be forgiven in Him. Betrayal, disbelief, fear. I can hardly wait until He comes again. In the meantime, then Thomas goes out next time, I mean to go with him. That's what brothers do.
I sign my name to this for you to know this comes from me, the one who has been forgiven of much. Peter
posted by Joanna Depue | 2:55 AM
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