Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Tue, 10/04/2012 – 09:43
Year B (2011-2012)
Bible Book: John / Johannes
Chapter: 20
Verse: 9 – 31
Text: John 20:19-31
In this scripture, we see Jesus showing himself to the disciples, who haven’t seen him since his death.
As I read this scripture, I wondered what they could have been thinking of at that time. It says in verse 19 that they had locked themselves in, for fear of the Jews. Maybe they were thinking about what would happen if Jesus did not rise again, how they would be perceived and what this would mean for them. So many things could have happened and they could even have lost their lives because they were the people who had dedicated their lives to Jesus and to walking with him. However, they still held the hope of his promise that he would rise again on the third day.
After they saw that this was indeed the Lord, I cannot imagine the joy and relief they felt, that, yes, here was what they believed in and held high in hope, yes, they no longer had to stay in hiding, yes, he kept his promise…. Have you crossed your fingers and waited in anticipation for something which you had no idea if it would happen or not? It’s really a terrible place to be in. It is good to know that there is no lie in God, what he says, he accomplishes. He is always faithful!
Now, Thomas, one of the Disciples, who was not present when the rest saw Jesus, heard the news from his fellow disciples. He was still waiting for the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise; he was still wondering and still ‘crossing’ his fingers. I have seen and done this too – heard the confirmation of what I have been hoping for, and filled with joy, I kept saying, “Really, is it true….Yes, it is!” But remember, it did not matter to Thomas that everyone else confirmed that they saw him with their own two eyes; he had to see it for himself. Don’t we often make fun of the ‘Thomases’, and then do the same?
And so, because Jesus was gracious and loving, he allowed Thomas to prove for himself that Jesus indeed was raised.
I asked myself the question: “What would it take for me to believe what God says in His word?” (I know as I say this that we don’t all grapple with the same issues; some are more challenging than others.) We have the message of his grace, his love, his forgiveness – and yet, till this day we struggle with certain issues, and we feel condemned and inadequate.
One of the areas we struggle to understand or believe in our modern day, is the forgiveness and love God has even for every one of us, also those of us infected with HIV. At times we still believe (even in the church) that HIV is a result of sin and that the result of sin is punishment. But we close out the truth, that even if I may be HIV positive, I have the full love, grace, forgiveness etc. from the Lord. I am no different from the person who is not infected.
Can we come to a place of saying we can all drink from his love and his fountain of life, without saying or adding an exception?
To think about:
Take an honest look, and ask yourself – At what place in my life am I still saying ‘unless the Lord speaks (or shows) directly to me, I will not……’. May God help us in the areas where we may still have reservations concerning his love and commitment towards people living with HIV.
Author: Moyo M (Ms)
Language: English