Monday, April 12, 2010

Devotion - Monday, April 12

Yesterday’s Gospel lesson in which the questions of Thomas were examined lead to a sermon on the importance of allowing such questions to be asked. The end of the sermon moved in a somewhat different direction, a thought which returned to me this morning as I read the appointed Gospel lesson for today.

In John 14, were we find so many words of comfort, there is the encounter between Thomas and Philip and Jesus in which not only Thomas but also Philip also reveals how difficult it is to believe all that Jesus is saying. While Thomas is mentioned first, it is the questions asked by Philip which seem to give rise to impatience.

The comments of these disciples return to the differing direction mentioned above.

What happens in Jesus is unbelievable. What occurs during his life, the events of his death, and the glorious news of resurrection – these are too significant to call them miracles. And yet, what word other than miracle can we use? Something happens here which defies all reasonable thought. What happens here reveals a God who loves us more than we are capable of loving ourselves.

Of course we will doubt; it is impossible that we would not question. The story speaks of a God who sets aside the comforts and the honor heaven in order to be among us. Once here, the goodness of God continues to shine forth, even when we reject and condemn. And then, when life returns to the one whom we had murdered we are told that this resurrection is not God’s way of leaving us behind once and for all (a fate we might well deserve,) but that this rising is but the first of so many more to come. Because he rose, we shall rise also.

Of course it is tough to believe. It is too much to believe. It is news too good to be real.

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