Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Still Willing

Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.' -John 11:16 (NRSV)

Thomas and I have more in common than just our names. I can relate to him wanting to see the resurrected Christ before believing (John 20:25). After all, the other disciples were given that opportunity...why not him? And I can also identify with Thomas' feelings of resignation in today's suggested scripture readings. My experience as a Christian is that it's often not easy to follow Jesus.

The good news is that Thomas does follow Jesus. He displays a willingness to assume leadership in the group by saying, "Come on, lets' go with Jesus." But let's be honest: he doesn't exactly sound happy or joyful about following. After all, they're going back to a place where Jesus' life had already been threatened and where Thomas and the other disciples would no doubt face similar threats. True, Thomas' acknowledgement that they're all going to die is probably not going to prompt a book to be written about his motivational skills. Nevertheless, he's still willing to follow.

What I appreciate about Thomas is that he seems to realize that following Christ is not always joyful. Oftentimes it leads to persecution and in some cases death. And yet he is still willing to do it. I want to be obedient like that! I want that kind of resolve. I hope you do too.

May God grant you the grace to be obedient today, still willing to follow Jesus regardless of the cost.



Tomorrow's suggested readings are Jeremiah 5-6 and John 12.

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