"D... Thomas!"

When I say the name “Thomas”, what immediately comes to mind? Do you think, “Oh, you DOUBTING THOMAS” as you remember his struggle with believing that Jesus had actually risen from the grave? How would you like it if you had the name Thomas so that when you introduced yourself to others they might ask, “Are you a doubting Thomas?”?

Two things strike me as amazing. (1) The character we often associate with a certain name (like Jezebel, Judas, etc.). (2) How we often focus on one moment in the life of an individual and allow that event to define their complete character.

Yes, I acknowledge Thomas’s struggle in his faith, but I know I have had my moments too. Yet, Thomas was there with the others. He had not abandoned the cause. He was still where His faith could grow and it did. But there is another moment in the life of Thomas that has impressed me tremendously, giving me another side of this disciple of Jesus.

In the eleventh chapter of John, Jesus had received word that his friend Lazarus was sick. Now Jesus knew God’s glory was going to be seen through this when He would eventually call Lazarus from the tomb that had held him for four days ( John 11:38-44). But when Jesus decided to go back to Judea ( John 11:7) where Bethany was (the hometown of Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha), His disciples tried to talk Him out of it as they reminded Jesus of the Jews’ attempt to stone Him a short while before ( John 11:8). They seemed astonished Jesus would risk going back there. Jesus then made it clear to the twelve that Lazarus had died and He needed to go to him ( John 11:14-15).

Now, I want you to note Thomas’s response in the next verse:
“So Thomas, called the Twin [or Didymus], said to his fellow disciples, ‘LET US ALSO GO, THAT WE MAY DIE WITH HIM.’” ( John 11:16 ESV)

Did you note that Thomas did not say, “Okay, if you are determined to go, don’t drag us into this thing.” or “You go at your own risk -- we're staying.” or “Count me out!” Thomas did not say anything even close to that.

Though some might say Thomas was being pessimistic, I see him as showing devotion to the Lord and encouraging others to stick with Jesus, even if the situation posed some risks. Don’t you find that impressive? If you want a “D” word to remember Thomas by, then instead of making it “doubting” let it be “DEVOTED” and follow His example of committing yourself to Jesus no matter what it might bring or where it might take you in this life. Ultimately your devotion to Jesus will take you into eternal blessings.

Now, again about character. Yes, it is good to take note of the character of others. There are people we will come into contact with whom we must be careful of our association since “bad company ruins good morals” ( I Corinthians 15:33 ESV) But let’s be careful of too hastily defining others. Hopefully they will do the same with us.

Have a great day SHOWING YOUR DEVOTION TO THE LORD!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 06/06/1998, (Edited some and passages have been changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Character