Saturday, April 12, 2008
John 20:28 "My Lord and my God!"
MY LORD AND MY GOD
We are indebted to the twin among the apostolic band for a crystal clear confession of faith as to just who our Jesus is. As we continue the resurrection celebration, let's be reminded that such a bold confession is not one of words only. It is a confession that in the apostle's case also betokened a new life of service to the ever-living King.
Once he had asked: "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Our Lord's answer in part was: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me" (John 14:5-6). According to tradition, in the year A.D. 52 Thomas arrived in ancient India to present this one true God that He might replace the false Krishna, Siva, Vishnu, etc. in the hearts of both Brahmin and Outcaste.
The newness of life that Thomas had in the resurrected Lord compelled him to work. After years of witnessing to both kingly potentate and forsaken commoner, he was martyred in the southern part of what is now Madras. Once Thomas had said: "Let us also go, that we may die with Him" (John 11:16). He would die not with His Savior, but for Him. It is reported that an assassin hired by a local king's heathen priest did in Thomas as he prayed, piercing him by a spear. Thomas may have died about the same time Paul did.
Thomas does not weep though, as his soul awaits the glorious resurrection guaranteed to all who make the profession of Jesus: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
Over the years there have been many things written about where Thomas' body was and where it was taken. In 1523 the supposed grave of Thomas was opened. They found some bones, though many had long since turned to dust.
What a glorious day we have to look forward to, won for us by the resurrected Lord, when all the saints will arise to glorious life everlasting. In the meantime, let us labor faithfully with the profession on our tongues and Christ in our hearts!
