When my son was in high school, he left his jacket in his car while he was with friends at a fast food spot. A crowd gathered so he went back to the car. The jacket was gone. He made a report, describing the jacket and said the boys who were in the area went to a certain school. The officer asked how he could be sure that exact jacket was his. “My sister sewed it for me and put a personalized label in it.” The boy was caught at his school and the jacket was returned. – Witnesses included my son, and the label.
When Paul said “we are witnesses” he added that the Holy Spirit was also a witness. Just as the label spoke without a mouth, those who questioned the disciples knew the truth (even though they would not admit it.) so they “they were enraged and wanted to kill” Paul and the others.
The warning “You might even be found opposing God,” was enough to save lives that day.
Those who read the title and theme for today’s sermon may have noted the hint of forceful action in the words. Breaking involves at least some measure of force, and “Getting into it,” evokes a measure of confrontation.
When one’s confrontation is with Almighty God in the person of Jesus, his relationship with Jesus enters into intimacy.
In the 3 years that Jesus spent with his disciples, he gave his bride, the church, a good look at his love, authority, and willingness to reestablish the bonds of husband and wife.
Thomas was not an exception – rather he was another in a long line of those Jesus went out of his way to seek and to save.
Thomas’ story suggests these truths
• We must stay close to Jesus and his people. (Worship, study, and fellowship)
• We must express our doubts openly. (Christ comes to those who doubt, yet do not hide)
• Believing, we make confession of faith. (His sacrifice in humiliation, suffering; his cross and atonement mark him as a credible witness to His love)
• We can believe even if we cannot see.
When Jesus entered, He said an everyday greeting, “Peace be with you.” Then a week later he again entered and said, “Peace be with you.”
What Jesus actually did can be seen in this example: Chaplain of the U. S. Senate, Peter Marshall, suffered a heart attack and was taken from his home in an ambulance. His last words he said to his wife, Catherine, were, “See you in the morning!” The everyday phrase became for his wife and son the hope of a resurrection and a reunion.
Later today, in saying “Peace be with you,” to let it have this special meaning.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.
