Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 St. Thomas Day

St. John 11:10-18

This passage guides us to realize the power of God and our calling to wholeheartedly commit our lives to Him.  In vv. 14-15, we see Jesus had to reveal that Lazarus is not just resting but is dead.  Jesus had to tell them the reality so that they can understand and believe in the miracle of rising Lazarus from the dead.  Christ raising Lazarus from the dead showed His power.  Not only can Christ raise Himself from the dead, but He has the power to raise others also.  
 
Nothing is impossible with God, and that is seen all throughout scripture and even in many instances in our personal life.  It is easy to praise God when life situation is going the way we like, and we are filled with joy.  We have said many times throughout our lives “it is all by the grace of God that…”.  At the same time when our problems seem big and overwhelming, we tend to forget who our God is, the One who led us all throughout our lives.
 
As we celebrate St. Thomas Day, we can be reminded that Thomas was a man who was willing to dedicate his life to his Master.  We often remember Thomas as doubting Thomas, but in v. 16, we are seeing a courageous side of him that shows how much he loves Jesus.  The disciples knew the dangers of going with Jesus to Jerusalem and were seeing ways to avoid it, but Thomas was willing to go with Jesus no matter the risk, he was willing to go with Jesus even to the point of death.
 
Going back a bit to vv. 9-10, Christ talks about stumbling.  He speaks of the concept of day and night.  The day symbolizes the knowledge of God’s will and guidance while the night symbolizes the absence of it.  Literally, the night is the absence of light.  In scripture, light is a symbol of holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation.  So we are to walk in the light, we need to walk with God wholeheartedly.  By doing so we are guided to walk committedly with a focus on the One who will never leave us nor forsake us.

Prayer
Thank You Lord for walking with me in all times, help me to never forget Your goodness and to wholeheartedly walk with You,  in Christ’s name,  Amen.

 Thought for the Day
  “To walk out of his will is to walk into nowhere.” 
-C. S. Lewis

 
Rev. Jess M. George
N.E. Region Youth Chaplain

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