John 20:28-29

The skeptic and doubter has now turned believer. Thoroughly convinced of his own grievous mistake, Thomas now ardently and affectionately proclaims to Jesus "My Lord and my God!" He expresses it as if he were taking hold of Christ with all his might. It was definitely an “Ah-Ha” moment for the Apostle – Thomas had at last gotten it. He had been so slow to believe – so sluggish to take hold of his own comfort and good. Surely he was overwhelmed by a vast variety of thoughts and emotions. He therefore succinctly espouses in one sentence a myriad of feelings – amazement, delight, repentance, faith and adoration. I cannot help but be moved at his exclamation of “Lord” which is translated from the Greek word “Kyrios” meaning “might, power, Lord, master, owner.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids. Thomas rightly addresses the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Thomas’ proclamation should trigger the thoughts in our own minds – is this Jesus rightly the Lord of our lives? Is He our Pearl of great price? Is He one of many “Lords”? Is He our Everything? The Gospel is not simply another philosophy we add to our hodgepodge mix of beliefs nor is Jesus simply an access to God or our aid in accomplishing our goals or answering our prayers. Jesus is to radically rearrange the believer’s life. He is to be Lord of all or He is not Lord at all. He will not share His throne with anything else. I am reminded of His Word to us in the Sermon on the Mount:

21 “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” Matt 7:21-23 (NIV)

“Anything that takes God’s place is out of place.” Abe Van der Puy

A cursory look at the disciple’s lives demonstrates the priority our Lord rightly claims as our owners. They held on to nothing worldly rather clung tenaciously to their Everything. Paul also sets forth for us a wonderful example as we read his words to us in Philippians:

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Phil 3:7-9 (NIV)

All works of the flesh, self-confidence and earthly treasures were as dung to Paul in comparison to his gaining Christ. He was his everything not just one loyalty among many. It is Christ’s desire to be that for us as well. He wants us to live our lives with open hands not clinging tenaciously to chaff. Christ gives us all things for our enjoyment and pleasure – family, friends, earthly goods, comforts, jobs, etc. yet none of them is to be our all – none are worthy of the throne save Christ alone who desires our wholehearted abandonment. Obedience to Him is our key. It also provides positive proof of our love – and His commands are not burdensome rather freeing and life giving. Anything else on the throne of our lives equates to our sure bondage – just read Ecclesiastes. I doubt seriously that any of us will ever be as wealthy or as wise as King Solomon who espouses the futility of all but God – after trying everything. It seems much easier and less hassle for us to learn this in a classroom rather than on a field trip – don’t you think? John tells us:

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:1-4 (NIV)

Lastly we see a sure blessedness and honor for those who have not seen hard core evidence as Thomas yet have still believed. Thomas received no praise for his faith because it was tied to his senses. Those who Jesus pronounces “Blessed” are those who believe without seeing. Incredulity to divine Truth – God’s Word – has its root in pride and self-sufficiency and is accompanied by rashness and ignorance. The feeble, incredulous man always calls for demonstration. Peter’s words to those who believe without sight are as music to our ears and honey to our mouths providing sure comfort for the believer – there is offered a certain experiential, inexpressible and glorious joy to those who by faith – sans sense - believe:

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)