The last words of the American Declaration of Independence are, “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”Eighteen of the 54 signers had their homes burned and looted either by loyalists to the throne or British troops. Two of the signers lost sons in the ensuing battles. Rarely does one put his or her name to such a dangerous document.
One of my favorites of Jesus’ disciples is Thomas. He has gotten a bad rap in history with all that doubting business. Seldom do we note John 11 where Jesus announced He was going to Bethany because Lazarus had died and Thomas said to the others, “Let us go and die with him.” Apparently it was very dangerous for Jesus that close to Jerusalem. Thomas, brave Thomas, was willing to give all for His Lord.
If one does not have something in one’s life valuable enough for which to die one has not yet lived. We read stories of bravery and courage and we wonder how we would respond to danger. The older I get the easier it is to be brave for with each passing day I have less life to give. The richness and quality of one’s life is the commitment we make to something good and pure. How sad for those who have never discovered this secret.
And what happened to Thomas? He did survive crucifixion weekend in Jerusalem but according to tradition he did die for His precious Lord. As for the doubting? All the others had seen Jesus that Sunday. He had not. He loved Jesus so much he couldn’t understand why he had been left out. He wasn’t. Jesus told Him to come and touch. He does the same for us.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 14, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org