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Then Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, Let us go too, that we may die [be killed] along with Him. John 11:16 AMPC
In the United States, this final Monday of May is Memorial Day, a time to remember military personnel who died performing their duty.
The Christian life is likened to soldiering (Philippians 2:25; 2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philemon 2), and many Jesus followers have been killed for their faith. In today’s scripture, one of Jesus’ disciples volunteered for potentially fatal duty as the Lord planned to visit a place where Jewish leaders had recently wanted to stone Him.
Thomas’s mind-set isn’t entirely clear. Perhaps he was boldly eager to give his life on Jesus’ behalf. More, likely, the man who comes down through history as “Doubting Thomas” was being sardonic, dreading the outcome of Jesus’ return to Judea.
Emotions, like temptations, just happen—we can’t control them. We can, however, overcome them by consciously performing our duty. All the disciples apparently followed Jesus to Judea, where they saw Him raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44). Then due to the threat of violence, they all retired to a village in the desert (John 11:54).
Today, let’s commit ourselves to doing the right thing, whatever fearsome possibilities come to mind. Jesus will always accompany and empower us. And even if we’re killed for Him, we simply end up in His presence.
Prayer: Lord, give me the will and courage to follow You anywhere.
In the United States, this final Monday of May is Memorial Day, a time to remember military personnel who died performing their duty.
The Christian life is likened to soldiering (Philippians 2:25; 2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philemon 2), and many Jesus followers have been killed for their faith. In today’s scripture, one of Jesus’ disciples volunteered for potentially fatal duty as the Lord planned to visit a place where Jewish leaders had recently wanted to stone Him.
Thomas’s mind-set isn’t entirely clear. Perhaps he was boldly eager to give his life on Jesus’ behalf. More, likely, the man who comes down through history as “Doubting Thomas” was being sardonic, dreading the outcome of Jesus’ return to Judea.
Emotions, like temptations, just happen—we can’t control them. We can, however, overcome them by consciously performing our duty. All the disciples apparently followed Jesus to Judea, where they saw Him raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44). Then due to the threat of violence, they all retired to a village in the desert (John 11:54).
Today, let’s commit ourselves to doing the right thing, whatever fearsome possibilities come to mind. Jesus will always accompany and empower us. And even if we’re killed for Him, we simply end up in His presence.
Prayer: Lord, give me the will and courage to follow You anywhere.
