Dear COA family,
The apostle Thomas is someone we would call a modern-day cynic. A cynic is someone who tends to assume the worst in people and is not hesitant to express his doubts with biting or ironic humour. He also often looks only at the negative side of any situation as a first response.
John 11 details a time when Jesus delayed in going to heal his friend Lazarus. When Jesus finally decided to go, he revealed that Lazarus had already died. Thomas, aware of the opposition of the Jews to Jesus in the place they were going, quipped that they would also likely die like Lazarus.
The interesting thing is that we don’t see a response of Jesus to his remark. (Or that it was not recorded.) Yet Jesus continued to be patient in discipling him, even when he declared that he would never believe that Jesus is resurrected. Jesus appeared to him personally after his death to assure him. This proved to be a life-changing moment for Thomas.
This episode gives us an insight into how we can respond to cynics. We do not have to react to every cynical remark made to us. We can continue to be patient in trusting and serving God. Our focus is on the Lord alone. And the Lord will accomplish a miracle in the life of those around us just like Thomas.
We ourselves can also learn that it is not helpful to be cynical. It is not good to always think the worst of people… or even of God. It is of no benefit to the loved ones around us, in fact, we will only cause grief to them. The Lord is always faithful and we can trust in His goodness in our lives. We can be encouragers of others and continue to build each other instead of tearing others down.
Especially for the second half of the year, let’s continue to trust that the Lord is doing a new and mighty work among us! Who knows, we may be enablers of his great and gracious move in our midst!
Blessings,
Revd Ian