Rejoice! Be perplexed! Ask questions! Sit in amazement! Do whatever you need to do this Easter season, but above all, know that God loves you so much that he did the impossible to be in relationship with you. Resurrection is hard to believe, even a week later. Thomas isn’t buying yet. He wasn’t in the upper room that Sunday long ago when Jesus appeared through a locked door. He missed seeing the holes in Jesus’ hands and feet and the gaping slit in his side. He didn’t get commissioned as an Apostle, that is, one who is sent in John 20:21. He didn’t get the Spirit of new life breathed into him. He wasn’t there. John doesn’t tell us why, but we know, for sure, that Thomas was missing on Easter night.
Understandably then, he’s a little hesitant when the remaining ten disciples, turned Apostles, come running up to him shouting, “We have seen the Lord.” He had heard it already, early in the morning on Easter Day when Mary Magdalene came flying through the door, breathless, huffing and puffing, “I… have… seen… the… Lord…” Nobody believed her then, why is Thomas expected to believe the ten now? He needed to see it for himself. Being a human being, Thomas does what most of us do best when it feels like everyone is judging us, he gets defensive, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” We all have doubts from time to time; it’s a normal part of living the life of faith. We shouldn’t begrudge Thomas for doubting. What Jesus longs for in this post-resurrection encounter with Thomas is that we all might believe in him by handing over our hearts and our hopes that he might bring them to the fullness of joy. That’s what living an Easter life is all about. That’s what Thomas wanted, he just needed to see it, touch it, and experience it before he was willing to risk relationship again.
Join us this week as Rev. Fred Mast brings a message entitled “Blind Faith” as Jesus appears out of nowhere—for the third time Jesus greets and offers his disciples peace, and then he turns his attention to Thomas. “Look Thomas. More than that: touch Thomas. Feel the holes in my hands, put your hand in my side—do not doubt but believe.” We enter the spirit of worship at 9:30am featuring beautiful hymns, touching times of prayer and devotion, and passionate life changing messages that will bring you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship we welcome you to be our guest in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time you will find anywhere featuring some very special and delicious snacks and always great coffee.
Mark your calendars for our annual “Parking Lot Sale” on May 6th from 8am to 2pm. The day will feature lots of great treasures, Food Trucks, and a great time for all. If you are interested in reserving a space and selling items please contact the church office at (928)282-1780—the community is encouraged to participate. Come as you never know what treasures you might uncover.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and Like us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. Come and grow with us!
