Hammers And Nails

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:24-29)

Seeing is believing.  We all seem to live by that motto.  We are a skeptical lot.   John gives us a great story about doubt and believing without seeing.  Those are the blessed ones.

We believe Jesus is with us even without seeing him.  Nailmarks are not needed.  Hands in his side are not required.  However, when it comes to those who make promises, seeing is a must for believing.  This is especially true for bureaucrats and politicians who we would like to nail down to hold them to their promises and commitments.  Spikes might be better. Hands into their sides to keep them near and listening are needed.

This year is 2020 with November elections.   Let’s all equip ourselves with hammers.   Jesus will provide the nails.  For politicians who have not kept their oaths and promises and have failed us and our country, those nails are for their coffins.  As Jesus implied, may they rest in peace.

Deacon David Pierce