Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
MAR THOMA CHURCH DAY ( SABHA DINAM)
John 20: 24-29Verse: 28: Thomas said to him,” MY Lord and My God” .
On December 21 st every year, we remember to commemorate the landing of Apostle Thomas, who came to Kerala around 2000 years ago, in AD 52. It is believed that he came to Kodungalloor, and was instrumental in the formation of Christianity in India.
Mar Thoma Church believes in our St.Thomas tradition of the Malankara Church that dates back to AD 52. The motto of the church is “Lighted to Lighten” and the church believes in mission witness, and evangelism in the world, to continue the redemption. Love and justice exemplified by the forefathers, church fathers and apostles, through the new life and salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. Being rooted in the Bible, the church maintains its episcopal heritage and value oriented democratic form administration. Church believes also in Holy Trinity where Jesus Christ is one among the Trinity.
Thomas or Didymus - The Hebrew word from which got the word Thomas, and Greek word Didymus meant “twin”. Thomas is usually remembered for doubting. Here Apostle Thomas can also be seen as a man of courage and devotion. Apostle was not there with others when Jesus came for the first time after resurrection. Matter was informed with certainty to Thomas when he arrived, but he was not willing believe it. He was not ready to believe until he personally verify the nail marks on Jesus's hands , and put his finger on his side. This was a clear situation of doubting the reliability of the resurrected Jesus. His hard headed skepticism made him different from other apostles. He was courageous to state his doubt and his interest to clear the doubt in order to strengthen himself in faith.
Second time Jesus appeared to the apostles, when Thomas was also there, in a closed room. Jesus encountered Thomas to let him verify for himself the resuurected Jesus and his nail marks. Perplexed Thomas, showed Jesus his devotion and faith when he addressed Him as, “My Lord and My God”. Thomas moved himself from doubting Jesus's resurrection, to believing and worshipping him as the risen Lord. The message of this gospel portion of John is to help everyone to believe in the resurrected Jesus as our Lord savior and he is the true son of God, so that we will have eternal life through His name.
When we wrestle with doubt, engage with doubt, Jesus can handle it. Jesus is gracious to meet us in our places of doubt, even in our disbelief and provides the clear and powerful truth of who He is and what he has done to bring us to faith in Him. Through that we can have eternal life now and forever Amen.
Mar Thoma Church believes in our St.Thomas tradition of the Malankara Church that dates back to AD 52. The motto of the church is “Lighted to Lighten” and the church believes in mission witness, and evangelism in the world, to continue the redemption. Love and justice exemplified by the forefathers, church fathers and apostles, through the new life and salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. Being rooted in the Bible, the church maintains its episcopal heritage and value oriented democratic form administration. Church believes also in Holy Trinity where Jesus Christ is one among the Trinity.
Thomas or Didymus - The Hebrew word from which got the word Thomas, and Greek word Didymus meant “twin”. Thomas is usually remembered for doubting. Here Apostle Thomas can also be seen as a man of courage and devotion. Apostle was not there with others when Jesus came for the first time after resurrection. Matter was informed with certainty to Thomas when he arrived, but he was not willing believe it. He was not ready to believe until he personally verify the nail marks on Jesus's hands , and put his finger on his side. This was a clear situation of doubting the reliability of the resurrected Jesus. His hard headed skepticism made him different from other apostles. He was courageous to state his doubt and his interest to clear the doubt in order to strengthen himself in faith.
Second time Jesus appeared to the apostles, when Thomas was also there, in a closed room. Jesus encountered Thomas to let him verify for himself the resuurected Jesus and his nail marks. Perplexed Thomas, showed Jesus his devotion and faith when he addressed Him as, “My Lord and My God”. Thomas moved himself from doubting Jesus's resurrection, to believing and worshipping him as the risen Lord. The message of this gospel portion of John is to help everyone to believe in the resurrected Jesus as our Lord savior and he is the true son of God, so that we will have eternal life through His name.
When we wrestle with doubt, engage with doubt, Jesus can handle it. Jesus is gracious to meet us in our places of doubt, even in our disbelief and provides the clear and powerful truth of who He is and what he has done to bring us to faith in Him. Through that we can have eternal life now and forever Amen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Lord Jesus, strengthen us when we wrestle with doubt in our faith life, help us to trust you as the true son of God, and accept you as our Lord and the God , just like Apostle Thomas. Bless us and keep in your mercy and care for ever. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Thomas knew Jesus was God, and that he was full of Grace toward him inspite of his sinful doubts And now he is washed in the riches of His grace.
Have you experienced God's abundant grace in Jesus Christ?
Dr.John K. Thomas Tabor MTC