Think afresh? A time for everything*

NORSK
Today, I move to the story of Thomas. A few years ago, I took the role as defence attorney for Thomas for the simple reason that I think he may have been a victim of a ‘spiritual miscarriage of justice’. In my 'procedure' I wrote:

Let us for some moment try to put ourselves into the minds of my client: “If my Master has risen from the dead, why are James and John afraid - why are we still behind closed doors in fear of what the Jews may do to us? If Jesus truly lives, it means that he has even defeated death - what then is there to be afraid of? If my friends really believed it, they should not only tell me, but run out of the streets of Jerusalem and tell the good news.” (2)

When we judge Thomas as a ‘doubter’, we have forgotten that the behaviour of the disciples was not consistent with their recognition of the risen Jesus. Thomas’ claim for proof was therefore absolutely valid.

“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
John 20:25

I will reflect more on the teaching in the incident with Thomas tomorrow, but I think that the disciples also learned that for a testimony about a living Jesus to be credible, our lives must show that it is true. If not, it is impossible to recognise Jesus.

‘Manna’ for today:

My life must show that Jesus lives

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(1) It is part of the family genes to defend both believers and doubters
(2) See ‘A spiritual miscarriage of justice’ – unfortunately only available in google translate
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.
 

From impression to imprint

NORSK
"I will not forget ..." Paul wrote in yesterday's reflection. Today he writes "I remember ...". On both occasions it is a reference to the impression that Timothy made on Paul, impressions that became imprints on his life:

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2 Tim 1:5 

I have already stressed how important it is that a mentor affirms his disciple (1), and here Timothy is affirmed once more. His qualities have already made imprints in other people's lives - even in his mentor's life. Tears that are not forgotten and a sincere faith that is remembered, give us a picture of a passionate and genuine young man who influenced his environment with his commitment to the gospel of Jesus.

I am so thankful to people who by their sincere faith and passionate commitment have made a strong impression on me, an imprint that will follow me for the rest of my life. 

Some of them have had leadership positions like e.g. General John Gowans; others belong to the large number of ‘ordinary’ Christians, but with an equally sincere faith and burning commitment as any celebrated charismatic leader. Only very few of you who read my blog, will have heard of them, but I carry with me the impression that they made on me. Imprints that remind me of Jesus.

Today 'manna':

A sincere belief creates an imprint

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(1) "Affirmation and accountability"

What is so special with the believers?

NORSK
Believers are simply ordinary human beings. In many ways the only thing that distinguish them from nonbelievers, is the fact that they believe. Their faith will influence their values etc., but it is the salvation that is the core of their faith and the “trustworthy saying” they proclaim.

Because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.
1 Tim 4:10b 

Today’s verse, which Timothy is challenged to “command and teach” (1), does once again proclaim that God is “the Saviour of all people”. There should be no doubt that salvation is for all.

So what did Paul mean with “especially of those who believe”?

It is because it is the faith that makes the salvation valid. When Jesus spoke about “the bread from heaven”, he encouraged his listeners to for “food that endures to eternal life”. They immediately response was a question: “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus’ answer was simply:

“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29

It is interesting that Jesus turns faith into “work”. This has been a growing understanding of my personal conception of faith. Faith is acting as if that which is written, is true. When the Bible says that I am saved through the saving acts of Jesus for all people, I act and “command and teach” accordingly.

‘Manna’ for today:

God is the Saviour of all people

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(1) 1 Tim 4:11