Your Lord, Your God

John 20:24-29 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “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 it.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
 
WHAT do you require to confess, “My Lord and my God?” Thomas put his finger in Jesus’ wounds. Doubting Thomas became Determined Thomas. All of his senses – touch, hearing, sight and smell –affirmed he was with the risen Christ! As Mary Magdalene had exclaimed, “Rabboni!” Thomas also exclaimed his belief in the risen Jesus.
    When you truly know you follow the Lord of all Creation, God of the Universe, is there anything that can keep you from his purpose for your life? In that moment, Thomas was born again. His life became a purposeful journey into teaching the world, “Jesus is the Living Lord.” A monument stands in Chennai, India, today remembers Thomas’ work to plant the gospel see there and in six other Indian villages in southwestern India. Millions of Christians in India confess Jesus, “My Lord and my God.” because the Doubter became the Determined Evangelist. Willing to give all of himself to his Lord, his God, Thomas’ legacy lives forever.       Is your habit to announce, “Jesus is my Lord and my God?” Such a confession tells your Lord and your church you commit to his Lordship. You trust his sovereign reign over your life.  
    Nearly 3,000 years ago, God spoke to Israel through the prophet Isaiah to strengthen them: Isaiah 43:1-3a But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
    Receive these words as God’s encouragement and promise for you today. You didn’t choose the Lord. He chose you, O Christian, to live into his purpose for you: John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
    Take heart and be faithful to know your Lord and your God will keep you with him forever.
   
Resurrection Truth: Your Lord and Your God has made you his holy possession.