JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the evidence of God’s unfailing love.

Thomas saw the evidence in John 20. The disciples had seen Jesus and told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas was skeptical. He would not believe it unless he saw the nail marks in his hands.

A week later, Jesus appeared to doubting Thomas and made him a believer by showing him his nail-scarred hands. Thomas responded by saying “My Lord and my God.”

In that moment, Thomas was seeing three significant things. The first thing that he saw was that Jesus was brought back to life. His grief turned into joy after seeing His beloved leader alive again.

A second thing that Thomas saw was the power that Jesus had over the grave.  In seeing the resurrection power of Jesus, Thomas’s fears turned into hope.

A third thing that Thomas saw was the expression of love that was evident in the nail scars. His doubts turned into confidence that Jesus is alive, and he could trust that the love of Jesus would never fail him.

The evidence of God’s unfailing love is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Luke 9:20.

Jesus was having a conversation with His disciples. He asked them what other people were saying about His identity. Different names were brought up in response to His question. Some were saying that Jesus is John the Baptist. Others were saying Elijah. And still others were saying that Jesus was one of the prophets of long ago come back to life.

Then Jesus asked, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

Peter was acknowledging Jesus as being sent by God to be the Savior of the world. What we believe about Jesus will affect the vital areas of our lives, including our eternal salvation, our influence in the world, and our sense of purpose for living life. What we believe about Jesus will affect how we treat other people. We will heed carefully the “one another” commands of the Bible. Love one another. Encourage one another. Be kind and compassionate to one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Peter was blessed for recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. So will we. First John 4:15 says “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God.”

Acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com