Courageous Thomas - September 8, 2010

Daily Lectionary for September 8, 2010
Psalm 2
Job 29:1, 30:1-2, 16-31
Acts 14:19-28
John 11:1-16

Acts 14:19-28
Paul is stoned and left for dead.  The disciples gather around and he gets up and goes back into the city.  They just threw rocks at him till they thought he was dead and he gets up and goes back in to the city.  Next day he leaves and goes to another city where he "proclaims the good news".  One might think there would be a bit of hiding out, licking wounds and so on.  And there is no strategizing about what went wrong.  No record of the discussion about how to make the message more user friendly so as to avoid aggravating the authorities and getting into situations where people want to stone you.  Just get up and keep telling the good news.

John 11:1-16
Following on the heels of Jesus leaving Jerusalem to avoid being stoned he prepares to return in that direction to attend to his friend Lazarus.  Thomas deserves a shout out here.  Thomas who, when he is remembered, is typically remembered for his supposed doubting, is no doubter here.  He distinguishes himself.  The disciples are not pleased that Jesus is planning to head back towards Jerusalem.  "'Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?'"(v.8)  Further conversation ensues at the end of which Thomas says, "'Let us also go that we may die with him.'"(v.16)  The group counsels caution and staying put.  Jesus says he is going.  Thomas isn't interested in the danger - he is interested in following Jesus.  That's not doubt - that's courage and that's faith.

Book Burning
A quick word on the organization in Florida encouraging folks to burn Qu'rans.  REALLY? 
Do not burn books.  Don't do it.  This suggested action is wrong in every way I can think of - I'm not the biggest fan of the whole WWJD thing, but that would work here.  Or maybe WSHBIWINWJTHAIECMM (What stupid, hateful, backwards idea would I never want Jesus to have any idea ever crossed my mind?)
Again, do not burn books.  Maybe...love your neighbor.  Let's try that.