Are You This Committed To The Lord?

John 11:16 - Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him."  NASU 

•  Courageous Statement 

Jesus has informed His disciples He is going to return to the town of Bethany in Judea because Lazarus his friend has fallen asleep (died) and He will awake (resurrect) him for the glory of God.  
 
The disciples totally didn't understand what Jesus was referencing. As can be seen in John 11:12-13 - The disciples then said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep.
 
Jesus in John 10 eludes those Jews who were wishing to stone Him because they thought He was guilty of blasphemy. Now He wants to go back into this same area and the disciples are concerned He will be stoned to death this time.
 
When the disciples see that can not persuade Jesus to change His mind, Thomas says, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him."
 
WOW!
 
That is what I call courage. Are we willing to die for Jesus today? Thomas was ready to die with and for Jesus. 

• Thomas' Reputation 

I think years ago some well meaning preacher has besmirched the character of Thomas by calling him "Doubting Thomas". This character assassination of Thomas has stuck to him. Every one of the disciples "doubted" who Jesus was. I think it is totally unfair for Thomas to be harangued for hundreds of years by this uncomplimentary remark.
 
Why doesn't anyone comment on this statement: "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him."  made by Thomas?
 
I for one want to highlight what Thomas said to the other disciples when Jesus was going to return to Bethany and resurrect Lazarus. "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him." 
 
As I see the world more and more critical of Christianity there just might be a time in the near future when we need to be prepared to die for Jesus.
 
Think About These:
 
A person's faith is not judged by what he says about it, but by what he does about it.
 
All men need a faith that will not shrink when washed in the waters of affliction and adversity.

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I am organizing a trip to the Holy Land in January/February 2023. If you are interested in possibly going on this trip reply to this Pump Up and I will add your name to the list. As I receive more details I will send them to you. I am very happy to inform you that Dr. Mark Ziese is going to be our Bible Lecturer for this trip. You can read more about him and the trips he has already led on his website.

www.MarkZiese.com

I hope you will be able to join us on this adventure of a lifetime.

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word