Sunday, March 30, 2008 - John 20:19-31

Christ is risen!! He is risen indeed!! Alleluia!!

This second Sunday of the Easter Season always has an interesting feel to it. We are still basking in the glow of Easter morning. I think I can still smell the lilies. The death of Christ, the empty tomb, the overwhelming mercy and grace of God is palpable – it fills the room.

But then there is that issue with Thomas. He was a post-modernist almost 2000 years before anyone ever heard of post-modern philosophy. He was a skeptic who would remain in doubt until he could scientifically, absolutely prove that Christ is risen.

Skepticism is alive and well in our world today. Even within the church, there almost always seems to be that hint of doubt whispering in our ear, “What if there is no God?” “What if we are wrong?” “How can I be so sure?” “What can I do or what can the pastor give me that can absolutely, concretely, and without a doubt prove all this?”

Well, I stand here today and tell you that I can’t give you anything other than God’s Word. His Word has to be good enough – and His Word is good enough.

If your earthly father or your best friend or someone who you know to be a trustworthy, honorable person gave you his word that something happened, would you need to investigate before you would wholeheartedly believe him. Historically among men of honor, your word was as good as any signed contract. But we have both. Not only do we have God’s Word that all this is true, but we have a covenant sealed with Christ’s blood.

Being skeptical of Christ’s death and resurrection would be the equivalent of questioning whether it was safe to drive West of the Mississippi River because you weren’t there to see the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. No one drives through Iowa or Nebraska wondering if it is really America or if it is still part of the French Empire.

It was bought at a price, just as we were bought at a price. In the case of the land between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, the price was 15 million dollars – quite a good deal for America. The price of our salvation was much higher -- the price was the life of Christ (quite a good deal for you and me).

Scripture says that “Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.” The only thing that a person can be given to overcome our skeptical human nature is faith. And faith only comes through Word and Sacrament. It is a gift from God – as Scripture says.

For far too many among us, the skepticism of Thomas prevails – “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe” [Jn. 20:25].

Skepticism is a paralyzing philosophy. It keeps you from enjoying so many blessings. Must you see the architectural blueprints before you book a hotel room or enter an elevator? Do you fear driving in Nebraska without a passport?

Being skeptical of such things seems insane. We have faithful witnesses and documents which state that your safety is guaranteed. You enter an elevator and you are comforted to see the State Inspector’s signature ensuring that your life is safe. And you believe this to be true even though you have never seen him or the architect who built the building.

Rejoice this Easter Season that your safety, your life, and your future with Christ is guaranteed. We have faithful witnesses and documents. Even though you have never seen the Architect of this life or the Author of your faith, from my perspective, and from the perspective of all the faithful, being skeptical of your salvation, being skeptical of Christ’s death and resurrection should seem insane.

Rejoice that you have been given this gift of faith. And share that Word with others that they too might stop doubting and believe. Amen.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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