In the weeks leading up to his baby brother’s arrival, Thomas was particularly attached to his mother, not wanting her out of his sight and often needing to hold her, as he so affectionately put it. She knew the separation would be difficult for him when the time came to go to the hospital, so she chose to allow their introduction to happen at home after her release. It was a difficult choice for her to make, as they’ve been inseparable his entire life, but she knew it would avoid a meltdown when the visit ended and he had to leave without her.
Jesus addressed a similar concern with his disciples as the time approached for him to return to the Father. They had spent several years with their Teacher, literally walking in His steps. They thought they knew where all this was heading until Jesus started talking about leaving, about dying.
”Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.
If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.“
John 14:28 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.28.NLT
”No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.“
John 14:18, 27 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.18-27.NLT
”“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.“
John 14:1 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.1.NLT
Thomas addressed the first question. “We have no idea where you’re going so how can we know the way?”
”Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”“
John 14:6-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.6-7.NLT
Philip countered. “Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied.”
”Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am?
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.“
John 14:9-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.9-10.NLT
John, in retrospect, takes it one step further.
”In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
So the Word became human and made his home among us.
He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.“
John 1:1, 3-5, 14 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.1-5.NLT
God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit- the three in one, are inseparable. This is why the writer of Hebrews can say with conviction, ”For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.“ (Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.12-13.NLT)
”Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’“
Mark 12:29-30 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mrk.12.29-30.NLT
God’s greatest revelation of Himself to the world is Jesus, the Son, the living Word of God.
”For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.“
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.4.6-7.NLT
”I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure, and I treasure it in my heart to keep me from committing sin’s treason against you.“
Psalms 119:11 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.119.11.TPT
”Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear.“
Psalms 119:105 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.119.105.TPT
”Your marvelous words are living miracles; no wonder I long to obey everything you say.“
Psalms 119:129 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.119.129.TPT
Jesus is the Word of God. We cannot know God apart from His Word. We cannot know God apart from Jesus.
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, resides near the shortest chapter of the Bible, Psalm 117, composed of only 2 verses. The 118th Psalm sandwiched in between records the verse at the very center of the Bible, according to scholars who undertook to count the numbered verses and divide. Holy Writ was not labeled and numbered as we enjoy it in our handheld volumes, known in its many translations as the Holy Bible, but rather was sent on scrolls of parchment as letters to specific churches or kept in synagogues for only priests and teachers of the law to hold. Still I think it is no accident that in its canonical text, these words are centrally located.
”It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man.“
Psalm 118:8 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.118.8.AMPC
”Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions.
With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.
Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.
Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.“
Proverbs 3:5-7 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/pro.3.5-7.TPT
I challenge you to read Psalm 119 in its entirety between now and Easter. There are twenty-two stanzas. Read one each day. You will have a few days to spare. Choose an unfamiliar translation, such as The Passion Translation, NIRV, The Amplified Bible, or The Message in order to slow your brain down a bit, making sure you absorb the truth in each word rather than rushing through the familiar. The Psalmist, most likely King David, devoted 176 verses to the adoration of God’s Word. As you read, remember Jesus is the true and living Word. Blessed are all who follow Him.
”Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.“
Psalms 119:1-18 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.2-18.NLT
”Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws.
Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.
Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.“
Psalms 119:24, 27, 29-35 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.24-35.NLT
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