In the book of Acts we read, “Even through the doors be
closed, Jesus came through the doors.” Every time this scripture is read hope
leaps up into the depth of my soul. It is the hope of awaiting a promise that
we know that God is going to fulfill. It is the presence of the fruit of hope
that Elizabeth felt as she greeted her cousin Mary at the Visitation. The hope
which was named by an angel, John leaped in the womb of Elizabeth. Life was
present and Elizabeth knew it, despite the fact she had never been pregnant
before, she felt it. Gods’ promises
always bring us hope and life. Our Heavenly Father always keeps His promises.
He is faithful and true.
How open is our heart to believe God’s promises written in
His Word of God? Mary was open at the
Annunciation to receive God’s promises. The angel of the Lord declared unto
Mary and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. The promise was fulfilled. Then the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Elizabeth was opened to receive the promise, even though she was past child rearing
years, her aged womb was young enough to carry her baby boy and feel a leap. Their
hearts were open and God poured in life. God opened the eyes of their hearts to
receive Him.
What is if the doors of your heart are closed? What if the
doors of your children’s hearts are closed? What if the doors of your husband’s
heart are closed? Re -read in the book of Acts the story of Pentecost, “Even
though the doors be closed, Jesus came through the doors.” Jesus has a way of
walking through the doors of even the most locked up heart. His love tenders. Jesus died for those who receive Him into
their hearts and those who refuse to. There is always hope.
Thomas the disciple, who we affectionately call, doubting
Thomas, needed proof? Did Jesus reject Him? No! Did Jesus correct Him? No! What did
Jesus do? He opened the eyes of Thomas’ heart to show him just how much He
loved Him. I can just picture Jesus going right up to Thomas and putting out
His hands toward him. I can just picture in my mind’s eye Thomas, with a smile a
upon his face, a mile wide. The kind of smile that we sport when we greet an old friend.
I imagine,Thomas
automatically extending His hand ready to shake with his dear friend. Then giving an affectionate hug that said, to Jesus, "Buddy I sure missed you," without Thomas saying a word. Jesus could read between the lines and He could see Thomas heart. Jesus, the all-knowing God could hear Thomas saying in the silence of his heart, " Man, I thought you were dead." He knew Thomas well. Thomas knew Jesus well. His friend, Jesus who he
had walked with, who he had talked with and who he had shared life with. Jesus, the one who had been crucified. Jesus, his friend who had died. Jesus was now
standing right before Him. Seconds before this encounter not only were the doors of the upper room closed, but also the doors of Thomas heart. In
an instant, the eyes of his heart were opened miraculously. In the time it took for the hands of two
friends to join together in a manly grip, hope was restored. Thomas was changed
forever. I can just picture Thomas
leaping thru the room shouting, “He lives! He lives forevermore!” Thomas the Doubter had become Thomas the
Declare of Good News.
Thomas saw with his own eyes and proclaimed with his own
mouth. Miracles happen when you put your
hand in the nail scared hands of your friend Jesus. The greatest miracles
happen in the heart. The eyes of your
heart become unveiled as you see clearly how much Jesus loves you. Not in just words but in actions. No greater love has no man than to lay down His life for a
friend. Jesus death on the cross brought life to this world. Joy abounds to those who know Jesus as Savior and as friend.
I am a friend of God. How about you? The more we open the doors of our
hearts to Him the more He can fill us with His love. God loves us all best. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Remember where there is life there is
hope. God says it He will surely do it.
Pray that the eyes of your heart will be opened so you too can declare the Good
News. Declare the Good News boldly, like the Blessed Mother, Elizabeth and
Thomas. “He lives. He lives forevermore."God’s promises will have us leaping for all eternity.
Let us pray:
"Come Holy Spirit, Fill the hearts of your faithful and in kindle them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and Thou shall renew the face of the earth. Amen"
Happy Pentecost!!
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