We have often used the disciple Thomas as the example of one struggling with doubt in the midst of his faith journey. Each year, just after Easter joy, we hear the story of Doubting Thomas not believing Jesus was resurrected till he had more proof. When the resurrected Jesus came to him with holes in his hands and told him to believe, Thomas believed. Thomas becomes for us a symbol of hope when we have doubts of our own.
The Advent story also has an example of one who had some serious questions about who to believe. John the Baptist, that locust eating, repent callling prophet is usually the sign of one completely committed to his belief. He called out with such conviction from the wilderness that even those living in unholy high places were shaken by his power. In fact, his message was so strong it eventually got him thrown in jail. One would have thought not even this would have caused him to wavier in his faith. In fact it didn't. Jesus was the one making him question his faith. Jesus was not acting exactly like John the Baptist had imagined the Messiah to behave. The corrupt were still in power, the world had not yet been turned upside down. So from his jail cell, John the Baptist wanted to know if he had gotten it wrong.
I talk about this in the sermon for December 5. But here I simply give thanks for the image of a doubter, one with serious questions in the midst of this time of year. It is a tough time for many of us to not have some questions. We struggle with moments less than perfect, holy or even acceptable. For some there is not enough money. Others have too little health. There are those who have not received justice. Some of us have plans, hopes and dreams that are not coming true. At least, not in the way we can see or according to our time line. We have some questions too. Jesus, are you the one? Jesus, why is this happening, did happen, not happen?
For those of you with these questions, for us with these questions, we come to an Advent story that says have faith. Be patient. Wait on the promise of God to be fulfilled. It will. It actually is even when you can not see it.
Our choice is to trust, believe and act on the hope or give up and live in despair. Jesus are you the one? The coming weeks will tell. We will learn a lot about Jesus and ourselves soon. John the Baptist pointed to one who eventually established a new kingdom and showed us a new way to live. His life circled around to another doubter and said, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
May we be so blessed.
