Articles by Dr. David Jeremiah
Al Capone rose from a petty hustler in Brooklyn to become the boss of Chicago’s underworld. In spite of being involved in money laundering, prostitution rings, racketeering, illegal liquor sales, murders, and many other crimes, the authorities were continually confused by the multiple layers of Capone’s activities. The authorities knew he was “the Boss” of the Chicago underworld, but they couldn’t prove it. In the end, Capone was sent to prison for income tax evasion, and that was only because another Chicago mobster turned state’s evidence and testified against Capone. Confusion always has dangerous effects on one’s ability to enforce the laws of the land or to live according to the spiritual laws of God’s kingdom. Confusion leads to indecision, frustration, passivity, and a lack of progress—and we know that it is not God’s will. The apostle Paul stated: “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
King Solomon observed, “Riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations” (Proverbs 27:24). That’s why Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). He also reminded us, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life” (John 6:27). Paul added, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). And John wrote, “Do not love the world or the things in the world… The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15, 17). The message is clear: Our focus should be on eternal possessions and treasures—not on temporal pleasures and pursuits. In fact, the Bible records rewards that will be awarded to the faithful.
“Doubting” was his nickname. Never mind that prior to his lapse, he volunteered to die with Jesus. Never mind that after his lapse, he took the Gospel to India where, according to our best traditions, he was martyred. We remember him most for his qualms following the Crucifixion, and we call him D. T.—“Doubting Thomas.” We identify with him. It’s not that we struggle with doubts about the resurrection of Christ. We’re convinced of that. But none of us trusts as we ought. So the Bible gives us Thomas, the forerunner of all who occasionally question; and his story assures us of the patience of our Lord Jesus. When Jesus spent a final night teaching His disciples in the Upper Room, Thomas broke in with the question they all wanted to ask: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) On the day of our Lord’s crucifixion, however, D. T. was nowhere to be seen, nor did he meet with the other disciples three days later amid the flurry of rumors and reports of the Resurrection. We can only assume he was embittered and disillusioned, no longer wanting to associate with the Twelve.