Ultimate Declaration
“Thomas answered Him and said, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28When Jesus appeared to the disciples the first time-
Thomas was not there.
They tried to tell him what they had seen-
– but Thomas was emphatic, “Unless I see His hands and nail prints and touch Him, I will not believe.”
Much has been made since that time of “Doubting Thomas,” and he has been used in many a sermon regarding the dangers of doubt.
But, maybe we shouldn’t be too hard on him.
If you really think about it-
Thomas was not so much doubting as he was grief stricken, angry and sad.
Given the circumstances of the past few days-
– how could anyone say that Jesus was alive?
“I’ll believe it when I see it” is more a statement of the reality he knew rather than one of doubt.
But, are we so different?
How often have we required some type of proof for our beliefs?
Some type of proof that we are loved?
You know what the wonderful thing is?
God is willing to give us proof of His love.
Christ took the extra step with Thomas and was willing to give him proof.
Now, here is something else that is interesting:
Thomas didn’t take the proof he wanted.
In the end, he believes the same way the other disciples believe—by sight.
But, Thomas goes on to make the ultimate declaration of faith.
He claims Jesus as his Lord and God.
Then, Jesus gives us a great blessing.
We are blessed because we believe, even though we have not seen.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
We are blessed for believing in Jesus.
Think about the beliefs you have that are based on faith – those are blessed.
(PA)