As Christians, we are often reminded of how the disciples left all and followed
Jesus. With reference to the Christian life, we all can follow the example of
the disciples, especially Peter and Pau. But there are a few disciples that have
been maligned somewhat. We all are familiar with Judas and the betrayal. But....
There is also Thomas...known as "Doubting Thomas." Let's look at Thomas' example
of doubt in action. Follow me to John 20: 24-25 (AMP)
But Thomas, one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Didymus (the twin), was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the marks of the nails, and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.”Now, as upright, dignified Christians, we would rebuke Thomas. And understandbly so. Maybe most of us have been told not to question God. (I know I have) But..... A part of me admires Thomas. Let me tell you why. BECAUSE HE IS HONEST WITH HIS DOUBT! Yes, Thomas is honest. To be honest myself, we sometimes go trough the motions as a Christian. We act live we believe when we don't. We pose as if we have it all together. We portray that our jobs, marriages, finances, families and other priorities are all in tact. But Thomas was honest and didn't believe. Yes, you can argue that it is better to believe in every word of God without question. But I think there is a healthy balance in sharing your doubt with the Heavenly Father. He already knows its there, so let's open up about it. The moment then comes where Thomas sees Jesus after the resurrection. And he leads to the famous passage. Follow me again to John 20: 28-29
Eight days later His disciples were again inside the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though the doors had been barred, and stood among them and said, “Peace to you.” 27Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be unbelieving, but [stop doubting and] believe.” 28Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, do you now believe? Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, and favored by God] are they who did not see [Me] and yet believed [in Me].”Yes, it is true that Thomas should have believed in Jesus' return. Despite Thomas' doubt and insecurity in Jesus' truth... HE WAS STILL CHOSEN That is the lesson here I hope to share. Despite our doubts, insecurities, and shortcomings, Jesus still chose us. And Jesus desires a relationship with us, even if we have to wrestle our doubts. So, I admire Thomas for being honest, when it was unpopular to do so among his disciple brothers. Blind faith in Jesus is always a win.. But there will be times where we have to touch the piercing of Jesus to continue in our daily walk.
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