NEVER TO DOUBT AGAIN (05-01-11)

John 20:29
“Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
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If we do not believe because we have not seen it, we are called a doubting Thomas. We only tend to believe if we see it first-hand. This is what Thomas the disciple wanted when his fellow apostles told him that they have seen the risen Christ. He remarked, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Thomas, as pictured in the scripture, is a pessimist. When Jesus decided to return to the place near Jerusalem where Lazarus died, he exclaimed, “Yes, let's go there that we might die with him.” He fully knew that they are now being hunted by the Jewish authorities and will be condemned to death. And now, a week after the Lord’s resurrection, his pessimism persists.

All of these pessimisms simply vanished in the air, as soon as He saw Jesus. Thomas slips to his knees and says in awe, “My Lord and my God!” He uttered the greatest confession of faith recorded anywhere in the Bible. Doubting Thomas does not stay a doubter. When he sees the risen Jesus, all that Jesus has taught over the years now sinks in, and up to his death Thomas is an outspoken advocate for his Lord. Thomas traveled to the east coast of India, preaching relentlessly. He is killed near Mylapore about 72 AD, near present-day Madras. Tradition tells us that he is thrown into a pit, then pierced through with a spear.

He is speaking to us, doubters today, to those of us who have seen our hopes and dreams destroyed. He is telling us his story of his fears and doubts and how Jesus' life had changed everything. Let us exclaim our faith together with him, as we recount his joy at seeing and knowing the risen Jesus himself – “My Lord and my God!”

Lord Jesus, Saint Thomas doubted Your resurrection until he touched Your wounds. Once he was cured of his doubt, You freed him and he began the work You had called him to do. I ask him to pray for me when I question the direction in which You are leading me. Forgive me for mistrusting You, Lord, and help me to grow from the experience. Amen +

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.