Scripture: Now Thomas, one of the twelve (called the Twin), was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he (Thomas) said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed….
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples (which are not written in this book); but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his Name. John 20:24-31
Observation: I can be just like Thomas. And, eventually, Jesus will call me on it…
Analysis: “You guys are nuts!! The Man is deader than a doornail.” “Thomas, really, we saw him, talked with him, walked with him, and more.” “Mass hallucination. I am going to require proof, touchy feely kind of proof.”
8 days later, Jesus appears. “Oh, Thomas? Thomas? Do you want to touch me now? How about your fingers in the nail holes, your hand in my side…is that enough for you, buddo?”
When does my faith wain? Usually when my eyes are not on Jesus.
I have been in a position before praying, “Let me see something, God! A miracle or two, something to stir me up!” And I am thinking, “…just like Thomas.”
I am there right now. I want to see the promise of good things from the Lord before I take a major step out of my uncomfortable comfort zone—you know, that place where I know that bad things are there, but they are, maybe not comfortable and but are better yet, predictable.
And here’s my wife, my one disciple, reminding me of what I teach: “Look at the history of us, husband. Has God ever let us down? Has He not brought us through storms?” And she rubs my nose in the Truth (like a faithful disciple) and I go gather her up in my arms and say, “I hate you right now, my true love” smiling all the way.
No, I do not hate my wife. I am proud of her that she reminds me, in the midst of my unbelief, to place my eyes on Jesus, remember His goodness towards me all of my days, and because of His faithfulness in my past, I can count on His faithfulness for my future.
Hammer point: History is the reminder of God’s faithfulness. Don’t ask for a hole in the Hand to put fingers in before believing.
Prayer: Lord God, please give me peace in these decisions coming up. Arrest my quaking heart and give it courage. I don’t want to be presumptuous on Your Mercy. Guide me, please. AMEN