A Thomas Moment

“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:29) You believe - not because you were compelled to believe - but because you hungered enough to know the truth and be set free by it. Do we believe because we see, or is it because we have heard? Are we the type of people who demand a sign and then another just to confirm what we have heard is true? It never ceases to amaze me that God knows the weakness of our spirit and the questioning of our mind. Here is the most amazing truth - he meets us right where we are. 

Thomas happened to be absent the night Jesus appeared to the disciples following the resurrection. When we was told about his appearance, he had a hard time accepting their 'testimony' of what they saw. In fact, he told them he needed the ultimate proof - being able to touch his pierced hands and side. Eight days later, gathered together in a locked room, Jesus gives him the opportunity. In those eight days, I wonder what Thomas was thinking about. Could it have been that he was pondering all the miracles he had seen while Jesus was present with them? Could he have been going over how each 'sign' prophesied had been somehow fulfilled? We don't know what was going through his mind, but we are given a glimps into what was transpiring in his heart.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. (vs. 27-28) Don't be faithless any longer - believe. We are given a little insight into the heart of Thomas - he wasn't fully a believer, in spite of having seen and heard first-hand. No wonder Jesus told him those who believe without the advantage of having seen the miracles, signs and wonders are truly a blessed bunch of people! Peter denied him three times before his crucifixion - yet Jesus knew his heart and restored him to right relationship. Thomas didn't really 'get it' - yet Jesus specifically made a way for him to come to assured faith.

We may think there is no hope for some who have heard time and time again or seen the many astounding things God has done around them and even in their own lives, and still don't come to faith in Jesus. Nothing could be further from the truth - for where God reveals himself there is always the potential of grace doing its work. Let God be on display for those who will see. Let his Word be on your lips for those who will hear. If they don't believe because they see or hear the first time, keep on. You never know when their 'Thomas moment' may come! Just sayin!