DON’T BE TOO harsh with Thomas (John 20:24-31)…
There is a time to doubt. Thomas, like the other apostles, had left all to follow Jesus. Then Jesus up and died. Yes, He had forewarned them. But God does not die! A dead God resurrected? Thomas was devastated. When you have lost faith, it is hard to get it back. Thomas was honest. He would not place himself to be heartbroken again. Thomas, like us, wanted to believe. To doubt is simply to tie in knots. Thomas untied the knot!
Jesus was gentle and patient. He did not chew Thomas out. There was no rebuke. He honored Thomas’ demands. See with your eyes — feel with your hands. Doubts are the proof of faith. Without honest doubt, we become “set in our ways.” Doubt produces investigation and exploration. Seeing may not be believing; believing is seeings. Charles Hodge, “Doubts Doubts,” On the Banks of Onion Creek, reprinted by permission from Gospel Advoate, May 2010, 48
KneEmail: “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Luke 9:24
Bible reading for 05.17.10: John 5:25-47; 1 Chronicles 1-3
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