Saturday, June 19, 2004

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
(John 20.28 NRSV)
For some unknown reason, one of the apostles, Thomas, was missing that first Easter evening. Thomas had not seen the risen Lord like the others had. The apostles told Thomas, "We have seen the Lord." Thomas was unconvinced. It wasn't that he thought his friends were lying; their story was simply too good to be true. Thomas wanted proof. He wanted to see Jesus for himself. Thomas said, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Thomas was a realist. He had been hurt and disappointed. He had expected so much from Jesus. Then, to watch him die on the cross like a common thief was too much for Thomas to bear. He had his hopes dashed once. Now he wanted to be careful--he didn't want to set himself up for another letdown. We have to admire Thomas for being so honest with his doubts. He just couldn't believe without seeing Jesus for himself. Of course, Thomas did get to see, and he believed.

Have you allowed yourself to see Jesus? Do you believe?

Dear God, help me to believe and to see Jesus at work in my world today. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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