Listening to the radio today, I heard a Pastor talk about the appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection. It's exciting to read and is found in the Gospels of the New Testament. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene early Sunday Morning, He appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and He appeared to the disciples when Thomas wasn't there.
Now, Thomas was in deep sorrow, trying to comprehend how this One he followed and loved could have been murdered...not quite understanding all Jesus was trying to tell him in times previous...he choose to be alone and not in the midst of other "believers"...What a day to miss "Church"...Jesus appeared and Thomas was not there.
when Thomas heard that Jesus had come, Thomas could, would not believe it. He said that he needed to see with his own eyes, to touch the scars...I love this part of the story...Jesus appeared a week later to the disciples when Thomas was there! The Bible says that the doors were locked, but Jesus stood in the midst of them...HOW COOL IS THAT! Jesus encouraged Thomas to come, see, feel, touch...(John 20:26-31)...Thomas worshipped and said "my Lord and my God". Jesus blessed him for seeing and believing...but said how much greater for those who have not seen and yet believe!
Jesus of course appeared to many others...but I love that when Thomas retreated to grieve and be alone in his sorrow, even in the the middle of his doubt...Christ showed up...He did not leave him there.
I know we all have moments of fear, doubt maybe even a struggle to comprehend where God is...but let us STAND on the promise that Jesus does not forsake us...leave us...or allow us to stay in the moment of unbelief...HE SHOWS UP! HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW! That my friend is GOOD NEWS!
No comments:
Post a Comment