LEARNING DAILY

John 20:28-29, 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 have believed."

Thomas. Doubting Thomas. The Bible does not call Thomas doubting; he was given that term because of his reaction to the other disciples seeing the risen Christ. Pastor Ed Newton suggested that all the disciples had wrestled with doubt and fear because they had all abandoned Him when He was arrested. Peter denied he knew Jesus when confronted. “There is not one person who has never wrestled with doubt” (EN). There were ten disciples in the upper room, behind a locked door when the risen Christ appeared to them. Thomas was not there. Was he wrestling with the fact that Jesus had been crucified instead of leading Israel against Rome? Was he wrestling with doubt about who Jesus was because he had died? Perhaps “his sorrow kept Thomas from being in that room, and that might have led to his skepticism. When doubt comes separation become easy” (EN).

Whatever Thomas was feeling at the time that kept him away, doubt resulted. “Doubt causes one to no longer be obedient; it distorts one’s identity. Doubt will destroy one’s joy and cause you to not tell anyone about Jesus” (EN). Matthew 20:26, 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." Eight days later the disciples were gathered, and Jesus recreated the scene where He had first come to the Upper Room. “The number eight in Scripture is about new beginning” (EN). The risen Christ directs Thomas to put his finger in the hole in His hand, in His side where He had been pierced by the Roman sword. Pastor Newton asked if the patience of the Lord Jesus could be understood. 

Once again read the words of our Lord, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Read that last statement again – He is talking about you, Believer, and me. Believers are blessed because they have placed their faith in the One they have never seen. Do not doubt your salvation nor doubt He is with you as you walk the narrow way. Do not doubt He is with you in every circumstance you face today and every day from now on.

Pastor concluded with how every Believer can be reassured when the enemy tries to get you to have doubts. Examine your faith; 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” (NLT). Here are four questions to test yourself. 1) “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13). Have you made the decision to ask the Lord Jesus Christ into your life? 2) “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15). Have you determined to live for Jesus and walk the narrow way? 3) “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). Is it your desire to read His Word? Are you convicted of sin in your life? 4) “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:20). People will see the difference living for Jesus has made in you.

“Stay connected to Jesus if you are doubting; one never knows when His peace will come” (EN).