John 20:27-31
“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’” vs. 29
Thomas saw and believed, not through his own understanding or effort, but because the Risen Jesus came to him, and he was immediately convinced. It was like being hit over the head with a two by four…there wasn’t any consideration given to a continuance of doubt. From that point on he was a believer…and tradition tells us that he went out with the gospel and founded the Church of Christ in India. Doubtless thousands of people came to believe in the Risen Christ through his preaching and teaching. They had not seen as Thomas saw and yet they had become fervent believers, not by their own understanding or effort, but through the influence of the Holy Spirit…and Jesus calls such persons blessed. There has probably been no truer word spoken in all the centuries since. Faith is a blessing! We can see that particularly when we encounter those who live with no faith, those who have no resources to deal with the challenges and questions of life. Such persons seem so lost. They have no one to turn to, no center of their being, no focus for life. In contrast people of faith can be confident in every moment of trial. It’s not that they are never visited by anxiety or worry…those feelings are bound to come…but God’s amazing grace is always present, and blessings abound!
Thought for the Day: How have I been blessed by faith?
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