On the third day He rose again from the dead…
It’s on this day, the third day – Sunday, that Jesus appeared to His disciples. They were, of course, elated to learn Jesus was alive.
They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord.
John 20:20
Missing that day, was Thomas. We are not told why he was missing from the gathering. We only know from scriptures that when told Jesus was alive, Thomas said he would not believe until he put his fingers into the nail wounds and his hand into the wound in Jesus’ side. Doubting Thomas. Eight days later, Thomas was given that opportunity.
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me.
Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
John 20:29
Thomas had overwhelming evidence from his own life that Jesus was who He claimed to be – the Son of God. He had watched as Jesus healed the lame, the blind, the deaf. He was there when Jesus raised people from the dead, and when 5000 men were fed with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Still, Thomas doubted Jesus had risen from the dead.
Pastor asked us if we’ve ever doubted. The apostles walked with Jesus and they struggled with doubt. Why should we believe all these years later?
- We have eyewitness testimonies in the bible
- We have corroborating evidence from historians that lived during the time of Jesus
- The Scriptures themselves. The bible is the best-preserved book in history tested by many throughout the ages and found to be authentic. The closest competitor in terms of authenticity, are the writings of Homer which no one questions.
- Our own stories. We each have our own story of the that moment when our lives were forever changed. The time when we came to faith in Christ. He opened our eyes, prepared our hearts, and intervened in our lives.
Think about your own life. How has Christ intervened for you? I know for myself, God intervened when I was in an abusive relationship. He sent someone to stand beside me giving me the courage and the strength to say, “no more” and to leave that relationship. Today, I am married to an amazing, loving, and supportive man. Only by the grace of God, am I here today.
We all have moments of doubt just as the disciples did. When one of these moments hit me, I get scared. What if it isn’t true? What if there is no God and this life is all there is? In these moments, I am overwhelmed with despair.
When these moments hit us, Pastor Mike reminds us to consider the apostles. To remember Paul who killed Christians before God got hold of him. These men, and women too, knew Jesus personally. Everyone of them willingly laid down their lives for Jesus. Remember this and be restored to a place of hope, of peace, and of joy.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Phil 4:6
Until next Sunday, may your week be blessed!
– Paula –
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