Thomas had few contributions to the bible but when he did, it really stuck out to me. He was a funny fella, very practical, heart on the sleeve, and seemed to vocalise whatever was on his mind - and perhaps spoke of the things that many around him were thinking but had more sense to actually speak out. A good example is in John 11 when Jesus was heading back into dangerous territory to raise Lazarus and Thomas said "Let's also go that we may die with him".
Here in John 20 doubting Thomas heard the report of Jesus being "alive" yet wouldn't get excited until he saw some proof for himself and tangibly felt the wounds. Jesus never seemed to get cranky with doubting Thomas; perhaps it was his heart and his honesty.
I think Thomas' response was far more powerful than words descibe when he touched Jesus and proclaimed "my Lord and my God". And herein lies the challenge that Jesus lays out: "blessed are those who have not seen me and yet believed".
My quest for closeness, intimacy, relationship, purpose and knowledge of God has me reaching out and needing something tangible that says to me that something has changed and my life has been touched more deeply by his almighty power. It's not that I need to touch the wounds to believe but I want something more and I feel like I am seeking after a mark or sign of his further transformation in my life. I think the truth is that Thomas needed to experience the physical touch of the wounds. I want the same experience in my spirit man. Is this lack of faith?
It's funny that Thomas, Peter and Nathaniel had these wonderful experiences, including post resurrection contact with Jesus, yet still went back to their fruitless, safe old life in the coming chapter.
Our search shouldn't have Thomas like conditions, and our contact or intimacy with God needs to have life transforming evidence through the living out of a different and more purposeful life. This is my journey and I am more than a little challenged this morning as I seek, knock, pray, search and learn to listen. I'm not close enough, I'm still hungry and I just need more............
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3 comments:
Jesus appears to his disciples and THREE times says, "Peace be with you!"
I have tasted of this peace and I want more...
When Jesus is offering PEACE I want everything he has to offer. Bring it on!
When I experience HIS peace all fear disappears and I become bold and want to be SENT just as the Father sent Jesus.
Katie has posted some more thoughts on her blog - see link to the right. These are always worth reading!!
Garry,
I personally think there is nothing wrong with seeking after a mark or sign of his further transformation in your life.
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