Here we are just a week past Resurrection Day. Have you stopped to think what the apostle and the other followers of Jesus did during that week?
Jesus appeared to them in the evening of the day of His resurrection. They were behind locks doors. They were all there except for Thomas. When the others told Thomas they had seen the Lord he was more than skeptical; he doubted the entire story.
“So they told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But Thomas said, ‘First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won’t believe unless I do this!’
26 A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples 27 and said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!’
28 Thomas replied, ‘You are my Lord and my God!’
29 Jesus said, ‘Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!’” John 20:25-29 CEV
Just a week later, that’s where we are in today’s timeline. I want the world to know that although I haven’t seen Jesus in the flesh – I believe!
John went on to write these words as he closed out this chapter.
“Jesus worked many other miracles for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.” John 20:30-31 CEV
I have faith in Jesus and He has given me true life. Eternal life.
The saving grace of Jesus wasn’t limited to just those disciples. It is a grace that extends through the ages.
“He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:25 CEV
All of these things were written so we believe!
A few years back Phil Wickham penned the words to this song, I Believe.
I believe there is one salvation
One doorway that leads to life
One redemption, one confession
I believe in the name of Jesus Christ, hey
I believe in the crucifixion
By His blood, I have been set free
I believe in the resurrection
Hallelujah, His life is death’s defeat
All praise to God the Father
All praise to Christ the Son
All praise to the Holy Spirit
Our God has overcome
The King who was and is and evermore will be
In Jesus mighty name, I believe
I believe, I believe…”
I hope those are the words of your heart. I believe, I believe!