June 24 Full Faith

John 20:24-28 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
 
WHAT does it take to confess, “My Lord and my God?” Thomas touched Jesus’ wounds. He knew without a doubt because all of his senses: touch, hearing, seeing and smell were able to gather in the fact that the risen Christ was alive with him! As Mary Magdalene had experienced the Lord’s same physical presence to exclaim, “Rabboni!” Thomas also exclaimed his belief in the physical evidence of the risen Jesus.
   From that point on, Thomas faithfully lived forward into his commission. His zeal for the Lord became the gospel’s outpouring. Of the millions of Christians in India today, Thomas planted the first salvation seeds. Until he died a martyr’s death, nothing – especially doubt – stopped Thomas’ faithful proclamation of the risen Lord.
   What about you? Are you ready to proclaim the risen Christ? Are you ready to say to him, “My Lord and My God?” Be of faith to know that even though the Lord does not stand before you in physical form, he manifests himself through changed lives. In faith, declare to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”  Then be willing to follow him to places you don’t know – even to your neighbor’s home – to tell the good news.
   Go ahead. Do it. Your life will be different and new as you declare your faith with words and actions. Live for Jesus; you will experience him with all your senses. You will touch those in need. You will hear his comfort, assurance, strength and power. You will taste the sweetness of his joy. You will smell the fragrance of peace, love and unity. You will see the Lord’s wounds heal the brokenhearted, calm the fearful and assure those who confess. You will know Jesus is your Lord and your God.
 
Prayer: I love you, Jesus. Thank you for opening my eyes to see you. Amen.