November 18 - Doubt AND Faith

Today's Reading:
Numbers 33:40-35:34
John 20:1-31
Psalm 47:1-9
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Focus Verses:
John 20:24-28
24 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 said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
 
Insight:
When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus, he found it difficult to believe. Maybe they had seen someone or something else. Thomas would have to see it for himself. He would have to hear Jesus' voice, see his face, and see the evidence of his crucifixion.

When Thomas did eventually see Jesus, he was so convinced that he exclaimed, "My Lord and My God!" His expressions of praise and worship for Jesus are especially meaningful in light of how skeptical he had been. We should also not fail to notice how Jesus allowed Thomas to worship him. Jesus' claim of deity and authority is implicit in his acceptance of Thomas' confession. If Jesus did not consider himself to be Lord and God, why would he let Thomas to say such a thing?

Response and Action:
My doubts and concerns are not too much for Jesus. God will meet me in my honest doubts and help me come to the truth. Faith is not opposed to reason. A humble skepticism may lead me to genuine faith.

O God, I believe in Jesus. Increase my faith and help me to deal with honest doubts. Help me to see Jesus and, as my eyes are opened, make me quick to confess him as Lord and God. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses:
Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Resources:
Faith AND Doubt
by John Ortberg