12/12/2021
We are Christians because we believe in Jesus Christ, but we are called to believe in Him through our faith. The story of Thomas refusing to believe that Jesus had risen until he actually touched his wounds is the greatest example of the necessity of faith that we read in the Bible. Thomas sat at the feet of Jesus, and witnessed His life and miracles, yet when it came time to truly believe what he had heard and seen, he lacked the faith to do so. Is this our story too? Are we modern day versions of Thomas? Are we waiting on Jesus to present Himself to us before we can actually believe?
“Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””
John 20:29 ESV
There is a popular saying that goes like this: “Seeing is believing.”, but although that is true in the world, it is only describing the belief of the body and mind through one’s physical eyesight. To truly believe, that is to believe with one’s heart and soul, requires something much greater than this… the eyes of faith.
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
We are blessed for our faith, but do we really know what faith is? So many think it is synonymous with belief, but it isn’t. We believe based on what we know is real, but listen to the definition of faith given us in the book of Hebrews…
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 ESV
When asked which was the greatest commandment, Jesus said that it was for us to love God in three ways… none of which were tangible, physical, or real, in nature. He told us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind. We can’t see a person’s heart, any more than we can see their soul, or witness what is in their thoughts. None of these things can our eyes behold, or our hands grasp. They require the eyes and hands of something far greater… our faith.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38 KJV
So can we know God, please Him, or love, Him, without faith? Is believing in something simply because we can see it, or touch it, enough for us; enough to allow us to understand it completely? I have a pocket watch, and I know it is a watch because I can see it’s shape, and it’s hands moving, but the workings that make it tick reside within it, and these I can’t see. I have faith they are there because if they weren’t then how could this watch possibly work? Yet in all the 45 years since my wife gave me this watch, on our first wedding anniversary, I have never seen them. It is much the same with the love that prompted Ann to give me that watch in the first place… it is there, and I have faith in that, but I can’t see it or touch it… her love for me can only be experienced through various manifestations. I have faith in the fact that she loves me.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 KJV
Thomas (Doubting Thomas) thought that by touching the wounds of Jesus he would believe, but it wasn’t the touching that allowed this to occur… what allowed him to believe was the moment in which he the realized his lack of faith; his failure in it. When he touched Jesus he didn’t begin describing the wounds, no, he described what he was feeling inside as his heart filled to bursting: “My Lord and my God”. And Jesus recognized this belief, but admonished him (as we read in our opening verse today) for the lack of faith he originally exhibited. Thomas missed the blessing of faithfulness… listen…
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
John 20:28-29 KJV
Believing in God is wonderful and necessary, but Satan also believes that God is who He says He is, and demons recognize Jesus and believe that He too is who He says He is. The power that gives us victory over these, the wicked, isn’t believing, but our faith which is much stronger. Faith is our defense over sin, evil, and all that is wicked…
“above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Ephesians 6:16 KJV
So, how is our faith? Do we believe, and yet neglect our faithfulness? Has Jesus Ed abolished our faith, or have we entered into battle without our shield? Are we diligently seeking God to the point that our faith is flourishing, blooming, and pleasing Him?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 KJV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the belief in you which we proclaim, but bless us Lord for the faith we have, and that is growing within us. Help us in our unbelief Father, and cultivate the seed of faith that resides within each of us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who all of Heaven and hell see and believe to be true. Merciful are you who reveals yourself to us, nourishes our soul, and fertilizes our faith with your Holy Word, and the gospel of Jesus. Praised be your name for every wicked dart that we deflect by the strength of our faith. Your grace is sufficient for us, but the faith you have given us glorifies you always. We feel the body of Christ, and taste His blood, but it is the unseen, unfelt, and certainty of our faith, that allows us to know your power, and call you our God, even when we are blind, and to dine with you, and your Son Jesus for all eternity. Praised be your name now and evermore.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Rich Forbes