06/14/2021
Are you a self-proclaimed realist who doesn’t believe in things you are unable to see with your eyes, and touch with your hands? Do you doubt the goodness of food even though its smell makes your mouth water, and the sight of it is appealing? Will you refuse to call it good until you have tasted it with your tongue, and felt its texture in your mouth? In the circle of faith we associate such behavior with unbelievers, but I am also describing many who call themselves Christians as well. They read God’s Word, and lean towards belief, but need to touch it like Thomas did. They wait on the cusp of their salvation for a salty sip of blood from the cup of Christ which will allow them to believe in earnest.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
In this verse Peter describes those whose faith allows them to believe without physically touching, or tasting, the body and blood of Jesus; those who believe without actually having it transformed physically from bread and wine in their mouth. Jesus on the other hand describes this quite differently by beginning with Thomas the realist who wouldn’t believe, and though Thomas didn’t believe, Jesus gave him what he needed to overcome his disbelief, listen…
“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””
John 20:25-29 ESV
The Jews had been waiting for many generations in hope that the Messiah would come. They would tell you that they believed, and yet, did they really believe? When the Messiah, Jesus Christ, stood before them they still claimed to be waiting. Although some did follow Jesus out of faith, and some because He performed a miracle or two for them to see, there were many others who never believed, even when the sky became dark, the temple veil was torn asunder, He was resurrected, and after He had ascended… they continue waiting until this very day, but scripture tells us they will yet be saved on the day of reckoning because of promises made long ago to their forefathers…
“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.”
Romans 11:25-32 ESV
So because of their disbelief, Jesus was resurrected, and gave us, and Thomas, what we need to believe, and when He returns again he will give the waiting Jews what they need too. So let’s ask ourselves; which of these are we? Although we claim to be Christian, are we simply a newer version of the ancient Jewish realists, and self-proclaimed believers? Will we still be waiting for further proof when Jesus returns to claim His bride, and after He ascends with her will we, as Gentiles, be righteous and holy, believing on that day of His return, or left behind? Perhaps we have convinced ourselves that we have the same ancient promise that the Jews possess? No, now is the time to see with the eyes of our spirit, and to taste with the tongue of our soul, now is the time for us to believe.
“And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.””
Revelation 22:10-13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who you sent out of your love for the world to redeem us. Thank you Lord for helping us in our unbelief that we would be found faithful, righteous, and holy, upon your Son’s return. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that strengthens us in our faith by giving us an understanding of your Word, and your will. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who keeps your promises to the forefathers of the Jews, and to the Gentile believers in Christ through the new Covenant that was made with us through Jesus. Praised be your name for you are truly the same yesterday, today, and throughout all eternity. Merciful are you towards us, and glorious are you in all your ways. Your grace overcomes our shortcomings, and your mercy forgives us through the blood of Christ. Wash us clean Father in the blood of your perfect Lamb, and judge us by His perfection that covers all our sins. Lead us home Father, and celebrate our return with a seat at your table for eternity.
Rich Forbes