20/20 Vision: Eyes On Jesus 预览

A Skeptic Believes 

Have you ever heard a person say, “I will believe it when I see it.” According to Oxford Dictionary, a doubting Thomas is “a person who is skeptical and refuses to believe something without proof.” While there is wisdom in making sure information is correct, the Bible speaks of blessing for those who take God at his Word and believe him for what they have not yet seen. 

In John 20:24-29, we find Thomas was one who had to see it to believe it. He found it difficult to just believe the other disciples when they said they had seen Jesus. In verse 25, Thomas said, “…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.” Days later, however, when Jesus appeared through locked doors and revealed himself, Thomas cried out in belief, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28) When Thomas laid eyes on Jesus, it changed everything. Although Thomas saw and believed, in John 20:29, “… Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Do you relate to Thomas in the story? Are there areas in your life where you have become a skeptic? If so, the words of Jesus in John 20:27 speak directly, “…Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Ask God to remove your skepticism and replace it with great faith and trust in Him. There is great joy found in not having all the answers. 1 Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”. With our eyes on Jesus in 2020, may our skepticism fade away into a deep and abiding belief. 

A Prayer: 

Dear Lord, We thank you for the story of Thomas and how you cared enough for him to meet him right where he needed. With our gaze focused heavenward, we ask that you would remove any skepticism reigning in our hearts and plant seeds of great faith in its place. Please give us a faith that far exceeds any doubt. Lord, I believe, please help my unbelief. May we be counted as those blessed “who have not seen and yet have believed.” In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.