So, Thomas was not with them for the "blowing on" of the Holy Spirit.
And when they saw Thomas, they did not tell him about the Holy Spirit being blown onto them. They just said that they had seen the Lord.
Was it bravado? Was it the doubting of his fellow disciples?
Was he doubting that something he had never witnessed could take place like that?
Was doubting just the place from whence Thomas came, even always?
It was a lesson on believing without sensual proof.
How many times have you said, "I will believe it when I see it." or "I am from Missouri. You are gonna have to show me?"
We all want proof. The Pharisees and Elders wanted signs.
The crowds demanded wonders, even from the cross.
We want a supernatural God to show us the trick behind the magic.
We want our supernatural God to prove that God is supernatural.
Perhaps what we need to do is trust in what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us.
Perhaps we need to believe that His Good News is a better way to live in the world - God's Way for us.
Perhaps we need to come to believe that Jesus is alive within His body - community, and that the living of the Agape Love that Jesus commanded IS the miracle and produces well-being in the lives of people because of the miracle of whole communities living it.
Perhaps we need to believe that God wants US to be the miracle... to ACT in Agape Love - not a feeling love, but a COMMITTED ACTION on behalf of others, even stranger and enemy.
Perhaps we need to see that God acts through our hearts, minds, mouths, hands and feet - proof that God loves all those around us.
Perhaps WE need to BE the proof of Jesus' presence, power and love.
Doesn't that come dangerously close to "testing God" to see if God really exists and loves and will be there for us?
Do we need proof of a risen Lord in order for us to believe in Jesus' Good News? (Mark 1:15)
Do we need proof of the empty tomb, the shroud, the literalistic word, the weight of historical belief or supernatural activity in order to actively commit on behalf of others, even strangers and enemies, knowing that Jesus commanded us to do so?
Do we need PROOF that the world will be a better place if we do?
Do we need PROOF of our reward in heaven in order to live it?
Blessed are those who have not seen proof and still believe.
Blessed are those who believe in Jesus' Good News and live it, without looking for rewards, just because it is the right thing to do and because Jesus commanded us to do it.
If we live Agape, we may have life in His name, because we have blessed other lives in His name, which is what He commanded us to do.
What proof would make you obedient to what Jesus had already taught, commanded and modeled for His followers to live?
None? Then what are you waiting for?
Live the Agape Jesus taught, commanded and modeled. That is living the faith out of belief in Him.
Pastor Jamie
No comments:
Post a Comment