Pause

Resurrection changes everything. It changes the way we see the past, the present, and the future. In the new life of Christ we are all offered the promise that death is not the end.

It really is only the beginning.

Begin now to see God at work to bring life again, to you and to every one.

Listen

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, 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. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt 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 come to believe.”

John 20:26-29

Think

Thomas enjoyed the satisfaction of physical evidence that is not available to us, but Jesus said there is a blessing for those who have not seen him and yet believe. Being blessed means that we are recipients of God’s love, provision, and grace. But it is more than that! Not only do we receive God’s good gifts, but we enter into a loving relationship with the Risen Christ.

Thomas and the other disciples were able to hang out with Jesus and enjoy a daily friendship with him. Jesus is extending the same opportunity of friendship even to us who do not get to see him walking the earth.

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, all those who have not seen Jesus and yet believe are able to receive the blessing of friendship — a friendship that deepens and grows throughout life and that will carry on for all eternity.

Tammy Wiens-Sorge

Pray

Jesus, I believe even though I have not seen. There are times when doubts creep in but, Lord, help me hang on to the blessing of friendship with you to see me through the doubt. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.

Go

But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Romans 8:10-11