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Thomas

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “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.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Forgive me, but I have thought Thomas to be such an idiot.  His hesitation and doubt frustrates me!  But that's just me--I've thought all these years that Jesus was also disappointed in him because he needed a little "extra" help.

 But scripture doesn't quote Jesus saying, "'Shamed' are you that you have seen me and believe,"  He is simply stating a fact.  And also, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

I've been incredibly tough on Thomas and secretly tough on others.  So, in this season I find myself in need of an extra dose of mercy and I cannot find it.  I pridefully have not allowed Jesus to be extra sweet and gentle with me because I've fought the lie that God is somewhat disappointed in my imperfections and love for Him.

But as I finally realized in this scripture today, He is not harsh with us.  He is encouraging all to believe and take Him by His word.

Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.



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