Thursday April 27, 2023

Today is Thursday, April 27 and we are studying the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and rest in the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are the Lord of my life and the Shepherd of my heart. I am here to listen to your voice and discover the specific message you have for me today. Open the scriptures and help me see what you wish to reveal. Amen.

I seek the God who loves me and call out to him with the ancient words of Psalm 31.

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:2-3

Pause and Pray

Easter Sunday evening Jesus appeared to the disciples inside a locked room and showed them the wounds on his hands and his side. He also ate a piece of broiled fish (Luke 24:42-43). Thomas was not there for that encounter with Jesus. We don’t know where Thomas was, but he missed seeing Jesus that first night. When he arrived, I imagine all the disciples were talking about seeing Jesus. Perhaps he felt left out, after all the most extraordinary thing imaginable had just happened and he missed it.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 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.” John 20:24-25

Because of his response, Thomas is forever known, thousands of years into the future as “Doubting Thomas”. His nickname stuck. We don’t call the other disciples “denying Peter” or “coat-holding Paul.” What if I was known because of my sin and trespass? What would my name be? It doesn’t seem quite fair that Thomas can’t shake his moniker. A lot of people in the Bible doubt – Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Gideon, John the Baptist, Peter and Martha as well as Thomas. In all cases, the Lord came to doubters with a reassurance of his presence, a sign of his comfort and a reminder of his promises.

Ask: What is the source of my doubt and skepticism? When do I display a lack of confidence in what God is able to accomplish?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, for my entire life people have been telling me about you. Many good and faithful witnesses have written, taught, preached and shared testimony about who you are and what you can do in my life. Yet, again and again, I place my confidence in the things of this world instead of having confidence in the power of God. Strengthen my faith. Help my unbelief. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 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.” John 20:24-25

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Whatever circumstance in my life that is causing me worry or concern, whether it be big or small, God wants me to share it with him today. Like Thomas, I may want to touch and see for myself before I believe. Maybe I don’t think “God is Big Enough” to help me with my particular situation, change my circumstances or solve my problem. Maybe I don’t think God is powerful enough to heal my broken relationship, comfort my loneliness, or recover what is lost. Ultimately Thomas doubted God had the power to bring Jesus back from the dead. What am I doubting God has the power to do in my life?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, I invite you to remind me once again that you see through locked doors. You see me for who I really am and you know my struggles, challenges and concerns. You know my heart and how to heal it. You know my mind and how to change it. You know my soul and how to save it. I turn to you in faith and I believe that your resurrection power is at work in my life. Amen.

Stop doubting and believe. John 20:27b

I leave this time of prayer believing in the power of God. I go to serve a dark and hurting world in the name of Jesus.

Amen