“ Seeing is believing” is the challenge we throw down when a friend makes a preposterous claim. We demand evidence that is touchable, or we discount it as another fish story of “the one that got away”. Our doubt is especially strong when it comes to spiritual things. There is a natural skepticism that we use to defend ourselves against deception. No one likes the shame that goes with being “fooled” or “deceived”.
So, it wasn’t unusual when Thomas didn’t believe his friends when they told him that the “buried” Jesus was now out of the grave and walking around. Was this a cruel joke? Were they disguising their own pain by playing a childish prank on him?
Well, he would have them know right now that he was not in the mood for this little game. “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 it” (John 20:25 NIV) Well said, Thomas, don’t let anyone fool you.
A week later, Thomas is with his friends again, and Jesus shows up, too. He dares Thomas to touch Him and trust Him. Thomas falls on his face and confesses that Jesus is “My Lord and My God”. But the interesting thing is this; Thomas never touched Him. After demanding the undeniable proof of touching, he believed in Jesus without touching.
Faith does not need to touch. The truth is that “believing is seeing”. When you believe the truth about Jesus, you then can see Him in all His might and power changing people’s lives. Matters of the heart and spirit aren’t like the rest of life. The heart deals in faith, hope, trust, and love. These qualities and characteristics are experienced not by testing in a biology or chemistry lab but in the crucible of life Under fire! Faith under fire demands a verdict! Thomas did not touch Him but took the leap of faith belief.
“Thank You, God, that doubt and unbelief are not unforgivable sins but steps
on the way to a lasting relationship with You. You are so understanding! Amen”
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