Today’s ‘Days of Praise’ devotional was, as it is every day, uplifting and thought-provoking. I thought this was especially so. from https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6
My Lord and My God
“And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28)
Thomas has been called “doubting Thomas” because of his initial reluctance to believe in the Lord’s resurrection, but neither the Lord nor the other disciples ever viewed him in such a light. His later ministry, as the first missionary/martyr to India, speaks clearly of his great faith.
It is only in John’s gospel that we have any specific insight into Thomas’ character. When the other disciples sought to dissuade Jesus from returning to Jerusalem, it was Thomas who urged, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). Thomas understood the dangers awaiting them but was ready to go wherever Jesus desired him to go. In the upper room when Jesus spoke of going away, Thomas, still willing to go with Him anywhere, was the only one to ask, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Then, just a few hours later, the Lord had been crucified, and soon “the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19) as they hid themselves in the upper room.
But Thomas was not hiding! The Scriptures do not say where he was when Jesus appeared in their midst, but he was not hiding there like the others. He may well have been out working or witnessing, doing whatever he could to follow the Lord, but he (like the others) had failed to understand Jesus’ promise that He would rise again.
When the other disciples reported that they had seen the resurrected Lord, Thomas, realizing the tremendous significance of such a miracle if it were true, insisted he must see the proof firsthand. Then, when he saw the Lord, he showed a higher comprehension of what had taken place than any of the others, as he whispered in awe: “My Lord, and my God!” HMM
Good afternoon, Kathy, I thank Him and praise Him for giving you such wisdom to share with us. I needed to see doubting Thomas in another light, through His eyes not mine. My Lord, my God! May He bless you today sister.
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I receive those blessings, dear Julie!
I, too, appreciated another perspective on Thomas. I appreciate his strength, and the writer’s insight.
Bless you.
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I always felt like Thomas got a bum rap for simply not being with the other ten. May have been simply getting lunch for everybody, but Jesus knew he would be missing.
ALL of the disciples were like Thomas, not believing the women, the disciples from Emmaus, or even the empty tomb, until Jesus showed up. (Mark 16:11-14) So let’s cut him some slack, as you do!
His faith was the basis for Jesus’ instructions, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
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Yes! Like the writer (HMM) points out, Thomas was the one NOT there, not hiding. That was a tight group; they had learned to support one another. No one chided Thomas for “unbelief.” They all knew they were in the same boat. I’m guessing they shared in Thomas’ joy all over again when he saw and worshiped.
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Lately in a Sunday school class I was made to realize that, contrary to what I had always thought, there is nothing that says Thomas put his finger in the nail holes in Jesus’ hands. Jesus invited him to, and he declared, “My Lord and my God!” Sounds like one look, or the sound of His voice was enough.
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I love when God gives us deeper insights / new truths about His Word. We can keep digging and digging, and we will always find treasure!
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So insightful! Thanks for writing this Kathy.
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I’m glad I posted it, Nia; but I didn’t write it – it’s shared from Days of Praise. 😊
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Oh. How did I miss that? Anyway, I’m glad you posted it too.
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😊
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Oh my LORD and MY GOD! What wonderful praise that is! It is funny that you are in JOHN as we are in the book of JOHN at my Church. We are going line by line and our pastor’s expository teaching is amazing. He always jokes that we will still be in JOHN in 2024! But what an insight you have here of Thomas. LORD help our unbelief!!
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This is a shared post from Days of Praise, Maxine. It made quite an impression on me.
I’m actually still in the book of Micah, and am daily astounded by the application to our present time.
At our church, we recently finished a study of Ephesians. We got a lot out of it, and it took a loooong time, but I know we could have spent a few more years in it, even! I can only imagine the depth and riches in your study of John.
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Yes I did a woman’s study last year in Ephesians. It was very in depth but I loved it. The more I learn the more I realize I don’t know! Yes JOHN will take some time but everyone in our Church loves the slow speed Adam takes in teaching it to us…..line by line. Then he gives us a big idea, then points that relate to each scripture. I am amazed at the depth he goes. But oh so thankful I am where I am. Look Adam up sometime…..it is: christaz.org All of his sermons are there.
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Wow, you-all have quite a ministry there! I love that God’s Word is eternal. We may be yet learning from it in Heaven. 😊
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Wouldn’t you think we would be learning for all of eternity……just in a very different way?
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You bet I do.
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Thanks for posting this, Kathy. Very enlightening. Blessings!
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I do love how God’s Word sheds light! 😊
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Hallelujah and Amen Sister in JESUS-YESHUA CHRIST-MESSIAH Kathy!! Great post, and thanks so much for sharing!!
Love ❤ Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
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Hallelujah!
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