Daily Prayer Guide - Thursday ~ April 16 - Praying for Belief that Leads to Living

Read: John 20:24-29

²⁴ Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

²⁶ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Consider:

Belief can be so foggy until it becomes ‘be-living’ when we embrace the reality of who Jesus is and allow that truth to determine the way we live.

Thomas is traditionally known as the ‘doubter’, but it wasn’t so much doubt that kept Thomas from believing the testimony of his fellow friend’s accounts of a risen Jesus.  It wasn’t so much that he didn’t believe them; it just was not what he wanted to believe.  It wasn’t the way he knew life worked.

The issue Thomas was facing was his own need to control the circumstances of his faith.  He wanted his relationship with Jesus to be based on the Jesus he knew when everything made sense to him.  Now everything was different and he could no longer relate to Jesus on his own terms, what he could see, feel, experience on his own.  No, now Thomas had to embrace a new and personal relationship with Jesus that was different from the way he had just spent the last 3 years of his life.  Jesus was now much more than a teacher, healer or ideal role model.

Jesus entered the gathering with the blessing of peace, but he came to confront the trepidation of Thomas.  Jesus resolved the apprehensions by offering the required evidence and he told him to stop ‘not believing’.  There is no indication Thomas actually touched the revealed wounds but the sight of them compelled a confession.  This man, who experienced these mortal wounds, was now alive, and standing here, behind a locked door.  This changes everything Thomas thought he understood.   Now he declares that Jesus is his Lord and God, his messiah, savior and the one who had ultimate dominion over his life.     

Thomas’ confession was only the first step in the transformation of his new relationship with Jesus.  Thomas will no longer rely solely on what he sees.  His sight must become insight provided by the presence of the Holy Spirit who will reside within him.  He will no longer rely only on his own understanding but instead he must respond to the enlightenment of God’s word revealed by God’s Spirit. He was one of the privileged few to know, walk with, learn from and see the wounds of Jesus.  Countless millions will come behind him without that same privilege but whose faith in Christ will be as equally transforming, and we are counted in that number. 

We can live today not only with understanding but with insight to God’s work in us and our world today.  In days like these, where a pandemic is impacting our globe, it can be hard to not only understand what is happening but to have insight to God’s activity in our midst.  His resurrection blesses our days with hope.  His Word reveals his nature in the midst of chaos.  His Spirit directs our hearts to the center of his love and compassion.  His purposes reinforce his intention of reconciliation and his call compels us to confess our trust in him alone and to everyone around us.  

Regardless of where we find ourselves in our days, our belief in Jesus is the action of our living.

Prayer: Father, Thank you that when I have a hard time believing in Jesus that he is as gracious to me as he was to Thomas.  Forgive me when I try to make you who I want you to be instead of trusting in you for who you truly are.

·      Thank God that Jesus has revealed himself to you through his Word and Spirit.

·      Thank him that his presence brings you peace.

·      Ask him to help you live trusting in him and not your own understanding.

·      Ask that our leaders who are believers will make decisions that demonstrate compassion for people.

·      Ask that believers would live sacrificially for others who are suffering the loss of jobs, health and loved ones.

Father, Thank you that Jesus helps us in our unbelief.  Thank you that your Spirit and your Word will guide our lives.  Help us live in a way that will make your good ways known to others.   Amen 

Meditate: Proverbs 3:5-9

⁵   Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

⁶    In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

⁷    Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

⁸    It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

⁹    Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce