August 13, 2015

^“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.” 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!” 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.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:24-29

“So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit, ”he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.” Mark 9:20-26

“It (love) always trusts……” I Corinthians 13:7

Love tries to trust. It gives the benefit of the doubt. It is aware that to love you must trust.

This truth is illustrated in these two stories from the Gospels.

Thomas was one of the Twelve who followed Jesus.

For three years he had listened to the Master and learned from Him. He had walked the long dusty roads from village to village. He had seen the miracles and even been involved in some.

On the night in the Upper Room when Jesus celebrated the Lord’s Supper, Thomas was there.

When Jesus was lynched and led away from the garden, Thomas was there and he fled in fear with the others.

Thomas watched in horror as Jesus’ badly beaten body was nailed to the cross. He watched Him die.

So, naturally, when Thomas heard that the resurrected Jesus had appeared in their midst one day when he was gone, he had trouble believing their report.

He wanted to believe their story. He tried to trust them. But his heart had already been broken and he wasn’t sure he could trust their report. We was trying to believe but it was tough!

So, Jesus appeared to help Thomas believe. Thomas touched His hands and touched His side and his trying became trusting.

And then there was the man with demoniac son.

Jesus told the man that anything will be possible if he would believe it is possible.

This desperate dad was trying to give Jesus the benefit of the doubt. “I am trying to believe, Jesus, help me to believe.” What a great response!

You’ve been there haven’t you?

Perhaps you are there now!

Because this man was ready to believe God gave him reason to believe!

Love tries to trust. Love gives the benefit of the doubt. When you have the will to believe God makes the way.