Questions for Reflection ~
1. [ John 20:19-31] Thomas asks for proof that Jesus has risen and proclaims him as his Lord and his God. What do you think about Thomas? Is he a doubter or a questioner?
2. [1 Peter 1:3-9] In what ways have the trials of your life refined your faith?
3. [Jeremiah 31:10-14] The prophet paints a picture of a grand return to Israel - how is this passage like new life?
1. Even though his close friends assured him Jesus had risen and had showed Himself to them, Thomas didn't believe what they were telling him. Even after all they had witnessed, learned and experienced together with the Lord when they walked with Him, he doubted their testimony. Did he think they were lying to him? Thankfully the Lord knew Thomas' need and showed Himself again to them to not only see but actually touch His wounds. Knowing seeing does not always mean believing, I think Thomas, like us, needed the physical touch. Do we want to touch Jesus? Let Him touch you!
ReplyDelete2. Being a seeker of wisdom, intellectual ascension, the more I learn the more questions arise. I have however come to the conclusion, from reading the wisdom books, mainly those penned by king Solomon, his scribes, and the many wise men he surrounded himself with, the same conclusion he reaches at the end of it all in Ecclesiastes beginning in Chapter 12 verse 8 to the end. I place more weight on these verses than all the rest of his writings. He cares for his children! After a lifetime of study, seeking and learning he had become very jaded! How many times in Ecclesiastes does he say "all is vanity"? Does anyone think this is what a Good God wants for us too? Of course king Solomon didn't have the Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God for giving us His Son. With Jesus we do not live in vain! Wisdom is not the be all and end all, FAITH IN JESUS IS!
3. The Jewish people have rejected their Messiah, they are scattered. Upon His final return every knee will bow, all will know the truth. All peoples will be confronted with the awesome truth that Jesus is Lord. Being shown the error of the ways in which they (and us) have lived, and how the Lord has always been there waiting for them to return to Him, there will be much very deep sorrow over the pain they(and we) have caused Him. Repentance will follow and Jesus will forgive and restore. As He does for any and all that truly repent and invite Him into their hearts today! The old is made new. What an awesome God we have!