SEP 16

John 20:26-29
Memorise Hebrews 11:6
“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”

The Lord Jesus Christ after being crucified was resurrected three days later. This resurrection shows that Jesus had conquered death. The loving Saviour wanted to lift up their dejected spirits and so appeared to many of them to encourage them. His first appearance was to the women on the way home from the empty tomb that Easter Sunday morning (Matthew 28:8-10). Next, it was to Mary Magdalene at the garden tomb, that same morning (John 20:11-18). That afternoon he appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32). As they hurried back to Jerusalem to spread the good news, Jesus also appeared to Peter (Luke 24:33-35). That very evening, Jesus appeared again to the eleven disciples in Jerusalem, Thomas being absent. (John 20:19-25).

In today’s readings, we read about the Lord’s sixth appearance. It was a week later, on the next Sunday evening. Jesus appeared to His disciples, this time while Thomas was present. Before this, Thomas refused to believe what his fellow disciples said to him about Jesus’ resurrection. He even told them, “Except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Now, Jesus appeared to Thomas and told him to do exactly that. At the sight of Jesus, doubting Thomas straightaway believed! He confessed, “My Lord and My God.” It was a good confession. Nevertheless, it would be better if Thomas had believed without seeing. Jesus chided him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

All believers should walk by faith and not by sight. Dear teen, do you have this faith? Do you have the faith to believes what the Bible says? Such faith will make you strong in your walk with God. Pray for faith as it is a gift of God. It comes from hearing, studying and meditating on the Word. Armed with such faith, you will be able to strengthen others in the faith and encourage peers in church to trust in the Lord as they go through the trials of life. What a wonderful testimony you will have. What a channel of blessing you will be. But first, you need to be strong in the faith yourself!

Thought: I need to have faith first before I can encourage others to walk by faith.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the faith of godly men of old like Noah and Moses. Help me to believe that if God says it, I believe it, and I will not doubt it.