Lord
DAY 31 WRITTEN BY: TRE WIGGINS-
John 20:28
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
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Have you ever been unfairly labeled? Perhaps someone called you a certain name or issued you a nickname that didn’t seem to fit or to see the whole picture. Jesus’ disciple, Thomas, gets this treatment. Do you remember what he’s often called? Doubting Thomas. That label is from his time of questioning Jesus’ resurrection. He said he couldn’t believe unless he saw the actual holes in Jesus’ hands showing the spots where the nails pierced His hands during His crucifixion. After all, It was a difficult thing to imagine, someone coming back from the dead.
But here, Thomas is redeeming himself by arguably making the strongest statement that anybody in the gospels make about Jesus: “My Lord and my God!” What is He saying here? Number one, Jesus is Lord. Thomas is acknowledging that Jesus is the sole authority in his life. Jesus is his master, and he submits to Jesus in all things. Then, he makes a claim of Jesus’ divinity. This was the primary hang-up of people who denied Jesus’ claims. They would not believe He was God. Yet, He was. And Thomas makes this profession before the other disciples. Jesus does not condemn Thomas, but rather offers a rebuke: blessed are the ones who believe who Jesus is without seeing. Blessed are we, indeed, who make this same profession. Without this profession, there is no relationship with God. Have you recognized Jesus as Lord and God? How about leading others to do the same?
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Father, we thank you for this inclusion in the Scriptures. If we’re honest, we too have less than stellar records when it comes to our faith and belief. At times we waver. Other times we doubt. But you were gracious to Thomas who was struggling in his belief. Show us the same grace, Father, when we fall short. Ultimately, we believe Jesus is Lord and God. Help us to remember that when doubt comes calling. We trust you’ll never leave us!
