Partners
In Hope

The Easter Question

Monday April 2, 2018

Most of Jesus’ friends abandoned Him before He died on the cross.  After His death they huddled together in a locked room wondering what to do next.  In their grief and sorrow, they were sure that the troubles that awaited them outside the room were more than they could endure. They didn’t know how to go forward because Jesus was dead and they had no hope -- or so they thought.  While they sat in that room, an incredible thing happened.  Jesus appeared to them. 

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20) 

Jesus gave them convincing proof that He was truly alive.  He wasn’t just a ghost or a delusion, but a person they could feel and touch.  He was alive!  Wonder, joy and peace filled their hearts. However, one of Jesus’ disciples, named Thomas, wasn’t with the others when Jesus first made an appearance to them.  When Thomas was told that they had seen Jesus, he doubted that it was true. 

Like Thomas, some of us have known the discouragement of hopes dashed and opportunities lost.  In our broken fearful lives, we doubt the presence of God with us to help. 

Later when they were all together, including Thomas, Jesus came again.  Jesus did not judge Thomas for having doubts but invited Him to, “Stop doubting and believe.”  Jesus also told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 NIV)

Will we, like Thomas, realize that something incredible happens when we ask Jesus to show us who He truly is?  

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Forgive me for doubting who You are and what You have done for me.  Help me to be like Thomas who stopped doubting and believed.  Amen

©2018 Partners in Hope  
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

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