No Doubt

Daily Reading

John 19-21

Daily Thought

Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of his followers. The disciples, minus Thomas, were gathered in a locked room when Jesus “came and stood among them” (John 20:19). Later, when they ran into Thomas, their excitement was evident, “We have seen the Lord!”

People don’t rise from the dead, so it was understandable when Thomas challenged them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25). Richard Dawkins, biologist, atheist, and author of “The God Delusion,” admires Thomas’s skepticism, “Science is based upon verifiable evidence. Religious faith not only lacks evidence, its independence from evidence is its pride and joy, shouted from the rooftops. Why else would Christians wax critical of doubting Thomas? The other apostles are held up to us as exemplars of virtue because faith was enough for them. Doubting Thomas, on the other hand, required evidence.”

Eight days later, Jesus appeared again, and this time Thomas was in the room. Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe” (John 20:27).

“Perhaps he should be the patron saint of scientists,” Richard Dawkins suggests. Fair enough, Patron of Scientists, Saint Thomas, who upon looking at the evidence, bowed and worshiped, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). No doubt.

Daily Prayer

Jesus, Son of Almighty God, Risen Lord and Savior, bearing the marks of the cross still. You bore the cross, the pain of death, and the greater pain of sin, so that I might be saved. When Thomas looked at Your hands, he did not simply see proof of who You were. He saw proof of what You bore, what you had done. For him. For me. For the whole world.

Jesus, You are God of all creation. When You paint a sunset, the right response is not mere belief,  but worship. Thank You, Jesus, You are my Lord and my God. Thank You for giving me life and placing me in a world You created for us, for seeking after I lost You, for saving me, for loving me.

Amen

Daily Question

What kind and how much evidence do you need to believe in Jesus?

Get Out of the Boat

Daily Reading

Matthew 13-14

Daily Thought

Jesus began to speak in parables to the hard of heart, because though “seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). They were perfectly capable of hearing, but not willing, and so they do not try to understand and are blind and deaf to the words of God.

Peter, on the other hand, was not capable–in this case, of walking on water, yet when Jesus said, “Come,” Peter left the boat and walked on water and came to Jesus (Matthew 14:29). Half way there he realized he could not do what he was doing and sank, but for a brief time he did the impossible because he was willing to believe the impossible.

Jesus chastised Peter as he lifted him out of the water and back in the boat, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). It wasn’t that he couldn’t walk on water. Of course he couldn’t. He doubted Jesus when he said “Come.” 

God cares not what we can do, but what we will do.

Daily Prayer

Creator God, this world is marvelous, full of wonders. It displays Your wisdom and majesty. How great You are. You have power and authority over all things. And You are good. That’s why You can promise that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

God, may I keep my ears tuned to You, listening to Your words and following them. May I live a life full of joy and wonder and surprise, not at what I can do, but what you keep doing. May I do what I cannot do, but You can. May I walk in faith and see the greatness of my God.

Amen

Daily Question

What has Jesus asked you to do that you’re not sure you can?

No Doubt

Daily Reading

John 19-21

Daily Thought

Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of his followers. The disciples, minus Thomas, were gathered in a locked room when Jesus “came and stood among them” (John 20:19). Later, when they ran into Thomas, their excitement was evident, “We have seen the Lord!”

People don’t rise from the dead, so it was understandable when Thomas challenged them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25). Richard Dawkins, biologist, atheist, and author of “The God Delusion,” admires Thomas’s skepticism, “Science is based upon verifiable evidence. Religious faith not only lacks evidence, its independence from evidence is its pride and joy, shouted from the rooftops. Why else would Christians wax critical of doubting Thomas? The other apostles are held up to us as exemplars of virtue because faith was enough for them. Doubting Thomas, on the other hand, required evidence.”

Eight days later, Jesus appeared again, and this time Thomas was in the room. Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe” (John 20:27).

“Perhaps he should be the patron saint of scientists,” Richard Dawkins suggests. Fair enough, Patron of Scientists, Saint Thomas, who upon looking at the evidence, bowed and worshiped, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). No doubt.

Daily Prayer

Jesus, Son of Almighty God, Risen Lord and Savior, bearing the marks of the cross still. You bore the cross, the pain of death, and the greater pain of sin, so that I might be saved. When Thomas looked at Your hands, he did not simply see proof of who You were. He saw proof of what You bore, what you had done. For him. For me. For the whole world.

Jesus, You are God of all creation. When You paint a sunset, the right response is not mere belief,  but worship. Thank You, Jesus, You are my Lord and my God. Thank You for giving me life and placing me in a world You created for us, for seeking after I lost You, for saving me, for loving me.

Amen