(Mt.10:3; Mk.3:18; Lk.6:15, Acts 1:13; Jn.11:16; 14:5; 20:24-29; 21:2)
Doubts come out of nowhere. To say you have never had a doubt is to kid yourself. Rock solid conviction on every fact presented, every belief taught, and every experience had, is a tall order for a human being—we with feet of clay. Thomas expressed his doubts about the risen Christ in these famous words:“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand in his side, I will not believe” (Jn.20:25).It’s a brave Christian who says that he would never say that which Thomas said. It is tantamount to suggesting that we would never deny Christ three times as another brother did.Thomas’ statement of doubt bears a striking resemblance to our: “I’ll believe it when I see it!” After all, that is the way most Christians react when hearing Jesus speak about ‘Mountain Moving Faith.’As perplexing as Thomas’ statement of doubt is, it is not half as perplexing as Jesus’ reaction to it a week later. After inviting Thomas to touch his wounds, he said bluntly, “Stop doubting and believe.”And that Thomas did!Thomas did that which every person does when they realize who Jesus is. He worshipped the Saviour, crying, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn.20:28).I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, Jesus expects believers to know what is going on. When doubts are a result of confusion over misinformation, Christians acknowledge the devil’s presence. Over the previous three years, Thomas had heard the truth from He who is ‘The Truth,’ witnessed miracles by the power of God, and he himself performed miracles in the name of Christ. Jesus had specifically prepared the apostles for his death, burial, resurrection, and the kingdom to come. That’s why he said, “Stop doubting and believe!”The apostle Paul speaks to the source of doubts and their cure: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” (2Cor.10:5).
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