"NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED!"

John 20:24-29                        (ESV)

"24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when JESUS came.

25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the LORD." But he said to 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."

26 Eight days later, HIS disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, JESUS came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

27 Then HE 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."

28 Thomas answered him, "My LORD and my GOD!"

29 JESUS said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen ME? Blessed are those who have "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED."

"Doubting Thomas" has been ridiculed for nearly two thousand years as the disciple who would not believe that JESUS had risen from the dead.  Had I been among the witnesses at the crucifixion and observed the HORRIBLE DEATH that my JESUS suffered on my behalf, I imagine not believing would have been quite easy for me also!  Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit came about 50 days later and bore witness that JESUS CHRIST was alive and well!  The other disciples had seen JESUS earlier and knew HE had overcome death!  But Thomas didn't yet have that benefit.  He had observed his "MASTER" seemingly destroyed by Roman soldiers just days prior.  

It has been almost two thousand years since JESUS walked on earth.  Sure, we have the Holy Spirit to testify of HIS greatness, but one day soon JESUS will come to earth again to claim HIS bride!  HIS bride will consist of ones who have "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED".  While it is true that I have not physically seen my KING, I see more and more evidence of HIS handiwork everyday.  Whenever I see the Grand Canyon or some other great "natural" phenomenon, there is little doubt that this earth wasn't the result of evolution or some other scientific explanation.  Only my loving GOD gets acknowledgement of Creating magnificence!

JESUS told Thomas to see and touch HIM so he could believe.  My Spirit should so reflect CHRIST that a lost world can see HIS resurrection even today.  The enemy keeps us so busy with what seems to be "important" things that we don't accentuate the MOST important thing we can do.   JESUS "wants" us to believe!  HE even lingered 40 days afterwards to prove to all who saw HIM that HE had overcome death, hell, and the grave! But the enemy prefers we forget and not focus on Resurrection Day!

JESUS said "Blessed are those who have "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED."  Physically, I have not seen the Resurrected CHRIST, but I am one who has YET BELIEVED!  There is NO DOUBT in my heart, soul, and mind that JESUS CHRIST willingly left HIS throne in Heaven, and would have done so JUST FOR ME if necessary, to provide a ransom for mine, and your, lostness!  I pray that you too are one who has "NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED!!!"