John20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
This passage of scripture delineates for us quite graphically, the determined decision to doubt that characterized the experience of Thomas. Even though he was one of the twelve whom Christ had ordained, yet he was slow to believe, and the skepticism that surfaced by this statement, caused his name to go down in the annals of history as "Doubting Thomas", a label that is used even to this day, to describe those who are prone to unbelief. In Acts chapter 1, after the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out, the name of Thomas fades from the scene, never more to be mentioned in the Bible, for nothing is heard of any exploits done for Jesus, as opposed to the many recorded, heroic acts of faith done through Peter, Paul, and the other disciples.
When the other disciples declared that they had seen the Lord, that should have been sufficient evidence for Thomas to believe, for they would not conspire to tell a blatant lie like that, which would serve no purpose whatsoever. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that faith cometh by hearing, hence the reason why Jesus at this point, pronounced a blessing on those who believe without seeing. Let's read:
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
The experience and history of Thomas contains very important lessons for the Christian living in the 21st century, for we are immersed in an atmosphere of doubt, unbelief, skepticism, and denial, and if we are not very careful, these elements that are inhibitory to faith, can invade our thinking, thus causing us likewise to doubt. There is doubt as to the creation story, doubt as to the authenticity of the Bible, skepticism about global warming, and thousands of unfounded, conspiracy theories of mistrust of the government that abound. A disposition of distrust and unbelief has taken deep root in our culture, which in turn affects our faith in the God of all possibilities.
How much evidence we require before we believe, directly impacts or experience with God, and actually sets the tone for our entire religious life, either for the penetrating of new frontiers by a living faith in God, or for the morbid experience of wallowing in the mire of unbelief. Even though we are required to prove all things, yet as Christians we should train our minds to a ready belief, that takes God at His word without asking for proof before we act on His commands or instructions.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that calls us back to a mindset of faith, for our life experiences with the Lord can be greatly enhanced if we would only believe. Let's read:
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
May God enable us to overcome doubt in all of its varied forms, and may we instead cultivate a childlike faith in the living God. "Good night" and God bless!