John 20:26 "Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'"
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. When he died, His sheep scattered, but as soon as He rose from the dead, He set about gathering them together into the one flock, His church. Individually and in groups, He rounded them up. But Thomas was not with them on the first Easter as they huddled in fear behind closed doors.
Jesus, however, heard every word spoken by doubting Thomas. Our Savior knows all. He is also patient and forgiving. Jesus had refused to perform a miracle for the entertainment of King Herod. Yet for the sake of restoring an obstinate apostle, Jesus made a repeat appearance so that Thomas would believe. Overwhelmed by the proof of the resurrection, Thomas made that great confession every Christian makes: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
How comforting to know our Lord will not let us go! He understands our frailty and knows the doubts within us. Through the Scriptures He reveals to us that He is risen and alive. In His mercy He offers us a second chance, and restores us when our faith flickers. He calls us not to be faithless, but to believe. He wants us to come out from behind closed doors and gather with the rest of the church in His name.
PRAYER: Jesus, though we have not yet seen or touched You, grant us to confess with the whole church, "My Lord and my God!" Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 12-14 John 8:28-59
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