Blessed Are We! by Jeff Beman

John 20:25-29
25  So the other disciples told him (Thomas), “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.”

From time to time in my youth and young adult hood, I have reflected on the
people in the bible, and how they resisted following both the God (Yahweh)
and the Son of God (Jesus). How could people who were first hand
witnesses to the miracles and powers displayed to them still not believe?
And yet, at least part of the answer to my question was right there in the
scriptures. “Doubting Thomas” represents a lot of us, I think. But Jesus did
not chastise or rebuke Thomas for his refusal to believe. Jesus answered
with proof for Thomas, and a blessing for us: “Blessed are those who have
not seen and yet have believed”. It has helped me.

Father- Please keep us attentive to your word, and fresh in our faith, that we
may be blessed. Amen.