Faith and Experience

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”  (John 20:26-27)

 

While it is said that a wise person learns from experience, it is better said that a wise person learns best from someone else's experience! So it was for Thomas, and so it is for us. Thomas would not believe in the Resurrection simply because he was unwilling to accept the testimony of his fellow disciples. Yet, that is exactly how the Lord intended the truth be communicated; not simply according to sight and personal experience, but by the word of faith from those who came before us. Thanks be to God for the powerful testimony of those who have seen the risen Christ. That is how the Kingdom is shared and how the Kingdom works.

 

Most of us come to believe in God through the ministry and testimony of others. God uses their words and their witness to point us to heaven. When we hearken to them, we become part of something greater than we could ever be on our own — His church. Satan will do everything he can to get us to believe on an independent line, to disdain the words of our brothers and sisters, and to refuse the encouragement and wisdom they offer. But we do well to listen to those who have gone before us — those who have seen Jesus. The Lord would teach us many things through those seasoned believers. May we not be afraid to hear and follow those who have seen Christ before us, and perhaps, more clearly than us!

 . . . do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:12)

 

Let's Pray - Lord, thank You for my fathers and mothers in the faith, whose testimony has strengthened and encouraged me in my walk. May I be an effective witness of the Living Christ to the generations to come. Amen.