June 16, 2004

MY LORD AND MY GOD

"Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!' " (John 20:28, NKJV).

The disciples of Jesus had told Thomas that they had personally seen the resurrected Lord. But Thomas, whose philosophy was "seeing is believing," firmly insisted, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails... I will not believe" (John 20:25, NKJV). This was final and categorical.

Eight days later, the resurrected Lord appeared in person before the disciples behind closed doors and whispered His familiar salutation, "Peace be with you." Before Thomas could gain his composure, the Master disarmed him with the direct order, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do no be unbelieving, but believing" (verse 27, NKJV). Here Christ offered Thomas the exact proof he had demanded. Almost dumbfounded, Thomas at last had seen the light. It was then that he reverently voiced one of Christ's most sacred titles, "My Lord and my God!" (verse 28, NKJV). What a change came over Thomas--from doubter to full believer!

Now that Thomas had become a believer, he openly confessed Christ to be both Lord and God. His great confession soon became a standard formula of faith for early Christians (see 1 Corinthians 12:3). Since then, Christians everywhere have joined the enlightened Thomas with the reverent confession, "My Lord and my God!" Here is a special insight to reflect on: "Jesus, revealed in His love and mercy as the crucified Saviour, will wring from many once unwilling lips the acknowledgment of Thomas: 'My Lord, and my God.' "--Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 222.

My Prayer Today: Lord, with Thomas, I reverently pray, "My Lord and my God." Amen.