43. Thomas

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In today’s thought, we can start to piece together some elements in the life of Thomas that might resonate into our own lives. Cynicism and doubt are so often lying low but feed into much of our day and the decisions and choices we make. For Thomas, perhaps it was reasonable doubts that day when he needed to see to believe. 

Idea 1: Reasonable doubts? Let me make a case for poor old Thomas here, he seems to get the bad end of the stick and is eternally known as doubting Thomas, but is that fair?  He had witnessed Jesus’ death and the aftermath that had ensued, and then suddenly the others start talking about Jesus being alive again! 

Imagine you were Thomas, would you go with it, having been that close to the action for so long or would you say ‘hang on lads, I need to see this!’

Was it reasonable for him to doubt? Maybe!

What are your doubts? 

Idea 2: Cynicism Perhaps you might be thinking, ‘actually I think Thomas was more than doubting, he was being cynical.’ Cynicism seems to be a bit more manipulative of us than doubt, cynicism is more focused on the idea that there is some hidden agenda, motivation and guile behind what I am seeing and hearing, was Thomas doing this? I’m not sure he was but I know I can. 

I often ‘read’ people with an air of cynicism, measuring them up with my preconceived filters to make sure I am not taken for a ride or duped in some way, but this cynicism can be massively damaging to us and others. 

Did Jesus challenge this in Thomas in that moment of ‘come and see?’ Maybe, but one thing is for sure, I know Jesus challenges my cynicism all the time, what about? What are you cynical about? 

Idea 3: “Come Closer’ Here is the bit I like, Jesus doesn’t demote Thomas for his doubts, or cynicisms if that’s what we think they were. Jesus doesn’t banish him or publically humiliate him, Jesus invites him to come closer!

Jesus invites the doubters to come closer and have a good look, don’t be lost in doubt ad cynicism, come and study the real thing, get as close as you can and see for yourself. 

I like that. Jesus does the same for us.  Do you need to get closer and dispel some doubts and cynicism about Jesus, the church and his people? 

Action

Not nice to admit this stuff really, but if you can, explore it and let prayer and a commitment to truth inspire you this week.