When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection,
there was one who was absent from the motley crew – Thomas.
When he came back to the group, they were abuzz telling of Jesus’ appearance.
But Thomas didn’t believe a word they said.
“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were,
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it,” he declared.
“A week later his disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them.
Though the doors were locked, Jesus suddenly appeared and stood among them.
Then Jesus turned to a stunned Thomas
and said, "Put your finger here; see my hands.
Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas fell to his knees and cried, "My Lord and my God!"
The world is full of “Thomases.” I was one and perhaps you were one too.
And even though I did not run my fingers over Jesus’ nail scarred hands or thrust my hand into his sword pierced side,
I recognized Jesus through the scars of the men and women who were not afraid to share
their stories of healing and redemption…and I believed.
In Revelations 12:11, John wrote,
“They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
Incredible power is released when we drop the chains of bitterness, fear and shame to tell our stories.
Because Satan knows that our stories are instrumental in his ultimate defeat,
he will do anything and everything to convince us to keep the treasures hidden away.
Oh dear one, God is calling us to not be ashamed of our scars,
for it is by those very scars that others will recognize the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do you know a “Thomas” who needs to see Jesus’ scars…perhaps in your own life? This week,
I encourage you to share your story of redemption with one other person and watch a miracle take place!