Be not FAITHLESS, but BELIEVING!

The Lord Jesus Christ appears to his disciples for the second time in the upper room. One of his disciples, Thomas, had been absent from the group on the Lord’s first appearing. The other disciples had told him, We have seen the Lord.

But, Thomas remained doubtful. Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe (John 20:25) – that was his reply.

Mary Magdalene was familiar with this response. When Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to her; and, she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. And they went and told it to the residue: neither believed they them (Mark 16:9-11).

Peter testifies of that first appearing of the Lord in the upper room when he writes, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (I Peter 1:3-5).

Doubting Israel demonstrates the same attitude toward Christ, as did Thomas. Because of their unbelief they were broken off...and they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again (Romans 11:20-23). And God will, the day their Deliverer shall come out of Sion; and, so all Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:26). One shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends (Zechariah 13:6). And, this will happen after one week: Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:24-27).

Like Thomas, at Christ’s second appearing in the upper room, they will hear the Lord’s admonition of peace: Be not faithless, but believing! Just at his presence, Thomas declares of Jesus of Nazareth, My Lord and my God! Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!