I have been learning a lot about the person of Jesus, and I have been learning a lot about myself as well. You see, Jesus is a R.A.R.E. leader. Basically He can:
R-Remain relational
A-Act like himself
R-Return to joy
E-Endure hardship well
No I didn't come up with that acronym. I learned about it in a class I was in one Jesus' leadership and how we too can practice those skills. Better than that we watched the whole book of John on DVD. However, there were two chapters we didn't get to watch. Chapters 19 & 20. We all know that in chapter 19 Jesus was crucified. But I want to focus in this moment on chapter 20 and what I learned from it while waiting at Costco this morning for my tire to get replaced. In this chapter Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples on more than one account. I wanted to take a look at the Jesus after His death. Yes, He is the same, but is now known for certain as Lord of life after death. I see some of these R.A.R.E. qualities in Him. I actually journaled three pages about the chapter, but will spare you from every lesson I learned. Believe me I was changed by all I learned.
The thing that got me the most was Thomas. I have had people ask me before how it is that I can believe in a God I can't see. In "A Walk To Remember" Jamie says, 'It's like the wind. I can't see it but I know it's there.' I wish it were really that simple to believe in God. One who is so accessible through His Son, and yet One who is so mysterious at the same time. Truth is, we are all doubting Thomas at one point in our lives, some of us many (I speak for myself here too).
Thomas said he wouldn't believe Christ rose from the dead unless he could touch His scars and see Him face to face. So many of us want answers. So many of us want proof, want a sign. Christ came to reveal the Father. All the answers lie in Him. He is our access. Sometimes I want a sign even though all the signs are there. When that happens we need to ask for reassurance. Reassurance isn't necessarily asking for a sign, it is more of finding our faith in what already is.
When Christ appears to the disciples and Thomas is present, the way He deals with him is so amazing to me. He acts like Himself, and He remains relational. He invites him to touch His scars and does it with a heart of gentleness, mercy, and grace. There is no sign of anger or disappointment. He just gently invites Thomas to experience Himself and believe. At that point of recognizing it was Christ he cries out, "My Lord, my God!"
If you are a believer today, Jesus has blessed you for your belief. We hope in what we don't see, knowing it is real and true, even if there is no physical being before us. We have faith.
I don't want to doubt God. I don't like when I do. There were times where I felt like He was holding back from me. However as He draws me nearer He is telling me that He withholds no good thing from me. I long to believe this on a constant basis, and at times I still struggle, but I can't worry. Worrying does me no good. And when I do, He gently invites me to experience Himself and believe.
-To Hear Him Sing-
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