Thomas: Gritty Integrity

9/3/2017

2000 years later and many millions of people later, very, very few had the opportunity to physically touch Jesus and put their hands in his wounds. Thomas was not rebuked for wanting reality instead of hearsay. Jesus simply pointed out that the physical touch is not what we are after.

Much of religion today needs the challenge of “the emperor has no clothes.” Where the gates of hell are prevailing—it is not what Jesus is building. Jesus said that.

Blessed are those who never get the chance to put their hands in Jesus’ wounds or have physical contact with him, and yet like Thomas are willing to question the status quo—not simply relying on a husband’s will or natural descent. (John 1) They are born of interaction with God himself. Not to culture, not family ties or gullibility or ritual or superstition. Blessed are those who are building on the Rock: “flesh and blood did not reveal this to you—but my Father in heaven revealed it to YOU!” (Matthew 16)

Physical contact with Jesus is not necessary to believe what Jesus has said. Abandon the entirety of your life in that pursuit, questioning as did Thomas, simple hearsay. Demand reality. By its fruit you shall know it.

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  Apostolic Foundations and Apostolic Patterns