Month: February 2025

“Even if you now remain silent, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another source; but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows—perhaps it was for a time like this that you became queen?”

Esther 4:14 ( NAB)

Esther was a teenage orphan who lived in the Persian empire in the 5th century B.C. She was raised by Mordecai, her older cousin, who was like an uncle to her, after her parents died.

The story of Esther begins in ancient Persia, in a kingdom that was ruled by a stereotypical, self aggrandizing King named Ahasuerus, who was staffing his harem with new women. Esther, who was raised by her pious Jewish uncle, was selected by no choice of her own, to be a part of that harem. Her destiny dramatically changed from that day forward.

Esther soon became the king’s favorite and was promoted from a concubine to a Queen, though he knew nothing about her Jewish ethnicity. She would never forget her identity or where she came from, since her uncle Mordecai visited her regularly at the palace each day. 

Women were treated as possessions in that ancient culture, and despite her status as Queen, Esther had no power or say over decisions made by the King. The book of Esther is the only book in the Bible that never even mentions God, yet the story reveals the divine gifts within women and how God was working through Esther’s life all along. 

Esther is one of many courageous daughters of God in scripture who influenced the powers of the day, by speaking out, in spite of a culture that treated women as second class citizens. Esther changed the destiny of her generation through prayer, fasting and carefully selected words.

According to Persian royal culture, the queen or any other woman was never permitted to approach the king without first being summoned by him, so Queen Esther could only see the king when he asked for her. 

Haman, a high ranking official close to the king, detested Mordecai, since he and other pious Jews never bowed down to him or showed him homage, as all other Persian citizens did. Not knowing that Mordecai was Queen Esther’s relative, Haman persuaded the king that the Hebrew people were disloyal subjects, and needed to be removed permanently. He not only plotted their genocide, but also had gallows built especially to hang Mordecai on. 

Mordecai heard rumors of Haman’s plot, and knowing that Esther found favor with the king, he began to remind her to speak to him and intercede for their people. At first Esther was terrified, since she could be killed for approaching the king of her own free will. Mordecai reminded Esther that she might have been placed in her exact position for this purpose, and now was the time to act on it. 

Meanwhile, the date was set for the annihilation of the Jewish people in the land. Esther began to fast and pray, for a way to intervene in the genocide plot. She decided to use a privilege she had as Queen, by inviting both the King and Haman to come to a special dinner party. 

Haman and the King came and enjoyed the evening, and after dinner, Esther found the courage to ask the King to grant her a favor, by saving her people from genocide. When the king asked who would harm her people, Esther bravely revealed her Jewish identity and pointed to Haman sitting at their table. Since Esther always found favor with the King, he granted her request. Haman’s plot was stopped, and he later ended up being hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai. 

Esther put her identity as a believer, above her status as the queen. She shows us that when we put God first, and speak out, as intercessors, He will intervene and miracles happen. 

Most women in that culture would have no influence over a King’s edict, but Esther was a brave intercessor who broke her silence, instead of conforming to the rules of a pagan culture. She broke the mold and through fasting and prayer, she prevented the genocide of her entire generation. 

An author and theology professor, Dr. Nina Heereman, has written a book, “Athirst for the Spirit”, which shares unique insight into the scriptural role of women. One statement in her book that I found to be profound is, 

“Women are channels of God’s wisdom, created to give counsel to men and intercede for all.”

I can see this played out in scripture so many times, not only with Esther, but with Abigail who pleaded with David not to shed blood in a moment of anger. Deborah, the only female judge in scripture, gave wise counsel to kings and military leaders, and she made such an impression on the military general, that he wouldn’t go into battle unless Deborah came with him. There have always been women of God, who were channels of God’s wisdom throughout history. 

There’s a reason that God chose Mary Magdalene, a woman, to be the first one at the tomb, and have the honor of being the first eyewitness of His Son’s resurrection. She tried to persuade the apostles that Jesus was alive, even though they thought she was crazy. Her spiritual maturity was beyond her male counterparts. 

Dr. Heereman reveals a feminine mystique through the wisdom of scripture, instead of what the decades of feminism has taught regarding women. Women have a divine role in giving counsel and interceding for people. It’s all based on the word, helper, (Ezer) in the book of Genesis. 

Eve was created to be “Ezer” or helper, which entails more than the common meaning of a helper as we know it. Eve fell in disobedience, but she was originally intended to be a counselor and intercessor, filled with the wisdom of God. Women often perceive what God is doing more easily than men do, and through redemption in Christ, women can resume their role as the “Ezer.” Women do not replace men, since both have a divine calling to fulfill.  

Whether we are male or female, God can give us courage like Esther, to speak out and intercede for people, in our present world, for the sake of justice and to fulfill all that Jesus taught.

Lord, help us to live out our identity as believers, putting you first, and interceding for others, whether through prayer or speaking on their behalf. We believe we are where we are today, for a time and a purpose to glorify you. Amen

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

John 12:24 (NIV)

Jesus talked about seeds more than once. He talked about the seed that falls on thorny, rocky or shallow ground, verses the good soil. He talked about how one wheat kernel, planted alone in good ground, bears a plentiful harvest. He also talked about the transformation of a tiny mustard seed into a huge fruit bearing tree. For as often as Jesus talked about seeds or gardening, His common message in every parable is growth. 

Since many of His parable lessons compare the kingdom of heaven to the growth that begins with a tiny seed, we can conclude that one signature attribute of God is in taking the small, ordinary or insignificant, and bringing about a growth that transforms into the extraordinary and miraculous.

Every living thing grows physically, but spiritual growth happens through the Holy Spirit, who works within us. We were all meant to keep growing spiritually, for as long as we live. God planted a seed of faith in each of us, with the intent to walk closely beside us, that our lives will glorify Him. He thoroughly believes in each person He created, since He foresees all that they were meant to be.

No one is insignificant to God or to His purpose, but we occasionally need reminding that His greatest work is not in what He does for us, but what He does through us.

Jesus chose twelve ordinary and uneducated men, according to the world’s view, but after being filled with His Spirit on Pentecost, they all  became extraordinary men of faith and courage. They changed the world, by doing and being all that the Spirit of Jesus empowered them to be.

The poor widow used the last of her flour and oil to bake bread for the prophet, Elisha, which represents giving all of our emptiness to God so that He can refill us. It was in that moment that her empty jars were miraculously refilled, each day, according to her need.

God has a history of using the most insignificant people and things, to reveal His power and glory. Jesus fed 5,000 people with one single serving of an ordinary boy’s lunch. 

He used a simple, harp playing, unarmed shepherd boy, to bring down the giant who bullied the entire armies of Israel. God is known for turning ordinary and small things into super extraordinary things, through spiritual growth. We are no different than any of those people, and God is eager to manifest that same kind of growth in our lives. 

When Moses led God’s people out of slavery, the path led them to the sea, and as they stopped, Pharaoh’s army was pursuing them. Scholars say that there was a different and shorter route to the promised land, on dry ground, avoiding the sea all together. The Lord deliberately led His people by that longer route, planning to take them through the sea. By miraculously parting the waters, God revealed His might and His great love for them. 

Sometimes spiritual growth comes when we are led down the more difficult path, instead of the easier one. God leads us according to what He intends for us to learn, to grow and bear fruit during our journey. He wants to take us through our Red Sea to reveal more of His love for us. 

We can learn so much about God’s nature and His purpose for believers, through what He has shown us in biblical history. It’s in the nature of God to take the small or insignificant persons or things, and anoint them with His power, to raise them up to a place where He will accomplish the impossible through them. 

The power of God is perfected in us, through our weaknesses, rather than through our strengths. He leads us to places we’ve never been before, and puts us in situations that make us feel inadequate and unsure of ourselves. In these situations, God is watering the seeds of our faith, which causes our spiritual growth. 

 When God is watering our seed of faith, we may feel like that wheat kernel Jesus spoke about. At times, it feels like we are struggling to stay alive, yet God is working through us, for our good, taking us to our next stage of growth, where we sprout and bear fruit.

Spiritual growth removes the barriers that hinder us. God teaches us to trust that He is enough, and He is glorified in breaking through all our barriers. He causes walls to crumble and fall, and creates a dry path through the sea in front of us. The mustard seed represents what God can and will do through our growth, when we trust in Him. We belong to a loving Father in heaven who wants to do the impossible through us. 

On that note, Paul tells us that we are all predestined to be transformed into the image of His son, Jesus. (Romans 8:29)

Lord, we surrender ourselves to you. Please unleash your divine power in us, and bring the growth which transforms us from a seed to a tree, in your name and for your glory. Amen

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Our faith is reflected to others without words, even though we may not realize it. Inner peace shows through our entire demeanor. The same goes for love, joy, or patience. People can sense a certain aura around believers who have a personal relationship with Christ. I know this because I remember a time in my own life before I had faith, when I recognized something special about certain people of faith, who I knew at the time.

Sharing one’s faith doesn’t always require words. People can observe it by how we treat others, or by acts of kindness. We’ve all heard it said, that our lives might be the only gospel that some people will ever read. 

Peter tells us to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in us. Moments will arise in conversations that offer an opportunity to share our personal faith story. 

Today’s scripture is a reminder to stay ready for that special moment when words are necessary.

At the age of 19, I reached a turning point, after surrendering my life to Jesus. For the first time in my life, I truly understood the gift of God’s grace, the cross, the resurrection and the peace of forgiveness. During a  four year obsession with the occult, during my teenage years, all of my energy had been spent in making astrology charts, palm reading, practicing witchcraft spells, and reading cards. It may sound crazy to those who never dabbled in any of these things, but I was finally set free from the grip that those mind controlling black arts had over me.

When I prayed a simple, sincere prayer to Jesus one day, something radically changed within me, and His mercy washed over me in a powerful way. I had no doubt that I received amazing grace, but I had no idea that it showed on my face. 

Afterwards, I was walking home one day, and a neighbor asked me, “Why do you look so different lately?” I was surprised by his question, but I told him that I recently surrendered my life to Jesus. I had no idea that my external image could possibly reflect what was happening within my soul. That was the first of several opportunities I had to give an explanation of the hope that was within me. 

During that same period of time, my cousin Clifton, had joined the army, and before he left for basic training, I remember a conversation I once had with him. I was sharing my faith and explaining what Jesus did for me, but he wasn’t very receptive. His responses carried a tone of mockery and total disregard for anything about God. It frustrated me, but after he went off to basic training, I continued to pray for him. 

I wish the story ended on a more positive note, but several months later, he was out drinking with his army friends while stationed in Hawaii, and they had a head on collision. My poor cousin, only in his early twenties, died instantly. It made me very sad, but it also made me realize that we never know how sharing our faith with someone, could be the last time we ever see them again.

Sometimes an opportunity comes when we least feel like talking about it. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he encourages the church to be ready, whether in season or out of season, to speak and encourage others in the faith, and to do it with great patience.  (2 Timothy 4:2) 

We all have those “out of season”days, when it doesn’t feel like the right time to talk about our faith, or when we try to explain ourselves, but nothing is being received, requiring great patience with certain people. Paul tells us to speak, whether in season or not, always being ready to give an account of the hope that is within us, and to do so with respect and gentleness.

Whatever season it is, when Jesus is seated on the throne of our hearts, the more He reigns in every area of our life, the more we will naturally want to talk about Him. The throne of our heart is never empty, because if Jesus isn’t reigning there, then someone or something else will be. 

The beauty in all of this is that we each have our own unique story to tell, and Peter encourages us to be ready to tell it. Some have a story to share of a radically transformed life, or of receiving a miraculous healing of some kind. Some people’s story has little drama, but is about simple, steadfast faithfulness, despite years of difficult trials and afflictions. Each person’s story is so valuable to someone’s listening ears. 

Christ has reconciled the world to himself, and since we have all been reconciled, we tell our own unique story of redemption. We may never be called as missionaries or to any ministry, but we are all called to be “ambassadors for Christ”. To be His ambassador is defined by Paul as, God pleading through us, yet using our words to invite others to come back to God.  (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Lord, help us to live out our calling  as ambassadors for Christ, to be always ready in season and out, to share our story and the hope that is within us. Amen

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

Luke 15:22-24 (NIV)

The Father of the prodigal made a feast and ordered his servants to bring the finest robe and put it on his son. This was the son who took his inheritance money and estranged himself from his family, until he finally returned home after living in a pen full of swine. Though he urgently needed a bath, his father wanted to first shower him with love, rejoicing in his return. The bath could wait until later. 

The prodigal son story reveals many truths about how extravagantly God loves us, first, by receiving us as we are. The bathing and deep cleaning can wait until later. He sees us as sons or daughters, and it doesn’t matter where we’ve been, He is looking for all of His children to finally come home.

Paul said that if we were baptized into Christ, we put on Christ, as one puts on a garment. (Galatians 3:27)

Putting on Christ is like putting on the Lord’s robe of righteousness and His garment of salvation, as described by Isaiah. (Isaiah 61:10)

The father of the prodigal put his  finest robe on his son, honored him with a ring on his finger and new sandals on his feet. He made it clear that this was his beloved son. The father did all this, not because his son was deserving or righteous, but because he was his son.

We are all undeserving, but we wear that robe by the grace of our Father in heaven, who loves us. Every lesson from the prodigal story, centers on relationship. God is our Father, and we are the sons and daughters He loves, and He merits us to wear His finest robe, which is Christ. He wants all His children to keep coming home and regularly receive the grace and forgiveness that He so generously offers.

The finest robe was a gift given, not as a reward for any good deeds that were done, but simply for being his son. We have all been reconciled to God, and are predestined to be conformed to the image of His son, Jesus. He invites us to also wear the gift from of our heavenly Father, which is Christ, His finest robe. 

(Romans 8:29)

Jesus, who knew no sin, wore our sins on the cross, and then gave us His robe of righteousness to wear forever. That kind of exchange reveals the extravagance of God’s love for us. It’s incomprehensible, but it’s the truth and essence of the gospel message. 

If we feel unworthy, it’s because we are. We are recipients of grace, His undeserved favor, because our heavenly Father loves His sons and daughters, like the father of the prodigal in this story. God has called all who are baptized in Christ to wear Him as our finest robe. 

We wear Christ in gratitude, publicly, not in secret, and not hiding Him from the rest of the world. People often say that their faith is private, but the father of the prodigal celebrated his son’s return with a public celebration. His father never intended it to be a private matter, and neither does our Father. 

Redemption is too great a gift to be kept private, since it was meant to be shared with others. Jesus is waiting for more prodigals to return home, so that He can place His garment of salvation and robe of righteousness upon them. Heaven still has a huge celebration every time a son or daughter comes home. (Luke 15:10)

Lord, thank you for wearing our sins on the cross, and clothing us in your finest robe of righteousness, and most of all, thank you for your love, and the free gift of grace, that brought us salvation. Amen

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”

Matthew 26:36-38 (NAB)

We shouldn’t need to wait for Holy Week to realize the relevance of the garden of Gethsemane, in each of our lives. Jesus asked His closest friends, “Stay with me, my soul is sorrowful even to death.” The garden is where we see the humanity of Jesus in totally raw form, and He wanted His friends nearby, in that emotionally stressful time, as His arrest and impending death was a reality.

The word Gethsemane, in Hebrew means, olive press. An olive press crushes olives, squeezing all the oil out of them. Jesus was emotionally and spiritually crushed in the garden of Gethsemane, and had everything squeezed out of Him. 

We might experience a garden of Gethsemane in our own lives, through some type of sorrow, affliction or a tragedy that we have no control over. It causes us to feel emotionally pressed or squeezed, but Jesus knows what it’s like to be crushed in that olive press. We cannot control the events that happen in our lives, but we can trust Jesus to empathize with us and be here with us. The pressing in our garden is what produces oil, and that oil becomes a healing balm to share with others. 

The garden was a preparation for Jesus, before going to the cross. We are also prepared and strengthened for every trial we face. The healing balm that comes from the oil of our olive press, is what we comfort others with, who share a similar tragedy, sorrow or affliction. 

Every believer has a Gethsemane experience. It might have happened in their past, or could be happening in the present. I went through a type of Gethsemane when my adult son, Jon, suffered a traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident in 2023. His life came to a crushing halt, by being physically and mentally disabled, and he’s been living in a Nursing Facility ever since. 

He’s made progress in his recovery, but that entire event was not only his, but my Gethsemane. Within that olive press, an oil of healing was produced in both of us. If Jon is ever able to talk about it, he will have a good story to tell. While we are being crushed in the olive press, we don’t always realize that a healing balm comes from the oil, which later becomes a blessing shared with others, who are going through something similar.

The first effect of the oil of healing for me was the peace in knowing that God loves our children and our loved ones, more than we do. I met the parents of a young man about my son’s age, who also resides at the same Nursing Facility. God brought me and Andy’s parents together, since we both had adult sons who nearly died, yet survived a serious brain injury. Both of our sons are slowly recovering, but we now share a special bond as parents, united in the healing balm from the oil of being mutually pressed.

There is also a peace in knowing that God is deeply interested and fully invested in our lives. He goes so far as to connect us with others who share a similar experience. Jesus empathizes with every kind of pain, whether it is emotional or physical, because He experienced both, and He uses people to comfort each other.

The oil of healing that comes from our garden of Gethsemane is a personal realization that God is love, and because He loves us, He not only sacrificed His Son for us, but shares His suffering and resurrection with us. He not only promises us a spiritual resurrection and renewal in this life, but also a literal resurrection in the life to come. 

God created us to thrive as a community, and when we experience the oil press in our garden, we are able to give the gift of empathy and comfort to others who suffer in a similar way. We may never know in this life, how all these things could possibly work together for our eternal good, but one day we will know and see everything clearly.

Jesus told us to let the children come to Him, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. There’s a depth of wisdom hidden in those words. It’s always best to entrust our children to Jesus, whether they are infants, young children, or adults. In His infinite wisdom, Jesus will draw all children closer to Himself, and He does it in different ways from person to person. 

Whether we are parents or not, our strength comes through times of adversity, which occasionally may become our Gethsemane. Any way we look at this difficult topic, God’s oil of healing gives us the strength for every future challenge, by learning to trust in His love. The strength Jesus found in the garden, came from knowing that His Father loved Him, and love enabled Him to move forward and face the cross.

God will take our tragedies and work all things together for the eternal good of every soul involved. Every loss is a lesson, grief reaps an inner growth, and when we are pressed like olives, we gain renewed strength to press on and bring the oil of healing to others. 

Jesus didn’t ask much of Peter, James and John. He only asked them to “remain here and keep watch with Me.” We have a great gift to give, by remaining to keep watch with someone who is going through their own Gethsemane. 

When someone would tell me that they were praying for my son, it felt like another drop of healing balm to my soul. We were meant to be a blessing to each other by simply being there with them. Showing empathy is the fruitful result of the healing balm that flows out of the pressing process of Gethsemane.

Peace can be found in that garden as we realize Jesus is holding on to us. He, who went through it all before us, is still with us, walking along side us in empathy, as He leads us from the garden into greener pastures.

Lord, bring your healing balm to all who are pressed or grieving today. Strengthen us by your love, so that we may empathize and comfort others who are also suffering. Amen

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” 

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

Scripture has a divine purpose, and that purpose works in whoever hears or reads it. Even the symbols that are used in scripture, become reminders of God’s many truths. 

I remember a mustard seed necklace I once had when I was young. It was a glass ball with a tiny mustard seed inside of it. Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain. That tiny seed in the necklace is a symbol and a reminder that God’s word tells us to keep praying and believing, because the tiniest seed of faith can move mountains.

The fact is that a tiny mustard seed does grow into a large tree, some reaching 20 feet high and spreading branches  20 feet wide. Faith, like that tiny mustard seed, is planted in us, with the intention to keep growing.

Reading God’s word produces faith and gives us hope. It also corrects and admonishes us to follow His ways, and not falter through life on our own. Today’s scripture in Isaiah assures us that God’s word never returns void. Whether it is read or heard spoken aloud, it will accomplish a divine purpose in us. 

While we read and meditate on His word, His Spirit transforms and renews our minds, as He is working in us, like a mustard seed growing into a huge tree, bearing spiritual fruit.

Jews have a prayer tradition of filling small containers with scriptures printed on parchment paper.  A parchment of scripture is placed in a container called a Mezuzah, and placed on the doorpost of every Jewish home, as a blessing, going in or out. 

Another parchment is placed in little black leather boxes called Tefillin, which are strapped to their arm and forehead, as they recite prayers. These are the symbols from their scriptures, the Torah, which are reminders to keep their hearts and minds on God and His word.

It may seem like a strange practice, but it’s a literal observance of the following scripture: “Take to heart these words which I command you today…..Bind them on your arm as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

(A boy praying, while wearing Tefillin)

God wants all of us to know, recite, memorize and bind His word to our hearts. Instead of wearing symbols like leather boxes filled with scripture or on our doorpost, or in a mustard seed pendant, we can plant His word in our minds and hearts, by reading scripture each day.

It will become like a seed planted in us, which grows into a large fruit bearing tree.

In reading scripture, we can know what God has to say to us and about us. We are chosen by grace, and He wants us to cooperate with that grace throughout our lives. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and reading scripture keeps us even closer as we open our hearts to what He has to say. God’s love for us is like a powerful magnet, and it keeps drawing us closer to Him.  (Romans 8:39)

The Letter to the Hebrews, describes God’s word as a living and active therapeutic sword, like a therapist, which probes below the surface of our being, cutting through the lies that once deceived us and revealing His truth to our heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Everything begins like that tiny mustard seed that Jesus spoke of. As the Gardener of the universe, God lovingly planted each of us in a womb, beginning as a tiny mustard seed. He has a beautiful purpose for each life He creates, and there are a lot of mountains that need moving. As we regularly allow His word to be planted in our hearts and minds, we will reap the purpose He intended for us.

Lord, help us to cherish your word as your truth is planted in us, as a tiny mustard seed, always growing into a tree of faith and discernment as you reveal more of your love for us. Amen 

“Jesus said to him, “‘Everything is possible to one who has faith.” 

Then the boy’s father cried out, 

“I do believe, help my unbelief!”

Mark 9:23-24 (NAB)

Faith is knowing that everything is in God’s hands, and even when things seem to be getting worse, and our faith is weakening, it’s okay to come honestly to Jesus and say, 

“Lord, help me in my unbelief.” 

Those were the words of the father of a demon possessed boy. He barely had faith to believe that his son could be delivered, but He came to the right person. Every miracle begins by coming to Jesus, even when our faith is weak. 

When the father of that boy heard Jesus say, “anything is possible to the one who believes”, he figured that excluded him. He had very little hope, but he had a whole lot of honesty, when he said to Jesus, “Help me in my unbelief.” 

It’s easy to get the impression that Jesus only responds to people of great faith. He praised the Centurion who said “Only say the word, Lord.” He was impressed by the woman who said “If I can just touch the fringe of His garment.” 

He highlighted the example of the gentile woman who humbly persisted in faith, saying, “Even a dog can receive the crumbs that fall from the table”. 

There’s no doubt that the Lord responds to great faith, but He also responds to great honesty. Jesus was touched by that desperate father’s honest plea, “Help me in my unbelief, Lord.” Jesus is looking for  an intimate relationship with us, and intimacy requires honesty. Scripture shows us that God loves a heart open to Him in truthfulness.

Jesus wanted to help those who were struggling to believe that He had truly risen on that third day. He made an effort to convince His disciples that He was risen in body, and wasn’t merely a ghost or a spirit. He removed their doubts, by asking for something to eat and eating food in front of them. He showed them His scars and His wounded side. 

He went as far as to offer all of the disciples, not just Thomas, to touch Him and feel His scars, saying, 

“It is I, myself. Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 

(Luke 24:39)  

God is patient with everyone who is struggling to believe for something. He was patient with the father in this story, He was patient with His disciples, and He is also patient with us today. He doesn’t expect us to fake it and pretend we believe, or to walk away in unbelief. We learn from the father in this story that there is a third option, to ask Jesus to help us in our unbelief. 

I don’t always feel a confident assurance when I pray for my son, Jon. Almost every day I ask Jesus to help me in my unbelief, and He keeps extending His nail scarred hands towards me. He never scoffs at our honesty when we admit our doubts. He keeps drawing us closer, inviting us to touch His scars and go a little deeper.

As we remember His unconditional, relentless love for humanity, and all the various levels of faith among His believers, we can almost still hear Him saying to us today, 

“Touch Me and see how much I love you.”

Lord, whatever level our faith is at, help us to remain intimate and honest with you, as you help us in our times of unbelief. As we touch you by faith, draw us closer and deeper in our devotion to you. Amen