Devotion:
Read John 20:24-28.
Some of the disciples had experienced their risen Lord. They had seen him standing right there in the room with them. They had heard his voice. He was alive. So they did what was only natural - they told the one who wasn’t with them that night: “Thomas, we’ve seen the Lord!” But he just could not believe them. He would have to see Jesus for himself. The next verse says “A week later…” I wonder what that week was like! Were there other conversations about this among them? Did he wrestle with whether to believe or not? We don’t know.
I love the simple detail that is mentioned in verse 26: when they were together again, “Thomas was with them.” They had not kicked him out of the group. They kept including him, until he could have his own experience of the resurrected Jesus.
As we seek to serve the mission of Christ in the world, there will be those among us who may not share a particular belief you have about God or the Bible or something else. Following the example of his apostles, we are to continue to welcome them among us. We are to love them and set an example for them. We are to listen and learn from each other, constantly seeking the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we do, we never know when our risen Lord will show up among us!
Personal Worship Option:
Do you know anyone who has become disconnected from the church? How might the Holy Spirit be calling you to help them reconnect? Pray for eyes to notice those people and discernment on connecting with them.
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