The idiom “seeing is believing” was first recorded in 1639. This saying is based upon the words of Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Based upon the passage below, Thomas doubted that Jesus could rise from the dead following his crucifixion. Thomas developed a mindset that only physical or concrete evidence could convince him otherwise. Unfortunately, this same thinking is prevalent today, keeping many in the dark, void of the faith necessary to believe in modern day miracles.
But Thomas, one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Didymus (the twin), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the marks of the nails, and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe,” John 20:24-25.
Thomas wasn’t the only disciple to experience a crisis of faith. Apparently, several disciples did not believe the initial news that Jesus has risen from the dead. Yet, these same men witnessed Jesus walk on water, turn water into wine and raise his friend Lazarus from the grave, cancelling a funeral in progress. In addition, Peter, James and John watched Jesus transform into a heavenly figure, communicate with Elijah and Moses and cast demons out of formerly crazed individuals. When seeing is believing becomes your motto for life, faith is powerless, preventing believers from ever experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10.
Now Jesus, having risen [from death] early on the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and reported it to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe it. 12 After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking along the way to the country. 13 They returned [to Jerusalem] and told the others, but they did not believe them either, Mark 16:9-13.
Only three out of a thousand Americans make close to a million dollars per year. Those who don’t have the education, experience or knowledge to earn this annual salary may enter contests, gamble or pursue gameshows to attempt to strike it rich. For a few, this pursuit may become reality. Yet, many will remain in their current situation, struggling to pay all of their bills while trying to put enough food on the table. When Jesus was hungry, prayer and a few resources fed thousands of people. With these previous miracles in mind, perhaps its time to believe in God’s power now so that tomorrow will bring daily bread, manna from heaven and a storehouse of blessings.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 