The Upper Room Daily Devotional of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Power of Touch" for Thursday, 14 April 2016 with Scripture: John 20:19-31
19 In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 20 Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. 21 “Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.” 22 Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Ruach HaKodesh! 23 If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you hold them, they are held.”
24 Now T’oma (the name means “twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came. 25 When the other talmidim told him, “We have seen the Lord,” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger into the place where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe it.”
26 A week later his talmidim were once more in the room, and this time T’oma was with them. Although the doors were locked, Yeshua came, stood among them and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 27 Then he said to T’oma, “Put your finger here, look at my hands, take your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be lacking in trust, but have trust!” 28 T’oma answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Yeshua said to him, “Have you trusted because you have seen me? How blessed are those who do not see, but trust anyway!”
30 In the presence of the talmidim Yeshua performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book. 31 But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.
-------[Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”[John 20:27 (NRSV)]
Because I am blind, touch is important to me. I use Braille to read scripture and notes I have prepared to teach my Sunday school class. Friends will describe the floral arrangements on our church altar, but I need to touch the flowers to fully appreciate their beauty. For me, a warm handshake or hug is an especially important connection with someone. The sun on my skin or the gentle breeze in my hair reminds me that God is creating new life. Perhaps this is why I am drawn to the story of Thomas and his need to touch the risen Jesus.
Thomas was absent when Jesus appeared to the disciples inside the locked room the first time. And I often wonder, Where was he? Had his grief led him to wander alone? Why did he isolate himself from those who shared his suffering? Was he afraid of being identified with the followers of Jesus? We are not given answers to these questions, but we are told that one week later Jesus returned. This time Thomas was present. Jesus told Thomas to touch the wounds left by crucifixion. He wanted to do whatever it took to help Thomas believe he was alive and real. Jesus seeks to reveal himself in unique ways to each of us as well.
The Author: Karen E. Brown (Mississippi, USA)
Thought for the Day: How is Jesus revealing himself to me today?
Prayer: Loving God, awaken all my senses to your living presence. Amen.
Prayer focus: Readers of The Upper Room Braille Edition
Because I am blind, touch is important to me. I use Braille to read scripture and notes I have prepared to teach my Sunday school class. Friends will describe the floral arrangements on our church altar, but I need to touch the flowers to fully appreciate their beauty. For me, a warm handshake or hug is an especially important connection with someone. The sun on my skin or the gentle breeze in my hair reminds me that God is creating new life. Perhaps this is why I am drawn to the story of Thomas and his need to touch the risen Jesus.
Thomas was absent when Jesus appeared to the disciples inside the locked room the first time. And I often wonder, Where was he? Had his grief led him to wander alone? Why did he isolate himself from those who shared his suffering? Was he afraid of being identified with the followers of Jesus? We are not given answers to these questions, but we are told that one week later Jesus returned. This time Thomas was present. Jesus told Thomas to touch the wounds left by crucifixion. He wanted to do whatever it took to help Thomas believe he was alive and real. Jesus seeks to reveal himself in unique ways to each of us as well.
The Author: Karen E. Brown (Mississippi, USA)
Thought for the Day: How is Jesus revealing himself to me today?
Prayer: Loving God, awaken all my senses to your living presence. Amen.
Prayer focus: Readers of The Upper Room Braille Edition
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