PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Dec
24

Through the Walls of My Heart!

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture

John 20:28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Observation

The account of Thomas in relationship to Jesus is intriguing and gratifying. Intriguing to me because of God’s monstrous sense of grace, oversight - His providence interesting with a disciple I can relate with. Gratifying because of the hope communicated in my heart - that God sees my hearts intentions: good, bad, and everything in between!

Verses 24 through 27 gives the picture of Jesus’ grace, timing and love for Thomas!

John 20:24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Jesus didn’t mock, rebuke, correct His disciple Thomas, who was in relationship with Jesus throughout His ministry. This is not just a relationship with “and ole person or friend!”

This is relationship with the SON OF GOD, the MESSIAH! As if JESUS WALKED THROUGH THE WALLS of this home - passing through THE WALLS OF THOMAS’ HEART…to reveal His love and grace!

Application

The eve of Christmas -not just another day the Lord has made. Because the Lord has used the “celebration of Christmas” in His gracious, loving way. While the “world” doubts and distorts the Person of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas, I’m blessed to believe - that Jesus is Immanuel, the Messiah come and the Son of God raised from the dead, to return again one day!

I’ve questioned, doubted, even been distorted in my convictions and relationship with God. yet He has always allowed me time to consider, even question and wander… until He walks through the walls of my life and heart - to reveal His love for me!

Prayer

I’m silent in honor. Humbled in heart. Yet exploding with praise and thankfulness - to say Thank you Jesus, for YOUR understanding love and grace. Your patience astounds me. Your love continues to draw me.

Thank you for walking through the walls of my doubting, unbelieving heart at times - to reveal the gift of Believing! I love You!


Devotions for December 24

John 19,20,21

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