What a Day to Miss!
Scripture – John 20:24-29: Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 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 it.” 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!” 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.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) We often joke about never knowing what to expect when we come to worship at Bethel on a Sunday morning. At the same time, there’s a serious truth to that. Thomas picked the wrong Sunday to skip church. It cost him an entire week of Easter joy. The other disciples tried to explain. But Thomas could not let himself believe Jesus was alive without seeing for himself. So it must have been a long, strange week for him. His friends were so excited, yet he could not connect with their experience. What a day to miss church! I’ll bet he never missed again.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) There are lots of church gatherings outside of Sunday morning worship. Many times I come to them without an openness to be surprised. I’ll just see them as routine meetings or activities. Today, I will consciously open myself to these gatherings. For example, I have a couple meetings planned today. I will look for Jesus to show up in them. I will be ready for His surprises. I will embrace whatever new thing He has planned.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I’m sorry for the times I fall back into routines. Whenever believers come together, you are there. Help me see you and welcome you today. Keep me open to your surprise appearances. Thanks for being part of our lives.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) We often joke about never knowing what to expect when we come to worship at Bethel on a Sunday morning. At the same time, there’s a serious truth to that. Thomas picked the wrong Sunday to skip church. It cost him an entire week of Easter joy. The other disciples tried to explain. But Thomas could not let himself believe Jesus was alive without seeing for himself. So it must have been a long, strange week for him. His friends were so excited, yet he could not connect with their experience. What a day to miss church! I’ll bet he never missed again.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) There are lots of church gatherings outside of Sunday morning worship. Many times I come to them without an openness to be surprised. I’ll just see them as routine meetings or activities. Today, I will consciously open myself to these gatherings. For example, I have a couple meetings planned today. I will look for Jesus to show up in them. I will be ready for His surprises. I will embrace whatever new thing He has planned.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I’m sorry for the times I fall back into routines. Whenever believers come together, you are there. Help me see you and welcome you today. Keep me open to your surprise appearances. Thanks for being part of our lives.
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