“Using Those Who Lack Faith And Stubbornly Refuse To Believe…!”

“Using Those Who Lack Faith And Stubbornly Refuse To Believe…!”(Mk.16:14-18).
In the gospel of John, the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the apostles when Thomas was not present. When he was told that they had seen the risen Lord, Thomas told them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my fingers where the nails were, and put my hands into his side, I will not believe it.” A week later Jesus appeared to them again and put to rest Thomas’ doubts as he told Thomas, “…Stop doubting and believe…blessed are those who have not seen yet they have believed…”(Jn.20:24-29).
To this day the expression, “Doubting Thomas” refers to any skeptic who refuses to believe without a direct personal experience.
To see Thomas as the only one among the Eleven who did not believe is a misnomer. Mark the first gospel records, that after the resurrection Jesus appeared twice, first to Mary Magdalene and later to two disciples. In both instances when they reported this to the rest, “they did not believe it.”(Mk.16:9-13).
“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their ‘stubborn’ refusal to believe those who had seen him…”
These ones who walked with Jesus and listened to him talk about what will happen to him still did not believe it when they were told that he was alive. This is the reason why believers should not be hostile to those who in our day do not believe. Rather we have to be sympathetic; excersising patience as we preach the good news to them.
We have as responsibility to preach so that “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Even so, we are not the ones to condemn anyone. Over time the risen Lord himself will appear to anyone who disbelieves and rebuke them for their lack of faith and stubborn refusal to believe. After all, when Jesus rebuked the Eleven, he still commissioned them to go preach the good news and baptize…! Christ can turn our doubts into believing; and after that he makes us instruments of God’s amazing grace to others.
Conversion to God through the risen Lord Jesus Christ is a process and requires patience from evangelists.
Mass conversions as in Acts of the Apostles and even today is complemented only when the convert’s “Key to conduct” question has been properly and fully answered. The question, “What should we now do differently?”, leads to teachings and learnings until we reach our full potential in Christ so that the Christ in us gets greater while all other interests dear to us decreases.
Christ assures us of the signs and wonders that accompanies those who believe: “In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Dear friend, have you been truly washed in the blood of the Lamb of God? If not, why not?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, rebuke in me any lack of faith and stubborn refusal to believe in you and use me as an instrument of grace. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Prayer point: Pray that the Holy Spirit should come upon doubters and turn their doubts into believing.
Rev Babila Fochang.