July 6th - Everlasting Mercy

“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to Thomas, we have seen the Lord. So he said to them…I will not believe." (John 20:24-25)

Thomas is called "doubting Thomas" because he refused to believe what the others told him. He had to see the resurrected Jesus himself. Actually, that was true of all of the disciples. None of them believed until they saw Jesus after His resurrection. Such is the case for all humanity in my view. We do not fully believe until we SEE Him.

"And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came… and said be not unbelieving, but believing. And Thomas answered…My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28)

When Jesus raises the dead, all will see Him just as Thomas did - the result?...

"...every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

In this present age, only a few hear about their salvation and even fewer believe what they hear. Happy are those few.

"Jesus said to him, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Happy are those who have not seen and believe.” (John 20:29)

Humanity is saved by the grace and mercy of God. Yet, we must wait to see him until after our resurrection.

"For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all....O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy lasts for ever." (Romans 11:32; Psalm 136:1)

Again, humanity, all of us, are destined to believe and enter into the Kingdom of God - the result of God's Everlasting Mercy!