Thanks to journalist Swagat Thorat, India has a newspaper for its blind citizens. An estimated 24,000 visually impaired people read the biweekly braille publication. Thorat believes that the ability to read articles about current events is important. He named the newspaper Sparshdnyan, which means: knowledge by touch.
Thomas, a follower of Jesus, gained an understanding of Jesus’ resurrection by touching His wounds. Although the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen Christ after His crucifixion, Thomas told them he had to have more proof. He said he needed to examine the scarred palms of Jesus’ hands and make contact with the flesh that had been pierced by a spear (John 19:34-36).
Eight days later, Jesus appeared again. Although He hadn’t been present in the room when Thomas expressed his doubt, Jesus’ words mirrored Thomas’ requirements for belief. Jesus said, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side” (John 20:27). Thomas reached out to Jesus. Flesh met flesh and the disciple exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
The truth about Jesus’ resurrection hadn’t changed, despite Thomas’ skepticism. Yet something changed within Thomas when he reached out to touch Jesus. Getting closer to Christ allowed the disciple to understand and experience the truth about Him.
All of our efforts to reach out to Jesus have the ability to make spiritual truth come alive within us—every whispered prayer, every moment of rejoicing, every inner repetition of Scripture. The sort of thing that happened in a split second for Thomas may happen over time for us. Keep reaching for Jesus. He’s available and willing to respond.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Revelation 22:1-21
More:
Read John 1:1-3 to see the link between Jesus’ physical body and our ability to know Him. Read Matthew 14:36 to see what happened when certain people touched Jesus’ robe.
Next:
Do you think skepticism thrives on distance from Christ? Why or why not? How does this idea intersect with your spiritual walk today?
Gary Shultz on December 31, 2015 at 6:57 am
Most times comments we readers make are no secret to you writers we just add more or different view points. In our last day of 2015 we also know that God has sent His Spirit, we no longer have Jesus here; however, we have the link we needed and Jesus wanted us to have. The call is to our spirit; our life is lived to Christ’s honor by the Spirit moving our spirit, we no longer must have the physical presence of God to see because we have the Spirit to “be”. I would rather “be” than see, because God can touch and move with His Spirit. I also know God is never “cheap” He always gives enough to do what He expects us to do. We are on a “need to know basis” some times (faith) but He never leaves us without His Spirit and presence. Thank you Ruth, may God’s continued blessing be found this New Year.
Tom Felten on December 31, 2015 at 9:56 am
Great message as we head into the New Year, Jen. May we all continue to reach out to Jesus and grow in Him during 2016!
Gary Shultz on December 31, 2015 at 7:25 pm
I think my eyes need checked. I was sure it said Ruth this morning? Well, fabulous wishes to you Jennifer.