COTR Magazine June 2013 | Page 16

ThomasfrownedandshookofMathew.

“ UnlesIseinhishandtheprintofthenails, andplacemyfingerinthemarksof thenails, andplacemyhandinhisside, Iwilnotbelieve,” Thomasannounced. The facesofthedisciplesfel, andtheywalkedslowlybacktodiferentcornersoftheroom.

Themateronlycameupafewtimesinthenexteightdays, andeachtimeitwas endedwitharefusaltosubmitbyThomas. Bytheeightday, thediscipleshadalbut givenup. Astheysatmiserablyinthedarkroom, Johnsuddenlygasped. Headsspunto thedirectionhewasstaring, andthenaleyeslockedinplace. TherewasJesus, standing intheroom eventhoughthedoorswerebarred, gazingateachofthem inturn.

“ Peacebewithyou,” Hesaid. Hiswordsranlikeasoftstream throughtheroom, causingthedisciplesshoulders’ todropinperfectserenity.

JesuscaughtThomas’ eye. HisbiterswetsmilewarmedThomas’ heart." Put yourfingerhere, andsemyhands; andputoutyourhand, andplaceitinmyside; do notbefaithles, butbelieving."

Thomasreachedout, hishandshaking. Jesusgraspedhishandandplaceditineach ofHiswounds. Trembling, Thomasheldhishandandknelt.“ MyLordandmyGod!” hewhispered.

JesusplacedahandonThomas." Haveyoubelievedbecauseyouhavesenme? Blesedarethosewhohavenotsenandyetbelieve."

Thomasfeltafireenterhim. HeliftedhisheadandgazedintoJesus’ eyes. Yes, he thought, IbelievedinyoubecauseIsaw. Butnotanymore. NolongerwilIdoubt.

~ TheEnd

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