Seeing
By Marilynn Chadwick
Seeing is believing. Most of us find faith easier when we can see evidence. Yet faith, by its very definition, implies trust in the unseen. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be faith. The word see is sprinkled throughout the Gospel of John.
After Jesus died on the cross, his disciples struggled to hold on to their faith. Peter and John raced to his tomb after Mary Magdalene claimed it was empty. They noticed the grave cloths folded... but no sign of Jesus anywhere! So they “saw and believed” (John 20:8, emphasis added).
Jesus later makes an appearance to Mary Magdalene. She sees and believes. He then walks through locked doors and appears to the trembling disciples, speaking words of comfort and peace as they hid for fear of the Jews. They were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
For whatever reason, the disciple Thomas missed the first showing and refused to believe unless he saw for himself “the nail marks in his hands.” Jesus later appears to “doubting Thomas,” challenging him to “stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Blessed are those “who have not seen and believed.”
It is a special brand of faith when we believe even when we can’t see. But take a look at John’s words of encouragement. The “beloved disciple” must have understood that we sometimes wrestle to believe. Especially when all we can “see” around us is chaos:
“Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples…; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31 ESV, emphasis added).
The Greek word here for “signs” is semeion. It points to the miraculous. Semeion can also be defined as the “fingerprints of God.”
Friend, does it encourage you to realize that Jesus is on your side? He wants to be “seen” by you. He wants you to believe. Be on the lookout today for some of God’s fingerprints. You may be surprised when and where they appear.
Experience the transforming power of hearing God's voice
Hearing from God through His Word brings you life-changing wisdom and confidence.
That’s why we want to thank you for your gift today by sending you a copy of Hearing the Voice of God by Pastor David Chadwick. It’ll show you:
- How to hear the voice of God through His Word
- The incredible depths of God’s love for you
- How to develop a deeper and stronger relationship with God
- Insights and inspiration for your life with Christ
God wants to communicate with you, and Hearing the Voice of God, takes you through the Gospel of John to show you how to hear God speaking powerfully and personally through His Word.
Don’t miss all you can gain from this powerful 4-month devotional book. And don’t miss your opportunity to give below to give more people a reason for hope in Jesus.
Thank you!
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