# 307 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Let's spend one more day looking at Thomas. Everyone refers to him as “doubting Thomas” but I believe that's a bad rap. I'd rather call him “Courageous Thomas.” let me give you a couple of reasons.
Have you ever wondered why He missed the first appearance of Jesus behind closed doors? It was because he wasn't “behind closed doors.” The others were behind closed doors we are told “for fear of the Jews.” Apparently Thomas wasn't as afraid.
Still another more telling incident occurs after the news of the death of Lazarus reached Jesus. (Jn 11:1-16) Jesus said, “Lazarus has died and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE. But let us go to him.” To return to Bethany was very dangerous, the Jews were looking to kill Jesus, but the only disciple who spoke up was Thomas and he said, “Let us also go that we may die with Him.” (Jn 11:16)
Why would he be willing to do that? Because Jesus associated His return to Bethany with some kind of opportunity to believe, to strengthen faith. (Jn 11:15) Thomas seized it. I don't call that a doubter. I call that someone who was always fearlessly looking for opportunities to strengthen his faith.
Oh, that we would do the same. Oh that we would learn to fearlessly trust God's promises and obey His Word, thereby exercising and strengthening our own faith.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
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