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JoanneVWordImageLarge“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
(1 Peter 1:8, NIV)

The early Christians had the privilege of seeing Jesus with their own eyes, conversing with Him face to face. Their faith was huge but it benefited from their sight.

There are several places in Scripture, where I am struck by that which is promised to those who believe without having seen Christ. Because that is me. Living in this present time, I have not seen Christ face to face. My faith is based solely on that which I know and experience without sight. It is based on the unseen.

Speaking of believers since the time Christ walked this earth, the New American Commentary states:

Believing is not based on seeing. Seeing will be their portion at the revelation of Jesus Christ. In the meantime the Christian life is marked by believing …. They love Jesus Christ and rejoice in him, even though they have never seen him and do not see him now. Their lives are characterized by a hope that fills the present with love and joy. (New American Commentary, Volume 37, page 70)

Thomas, the disciple, exclaims: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) upon seeing and touching the resurrected Jesus. Thomas had heartfelt belief at this point.

And Jesus responds to him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:29).

Jesus was speaking of generations of believers, yet to come, who would believe in Him solely through the Scriptures and the testimony of others. They would come to believe without ever seeing.

Jesus honored the faith of His disciples.

And He will even more, honor our faith.

For we believe without seeing.

 

 

 

Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Intentional Tuesday and Unite and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Reflect .