Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 3, 2015
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. John 20:24-25
I like to be in control. I like to have options, so I am not at the mercy of someone or something else. This can be prudent with people, but not with my heavenly Father. Conditional surrender is not a part of Christ’s plan. If I demand proof before I profess my trust—I really don’t trust. For example, I may say I believe in the Lord’s faithfulness to provide resources for a ministry project. But if I hastily borrow money instead of surrendering to His prayerful process of provision—I exhibit conditional belief. Unconditional surrender completely trusts in Jesus.
Thomas was eerily absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. He withdrew from his community of believers at the exact moment he needed to engage with other believers. Doubt and disbelief naturally cause us to drift away from Christ and His followers. Thomas shows up without the context of having been with Christ—and then demands proof from Christ. The further away from the Lord, the greater our conditions on having a relationship with Him. Unconditional surrender is not incredulous toward Christ, but capitulates to Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Is there a relationship you need to surrender to Jesus? Is there an unhealthy habit you need to give over to the Lord? You know in your heart this person drags you down and away from God. You’ve tried to help them—but right now—they really don’t want help. Sometimes the best way to help someone is to not help them. Maybe a habit has captured your imagination and caused you to fantasize about unfaithful exploits. Cohabitation with a selfish habit only leads to unhealthy outcomes. Surrender your secret sin to your Savior. Let go of its control—and let God.
Above all, have you surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Unconditional trust crowns Christ King and sovereign Lord over your body, soul and life. Surrender means you don’t have to have proof of Jesus before you profess Jesus. Because your resurrected Lord lives within you—you confide in Him and confidently obey Him. Your surrender is your freedom. Disbelief is bondage of the soul—but belief is freedom for the soul. Unconditional surrender leads to the Lord’s unconditional love. Faith allows you to see the scarred hands of your loving Savior.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I surrender my all to gain Your all in Christ Jesus.
Related Readings: Mark 16:1; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Romans 6:6, 1 Peter 4:2; Galatians 1:4
Post/Tweet this today: The further away from the Lord, the greater our conditions on having a relationship with Him. #surrender #wisdomhunter
Additional Resource: 10 minute music video- Hillsong: I Surrender
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