Soda Can Theology?

Now Thomas (called 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 on his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "put your finger here: see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, " my Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written 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: 24-31



I have been touched by this passage from John . I guess I can identify with Thomas. I can have doubts too.

I love how Jesus indulges this request of Thomas. "Thomas, "put your finger here, see my hands. Reach your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe. " I am thankful for Jesus' compassion with Thomas.

I am also struck by the final words in John 20, "Because you "have seen me, you believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Oh, there is much evidence for God in His creation, the authenticity of the Bible and we need to know these evidences to relevantly share our faith, but, it is that word - faith - that it comes down to. Faith in God or faith in self? Either one takes faith.

I love this thought by Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love: "Not being able to fully understand God is frustrating, but it is ridiculous for us to think we have the right to limit God to something we are capable of comprehending. What a stunted, insignificant god that would be! If my mind is the size of a soda can and God is the size of all the oceans, it would be stupid for me to say He is only the small amount of water I can scoop into my little can. God is so much bigger, so far beyond our time-encased, air/food/sleep-dependant lives."

Can I worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to me? Could it be my arrogance that makes me think God owes me an explanation?

Oh, God, I believe, but help my unbelief!!