Believing Thomas

by John Comer

Here I sit on the shore of the beautiful Sea of Tiberias, eating a surprise breakfast of grilled fish and bread. It could be a scene in some dream world, except nothing could be more real than what is happening here. And this is neither an isolated nor incidental occurrence. It’s somehow part of a plan, and as I look back over the past three years of my life I can see the pieces as they fit together.

By nature I am a cautious man, not the kind to rush into anything. I need a little extra time to think things through. Without intending to be obstinate, I definitely tend to be something of a “show me” kind of person. And as he has done in the past, this morning Jesus is showing me again.

How can it have been so short a time since we were in the upper room for supper? At times that night I simply could not follow Jesus’ line of thought. He spoke of his Father’s house, and that he would soon go away. He said we knew the way. I was totally confused and asked for clarification. I try to be honest and admit it when I’m having a problem.

I’ll confess—I had a real problem dealing with his resurrection. I missed his earlier appearance to our group, and what my fellow disciples were telling me just pushed the bounds of belief. I cared about what happened to Jesus. The week before his crucifixion I had even said that we disciples should go to Jerusalem and die with him. I cared about him. Deeply. But how could he be alive after three days in the grave? I witnessed his death. I knew what happened. I just needed to see the nail prints, the evidence.

I had to see, and I did, and my reaction speaks for itself: “My Lord and my God!” I can only pray that the conviction I arrived at so cautiously may provide evidence to help others believe. Our Lord gave a blessing to those who can believe without having seen. I bless them also, perhaps enviously.

So here I sit this early morning, watching the sun rise over the eastern heights and color the sea a sparkling blue, as I eat fish grilled over a bed of coals. It was cooked and served by Jesus of Nazareth, who was dead but is now alive and declared Son of God by the power of the resurrection. Seven of us are here with him. We can all testify that in the history of the universe never has there been a more real, living person than the one who prepared this breakfast.