“Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet have come to believe.”
–John 20:29b
There’s been a lot of attention in recent years to what is known as “Near Death Experiences.” That phrase refers to the times in which a person is pronounced clinically dead, but is then revived and soon begins to share the memory of what happened for her or him in-between.
Years ago, I was present for a lecture at a local hospital where a physician named Raymond Moody spoke. Dr. Moody has become an expert in the study of near death experiences and in the lecture mentioned that there are some consistent themes present in those who have gone through such circumstances.
As patients will describe being aware of floating above their body and going through some kind of passageway into incredibly brilliant light. They speak of being surrounded by an intense feeling of love and peace; of seeing friends and relatives who are no longer alive. Such patients will also describe having seen a kind of panorama of their life and of being in the presence of a being who guides them through focusing on those past events. As I listened to that lecture, I was struck by how that description fits with what Scripture suggests happens. My mind found comfort in his accounts and hope as well.
Following his presentation there was a time for questions. I don’t remember anything that was asked in that hospital auditorium except one. “What impact have these accounts had on your own faith,” one chaplain inquired. “I’m not sure that I believe in an afterlife,” Dr. Moody replied. “The scientific part of my mind just won’t let me go there.” That answer stunned me. It seemed so contradictory to all that he had spoken of in that room as he recounted the shared stories of countless patients who had never met each other. Looking back on that moment, it makes me think of the apostle Thomas.
That member of the twelve disciples was absent on the first Easter evening when the risen Christ appeared to the group. When Thomas returns later, in virtually one voice, his ten colleagues shout “We have seen the Lord!” Maybe Thomas had been on the wrong end of too many practical jokes from the other disciples. Perhaps he was someone who needed time to process unexpected information. Whatever the explanation, in response he replies, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” For that honest retort he earned the unfortunate and enduring nickname of Doubting Thomas.
A week later, Christ appears to the group again and this time Thomas is present. Jesus encourages Thomas to put his finger in the places where his body had been wounded on the cross. Instead of taking up Christ on the offer and thus fulfilling his vow from Easter, Thomas replies “My Lord and my God!” Jesus then says “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
With rare exception, everyone who has come to believe in Jesus since that first generation are individuals who have not had an encounter with the risen Christ. Instead, for most people who call themselves Christian today, such trust has come about through other means. It might have been the result of an answer to prayer or seeing the transformation in a loved one because of their faith. It could arise because of an unexpected recovery from a life-threatening disease or a quiet confidence in God that has existed as long as she or he can remember. Even Dr. Moody, in one of his most recent publications, now expresses an openness to the afterlife .
Part of what I love about the Thomas story is that it reveals all kinds of ways that faith can take hold. Thus, wherever you are in your journey with God, I pray that this day will mark the next step. Happy Easter!
God of the empty tomb, faith itself is a gift. Help me recognize the nudge of such convictions this day and act upon them. Amen.
Leave a Reply