For the last couple of weeks, we have discussed the necessity to Evaluate the understanding of Reality vs. Actuality. Now, there is an additional seasonal focus, Eliminate. In order to thoroughly convey this message, we must turn to the scriptures in John 20:24-31
25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. 29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Often when looking at the scriptural passage, Thomas’s doubt seems to be focal point. Though Thomas is the main topic, his doubt isn’t: the process he with through was more important. See, when dealing with elimination, there is a need to embark a process. This process of elimination actually reflects the process of repentance. When we looking at Thomas, it is fairly easy to acknowledge the flaws of being doubtful, faithful, unstable, or double minded. There may even be more flaws uncovered during private study. Notice, Thomas was called the twin; which is allegory for having another side/mind/double-minded. It is assumed that many could relate to this considering, we all have areas in need of correcting and/or developing.
The remarkable thing about Thomas in the process is his ability to acknowledge his position and his issue. These are two things that were visited in the Season of Confessions and activated in the Season of Actualization; which is necessary in order to repent! So as we eliminate the doubt in our lives, we must also do as Thomas has done and move towards Jesus, seek Him for yourself. This is pivotal in order press towards the next level of life. Align yourself with God, acknowledge your fallacies and embrace God! Lastly , all of this happened on the eighth (8th)day. The number 8 is symbolic for new beginnings.
Thomas had the privilege of being restored and renewed in faith on the 8th day! He examined within his spirit to make the commitment and sacrifice needed in order for being renewed. Wouldn’t you like to be renewed? If so, I urge you to eliminate the Doubt!
Scriptures for Meditation toe eleminate and Repent:
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
2 Peter 3:9 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.