Personal encounter
In the year 2000, many things were done to commemorate the new millennium. In London, on the south bank of the River Thames, the Millennium Wheel was constructed.
Now called The London Eye, the structure is 135 metres tall, and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres. When it opened to the public in 2000 it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel.
I really liked The London Eye. Friends of mine visited London and went on it. They said how good it was and that it offered great 360-degree views of the city.
I did not want to just take their word for it – I wanted to experience it for myself! It wasn’t until 2006 that I got my chance to ride The London Eye, and I loved it, the views were incredible!
We have just had Easter. It’s a major global Christian event that marks the death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter Sunday is always a joyous occasion at church!
The Bible documents what happened after Jesus had been raised back to life, and that he appeared to his closest friends, the Disciples.
John’s Gospel records an occasion when Jesus showed up but one of the Disciples, Thomas, was not there. They were so excited about it they told Thomas when they next saw him. He replied…
“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.”
A week later Jesus appeared again, and this time Thomas was there. Jesus invited him to examine his wounds, then spoke directly to him and said, ‘stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas responded positively, saying, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jesus did challenge him for his lack of faith, but also had the grace to allow Thomas to check things out for himself.
If I’m honest, I do have sympathy for Thomas. He needed to know for himself that Jesus was alive. After that he was a changed man.
There is nothing like a personal encounter to make an impact on your life. I still remember my first ride on The London Eye!
When it comes to Jesus, it’s good to read about what he did and said, and to hear stories of how he is changing people’s lives today. But he also offers us a personal invitation to experience him for ourselves.
Have you done that? If you are interested then let me encourage you to simply say, ‘If you are there Jesus, then please show me’.
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader