Weeks ago (in the previous post on this blog) I raised a question that a friend asked me to consider. "Why was no one present to see Jesus, during the time (at the moment) that He rose (was rising) from the dead?" I prayerfully did just that and emailed him a response. That was quite some time ago but thought I'd still post my response to him on this blog. Here is what the Holy Spirit taught me:

John 20:29 NKJV
"Jesus said, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Our entire relationship and walk with Christ is (are?) based on FAITH. As it seems to apply to Thomas (and thus to each of us), we are MORE blessed because we do not see and yet we TRUST in the One who is, the Great I AM.

You know, as I do, the times that we have stepped out in pure FAITH in Christ....the blessing that was on the other side of that step. Had we waited until we SAW or KNEW....we either never would have moved (taken the step) or would have never realized the immense joy and blessing that is in FAITH. What amazing testimonies we have....only AFTER we step in faith and are blessed! Perhaps another reason that contributes to the purpose of no one SEEING Jesus rise from the dead is the incredible testimony that acting in FAITH provides for us to share. Can you imagine any of the New Testament without the amazing testimonies of FAITH of the early apostles?

Guess my answer then is two-fold: (so far)
1. To require a step of FAITH for those who follow Christ....which then BUILDS more faith and devotion.
2. To provide or deepen a/the testimony of those who know and follow Jesus.

It all is "part of the plan"......God knows what He is doing."

Any additional thoughts from you bloggers out there?