LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL

By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Friday 10th April 2026

A PROFOUND DECLARATION

Scripture Reading: John 20
 
 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” *John 20:28*_
 
Thomas was the first person in the New Testament to recognise both Lord and God clearly. What a discovery! Thomas the doubter had an experience with the risen Lord that radically shifted his view of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a giant leap from one who could not believe the possibility of Jesus’ resurrection to one who instantly saw the Lord truly as God come in the flesh.
 
What Thomas proclaimed is at the heart of Christianity. It is the foundation of faith for those who believe and a stumbling block for non-believers.
 
Almost all people who are acquainted with the gospel narratives about Jesus accept that He was an extraordinary man. Many value the example of His life and His radical teachings on love for all, including our enemies. Some go to the extent of calling Him a prophet of God, an ‘ascended master’ or a divine messenger. All of these are well and good; but they fall short of how true Christian believers view Jesus.
 
True Christian believers accept Jesus as God. He is God the Son – One with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. Christianity stands on Thomas’ proclamation. Jesus is Lord and God!
 
Thomas’ proclamation was also personal. He called Jesus, ‘MY Lord and MY God’.
 
His faith in Christ was both universal and personal. Some have a universal view of Christ but not a personal view of Him. Christ must not only be the Lord of all the earth; He must also be the Lord of our lives. He must not only be the God of creation; He must also be our God. Christianity rests on our having a personal relationship with the universal Lord and God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have revealed yourself in your Son. Help me to know you personally. In Jesus’ name, Amen.