More Than Meets the Eye

In Judges 8, Gideon and his army pursue and defeat the Midianite kings.

In gratitude, the Israelites want Gideon, his son, and his grandson to rule over them as a dynasty.

Gideon refuses.

Judges 8:23 (NRSVue) - Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”

In John 20, the resurrected Jesus appears before the disciples.

But Thomas was not with them.

The disciples tell Thomas who refuses to believe.

Thomas insists on proof.

He had to see with his own eyes.

Later Jesus appears again when Thomas is with them.

Thomas sees Jesus and touches the wounds of the cross.

John 20:28 (NRSVue) - Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Do we seek power and recognition?

Or like Gideon, will we acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty?

Like Thomas, do we insist on proof?

Or will we rely on faith?

John 20:29 (NRSVue) - Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, October 23, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, November 6, 2026