Matthew 28:11-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19-21:25

Reading these Scriptures emphasizes to me just how personal Jesus is. Ours is not a God of a one-size-fits-all religion. Jesus died for individuals.

Like Thomas. We read that when Thomas expressed doubt and said he needed to see Jesus to believe he was alive, Jesus came to him and stretched out his hands for Thomas to see.

After Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus lovingly allowed Peter to declare his love not once… but three times.

Jesus walked with the men going to Emmaus, then sat and ate with them. He spoke to them about what was on their minds and answered their questions.

My experience has been the same. Jesus always meets me where I am. If I am distressed, he reminds me of Scripture that assures me he is able. If I am mourning, his Word brings comfort. He has often prompted one of his children to be his arms to hold me.

If I am guilt ridden because of sin he forgives me and replaces it with joy. At every crossroad of my life he has been faithful to open and close doors to help me find my way. 

It’s not that the rules change for individuals. Sin is sin. The penalty for sin is always death. But what is so precious about our Lord is the reality that his love, his presence, his attention is on each of us as individuals. He knows what each of us needs, and he is faithful to meet us right there.

Dear Father, thank you for showing us just how interested you are in each of us as individuals. Thank you that Jesus showed what a personal relationship with you looks like through his dealings with the people we read about today. And thank you for the many times that you revealed yourself to me in such a loving and personal way. I may not be able to touch your hand yet. But I see evidence of your presence every day. Thank you, God. I look forward to walking with you today.