Blessed For Believing

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29

During the infamous Dreyfus trial in France in 1894, Jewish army officer Captain Alfred Dreyfus was falsely accused of treason, sparking a national scandal marked by anti-Semitism and injustice. Among Dreyfus’s defenders was Emile Zola, a fearless advocate for truth and justice, who faced relentless opposition in the courtroom. The atmosphere was charged with hostility, and the presiding judge, blatantly biased, refused to allow Zola to call witnesses or challenge the fabricated evidence against Dreyfus.
“The case is closed!” the judge proclaimed, cutting off any attempt at further defense. Unyielding, Zola rose to his feet and pointed to a mural of the crucifixion displayed behind the judge. With bold resolve, he declared, “There was also a case once called a ‘closed case.’”

Zola’s words resonated deeply, pointing to a truth far greater than the courtroom drama unfolding.

In the time of Jesus, the authorities believed they had “closed” His case as well. The Romans sealed His tomb, posting guards to ensure their verdict could not be overturned, while the Sanhedrin rested confidently, convinced that Jesus’ chapter was over. To them, the matter was settled.

But human decrees can never override the plans of God. What seemed like the end became the beginning of a new and eternal reality.

By God’s power, the stone was rolled away, and Jesus rose from the grave, not as a defeated figure but as the victorious Savior. His resurrection declared that no human verdict, however final it may seem, can thwart the purposes of God.

Faith is seeing beyond our own eyesight. Praise the Lord that He is a Rewarder to all who have faith in Him.