Where was Thomas?

Scripture:
John 20:24 “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.”

Obervation:
Jesus has been tried and crucified. John and Peter have raced to the tomb to find it empty. Mary has stayed at the tomb long enough see Jesus (there is an entire study opportunity on that alone). The body of Jesus is missing and arguably the disciples are the prime suspects. It’s been a few days and the disciples are all gathered behind locked doors in fear of the Jews. They have gathered together for mutual encouragement, protection, and fellowship. They know Jesus has risen, but they don’t really know the next step. So, they are all hiding out together. All but Thomas, he seems to be missing. He's off on his own somewhere. Why is he gone? Is it because his faith is shattered and he no longer believes? We do see evidence of this a couple verses down. Has he just decided to move on and get on with his life? Was he busy at work? Did he have a date? I don't know. What I do know is that by not being with the others, he missed seeing Jesus and missed the opportunity to have his faith restored. He needlessly continued languishing in doubt until he finally did meet with Jesus.

Application:
I relate to Thomas. Many times in my life when I have had a crisis of faith, or have simply allowed other things to take dominant importance, I have avoided the gathering of my fellow believers. This has been to my detriment every time. Yes, the Holy Spirit is with us always, yes the Lord seeks us out; but Jesus also says “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” I learned a long time ago that the times I don't want to be in church; maybe I'm hiding a sin, maybe I have an issue with someone, maybe I think something else seems more fun; these are the exact times I need to be in the fellowship. Jesus shows up in the gatherings of believers, and I don't want to miss that.

Prayer:
Father, I want to be where you are. May it not be said of me that when you showed up, I was off somewhere else. I love you Jesus, Amen.