Craig Clouston

The Evidence of Jesus

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…

1 Peter 1:8-9

Our Postmistress, Jane, has one of the most pleasant outlooks I have ever observed. Nothing dampens her spirits. Not even today’s inclement weather. So, as the low-hanging clouds continued to dump torrential rain, her part in our inevitable verbal exchange could be somewhat predicted.

“Morning, Miss Jane.” I said, opening the always enjoyable dialogue.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it?!” she replied.

Attempting to see if I could throw Jane off her game, I said, “At forty-five thousand feet possibly.”

With a look of shock on her face, and fists on her hips, Jane responded in mock indignation, “Well…I’ve never heard such a poor interpretation of such a beautiful day! I’ve always known your lovely wife was the one with the bubbly personality. But I did have hopes for you,” she teased. “I can’t believe that you are unable to see the beauty of such a fine day!”

“No evidence to base it on,” I teased.

“Just like a man!” she chided. “Always have to have proof!”

†

Jane represents a wonderful few who view life as it is meant to be viewed, without the need of stimulation in the form of sunshine and rainbows. The truth is that the sun was shining. The fact that its rays hadn’t made it to this particular part of the world didn’t change that truth.

And so it is with those who choose to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. Although none of us has seen Him, we know He exists and is alive. To true Christians this fact is absolute and indisputable, we need no further proof.

Yet, the world demands evidence in the flesh. And without it they continue going about their day, living unto themselves.

We, as Christians, are supposed to be the evidence they demand. But when we fail to exhibit inexpressible and glorious joy, Jesus is misrepresented. I know we all have problems, so does Jane. It just doesn’t affect her attitude.

Prayer

“Father, I believe without visual proof. Help me act in accordance with my belief. Help me exhibit inexpressible and glorious joy, that I might be the evidence of Jesus. Amen.”