Proof

“After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1:1-11 

Jesus Christ lived, suffered and died, returned, and is right now doing stuff that matters for your life.

What would it take to believe that?

Acts says Jesus presented himself “by many convincing proofs.”  Things, we assume, like talking with Mary Magdalene, eating with his followers, and inviting Thomas to touch the hole in his side.

But what constitutes a “convincing proof” that Christ is alive and kicking these days?  What did it for you?  Was it a vision?  Your parents?  The moment your son was born?  The way you felt when they sang that one hymn on a random Sunday in 1983?  Somebody you love telling you about their faith?

What proved it to you, not beyond a doubt—that’s science, not faith—but enough for you to bend your life around it?

The Book of Acts is a story about the apostles going around presenting Jesus “by many convincing proofs” to people they thought needed reminders that God is real and hope wins.  Your life, God hopes, will turn out to be about the same thing.

So, again: what first proved to you that the faith is true?  And then, more importantly: how are you going to prove it to somebody else?

Prayer

God, I am not always sure what to believe.  I’m not asking for certainty here, just enough convincing to get through each day.  And then for the grace to pass it on to someone else.  Amen.

About the Author
Quinn G. Caldwell is the Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church, Syracuse, New York.  His most recent book is a series of daily reflections for Advent and Christmas called All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas. Learn more about it and find him on Facebook at Quinn G. Caldwell.