Jesus Should Astonish and Amaze Us

05/17/2023

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 13:54, ” When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?’ “

Background

Around our town, there was a buzz over a kid named Scotty McCreery. He is a local boy who has made it to the finals of the television show ” American Idol. ” This week, the final round of singing and voting will occur, and the country will decide whether Scotty or his competition is this year’s ” American Idol ” champion. And all this for a 17-year-old who was pitching for his high school baseball team and bagging groceries and ringing up customers at Lowe’s Foods just a few months ago. One day he’s singing in the school chorus and with his church choir, and the next he is on national television competing for the championship. I can only imagine the kind of whirlwind he has been going through, and the types of reactions he is getting from his closest buddies and those who barely know him. But we don’t have to imagine what it was like for Jesus. The scriptures make it very clear how He was received when He returned to His hometown.

Application

Embarking on a mission of teaching and preaching, Jesus certainly didn’t raise many eyebrows when he headed out as a carpenter to change the world, even among the few who even knew He had left. So when He returned, with a following and a wisdom and a power they had never seen before, there was astonishment and offense in their reaction. ” Wasn’t He building tables and chairs the last time we saw Him? I know His mom and siblings, and there’s nothing extraordinary about them. How come He is supposed to be so special? ” But Jesus is special.

He is extraordinary. And He is unique. And although we all know this, as we come to His ” house ” each week, I’m afraid that we get numb to that sense of awe that we should have. Not because a carpenter did some amazing things without formal training. But because the God of the universe reaches down to us every moment of every day and gives us life, love and hope. He gives us eternity with Him, and forgiveness for the garbage we give Him. He is awesome and astonishing. And more so, He is ours, and we are His.

Charge

As we seek Him today, let Jesus astonish and amaze you. Let that sense of wonder and awe move you to worship Him and rely on Him completely.

Author — Rich Holt | BCWorldview.org

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