37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”
Mark 7:37
The Astonishing Jesus
Jesus is astonishing, isn’t He? I think so, but so many people don’t. Jesus’ ministry was so astonishing because the people alive at that time had never seen God intervene in their world. It had been about four centuries since the last prophet spoke to Israel, and it was many centuries before that since God had miraculously intervened in the affairs the nation. Many people in Jesus’ day had lost hope of God rescuing them from their oppressors.
Then came Jesus. Touching hearts, healing the lame, the deaf, and the dumb. He even raised the dead! Everything Jesus did was astonishing. Do you see this astonishing Jesus at work in your world today? Do you see Him at work in your life? I hope so. All that Jesus ever was, He still is. And, all that Jesus ever did, He can still do – if we believe.
Can You See His Astonishing Work?
One of the things I love about the season of Lent, is that it offers me a special time to reconnect with Jesus in special ways. As I read the gospels during this season I relive the miracles Jesus did, and I am encouraged to see His miracles in my life too. Can you see any miracles in your life? They are there, I assure you. The miracles of Jesus recorded in the scriptures are but a fraction of what He actually did, I’m sure. But, the miracles are there to help us believe, to astonish us as well.
Lent is a season for deepening our faith. We are now more than half way through the season, and Holy week will be upon us quickly. How are you doing? Are you growing closer to Jesus? I hope so. If not, take a few moments to reconnect with Him today as you start this week. Think back on how you first met Him, and how you got to where you are today. I’m pretty sure there are some astonishing stories there if you’ll try to remember.
It’s good for us to remember. Photographs are a great way of remembering. Take a look through an old photo album you have. You will soon see that everyday has been a miracle. God has brought you through so much, and He’s not through with His astonishing work in your life yet. As you take your trip down memory lane, I think you will be astonished at the times God has raised you from the ashes.
Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,
Pastor Brad
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Matthew 5:6