When was the last time you were astonished?
When did something strike you with such awe, that it stopped you in your tracks, left you dumbfounded, jaw dropped, utterly overwhelmed by what you just experienced?
This is the response of many in the New Testament who witnessed Jesus miracles first hand. My fear is that we have become numb to the awe struck power of Jesus. We are so familiar with the Bible stories of miracles that we learned in Sunday school, that we just glance over them. We rush through life, always thinking of what’s next and we don’t take the time to pause in astonishment of Jesus.
The Hebrew word, Tamah, is translated as to be amazed, shocked, or dumbfounded, The Greek word, Ekplesso, means to strike with amazement, to be utterly overwhelmed. Existeni, to be beside oneself with amazement, to be astounded. Thumazo, to wonder, be amazed, or be astonished. Depending on translation, these words are translated as amazed, marveled, or astonished.
The idea of astonishment often leads to reverence and awe before God. Encouraging worship and recognition of His sovereignty. Studying this word enriches our understanding of how people reacted in the Bible to God’s work and invites us to respond with awe and reverence in our own faith journey.
In Mark 5:19, Jesus commands the man healed of being demon-possessed to go home and share what the Lord has done. The man began to tell everyone at the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him and everyone was astonished.
The reaction of the people in the Decapolis suggests that first hand encounters with Jesus create amazement and faith in others.
What has Jesus done in your life? Do you share the mercy that you have experienced with others? Have you stood in awe of the physical, spiritual, emotional healing that Jesus has performed in your life? Do you worship with awe giving thanks to God for all that he has done? Do you allow others to witness the awe and joy of Christ in your life?
For the month of March, spend time in daily astonishment of Jesus. Take the time to re-read familiar passages of miracles in the Bible. Pay attention to the reaction of others and of Jesus. Then Go and Tell!
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