What amazes Jesus?
This was the general topic of our sermon at church last weekend. As it was introduced, I felt almost inadequate for never even considering the idea. I mean, I stand in awe over and over again at my God. He continuously shows up and surprises me, but what am I doing to amaze Him?
Did you know that in the bible, there are 53 instances where Jesus amazes people but only TWICE is it said that Jesus was amazed?!
Okay, so when I think about it, that makes sense. I just got done explaining how God amazes me all the time; so, it would only be appropriate that his amazing acts would completely outnumber the acts that amaze Him. What were the two instances in which Jesus stood mouth agape? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Do you remember the commanding soldier with the sick slave in Luke 7? Stepping out in faith, he sends friends to relay the message, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” This nameless man recognizes Jesus as the ultimate authority. In doing so, his extravagant faith AMAZES Jesus.
As for the other time that Jesus was amazed, do you remember when Jesus visits his hometown of Nazareth in Mark 6? They were amazed by His teachings but quickly wrote Him off, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” This community in which He was born and raised AMAZED Jesus with their unbelief.
So, we are presented with this question: If the only 2 ways to amaze Jesus are by the extravagance of your faith or the lack of it, how have you recently amazed Jesus?
WOW. This question hit me like a ton of bricks-weighing heavily on me. Sure the World Race is a huge leap of faith, but I am constantly struggling with trusting Him in it. Let me be honest with you and tell you that fundraising has been an emotional roller coaster. I began this journey with an unexplainable peace about fundraising, but as this next deadline quickly approaches, I find myself anxiously looking around at what I can do to raise $1200 in the next 2 weeks. I can see Jesus shaking his head in amazement at my unbelief in His provision.
This is just ONE aspect in which I can see a shortcoming, but I think we can all take a minute to examine multiple areas of our lives through the lens of this question. I have learned not to look around at my neighbors to compare myself, but to turn my eyes towards God. And when I compare myself to Him, there is always plenty of work to be done. Would he find faith in my work? In my relationships? In my finances?
I don’t know about you, but I definitely want to be amazing God for the right reasons, and I want to be doing it frequently. I don’t want to fall into blindly performing habits of rituals and traditions but rather come alive in Him and trust His authority daily!
Amazing the one who created everything and to whom nothing is impossible isn’t easy. It will most likely require difficult decisons, uncomfortable circumstances, and awkward moments. But, when I count the cost, He is worth it. Every time.
What will you do to amaze God today?
P.S. If you would like to watch or listen to the full message (Amazing Jesus), seeing as how it was so much more eloquently put by this guy, check it out here: http://www.kingswaychurch.org/media/
