Some time ago I caught a segment on one of the late night talk shows. It was a video montage from The Bachelor (or Bachelorette, it’s been a few years) of one of the contestants saying “Amazing” over and over. She was amazed by everything; or at least her response to much of what she experienced was to say it.
The word is sometimes overused these days. Not everything makes us amazed. But some things still do. We can be amazed in both positive and negative ways. Being “amazed” should reflect surprise, astonishment, or wonder. There are definitely times we could find ourselves amazed or saying something is amazing. I’m amazed that Tom Brady is playing football at such a high level at age 43. I’m amazed that Coronavirus and COVID-19 have had such a dramatic effect on the world.
We will complete the remainder of the Epiphany season with a series of messages using the title, Amazing! When Jesus is beginning his ministry people are amazed at his teaching. He has authority that goes beyond their comprehension. His power over nature and over illness and disease leads those who are present to awe and wonder. His willingness to interact with people who would be considered untouchable to many in his day astonished those around him. The season ends with the story of the Transfiguration – when Jesus’ appearance was changed and Moses and Elijah showed up on the mountain. If there was ever a cause for disciples to be amazed, that was it.
Jesus still amazes us if we pay attention to what he is doing. In the last few days, as I write this post, I have heard multiple people remark that they saw God at work. What some people would consider coincidences, they recognized as God’s doing. One was a moment of crossing paths at the bank with a former student and the conversation that followed. Another was because a health care worker was related to another doctor she had seen. Many times we miss what God is up to. We don’t slow our minds down or reflect on what we observe. We often don’t see because we aren’t paying close enough attention. When we do, however, we can be amazed. God still does amazing things!
Be amazed with me for the next few weeks (from January 31 through February 14).
Join the worship stream and see how these stories of Jesus can help us be amazed at who he was and at who he is!