The story found here in Acts 3 is an amazing one about a lifelong cripple who suddenly is healed and is not only able to walk, but even leap up and down! As verse 10 states, the crowd was filled with wonder and amazement. Verse 11 reiterates this when it tells us the people were "utterly astounded." When Scripture restates something within a couple of verses, I usually pause because I believe there is something it wants us to understand.
In this moment, the people are awestruck and in amazement; many are most likely left dumbfounded and even speechless! Regardless, they are filled with wonder; and unfortunately, I believe our culture and society today lacks this sort of reverence for God. When was the last time you sat there utterly amazed at our Creator God? I don't say this to shame you; I feel guilty just writing this myself. I say it because it saddens me that I've become so desensitized of God! Why?? How?? This should never happen, especially in northern Michigan. Looking out my window today I am constantly reminded of God's vast beauty. The bright oranges and reds in the leaves are a strong contrast to the overcast sky behind it.
What about the incredible honor of being part of God's Church? Francis Chan writes about this in his new book Letters to the Church, and he says, "When was the last time you were awestruck by the fact that you are part of Christ's body? Have you ever marveled at this privilege? 'For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.' (Ephesians 5:29-30) Every believer needs to stare at those verses long enough to be stunned. I mean really stunned. Paul referred to it as a profound mystery."
To put it bluntly, God is sacred and we have forgotten that. I pray that we would be reminded of His greatness and beauty and be filled with wonder.
In Him,
Pastor Matt
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