Amazed
Posted by admin | Tags: bransonI was talking to another staff member this week, and he told me that he had been reading the Gospel of Mark and had noticed that when people encountered Jesus, Mark says that they were astounded, bewildered and amazed. He remarked that he rarely sees people who are amazed at Jesus. We both admitted that we are rarely amazed.
That conversation reminded me of a Bible study I led several years ago with a group of my hometown buddies. I came back from college ministry with a burden for these guys’ souls, and I asked them if we could study the Bible together. We began to meet weekly and started by studying Mark. One of them, a guy named Andy, told me that he had gone to church all his life, but it wasn’t until this Bible study that he noticed that every chapter told about people who were amazed at Jesus. That discovery led him to make Jesus his Lord that summer.
One of my favorite old hymns begins with the words, “I stand amazed at the presence of Jesus the Nazarene…” I’ve sung that song many times, and so have many of you, but rarely has it been true of us. Imagine it. We’re in worship, in the presence of the true and living God, the risen Lord Jesus the Christ…and we’re not that impressed. We’re certainly not amazed.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be amazed!
I know that what Jesus is doing in people’s lives is amazing. He’s done some amazing things in my life and in yours! He is amazing! So, from now on at Covenant, we’re going after “amazing.” I want everything we do as a church to be a celebration of the evidence of Jesus’ amazing presence. We’re going to start telling stories of the amazing life-changing events that are taking place around us – in worship, on the Web site and in print. Our new mantra is going to be, “Tell me your story!”
A man in our church named Mike told me that the first time he came (several years ago), a guy got up and told how Jesus had changed his life. He realized after a few minutes that he knew that man and had known him to be a rather unsavory character. Mike immediately turned to his wife and told her that if Covenant and Jesus could change “that” guy, Covenant must be the church for them. That kind of change had to be supernatural and was truly amazing.
Our vision statement, “Intentionally Following Jesus…” has three dots at the end. Most people leave them out, but they are important. They represent the stories! They represent what happens when we intentionally follow Jesus. The dots are where it gets amazing!
So, tell us your stories of life-change. We want to celebrate and be amazed at Jesus! Reply below with your comments and stories!
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jeffdaigle says:
Amazed. Stunned. In awe. Afraid. Suddenly. These words describe an experience I haven't had in quite some time. I am currently wrestling with the fact the my life as a follower of Christ is TOO PREDICTABLE! It's too neatly packaged and I want to be blown away by Jesus. I want to be in awe, mouth on the floor. I want Jesus to literally blow us away!
ashq says:
Hmmmmm…what in me is keeping me from utter awe of Him? Do I program my relationship with Him like I prgram everyone and everything else in my life? I don't think "programming" and "awe" mix well! maybe that's my answer…
BTW…it would be nice to see the author of the blog under the title so we don't have to go to the end to see who wrote it…just a thought.
Mary Lou says:
I always scroll down to see if it was Charlie or Branson!
Kelly says:
The Grace and Forgiveness Jesus gives me everyday keeps me in awe!
walterstrathy says:
Jesus never ceases to amaze me (when I let Him). Had an opportunity to show Jesus to someone yesterday. Helped a new family, on our block, move into their house. The guy kept thanking me…he kept telling me how much he appreciated my help. Finally I blurted out (think it was Jesus, actually) "That's what neighbors do". Donny (my new neighbor) responded "that what neighbors are supposed to do".
Jesus amazed me through that interaction. I relized He loves me when I do and when I fail to do. I need to work on that. Great point thanks Donny.
Rob Hall says:
Everyone of us has a different story.
Some of our stories are like long walks in the park in a gentle breeze on a Cool Fall Day.
Some of our stories are like neverending roller coasters with gut wrenching twists and death defying turns.
Our stories can begin at 6 years old kneeling beside a bed with Mom and Dad…
They can begin near the end as the sinner's prayer is whispered with conviction by a man on his death bed whose race is nearly run.
The bottom line is:
It is important that these stories are told!!!
These stories are living proof that JESUS SAVES and JESUS CHANGES LIVES!!!
Different people, different stories, different timing, SAME SPIRIT!!!
Jesus is AMAZING!!!
Strength through HIM
ashq says:
Jeff Daigle…I wanna read those stories…can't wait for you to put 'em on the web somewhere
MGonzalez says:
Thirty years ago, while packing to leave my home due to divorce I was exhausted! I could not sleep, worried about how I had failed as a wife, how would I be a good single Mom, scared, cried all the time, just a mess. During this time I was in constant prayer with God for guidance. It was a great time of Awe for me, with Him.
One night I fell into bed, so lonely, crying yet again and prayed that if I could just be held, just feel loved. So, HE held me. Yes, He did! I felt His arms come around me, gather me up, hold me close, a deep peace and a wonderful night's sleep.
As I said in the beginning, that has been 30 years! I want that Awe again. I have become comfortable, maybe even complacent in His presence. I want to be stirred up, excited, educated, on fire for Him! I want my eternal life to begin NOW!
maryprice says:
Jesus make us uncomfortable in our comfortableness.