Is there anything in life that astonishes?

as·ton·ish\ə-ˈstä-nish\
: to cause a feeling of great wonder or surprise in (someone)

Do you have any idea what it must have been like to see the first light bulb  or street light back in the day.  Or how about the first horseless carriage?  It was a game changer,  suddenly man no longer needed to turn in and get up with the sun.

A new freedom had arrived.   So many things followed in its wake.   Movies, radio, TV,  shift work became more profitable, possible.

At first, entertainment was family centered or adult only.

Then someone realized entertainment could be a great babysitter. Kid shows with good messages. …led to  splits in the family as each went their own way.

Soon we had the TV shows teaching the ABC’S,  numbers,  morals. …then the lack thereof.

It is on 24/7 in some homes….it no longer astonishes,  we cannot live without it.

It’s old, now we have computers, tablets, phones everywhere. …texting, seeking, searching for the next thing that will astonish.

When Jesus walked the earth, people were astonished;  He raised the dead, caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. 

People were astonished by His Doctrine :  “The Kingdom of God is at hand”.    God is accessible to whosoever will.    This was new, unbelievable, unheard-of.  

Today it is old news, old children’s stories.   Something the weak and simple need to cling to.

How did this happen?  Did the miracles really die off with the Apostles?   Did they ever really happen?  The truth is we just evolved.  Tomorrow we’ll be something else.

The Church, Gods Word, is powerless in a people who claim Salvation and faith but fail to live the life it requires.

I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. ….I’ve received my ticket to heaven.    Is that all there is?  For some, yes.  That is why the Church has no power, we have some who study the Word but it is an academic, intellectual pursuit.

They quote the Word, think they believe  but we see no power, few miricles, signs or wonders.   We see some touched by God and call the church a hospital to explain why more aren’t  healed or set free immediately.

Church;  this should not be.  God will use whosoever will, if their hearts are turned to Him.  Can you honestly say He will get the glory. …or will a little be yours.   Will your head not get a little large if He uses you to raise the dead?

I  wish I would not think myself special if He used me….How special do I think myself when I preach a Word that touches folks or write a post that changed a life.

God knows us, our hearts, minds, thoughts, desires, our sins and our failings.   If we were trustworthy,  He would trust us with His Power. We are not, so we have not, because we would consume it upon our own lusts.

Hard words.

What must we do?

He did many great and marvelous signs and wonders, miracles.

They were astonished;  by His teachings, Words, His Doctrine.  

Why can’t we communicate that astonishment today? 

Our words have no power, we aren’t effective in our faith.

I  am sure that when the reality of “Christ in you, the hope of glory “,  turned on the light in your life, you were astonished by the Peace, Love and Joy that flowed into your heart.

This was true in my life but I couldn’t share it effectively,  frustrated I tried  scaring  the people I loved  into accepting  Jesus, “If you don’t change your ways, you’re heading straight to hell”.   

My relatives still run away when they see me.  I was saved  but  unable to communicate the miracle  of Salvation .

The astonishment of being Forgiven, a sinner like me?  I am not much better after 33+ years loving and knowing the Lord.

“the people were astonished at his doctrine.”

” being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”

” straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.”

What was the Power of this Doctrine or teaching that caused people to be astonished?  Life.

“The kingdom of God is at hand.”

We see it or hear it today and it’s  ho hum….so what?   That’s nice, go away, Now!!!

How do we wake up a dieing world?  Can we see people astonished by our words.  No.   We need to communicate Gods Word.

I  believe in my heart we need to see signs and wonders, miracles. That astonishes.  His Word and Doctrine did also.  Why doesn’t ours?

We need to Walk with Jesus.  Not just Saved, Churched,  Sanctified, Justified, Consecrated but live in  His courtyard , learn how to touch His garment.

he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished,
when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
they were astonished at his doctrine:
straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
the disciples were astonished at his words.
they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
he was astonished, and all that were with him,
her parents were astonished:
and certain women also of our company made us astonished,
the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

We aren’t astonished,  the world is not astonished. …..We must learn to humble ourselves,  enter into the Holy of Holies,  touch the hem of Jesus’s garment.  Learn to take up His yoke, walk with Him.  Be vessels He can trust and relie on to heal the sick, raise the dead, proclaim the Kingdom, without taking the credit.  

Give the glory, honor and praise to God and God alone.

Only then will the Power of God again astonish the world.

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