“1When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” Mark 9.14-15
Have you ever been overwhelmed by wonder? I’m thinking about the first time kids go to Disney World, the first time they see Cinderella’s Castle or ride Space Mountain. I know I felt overwhelmed by wonder when I went on my first Disney Cruise; it was spectacular!
I’m focusing on a small phrase in this segment in Mark 9 when Jesus is on the road. He’s moving from town to town, performing miracles, healings, and teaching about the Kingdom of God. Lives are being changed, the Jewish religious leaders are in a tizzy, but the crowds are going wild.
As happened often, Jesus was with his disciples, and teachers of the law were arguing with a crowd about what Jesus had said or was saying. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were “overwhelmed by wonder and ran to greet him.”
Is this the way we greet Jesus every morning? Is this the way we come into his presence on a Sunday or a Wednesday night, or at youth camp? Are we waking up in our beds, opening our Bibles, talking to God, and filled with the wonderment of his joy and love? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. We are human with a constant range of emotions. But each of us has been created to respond to that which fills us and meets our deepest need. Our hearts were patterned by God to know him intimately. Therefore, when we find ourselves in his Presence, as the crowd did in this passage, we are filled with wonder.
This life has much to offer. The fleeting gifts/curses of fame, fortune, and opportunity will come and go. Relationships will be created and die. But the one who remains forever with us, the one who speaks to us when we are quiet and alone, is the Voice of Jesus who can bring wonder to your soul.
No matter who or where you are, God is near. Call out to him. Cry out for mercy. Seek his face. Find the One who has found you and is willing to bring joy and wonder to you this very day.
“O Lord God, you are good. In the midst of life’s comings and goings, you are constant. Regardless of my external situation, you bring wonder. You are my hope, my shield, my refuge, and my joy. Come now, Holy Spirit, and find me willing and able. Call upon me and pour out your Spirit. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen