Mark 12:17 – “And they were amazed at him”

There are over 50 times in the books of the New Testament referred to as “The Gospels” – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – where Jesus has a conversation or interaction with someone and those who witness the event are described as being amazed or astonished.

Many of you may know Troy.  He is on our ministry staff, he and his wife, Ashley, lead our children’s ministry, and he is a close friend of mine.  Troy has a problem though.  He overuses certain words.  When I say that he overuses certain words, I mean that he WAY OVERUSES those words.  It’s actually one of the things that people who know him love about him.  One of his favorites is the word “ridiculous” (you should ask him to spell it sometime).

One of  the other word he uses way too much is “amazing”.  He slaps it on pretty much everything he likes.  The TV show LOST…amazing.  Homemade nachos…amazing.  Wired Magazine…amazing.  Revolutionary Road (easily the worst movie I’ve had the misfortune of seeing in quite some time)…you guessed it….amazing.

I don’t think Troy is alone in this though.  The bar for what we are willing to describe as amazing, doesn’t seem to be set very high.  Yet, sometimes our faith can become routine and feel like anything BUT amazing.  When’s the last time you were amazed at God? At his love?  At his wisdom and insight for your life?  At his goodness toward you?

What a great opportunity we have today – reflect on Jesus – on his love and compassion.  Take the time today to be…amazed.

Check out this video – it’s amazing!

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/2/Are-You-Amazed