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Wonder and Worship
Consider the awe and wonder felt by Jesus’s first disciples. How many jaws dropped, and eyes opened wide, when five loaves of bread and two fish became a buffet for thousands? Or how about watching Lazarus, wrapped head to toe in burial garments, walk out of his tomb after Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out.” And notice how people responded when the resurrected Jesus appeared to them and helped them with their doubts: “But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, "Do you have anything to eat?’” (Luke 24:41, CSB, emphasis mine).
This sense of amazement continued following Jesus’s ascension to heaven. After being empowered by the Holy Spirit (which we’ll look at later), his followers participated in proclaiming the gospel. On the first day alone, three thousand people came to faith in Christ and were baptized (Acts 2:41). Along with this and other acts, the Bible records, “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles” (Acts 2:43, emphasis mine). This sense of awe and amazement also leads to the ultimate—the glorifying of God.
After the Pharisee Saul encountered Christ and became the Apostle Paul, he was used by God in amazing ways. At first, some of the early believers were skeptical of him due to his prior persecution of the church. Later, Paul wrote about the way Judean churches responded upon learning of his faith. “. . . He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me” (Galatians 1:23-24).
As Christ continues his greater works globally, and as we participate with him, it enables us to grow in the knowledge and greatness of God. Whether it’s the conversion of those formerly opposed to the faith or young children who open their hearts to Jesus, when new life occurs, God is glorified. Consequently, he is praised for what He’s doing in, through, and around us. Just as he promised he would.
Reflection: Think about three things that have caused amazement in your walk with Christ. Take time to thank him and ask him to continue leading you according to his will.
Luke 10:17-24
Acts 2:41-47
Galatians 1:18-24
About this Plan
In John 5, after Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda, he then declared that greater works would occur, causing people to be amazed. Over the next thirty days, this plan by Dr. P. J. Meduri from Taking the Field Ministries will explore the claims of Christ regarding these greater works. Works he continues today through his followers.
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We would like to thank Taking the Field Ministries for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://takingthefield.org
