“Immediately he got up, took the mat, and went out in front of everyone. As a result, they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying ‘We have never seen anything like this’!”
Mark 2:12
Astonished by The Word
This story in Mark 2 is one of Mark’s earliest recorded miracles. Jesus entered Capernaum, and a swarm of people met him there with a desire to hear His Word. Some of them even brought a paralytic, waiting for Jesus’ healing to occur in his life. Jesus heals the man to the astonishment of the surrounding crowd. It was the loudest testimony they’d ever seen with their own eyes.
The miracle astonishes some of them. But for others, the source of their astonishment was rather the words He spoke. Could Jesus really forgive him of his sins?
How Will You Respond?
God plays a role in all of our lives. It is up us how we respond to His glory. In Jesus’ day, they had a choice to let their hearts respond to the miracles, or they could harden their hearts and call Him a blasphemer. However, Jesus told them to not be quiet in the midst of their shocking astonishment. God healed the man so that others would know His name (John 1:18).
In my own life, God has helped change me from a frantic answerless man to a man with purpose. I have seen people who do not have a functioning purpose. I have seen others who do not want to find purpose. And yet I have seen some who are looking for purpose.
I have found that sharing my testimony and the glory of what God has done in my life has helped stir others. Additionally, the powerful stories of God’s work in others’ lives can plant seeds for the gospel in our lives. He is meant to be known.
Now What?
Take time pray that the Spirit will show you all Christ has done in your life. Reflect on these stories, practice telling them, and pray that you can share God’s glory with those who need to see it. After all, your life surrendered to Christ may be one of the greatest testimonies they’ll ever see.
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