DAY 7 - January 11 – Wonder

WEEK 2 - Awe and Wonder (Sunday to Saturday)

DAY 7 - JANUARY 11 – Wonder

Mark 10:13-15 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Children are born with a beautiful sense of wonder. They have a unique capacity to see things they don’t understand and still be captivated by how incredible they are. They don’t have to understand everything. They simply enjoy and marvel at what they see. Children believe. The faith of a child is pure. It hasn’t been tainted by disappointment or cynicism. Children see wondrous things and believe anything is possible.

Jesus did signs and wonders often so that He could demonstrate what the Father was like and how wonderful was His kingdom. How much easier it was for children to come and be embraced and blessed by Jesus than for adults to receive Him! Children didn’t question His motives or theology. They didn’t need to argue or dispute with Him. For them, miracles didn’t need to follow rules. Children received miracles and healings without concern about whether they were done on the Sabbath or not. They simply opened themselves up to the love Jesus showered upon them.

Can you imagine the joy of Jesus when He spoke to children? They were completely open to His love. They were instinctively drawn to His goodness and strength. His power never scared them! They delighted in His miracles of healing.

Oh, how we need to find our lost Wonder! We were born with it, but somewhere along the way, growing up, we lost it. It’s a tragedy that needs a remedy! It is a condition that should never be left unresolved! We are missing out on so much. Signs and Wonders are on display everywhere, but many eyes are stuck on what hasn’t happened yet!

Gratitude is a powerful practice that changes us inside. Being grateful for the little things can help us re-discover the awe and wonder of God. How long can a child look at a butterfly? When did a child not want to splash in the puddles after a rain? There is delight all around us but we have outgrown it. We have left it behind.

Stop. Breathe. Really look at something beautiful. These simple acts of regard and appreciation for God’s Creation are the start. Open yourself to the unseen hand of the Father in your life. Do you need a miracle? Do you need to be healed? Take a moment to ask for it. Don’t second-guess about whether you’re worthy enough, or pleasing enough, or important enough. A child expects to be cared for and loved. And we have the best Dad ever.

Open yourself to wonder again. It’s good for you.

John 11:43-44 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

Luke 7:11-17 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

John 9:10-12 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.” 12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.”

John 9:13-19 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”

John 9:20-34 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” 25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” 28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

MEDITATION

• Take a walk somewhere beautiful. Breathe the air. Feel the breeze. Stop and look at something in His creation. Think about how good it is. Express your gratitude to Him.

• Think about the incredible things you’ve seen in your life. Have you ever witnessed a miracle? Were you believing or were you doubting? Ask yourself why. Be honest with yourself

• Ask God to restore your sense of wonder. Ask Him to show you something you can do today to help you get it back. Then go do it.