Just Plain Amazing

Mark 7:31-37

As we have been walking through the Bible this year, particularly the New Testament, I have been struck over and over again reading the miracles of Jesus. I have read and written about so many of his miracles that I hardly know what to say anymore--Jesus is just plain amazing.

But there are a few unique things about this passage that stick out to me. First is that Mark writes that Jesus, "looked up to heaven with a deep sigh" before he spoke the words that healed the man. The second is that Jesus told the man not to tell anyone (which he did say to other people throughout his ministry) and the man didn't listen and told people anyway (which people often did because they were so amazed and excited).

I love that Jesus "looked up to heaven with a deep sigh." I just imagine him breathing in the Spirit of God, resting in God's presence for a moment before performing this miracle. Maybe he said a prayer, or thanked God, or just acknowledged him. I think about all the times in my life--especially in my job, where I am doing ministry all the time--when I just go and do what I know I'm called to do without acknowledging the One who called me, without taking that breath. I imagine I'd find much more peace in my daily actions, and recognition of God's presence and work in my life if I looked up to heaven more often.

I also love that the man was just too excited to hold in the secret. He was healed! And he just had to shout about it. Mark says that "people were overwhelmed with amazement." I can't even imagine how that man felt after being healed by Jesus. I know if I were him, I wouldn't be able to hold it in either. Everyday, we encounter the Lord. We don't always recognize or acknowledge him, but we do. So let's get excited about it, so our excitement overflows to others and those around us can be amazed at Jesus too.