Astonished and Amazed

~~~ Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 ~~~ Psalm 103 ~~~ Mark 6:1-6 ~~~

Jesus returned home and began to teach in the synagogue.

The community who regularly came

 to worship there probably had no idea 

Jesus would be teaching that day.

There was no public announcement about his visit. 

He proceeded to the front where he began

 to deliver his teaching.

 ...many who heard him were astonished. 

Astonish means to surprise someone very much.

If you are astonished your eyes may be wide opened

and your jaw dropped down.

Astonished is more than just being surprised.

You are completely caught off guard.

Often you are speechless.

In this case the crowd began to murmur among themselves.

...Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary...

A carpenter's son would not have the knowledge

 or wisdom to speak in such a manner or with such conviction.

They had many reasons to be astonished.

In the end Jesus had much the same reaction to them.

He expected more from them

after all they were sitting in the synagogue.

They were keeping the laws.

They were active participants in their church.

He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Jesus was amazed because there he was standing before them

speaking words that obviously touched them;

yet they were questioning and doubting.

They were not trusting 

what they were seeing or hearing.

How many times do we find ourselves in similar situations?

God speaks to us but we make excuses...

we try not to believe.

We seclude our faith in a corner 

of our mind and heart.

It is God who wants to astound and amaze us.

Will you let him?

Blessed...Astounded...Amazed.

~~~Peace~~~