“He Marveled”
By Susan
Klein
“Now when
Jesus heard this, He marveled…”
Whenever I find myself in need of
some “real” time with my Savior, I know I can turn to the Gospels and find Him
there. His presence is visible upon the pages of God’s written Word. How like
our loving heavenly Father to provide us with this very personal gift to use
over and over again to fit our every circumstance.
When I am grieving, I can read Jesus wept (John 11:35), knowing
He personally shares in my grief. When I need counsel, I can read that Jesus
spoke to the multitudes and I can glean from His message to them. When I
am weary from life’s demands, I can learn from the example that Jesus withdrew to solitary places
to be alone with His Father for rest and refreshment.
Among other things, the Gospels tell
us that Jesus:
rebukedhealedperformed miracleswent away (or departed)forgaveraised the deaddefendedprayed
All of these things have touched my
heart in a personal way at a time when I really needed them. All of these
things Jesus did because He was the Son of God and they were things He was sent
here to do. However, there is one thing Jesus did in response to what
someone else did. He marveled. In context, the above verse
explains that Jesus marveled over
the great faith of one man, a Gentile, no less. Without the benefit of growing
up memorizing Old Testament Scriptures or sitting under the tutelage of
esteemed Jewish leaders, a Roman centurion heard about Jesus and beseeched Him
to heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus immediately understood the great faith
this man placed in Him by humbly presenting this request, and by believing it
would be done. (You can read the rest of the story in John chapter 8!)
As I glance back over my list, I
realize these are things Jesus did for me. To show my gratitude, I’d like to do
something for Him. I’d like to exercise my faith like the humble centurion did.
I want to take all these things to heart and gratefully, diligently and
unquestioningly apply them to my life in a way that brings Him glory and honor.
And wouldn’t it just be ever-so-precious if perchance, He were to marvel at my faithfulness?!!
GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you spend intentional time exercising your faith?
2. What are some weak areas in your faithfulness that might require some attention?
1. How can you spend intentional time exercising your faith?
2. What are some weak areas in your faithfulness that might require some attention?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 9:20-22; Romans 1:17; James 2:14-23
Matthew 9:20-22; Romans 1:17; James 2:14-23
Susan
is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible
studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of
the Peace Team at Oakwood.
