Wonderment: He’s Here!

Luke 2:15-20 

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. So, they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 

When they had seen this, they made known the statement (born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord) which been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

The Shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

There’s a theme that runs through the book of Luke: Wonderment! Amazement! 

And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

The thread of wonderment and amazement that runs through the gospel of Luke has a basic flow to it: 

  • Amazement at what was spoken and announced regarding Jesus. 
  • Amazement at the wisdom and spoken words of Jesus. 
  • Amazement at the power of Jesus revealed through his miracles. 

First, amazement and wonderment about what others announced regarding Jesus:

The Shepherds, simply men of simple means, heard from the angels and were afraid, amazed and stunned. They investigated and found the announcement to be true. They beheld the child, Jesus. They went out praising God and speaking of what they had heard and seen. The result: And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 

Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord. Simeon, a righteous and devout man of God took Jesus in His arms and prophesied of His Greatness; this child is a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel…behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel…, Luke 2:32-34. 

How did Mary and Joseph respond to the words spoken by Simeon about Jesus?

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 

 

What About You? 

What causes this Wonderment? What are the ingredients of Amazement? What stirs one’s soul? 

  • When the truth about Jesus reaches the ears of a seeking soul, a sense of wonder captures their heart. 
  • When words are formulated in descriptive terms that announce the gravity and significance of the person and work of Jesus; amazement grips the heart of one seeking the meaning of life. 
  • When words of profound reality regarding the coming of Jesus are heard by the soul who is seeking God, an epiphany-like astonishment sends chills of enlightenment up and down the spine. 

 

The Truth of Jesus + A seeking heart = Wonderment! 

Wonderment asks; can this be true? Amazement says; is this what I’ve been searching for? Epiphany-like astonishment says; I BELIEVE! 

 

Take the Wonderment test.

Here’s a multiple-choice self-evaluation:  

When I hear the truth about God…: 

  • I’m bored; ho-hum. 
  • It’s a good reminder; Duly noted; this is good. 
  • I’m convicted; I should probably do something. 
  • I admit it’s true; I believe it to be so. 
  • I am resolved; I will listen and obey 
  • I am overtaken with wonder, astonishment and Joy; I PRAISE HIM; I WONDER ABOUT HIM; MY SOUL IS THRILLED!!! 

Be like Mary: But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. May we reflect that same wonder as Mary and never lose it. Listen to Bethel’s song Wonder to be inspired and filled with wonder.

 

Father, give me a mind and a heart that is amazed at the full scope of what who You are and what You have done! Your truth is readily available to me. But what is often missing is the attitude of my heart to hear, receive, ponder and be amazed. Grant me such a heart that I might love You as I should. Amen!