ASTONISHMENT

I Was Just Thinking About – ASTONISHMENT.

The KJV definition for astonishment has multiple possibilities. It means: “Amazement; confusion of mind from fear, surprise or admiration, at an extraordinary or unexpected event.” When looking at the book listings on Amazon for any religious titles on this subject, there is only one significant tome listed: Astonishing Grace by Edwin S. Walker. This book references years of missionary activity in Haiti where people, especially men, who were deprived physically and denied culturally were transformed into useful servants of the Lord by the astonishing grace of God and through years of patient effort and mentoring by the missionary servant.

There aren’t too many uses of the word astonished or astonishment in the Scriptures. There are inferences and illustrations of how the Lord worked in dramatic ways by His miraculous power and  through the faith and commitment of His servants. Mark 5 has the account of Jairus coming to Jesus because of the great need of his daughter. While he waits for Jesus to complete His group ministry, a messenger tells Jairus that his daughter has died. Jesus shares a personal word with Jairus (verse 36): “Don’t be afraid. Just (only) believe.” Will Jairus be able to heed these words amid this moment of shock and sorrow? Will the people who know him and his family encourage him to have confidence and trust in the words of Jesus Christ? How will they respond when they follow Jesus and Jairus to the home where the girl has died? What is the scene they will encounter? Verse 38, KJV indicates there was: “tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.”

Jesus makes a statement that receives a negative response and personal derision. Verse 39-40 indicates: Jesus asked, “Why do you make this ado,  weeping and wailing?” He then states: The girl (daughter of Jairus) is not dead but is sleeping.” The reaction and response of the people toward Jesus: “They laughed Him to scorn.” When people lack faith and confidence in the power of God, they will always respond negatively and with doubts and derision. The text indicates that Jesus had Jairus clear these negative thinking and talking people out of the home. Those who remained were Jesus, Jairus, the girl’s Mother, Peter, James and John. What will Jesus do next? Verses 41-43 indicates: Jesus took the 12-year old girl by the hand. He said to her, I say to you arise! Immediately, she arose. How did those in the home respond? How would the people who had scornfully react now? The KJV indicates: “They were ASTONISHED with a great ASTONISHMENT.” Mark 5:42 (NLT) uses different language: “They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.”

There is another illustration where astonishment becomes central to the response of God’s unique power being displayed. Daniel 3 records that three men of faith and courage had refused to bow down to the king’s image. This infuriated King Nebuchadnezzar and he angrily directed that the three men be put to death in a furnace of fire. After the three men are thrown in, the king sees four men walking about in the flames. What brought about this result? The three men of faith, courage and boldness had responded to the king: “Our God is able to deliver us…and He will deliver us…but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow down to your image.” When the king sees four men, Daniel 3:24 (ASV) states: “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was ASTONISHED…” Other translations use: (NASB) astounded; (Holman Bible) jumped up in alarm; (International Standard Version) stood up in terror; (Bible In Basic English) full of fear and wonder; (Modern KJV) amazed.

How do you respond to unexpected events and that which challenges one’s imagination? Basic, one must have faith and confidence in God’s will. Situations may not always result in what “we” want but always because of what God wills for our good and His glory. A friend wrote about: How do we do Jesus? His suggested answers: “Did Jesus rejoice with those who rejoice? The wedding in Cana where he made the best wine ever. Did Jesus mourn with those who mourn? Jesus wept! Did he live in harmony? The woman at the well and His thanking her for giving Him water while reminding her about her many husbands – and she went and told everyone. Did Jesus demonstrate, don’t be proud? He went to the home of Zacchaeus for Lunch while the Pharisees were sure they were the ones who deserved Lunch with Him. There was no repaying evil for evil.” Be astonished by His grace and do astonishing things for Him,

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.