What Does It Mean to “Marvel?”

What does it mean to “marvel” at something? Websters says that to “marvel” evokes admiration or wonder.

Think back through the years and consider circumstances and events that you really marveled at. Especially consider a time when a person’s behavior amazed you. What was it that caught your attention?

Actions that startle us often come out of left field. Perhaps there’s the impact of an element of surprise. There are moments in sports history that stand out because there are really very few moments to compare to. When Kirk Gibson could not play in the 1988 World Series game and spent most of the innings down in the locker room nursing injuries to both legs, not one person in the stands or in the national television audience really thought he would be called up that night.

Only when all odds were stacked against the Dodgers, and the situation was hopeless, their manager, Tommy Lasorda rang down to the locker room and asked for Gibson to come up and face the best closing pitcher in baseball with two outs in the bottom of the last inning.

The Dodgers needed a miracle, but were unlikely to get it from this lame slugger, who could barely walk, let alone swing a bat. With two strikes, and two outs, Kirk Gibson somehow hit the ball out of the park to win the game and hobbled around the bases as the Dodger announcer, Vin Scully, coined the phrase, “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.” We marveled at this truly amazing moment!

In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.

Vin Scully

We look back at moments in history and now marvel at key leaders and their conviction and leadership in the darkest hour. Winston Churchill in 1940 held it together against all odds as Hitler pummeled London. Only later would his unwavering commitment to victory become the stuff that would legitimize his legendary status. For England, it was a similar comeback with two strikes, two outs, in the bottom of the ninth. To this day, we marvel at how England’s fortune turned around and, ultimately, a victory was waiting.

Acts of Heroism and Spontaneous Kindness

Acts of heroism amaze us. The news story that elevates one that made a significant difference gets our attention. Just a couple of weeks ago Buffalo, New York, was experiencing one of the worst blizzards in their city’s history, and each night there were stories of those stranded, and some stories of strangers helping strangers.

One such story spoke of a young couple that had recently stocked up with groceries and filled their freezers. A busload of Korean tourists just happened to get stuck and stranded practically across the street from their home, so they invited them in. All ten of them, and they hosted them for three days or more.

The couple had purchased some Korean foods, so their guests got right in and helped cook, as new friendships were made that now span the globe. It was an incredibly moving and heartwarming story. We marveled at their spontaneous hospitality. At that moment, this couple stood out because of their generosity.

Poor behavior also amazes us. The darkest stories that come across our news screens are stunning and often seem unbelievable. The darkness and evil that abounds also grabs our attention and causes us to pause in shock as we witness the unimaginable. And so it’s that greatness and goodness, brings amazement, as does the ugliness that sometimes rears its head.

I don’t really think God is ever surprised. How could he be? He is God, and he is all-knowing and all-powerful. He is the Creator Shepherd who knows every one of his sheep. With these attributes, could God ever be amazed? Does this logic make sense to you at first glance?

Yet there’s a difference between being surprised and being amazed.

We were driving along recently, and Margo shared with me a familiar story out of Luke 7. It’s the story of the Centurion who had a “highly-valued” servant that “was sick and about to die.” He “had heard of Jesus and sent some elders” asking Jesus to come and heal his servant. The elders “pleaded earnestly” with Jesus, “so Jesus went with them.”

Jesus “was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say; ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.’”

This is where it gets interesting. We need to slow down here and observe the reaction of Jesus. The scripture says, “When Jesus heard this he ‘marveled’ at him.” Another version says that “when Jesus heard this he was ‘amazed’ at him.”

Is it possible, by our own behavior, to stop Jesus in his tracks? This man did exactly that. Jesus stopped. He turned around. He then said, facing the crowd, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then, “the men who had been sent returned to the house (which was nearby) and found the servant well.”

This is where it becomes evident that our actions can amaze and thrill Jesus. Jesus, the great Shepherd, Redeemer, and King of Kings. The very One that was there in the beginning (John 1), and through him all things were made that had been made, actually “marvels” at one man’s faith.

Jesus Is Moved By Our Faith

I believe Jesus’ primary concern is simply that we believe in him. Sounds so obvious, but we tend to complicate the Gospel. It’s only through our believing that God can see us as righteous. See Romans 4 and 5. Remember that “Abraham believed, and God counted it to him as righteousness.” Jesus asks on more than one occasion, “Who do the people say I am?” You see, Jesus cared deeply about a couple of fundamental issues. One was that he would be obedient to do the will of his Father. And secondly, that the Jews and Gentiles alike would believe that He is the Son of God.

Whether it was at Mary and Martha’s house when Mary sat at his feet and so pleased Jesus, or the faith of the woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years – Jesus recognizes those that reach out. As the woman reached out and touched his cloak, he felt power go out from him and he turned around to ask, “who touched my cloak?” Jesus is moved by our faith. He cares that we are trusting him.

We all have seen and heard these stories for so long that most of us would consider ourselves aware that the exercise of faith pleases Jesus. Yet have you ever really focused on the description in Luke 7 that Jesus actually marvels at this man’s faith? Have you ever noticed that in this story it’s revealed that even Jesus is amazed? How do you amaze the Son of God? Believe in him.

As near as I can tell, there is only one other time the words marvel and amazed are used with the behavior of Jesus. This also has to do with the faith ingredient, but in exactly the opposite context. In fact, in Mark 6 we readily recall the words that “a prophet is without honor in his hometown.” But what we fail to see is that Jesus “was amazed at their lack of faith.” This verse says their faith was so lacking, “he could not do any miracles there.” Some versions say that he marveled at their lack of faith.

So Jesus can be amazed, and he marvels at certain things. But the only two times recorded in the New Testament referring to him marveling at anything have to do with a strong faith, and an extreme lack of faith.

We marvel at huge sporting plays, or an act of heroism. Atrocities amaze us as they take our breath away.

Jesus marvels at the level of trust we place in him, or the lack thereof.

Now that really is amazing. What moves God is the same today as it was when Moses held up his staff and led his people across on dry land. The faith of a centurion on behalf of a special servant, or a sick, bleeding lady – all of these moments were recognized and memorialized in scripture forever.

This week we received a text from a good friend of mine, Pete. We have a mutual friend named Chuck and his daughter was diagnosed with stage four cancer just before Thanksgiving. Here is the update which Pete sent around:

“Update for Chuck’s daughter, Mary. She is mid 30s diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer. Given 30-60 days to live a couple of months ago. After two rounds of chemo and two to go, her PET scan yesterday showed ZERO cancer!! The doctor was flabbergasted and said it was a miracle. Prayer works… God is with us. Emmanuel! Thank you for your prayers.”

I had spoken with Chuck just before Christmas. His faith and believing was overwhelming. I felt at the time that something special was going on in the face of darkness. There wasn’t room for anything or anyone other than Jesus. Chuck and his wife were like the centurion. They believed.

I think Jesus is marveling at their faith.

If you are thinking, “that may work for them, but I don’t have that kind of faith,” I suggest to you that you start by simply believing in Jesus as the Savior. We believe he sees us as faultless.

Faith The Size Of A Mustard SeeD

How much faith do we need? Jesus answers the question himself and I think we all need to be reminded. Jesus said, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to that mountain move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17).

I don’t think I have the greatest of all faith. But I believe in Jesus for starters. I believe he is the Son of God, and I believe he cares that I believe that. He wants to know who the people say he is. I believe he wants the best for me, and even though I am imperfect, he sees me as perfect, simply because my faith in him tells me he has a plan for me to spend eternity with him.

I believe my faith is bigger than the metaphor of the mustard seed, even though there are those with greater faith. But he tells me my faith is enough, so that nothing is impossible for me. I have seen the hand of God in my life.

People like Chuck and his wife inspire me. The centurion inspires me. The fact that Jesus marvels and is amazed by acts of faith inspires me.

Can you believe that Jesus gets excited about one primary thing? Faith in him? Yes, faith in him! Jesus is moved, amazed, and marveling at those who put their faith in him. I want to be like that centurion.

Lord, move me to a deeper trust in you! Thank you for the life experiences you’ve given us that build on our faith. Thank you for watching and observing and getting excited along with us as we enjoy faith events where we see your hand!

Help us be amazed and to marvel at the things that get your attention! Help us marvel at You.