People were overcome with wonder, saying “[Jesus] does everything well! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who can’t speak.” — Mark 7:37
Have you ever been given something that was overwhelming, a complete surprise, and you thought you hadn’t done anything to deserve it? If so, how did you feel? And how did you act for the rest of the day/week?
I remember the day when my folks asked me to go outside. On the driveway was a brand new, 1971 Dodge Dart (retail cost: a whopping $2,500). My last year of high school–then for college, seminary, and the first pastorate–would have me driving around in style.
They’d wanted to give me an amazing gift, and I remember the joy in their faces as I walked out and saw this groovy green chariot.
But there was something else, and I reflect on it now. For that day, and the ones following, life simply seemed different. Things seemed happier. Worries faded. People were nicer. It’s like such a gift opened up a nicer side of life that you hadn’t noticed when you were doing homework and preparing for tests.
So, what do you think the people who were deaf heard when Jesus helped them hear again? Maybe they focused on singing birds or laughing children. Or what did those with a speech impediment say when suddenly they could talk clearly? Maybe they filled the air with songs of joy, songs they’d heard but couldn’t voice until then.
When we receive something so overwhelming, life takes on a more colorful, joyful, profound, and generous nature. It’s a shame that we lose that sense when we focus on things we think are important but, in the grand scheme of things, aren’t so much.
How can we live daily with the joy of a high school kid getting a car or people getting miraculously healed?
Perhaps we need to cultivate the habit of realizing that simply waking up is a surprising, amazing, indescribable gift. How will we live today in light of that miracle?
Every day is a gift! My first car was a blue 1964 Dodge Dart! Not brand new for me but it was mine none the less and I was grateful 😊
I love this article, Greg. We are all so blessed in this free country. I am now thinking of all my gifts and thanking God for all. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
My second new car was a Doodge Dart I think 1970, I had to either buy tires for my 3year old Valiant or ged the Dart. The Dart won. Thanks, Greg.
Good sermonette I hear your voice in it. Makes me smile. I like how you compare your experience to those who experienced the healing touch of Christ.
I got to drive the family VW years later a high school friend of mine thought it was mine I was so cool.
I remember my first car, a ’66 Valiant, 3 speed on the column. It wasn’t new but my parents bought it for me so I could go to my first job. I hung a transistor radio from the rear view mirror and boy was I happy. Thx for the reminder of love and joy!
I could not agree more! The gift of God’s grace is a daily miracle and keeping it in mind is a reason to be happier every day. (’76 Monte Carlo by the way!)