Over some things — either good or bad — we might find ourselves marveling. We may observe things which are either above or below what should be anticipated. Then there are the realizations which are just simply marvelous.
Note two situations which caused our Lord to marvel. The first is the occasion of a centurion coming to Him in Capernaum with the plea for Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant. (Matthew 8:5-6) When Jesus responded with a willingness to go and heal (Matthew 8:7), we then read. . .
“(8) But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. (9) For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (10) When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”” (Matthew 8:8-10 ESV)
Then, on an occasion when Jesus was in His hometown of Nazareth, due to the people’s familiarity with His human roots, despite being astonished at His wisdom and mighty works, they took offense at Him. (Mark 6:1-3) We then read. . .
“(4) And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” (5) And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. (6) And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.” (Mark 6:4-6 ESV)
Jesus marveled at the faith of a centurion and then He marveled at the unbelief of those in His hometown of Nazareth. Where faith might not be expected it came about, and where belief should have been anticipated it was not present. The key to acceptance is not always based on either national or religious advantages, but rather the individual openness to the truth when confronted with it.
Though Jesus was rejected by some, He was joyfully accepted by others and the same is true today. When Jesus told the parable of the tenants, He capped it off with a quotation from Psalm 118:22-23 where we read. . .
“(42) Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” (Matthew 21:42 ESV) [also Mark 12:10-11]
We may marvel at those who simply refuse to accept Jesus as the cornerstone, but for us who do accept Him as such, it is a marvelous truth to acknowledge. Recognizing Him as the cornerstone, our life can be brought properly in line with the Will of God. And having our life built up in the truth of Jesus destines us toward an eternity that will be wholly marvelous to experience!
Have a great day JOYFULLY LIVING IN THE WONDER OF THE LORD!
Carl
