What does it mean to truly have wonder for the Gospel? I’m not just asking about a superficial appreciation or intellectual assent to the tenets of the Christian faith. I’m curious about what it looks like, feels like, and acts like to be genuinely filled with wonder regarding the Good News. How does this wonder manifest itself in our daily lives, our relationships, and our understanding of the world? Does it impact how we approach prayer, scripture study, and service to others? What are some concrete examples of someone living out a life characterized by wonder for the Gospel? And how do we cultivate this sense of wonder when the Gospel can sometimes feel familiar or even routine?
Answer
To have wonder for the Gospel means to experience a profound and awe-filled appreciation for the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s a deep sense of astonishment, joy, and reverence that stems from recognizing the magnitude and beauty of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus.
This wonder manifests in several ways:
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Awe at the Incarnation: Wonder arises from contemplating the unimaginable act of God becoming human in the person of Jesus. It’s pondering the mystery of the divine entering the limitations of earthly existence, taking on flesh and blood, and experiencing the full range of human emotions and vulnerabilities.
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Gratitude for Redemption: Wonder involves a heartfelt thankfulness for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. It’s understanding the depth of human brokenness and the radical grace offered in redemption, leading to humility and gratitude.
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Joy in Transformation: Wonder is fueled by the transformative power of the Gospel in one’s own life and the lives of others. It’s witnessing the Holy Spirit at work, changing hearts, healing wounds, and empowering individuals to live lives of love, service, and purpose. It includes seeing individuals freed from destructive patterns, addictions, and despair.
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Reverence for God’s Love: Wonder involves recognizing the immensity and unconditional nature of God’s love demonstrated through Christ. It’s not just an intellectual understanding of love, but a felt experience of being deeply cherished, accepted, and valued by God, regardless of past mistakes or present imperfections.
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Anticipation of Eternal Life: Wonder extends to the hope of eternal life with God, experiencing the fullness of joy and communion in His presence. It’s looking forward to the promise of a resurrected body, a renewed creation, and an eternity of worship and fellowship with the saints.
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Curiosity and Exploration: Wonder motivates a desire to learn more about the Gospel, to delve deeper into Scripture, to understand its implications for all aspects of life, and to share it with others. It inspires lifelong learning and a pursuit of understanding God’s character and purposes.
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Spiritual Sensitivity: Wonder heightens spiritual awareness and sensitivity to God’s presence and leading in daily life. It opens the heart to hear God’s voice, to discern His will, and to respond to His promptings with obedience and faith.
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Active Worship: Wonder leads to authentic and expressive worship, both individually and corporately. It overflows in praise, thanksgiving, adoration, and humble submission to God’s authority. This worship is not merely a ritual, but a heartfelt response to God’s grace and majesty.
- Compassion and Empathy: Experiencing wonder for the Gospel cultivates empathy and compassion for others, particularly those who are suffering, marginalized, or lost. It motivates acts of kindness, justice, and service, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
In essence, wonder for the Gospel is an ongoing, dynamic experience that shapes the way one sees God, oneself, and the world. It’s a source of inspiration, hope, and strength that guides one’s life and fuels a passion for sharing the good news with others.
Pray This Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are the source of all wonder, and in your boundless love, you gave us the Gospel – the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us and offer us eternal life. But sometimes, Lord, my heart grows dull. Familiarity can breed complacency, and the wonder of the Gospel can fade into the background noise of my life.
Therefore, I ask you, what does it truly mean to have wonder for the Gospel?
Show me, Lord, the depths of your sacrifice. Remind me of the darkness from which Christ rescued me. Ignite within me a fresh appreciation for the price He paid to purchase my freedom and reconciliation with you.
Help me to see the Gospel not as a static doctrine, but as a living, breathing invitation to a relationship with you, a journey of transformation, and a source of constant amazement.
Let me wonder at the power of your grace, which covers all sin and offers forgiveness beyond measure. Let me marvel at the hope of resurrection, the promise of eternal life with you, and the glorious future you have prepared for those who love you.
Grant me the eyes to see the Gospel’s impact on the world around me – the healing it brings, the hope it inspires, and the love it empowers. Help me to recognize it in the selfless acts of kindness, the quiet moments of grace, and the vibrant expressions of faith.
And Lord, instill in me a desire to share this wonder with others. Let my life be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, so that those around me might also be drawn to the source of all wonder, Jesus Christ.
I ask this in His holy name.
Amen.
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