Living A Life Filled With Amazement And Praise

"Today's Devotion" For June 14, 2005

Read: Matthew 15:29-31; Acts 3:1-10

LIVING A LIFE FILLED WITH AMAZEMENT AND PRAISE

"The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel." (Mt. 15:31)

I recently read an article titled, "Tech Natives, Tech Immigrants." In this article, the author made the point that the current generation of students in our schools is full of technology natives, i.e., those who have grown up with technology, especially information technology, which is a "native language" for them. He contends that because information technology has so permeated our children's world, the possibility exists that their brains have been "rewired," either actually or figuratively, to handle the influx of information. Accordingly, how they learn and process information is hugely disconnected from the way their parents (people in their forties and fifties) process information. Those who fall into that group he calls "Tech Immigrants,'' and likens them to immigrants from other countries coming to America, learning English and new customs, and always having an accent that gives them away. "Tech Immigrants" process information differently and, perhaps, less efficiently, than the "Tech Natives."

I can tell you that I'm one of those "Tech Immigrants." There's no doubt. I have a "tech accent." I'm constantly seeing new and different things, and, while there are many things that no longer amaze me, how the human brain works and adapts to change is constantly amazing me. In most cases it seems reasonable to say that amazement isn't one of the things that is most prominent in our lives these days, with the exception, perhaps, of those among us born in the early part of the 20th Century. We've seen so many incredible things accomplished with technology that we don't get too excited when a new technology "toy" comes out. Yet when it comes to how human beings adapt and how our bodies respond to change, I can't help but be amazed.

There's no doubt in my mind that God is at work in this process. He's continually involved in His Creation, and His creative power still touches people's lives. Matthew's account of Jesus healing the sick is a good example of God's intervention in our lives for our good. As Jesus gave the mute their voices, the crippled and lame their mobility, and the blind their sight He was met with an amazed public - they were in awe - who praised God for His work. The people were amazed at seeing God's power coming through a man for the benefit of His people. They were awed and amazed that God would show His presence to powerfully and their praise of "the God of Israel" was the inevitable outcome.

Today is a day for us to be amazed again. Look around at the world we live in. See the marvels of God's Creation. The sun shines and brightens our days, in addition to all the things sunlight brings to the process of providing food and life to the earth. The rain falls, bringing with it the cleansing power of God, and contributes to providing food and life for the earth. The wind blows and cools us when it's warm, dries up the earth after a rainstorm, and blows the sweet smells of God's Creation into our nostrils. When we take everything God has done and does for us each day into account, how amazing our lives are because of His love. How good it is for us to be amazed each day by God's goodness and mercy to us; of His unending love and forgiveness which strengthen our spirits and send our hearts soaring to heaven. As it was true for the people in Jesus' day, so also it is true for us - each day, touched by God's healing love, our sins are forgiven and, in Christ, we are restored to God. We are healed so that, throwing off the Sin that would enslave us, we might clearly tell others of God's love in Christ, unencumbered by the burdens of the world, and with eyes wide-opened to the marvels of God's creation and love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a sense of amazement and awe each day as I experience Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. By the power of Your Word and Spirit keep me ever amazed and praising You for every good and perfect gift that comes from Your Fatherly hand. It's very easy for me, with all the "information" that comes my way every day, to become inured to the wonders of Your creation and presence in my life. Help me to overcome my complacency toward You and Your continuing creation, and lead me to praise Your name by sharing Your Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ to everyone I meet. I ask this of Your, gracious God and Father, in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.