Today we meet Jesus in the synagogue where he’s teaching with authority and casting out evil spirits. (Mark 1:21-28)
His disciples are amazed.
Amazed at this man who teaches with power, who calls out his enemy and sends him away.
And we are challenged.
When is the last time we’ve stood amazed at this Jesus?
I have stood amazed, no doubt.
The night when words I’d heard hundreds of times before flashed hot and bright behind my eyelids, fluttering in my little girl heart because I got it.
The day when Jesus yanked me out of my adolescent angst with an ultimatum to which the only response was where else could I go? You alone have the words of eternal life.
The time I prayed for a daughter and everyone told me it never happens like that. Except that it did.
And when I pleaded with Jesus to be done with foster care and his answer, one thing, brought a Little One who is one of the greatest joys of my life.
The times I’ve watched Love win—in my home. In my classroom. In court.
And plenty more.
I figure I’m good.
And so through the closing song, I wrestle with another thought that thumps and throbs.
Maybe I’ll write about it soon.
And then church is over.
And I’m gathering my coat when Jesus shows up in the chair next to me wearing the skin of someone I barely know.
Words of kindness and affirmation tumble over me, then a tangible gift of grace offered freely.
Too much.
Too much from someone I barely know.
But the answer is yes and thank you.
I know this too.
Because the Jesus who speaks with authority is here. Heavy in these words that I want to shrug away but cannot. In this freely offered gift of too much.
And so I leave church today standing amazed.
Taken aback again by the extravagant love of One who knows that sometimes
Grace is in the receiving.
