Hosanna Restoration Church

Are you amazed, astonished, and enthusiastic, concerning Jesus’ teachings, or are you one who does your best to quench it before it gets out of hand? I realize that this sounds like a strange question to ask people who regularly seek the Lord, but it just may be that we quench the Word of God more than we realize or care to admit!

The truth is that we are all more enthusiastic about the things we are comfortable with. There is a difference in being astonished or amazed by something and in being enthusiastic about it. We can remain bystanders in our amazement, but enthusiasm will get us involved.

For instance, there was a time when I would read some things in the Bible and wonder if that could be true for me. Now, I am more inclined to wonder why in the world it would not apply to every part of my life. Before, I never really refused to believe any part of the Word of God, I just did not get enthusiastic about incorporating into my daily life. There are still lots of things I chew a lot before swallowing, but I have determined that I am not going to miss one thing that God has planned for me.

It reminds me of a story I heard about a man who crossed Niagara Falls on tight rope pushing a wheelbarrow. An amazed bystander congratulated him and he asked the person if he believed he could do it again. The spectator, still amazed assured him that he believed he could. At that, the man asked the spectator to get in the wheelbarrow. That was the end of their relationship.

Jesus is amazing, there is no doubt about that! However, we will never experience the life He has promised if we only stand amazed. If we hear the Word of God, that is a great start. If we allow it to thrill us, we continue to move in the right direction. But if we allow anything to quench our enthusiasm, we may well lose the whole thing.

The same leaders who wanted to kill Jesus had an opportunity to move from darkness to light when they asked Him about His authority and He in turn asked them what they thought of John the Baptist. They refused to answer what they knew was true, so Jesus would not answer them either.

When we stand face to face with the truth, what do we choose? Do we jump in with enthusiasm? Do we respond to what we felt in our amazement? Or do we mull it over until we decide not to take a chance. Do we miss the promise because it is more comfortable to stay where we are? Some stop short of salvation. Others stop short of healing and health. Still others stop short of deliverance, direction, protection, or prosperity. Do you have a line that you refuse to cross? If you do, don’t be surprised when Jesus does not answer!