Eye-Popping Wonder

Ruth Kennedy November 01, 2024 6 6

Playlists

Add to Favourites

Save for later

Listen to this daily worship

Psalm 126: 1-3 (MSG)

1-3 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true,
    when God returned Zion’s exiles.
We laughed, we sang,
    we couldn’t believe our good fortune.
We were the talk of the nations—
    “God was wonderful to them!”
God was wonderful to us;
    we are one happy people.

‘God was wonderful to them!’

I wonder what a meme of this might look like . . . eyes popping out of a head perhaps? In astonishment at the way God loves His people? Or a huge, satisfied, amazed laugh at the love of God?

For the people of God to be the talk of the nations, and good talk at that, would take the world to see something in us that can only be attributed to Jesus.

Like when a leading voice and proponent of the New Atheism movement states ‘I think Christianity is actually obsessed with love’. Eye-popping in amazement! Ayaan Hirsi Ali used to mock Christianity with similar beliefs to Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins but in November last year, she joyfully announced to the world that she was in the wonder and love of Jesus (my words, not hers!), and now a Christian.

Or when a quiet friend, shyly shares their story of how Jesus brought an end to the darkness of suicide with His light and life, giving them hope for the future and, in the heart of His church, they found belonging and place. They felt totally accepted by God and His people, not keeping them in their previous life but cheering them on in the new life Jesus has given them. What a wonderfully wide smile that brings to hearts! Deeply incredible.

Both of these stories, the laughter and songs Zion’s exiles shout, declare, sing and show God’s love, wonder and power. For the nations to say ‘God was wonderful to them!’ means they are hearing what God has done and our heartfelt gratitude, knowing there is power in our praise and thanks because it is sharing the good news of Jesus. 

And we know the nations need to hear good news. Keep giving the world a reason to say ‘God is wonderful to them’ for they will want to be in God’s wonder too.

Prayer:

God, you are wonderful, you are the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in hardships and trials. You lead us into light and life in all its fullness. Fill us with your songs and laughter as we rejoice in your love. 

And Lord, our beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the centre on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.  We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day. Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil.  For you are the King who rules with power and glory Jesus, forever and in Your name we pray, Amen.

(Lord’s prayer from Matthew 6 in the Passion Translation)