Mark 1:27 “The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching– and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.’”

Do you detect something missing here? After Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine at Cana, we read, “He thus revealed his glory, and the disciples put their faith in him” (John 2:11b). When Jesus drives out this demon, the people are amazed. They are entertained and interested. These captivated listeners couldn’t ignore him. But it would be better if we heard, “They believed in him.”

Are we sometimes guilty of lacking even that–amazement? Do Jesus’ words stop captivating our hearts and minds, and inspire only a yawn? Or do we become like these people, and treasure Jesus’ words only for entertainment value: we like it if they give us a little tingle, if we get a little spiritual rush or buzz, and we will go where the preaching is polished and passionate, but by Monday morning, or even Sunday afternoon the message will make little difference for what we believe or how we live?

Dear friends, Jesus wants you to know that these words are true, that his words are true. These things really happened. He did them for you. He applies them to you. He still speaks with power to open the Scriptures to your mind, to open God’s grace to your heart, and you can be certain that God loves and forgives you today. He still wields authority over every enemy of our souls, and you can be confident that he will rescue us from every evil attack until he brings us safely into his heavenly kingdom. Be amazed, but more than that, believe him when your Savior speaks. Then you will know his power and authority. More than that, then you will ever be captivated by his love.