While He was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” When Jesus overheard what was said, He told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” …Then He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum” (which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, get up”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was twelve years old.) At this they were utterly astounded.” – Mark 5:35-36, 41-42
When you first encounter the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, they strike a sense of smallness in the face of their immensity that can best be described as “awe.” After living at the foot of the Rockies for four years, I can say from firsthand experience that the awe fades. Like the summer heat in Texas, you barely notice after a while.
It’s not that way with Jesus. The more you walk with Him, the awe grows, rather than diminishes. After He calmed the sea, His disciples “were terrified” (Mark 4:41). After He cast out Legion, the villagers “were afraid” (Mark 5:15). After being healed, the woman came to Jesus “with fear and trembling” (Mark 5:33). Before raising up Jairus’ daughter, Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid” (Mark 5:36). After Jairus’ daughter was raised, they were “utterly astounded,” which in Greek means to have a “profound emotional experience to the point of being beside oneself” (BDAG).
The faithless disciples as well as the faith-full woman respond with it. The villagers who’ve been freed of a menace and the family of a dead girl raised to life all experience it. In the aftermath of Jesus’ display of power, the “awe” increases, not decreases. When a human encounters the presence of a Power that cannot be controlled or manipulated, awe mixed with fear is the natural response.
One day, you will stand before the Power whose name is Jesus, and whether you want to or not, you will fall on your knees in awe. Have you heard Him say, “don’t be afraid”? It is when we hear those words that our fear mixed with awe transforms into awe mixed with worship. Why wait? Let’s worship Him today.
Think These Things 