Acts 2: AWE

“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

- Acts 2:43

Awe...Have you ever wondered at that word? That would mean you “Awed at the word awe.”

Awe is what happens when we recognize that we are standing in the presence or moment of something greater than ourselves.

The early church was not simply excited about a new movement. They were watching the living God work among them, do things they never expected, and answer prayers in only ways the God of the universe could. His work produced wonder. It produced a common awe.

Sometimes, we can become so familiar with the things God has done that astonishing things begin to sound ordinary or we slip into thinking that those things only happened in the Bible, not today. OR, we can get so busy and distracted that we don’t even noticing these moments taking place around us. When this happens, our faith can shrink into routine and church can become something we manage, an event we show up to, or a building rather than a community that God is work in, among, and through.

Think about what is happening though: People are baptized. Sinners are forgiven. The dead will rise. God hears prayer and answers it. He provides in miraculous ways. The Holy Spirit creates faith in unlikely people. People who would never naturally become family are joined together in Christ. This is a BIG DEAL!

Awe cannot be manufactured by creating enough excitement. It grows as God opens our eyes to His grace and His work.

Excitement says, "Look at what we're building." Awe says, "Look at what God has done, is doing, and could do in the future!"

When we have awe, it also leads us to gratitude. It turns us back to our God. Because when someone does something bigger than you could ever imagine for you, how can you not stop and say thanks?

So pay attention. Tell the stories. Praise God for answered prayers, changed lives, reconciled relationships, ordinary acts of faithfulness, and every place His grace appears.

PRAY  God, open my eyes to Your work around me. Keep me from treating Your grace as ordinary, and fill me with awe at who You are and what You do. Amen.

REFLECT  Where have I seen God at work recently that I need to stop and notice? Write a gratitude list of things that God has done in your life over the last two weeks.

Written by Pastor Daniel Brummet