AWE!

Luke 1:62-65 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ⁶² Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. ⁶³ He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” ⁶⁴ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. ⁶⁵ All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.


Have you ever been in "Awe" of something. Maybe you have been a part of an awe inspiring moment.  When I started thinking about it, I didn't even really know what "awe" is. The definition of Awe : a feeling of profound respect for someone or something. This emotion is not the same as the emotion of "wonder". The difference is very suttle. How do you feel about people who have been the subject of a Godly miracle? I can tell you that I am in awe. I have a deep and profound respect, not for them, but for the God of the miracle. When God chooses to do a miracle in someone's life, it is awe inspiring because GOD himself chose to show his power and might through THAT person. I think Zechariah's neighbors felt the same way. They knew this family and they knew everything Zechariah and Elizabeth had gone through. I'm sure some of them were the shoulder Elizabeth cried on when she tried to get pregnant over and over again. Some of them had to deal with Zechariah when he was frustrated about not being a Dad. They knew the struggles this couple faced. Now, they were a part of this miracle of God. How could you not be in awe. When we see God work a miracle in the life of someone who has done nothing to deserve it, we are awed!


This Christmas miracle, from John to the birth of Jesus, is an AWE inspiring story because we can feel for Mary and Joseph. We know what they went through and God chose to use them literally out of thin air. They didn't do anything to deserve to be a part of this magnificent story. They were chosen by God and that has to give a sense of awe.


Sometimes we ignore God's  AWEsomeness. We miss the idea that God has specifically chosen us to be a part of a miracle story.  We discount our importance and the part we play. God chooses us and the people around us to be a part of his miracles. We can do whatever we want to explain it away, but instead we should just accept it and be in Awe of him!


Hillsong United sings a song about being in AWE of God. I love the song. Here are the words. Click on the link to here the song.  We should all stand in Awe!

Hillsong United - I Stand In Awe Of You
by Hillsong United


You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful of comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp you infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depth of your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above


And I stand, I stand in awe of you
I stand, I stand in awe of you
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of you.

I stand in Awe of You!