One quick look... and they were overwhelmed with wonder

Sunday   11-1-15  Home in Modesto

Scripture reading:    Psalm 121    Mark 9-10

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Mark 9:15  The crowd watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them, and then they ran to greet him. NLT

Mark 9:15  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.  NIV

Mark 9:15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. NKJV

O.  Jesus and Peter, James and John had just descended from the mountain where Jesus had been transformed before their eyes.  The vision had passed and they had conversed with Jesus as before as they came down the mountain.  But here is the first indication in scripture that the public was struck with shock by just looking at Jesus.  I had never noticed this before. The crowd watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them. NLT  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder.  NIV  Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed.  NKJV  And the result of this shock was not to fall on their faces or run away in fear... they ran to meet Him.

A.  I wonder if the glow was still shining on Jesus’ face.  Obviously there was something supernatural happening here.  What was it?  Maybe it was like Moses’ face when he came down from meeting with God on the mountain.  I don’t know what it was, but whatever it was, and whatever it is, it doesn’t make me want to run away and hide from Him.  It makes me want to run to meet Him... to fall at His feet... to worship Him. 

P.  Oh, Lord Jesus, I long to see Your face.  When you showed up for Saul (Paul) on his way to Damascus the brightness of Your face blinded him and dropped him to the ground.  Surely my feeble, natural eyes could not bear the sight.  But even now, by faith I can almost see You... and, like that crowd at the base of the Mount of Transfiguration... I am already struck with awe, overwhelmed with wonder and greatly amazed.  And the sight, even by faith, is like a magnet.  It makes me want to run to You and fall at Your feet and worship.  Amen.

Ralph