When the Wonder Wears Thin

Well, look who wandered up the walkway, friend! Unlatch that there gate, come right on up here on this ol’ front porch,  settle into the good chair, and don’t mind that lil’ ol’ armadillo excavatin’ in the flower bed like he’s done been hired by the county. I’ve got a question that may git to pokin’ at the heart a little bit: When did Jesus stop amazin’ you?

The believers at Ephesus looked mighty impressive. Revelation 2:2–4 says they worked hard, persevered, rejected evil, and sho’-nuff’ recognized false teachin’.

Then, Jesus said, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

They still had the work. But, they’d lost the wonder.

And, friend, that there can happen quieter than a lil’ ol’ skunk slippin’ underneath the smokehouse. We can plum read the Bible, attend church, serve, sing, and know when to say “Amen,” while our hearts are downright runnin’ on yesterday’s affection.

Paul plum never treated Jesus like merely another religious responsibility. In Galatians 2:20, he said Christ “loved me and gave Himself for me.” Christianity wasn’t simply somethin’ Paul practiced. Christ had done captured his heart.

And 1 Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him... and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

That’s sho’-nuff’ the heartbeat we don’t want to be losin’.

Jesus didn’t tell Ephesus to manufacture emotion. In Revelation 2:5, He told ‘em to remember, repent, and return.

Remember His grace.

Remember the cross.

Remember when forgiveness first sho’-nuff’ felt like somebody opened every window in your soul.

Then come on back.

Father, forgive me for the times I have let familiarity replace wonder. Take me back to the gratitude, tenderness, and joy of loving Jesus deeply. Awaken my heart again, and let everything I do for You flow from love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, scoot yourself right on into what’s left in your day, friend, and don’t be lettin’ your faith become as mechanical as an ol’ butter churn. An ol’ peacock can strut around all afternoon and still never go anywhere. Jesus don’t just want real busy feet. He downright wants your heart. So, go on and rediscover the wonder, and fall right back in love with Him all over again.

With joy,

Gwen