Startled into Reality

The crowds came running when they saw that the lame man was healed. Running.

Those that were there did not expect to be startled. They didn't expect to wonder at what they saw. But, what they saw startled them into wonder. What they saw was the wholeness of heaven reaching down to heal the brokenness on earth.

They were shocked out of the humdrum in order to be humbled. Reality imposed His life on their lives.

But, the miracle of healing wasn't enough to startle them to faith in Jesus. Miracles never are enough to create faith. They are too easy to explain away, even when there is no other explanation for the change in someone's life.

So, Peter began to clarify with words. Words empowered by the Spirit to startle the hearers to see how their unbelief crucified their Messiah. The word from God exposed their hearts, showed them the need for repentance, and opened them up to wonder- not merely in the miracle- but over the One who enters into our reality to bring restoration and times of refreshing.

So often, everyday life with Jesus can seem humdrum. Not everyday will be a day we see the heavenly drama we see in Acts 3, but our God still wants to startle us with the way he is at work. When was the last time you were startled into Reality? When was the last time that repentance seemed life rest and faith felt refreshing?