As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. Mark 9:15
Dear Jesus, though brief this story is profound and timeless. A gathering of people saw you coming, and overwhelmed with wonder, they ran to welcome you. They ran, they didn’t meander. They ran, they didn’t doddle. They ran to you, not from you… and you welcomed them. What an altogether gracious and loving Savior you are. There is no shelter, refuge, or home like your heart. We believe this, but overwhelm our hearts again with certainty and delight. We don’t want just to be theologically right, but also spiritually alive.
Rekindle and stoke the fire of our wonder, Jesus. We’re too easily distracted and attracted to far lesser luminaries than yourself. We don’t want to waste our amazement on fool’s gold. It’s a perilous thing to take your great love for granted. It’s an arrogant thing to presume on your welcome. It’s a deadly thing to be underwhelmed with the riches of the gospel. Meet us… melt us… mesmerize us again.
Send your Spirit. Rescue us from our dullness and smugness. Blessed, Holy Spirit, we know it is your utter delight to answer such a cry. Indeed, be to us the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” that we might know Jesus better (Eph. 1:17). Open the eyes of our hearts right now. Give us faith-filled eyes that we might run to Jesus with awe-filled hearts. In light of the Day when Jesus will be “marveled at among all those who have believed” (2 Thess. 1:10), make him the most marvelous One in our gaze today.
Jesus, the only reason we have any inclination to run to you is because, in the gospel, you’re always running to us—hurrying to be merciful, speedy to be grace-full… quick to be gentle, kind, and forgiving. What a foolish people we are to look anywhere else for beauty and balm. So very Amen, we pray, with thirst and anticipation.