Jesus is wonderful... so we expect good things from Him

Hello, Bridge family!

I really love this week’s Bible Point, Jesus is Wonderful, so we expect good things from Him. I don’t know about you, but I often need a reminder of just how wonderful Jesus is. For example, this week’s story we shared with the kids—Jesus does it again—He heals! This time, it’s a deaf man with a speech impediment. I have heard and taught this story so many times that sometimes, if I’m not careful, I completely miss the wonder and awe of our Lord. Maybe one reason Jesus said we must become like children (Matt 18:3) is that children tend to read and hear the Bible stories with wonder and awe—qualities I often wish I still had. How about you? Does reading the Bible sometimes feel like a routine exercise for you as well? Here’s the catch: if we want our children to keep the wonder and awe of Jesus, guess what—we have to recapture ours, or they will start to hear these stories like we do. We want our hearts for Jesus to become contagious in our children’s hearts. Therefore, the more wonder and awe that the Bible stories evoke in us, the more wonder and awe our kids feel.  
 When my reading starts to feel dull, I imagine myself inside the story, witnessing the events firsthand. This approach makes the Bible come alive with wonder. For example, consider the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, especially verses 48 and 49. Visualize yourself there: a young man in the valley below, facing a giant in full armor across the valley. As they begin to move toward each other—picture Goliath’s heavy steps and David’s quick, determined run—the tension rises (you might imagine a rock anthem to amplify the scene). Suddenly, David drops the giant with a single stone, almost too fast for your eye to follow. Imagine the gasp that echoes through the valley. Get caught up in the wonder and awe that the Israelite army felt, and let yourself experience the same. Now, slowly read the story we shared this week and witness the incredible work of our Savior. 
 Remember, it’s never too late to engage. As long as your child is at home, you have an excellent opportunity to share the Bible and explore it together, making faith an exciting and meaningful adventure. God Bless, and hope to see your family on Sunday. 
 Pastor Bob