©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
When you think about a popular identifier starting with Wonder ________, what comes to mind?
Wonder Woman? Wonder Bread? Wonder Drug?
The world is full of wonder – and God intentionally made it that way. Even popular culture and marketing experts use the term to generate a sense of awe.
What’s interesting about these three commonly known “Wonder” terms are the characteristics they reflect. Wonder Woman calls to mind justice and power. Wonder Drug promotes healing. Wonder Bread makes me think of home, of comfort, and of sustenance (and those yummy peanut butter and honey sandwiches my mom made!)
All those “Wonder” products actually reflect character traits of God!
When I think of the true “Wonder” bread – I think of Christ as the “bread of life.”* And, it was even bread (and fishes) that Christ multiplied from a few to feed thousands.
Wonder Bread is an iconic brand that got its name when the baking company ‘s vice president Elmer Cline was looking up into the heavens at a balloon race and thought about “Wonder.” I love that he thought of it when looking up!
We rarely discover wonder with our chin drooping and our heads down.
Penicillin and aspirin have both been dubbed Wonder Drugs. The term denotes a “miracle” drug that provides a cure or marked improvement for a medical condition.
The superhero comic and movie character “Wonder Woman” is portrayed as a founder of the fictional “Justice League.” Her combination of power, truth, compassion and superhuman powers remind us of the traits we find in the Trinity.
Long before the mythical “Wonder Woman,” the Bible foretold of the prophecy of a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”**
Deep inside of each of us, we desire “wonder.” We also hope for something or someone who will comfort us, help us, heal us, sustain us, guide us, and look out for us. One who is powerful, just and merciful. We yearn for God.
Time after time, God revealed himself with wonder in the Bible.
Water turned into wine. The parting of the Red Sea. Manna sent from heaven.
Joseph’s reunion with his brothers who sold him into slavery. Daniel’s protection in the lion’s den. David’s defeat of the giant Goliath.
Jesus calmed the storm. Healed a leper. Restored sight. Drove out evil spirits. Healed a bleeding woman. Raised Lazurus from the dead.
Jesus’ resurrection after His crucifixion.
Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5 NIV
God is still revealing himself through wonders big and small. And, how wonderful it is that we can discover Him – throughout history and today – in His creation and through His character.
Keep your eyes open for the “Wonder” – every day!
What is your favorite miracle in the Bible?
What speaks to you in that miracle?
Do you still eat Wonder Bread? Could you wear the Wonder Woman outfit?
(Okay, those last ones were just to see if you’re reading!)
Exodus 15:11 NIV
Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
References:
*John 6:35 NIV Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
**Isaiah 9:6 NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
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