Awesome Word!

The word "awesome" seems to be used fairly freely today. It is used to describe anything from a death defying stunt to a song on a CD. People are referred to as being awesome because of their availability to help when needed or based on infatuation thought to be love. I've even been told I am awesome and I'm only me. Are some of the ways in which this word is used today not actually awesome? Has the use of the word caused a loss of a sense of awe toward what is truly to the utmost awesome?

The word awesome according to the English usage is a "mixture of wonder and dread: a feeling of amazement and respect mixed with fear that is often coupled with a feeling of personal insignificance or powerlessness." [source: Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.] Have we retained a sense of WONDER about that which should be really awe inspiring? Albert Einstein is noted as stating, "He who can no longer pause to wonder, is as good as dead." Perhaps such is the life that is no longer impressed by that which should be seen as IMPRESSIVE! Have we become so impressed with worldly things that we have ceased to be impressed with the things relative to God?

In the Psalms we read. . .
"(8) Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world STAND IN AWE OF HIM! (9) For HE SPOKE, AND IT CAME TO BE; he commanded, and it stood firm." ( Psalm 33:8-9 ESV)

Later we read. . .
"(161) Princes persecute me without cause, but MY HEART STANDS IN AWE OF YOUR WORDS. (162) I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. (163) I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law." ( Psalm 119:161-163)

And eventually Jesus -- "THE WORD" in the "FLESH" ( John 1:14) -- came onto life's scene and His actions struck many with amazement and awe because they had "seen extraordinary things." ( Luke 5:26 ESV)

Considering these three together we should be impressed with how GOD'S WORD in either form -- spoken, written, or lived out in the flesh by the Son -- ought to be viewed as truly awesome. As we continue to accept His Word, let us allow its power to permeate our entire being and compel us to live in a manner that reveals God's awesome wisdom and power to live a godly life in the midst of an ungodly world. In this way we will be keeping the WONDER alive that may draw others to the acceptance of GOD'S POWERFUL WORD as well.

Have a great day BEING ALIVE TO THE WONDER OF GOD!
Carl

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