The Stalker

It happened again. Another epiphany illuminated my awareness like the light at the end of a tunnel, growing bigger and brighter.

While studying Matthew 8:1-11, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to one particular verse. This is the account of the centurion seeking Jesus to heal his servant. And Jesus agrees and offers to go to his house, but the centurion replies he isn't worthy of Jesus to come to his house. This Gentile Roman officer understands authority—not only man's authority--but also Jesus' authority. He believes Jesus can merely say the words and it will be done.

And then the epiphany verse, "When Jesus heard this, He was astonished and said to those following Him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." (Verse 10 NIV).

Did you see it?

Can you wrap your mind around the fact that Jesus was astonished? I mean, a part of the Triune God was astonished. The Revised Standard Version uses the word, "marveled."

Jesus was there "in the beginning" and saw earth formed from nothing. He knows everything from before Genesis and even after Revelation. Even after all the vast beauty He created—like the Grand Canyon and a baby in the womb—this man's faith astonishes and marvels our Lord. I believe Jesus deeply loves our faith.

So I've decided to become a stalker. Not the harassing, looking to do evil kind. But to have the diligent, focused, stealth attributes found in a stalker. I plan on stalking Jesus in all ways possible.

By studying His word, being a servant for Him, sharing and living out the Gospel, looking for where He's working and joining Him, worshipping Him at church, witnessing His presence in the valleys, and on the mountain top, and praying to Him. I want crazy-deep faith that astonishes the Son of God. 

I want Him marveling at my belief. When He thinks of faith, I want to be one of the people that He sees in His mind's eye. That's the kind of stalker I want to be.

Let's admit it. Most folks are stalking after something—money, prestige, admiration, justice, power—to name a few. I chose Jesus. The One and Only. What about you?

Have you had any epiphanies lately? I'm all ears, so please share.