Study Guide – Life of Christ: Miracles Astound 5
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Oh, my God!
It could be that when you first read the title of this piece you were a little concerned: Is the pastor taking the Lord’s name in vain? Please rest assured that the punctuation has prevented such a thing. Nonetheless, the more common form—the one without the comma—is an often-used proclamation in those times when someone has seen, heard, or experienced something extraordinary. It could be anything from tasting the perfect vanilla latte to hearing the cutest man ever speak those four magical words, “Will you marry me?”
There is good reason, however, for the form with the comma to be on the lips of each and every follower of God on a daily basis. The God we follow is not some distant God who shows up every couple of thousands of years to split seas and raise people from the dead. He’s not a one-day-a-week God either. The God of the Bible—the only God that there is—is at work constantly. It’s who he is. Whether it’s creating and sustaining life, meeting people in their needs, or listening to our prayers, God is a working, active, energetic being.
It is true, though, that this God of ours is known for doing some pretty weird stuff, too. In addition to parting seas, he’s been known to make a donkey speak, the sun stand still, and whole countries do his bidding. “Oh, my God!” seems like a very appropriate response to these types of wonders. Take the time that Jesus invited Peter, James, and John to witness the presence of Moses, Elijah, and a transformed version of himself. What would you have said? Peter got all goofy. In his excitement, he offered to make them each a tent. It would have been more fitting for him to have simply said, “Oh, my God!”
So whether God is doing the kind of stuff that makes it into blockbuster movies or doing the little stuff that fits wonderfully into and around your life, it’s given to us simply to recognize it—to give God the props he’s due. Take a look. See if you can see the hand of God doing the works of God. When you catch him in the act, speak up. Let him know that you recognize his handiwork. If you’re at a loss for words, you can always go the way of Peter and offer to build God some tents, but it probably makes more sense simply to give God an ol’ “Oh, my God!” or an “I see!” or a “There you go again!”
