The word wonderful will forever hold a special place in my heart. I remember decades ago when at my job, I was overlooked for my contributions to a department but at the same time referred to as being “wonderful.” I remember taking a walk and talking to GOD about my day that evening. I was so focused on the rejection that I viewed being called “wonderful” through the lens of dismissal and belittlement.
I distinctly remember GOD challenging my perspective and highlighting the fact that I had been referred to HIS name. HE asked me, “How could I feel belittled when I was associated with HIS name WONDERFUL”? HE said, “They may not have recognized your earthly contributions to your colleagues, but through your daily walk, they recognized ME, which was the greatest contribution you could have provided to any company or anybody.” This conversation changed my whole outlook on how I defined worth.
During this time of the year, we often find ourselves rehearing the scripture from Isaiah 9:6.
6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The birth of JESUS CHRIST also brought the attributes of who HE is.. HE shall be called WONDERFUL. HE is full of wonder. Humanity may display glimpses of wonderful-related characteristics or acts, but HE is full of wonder.
The King James Bible Dictionary definition of “Wonder” can be summarized as the ability to evoke awe, commanding reverential respect, admiration, and amazement.
Wonder is HIS being. HIS existence. HE is WONDERFUL. To understand the fullness of GOD, we must recognize the immanence of GOD.
The word immanence means to operate within, to be intrinsic or ingrained. HIS name is called Immanuel (Matthew 1:23 KJV) because HE is immanent. GOD with us. HE is with us. HE is in humanity but still also exists outside of man. Intimacy with GOD is attainable because of the immanence of GOD.
God proclaimed this about HIS immanence: “‘Am I only a GOD nearby,’ declares the LORD, ‘and not a GOD far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the LORD. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
In A.W. Tozer’s book, The Attributes of GOD, he describes the immanency of GOD this way:
The bucket that is sunk into the depths of the ocean is full of the ocean. The ocean is in the bucket, but also the bucket is in the ocean—surrounded by it. This is the best illustration I can give of how GOD dwells in HIS universe and yet the universe dwells in GOD.
While an ocean may not be officially classified as a “wonder of the world,” it is impossible to stand before one and not acknowledge its vastness.
An ocean can surround a bucket. GOD surrounds all oceans. How excellent HE is in all the earth.
The world is full of wonders dating back to ancient times. There are many sightseeing wonders on vacation-driven bucket lists in the United States alone……
……. but HE is greater than the totality of them all. HE is full of all the wonders in the world. HE is WONDERFUL. Every sense of awe that we encounter is acquainted with HIM because HE is WONDERFUL.
Jeffrey LaValley penned it best: (Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory | Hymnary.org)
All praises be to the KING of kings for the LORD our GOD, HE is WONDERFUL.
Bless the LORD Affirmation
Blessed the LORD, oh our soul and all that is within us.
Dear FATHER,
We celebrate the sending of YOUR SON and the name HE expresses by existence. Thank you for the WORD of GOD that allows us to have access to the knowledge of HIS WONDER. HIS virgin birth is WONDERFUL. HIS birth, laced with the purpose of HIS death, is WONDERFUL. The shedding of HIS blood for the penalty of our sins is WONDERFUL. We offer this prayer of thanks to YOU for possessing the fullness of WONDER.