If you look at the Bible through the lens of “the surprising”, you find it everywhere.

For example, Moses turned aside to see the burning bush because it was surprising. Paul’s life was dramatically and unexpectedly interrupted by a blinding light on the road to Damascus. Israel encountered a pillar of fire as their GPS.

In this verse, from Mark chapter 1 the people are surprised at the authority with which Jesus teaches. They are surprised that the demons obey him. Their reaction is to glorify God and spread the word about Jesus. The people in darkness saw a great light.

The Gospel calls us to live a surprising journey. To stand out. To be different. Not to hide our light under a basket, but let it shine like a city on a hill. Not in a way that is addicted to drama or trying to shock the world for mere attention. But set apart, full of a divine joy.

We are all to be burning bushes with the way we live. When Moses came to the bush he met God. Let’s strive to live surprising lives that light up our surroundings. In doing so we will be inviting people to turn aside and meet God.

“The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.’ News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”
– Mark 1:27-28