We operate each day on a ruling principle. Something drives our choices and efforts.
In John 11, Jesus is summoned to the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, as Lazarus is sick and dying. Because he waits four days to travel a short distance, Jesus finds Lazarus dead and buried.
He accompanies the sisters to the tomb, raises his eyes to heaven and prays, and then shouts, "Lazarus, come out!" Lazarus walks out, covered in burial wrap.
Not surprisingly, many put their faith in Jesus that very day. Others went back to the Pharisees, the religious rulers of the day, and told on Jesus.
It is a bit laughable to tattle on Jesus. He makes us, sets us in motion, can clearly do whatever he chooses to do, and we try to get him in trouble.
Those who put their faith in Jesus that day chose to be ruled by wonder. They had just experienced a true resurrection miracle and carried away that awe in their hearts.
The tattlers saw the very same miracle and put their faith in cronyism, believing that the Pharisees could do more for them than Jesus.
Jesus recreated breath in a dead man but the perceived power of the Pharisees held more attraction.
Desire for earthly power, to be in with the "right" crowd, is hard to overcome.
Consider the quiet awe of wonder that Jesus held then and holds today. He is ruled by the One from which he comes. The wonder of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is a ruling principle that recreates breath and life and joy in our dead souls.
Breathe wonder.
