by esther phinias | 13 November 2023 08:46 pm11
Answer: The Swahili word “kumaka” translates to “to be amazed” or “astonished” in English. In the Bible, this term describes a profound reaction of awe and wonder when someone encounters something extraordinary—something beyond normal human experience. It captures the deep sense of surprise and reverence that people feel when they witness divine power or revelation.
In Matthew 8:27 (NIV), we read:
The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’
This passage highlights the disciples’ amazement when Jesus calms a violent storm. Their question, “What kind of man is this?” reveals their recognition that Jesus has authority over nature itself—an authority that belongs to God alone. This amazement is not just surprise but a dawning realization of Jesus’ divine identity.
You can also find this event in Luke 8:22-25 (NIV). Additionally, Jesus performed many other miraculous deeds that amazed the people (see Mark 5:42, where a girl is raised from the dead, and Luke 4:36, where the people are amazed at His teaching and authority).
These miracles demonstrate the kingdom power of Jesus Christ—His divine authority over creation, sickness, death, and spiritual forces. However, the greatest miracle He performed was the forgiveness of sins. This is the central miracle of the gospel, for sin separates humanity from God, and only Jesus has the authority to restore that relationship.
In Mark 2:9-10 (NIV), Jesus says:
Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
This passage reveals a fundamental truth: Jesus’ authority extends beyond the physical to the spiritual realm. Forgiving sins is a divine prerogative—only God can do this because sin is ultimately an offense against God’s holiness and justice.
Therefore, as believers, we are called to seek this miracle of sin forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Physical healing or worldly blessings are valuable but temporary. Forgiveness of sins guarantees eternal life and reconciliation with God.
Have you received forgiveness for your sins?
Do you know how to receive it fully?
The New Testament teaches that receiving forgiveness involves several key steps:
Repentance — a heartfelt turning away from sin and turning toward God (Acts 3:19, NIV):
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…
Repentance is more than regret; it is a decisive change in attitude and behavior.
Baptism — an outward sign of inward faith and cleansing (Acts 2:38, NIV):
Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’
Baptism symbolizes death to the old life and resurrection into new life with Christ.
Receiving the Holy Spirit — God’s presence within believers, empowering them to live a transformed life (Acts 1:8, NIV):
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…
The Holy Spirit assures us of God’s forgiveness and helps us grow in holiness.
When these steps are followed, a believer experiences the greatest miracle—the new birth or regeneration (John 3:3, NIV):
Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’
The forgiveness of sins is the foundation of the Christian faith and the doorway to eternal life. It is a gift freely given by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:36-39 (NIV) further emphasizes this promise:
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
This call is universal. It invites everyone, regardless of background, to receive the forgiveness and new life Jesus offers.
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek His forgiveness and grace.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/11/13/47871/
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