The Difference between Amazement and Wonder

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelation 5:13-14

Revelation is a fascinating book. It has become subject to many interpretations. Many books have been written and sermons preached about the signs, symbols and wonders found in the apocalyptic ending to the New Testament. Although I would never deny the significance of the details of God’s sovereignty as revealed in Revelation, I am captured most by the scenes of worship. More importantly, I am captured by the One worshiped. It’s not unusual for me to speak of these scenes as “awe-inspiring”. When I ponder the portrait of the Savior on the throne Revelation 5:13-14, I understand why “the elders fell down and worshiped.”

We live in a culture filled with thrill seekers. We are addicted to energy drinks. We are caffeine junkies. We crave excitement and entertainment. We wait with baited breath for the next big thing to amaze us. Is that good? I must confess that I have never really considered the difference between amazement and wonder. Without getting too caught up in semantics, there is a deep message in the difference.

The Difference between Amazement and Wonder…“Wonder and awe do us good precisely because they stun and mute our spontaneous energies. They literally paralyze us so that we become reflective by conscription. Amazement does the opposite. It turns us into mindless cheerleaders, irrespective of what is right or wrong or what we actually value.”

Ronald Rolheiser, Sacred Fire

It’s easy to read Revelation and become “amazed”. We have to guard against such a reading. Rather, we should read Revelation and pause and ponder. We should become awestruck – paralyzed for the moment at His majesty, power and glory. We should reflect on God’s eternal plan and purpose for humanity…and we should worship Him for who He is.