The Bible is filled with moments that inspire wonder and awe. These events showcase God’s power, majesty, and love in ways that leave us speechless. From the creation of the world to the resurrection of Jesus, each story reveals something amazing about God’s nature.
These accounts are not just historical; they offer timeless lessons for us today. In this article, we will explore 14 examples of wonder and awe in the Bible. Each one invites us to stand in awe of God’s greatness and reflect on His presence in our lives.
14 Examples of Wonder and Awe in the Bible
#1. Creation of the World (Genesis 1-2)
The creation of the world is the first and most profound display of God’s power and majesty. In Genesis, God speaks everything into existence, shaping the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. Each creation act demonstrates His authority over all things.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
God’s voice brought light into darkness and order into chaos. The beauty of nature and the complexity of life show His unmatched creativity. The creation story reminds us of the greatness of the Creator.
#2. The Flood and the Rainbow (Genesis 6-9)
The flood is a dramatic story of judgment, but it also shows God’s mercy. After humanity’s corruption, God decided to wipe out life with a flood. But He spared Noah and his family, and with them, the future of the earth. The rainbow that appeared after the flood became a symbol of God’s covenant.
“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:13)
God’s promise never to destroy the earth again with a flood is a constant reminder of His mercy and faithfulness.
3. The Burning Bush (Exodus 3)
Moses’ encounter with God in the burning bush is a moment of awe and revelation. The bush was on fire but never burned up, symbolizing God’s holy presence. God spoke to Moses from the bush, giving him the task of leading His people out of Egypt.
“Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5)
This encounter shows God’s holiness and His authority. It also marks the beginning of God’s plan to deliver Israel from slavery.
#4. Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
The parting of the Red Sea was a powerful miracle that saved the Israelites from Pharaoh’s pursuing army. Trapped with no way to escape, God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand, and the sea parted, creating a dry path for the Israelites to walk through.
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land.” (Exodus 14:21)
This event was a clear sign of God’s power and His ability to deliver His people from impossible situations.
#5. Manna from Heaven (Exodus 16)
During their time in the desert, the Israelites struggled with hunger. God provided for them by sending manna, a bread-like substance that appeared each morning. This miraculous provision showed God’s care and faithfulness to His people.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you.'” (Exodus 16:4)
Manna was not only a physical provision but also a spiritual lesson—God provides for our needs and is faithful, even in the wilderness. Each day, the Israelites were reminded of His sustaining power.
#6. The Glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20)
When God descended on Mount Sinai, His glory was so intense that the mountain was enveloped in smoke, and it trembled. The Israelites witnessed thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet, all signifying God’s power.
“The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up.” (Exodus 19:20)
God’s presence was overwhelming, and the people were filled with fear and awe. This event marked the giving of the Ten Commandments and was a clear demonstration of God’s holiness and authority.
#7. The Fall of Jericho’s Walls (Joshua 6)
The fall of Jericho’s walls shows God’s power to deliver His people against all odds. The Israelites obeyed God’s instructions to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, after they shouted, the walls collapsed.
“When the trumpet sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed.” (Joshua 6:20)
This miracle demonstrated that God’s plans and commands are powerful enough to accomplish His will, even when they seem impossible.
#8. Elijah’s Fiery Chariot to Heaven (2 Kings 2)
Elijah’s departure from earth was a breathtaking display of God’s power. As Elijah and Elisha were walking, a chariot of fire appeared, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.
“As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” (2 Kings 2:11)
This event confirmed Elijah’s special relationship with God and left Elisha in awe of God’s power.
#9. God’s Answer to Job from the Whirlwind (Job 38-42)
Job, having suffered greatly, questioned God’s justice. God responded from a whirlwind, asking Job about the creation and order of the world. The majesty of God’s words left Job humbled.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” (Job 38:4)
God’s answer reminded Job of His infinite wisdom and power, showing that human understanding is limited compared to God’s eternal knowledge.
#10. The Angels Announcing Jesus’ Birth (Luke 2:8-14)
The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds by a host of angels is a moment of wonder. The glory of the Lord shone around them as the angels declared the good news.
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” (Luke 2:13-14)
The message of peace and joy was a glimpse of God’s great plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.
#11. Jesus Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
When the disciples were in a boat on a stormy sea, Jesus walked toward them on the water. Peter stepped out of the boat, but when he doubted, he began to sink. Jesus immediately saved him.
“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?'” (Matthew 14:31)
This miracle showed Jesus’ authority over nature and His power to save those who trust in Him.
#12. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8)
The transfiguration revealed Jesus’ divine glory. He was transformed before Peter, James, and John, and His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus.
“His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2)
The transfiguration confirmed Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and gave His disciples a glimpse of His divine nature.
#13. The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28)
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the most powerful example of wonder in the Bible. After being crucified and buried, He rose from the dead, conquering death itself.
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6)
The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith, showing God’s power to bring life out of death and offering hope to all believers.
#14. The Vision of Heaven in Revelation (Revelation 4-5)
John’s vision of heaven in the book of Revelation is a breathtaking scene of worship and awe. God sits on His throne, surrounded by living creatures and elders, praising Him for His holiness and power.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)
The vision of heaven gives us a glimpse of eternal worship and the ultimate glory of God, inspiring awe and reverence for His majesty.
Closing Thoughts
The Bible is filled with examples that reveal God’s power, majesty, and love. Each event, from the creation of the world to the resurrection of Jesus, demonstrates His ability to awe and inspire. These moments of wonder remind us of the greatness of our Creator and the importance of recognizing His work in our lives.
As we reflect on these examples, we are encouraged to live with a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God, trusting in His ability to guide and deliver us in every situation. Let these stories inspire you to worship Him more fully.