The Thank You That Refuses To Be Silenced

from Joy In The Journey by Max Lucado

"The people," Matthew wrote,"were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, thelame walking and the blind seeing." Four thousand amazed people,each telling a story grander than the other. In the midst of them all is Jesus. Not complaining. Not postponing. Not demanding. Just enjoying every minute.
Then Matthew, still the great economizer of words, gave us another phrase on which I wish he would have elaborated: "They praised the God of Israel."

I wonder how they did that? * * * In all probability, they just did it. Each one— in his or her own way,with his or her own heart— just praised Jesus. Perhaps some people came and fell at Jesus’ feet. Perhaps some shouted his name. Maybe a few just went upon the hillside, looked into the sky, and smiled.

I can picture a mom and dad standing speechless before the Healer as they hold their newly healed baby.
I can envision a leper staring in awe at the One who took away his terror.
I can imagine throngs of people pushing and shoving. Wanting to get close. Not to request anything or demand anything, but just to say "thank you."
Perhaps some tried to pay Jesus, but what payment would have been sufficient?
Perhaps some tried to return his gift with another, but what could a person give that would express the gratitude?
All the people could do was exactly what Matthew said they did."They praised the God of Israel."
However they did it, they did it. And Jesus was touched, so touched that he insisted they stay for a meal before they left.

Without using the word worship, this passage defines it. Worship is when you’re aware that what you’ve been given is far greater than what you can give. Worship is the awareness that were it not for his touch, you’d still be hobbling and hurting, bitter and broken. Worship is the half-glazed expression on the parched face of a desert pilgrim as he discovers that the oasis is not a mirage.

Worship is the "thank you" that refuses to be silenced.