Expectation Of A Powerful God!

December 26

Expectation Of A Powerful God!

I pray your Christmas celebrations were filled with love and joy as they brought you hope and peace.

Christmas is a special season because it is a season in which we are reminded of our expectation of a Savior who makes a difference, who changes lives, and who transforms our world.

We trust that the baby born in a manger in Bethlehem is none other than the Son of God; a strong and powerful God who can save me and you and our world from ourselves! 

However, the paradox of Jesus’ birth often causes us to underestimate the greatness of the Savior’s power.  Read Isaiah 9:6-7…slowly.  In the promise of a coming Savior, notice the description of our Savior, Jesus.

In Isaiah 9:6-7 the preacher writes; “For a child (Jesus) has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.  He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Over and over, the Word of God through the preacher named Isaiah is the same; the Savior to come will be our powerful God!  The Savior will possess authority and strength.  The Savior will be wonderful and eternal.  The Savior will be a prince who is focused on justice and setting things right. 

In His very character, the Savior will be a powerful God!  And yet, the Savior is born as a helpless, vulnerable, and fragile baby in a dirty stable in a nowhere town that is occupied and oppressed by the Roman government. 

The paradox of weak and strong, vulnerable and capable, of unnoticed and world changing is often times lost at Christmas.  We focus so much on the baby lying in a manger that we underestimate the power and might, the wonder and holiness, the authority and wisdom, the judgement and grace of the Son of God who is born in Bethlehem.

I don’t need a wimpy and weak Savior.  And, I don’t think you do either.  There is too much brokenness and disappointment as well as oppression and intolerance for a Savior who can’t really do anything to make my life or your life better.

And yet, many of those around us settle for a Savior who has no power.  For most, we make God in our image rather than remember that God our Creator made us in His image.  (See Genesis 1:26-28)  

As we reflect upon our celebrations of Christmas with family and friends, I invite you to shift your expectations a bit. 

Expect a powerful Jesus to fill your heart, mind, and soul with His presence and love.

Expect a powerful Savior to heal your broken heart and/or your tortured mind.

Expect a powerful Provider to give you what you need when you need it most.

Expect a powerful Lord to take you by the hand as you make your way through a big mess.

Expect a powerful Deliverer to set you free from all that holds you down or back.

Expect a powerful Redeemer to make you right with the Lord God.

Expect a powerful Liberator to forgive all your sin and release you from all your regrets.

Expect a powerful Protector to keep you from harm when the oppression is unrelenting.

Expect a powerful Teacher grow you better and lead you faithfully.

I don’t need a wimpy and weak Savior.  And, I don’t think you do either.  At the same time, you and I need a Savior who is both vulnerable and strong, who is both suffering servant and King of Kings, who is both a baby born in Bethlehem and the God of the universe.

His name is Jesus!

Expect Jesus to make a difference in you and through you this week.

I encourage you to take a moment right now to invite Jesus to fill your heart and use your faith to help another person this week. 

As you invite Jesus to do His work of grace in you, expect Jesus’ power and authority as well as Jesus’ wonder and holiness to fill you.  When Jesus fills you with His powerful presence, your heart will take delight in His presence.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug