Tag: Power Perfected in Weakness

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Bethlehem’s Unexpected King

Summary of my sermon, based on Micah 5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on December 14, 2025.

We’re back in our Christmas series, “God With Us: Advent in the book of Micah.” Micah is one of the “minor” prophets—minor only in length, not in importance. Case in point: Micah 5:2 is one of the best-known prophetic verses of Christmas. We’ve already met it this season because it’s tied to the Bethlehem (peace) candle.

A quick catch-up. Micah’s message moves in cycles of judgment and hope. In chapter 1 we saw God’s terrifying judgment over Israel and Judah’s idolatry. Chapter 2 zoomed in on a particular sin: social injustice—wealthy landowners stealing land from the poor, which also attacked God’s plan for the land to symbolize Israel’s special place with Him. Yet chapter 2 ended with a first glimmer of hope: God would preserve a remnant. Chapter 3 exposed corrupt rulers and even bought-and-paid-for prophets; the judgment climaxed with the loss of the land itself. Then came the stunning reversal in chapter 4: the mountain of the Lord lifted high, the nations streaming to Him, and lasting peace (Mic 4:1–4). Still, Micah 4:9–10 warned of labor pains first—exile and suffering—followed by redemption. And 4:11–13 lifted our eyes all the way to the end of the age.

Into that context, Micah 5 opens. Verse 1 anticipates the humiliation of Judah’s king under siege—fulfilled in Zedekiah’s collapse during the Babylonian conquest (2 Kgs 25). Verses 1 and 3 echo the labor-pains image from 4:9–10: there will be real pain before joy is born. Right between those pains sits the promise: “Bethlehem Ephrathah” (Mic 5:2). For us that sounds obvious; for Micah’s audience it was shocking. Bethlehem was an insignificant little town—so small it isn’t even listed among Judah’s 120 towns in Joshua 15. Yes, David came from Bethlehem and God promised David an everlasting house (2 Sam 7), but David’s royal sons were born and reigned from Jerusalem. No one expected the Messiah’s arrival to arise from a tiny, no-name place like “house of bread.”

And that’s exactly the point. This is God’s modus operandi. He loves to use what is weak and lowly to shame the strong, so no one can boast in His presence (1 Cor 1:27–29). Bethlehem’s smallness magnifies the greatness of the One who comes from there.

Micah then uses shepherd imagery: the Ruler will “stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD… and he shall be their peace” (Mic 5:4–5a). If “the LORD is my shepherd” (Ps 23), and the coming King is the Shepherd of God’s flock, then we are being nudged to recognize that the Messiah is God Himself come near—Immanuel (Isa 7:14). What was mystery to the prophets has been revealed to us in Christ: the Word became flesh (Jn 1), the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (Jn 10), and His peace guards our hearts (Phil 4:7). This is the already and the not yet of Advent: in His first coming Jesus truly accomplished salvation; in His second coming He will consummate it. So we celebrate His first Advent and, with patient hearts, we wait for the second (Jas 5:7–8).

The rest of Micah 5 widens that hope. In 5:5b–6, “Assyria” functions as a cipher for the enemies of God’s people across time: the Messiah delivers His people when the invader treads within our borders. In 5:10–11, God tears down horses and chariots—the ancient symbols of security—to teach us that our real safety is in Him. For us that means our ultimate security isn’t in bank accounts, careers, or health metrics but in the love of God in Christ from which nothing can separate us (Rom 8:37–39). In 5:12, He exposes the futility of sorceries and fortune-tellers; today’s versions have glossier packaging—“inside tips,” algorithmic hype, spiritualized self-help—but true wisdom is found in Christ alone (1 Cor 1:25). In 5:13–14, He uproots idols and sacred pillars; our idols may be good things turned ultimate—family, work, reputation, even ministry—but the new heart He gives enables us to worship the Creator above every created thing (Ezek 36:26). And 5:15 reminds us there is an ultimate, righteous victory in the Messiah. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; so be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:57–58).

So, what should we carry into this week of Advent? First, don’t miss the quiet glory of Bethlehem. God delights to work through what the world overlooks. If your life feels small or your contribution hidden, remember where the Savior’s story began and let that free you to be faithful where you are. Second, let the Shepherd-King be your peace. Bring Him your anxieties and fractured thoughts and ask Him to rule in your heart with His peace. Third, live the already/not-yet tension well: trust Him as your security, seek His wisdom in His Word, turn from subtle idols, and labor in hope—because none of it is in vain.

Praise the Lord that the victory began in that tiny town two thousand years ago. May we not let the season’s noise distract us from the season’s news: the Son of David, born in Bethlehem, is our Shepherd, our Peace, and our King. Come, Lord Jesus.

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Sending of the Twelve

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:1-9. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 22, 2024.

When I first started in ministry, one of the key events each year was the Christmas musical at Morningstar Christian Fellowship. I was part of the band and orchestra, which was a joy, but as a pastoral intern, my responsibilities expanded. In the late summer, I’d spend hours preparing sheet music for the orchestra, choir, and cast. Our rehearsals would begin on Sunday afternoons and continue with sectionals during the week. All the practice led up to the dress rehearsal—this was the full run-through before the actual performance, done with costumes and makeup, no stops unless something major went wrong. It was the “show before the show,” and we sometimes even invited friends and family to get a preview.

In a similar way, today’s passage from Luke 9 describes a “dress rehearsal” for the ministry of Jesus’ disciples after His resurrection. This is the first of two practices, with the second one covered later in chapter 10, where Jesus sends out 72 others. In Luke 9:1-2, we read, “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.” At this point, Jesus has already performed incredible miracles—healing the woman with the issue of blood, raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead, calming the storm, and more. These acts are just a small portion of His works, as John writes in John 21:25, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

Now, Jesus is delegating that same power and authority to His disciples so they can preach the kingdom and heal the sick. The key here is that this power is delegated. Anyone who has worked in an organization with a hierarchical structure knows how crucial delegation is. You can be given responsibility for a task, but you need authority and resources to complete it. Jesus gives His disciples both the authority (the right to proclaim the kingdom) and the power (the ability to heal and cast out demons). The Greek word for power here is δύναμιν (dynamin), which is where we get the word “dynamite.” It’s a reminder that this power is explosive in its potential.

This same authority and power have been given to us. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” And in Acts 1:8, we read, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” We are called to carry out this task with both boldness and humility. We are to be emboldened by the power Jesus gives us, yet humble enough to remember that it’s not our power but His.

Unfortunately, we often allow fear or the world’s intolerance to silence us. But we are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Romans 1:16 tells us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Despite the challenges we face in sharing the gospel, we are called to be bold. At the same time, we should never let the power we’ve been given go to our heads. It’s delegated, just like when General Douglas MacArthur was stripped of his command because he forgot the source of his authority.

The disciples understood this well. In Acts 3:6, when Peter heals the lame beggar, he says, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Paul, too, approached his ministry with humility, as he writes in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, “I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

In Luke 9:3-6, Jesus gives specific instructions to His disciples: travel light, live among the people, and if a town rejects them, shake off the dust as a sign of judgment. This is not just practical advice, but a reminder to stay flexible to God’s leading, live among those we minister to, and to not be discouraged by rejection. In Romans 14:12, we are reminded that, “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Ultimately, everyone must answer to Jesus, and our task is to faithfully proclaim the gospel.

As Jesus’ disciples spread the word about Him, many were confused about who He was. Herod, for example, heard about Jesus and wondered if He was John the Baptist raised from the dead or perhaps one of the prophets. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul gives us a clear answer: Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and through Him, all things were created. He is the head of the body, the church, and through His death and resurrection, He reconciles all things to Himself.

We too are called to declare who Jesus is with boldness, remembering the power and authority He’s delegated to us and carrying out the task with humility.

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He is Greater: Samson and Delilah

Summary of my sermon, based on Judges 16:25-30. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on August 13, 2023.

The story of Samson and Delilah, found in the book of Judges, marks a significant chapter in the history of the Israelites. It is a tale of strength, weakness, and the unyielding grace of God. Although the book of Judges is often considered a chronicle of Israel’s waywardness, it offers profound lessons for us today.

The Downward Spiral

The book of Judges follows the period of Israel’s history after their conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. Tragically, this once-faithful nation rapidly descended into sin and idolatry. Judges 2:11 tells us that “there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” They forsook the God who had delivered them from Egypt and preserved them during their wanderings.

To counter their disobedience and oppression by neighboring nations, God raised up a series of judges who served as leaders, governors, and deliverers of Israel. These judges, like Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, and Gideon, were chosen to rescue the Israelites when they repented and cried out to God for help.

The Rise and Fall of Samson

Samson, the last of these judges, is a unique figure in the Bible. He was set apart as a Nazirite from birth, signifying his consecration to God. His story begins with the announcement of his miraculous birth to a barren couple, a sign of God’s divine intervention (Judges 13:2-7). Samson’s great strength, a gift from God, became his hallmark.

Samson’s flawed character and impulsive nature, however, often led him astray. His first marriage, to a Philistine woman, demonstrated his disregard for God’s commands. This marriage was marked by strife and vengeance (Judges 14:2-4).

Delilah, a Philistine woman, entered Samson’s life as a seductress, lured by the Philistine rulers who sought to uncover the secret of his strength. Through her persistent questioning and deceit, Samson eventually revealed the source of his power: his uncut hair, symbolizing his adherence to the Nazirite vow. Delilah betrayed him by having his hair cut while he slept, leading to his capture, blindness, and imprisonment (Judges 16).

Over time, Samson’s hair began to grow back during his captivity. The Philistines, seeking to mock him, brought him to a temple during a grand celebration. It was here, in his moment of weakness, that Samson cried out to God for strength one last time. He pushed apart the temple’s main support pillars, collapsing the structure and killing more Philistines in his death than during his lifetime (Judges 16:28-30).

Power Perfected in Weakness

Samson’s life teaches us that power is perfected in weakness. In our weakness, we find our greatest strength. Just as Samson’s strength was only effective when he recognized his vulnerability, our true strength comes from relying on God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Saved by Grace

The Israelites’ repeated cycle of disobedience and oppression illustrates humanity’s need for God’s grace. Even when we are dead in our sins, God’s rich mercy and love save us through Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

The story of Samson and Delilah serves as a reminder that God’s grace and redemption are available to all, even in our weakest moments. Samson, while a hero of faith, also points us to the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this story, let us remember that power is perfected in weakness, and salvation is found in God’s boundless grace. In Christ, we find our redemption and hope, just as Samson’s last act of faith brought victory and deliverance to Israel.