Tag: Trusting God’s Strength

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The Majesty of God’s Word

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:37-43a. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on November 3, 2024.

The last time Jesus performed an exorcism, the reaction was striking. In Luke 8:28, the crowd asked Jesus to leave, trembling in terror at His power. But in Luke 9:43, after Jesus cast out a demon from a boy suffering seizures, the crowd responded differently: “And all were astonished at the majesty of God.” This shift in reaction reflects something profound—Jesus’ majesty wasn’t just reserved for mountaintop moments like His transfiguration. It was displayed even in the midst of human suffering.

This exorcism followed the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John glimpsed Jesus’ divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. Peter misunderstood, suggesting that tents be built for all three figures, as if they were equals. But Jesus stands far above even the greatest prophets. Reflecting later on this moment, Peter declared, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). What they saw on the mountain was now revealed to the crowd through Jesus’ authority over evil.

However, the story begins with the disciples’ inability to help. A desperate father brought his afflicted son to them, but they could not cast out the demon. Luke 9:40 recounts the father’s plea: “I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” How could the disciples, who had been given authority over demons (Luke 9:1) and seen Jesus perform countless miracles, fail here?

The answer lies in where they placed their trust. Instead of relying on God, they relied on what had worked before. This shift is a common pitfall, one even Moses succumbed to. When God instructed him in Numbers 20 to speak to a rock to provide water, Moses struck it instead, as he had done previously. Though water flowed, Moses’ failure to trust God led to severe consequences. He acted out of habit, not obedience, and was barred from entering the Promised Land.

The disciples faced a similar issue. They had seen success in exorcisms and healings before, but this time, their faith faltered. Jesus addressed their lack of faith directly in Matthew 17:20, saying, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

What about us? How often do we fall into routines, trusting in past methods or our own strength instead of relying on God? Whether in ministry or daily life, it’s easy to go through the motions and lose sight of the One who empowers us. But God calls us to a deeper trust. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

To experience God’s renewing strength and majesty, we must seek Him intentionally—through Scripture, prayer, and worship. Let’s not let familiarity breed monotony. Instead, let’s marvel at His creation, like the northern lights or Niagara Falls, and be reminded of His glory. As Isaiah 40:31 promises, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

Ultimately, it’s Christ’s work in us that reveals His majesty. When we take up the rhythms of faith—reading, praying, and worshiping—we align ourselves with His power. Let’s trust in Him fully and find strength to carry on, proclaiming His glory in all we do.

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Marveling at God’s Word

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 8:22-25. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on August 18, 2024.

My first typhoon in Japan, Typhoon Talim, was unforgettable. A Category 4 storm with winds reaching 220 km/h, it hit shortly after I began my term as a missionary in September 2017. Preparing for it meant stocking up on supplies, closing my storm shutters, and canceling plans. When it finally arrived, I even stepped outside briefly to capture a video for Instagram. By the next day, only broken branches remained as evidence of the storm. Sheltered in a sturdy building in a country prepared for natural disasters, I wasn’t afraid.

This memory pales in comparison to the storm Jesus and His disciples faced in Luke 8:22-25. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a violent windstorm arose, threatening their small boat. The Sea of Galilee’s geography makes it prone to sudden, ferocious storms. Warm air rising from the water collides with cool air rushing down from surrounding hills, creating powerful winds that churn up waves as high as three meters. Even experienced fishermen like the disciples panicked.

While the disciples frantically bailed water, Jesus slept. In their terror, they woke Him, crying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (Luke 8:24, ESV). Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, and the storm immediately ceased. Then He turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25, ESV). Despite witnessing His miracles and authority, their faith faltered in the face of danger.

How often do we do the same? It’s easy to trust God when life is calm, but when storms hit—whether financial struggles, health crises, or personal losses—fear takes over. Yet Scripture reminds us of God’s constant presence. Joshua told the Israelites, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV). Like the disciples, we need reminders to trust God, especially during trials.

Faith is like a muscle; it grows through exercise. Jesus encourages even the smallest faith, saying, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20, ESV). Small, consistent steps make a difference. Daily habits like reading the Bible and praying strengthen our trust in God. Fellowship with other believers helps us bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2, ESV) and grow in community. Spiritual disciplines like fasting, memorizing Scripture, and deeper Bible study can further mature our faith.

After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples marveled, asking, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25, ESV). Psalm 135:6-7 answers, declaring that God commands the winds and rain. As we face life’s storms, we can trust that the same Jesus who calmed the sea is sovereign over our struggles. Our faith, though small, becomes unshakable when placed in Him.