Tag: Waiting on God

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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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Waiting on Jesus

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 8:40-56. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 15, 2024.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 8, we encounter a remarkable “two-for-one special” of miracles that reveal Jesus’ authority over disease and death. These intertwined stories—Jairus’ desperate plea for his dying daughter and a woman’s silent, faith-driven act of healing—teach us profound lessons about waiting on Jesus.

When Jesus returned to Galilee, a crowd eagerly awaited Him. Among them was Jairus, a synagogue ruler—a man of status and influence. Yet, this respected leader fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading for his only daughter, a twelve-year-old girl on the brink of death (Luke 8:40-42). Imagine a person of immense dignity, like a grandfather in his finest attire, abandoning all decorum to beg in public. Jairus, in his desperation, cast aside pride, status, and likely even the risk of alienation from other Jewish leaders who were wary of Jesus.

As Jesus agreed to go with him, hope must have swelled in Jairus’ heart. But their journey was interrupted. A woman, suffering from a twelve-year-long discharge of blood, reached out in silent faith to touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment. She had spent all her resources on doctors, to no avail, and lived as a social and religious outcast due to her condition (Luke 8:43-44; Leviticus 15:25-27). Her faith was bold yet humble—believing that even the slightest touch of Jesus’ garment could heal her.

Immediately, her bleeding stopped, and Jesus, knowing power had gone out from Him, asked, “Who was it that touched me?” (Luke 8:45-46). Amid the pressing crowd, the woman stepped forward, trembling, and shared her story. Jesus’ response was profound: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace” (Luke 8:48). With this, He restored not only her health but also her dignity and place in the community.

But imagine Jairus in this moment—watching precious time slip away as Jesus stopped for someone else. His worst fears were realized when messengers arrived, saying his daughter had died. “Do not trouble the Teacher anymore,” they said (Luke 8:49). Yet Jesus turned to Jairus with reassurance: “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well” (Luke 8:50). Despite the mourners’ laughter at His declaration that the girl was “not dead but sleeping,” Jesus entered the house, took her hand, and said, “Child, arise.” Her spirit returned, and she got up immediately (Luke 8:52-55).

Both Jairus and the bleeding woman show us the power of faith in the face of desperation. Jairus teaches us to trust in Jesus’ timing, even when it feels delayed. The woman reminds us that faith often takes bold, even unconventional, steps. And through both, we see that Jesus’ authority transcends human limitations. His timing is perfect, and His power is sufficient.

As we wait on the Lord in our own lives, let us remember His words: “Do not fear; only believe.” Whatever delays or interruptions we face, His plans for us are always for good (Jeremiah 29:11). Let us wait with faith, trusting that He will act in His perfect time.