Mighty God Series

Mighty God

Isaiah 9:1-7

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When you face an enemy that depletes your strength, resources, and abilities, where do you turn? The story of Gideon in the book of Judges provides a profound answer for those moments of despair. After Israel's repeated disobedience, God allowed the Midianites to oppress them for seven long years. The oppression was so severe that the Israelites hid in mountain clefts, caves, and strongholds just to survive (Judges 6:1-2). Every effort to prosper was crushed as their enemies, like swarms of locusts, invaded and destroyed their crops and livestock (Judges 6:3-5). In their desperation, they finally cried out to the Lord (Judges 6:6). This cry of humility shifted their focus from their weakness to God’s strength and provision.

In response, God chose an unlikely hero: Gideon. Feeling insignificant—belonging to the weakest clan and seeing himself as the least in his family (Judges 6:15)—Gideon was still met with God’s powerful promise, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites” (Judges 6:16). Through Gideon’s obedience and faith, God orchestrated an extraordinary victory with just 300 men, showing that true deliverance comes not through human strength, but by God’s power (Judges 7:2-25). This story reminds us that God can use our weaknesses to display His might and turn impossible situations into testimonies of His glory.

God often uses what appears small and insignificant to reveal His might and power in extraordinary ways. Imagine the wonder that must have filled Isaiah’s heart as he prophesied about a baby lying in a manger—a baby who would be called “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6). Some may see Christ as a fragile infant, dependent and vulnerable. But this portrayal does not diminish His divine power. Born of a virgin and from the line of Jesse, Jesus established a kingdom whose entrance depends not on genealogy, temple rituals, or adherence to the Torah, but on faith. Only Christ could satisfy His Father’s righteous wrath, offering His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

His virgin birth fulfilled over 300 prophecies. His authority extends over all things—visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). These are profound demonstrations of His divine might. These miracles showcase different aspects of Christ’s power to heal, provide, and restore. As we reflect on Christ’s power this Christmas season, let us consider just three of His miracles: the healing of a desperate father’s son, the feeding of the five thousand, and the restoring of a demon-possessed man. Each of these miracles is more than a display of supernatural power. They are invitations to trust Him fully. Like the Israelites who cried out in desperation, let us come to Him with hearts that say: “Help me with my unbelief,” “Feed me,” and “Help me overcome my sins.” May these reflections inspire us to experience the transformative power of the Mighty God—who came to us not just in a manger, but in grace, truth, and saving power.

Help me with my Unbelief

When Peter, James, and John returned from witnessing Christ’s transfiguration, they joined the other nine disciples and found a large crowd gathered around them, with teachers of the law engaged in an argument (Mark 9:14). Jesus asked, “What are you arguing with them about?” (Mark 9:16). A man from the crowd explained that he had brought his son, who was possessed by a spirit that caused seizures, foaming at the mouth, and rigidity. The disciples had tried to cast out the spirit but failed (Mark 9:18). When the boy was brought to Jesus, the spirit convulsed him violently (Mark 9:20). The father, desperate, pleaded, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (Mark 9:21). Jesus replied, “Everything is possible for the one who believes,” prompting the father’s heartfelt cry, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Jesus then rebuked the spirit, commanding it to leave and never return, and it obeyed immediately (Mark 9:25-26). Later, when the disciples asked why they couldn’t drive it out, Jesus explained, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29). This teaches us that, in the absence of Jesus’ physical presence, we must rely on faith in God and persevere through prayer in all our efforts. Just as Gideon learned to trust God’s might, this desperate father’s plea reminds us that the Mighty God is ready to act on our behalf when we place our faith in Him.

To see beyond the frailty of the baby lying in a manger and recognize Him as our Mighty God is essential to experience the miracle of Christmas. Amid the presents, festive food, twinkling lights, and family gatherings, it is easy to falter in faith, much like the father in Scripture who struggled to fully believe that all things are possible for those who trust. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). To please God, we must acknowledge His sovereignty, believing that He exists and rewards those who seek Him earnestly (Hebrews 11:6). In a world marred by decay and suffering (Romans 8:21-22), finding meaning and joy can be challenging. Yet the greatest gift at Christmas comes when we fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). By trusting the Lord with all our hearts and leaning not on our understanding (Proverbs 3:5), we discover that His ways are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Through His might, power, and wisdom, we can experience unspeakable joy regardless of our circumstances. Truly, we are blessed this Christmas, for the Lord is our portion forever (Psalm 73:26).