Mighty God

What’s in a name? This Sunday, we’ll explore the second title bestowed on the One whose advent was greatly anticipated: Mighty God. The spiritual atmosphere of first-century Israel was thick with messianic expectation. Change was afoot, but how was God working? Would he finally deliver his people from foreign oppressors and restore the glorious Davidic kingdom? Not exactly. Instead, onto this scene strode a humble carpenter who did the ‘impossible’ routinely: He changed water into wine, restored the lame and blind, fed the multitudes, and raised the dead. John’s gospel declares that these ‘signs’ authenticated Jesus as Israel’s long-sought Messiah, the Mighty God of Isaiah 9:6. These snapshots from his earthly ministry should lead everyone to ponder, “Who but God could display such power over the natural order?” In this advent season, let us rediscover and celebrate anew our Lord’s multifaceted glory. As we approach the manger to behold the helpless babe, may our hearts know that we worship the promised Mighty God. Grace and peace, Matthew Liethen