Day 3 (13 Dec): Our Imperfect Church, His Perfect Hope

Micah 5:2–5 (ESV):

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah … from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel… And he shall be their peace.”

The Church is not a perfect place, at least not yet. And if we judge by what we often see in global news or on social media, the picture can look bleak. Stories of pastors or leaders acting in ways that contradict the gospel, or churches being called out for being cold and uncaring, can make it seem like the Church only shows up in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. When we add our own real-life experiences, misunderstandings, conflicts, and disappointments, it’s no surprise that life in the church can sometimes feel discouraging and depressing. And when we look around us and see pews growing emptier, congregations ageing, and young people seeming increasingly disengaged from the faith, the weight becomes heavier still.

In moments like this, we can’t help but ask: What hope is there for us?

Perhaps that is the same question the people of God asked during Micah's time, when they looked at the state of God's kingdom. Northern Israel was spiritually apostate, full of idol worship and injustice. Southern Judah wasn't far behind. Jerusalem, with all its splendour, was full of corruption among its leaders and priests. Now enemies have begun to surround the kingdoms, threatening war. What hope is there for them?

When everything seemed bleak, God spoke through Micah with a simple, powerful message: I have not forgotten you. There is hope in the One whom I will send. In today’s devotion, the focus is not on what that coming One will bring, but on where and how God chooses to reveal His salvation.

God is not swayed by the physical splendour of Jerusalem or its spiritual prestige. Instead, He turns His attention to a small, humble, and seemingly insignificant rural town, Bethlehem. It is there that God chooses to display His providence and unveil His salvation. In the same way, God chose a humble, seemingly insignificant girl to bear the Son of God. In His perfect time, God will give to His people the greatest gift: a Saviour, the Messiah, who would come to redeem the entire world. Our hope today is the same hope that sustained the faithful then: that Christ will come. He has come, and He will come again to make all things right.

God is not impressed by outward size, status, or fame. Just as He chose Bethlehem, a small, humble place, to reveal His salvation, He still chooses the lowly in heart to display His glory. Perhaps that speaks to our situation: God is not swayed by the impressive splendour of large churches or the influence of charismatic leaders. He delights in the faith of everyday believers, in quiet acts of service, in unseen obedience.

Though the witness of prominent Christians or churches may falter, your witness matters. Your faith matters. Through the faithful life of every humble believer, God continues to bring hope, salvation, and peace to the world.

The Church is imperfect, but she belongs to a perfect Saviour. He is still sanctifying His Bride, purifying her by His Word, and preparing her for the day when she will stand before Him in glory.

Until that day, let our hope remain steady because it rests on Christ alone, the One born in Bethlehem, crucified for our sins, raised from the tomb, and who will come again in glory. Not on pastors or churches. Let this hope be our peace, even when others walk away, even when pastors and churches fail. As Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”

Your witness matters. Your faith matters. What small, consistent acts of obedience could God use from you this week to bring hope and peace to others?

Pr Amos Yeo

Amazing Grace Presbyterian Church