“Son of Man, Son of God” (Luke 3:21-38)

 

Get Him Up!

I once heard a story about an elderly woman in a church in Los Angeles. Everyone affectionately called her “1800” because no one knew how old she was. 1800 had a unique ministry, especially toward preachers. She would sit in the front row, and as soon as the preacher began, she would shout, “Get him up!”—referring to Christ. If the sermon didn’t center on Christ, she would call out again, “Get him up!” And if a preacher failed to “get him up,” he or she was in for a long, hard day.[1]

This story reminds us of the chief purpose of Scripture and our calling as Christians: to lift up Christ. It’s not about us, but about Christ. Jesus himself said, “You examine the Scriptures carefully because you suppose that in them you have eternal life. Yet they testify about me.” (John 5:39, ISV) Like 1800, John the Baptist knew this well. When others tried to focus on him, he quickly pointed them to Jesus. As we open God’s Word today, may the Holy Spirit, the Author of Scripture, open our eyes to see who Christ is, to lift Him up, and to renew our identity in Him.

 

Jesus’ Baptism: Identifying Love

In today’s passage we see people coming to be baptized by John. John’s baptism was a “baptism of repentance” (Luke 3: 3). As people were baptized, they confessed their sins. (Matt 3:6) But Jesus, being sinless, had no need of repentance. So why was Jesus baptized? Two profound things happened at his baptism.

First, at his baptism Jesus identifies with humanity. When Jesus stepped into the Jordan River, he stepped into our world, becoming one of us. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (MSG) Jesus entered our neighborhood so he could take on our sins and weaknesses and remove them! (cf. Isaiah 53:4)

I still remember a day from my childhood that has stayed with me. It was the day my mom cried. When I was young, I told lies to my parents. I don’t even remember the exact details now, but one day, I told a huge lie. My dad was very upset and decided to discipline me. I was scared and did what any frightened child might do—I hid behind my mom. At that moment, I thought, “Now I’m safe.” But then something happened that I will never forget. My mom took the punishment in my place. My dad caned my mom instead of me. I was shocked, stunned, and heartbroken. Watching her take my punishment made me realize, “Wow, wait a minute! Telling a lie is serious stuff!”

This experience gave me a glimpse of the depth of what Jesus has done for us. Christ’s love is an "identifying love"—a love that steps into our place, fully shares in our struggles, and bears the consequences of our sins. Jesus stood in our place, fully identifying with our sins, and bore them on the cross. Jesus’ baptism gives us a glimpse of the depth of Christ’s love for us: He took on our sins so we could be free.

Jesus’ Baptism: Redeeming Love

Second, at his baptism Jesus redeems humanity – redeems our lives. The most ancient answer to the question, “Why was Jesus baptized?” may surprise us. Ignatius of Antioch in the second century declares, “The reason why he was born and baptized, was that he would purify the water by means of his suffering.”[2]

While he was praying and baptizing, heaven was open, and the Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove. And there was a voice: “You are my beloved Son. I am well pleased with you.” Through his baptism, Jesus redeems John’s baptism. It became not just about repentance, but also about a new identity. In Christ, our old names – “Wounded,” “Afraid,” “Not-enough,” “Lonely,” are replaced with new names: “Confidence,” “Faithful one,” “Joy,” “Beloved,” “Child of God.”

Christ’s love compels us, so that we could live no longer for ourselves but for him who died for us (cf. 2 Cor 5:14). Toyohiko Kagawa (1880-1960) is an inspiring example of this. He was born in Kobe, Japan. His father was a wealthy businessman, while his biological mother was a geisha, a Japanese dancing girl. Both his parents died when he was only four years old, and he was then sent to live with his stepmother. There he was physically abused, unwanted and unloved. He bore the scars of loneliness for the rest of his life. While he was at school in Tokushima, he was introduced to some American missionaries. At the age of fifteen he was baptized. Though he was disowned by his family, God became his Abba Father. Kagawa was transformed by Christ’s love. After finishing seminary, he moved into the slums. He visited the sick; he fed the hungry; he lodged the homeless; he became an elder brother to the prostitutes. Parents turned to him for advice. Criminals made him their father-confessor… The children swarmed around him. The cross of Christ was central to his life and ministry. And his favorite hymn was “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.”[3] Christ’s love compels us.

                                            

Jesus’ Genealogy: God’s Love for All

Right after Jesus’ baptism, Luke presents Jesus’ genealogy. So what’s the point? In the New Testament, there are two versions of Jesus’ genealogy – one is written in Matthew 1, and the other in Luke 3. Matthew’s genealogy highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham – the offspring of Abraham, the hope of Israel. So the family tree begins with Abraham. But this is not enough for Luke. He connects the story of Jesus not just with Israel but with all humanity. Luke doesn’t stop at Abraham, but goes back to the very beginning of creation, Adam, who represents all humanity – Jesus is the son of Adam, the son of God (Luke 3:38).

When we receive Jesus and trust him as our Savior, he identifies with our sins, redeems our lives, and gives us a new identity. When we are baptized into Jesus’ name, we are adopted into God’s family. God becomes our Father. Jesus our Savior and Brother, and we are united as a spiritual family.

In the movie, The Ride, based on a true story, we meet a boy named John whose life is marked by brokenness. Raised in a deeply dysfunctional family, he ends up in jail as a teenager, filled with anger, hopelessness, and a sense of being unloved. But his life takes a transformative turn when he is fostered by a couple who share a similar painful past. They embrace him with unconditional love. They understand his pain because they’ve lived it themselves. Their love doesn’t remove the struggles overnight, but through trials, patience, and tears, they help him find healing and purpose.

 

One of the most moving scenes in the movie is the adoption moment. The main character, John, tries to project an image of being cool and strong, showcasing his talent as a skilled BMX rider. But deep inside, he is haunted by insecurity and restlessness. The painful voices from his past echo in his mind: "You are nothing. You are a failure." His foster parents notice his struggles and decide to speed up the adoption process before his upcoming BMX competition. In a pivotal moment, John’s heart is flooded with a profound sense of assurance as they tell him, "You are our beloved son. You are enough." For the first time, he feels truly seen, accepted, and loved. This newfound identity doesn’t erase his past, but it redeems it, giving him the courage to embrace his future with hope and confidence.

 

Near the Cross

When we think about ourselves, our families, or our church, from a human’s perspective, we may feel “not enough” – not big enough, influential enough, or capable enough. Some of us may be still haunted by voices from the past that make us insecure and lonely. But the Good News is this: In Christ, we are made new. The old life is gone; a new life begins!

Let us come to the waters of baptism. Let us come to the cross. And we will hear our Heavenly Father say, “You are my beloved child. I am well pleased with you.”

 

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary’s mountain. 

In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

---

[1] R. Kent Hughes, Luke (2 volumes in 1 / ESV Edition) (Preaching the Word) (p. 118). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

[2] Justo L. Gonzalez, Luke: Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible (p. 53). Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Kindle Edition.

[3] John Stott, The Incomparable Christ (p. 150). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

“Who Are You?” (John 1:19-28)

 

Who Am I?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor who stood firmly against the Nazi regime during World War II. Born into a well-to-do family, his faith led him to imprisonment. In prison, he wrestled deeply with his identity, asking himself, “Who am I?” The following is one of his writings:

Who am I? They often tell me
I would step from my cell’s confinement
calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
like a squire from his country-house.

Who am I? They often tell me
I would talk to my warders
freely and friendly and clearly,
as though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me
I would bear the days of misfortune
equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I know of myself,
restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
trembling with anger at despotism and petty humiliation,
tossing in expectation of great events,
powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
fleeing in disorder from a victory already achieved?

Who am I?
They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine.

At the River

Who am I? Knowing ourselves is one of the most important qualities in our life journey. In today’s passage, the Jews aggressively questioned John the Baptist, “Who are you?” John responded plainly, “I am not the Christ.” They pressed further, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No,” he said.

At the time, people were expecting Elijah, Moses, or a powerful Messianic figure to come and save them from oppression. Again, they asked, “Who are you? What do you say about yourself?” John answered, “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, make the Lord’s path straight, just as the prophet Isaiah said.”

John saw himself as a humble servant – a voice that cries out and then disappears, not the powerful figure they anticipated. John knew who he was and who he was not. His identity was grounded in God’s Word.

The Way
Like John the Baptist, there were other people who have sought truth and found their identity in God’s signs. The Magi were one of them. Who were the Magi? The term “Magi” originally referred to priests in ancient Persia. Many scholars believe the Magi in the nativity story came from Babylon, traveling nearly nine hundred miles. Their journey likely took several months.

When the Magi saw the star, they embarked on a bold journey to Jerusalem. Though they may not have fully understood who Jesus was, they knew they needed a true King and Savior.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the contrast became clear. The Magi actively sought Jesus, while the Jewish religious leaders, though they had accurate scriptural knowledge, did nothing. When asked where the Messiah would be born, the priests quoted Micah 5:2, but they returned to life as usual. They did nothing. Their knowledge did not lead them to action because they were content with their current lives. They felt no need for a Savior.

In the movie The Way, Tom, an American eye doctor, learns that his son died while on the pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago. Tom travels to France to bring his son’s body home, but then later, he decides to take the pilgrimage himself in honor of his son’s desire to complete it.

On his journey, Tom meets several fellow pilgrims, each with different reasons for walking the Camino. One wants to lose weight, another to quit smoking, and another to find inspiration for writing. Yet, as they travel together, deeper questions emerge. It becomes less about their original goals and more about restoring relationships, healing from guilt, and rediscovering purpose of life. By the end of the pilgrimage, they are transformed – not because some miracles happen or their problems are solved, but because they realize that they are pilgrims. They realize who they are and who they are not.

The signs
The Magi needed a guiding star. John the Baptist, though clear in his calling, still needed God’s signs along the path. Later, from prison, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or should we wait for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus responded, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear the good news.” John saw the sign, stayed the course, and finished his race well.

During Christmas break, my family and I took a trip to Boston. As we traveled, I prayed for signs and assurance that I was on the right path. On Sunday morning, I planned to worship at Grace-Vision UMC, my home church. However, the church had moved locations three times, and I accidentally went to the wrong place.

The first church we visited had just three cars in the parking lot, and the atmosphere felt lifeless. Though we were late, we searched online and found the correct location, fifteen minutes away. When we finally arrived and opened the door, Joyce and I were shocked. The church, once filled with 60-70 people, now had fewer than 20. Many had left because of pastoral changes, internal dissension, and denominational struggles.

Despite all this, I saw life. The pastor and his family were fully invested, repairing the building and preparing the rooms for children and youth by faith. The faithful remnant encouraged me. As I worshiped with them, my heart was refreshed. I saw the light, and I was ready to return to God’s country.

Look again!
We don’t need to search far for special stars or take a special trip to find God’s signs. They are always near, found in His Word and woven throughout our daily lives.

Pastor John Piper once shared a story that profoundly shaped his life – the story of Agassiz and the fish.[1] Louis Agassiz (1807-1873) was the founder of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology and a Harvard professor. One of his students, Samuel Scudder, recounted a lesson he learned in Agassiz’s classroom that left a lasting imprint on his life. On the first day of class, Professor Agassiz handed Samuel a large jar filled with specimens preserved in yellow alcohol. Reaching in, Agassiz pulled out a fish and handed it to Samuel, saying, “Take this fish and look at it. We call it a Haemulon. By and by, I will ask you what you have seen.” Samuel examined the fish carefully. In about ten minutes, he thought he had seen everything there was to see. The scales, the fins, the shape of the mouth – what else could there possibly be? Hours passed, and still, the professor had not returned. By the time Agassiz came back, Samuel confidently reported his observations. But to his surprise, the professor was disappointed. “Is that all you have seen?” he asked. “Look again; look again!” The next several days, Samuel had no other assignment. For three days, he stared at that same wretched fish – day and night. He was not allowed to study anything else or use any instruments to aid his examination. The only instructions he received were, “Look, look, look.” By the end of those three days, something incredible happened. Samuel could draw the fish in perfect detail without even looking at it. Every scale, fin, and ridge was engraved in his mind. When Agassiz finally introduced a second fish on the fourth day, Samuel was immediately able to see both the similarities and differences between the two.

As we step into the new year, may we root our identity in God’s Word. May we meditate on the Word deeply and patiently, allowing Christ to dwell richly within us – guiding, shaping, and transforming us. Amen.

---

[1] John Piper, Foundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy (p. 165). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

“God with Us” - 2024 Christmas Eve Service Message -

“A”

We have a letter “A” on the screen? What word comes to your mind? (apple, Abe, etc.) But how about some negative words such as “adultery”? And what if you have to wear that letter in public all the time?

 

In fact, the author Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about this. In his book The Scarlet Letter, main character Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet “A” for adultery, a mark of her shame. Yet, she transforms her punishment into a symbol of strength and grace. On the other hand, Arthur Dimmesdale, respected clergy, the child’s father, hides his sin and is consumed by guilt and torment. This story reminds us of the destructive power of sin and the redemptive power of grace that confession brings. Eventually this story points us to the gospel—where sin once enslaved us, Jesus takes it away.

 

Now let us pause and think of the weight of the sins, guilt, and shame we carry. For us, “A” may not stand for “adultery”; it may stand for “addiction,” or “abortion,” or others. Whatever the invisible scarlet letter you carry, Jesus is able to cleanse us and enable us to do a fresh start! When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared, “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (your name, and my name)!” (John 1:29). Imagine if we came to John for baptism today, each wearing a nametag with our name and sin written on it. “Victor: Judgmental Spirit or Pride.” What would yours say? [pause] Then comes Jesus, who needs no nametag, asking each of us to give Him ours. He takes every tag—every sin—and places them on Himself. When Jesus enters the waters of baptism, He identifies with our sins so we can be free. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

 

Homecoming

From the beginning, Jesus was rejected. When Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem (Joseph’s hometown) for the census, they found no room at the inn (guest room). There no doubt would have been extended family there. It would have been customary for Joseph and Mary to be invited to stay with relatives. At that time most houses had guest rooms of some kind, for situations like this. Isn’t that strange all the guest rooms of Joseph's relatives were full and not available? We can easily assume that Joseph and Mary were not welcomed because of the stigma associated with Mary’s pregnancy – invisible scarlet letter “A.”

 

So Jesus was born not in a warm home but in a stable, surrounded by animals. He entered the world in humility/ humiliation, to reach us, love us, and redeem us. Ambrose of Milan beautifully put it this way:

 

“He became an infant and a child, so that you might be a perfect person… He was in a manger so that you might be at the altar. He was on earth so that you might be in heaven. He had no room at the inn so that you might have mansions in heaven.”

 

The Long Silence

The play entitled The Long Silence says it all:

 

At the end of time, billions of people stood before God’s throne. Most of them were standing afar in reverence, but some stood defiantly in the front. A young woman raised her sleeve, exposing a concentration camp tattoo, demanding, “How can God judge us? We endured terror, beatings, torture, death.” A Black man stepped forward, revealing a rope burn scar and asking, “Lynched, for no crime but being Black. What does God know of this?” A pregnant teenager murmured, “Why should I suffer? It wasn’t my fault.” Countless others shared their suffering, declaring God must first experience their pain to judge them. They sentenced God to live on earth—as a man, saying “Let Him be born a Jew, questioned from birth. Let His closest friends betray Him. Let false charges convict Him, and let Him suffer alone and die, with witnesses to confirm it.” As each sentence was proclaimed, murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, but as the final words pronounced, there was a long silence, because they suddenly realized—God had already served His sentence.

 

God with Us

This past summer my family and I visited Niagara Falls. We were just in awe of its beauty. What draws us in? It’s the vast difference in elevation—the height of the fall. Similarly, the beauty of Christmas lies in the immense distance Jesus traveled. The Son of God, the Creator of the universe, came down to earth. He gave up His divine privilege and became a helpless child, fully dependent on His parents. He experienced every part of human life, not skipping any of it. Why? Because of love. God’s radical love.

In Jesus, God came to us to live with us, to save us, and to give us new life. This is a holy night.

 

So, what can we give Him? Christina Rossetti (“In the Bleak Midwinter”) wrote (in verse 4):

“What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet, what can I give Him? Give my heart.”

Tonight, as we gaze upon the nativity, let us remember this: the baby in the manger is the answer to our deepest cries. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. He knows our suffering. He carries our wounds. He has already borne your pain. Let us come, fall on our knees, and give him our hearts. Merry Christmas. Amen. 

“Making Room for Christ” (Matthew 1:18-25)

 

Jesus’ Quake

When Joyce and I were expecting our first baby, Lydia, we spent nine months preparing for her arrival. We wanted to make sure she would come into a safe and welcoming home. We removed all hazardous items and carefully chose a crib. We bought baby clothes, diapers, and supplies. We even decorated her room with love, expectantly counting the days until her due date. 

When we prepared for Lydia’s arrival, it wasn’t just the house that changed—our lives changed. We had to adjust our routines, our priorities, and even our future plans. Everything revolved around her needs and her presence. Her coming was not just a moment of joy; it was a moment of transformation. 

Now imagine the arrival of Jesus—not just a baby, but the King of Kings. His coming doesn’t just cause small adjustments; it’s life-changing. Tim Keller compares the coming of Christ to “a life-quake.” 

When a great big truck goes over a tiny little bridge, sometimes there’s a bridge-quake, and when a big man goes onto thin ice there’s an ice-quake. Whenever Jesus Christ comes down into a person’s life, there’s a life-quake. Everything is reordered… any view, any conviction, any idea, any behavior, any relationship. He may change it, He may not change it, but at the beginning of the relationship you have to say, ‘In everything He must have the supremacy.’ 

Jesus shakes the foundations of who we are and calls us to re-center our lives on Him. His quake might feel unsettling, even costly, but it eventually rebuilds us into something better and more aligned with God’s purpose.

 

Joseph and Mary

Joseph was an ordinary man with ordinary plans—marry Mary, start a family, and live a quiet, normal life. But then his plans were disrupted when he discovered Mary was pregnant, and he knew the child wasn’t his. As a righteous man, Joseph wanted to do the right thing. He decided to divorce her quietly, sparing her public shame. 

But then, in a dream, God sent him a message that completely disrupted his plans again: "Joseph, take Mary as your wife. The child she carries is from the Holy Spirit. He will save His people from their sins."

Imagine the weight of this command! Joseph had to let go of his future plans, his reputation, and his idea of a "normal" life. Yet, without hesitation, Joseph obeyed. He took Mary as his wife and embraced the responsibility of raising Jesus. He chose faith over uncertainty and obedience over complacency. He reoriented his life for the coming of Christ. 

Then there’s Mary. She was a young woman—perhaps in her mid-teens—with her whole life ahead of her. When the angel Gabriel told her she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, her life was turned upside down. She must have understood the risk—how her family and community would consider her pregnancy adultery. According to Moses’ Law, she could have been stoned to death. 

Yet, by faith, Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant. Let it be with me just as you have said." She willingly embraced the uncertainty, the risk, and the potential shame because she trusted God’s plan. Mary’s courage and obedience show us what it means to trust God, even when doing so could have cost her life.

 

No Little People

When we think about those God used for His great plans in the Bible, most of them were unlikely candidates. Jacob was a liar. Moses struggled with public speaking. David was the youngest in his family. Jonah was racist. Peter was an impulsive fisherman. Mary Magdalene carried a painful past. Timothy was timid. From a human perspective, these would not be the first draft picks. 

But they all had one thing in common: they were willing—willing to adjust, willing to make room for God, willing to give their whole selves to God. 

Francis Schaeffer wrote: “There are no little people and no big people in the true spiritual sense, but only consecrated and unconsecrated people. The problem for each of us is applying this truth to ourselves.”  Both Joseph and Mary were consecrated people. They were willing to take a leap of faith. They let go of their own plans, risk their reputations, and trust God completely. Then and now, God is looking for willing, consecrated people. 

 

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an unlikely choice. She was born a slave in Maryland, subjected to cruelty from an early age. At twelve, she suffered a severe head injury when a slave master, intending to hit another person with an iron weight, missed the target and struck her instead. The trauma caused migraines and seizures for the rest of her life. Yet, as a teenager, Harriet began to receive visions and dreams that she believed were from God. She was chosen and called.

If you were looking for a liberator to overthrow the evil of slavery, wouldn’t you pick someone powerful—a politician, a military leader, or a great intellect? But God chose Harriet—a woman with no status, no resources, and physical challenges. Why? Because she was willing. 

Harriet first escaped slavery herself and then returned to Maryland thirteen times, smuggling over seventy enslaved individuals to freedom—some accounts estimate as many as three hundred. Those she liberated called her “Moses.” During the Civil War, she served as a nurse, scout, spy, and military leader. Later, she became an advocate for women’s rights and the elderly, serving faithfully in the Methodist church. Harriet once said, "God’s time is always near. He set the North Star in the heavens." 

Like Harriet, God calls us not because we are extraordinary, but because He is extraordinary. What He asks of us is our willingness to say yes. 

 

Making Room for Christ

Let me share a story about a boy named Wally. Wally was in 7th grade, and life hadn’t been easy for him. His mother had struggled with alcoholism when he was born, which left Wally with some learning challenges. But Wally was a kind-hearted boy. 

One Christmas, his Sunday School class decided to put on a Nativity play. Everyone was excited to take on roles—Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men. But no one wanted to be the innkeeper. So the teacher picked Wally, partly because he was the tallest in the class. His job was simple: open the door, say, “There’s no room here!” and slam it shut. 

The big night arrived. The church was packed. When Mary and Joseph knocked on the door of the inn, Wally opened it, just as rehearsed.  Joseph said, “Please, sir, we need a place to stay. My wife is about to have a baby!” Wally confidently replied, “There’s no room here!” Joseph pleaded again, “Please, isn’t there anywhere we can stay?” Wally froze. He forgot his next line. The teacher whispered from behind the curtain, “No! Be gone!” Finally, Wally stammered, “No… be... gone.” Mary and Joseph turned sadly to leave, but then Wally did something unexpected. He called out, “Wait! Wait a minute!” The room went silent. Then, with tears in his eyes, he said, “There’s no room here, but you can have my room!” 

 

The Lord Is Near

Perhaps one of the most beloved, most sung Christmas hymns would be "Joy to the World." This song was written by Isaac Watts in 1719 inspired by Psalm 98. When Rev. Watts wrote this song, his intention was to celebrate Jesus’ seconding coming as King rather than his birth.

Often we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” But actually, he wrote: 

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Watts was not just writing about the past – the birth of Jesus. He was writing about the future return of Jesus. In Revelation 22 Jesus said three times, “I am coming soon.” May we be found faithful. May we be ready for his coming, joining heaven and nature’s unending hymn with all our hearts, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”  Amen.

“A Time for Trials” (Luke 1:11-20)

 

Where Is God?

A couple had two mischievous boys, eight and ten years old, always causing trouble. Fed up, the parents asked a pastor to talk to them. The pastor agreed and called the younger boy in first. Sitting him down, the pastor leaned in and said sternly, “Where is God?” The boy froze. The pastor tried again, louder, “Where is God?” Still no answer. Finally, the pastor raised his voice and pointed, “WHERE IS GOD?” Terrified, the boy bolted home, ran into the closet, and slammed the door. His older brother found him and asked, “What happened?” The boy whispered, “We’re in big trouble this time. God is missing—and they think we did it!”[1]  It’s funny, but it resonates deeply when we face trials. In those moments, we too ask, Where is God?

 

Disappointments

In today’s passage we meet a godly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth. The Bible says that they were “righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations.” (Luke 1:6, NLT) Naturally, we’d expect them to live “happily ever after.” Yet, verse 7 reveals their heartache: “But they had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. (v. 7) They were living with the stigma of barrenness. In their culture, this was seen as a disgrace (v. 25)—a sign of God’s curse or displeasure.

Can you imagine their pain and confusion? They prayed, waited, and longed, perhaps wondering, Where is God in all of this?

I think many of us in live in the tension between verse 6 (faith) and verse 7 (unmet desires). For some, it’s the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or unanswered prayers. For others, it’s loneliness, depression, or broken relationships. While we might see God’s blessings in some areas, in others, we feel “barren” or hopeless, asking, Where is God?

 

Silence

In the midst of their waiting, Zechariah encountered an angel who brought the astonishing news: they would have a son. This child, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for the Messiah. Surely it was an answer to his prayers. (v. 13) But it was too good to believe. Zechariah doubted, asking, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (v 18). The angel replied, “Since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (vv. 19-20) That day Zechariah entered a season of silence (nine months of silence) – a kind of “dark night of the soul.” It wasn’t punishment but preparation, a time for him to trust God’s word even when he couldn’t speak or hear.

In August 2007 TIME magazine had an amazing cover story titled “Mother Teresa’s Crisis of Faith.” Mother Teresa’s secret letters were made public by her mentor and colleagues. The letters show that she spent almost 50 years without sensing the presence of God in her life. In one of the letters that she exchanged with her mentor, Rev. Michael Van Der Peet, she says, “Jesus has a very special love for you. As for me, the silence and the emptiness is so great that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear…” In more than 40 communications, she compares the experience to hell, and at one point she says it has driven her to doubt the existence of heaven and even of God. As she was walking through the dark times, her constant prayer was, “Lord Jesus, come, be my light.”

 

Embracing Silence

So what’s the point of this season of solitude and silence? What’s the point of the dark night of the soul? God allows these seasons not to harm us but to draw us closer to Him.

If the purpose of God’s love is to make us safe or happy, he could do that. He could protect us from all dangers, diseases, sufferings, and disappointments. Please don’t get me wrong. God does care for our safety and well-being. But that’s not the ultimate goal of his love. God’s love is not that we be healthy or wealthy and live a long, comfortable life. God’s love is not God’s making much of us. No! God’s love is God’s saving us from self-centeredness, which is, the root of all sin, so that we may enjoy making much of God forever. In his great love God allows us to enter a season of solitude and silence – the dark night of the soul – so that we can be set free from self-centeredness, unhealthy attachments. John Piper rightly said, “God’s love is giving people God. God’s love is showing people God. God’s love is getting people to God. God’s love is helping people be satisfied in God and be willing to lay down their lives for God.” God’s love is God-centered, not self-centered.

What should we do while going through a period of the silence of God? The first thing we can do is to embrace it and go back to basics, instead of denying it or running away from it. Walter Wangerin Jr.’s The Book of the Dun Cow is an allegorical tale set in a world before humans, where animals speak and embody virtues and vices. Chauntecleer, the proud rooster, leads a coop of animals who face evil forces led by Wyrm, a serpent symbolizing darkness and despair. The animals struggle against trials, betrayals, and loss, but they find strength in their daily rhythms of prayer and community. Their faithfulness to the "daily office" (spiritual practices) sustains them and ultimately overcomes the chaos. 

This story beautifully illustrates how steadfast spiritual practices anchor us during life's darkest moments. Zechariah, though he was mute and deaf, didn’t become bitter; instead, he remained steadfast and returned to the basics. He kept praying, he kept serving, he kept holding onto God’s promises. Through these basic spiritual disciplines, he found strength to endure and carry him through this season. Recently, my father had to give up his job he had really enjoyed and was hospitalized for three weeks after a ruptured disk. He began a long recovery journey. When I talked to my mother on the phone the other day, she said, “Reciting the Bible verses is my lifeline and joy these days.” Returning to spiritual basic – prayer, scripture, and community – anchors us in life’s storms.

 

God Is with Us!

Nine months passed. The Bible says, “When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a boy.” (Luke 1:57, CEB) In time, God fulfilled what he promised. Zechariah and Elizabeth were not forgotten. Their time of silence was temporary. God’s timing is perfect – always better than ours.

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. And he will make all things new. Imagine – no more sickness, no more death, no more sorrow, but there will be answers, there will be purposes, there will be fullness of joy in God’s presence.

The songwriter, Bart Millard of MercyMe, wrote the song out of his personal grief after losing his father. His father, once abusive, became a transformed Christian before his death from cancer, deeply influencing Bart's faith journey. At his funeral, Bart’s grandmother said, “I can only imagine what he’s seeing now,” sparking the song. The song reflects Bart’s heartfelt question: what would it be like to stand in Jesus’ presence? This question brought him peace and hope as he processed his loss over many years. The song was written in just five minutes, but it captures years of internal struggle, prayer, and silence:

 

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus

Or in awe of You be still?

…

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

 

Are you struggling with doubts and disappointments? Are you struggling with the silence and emptiness? You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. This too shall pass. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready? Let us be faithful. Let us live by faith, not by sight. And let our hearts cry, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”

---

[1] “Where Is God?” https://christianfunnypictures.com/2017/03/god-joke-two-mischievous-brothers.html

“A Time for Renewal” (Luke 3:3-14)

 

Change the Course

Frank Koch, in the Naval Institute magazine, shares a story. A battleship was sailing in thick fog. The lookout shouted, “Light ahead, on the starboard bow!” The captain asked, “Is it steady or moving away?” The lookout replied, “Steady, Captain.” They were on a collision course. The captain ordered, “Signal the ship: Change course 20 degrees.” The reply came back, “Advise you change course 20 degrees.” The captain, irritated, responded, “I’m a captain. Change course 20 degrees!” The answer returned, “I’m a seaman second-class. You had better change course.” Furious, the captain sent, “I’m a battleship. Change course!” Then the reply: “I’m a lighthouse.” The captain changed course. Sometimes, we need to change course. Not tomorrow. Today.

 

Prepare the Way for the Lord!

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent means “coming.” Many churches set aside these four weeks to prepare for the coming of Christ. For us, Advent is a very special season of preparation and anticipation, not only for Christ’s birth, but also for His second coming. 

If you lived in John the Baptist’s time, and a king were about to pass through your town, how would you prepare? You would likely fill every pothole, clear away obstacles, and smooth out crooked roads before the king’s arrival. Likewise, if Christ were coming today, how would you prepare? Would you remove the clutter in your heart? Would you make peace with others? Would you seek forgiveness?

John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of Christ. He says, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled, and the crooked will be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.” (Luke 3:4-5) Here the kind of preparation John calls for is “repentance.” Repentance means changing direction – turning from sin and turning to God.

 

Repentance Is Now

True repentance is not something we postpone. It is urgent. John the Baptist boldly preached a centuries-old message, “repentance”: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2) People could easily have said, "I've heard this before" or "I'll quit sinning tomorrow." But John said, “The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire” (Luke 3:9-10). The tree may not know it; it is not even hurt yet; but it is about to be cut down. Here we could feel the sense of urgency. It’s an emergency situation, so John’s message is quite straightforward even harsh rather than indirect and tender.  

The other day I received a call from an agency asking me to visit an elderly man in hospice care struggling and seeking some spiritual guidance. He was depressed, lonely, and estranged from his family. He had suffered an accident in June. He was still recovering but not improving. Though he had two houses and a new car, they brought no comfort to him. He had three children (one son and two daughters), but their relationships were strained. He was bitter and hopeless. As we talked, I asked, “Are you at peace with God?” He hesitated and replied, “I think so… but I am not sure.” Sensing the urgency, I spoke directly. I said to him, “We are all sinners. We cannot save ourselves. We need a savior. Jesus is God’s way of salvation. Turn to him. Repent. Receive and believe in Jesus, and you will be saved.” I asked him three questions, “Do you renounce your old ways and repent of your sins?” He said, “I do.” “Do you believe in Jesus as your new Master and Savior?” He replied, “I do.” Then, I asked, “Will you let of earthly things and forgive your children?” He said, “I do.” Tears filled his eyes. Then he smiled. God’s peace filled his heart.

 

Repentance Is a Verb

True repentance is an action. It bears the fruit of obedience. The people asked John, “What should we do?” He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none and whoever has food must do the same.” (Luke 3:11) Then tax collectors asked, “What should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more than you are authorized to collect.” (Luke 3:13) No extortion. No greed. Soldiers asked, “What about us? What should we do?” He answered, “Don’t cheat or harass anyone, and be satisfied with your pay.” (Luke 3:14)

Repentance requires honest self-examination and leads to visible change in our lives. Recently, I saw one of my pastor friends featured on the cover of a local magazine, titled, “A True Shepherd.” When I saw the cover, I felt ambivalent. At first, I was happy for him, because indeed he was a great person. But at the same time, I felt skeptical, because he doesn’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus; instead, he teaches that Christ’s resurrection is symbolic, and we can attain a similar state through meditation and gook works. All day, I pondered, “What is a true shepherd?” In Ezekiel 34 God rebukes Israel’s self-serving shepherds, and says, “I myself will be their shepherd. I will seek out the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the wounded, and strengthen the weak.” (34:11, 16) In John 10 Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:11, 14) Then I realized that I, too, fall shorts of being a true shepherd. I repented and resolved to change course.

 

Repentance Is All of Life

As we begin our Advent journey, the most important preparation is “repentance” – to see where we are right now and change the course. Repentance is not just feeling or saying sorry; it’s a way of life. It’s not a one-time event but a continuous part of our Christian life. In his 95 Theses, Martin Luther’s first thesis writes this way: 

“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Matthew 4:17), he willed that the entire life of believers be one of repentance.”

Repentance is a lifelong practice. Every single day, we turn away from sin and turn back to God. We repent of our sins and rejoice in God day by day. When Martin Luther struggled with doubt or temptation, he would look into the mirror and say to himself, “Martin Luther, you are baptized. Don’t forget.” Baptism is once for life, but we need to remember our baptism every day. In baptism, our old self dies with Christ, and our new self rises with Christ. In baptism, we repent of our sins and receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. Let us remember our baptism, and be thankful. Let us repent – change course now – and times of refreshing will come as God promises. Let us pray… 

Lord, I renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, 

         reject the evil powers of this world,

         and repent of my sins.

I confess Jesus Christ, as my Savior,

         put my whole trust in his grace, 

         and promise to serve him as my Lord,

              in union with the church

              which Christ has opened to people

              of all ages, nations, and races. Amen.

 

 

"Tychicus the Helper” (Ephesians 6:21-24) - Belong IX -

Do You Have Such a Person?
This morning I want to open with a Korean poem by Ham Sok Hon titled, Do You Have Such a Person? The following is a rough translation:

Do you have such a person,

A person to lean on when all fades away,

A person who stands firm when all turns to chaos?

Do you have such a person,

One who doesn't crumble even when others turn away,

One who, even when betrayed,

Endures silently and still loves?

...

If you have such a person,

Even if the world abandons you,

Even if the darkness covers the earth,

You will have hope and strength to rise again.

Do you have such a person?

Having such a trustworthy friend is one of life’s greatest blessings. The Apostle Paul, though he faced so many trials, was blessed with godly, true friends who sustained him, especially in times of crisis.

Tychicus: A Beloved Helper
Tychicus, in today’s passage, was one of Paul’s most trusted friends and helpers—a true partner in ministry. Paul calls him a “beloved brother” and a “faithful minister in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21). These words reflect the deep trust Paul had in him. Tychicus wasn’t just a letter carrier; he was someone Paul trusted to share updates about his life and ministry. In Paul’s time, private letters were carried by faithful messengers like Tychicus, who delivered not just the words but also the heart behind them.

Paul sent Tychicus with an important purpose: to encourage the church and keep them from being disheartened by Paul’s imprisonment. Later, Tychicus might have returned to Paul with uplifting news from the Ephesians, refreshing Paul’s spirit. Tychicus was a bridge person—someone who faithfully connected and strengthened the body of Christ.

Do You Have a Helper in Your Life?
Do you have a “Tychicus” in your life journey? In The Pilgrim’s Progress, God provides Christian with "helpers" at crucial points in his journey, guiding and encouraging him to stay on the path to the Celestial City. First, Evangelist helps Christian turn to God and begin his pilgrim journey. Interpreter prepares him for the road ahead by showing him spiritual truths through vivid illustrations. Faithful, a fellow pilgrim, walks with Christian, encourages him, and ultimately lays down his life as a martyr. After Faithful’s death, Hopeful becomes a steadfast companion and helper, walking along with Christian through trials and doubts.

Each helper reminds us that God uses His people to guide, comfort, and encourage us. More importantly, these helpers point to the ultimate Helper—the Holy Spirit.

The Helper
Throughout the Old Testament times, God sent helpers like prophets, judges, and kings to his people. Jeremiah was one of the God-sent helpers. At that time, Israel didn’t follow God’s ways (“the Ten Commandments”), and everyone did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. God’s verdict on human hearts was this: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer 17:9, NIV) Jeremiah warned of God’s impending judgment (“exile to Babylon”) and urged to repent. He also brought messages of hope, called a New Covenant:

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. (Jer 31:33-34, NLT)

But sadly, the Israelites did not turn back to God. And eventually, they were exiled to Babylon. But God didn’t give up on his people. Even in those darkest moments God sent another helper, Ezekiel, who delivered this message of restoration:

“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (Ezk 36:26-27, NLT)

This wonderful promise was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus said to his disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to dwell in God’s people. The same Holy Spirit still comes and lives in everyone who believes in Jesus today. The Holy Spirit strengthens us, helps us, and sustains us in every season.

Joy in Suffering
At the end of his life, Paul faced imprisonment and abandonment. He wrote, “At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength… So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17, NRSV) Even when human helpers were absent, the Holy Spirit, Paul’s ultimate Helper, gave him strength to endure.

William Wilberforce, the English politician who fought against slavery, is another example of someone sustained by the Spirit. In his later years, Wilberforce faced financial ruin. As a respected politician, Wilberforce was once wealthy. But he sacrificed much to support his oldest son’s business. He sold most of his stock and even his boyhood home. Despite his efforts, the business failed, and they lost everything. In his seventies, Wilberforce was essentially homeless and had to live alternately with second and third sons. Those around him were deeply moved by his response to these trials. In the midst of loss and hardship, Wilberforce still rejoiced and gave thanks in the Spirit. He wrote:

The loss incurred has been so heavy as to compel me to descend from my present level and greatly to diminish my establishment. But I am bound to recognize in this dispensation the gracious mitigation of the severity of the stroke. Mrs. Wilberforce and I are supplied with a delightful asylum under the roofs of two of our own children. And what better could we desire?

Not Alone
The Apostle Paul ended his life alone in prison. When all human help had faded away, the Holy Spirit gave him the strength to stand firm. Paul declared with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Then he added, “From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all eager for his coming” (v. 8).

The Holy Spirit is available to everyone who loves Christ and his coming. The Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm, no matter the circumstances.

I’ll close with this poem, Ordinary days by Missy Buchanan. This poem beautifully captures the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the mundane into extraordinary:

There’s a slow, steady rhythm to ordinary days.

Uneventful kind of days that follow a simple routine of meals, medications, and favorite TV shows.

During this time, empty squares march across the calendar.

One day feels like the next.

In truth, I like days that are uninterrupted by crisis or sudden change.

I am thankful for the repetition.

But Lord, it’s easy to get lost in the monotony.

Save me from the emptiness that comes with too much time to think and too little to do. It is fertile soil for negative thoughts to grow.

And if I hold too tightly to rigid routine, remind me that I may miss out on a wonderful surprise.

Help me rediscover the abundant blessings in my life.

Today I will turn the pages of an old photo album, and I will give you thanks for my life stories.

I will pray for my loved ones, calling each by name.

O Lord, show me the extraordinary joy in ordinary days.

Come, Holy Spirit, come, be my Helper! Amen.