“Jesus Our Servant” (1 Peter 2:19-25)

 

*"Mocking of Christ" by Fra Angelico (1440) 

Facing the Giants
Watchman Nee, a faithful church leader in China, suffered from many serious illnesses, including a chronic stomach disorder and heart disease. Every day, he prayed for healing. One night, he had a dream. In the dream, he was crossing a river by boat when suddenly, a huge rock appeared and blocked his way. He prayed, “Lord, please remove this rock!” Then he heard a voice saying, “My beloved son, do you want me to take away the rock, or raise the water so you can pass over it?” He thought for a moment and answered, “Lord, please raise the water.” For the rest of his life, he was never fully healed. Yet day by day, he discovered that grace was always greater, and God continued to carry him through.

Called to Suffering
Today many of us are facing giants. We carry difficult questions:

If God is good, why is there so many suffering?

If God is good, why is there so many injustice?

If God is good, why does healing not come?

In today’s scripture, Peter exhorts his fellow believers to endure suffering unjustly. He knew the Roman government was corrupt. He knew relationships (ex. husband-wife relationship) were often unequal and broken. He knew slavery was unjust. But still, Peter said, “You were called to suffering” – not because suffering itself is good, and not because God delights in pain, but because God can use even suffering for his purpose and for the salvation of others. Then, Peter gives us three reasons why we Christians can endure suffering faithfully.

Christ Suffered for You
First, we are called to endure suffering because Christ suffered for us. Peter says, “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (2:21) We often think about incarnation (“God became human”) as a warm and beautiful image. And it is beautiful. But we should remember: the incarnation was an act of humiliation and suffering, and even violence. When God came to us in Jesus Christ, he humbled himself. He emptied himself. He laid aside the privileges of heaven. He entered our broken world. He became poor, rejected, misunderstood, and vulnerable. The king of heaven became the servant (slave) of all.

Psalm 69, our call to worship today, is Jesus’ prayer – his own diary during his suffering, especially on the cross. He said something like this:

· “Save me, God, because the waters have reached my neck! (1)
· “More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me for no reason.” (4)
· “I am insulted because of you. Shame covers my face.” (7)
· “I hoped for sympathy, but there wasn’t any, I hoped for comforters, but couldn’t find any. They gave me poison for food. To quench my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” (20-21)

After World War II, a German pastor and playwright named Günter Rutenborn wrote a famous play called The Sign of Jonah. The whole play wrestles with one haunting question: Who is to blame? After the horrors of the Holocaust and the war, everyone tried to defend themselves. The soldier said, “I only followed orders.” The citizen said, “I stayed silent.” Others blamed leaders, systems, or history itself. And finally, in the play, the crowd cries out: “Yes, we are guilty, but God is most to blame. Put God on trial.” And the shocking sentence given to God is this: “God must become human. God must enter suffering himself. God must be stripped of rights, rejected, homeless, thirsty, and condemned.”

The irony, of course, is that this is exactly what God already did in Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come to blame us. He came to bear our blame. He took the hit. He entered our violence, our injustice, our sin, and our shame. Christ suffered for us.

Christ Empowers You
Second, we are called to endure suffering today because Christ empowers us. Peter exhorts this way: “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” (2:24-25, NLT) In other words, because of Christ’s atoning, finished work on the cross, now we have freedom for a new life by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Yang-won Son from Korea gives us a powerful example of this Christ-shaped, Spirit-empowered life. In 1948, during political violence in Korea, Pastor Son’s two sons were killed by Communists because of their Christian faith. Later, a young man named Chai-sun was identified as one of the killers and was sentenced to death. But Pastor Son did something astonishing. He went to the court and asked for the young man to be forgiven and released into his care. He even adopted him as his own son.

Why? Because Pastor Son believed the gospel is not only about receiving forgiveness from Jesus, but also about becoming like Jesus, suffering like him. Humanly speaking, that kind of forgiveness is impossible. But Christ empowers us for a new life. “By his wounds you are healed.” Jesus not only forgives us; he changes us. He gives us strength to love, forgive, and live differently.

Christ Will Restore You
Third, we are called to endure suffering for a little while because Christ will restore us in his time. In his letter Peter comforts and encourages his fellow believers going through unjust suffering and struggling with unanswered prayers. At the end of his letter Peter said, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.” (5:10, CEB) Be encouraged. God will make all things right.

One movie that beautifully captures this hope is Greater. The film tells the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, a Christian football player whose life ended suddenly in a car accident just as his dream was coming true. His older brother is overwhelmed with grief and anger. He cannot understand why God would allow such a tragedy. Throughout the movie, he wrestles deeply with suffering. But by the end of the movie, he begins to see a greater and eternal perspective. At the funeral, these words are spoken: “Our loss is great, but God is greater.” That does not ease the sorrow. But it gives hope.

Conclusion
Today our suffering is real. And many of our questions remain unanswered. But in the meantime, even in hardship, we Christians are called to serve others, to go the second mile, to endure injustice without demanding our rights. Why? Because Christ suffered for us. Because Christ empowers us. And because Christ will restore and vindicate us at last. There is purpose. There are answers. Thanks be to God.

“Thursdays with Kwan: Three Lessons I Learned”

Introduction
Some of you may have read the well-known book, “Tuesdays with Morrie.” It’s a memoir by Mitch Albom about his weekly visits with his mentor, Morrie Schwartz, who was dying from ALS. During these final meetings, Morrie shared lessons about life.

For me, it became “Thursdays with Kwan.” Over the past four years, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Pastor Kwan and spending time with him. Every visit gave me something to carry home – something to think about, something to pray about. As I reflected on those Thursdays together, I realized that Pastor Kwan kept pointing me back to these three things: faith, hope, and love.

Faith
First, Kwan was a man of faith. Yes, he was a loving husband and father. He was a beloved pastor. But most of all, he was a faithful follower of Christ. And he fully depended on the Holy Spirit. Kwan was a good storyteller. Every time I visited him, I never knew where the conversation would go. Sometimes he talked about his childhood and family. Sometimes about his military life as a chaplain. Sometimes about his ministry (especially his years here in Houlton). Sometimes his simply reflected on daily life. But after sharing those stories, he would often say something like this: “I thought I did all those things. But looking back now, I realize it was the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit connected the right people at the right time. The Holy Spirit opened the door. The Holy Spirit gave me the message.”

Because he became more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence, he also gave others the ministry of presence. Sometimes Kwan and I didn’t say very much. We simply watched TV together – football, Red Sox games, NBA games, etc. One day he told me: “At first, I didn’t understand football. But, I learned it so I could connect with my parishioners.” I could feel his shepherd’s heart. Through him, I learned being is more important than doing. And I was reminded that the greatest gift God gives is not simply solutions to our problems, but His presence. God gave us himself. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Emmanuel. God with us.

Hope
Second, Kwan was a man of hope. He often said, “I am ready to die.” He was ready. And because he learned how to die, he also learned how to truly live. He embraced aging. He embraced mortality and frailty. He embraced dependence. And because of that, he lived more intentionally and more compassionately. Almost until the very end, as long as he could, he still got up at 3 am. He spent time in prayer. He kept his exercise routine. He started each day with an open heart as a clean vessel before God.

Because the reality of death was so clear to him, he focused on what truly matters. Many times, I shared concerns with him — concerns about ministry, concerns about the world. And yet he remained hopeful. Not because he ignored problems or denied reality, but because his eyes stayed fixed on what was good, essential, and eternal. He was a realistic optimist.

He knew that power, control, ambition, and money all come and go. But relationships remain. So he made every effort to stand before God with a clear conscience. One day he spoke about a Korean colleague who had deeply hurt him and damaged his reputation. I asked him, “How did you respond?” He quietly said, “It was not easy. But by God’s grace, I just kept hanging in there.” He admitted he was still in the process of forgiving. But he wanted to be ready. He wanted to be at peace with everyone, as much as possible. And he could do that because he had hope — the hope of the resurrection.

Love
Third, Kwan was a man of love. About six years ago, he went through a life-changing experience. He suffered a major heart attack and had to undergo quadruple bypass surgery. That night, alone in a quiet hospital room, he prayed. As he cried out to God, a gentle voice said to him, "What is a Christian?" Startled, he answered, "I have been a pastor all my life. I’ve preached, taught, baptized, and led people to Christ." The voice gently responded, "You taught people about Christianity. But what is a Christian?" I tried again, this time listing doctrines and disciplines. But the voice repeated the question: "What is a Christian?" Finally, the answer came not from himself, but from the voice: "A Christian is someone who loves like Christ."

That truth pierced his soul. He grew up in a very conservative environment and cared deeply about theological correctness. But that night, he realized how often he had judged others more than loved them. He came to understand that being loving is more important than being right. He realized that Christ alone is the Judge. Our calling is to love like Him. Since then, he developed daily rhythms of grace. Each morning, he prayed, "Lord, help me not to hurt anyone today—not through my words, actions, or silence." And each night before bed, he repented, "Lord, if I have hurt anyone, knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive me." We are all part of Christ's eternal family. Our Christian fellowship is not just for this life. Love never ends.

Flourishing
On December 19, thanks to Susan, my family and I learned that Kwan was nearing his heavenly home. So our entire family went to visit him. We sang Christmas carols together. Before leaving, we said to him, “I love you. Thank you for being among us.” And we prayed, “Father, into your hands we commend his spirit.” I held his hand and said, “Moksanim, see you soon. See you again.” We looked at each other for a long moment. Then he nodded, with a bright smile. Then a couple of days later, he went home to glory.

Psalm 92 tells us what a flourishing life looks like:

“In old age they still produce fruit;

they are always green and full of sap,

declaring that the Lord is just;

he is my rock, and there is no evil in him.”

Through his life, Kwan showed us the God of faith, hope, and love. So today, we praise God, and we give thanks to God for the life of Pastor Kwan. Thanks be to God. Amen.

“What Is a Flourishing Life?” (James 1:2–12)

Tree and Woodpeckers
Have you ever asked, “Why did God make woodpeckers?”

The other day, while taking a nature walk, I noticed several trees damaged by woodpeckers. Some even looked as if they were dying. Holes everywhere. Bark torn apart. And I wondered, “Lord, why did you make woodpeckers? Why allow them to damage trees like this?”

Later, I did some research, and I was surprised by what I discovered. Woodpeckers are not simply destroyers of trees. In many ways, they are actually helpers of the forest.

You see, woodpeckers often peck at trees because harmful insects are hiding underneath the bark. Beetles, ants, larvae, and parasites slowly eat away at the inside of the tree. From the outside, the tree may still look healthy, but inside, decay has already begun. And the woodpecker exposes the hidden problem.

Not only that, the holes woodpeckers create later become homes for other creatures — bluebirds, owls, squirrels, and many others. What first looked like damage actually becomes a place of life and shelter for others.

Consider, Know, Let
There are seasons when God allows trials, hardships, disappointments, or painful interruptions in our lives. In the moment, it can feel like pecking. Uncomfortable. Disruptive. Painful. And we ask, “Lord, why is this happening?”

But sometimes God uses trials the way woodpeckers work on trees. God exposes what is hidden deep underneath — pride, self-reliance, bitterness, shallow faith, unhealthy attachments. Things we may never notice when life is going well. Trials reveal. Trials refine. Trials strengthen.

That is why James writes to believers facing suffering:

“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. So let it grow…so that you may be mature, complete, and lacking in nothing.” (1:2-4)

James is not saying trials are pleasant. He is saying trials have purpose. God can use even painful experiences to produce perseverance, maturity, deeper faith, and spiritual flourishing.

Tree and Chaff

So how do we become mature? Through trials. In fact, we may even say that trials are the pathway to maturity. In Psalm 1, we see two ways of life — the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The wicked are described as “chaff.” On the outside, chaff looks free. It goes wherever the wind blows. It follows no direction but its own. But in reality, it is rootless, swayed and tossed by the waves of the world.

But the righteous are described as a “tree” planted by streams of water. Notice – the tree does not plant itself. It is being planted by the gardener. It stays rooted. It endures seasons. It withstands storms. Sometimes it is pecked by woodpeckers. But in time, it bears fruit. Trials are not pleasant, but they are necessary for spiritual growth.

One of my mentors, John Stott, once said:

“Be ready to accept humiliations. They can hurt terribly, but they help you to be humble.” He continues: “All these can be so many chances to be a little nearer to our humble and crucified Lord.”[1]

Maturity and Wisdom
Through trials and humiliations, we become mature. In James’ letter, the path to maturity and the path to wisdom are really the same path. James describes maturity this way: being complete and whole, lacking in nothing in our relationship with God.

Then he says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God.” So, what is wisdom? Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Biblical wisdom is not simply knowledge. Wisdom is knowing who God is and learning to depend on Him. The more mature we become, the less self-reliant we are. The wiser we become, the more we learn to depend on God.

Let me share an example. In the film Driving Miss Daisy, Miss Daisy is a stubborn elderly widow who insists she does not need anyone’s help. After a car accident, her son hires a driver named Hoke. At first, she resists him strongly. She says, “I don’t need you, I don’t want you, I don’t like you!” But over the years, their relationship deepens into friendship. Toward the end of the film, Miss Daisy is elderly and weak. Sitting in a nursing home, she struggles even to lift a fork. Hoke gently cuts her pie and feeds her. At the beginning, she refused dependence. At the end, she accepted it. And in many ways, that is the journey of the Christian life. The way to maturity, the way to wisdom, is to learn dependence on God.

For me, I am currently learning to depend on God through difficult relationships and seasons of uncertainty. There are two people I dearly love. But they do not get along with each other, and at times I feel caught in the middle. I do not know what to do. I do not see easy answers. I do not see any clear hope ahead. It brings ongoing pain and deep sorrow to my heart. But because of that pain, I find myself running to God early in the morning to pray.

I am also learning to depend on God through this new appointment and transition. When I received the call, I was shocked. So many emotions flooded my heart. And even now, I still carry questions: “What if I am not the right fit?” “What if I fail?” “What if the remaining churches struggle?” Those burdens drive me to my knees every day. Yes, we all pray. But when deep trials come, we realize that quick mealtime prayers are not enough. In seasons of heartache and uncertainty, we begin to seek God more fervently. We set aside time. We humble ourselves. We cry out to God more honestly. Through trials, we learn to depend on God. And that is the path to maturity and wisdom.

Tried and True
One of the most beloved hymns of the church, 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, was born through trials.[2]

One summer day, Louisa M. R. Stead, her husband George, and their young daughter Lily were enjoying a picnic by the ocean at Long Island Sound. Then suddenly, they heard cries for help. A young boy was struggling in the water. Without hesitation, George rushed into the waves to save him. But tragically, both the boy and George drowned, while Louisa and little Lily watched helplessly from the shore. In a single moment, Louisa lost her husband. Lily lost her father. Their world was shattered.

But in the middle of tremendous grief and trial, Louisa learned to depend on God in a deeper way. Out of that painful season came these words:

“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word…”

And later:

“I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.”

That hymn was not written from a comfortable life. It was written from a “tried and true” faith. James 1:12 says: “Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward.” (CEB) Trials, when received faithfully, teach us dependence on God. They deepen our faith. They mature us. Just as woodpeckers help trees become healthy, God can even use trials for our flourishing.

The Flourishing Life
Psalm 92 describes the flourishing life this way: “In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (vv. 14-15, NRSV)

What a beautiful picture. The road to a flourishing life is not easy. It is long and hard. It’s “a long obedience in the same direction.” But God is with us. God is for us. Our God is faithful and able. So whatever trials come our way, let us embrace them with faith, even with joy. Let us fully depend on God – one trial at a time. And in His time, He will make us mature and complete, and we will flourish for His glory. Amen.

----------
[1] John Stott, The Radical Disciple (p. 74). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
[2] Don Campman, “The Story Behind: Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” https://hymncharts.com/2023/05/29/the-story-behind-tis-so-sweet-to-trust-in-jesus/

“Just Because” (Hebrews 7:22-28)

 

Seven Words to Remember  
Arthur Brooks, a social scientist and author, wrote a book titled From Strength to Strength, inspired by Psalm 84:7.  It’s about finding happiness and deep purpose in the second half of life. In the introduction, Brooks says something honest. Our professional decline is coming much sooner than we think. And when that happens, it’s time to reorder our lives. Then he gives us seven words to remember:

Use things.

Love people.

Worship the divine.

 In the beginning, God made Adam in his image. God prepared everything for him, days one through five, just like loving parents prepare a home for a newborn baby. God provided everything Adam needed. Then God placed him in the garden to be a steward, to use things wisely and take care of them. Then, God made Eve, a helper and companion, so they could love each other. And God gave one command: Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It was about boundary. It was about obedience. Adam and God were not equal. This was Creator and creation. We were made to worship, honor, love and revere God.
 
But one day, Adam and Eve were tempted. They wanted to be like God. So they ate from the tree. And in that moment, sin entered. Life became disordered:

Use God.

Love things.

Worship people.

They began to use God to make themselves important. They began to love and cling to things – land, gold, money. And then heroes and warriors rose up. And people began to worship them. Life became a mess.
 
But God
But God did not abandon his people. He kept reaching out in mercy. He sent prophets. He raised judges. He appointed kings. Still, people didn’t listen. They turned to their own selfish, sinful way.
 
So God, in his grace, gave them a way to deal with sin. In the Old Testament, God established the sacrificial system. When people sinned, they would bring an animal – a lamb, a goat, or a bull – something blameless, something costly. They would place their hands on the head of the animal. It was a confession. A transfer. “My sin… placed on this innocent life.” Then the animal was sacrificed. Blood was shed. It was serious. Because sin is serious. Sin brings death. Every sacrifice was a reminder: “Sin has a cost.” And this happened again and again and again. Day after day. Year after year. The system worked, not because the animal had power, but because God made a promise. God, in His mercy, counted their sins as forgiven.
 
But this was only a shadow. It pointed to something greater. Even the priests who offered sacrifices were not perfect. They were sinners too. Before they could pray for others, they had to offer sacrifices for themselves. Once a year, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place. It was holy. It was dangerous. Bells were sewn onto his robe so that his movement could be heard as he ministered before the Lord. Everything about this system was saying: “We need a better covenant.” “We need a better priest.”
 
True and Better
Through the prophets, God gave a promise. A better covenant. A new covenant: 

“The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah… I will put my Instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:31, 33, CEB)

“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.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

Not just forgiveness on the outside, but transformation from the inside out. When the time had full come, God sent his Son Jesus Christ, our true and better High Priest. Unlike the priests who died and had to be replaced. Jesus lives forever. And because he lives forever, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him. And here is the good news: Jesus did not bring an animal sacrifice. He gave himself. He is both the priest and the sacrifice. On the cross, there was no lamb brought by human hands. He is the Lamb of God. Our sins were not just symbolically transferred. Jesus truly carried all our sins upon himself and took them away. Once. For all. “It is finished.”
 
So how does God give us a new heart? How does God put a new spirit within us? Through the blood of Christ. When we look to Jesus crucified and believe in him, we are forgiven, we are cleansed, and we are made new. A new heart. A new spirit. A new life.
 
Just Because
Let me share a true story. There is a man named Lee Strobel, the author of The Case for Christ. He was a journalist. He believed in science and facts. He was skeptical and resistant to faith. His heart was hard. But God did not give up on him. Again and again, God kept reaching out. God protected his daughter in a life-threatening moment. God began to heal his broken relationship with his father. God showed his utmost patience and steadfast love through his wife. Still, Lee resisted. He doubted. He even tried to disprove Christianity. But the more he investigated, the more he found evidence. God’s love kept coming, like waves upon waves. At one point, Lee asked a question: “If Jesus is the Son of God Almighty, why did he have to die?” The answer was simple: Love. In the end, Lee could not resist anymore. He surrendered. “God, you win.” And in that moment, his heart changed. A new heart. A new spirit.
 
Sometimes Joyce or my children would ask me, “Do you love me?” “Yes,” I say. Then, they would ask, “Why?” “I love you because I love you.” I learned that from the Bible. As we read Deuteronomy 7:7-8: “The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples… But it was because the Lord loved you…” It sounds almost circular. But this is true love. Unconditional love. God does not love us because we earned it. Not because we were good enough. No. Just because he loves.
 
Look to Jesus
So now, how do we live? The message of Hebrews is simple and strong: Look to Jesus. As Tim Keller once said, “The gospel is not just the ABC of the Christian life; it is the A to Z.” We never move beyond Jesus. We keep coming back to him. Are you suffering? Look to Jesus. Are you feeling stuck, not growing? Look to Jesus. Are you drifting, backsliding, trying to find your way home? Look to Jesus. Are you running the race, but feeling weary and tired? Look to Jesus. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. When we look to Jesus, he reorders our lives. He recalibrates our hearts. So we can live again as we were created: Use things. Love people. Worship God.
 
Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the good news of Jesus Christ: Because Jesus is our true and better High Priest, we can come to God fully forgiven and made new. So today and every day, let us look to Jesus and live. Amen. 

“But As for You” (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

 

*My Grandfather’s Journal: With Powerful Testimonies and Over 500 Bible Verses He Memorized

Vanity Fair: The World We Live In
In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Faithful must pass through a town called Vanity Fair. Satan set up a permanent fair along the pilgrim’s path. There, people sell houses, honors, titles, pleasures, gold – everything the heart desires. As the two pilgrims walk through, the crowd is stirred. Their clothing is different. Their way is different. People begin to mock them. One merchant asks, “What will you buy?” And they answer, “We buy the truth.” The answer only angers the crowd more. They are abused, arrested, and brought to trial. Faithful speaks boldly, and in the end, he dies a martyr.
 
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul describes what the last days will look like. People will be selfish and love money. Proud. Ungrateful. Unholy. Without love. They will love pleasure instead of loving God. They will look like they are religious but deny God’s power.” (vv. 1-5, CEB) Do you see these signs today? Friends, we are living in such a time. So the question is: How should we live? How do we stand firm and remain faithful?  
 
Follow Christ Through Godly Examples
Paul gives us two clear ways. Follow Christ through godly examples, and follow Christ through the Scriptures. He says, “But as for you…” (verses 10 and 14). The world may go one way – but you go another way.
 
First, follow Christ through the examples of God’s people. God always provides help in times of need. Paul says, “Follow my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance.” He reminds Timothy of the persecutions he endured, especially in Lystra, Timothy’s hometown. Paul is not saying, “Look at me.” He is saying, “Look at the Lord who sustained me.” Timothy saw it. Paul was stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. But the Lord raised him up. So Paul is saying, “Take heart. Trials will come. Anyone who wants to live for Christ will face hardship. But God will be with you. God will help you.”
 
This is how God works. He sends helpers. Timothy saw Paul and followed Christ. In the same way, after Christian escaped Vanity Fair, a man named Hopeful followed him. Hopeful said, “I heard your message. I saw Faithful’s life. I was moved.” And he became a pilgrim too.
 
When we face trials, look for God-sent helpers. Follow their example. And by God’s grace, become a helper to others. In my own life, God has always provided such people: pastors, teachers, friends, church family. One of the greatest examples was my grandfather. He was often sent to difficult churches – places full of conflict. At one church, people tried to drive him out. They spread rumors. They tried to trap him with hard questions. They even threatened his family. But he endured with patience. He kept preaching, teaching, visiting, and praying with love. Over time, hearts changed. People repented. The church became united and grew. This is true ministry: to help someone come to Christ through your heart.
 
Follow Christ Through the Scriptures  
Second, follow Christ through the Bible. In verse 14 Paul says, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned.” What had Timothy learned? The Holy Scripture. Paul declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” That means every part of the Bible points to salvation through faith in Christ.
 
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples didn’t recognize Jesus. They didn’t understand why Jesus had to die on the cross. So Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” The he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the Scriptures, starting with the Moses and all the Prophets. (Luke 24:25-27) Then later, he said, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
 
The Law of Moses points to Christ: the repeated sacrifices prepare us for the one perfect sacrifice, once for all, in Jesus. The Historical Books point to Christ: Prophets, priests, and kings all fall short, and point ahead to the true Prophet, the perfect Priest, the eternal King. The Psalms point to Christ. They are not only our prayers, but Jesus’ prayers, revealing his heart, his suffering, and his glory. The Wisdom Books show the limits of human understanding and lead us to Christ, the true wisdom of God. And the stories of God’s people in the Bible point beyond themselves. Think of Job. His innocent suffering and restoration point to Christ, who suffered for us and was raised in glory. 
 
The Bible reveals God’s great plan of salvation. God created us in His image, but we fell into sin and judgment. Yet God did not abandon us. He loved us and sent help – prophets, priests, kings – to guide His people. And in the fullness of time, He sent His Son. Jesus came, died for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended in glory, and sent the Holy Spirit. Now, by faith in Him, we are rescued from guilt, from bondage, and from death. This is not something we could discover on our own. It is God’s revelation. And at the center of it all stands Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, our salvation and our glory.
 
But As for You
So, “But as for you…” We must choose. Will we stand under the authority of the Bible, or place ourselves above it? In the 1940s two evangelists were close friends: Charles Templeton and Billy Graham. At that time, Templeton was more widely known. Many believed he would change the world with the gospel. But he later left the Christian faith and became an atheist. Near the end of his life, he wrote Farewell to God, where he described a crucial conversation with Billy Graham. Templeton said he could not accept the Bible’s teaching, including the account of creation, and he raised many difficult questions. This deeply troubled Billy Graham. He faced a real struggle over the authority of the Bible. One night, he went into the woods with his Bible and prayed. There, he made a decision: he would trust the Bible as the word of God and proclaim it as true. From that point on, whenever he preached, he would say, “The Bible says.” And God used him in a powerful way – to break idols in people’s hearts and lead many to Christ.
 
As John Calvin said, our hearts are idol factories. We are always tempted to remake God in our own image. Our idols may be shaped by our experiences, our fears, our arguments, our ignorance. Augustine struggled with this too. His mind was blinded. He was not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. But one day, in the garden he heard children chanting, “Pick up and read. Pick up and read.” And he opened the Bible and read Romans 13:13-14. He felt like his heart was flooded with light. Later, he wrote: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” My prayer is this: May we pick up and read the Bible. Every day. As we read, may Christ read us. Shape us. Lead us. And give us rest in him. Amen. 

“Are We There Yet?” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Into the Unknown

“Are we there yet?” We often hear this question from our children when we travel to new places. They are bored, or anxious, or simply curious. But it’s not only our children. We ask the same question as we travel through life – into the unknown. “Are we there yet?”

We carry many “what if” questions. What if we are totally alone on the day of death, with no loved ones around us? What if we lose our physical and mental abilities and feel useless? What if our finances run out? What if dementia robs us of all our memories? What if the dying process will be long and painful? As we travel into this unknown territory, we can become anxious and worried. So how can we finish our life, not with fear or bitterness, but with joy, dignity, and hope in Christ?

The Thessalonian Christians had similar questions. They believed Christ’s return was imminent. Some even gave up their jobs and daily responsibilities, simply waiting. But in the meantime, some of their loved ones began to die. So they became anxious. They wondered: What will happen to them? Will they be left behind? Excluded? At a disadvantage? Today’s scripture is Paul’s answer to these questions.



A Fundamental Creed

Paul’s goal is not to remove sorrow from our lives, but to help us grieve with a living hope. In this world, we experience many kinds of “loss.” We lose health. We lose memories. We lose status. We lose relationships. We lose loved ones. And eventually, we lose our own life. So we grieve. But Paul tells us the gospel of Jesus Christ gives us hope and confidence in the midst of loss.

He says to the Thessalonian Christians and to us, “We believe that Jesus died and rose again…” (4:14a) Then he continues that because Jesus died and rose again, we have four sure future promises, four “R’s”: the Return, the Resurrection, the Rapture, and the Reunion.

First, the return. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. This is the heart of the gospel. In verse 16 Paul says, “The Lord himself will come down from heaven with the signal of a shout by the head angel and a blast on God’s trumpet.” (CEB) This is what we believe and this is what we preach. Jesus Christ is coming soon.

Secondly, the resurrection. Not only is Jesus coming back, but also he will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in him. “We believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (4:14b) When Christ returns, “those who are dead in Christ will rise first.” (4:16b) Here Paul calls death “sleep.” Why? Because death is only temporary. The word “cemetery” originates from the Greek word koimeterion, meaning “sleeping place.” A cemetery is, in a sense, a dormitory of the dead. Just as we wake from sleep, those who die in Christ will rise again when Christ returns.

Thirdly, the rapture. The word “rapture” is from the a Latin word rapere, meaning “to seize” or “to catch up.” “Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds.” (4:17a) There is a sense of suddenness here. In a moment, in the blink of an eye, those who are alive in Christ will be snatched up together with those who have died in Christ.

Lastly, the reunion. The living, the dead and the Lord will be together. As Scripture says, “We will all (both the dead and the living in Christ) be always with the Lord.” (4:17b) What a promise. What a hope. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once expressed this truth this way. When we look at other Christians, we should remember that we will be eternally united with them in Jesus Christ.[1] A great family reunion is coming. We all know loss. Loss is part of every human life. We grieve. We miss. We weep. But God, by his grace, has given us the Church – Christian community. The Church is a foretaste of that great reunion. When we gather, when we pray, when we sing, when we share life together, we are already tasting eternal fellowship. We foretaste and anticipate Christ’s return, the resurrection of the body, the glorious rapture, and great reunion. And so, Paul says, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (4:18)


The Resurrection at Cookham

When you feel down or overwhelmed by loss – of loved ones, of health, or of security – imagine the Day of the Lord through God’s promises. For me, the artist Stanley Spencer’s painting helps me “look up and lift up.” Spencer lived in a small English village called Cookham. He attended a small Methodist church with a cemetery beside it. He passed through it numerous times, perhaps several times a week. One day, he had a sudden awakening experience. He saw, in his imagination, the great resurrection happening right there. He wrote: “Quite suddenly I became aware that everything was full of special meaning, and this made everything holy. The instinct of Moses to take his shoes off when he saw the burning bush was very similar to my feelings. I saw many burning bushes in Cookham. I observed the sacred quality in the most unexpected quarters.”[2]

In his painting, The Resurrection at Cookham, we see not only the Son Jesus and the Father at the center, but also his loved ones – his family and friends, and Spencer himself. When we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ (“He died and rose”) and its promises (4 R’s: return, resurrection, rapture, and reunion), our local churchyard becomes a holy ground. The place where we stand becomes, in a sense, a new Garden of Eden.



Living Hope

This week, while meditating and preparing the message, I was deeply encouraged by a poem by Missy Buchanan. It is a prayer poem called, “What purpose, God?”

I confess there are days when pain suffocates my passion for living. There are dark nights when fear chokes out hope. Sometimes I wonder why you have left me on this earth. I have outlived so many family and friends.

Why do I linger? What purpose could you have for me now? Look at my hands. Once strong and sure, they are unsteady and frail. My mind, once quick and incisive, now falters under the weight of names and faces.

What real purpose do I serve knitting away the hours, surfing the channels, dozing through the afternoon? Then your Spirit stirs my heart and convicts my soul. You are not a wasteful God!

The length of my earthly days is a mystery to me, but one thing I know for sure. You have created me with an eternal purpose. How can I be more like Christ today? Whose life can I touch with kindness?

Lord, give me an extra measure of grace when I feel that I’m too old to be useful. Help me take my limitations in stride as I search for opportunities to serve you. My purpose has not withered away with another birthday. It is rooted in eternity.[3]

Pastor John Piper was once asked how he remains joyful as he grows older. He said, in essence, “I am 80 now. The older I get, the more I rejoice. Because I have more memories of what Christ has done for me, and because I am getting closer to the Day.” At night, he and his wife often say this Scripture together: “Christ died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:10)

So are we there yet? Not yet, but we are getting closer every day. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again – with the dead in him. And we will live together with him forever. So every morning, and every night, let us stand on these promises. And let us encourage one another with these words. Amen.

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[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together (Augsburg Fortress, 2015) 7.
[2] Terry Glaspey, 75 Master Pieces Every Christian Should Know (Grand Rapids: Michigan, 2015), 214-15.
[3] Missy Buchanan, Living with Purpose in a Wornout Body, 7.

“Resurrection” (John 20:19-23)

 

*Holman Hunt's The Light of the World

Evidence for the Resurrection
Today we celebrate Easter. The resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord is the very core of our Christian belief. If we read the Book of Acts carefully, the heart of the Good News is the simple proclamation: “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!” But we may ask: What is the evidence for the resurrection? And even more personally: Why does the resurrection matter to us today?
 
There are several lines of convincing evidence. But perhaps the most powerful and undeniable evidence is this: the transformation of the disciples. The four gospels tell us how each disciple encountered the risen Christ at different times and how their lives were completely changed. Mary Magdalene. Peter and John. Thomas. The two disciples pm the road to Emmaus. And today’s passage is one of those stories. In today’s scripture Jesus speaks three words to his disciples. And these three words answer our question: “Why does resurrection matter?”
 
Peace
First, the resurrection matters because it gives us peace – peace with God, and the peace of God. When Jesus appeared to his disciples, the very first words were: “Peace be with you!” (v. 19b) At that time, the disciples were not gathered for worship. They were hiding. The doors were locked. They were afraid. And suddenly, Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace to you!”
 
Our world needs peace. We need peace today. But the peace Jesus gives is not the same as comfort. We feel comfortable when things are going well. Comfort depends on circumstances. But peace, true peace, is different. It is internal. It is steady. It is unshakable. Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” Before the resurrection, the disciples could not live in that peace. They were troubled. Afraid. Discouraged. But after the resurrection, everything changed. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, his peace became real in their lives, and it can become real in ours.
 
How could someone say, “It is well with my soul,” after losing everything in the Great Chicago Fire, and even losing his four daughters at sea? How could a father say, “I give thanks,” after his two sons were martyred? Only by the peace of Christ. The Bible says, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) The resurrection makes this peace possible.
 
Purpose
Second, the resurrection matters because it gives us purpose. Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (v. 21). The risen Christ gives us “direction,” “meaning,” – a reason to live. In John 21, we find the disciples discouraged and lost. They went back to their old life, fishing. All night, they caught nothing. But the risen Christ was already there, waiting for them. He called to them, “Cast your net on the right side.”
And suddenly, their nets were full. It reminded them of the very beginning, when Jesus first called them: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” From fishermen… to fishers of people.
 
E. Stanley Jones, a Methodist missionary, described his conversion when he was 17 years old. At a revival meeting, he knelt to pray. And he experienced something he never forgot. He felt like light pierced his darkness. He wrote:

1. A sense of forgiveness and reconciliation—with God, with others, with myself.
   
2. A sense of being at home.
   
3. A sense of purpose and direction.
   
4. A sense of not being alone.
   
5. A sense of being fully alive as a person.
   
6. A sense of wholeness.
   
7. And a deep sense of grace

Friends, this is not only his story. This is our story. When we encounter the risen Christ, we discover our God-given purpose.
 
Power
Third, the resurrection matters because it gives us power – the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (v. 22b). In the Gospels, the disciples were fearful and weak. But in the Book of Acts, they are bold and courageous. What made the difference? The Holy Spirit. Think of Peter. He once said, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” He meant it. But he had no power. So when the moment came, he denied Jesus three times. But later, we see a different Peter, standing before thousands, preaching boldly, risking his life for Christ. What changed? The Holy Spirit.
 
William Temple explained it this way: “It is no use asking me to write a play like Shakespeare. I cannot. But if the spirit of Shakespeare lived in me, then I could. In the same way, we cannot live like Jesus on our own. But if the Spirit of Jesus lives in us, then we can.” Jesus promised: “The Spirit… abides with you, and will be in you.” (John 14:17)
 
Decision Time
So, the resurrection is real. We see it in the transformed lives of the disciples. And we still see it today. And the resurrection matters because it gives us three gifts: Peace. Purpose. Power.
 
In Revelation 3:20 the risen Christ says to us, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.” There is a famous painting, The Light of the World, by Holman Hunt inspired by this verse. Notice that Jesus is standing at the door. He is knocking, not forcing. Calling, not shouting. The house is his. He designed it. He made it. He bought it with his own blood. But he is standing, knocking, speaking from outside. Notice that there is no handle on the outside. The handle is on the inside. Christ knocks; but we must open.
 
A young soldier knelt down by his camp bed one night in the barracks. He prayed a very simple prayer: “Jesus, have mercy on me. I am a sinner. I confess my sins. I turn away from my sins and turn to you. Come into my heart. Be my Lord and Savior. And I will humbly serve you all my life. Amen.” Actually, this was my own prayer about 26 years ago. And I can tell you that since that day, though it has been a journey and I am still a work in progress, I have found peace, purpose, and power through the risen Christ living in me!
 
So before we leave today, let us ask ourselves: Am I truly a Christian? Do I have this peace? Do I know my purpose? Do I have the power of the Holy Spirit? And one final question: On which side of the door is Jesus? Is he outside—knocking? Or inside—living with you? Now is the time. Now is the day of salvation. Let us open the door and say: “Come in. Come in, Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.” Amen.