"Second Chances" - 3rd Sunday in Lent (Family Worship) -

Introduction

This morning I brought this potted tree from pastor’s office. As you see, it is used for ornamental purposes. I don’t expect this tree to yield fruit and satisfy my hunger. Each tree has a purpose. Some produce beautiful flowers. Some provide shade. Some are used for pulp to make paper and other material. Some provide us with fruit!

The Parable of the Fig Tree

In today’s passage Jesus tells us the parable of the fig tree. Fig trees are an excellent fruit tree. In the story a man planted a fig tree in his vineyard. And he waited for three years. Normally, for a fig tree it takes about 1-2 years to bear fruit if it has proper level of nitrogen and good watering conditions.[1] Three years signifies that the fig tree had enough time to produce fruit. But there weren’t any figs on the tree. So the owner said to the gardener, “Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?” Now, the gardener said, “Master, give this fig tree one more year. I will dig the soil around so that water can flow easily to the roots. Then I will give it fertilizer. Maybe it will produce fruit next year. If not, then you can cut it down.”

Interpretation

In the parable the owner is God. The gardener is Jesus. And we are the fig tree. Each of us is planted in God’s garden. Jesus provides everything for us to grow and bear fruit. His grace is enough! But there are times when we don’t respond to his grace. We don’t live up to his expectations as his beloved children. We turn to our own way. Then, what happens? God gives us another second chance. Jesus, the Gardener, takes extra special care of us to grow and finally bear much fruit in our lives.

A God of Second Chances

I see myself in the parable of the barren fig tree. In 2001 I was discharged from the army. During my military service, I received proficiency pay because I served as UNPKF in East Timor. I had some money. After the military, I was planning to go to Canada to study English and to travel around. But I found out that the church my parents were serving was in turmoil. A new church building was under construction. There was a group of people who were against it and caused problems. There was huge dissension in the church. My parents, especially my dad as a pastor, had a really hard time – emotionally, spiritually, and financially. When I shared my plan to go to Canada for six months, my dad said to me, “It sounds like a good plan. But now is not a good time. And also, I need your help. Please stay with us.” But I said to him something like this, “No, I don’t want to get involved in it. I want to go.” And I left. Of course, they provided everything that I needed while I was in Canada. As I look back, it was a selfish, immature, and unchristian decision. When I came back home, as always they welcomed me with big, wide open arms. They gave me a second chance to do a fresh start.

Our God is a God of second chances! There are times when our hearts are so hardened, and we don’t respond to his grace. But God never gives up. He pours out his lavish love to change our hearts and our lives. He takes extra special care of us until we are transformed. Jesus the Gardener said to God, “Give him/her one more chance. I will help him/her to bear fruit.” And what did he do? He laid down his life for us. Jesus himself became our fertilizer and water for life. The cross of Christ is the perfect love of God toward us. Our hearts are never changed by the law, by prophecy, or by signs and wonders. But when we come and see the cross of Christ, our hearts are melt, softened, and transformed. The Bible says, “So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.”(Nm 21:9). This is God’s promise. Whoever does come and look at the cross of Christ and believe in him has new life! (John 3:19). The Cross of Christ is like circus safety net. We may stumble, but will never fall, because the Lord holds us by the hand with his steadfast love (Ps. 37:24). We don’t need to ask God to show us the sign of his love. All we have to do is to come back and look at the cross. His love is the same yesterday, today, and forever! His love has transforming power! He gives us power to change our hearts and lives!

Invitation

Jesus says, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus provides everything we need. Our part is to remain in him. Let me ask you this practical question: “What do you need to remain constantly in Christ?” There are many ways. But if you asked me that question, my answer is “Bible memorization.” It was Monday. There was an incident that made me upset. I felt hurt. I sat down and examined my soul why I was hurt. It was because I was not properly recognized. My need for approval was frustrated. Then, one Scripture passage came to mind: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). This passage did bring me home. I wrote it down to memorize. And on the same day I’ve got a letter from one of my previous church members. Somehow she studied Korean and reads Our Daily Bread in Korean. With her loving card, she attached one particular day’s meditation. Guess what? The verse of the day was the same verse that I just memorized. That was a reassurance from God: who I am and how to live. Scripture memorization really helps me to remain in Christ moment-by-moment. What about you? What is your action plan to remain in Christ in order to bear fruit? You may find a sticky note in your bulletin. Please think about it, and write at least one thing to remain in Christ and bear fruit. As you reflect on it, I will sing a hymn, “I need thee every hour.” When you are done, feel free to join me in singing. Later I will invite you come forward and put yours on “Fig Tree’s Second Chance” board.

Prayer

Lord, your love endures forever! In your great love our grace period is extended. But from today’s parable, we learned that it is only for a limited time. Holy Spirit, you are speaking to each of us: The time to repent is now. The time to change our hearts and lives is now. The time to give our life to Christ and begin really living for Christ is now. The time to bear fruit is now! Because we may not have another second chance. Lord, give us desire and strength to live out your word and bear much fruit. Amen.

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[1] http://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-many-years

“One Thing” (Psalm 27:1-14) - 2nd Sunday in Lent -

F.E.A.R.

As you read the lessons for this second week of Lent, you may find that all four Scriptures revolve around one theme, “Fear.” Abram is afraid that he may die without issue. David, the psalmist, is facing danger and fear from his enemies. Paul is suffering in prison and doesn’t know what happens next – released or executed. Jesus is warned by the Pharisees that Herod wants to kill him. Today’s lessons are like an omnibus film. Each story tells us how they overcome fear. It gives us the powerful antidote for fear. It was hard for me to choose one particular passage to preach. So I decided to do all of them. I would like to start with Psalm 27 because this prayer resonates with my own story.

Facing Fear (Psalm 27:1-14)

In August 2010 I went on a mission trip to China with the church members. One of the members was pregnant at that time. She was a very talented professional vocalist. The mission trip schedule was heavy, and we had to move a long distance each day. One night the pregnant woman discharged blood heavily and had several other symptoms of miscarriage. One member said, “My wife had exactly the same symptoms like this, and finally she had a miscarriage. So we have to prepare for the worst.” As I heard this, I was paralyzed by fear. The word, “miscarriage” was ringing in my ears all night. I was preoccupied with “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. The next early morning I went to a quiet place to pray and have my devotional time. The passage of the day was Psalm 27. God did speak to my heart through David’s prayer: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? ... I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!” As soon as I read this passage, I knew that God would make the baby alive and keep both the mother and the baby safe from all harms and dangers. Immediately, I wrote down this prayer and gave it to the baby’s mother before she went to the hospital that day. All the members prayed fervently and waited patiently for the Lord. And we did see God’s glory. Both the mother and the baby were ok. Her testimony inspired both Chinese churches and our mission team.

Psalm 27 is a prayer in the day of trouble (v.5). We can easily assume that David is pressed on every side by troubles based on the following words used in the prayer: evildoers, foes, enemies, an army, and battle. He doesn’t deny the fears of life; instead, he is acutely aware of them. But in the midst of fear, he declares, “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” Then, he declares to his frightened soul: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!” Probably, David prayed this prayer not just once, but every time he had to face the fears of life. Psalm 27 is the prayer of anyone who feels besieged by life – by illness, conflict at home or work, stress, or depression, and so on. Fear is not something that we must get rid of, but it is something that we must master. How may it be mastered?

Courage: Let Me Be on Your Side! (Luke 13:31-35)

First, fear is mastered through courage. Courage comes from a right relationship with God. In Luke 13 when Jesus receives a death threat from King Herod, he says, “Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.” Here Jesus is confident that he is on the right path of God. That is why he is able to be bold like a lion. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” When fear knocks at the door, the first thing we must do is to honestly ask ourselves this question: “Am I right with God?” During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was asked if God was on his side. “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side,” said the President, “my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” While Nehemiah is building the wall of Jerusalem, he meets with strong opposition from the enemies. One of them is from false prophets. One day prophet Shemaiah says to Nehemiah, “Let us meet inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight.” But Nehemiah says, “Should a man like me go into a temple to save his life and to violate God’s law? No, I will not go in!” Later, it turns out that Shemaiah was not sent from God, but hired by the enemies to intimidate Nehemiah and make him sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit him. But for Nehemiah, to stand on God’s way is more important than to save his life. Nehemiah masters fear through courage which comes from the confidence that he is on the path of God. In order to overcome our fears, our prayer should begin with getting right with God. In the midst of fear David prays, “One thing I ask of the Lord. This is what I seek. Let me dwell in your house. Let me be where you are. Let me get right with you!” (cf. Ps. 27:4). Are you right with God?

Faith: Open My Eyes! (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Second, fear is mastered through faith. In Philippians 3 Paul’s current circumstances are not that encouraging: His life itself is unpredictable. He might face execution at anytime. The church he planted with tears and prayers is now falling apart. False teachers are leading the saints astray. Some of them are already backsliding. But Paul is rejoicing and says to the Philippi Christians, “So you too should be glad and rejoice with me!” (2:18) And he encourages them with love, “My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved!” (4:1) In the midst of fear, danger and hopelessness, how could he do that? The answer is because God opened his eyes to see beyond his current circumstances. In Philippians 3:20, Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” Yes, Paul was afraid when his eyes were closed – he was a powerless prisoner facing execution by the Roman Empire. But when his eyes are open, everything changes – he is a glorious citizen of heaven who will share Master’s joy. In 2 Kings 6 Elisha is surrounded by the Aramean troops at night. Elisha’s servant is terrified and says, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” Elisha says, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And he prays, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the servant looks up and sees the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. The Bible says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1, ESV). When we live by sight, we are afraid; when we live by faith, we can master fear. So when fear comes, let us pray, “Lord, open my eyes to see what you see.”

Thanksgiving: God Will Take Care of You! (Genesis 15:1-18)

Third, fear is mastered through thanksgiving. In Genesis 15 the very first words God says to Abram is this: “Don’t be afraid.” Why? In chapter 14 Abram was miraculously able to defeat the joined forces and rescue Lot. But now, he is afraid because Abram and his men are few, and the troops are many. They may come and retaliate at anytime. But God says to him, “Don’t be afraid. I am your shield.” Abram is also afraid that he may die without issue. But God says to him, “Don’t be afraid. I am your great reward. Your offspring will be as numerous as the stars.” Then, God tells him to get a cow, a goat, a ram, a dove and a pigeon. Abram cuts them in two and arranges the halves opposite each other. This seems strange to us, but in Abram’s day this is the way a covenant is signed. Each covenant-maker would pass between the halves of the animals. It is a vivid graphic way of those entering a covenant saying: “If I break this agreement, may I be cut up and cut off: I will deserve to die just like these animals did.” What’s astonishing in the covenant between God and Abram is that Abraham never walks between the halves! The only thing that passes through is “a smoking firepot with a blazing torch,” that is God Himself (vv.17-18). Here God is saying to Abram, “See, I will make this happen for my name! I will take care of you!” Abram believes the Lord. As the years have unfolded, this promise of God has come back again and again to give light and peace to his troubled soul, “God will take care of you.” And Abram praises God and thanks him.

Every time I feel pressed on every side by troubles, I go back to the Red Sea. As Pharaoh and his troops approach, the Israelites are terrified and grumble against God and Moses. Moses says to them, “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will accomplish for you today” (Exo 14:13, NKJV). I think I shared this poem before, but it’s worth repeating:

When you are surrounded on every side by troubles,

In front of you is the Red sea,

Behind you are the Egyptians,

On one side is a range of craggy rocks,

On the other side are forts of Egypt,

Then, begin to praise God and thank him,

Because now is the time that God will work for you. 

What are you afraid of? In times of trouble let us follow the examples of our spiritual ancestors: “Lord, let me get right with you!” “Lord, open my eyes so I may see!” “Lord, I trust you. I thank you because you will take care of me!”

“In the Wilderness” (Luke 4:1-13) - 1st Sunday in Lent –

“This Is Peter’s Battle!”

Some of you may have watched the film or read the book, titled the Chronicles of Narnia written by author C.S. Lewis. In the story there is a scene or chapter, called “Peter’s first battle.” Aslan, who represents Jesus, and Peter, the little prince of Narnia, are having a peaceful conversation. But their conversation is interrupted by Susan’s emergency horn. Peter rushes toward the sound. And he finds that his two sisters are surrounded by two wolves, the agents of White Witch. Aslan and the creatures are also right there for them. Immediately, Aslan emasculates one of the wolves. But for some reason, Aslan allows Peter himself to fight against the other. And he commands the creatures to get back and says, “This is Peter’s battle!” A battle ensues, Peter is able to seize the opportunity to strike the wolf with his sword and finally wins the battle. When trials come, we may often feel that God has abandoned us. But the truth is that every circumstance of life, including trials and tribulations, takes place under God’s direction. God is in control of life. In his divine providence God allows us to go through difficult times. In today’s passage Luke makes clear that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” and was “led by the Spirit” into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. It was the Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness and put him to the test. Today’s text reveals two important spiritual principles: how Satan tempts and how Jesus resists.

How Satan Tempts

Satan may not replicate the same temptations that Jesus had with us, since we are not the unique Son of God. His tactics may vary, but the purpose of his temptations is always same. It is to drive a wedge between God and us. It is to separate us from God and to make us independent, self-reliant, and self-sufficient. In the Garden of Eden, Satan said to Adam and Eve, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” The enemy distorted God’s loving character and made them question, doubt, challenge, complain about God. Then, he tempted, “When you eat of it… you will be like God.” Self-reliance and self-sufficiency apart from God. Satan’s first temptation is this: “Surely you should feed yourself first with “basic things.” It sounds – makes sense! But the problem is that those “basic things” – what to eat, what to wear, where to live, etc. – often become a little bit more, larger, better things. There is no end to it. The enemy keeps us from focusing on the things above and blinds our minds, so that we cannot see God’s call and his will. The second temptation is this: “Surely God wants you to have authority, so just give me your allegiance.” Satan offers the shortcuts that are contrary to God’s will. He provides end-justifies-the-means thinking. If we are true disciples of Jesus, suffering and rejection for Jesus are necessary (ex. Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29; 2Tim 1:8). So there are times when we must endure hardship and suffer. But Satan tempts us to take the easy path of “growth” without suffering or facing rejection in our stand for Jesus. The third temptation is this: “Surely God will protect you, so why not try him out?” Satan tempts us to manipulate God instead of following his leading. “If you care for me God, then this situation will turn out this way.” And if that doesn’t happen, we get disappointed and angry with God. This is how Satan tempts: to keep focusing on earthly things, to pursue spiritual shortcuts, and to manipulate God. By doing this, Satan takes us off God’s path.

Trust God

Then, how does Jesus resist and have a triumph over Satan? First of all, Jesus resists the devil by reaffirming his trust in God alone. In the midst of temptation Jesus’ faithfulness and loyalty to God was never shaken: “Man is to live on every word that comes from the mouth of God,” “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only,” “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Trust. Trust. Trust. There are three kinds of faith. The first one is “if-faith.” “If you do something for me God, I will trust you.” The second one is “because-faith.” “Because you have done this for me God, I trust you.” This is good faith, but we can grow even further. The third kind of faith is “though-faith.” In the Bible, we can meet numerous spiritual forebears who had this kind of though-faith. In Daniel 3, the three friends of Daniel – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – were accused by certain Chaldeans. King Nebuchadnezzar gave them the last chance to worship the image of gold he made. They said to the king, “O king, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it. But though he does not, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you made.” This is though-faith. Though they had their own preference and desire, though it went against the way they wanted, they resolved to trust God. In his divine providence God allowed these three godly men to go through hard times and be thrown into the furnace indeed. But in the furnace God was with them, suffered with them, and in his time he delivered them from it. God may not deliver us in the way we want. Some of our forebears were stoned; some were sawed in two; some were put to death by the sword. But the Bible says, “These were all commended for their faith” (Heb 11:39). They were commended for their “though-faith” by the Lord of heaven. When trials come, reaffirm your trust in God and in God alone.

Trust God’s Word

Jesus did trust God. More specifically, Jesus did trust God’s word. When Jesus was tempted, he recited Scripture, the book of Deuteronomy, from memory and had a triumph over Satan. God said to Israel, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart” (Deut 6:5-6). How can we know God’s word by heart? Memorization! Pastor Chuck Swindoll wrote in this way: “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”[1] I still remember what my grandfather said when I just started my M.Div. study in 2006. He said, “Theological education is like an empty bowl. You need to fill it with prayer and the Word.” Particularly, he always emphasized the importance of Scripture memorization. Last time when I visited Korea to attend my grandmother’s funeral in 2011, he gave this book in which he wrote down 511 Bible verses from memory – 218 from the Old Testament and 293 from the New. He continued to memorize more verses. We celebrated his 90^th birthday in November 2015. Today, he is very fragile and has a hard time to speak. But his words have power. I see that through memorization God’s words reside in his body, in his will and in the depths of his soul. After Moses, a great leader, died, Joshua must have been very anxious and restless. God gave him this command: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). We may not be able to change our difficult circumstances, but we can change one thing. We can change forever how we think through Scripture memorization. 

“Thank You Lord!”

The temptation of Jesus reminds us of another story: the temptation of Israel in the wilderness. In this week’s Old Testament lectionary lesson, Deuteronomy 26, God commands Israel to be a grateful people. He says, “When you have entered the Promised Land, the first thing you have to do is this: Express your gratitude to the Lord your God through your firstfruits and tithes.” God gives the Israelites this command before they enter the land. The Israelites still live in the wilderness, and their eyes are stuck in the wilderness. But God commands them to look up and be thankful for what he has done for them and what he will fulfill for them. Thanksgiving opens our eyes to see beyond wilderness. Thanksgiving breaks the power of the enemy. There is power in a grateful heart. Let me read a prayer of thanksgiving written by unknown confederate solider, also known as the Creed for the Disabled:  

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Are you in the wildness? Trust God and his word. Mediate on his word day and night until it changes how you think and act. And be thankful. May the Lord open our eyes to see what he is doing for us today. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isa 43:19). Amen!

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[1] Chuck Swindoll, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], 61.

“What Are You Giving up for Lent?” - Ash Wednesday 2016 -

“What Are You Giving up for Lent?”

Probably many of you have been asked this question especially around this time of the year. The data for 2016 isn’t yet complete, but we can easily assume the top five things people would give up: school, meat, sweets, coffee, and soda always complete the top ten.

Many Christians give up favorite food or hobby this time. Why do we Christians feel that we need to give something up for Lent? It has to do with spiritual disciplines. Pastor Donald Whitney describes spiritual disciplines like this: The spiritual disciplines are those personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth. They are habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since biblical times.” Recently, I watched the film, titled “The Himalayas.” It is a story of how one man and his expedition team go to the Himalayas to find the dead body of one of the team members based on a true story. In order to make the film and build up their bodies, all of the cast members had to train for the hike at least 8 hours a day. In the same way, spiritual disciplines are to build up our whole being to be in shape and in tune with God. This is the purpose of spiritual disciplines: be in tune with God; be in communion with God.

Be Careful of “Heartless” Religion

But this doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intentional efforts. Paul says, “All athletes are disciplined in their training… So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Cor 9:25-27, NLT). We need to develop holy habits and discipline ourselves to be in constant communion with God. But at the same time, we must guard ourselves from the dangers of “heartless” discipline, i.e. “legalism.” In the gospel lesson, Matthew 6, Jesus cautions us to be careful of “heartless” discipline. Jesus here gives us three examples: Giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. They are all wonderful ways of spiritual disciplines from the Old Testament tradition. But the thing is that in Jesus’ age the religious leaders practiced those disciplines before people, to be seen by them. Jesus didn’t tell his disciples that they should stop doing those practices. Instead, he said that they must do it with sincere heart, with pure heart, before God, not before men.

Giving to the Poor, Prayer, and Fasting

I would like to revisit these three spiritual disciplines, that we may practice them to spiritually grow and enjoy communion with God. First, “Fasting.” When we hear the word, “fasting,” some of us think that it may not a good idea because of different health issues. What is “fasting”? Why are we fasting? Fasting concerns voluntary abstention from food. But it is much more than just skipping the meal. It reflects our determination that we will not live by bread alone. We fast to be free from our desire and wants. We fast to depend more on God. If this is the purpose of fasting, instead of focusing on what cannot be had, we may try to eat healthier to be in tune with God. We may try to eat more veggies and drink more water in order to have a clear mind and sound body to be in communion with God. Second, “Prayer.” Our prayers are a spiritual communion with God through means of thanksgiving, adoration, supplication, petition, and confession. But for many of us, the problem is that it is very hard to find the time to pray. My suggestion is that we may make a vow to wake up 15 minute early to pray before staring the day. If you decide to fast, you may use that meal time as your prayer hour. Third, “Giving to the poor.” Why is it important? It is because an act of mercy and justice to our neighbor is the surest sign that we love God. The Bible says without loving our neighbor, we cannot say, “I love you God” (1 John 5:20). Here the problem is that many of us feel that we are already stretched and can’t afford to do more. But if we closely examine our spending, we may find some areas to save more. Let us think about our spending habits, our hobbies, eating out, shopping, etc. For instance, if we decide to skip sweets for Lent, we can save there and help PCC with that money.

Prayer of Moses

For Lent, it’s not necessarily for us to give something up. Instead, we may try to add a little more of something: We may resolve to eat healthier. We may make a vow to wake up early to pray. We may save money as we can in order to give to the needy.

But again, we need to be very careful not to fall into “heartless” discipline. The best antidote to legalism is to remember who we are before God. That is the reason why we are here today. The ashes remind us who we are. It clearly tells us that our life is not permanent. It tells us that we are finite creatures. When you have ashes on your forehead, they will be gone. Like the ashes, we will be gone shortly. We have to prepare for death. We have to think about those questions: What on earth am I here for? Where am I heading to? If we examine ourselves (who we are) seriously, our spiritual disciplines may not easily fall into legalism. I would like to close my reflections with a prayer of Moses, Psalm 90:

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world,

From everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”

The length of our days is seventy years – or eighty, if we have the strength;

Yet our span is but trouble and sorrow;

For they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Teach us to number our days aright,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;

Establish the work of our hands for us

Yes, establish the work of our hands.

“Inside Out” (2 Cor 3:12-4:2) - Transfiguration Sunday -

The Great Stone Face

There is a famous short story titled, The Great Stone Face, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In the story there is a rock formation imagined to resemble the shape and features of a human face. There is a prophecy, alleged to descend from the Native Americans, that some day a hero would be born in that town whose features would resemble the Great Stone Face. So the people are expectantly waiting for the hero. There is a boy whose name is Ernest. He is very inspired by this prophecy. He himself is expectantly waiting. As time passes, one by one the heroes who claim themselves “I am the one” visit the town and seek public recognition. First, a very successful business man, Mr. Gathergold visits, then charismatic veteran, General Old Blood-and-Thunder, and then presidential candidate, Mr. Old Stony Phiz. Each of them enjoy being recognized for the time being, but later it is found that all of them have character flaws that prevent them form fulfilling the prophecy. During this string of disappointment, Ernest has become an aged man. He used to be a hill farmer, but now he is a local lay preacher. One evening, he delivers his message outside where the worshipers can see the Great Stone Face high above. His words have power, because they harmonize with the life which he has always lived. They are the words of life. After the message, the people realize and shout, “Behold! Behold! Ernest is himself the likeness of the Great Stone Face!” But, Ernest walked slowly homeward, still hoping that some wiser and better person than himself would by and by appear, bearing a resemblance to the Great Stone Face. 

The Radiant Face of Moses

In today’s passage Paul tells us about the story of Moses whose face became radiant after talking with God. When the Israelites saw Moses, they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to the people, he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When he finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. Why? Why did Moses veil his face? It was to protect Israel from being destroyed. As we know, our God is holy. Though he wants to dwell among his people, he cannot dwell in the midst of a sinful and stiff-necked people. At Sinai, God did meet his people, but he put limits for them around mountain, that they might not die by touching its boundaries. They saw God’s glory from a distance. That way God could dwell among his people without destroying them. Only Moses was allowed to meet God face-to-face as the mediator of the covenant. So after Moses talked with God, his face reflected God’s glory. But if the people saw the glory of God closely, they would die. Moses had to veil his face in order to preserve them from being destroyed. And that way God’s glory could continue to dwell among the Israelites without destroying them. The veil here expresses God’s mercy.

But, there is one problem. This veil not only preserves Israel from being destroyed; it also keeps her from being transformed, because the people of Israel were not able to taste and see God’s glory at first hand. They always experienced God at second hand through Moses. For them, God is distant God. For them, the light of the glory of God is so dim and not powerful enough to transform their lives. This is the limitation of the Old Covenant. The law of God itself is good and perfect (cf. 1Tim 1:8; Ps 19:7), but it does not have the power to transform the recipients who are corrupt and stiff-necked. The veil represents God’s mercy, but at the same time, it is a hindrance to seeing God’s glory.

The Veil Is Removed!

It is the dilemma of the veil. It protects us from being destroyed but also prevents us from being transformed. But, in today’s passage Paul preaches the Good News! He says, “But when one turns to the Lord Jesus Christ, the veil is removed.” Jesus removed the veil once for all by his death. Jesus, the Lamb of God took up all our sins, and God poured out his righteous wrath against sin on his Son Jesus Christ. So now, he doesn’t need to put limits. He doesn’t need to make the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. He doesn’t need to have a mediator to communicate with his people. Jesus has become our sin, and we have become his righteousness (2Co 5:21). So now, God is able to dwell among us without any hindrance. And we are able to boldly approach the throne of grace with confidence. The veil is removed. We can see God face-to-face. Thanks be to God!

The Veil Still Remains

But Paul is grieving because some of the Christians in Corinth were still living in the Old Testament. In 2 Corinthians 3:15, he says, “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.” In other words, some Christians still preferred to have the veil. They preferred to experience God from a distance at second hand. They preferred to be content with their current spiritual plateau rather than to directly see God’s glory to be transformed more and more. And what about us?

There are quite a few pheasants are reared on farms in Korea. Once I had a chance to hear how they are raised. I was quite surprised. Contrary to my expectations, the farm just has the low fence that surrounds it, but the sky is wide open. But the strange thing is that no one tries to escape or even fly. The reason is this: the bird “hat” or “veil” that prevents the birds from seeing the sky. That is all. By nature, pheasants must see the sky first in order to fly. And when the veil is put, they easily give up flying. They begin to look at the ground to find food. They get content with that. My children love the buffet. Now is better, but there was a time when Abe just wanted to stuff himself with ice cream and donuts. He didn’t even look at all the other good food. D.L. Moody said that God prepared a great feast for his children, but too often we are just satisfied with crumbs. And what about us?

Inside Out

Many Christians think that the gospel is to go to heaven after death. Some think that it is the forgiveness of sins. Some think it is to be healed. Some think it is to live a good moral life. They are all good. They are all the outcome of the gospel. But the gospel of Christ is much more than that. But, compared to the greatest good of the gospel, all of these are just like crumbs, ice cream, and donuts. The greatest good of the gospel is the truth that we are reconciled to God through Christ, and now we are able to see God’s glory, like Moses, with unveiled face! Now whenever we turn to Christ, we can enter Holy of the Holies to see God’s radiant face directly. The sweetest good of the gospel is to be transformed from inside out by the work of the Spirit into God’s image more and more by looking to his glory. The highest good of the gospel is to be radiant as God’s children by bearing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).  

Paul clearly says this gospel, this promise is available to everyone. In 2 Cor 3:18, he says, “We all – not just apostles, pastors, elders, or special people, but all Christians – with unveiled face, can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. But there is one condition: we must turn to the Lord. In other words, we must make ourselves available for God to transform us. We must allow the Holy Spirit to renew us, remold us, and reshape us. The transformation is not instantaneous but gradual. It is a daily walk with Christ. We are transformed into Christlikeness “from one degree of glory to another.” Do you take time to actually sit down and talk with God face-to-face on a daily basis? Do you see his glory without hindrance? In what areas of life can you see “inside out” transformation into his image?