“Saving the Saved” (Luke 10:38-42)

The Ivy Lee Method

One day in 1918, Charles Schwab, a powerful steel magnate, wanted to help his executives be more productive. So, he called in a consultant named Ivy Lee and asked, “Show me how to get more things done.”

 

Lee didn’t give a long lecture or a complicated formula. Instead, he offered a simple yet powerful method:

 

1.     At the end of each day, write down six important tasks for tomorrow—no more.

2.     Prioritize them in order of importance.

3.     The next day, start with the first task and don’t move on until it’s finished.

4.     Continue down the list, one task at a time.

5.     At the end of the day, move unfinished tasks to tomorrow’s list. Repeat.

 

Schwab tried it. After three months, he was so impressed that he wrote Lee a check for $25,000—a massive sum at the time.

 

Why was this method so valuable? Because it forced people to focus on what truly matters.

 

Martha

This principle reminds us of the well-known story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10. Church tradition often paints Martha as a symbol of the active life – busy with work and service, while Mary represents the contemplative life, focused on prayer and devotion. Even today, Martha is unfairly put down, and Mary is exalted as the ideal disciple. But in reality, both are women of excellence and noble character. Jesus loved both Martha and Mary. Both of them were devoted followers of Jesus. In fact, when their brother Lazarus died, it was Martha made one of the most profound confessions of faith in the entire Bible: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, the one who is coming into the world” (John 11:27). This story is not about salvation. It’s not about who is right or wrong, who is better or worse. Instead, this story is about priorities. And in many ways, Martha represents so many of us – people who love Jesus but get caught up in the urgent rather than the essential. Martha is you. Martha is me.

 

Drifting Away

Martha had a beautiful gift of hospitality. When she heard that Jesus was coming to town, she welcomed him and his disciples with open arms. But then, Luke tells us that Martha was “distracted” by her many tasks (v. 40a, NRSV). The Greek word for “distracted” means to be pulled away or to be dragged in different directions. It’s not that Martha didn’t want to hear Jesus – of course, she did! But she kept being pulled away by all the tasks that needed to be done. Her sense of duty became greater than her desire. She convinced herself that true devotion meant doing things for Jesus rather than being with Jesus.

 

Tim Keller wisely observed, “Idolatry means turning a good thing into an ultimate thing.” That’s what happened to Martha. Her good work became her ultimate focus, pulling her away from what mattered most. The same thing happens to us. We become distracted by too many good things—work, responsibilities, commitments, even ministry. But Jesus calls us to choose what is best. The question is: Are we prioritizing the urgent or the essential?

 

A Smoldering Heart

Martha made her choice, and the consequences followed. Because she was overwhelmed with duties, her heart became resentful. She started to smolder with frustration.

 

When we drift way from Jesus, it’s only a matter of time before frustration turns into blame. Martha first blamed Mary for being so selfish. Then, she turned her frustration toward Jesus. So she went up to Jesus and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me” (v. 40b). Not only was she upset with her sister, but she was also accusing Jesus—the very one she was serving—of being unfair. This is what happens when our priorities get out of order. When we are distracted, we become discouraged. When we are discouraged, we become bitter. And bitterness often leads us to question even the goodness of God.

 

The Antidote

So, what is the antidote for a distracted, smoldering heart? Jesus gives the answer himself: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.” (vv. 41-42). We are busy today. We will be busy tomorrow. There will be always responsibilities. But among the thousand duties we must do, there is one thing that must come first: sitting at the feet of Jesus. J. C. Ryle put it well, “Mary’s choice was good in sickness and good in health,— good in youth and good in age,— good in adversity and good in prosperity,— good in life and good in death— good in time and good in eternity.”[1]

 

Our culture constantly demands our attention. News, social media, emails, phone notifications—everything is urgent. We have become a multitasking generation, but no matter how much we do, we never feel caught up. Lent is a season to slow down and intentionally choose the essential over the urgent—to choose Jesus first before anything else.

 

Billy Graham once shared a story about his father-in-law, Dr. Nelson Bell. When Bell served as the only doctor for a 400-bed hospital in China, he made it a point to wake up every morning at 4:30 am and spend two to three hours alone with God. He didn’t use that time to read commentaries or write; he didn’t do any of his other work. He simply read the Scriptures and prayed every morning. Many wondered at his holiness and wisdom. But his strength came from his “one thing”—sitting at the feet of Jesus first.

 

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything. A time to work and a time to listen. A time to serve and a time to sit at Jesus’ feet. Martha’s mistake was not her service but her timing. She did not realize that, at the moment, Jesus needed her presence more than her service. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to suffer and die, yet she was too distracted to see it.

 

Mary, however, understood. She listened, she watched, and she learned. Then she sensed his time was coming. Later, when Jesus was at another dinner, Mary took a jar of costly perfume—worth a year’s wages—and anointed Jesus, pouring it over his head and feet. The disciples were confused, but Jesus said, “She has anointed my body beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:8). Mary’s love led her to the right action at the right time.

 

Living as a Harpooner

Eugene Peterson once compared Christians to harpooners. In Herman Melville's Moby Dick, there is a turbulent scene. All the sailors in a whaleboat are laboring fiercely, every muscle taut, all attention and energy concentrated on the task, in pursuit of the great, white whale, Moby Dick. In this boat, however, there is one person who does nothing. He doesn't hold an oar; he doesn't perspire; he doesn't shout. This man is the harpooner, quiet and poised, waiting. And then this sentence:

 

"To insure the greatest efficiency in the dart, the harpooners of this world must start to their feet out of idleness, and not out of toil.”[2]

 

We, too, are called to be harpooners. We live in a fast-paced, chaotic world, but if we are constantly distracted and exhausted, we won’t be ready when it’s time to act. There is a time to wait and a time to move. A time to listen and a time to serve. A time to sit at Jesus’ feet and a time to go into the world. Life is short. May we choose the “one thing” today – hear the word first, then do the word. And repeat. Amen.

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[1] R. Kent Hughes, Luke (2 volumes in 1 / ESV Edition) (Preaching the Word) (p. 409). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

[2] Eugene Peterson, The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction (Eerdmans Publshing, 1989), Kindle Locations 221-225.

“Transformed: One Degree at a Time” (Luke 9:28-36)

 

The Great Stone Face

There’s a famous short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne called The Great Stone Face. It’s about a boy named Ernest who grows up in a small village where there is a huge rock formation on the side of a mountain. The people in the village believe that this great rock looks like the face of a wise and noble person. And there’s an old prophecy—one day, someone will come who looks like that face, and he will bring wisdom and goodness to the people.

 

Young Ernest is captivated by this promise. He watches and waits, longing to see the great person. Over the years, several important figures come to town—Mr. Gathergold, a wealthy businessman; Old Blood-and-Thunder, a celebrated general; and Mr. Old Stony Phiz, a well-known politician. Each time, the villagers wonder, Could this be the one? But each one falls short.

 

Time passes. Ernest grows old. He has lived a quiet, faithful life—once a hill farmer, now a humble lay preacher. He spends his days speaking truth, serving others, and walking with integrity. One evening, standing beneath the Great Stone Face, he shares words of wisdom with the people. And suddenly, they realize something—his face, his character, his life, shaped by years of kindness, wisdom, and devotion, now resembles the Great Stone Face. The villagers cry out in amazement, but Ernest, in his humility, simply walks home, still believing that a greater one is yet to come.

 

Jesus Transformed

This story beautifully illustrates the slow, steady transformation that happens in a Christian’s life. In today’s passage, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray. As He prays, his face changes, and his clothes become dazzling white. Then, two men—Moses and Elijah—appear and talk with him.

 

Why Moses and Elijah? Many Bible teachers say they represent the Old Testament—Moses as the giver of the Law and Elijah as the great prophet. But they also share something else in common: both had mountaintop encounters with God’s glory. Moses saw God’s glory on Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18), and Elijah encountered God on Mount Horeb, another name for Sinai (1 Kings 19:8ff.).

 

The Journey to Congruence

Now, Peter, John, and James have also seen God’s glory (v. 32). In Matthew’s account, Jesus commands them not to tell anyone about the vision until he is raised from the dead (Matthew 17:9). Why? Because their mountaintop experience was not something to boast about—it was meant to transform them.

 

In our spiritual journey, God gives us glimpses of his glory—moments of radical conversion, miraculous healing, or deep spiritual encounters. These mountaintop experiences encourage us, but true transformation happens over time. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul says, “We are being transformed into the same image [of Christ] from one degree of glory to another.” Not instantly, but one degree at a time.

 

Think about Israel at Mount Sinai. They saw God’s glory and received his holy Law, but did that instantly make them a holy people? No. Though their status changed from slaves to God’s chosen people instantly, it took years for their hearts to align with their calling. Their wilderness journey was a journey of gradual transformation—one step at a time. Every morning, they gathered manna. Every evening, they picked up quail. In between, they worshiped, followed the pillar of cloud, and waited on the Lord. Through these daily rhythms, they learned to trust God. Slowly and steadily, they were shaped into God’s holy people—one degree at a time.

 

Peter’s Transformation

Peter’s journey was no different. Right before today’s passage, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” (Luke 9:20). But when Jesus explains that he must suffer, be rejected, and die, Peter rebukes him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22). Peter’s faith was real, but there was a gap between what he believed and how he lived.

 

On the mountain, Peter sees Jesus’ glory, but instead of humbly worshiping, he blurts out, “Master, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33). Again, there’s a gap between his spiritual experience and his understanding.

But Peter grows. In 2 Peter 1:16-18, he recounts his mountaintop experience with conviction, declaring that he was an eyewitness to Jesus’ majesty. Over time, Peter is transformed into a man of deep faith, wisdom, and congruence.

 

One Degree at a Time

When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, his glory was revealed in an instant. But for his disciples—and for us—transformation is a lifelong journey. We are shaped into Christ’s likeness not through mountaintop experiences, but through daily faithfulness, prayer, and surrender—one degree at a time.

 

I once heard a story about a man who came to his pastor and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong. The joy I once had in my faith is gone. I still live a moral life, I go to church, but something is missing. How can I recover that lost radiance of my faith?” His pastor responded, “Here’s what I want you to do: buy a basketful of groceries, take them to a poor family I know, and when you’ve given your gift, sit and listen to their story. Let them know you care. Before you leave, pray the Lord’s Prayer with them. Then you’ll find your joy returning.” One degree at a time.

 

Recently, God nudged me to realign certain areas of my life—my devotional time, my study habits, my finances. As I obeyed, I felt a deep sense of joy, satisfaction, and contentment. That’s how transformation happens – one degree at a time.

 

Christ Alone

Luke concludes todays’ story with these words: “And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.” (v. 36). “Jesus alone”— He is the center of everything. Union with Christ is everything. As we look to Jesus, listen to Jesus, walk with Jesus, and align our hearts with Jesus, we are gradually transformed into his image.

 

Henri Nouwen once met Mother Teresa and poured out his struggles to her, trying to convince her of how complicated it all was!  After listening patiently, she said, “Well, when you spend one hour a day adoring your Lord and never do anything you know is wrong, you will be fine.” Nouwen later reflected, “Her words cut to the center of my being. I knew they were true, and I had the rest of my life to live them out.”[1]

 

Spending one hour a day with Christ—this should be our top priority. If you haven’t built this daily habit yet, Lent is the perfect time to start. As we walk with the Lord, day by day, we will be transformed – one degree at a time. And when the Day comes, when we meet him in glory, our transformation will be complete. We will stand with Moses, Elijah, Peter, all the saints and our loved ones—fully united with Christ, forever. Amen.

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[1] Henri J. M. Nouwen, Here and Now, The Crossroad Publishing Company. Kindle Edition, 102-3.

“The Power of One” (Luke 6:27-36)

 Gandhi and the Boy

There is a well-known story about Mahatma Gandhi. One day, a woman brought her son to him and said, "Sir, my son eats too much sugar. Would you please tell him to stop?" Gandhi paused and then replied, "Please bring your child back in a week." Confused but trusting his wisdom, the mother returned a week later with her son. This time, Gandhi simply looked at the boy and said, "Stop eating sugar, child." To the mother’s surprise, the boy listened and changed his habit. A month later, the mother returned and asked, "My child has done what you asked, but why couldn’t you have told him this the first time we came?" Gandhi gently replied, "A week ago, I was still eating sugar." Gandhi knew he could not ask the boy to do something he himself had not yet done. His words needed to match his actions.

 

Jesus and the Pharisees

This story reminds us of the difference between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time. Matthew tells us how the people responded after Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in this way: “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority - quite unlike their teachers of religious law” (Matthew 7:28-29, NLT). The Pharisees spoke one thing, but their lives often told a different story. Jesus, however, spoke with true authority because His words and His actions were one. There was no gap between what He taught and how He lived. His life was the Word made flesh. When Jesus spoke, people didn’t just hear truth—they saw it in Him.

Is the Sermon Practical?  

Today’s passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, following the Beatitudes. Here, Jesus expounds on what the Beatitudes look like in everyday life.

 

“Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you” (Luke 6:27-31, NLT).

 

Is Jesus’ sermon practical? Attainable? Jesus lived it - He loved and forgave, even those crucifying him, saying, “Father, forgive them!” But can we do that? Sometimes, we struggle to love even our own families, let alone our enemies.

 

I once read a piece titled, “Father Forgets” in Reader’s Digest. It’s about a young father who regrets how he treated his son throughout the day. After the boy fell asleep, he knelt beside his bed, shamed. A portion of his reflection reads:

 

“Son, I have come to your bed side in the darkness, I have knelt there, ashamed! It is a feeble atonement… tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, suffer when you suffer and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual: “He is nothing but a boy – a little boy.” I am afraid I have visualized you as a man… I have asked too much, too much!”

 

I don’t know about you, but I often feel this kind of remorse at the end of the day. How many times have I resolved to be a better person tomorrow? William Temple illustrated this well: “It is no good giving me a play like Hamlet or King Lear, and telling me to write a new play just like it. Shakespeare could do it; I can’t. And it is no good showing me a life like the life of Jesus and telling me to live a life just like it. Jesus could do it; I can’t. But if the genius of Shakespeare could come and live inside me, I would then be able to write plays like he did. And if the Spirit of Jesus could come and live inside me, I would then be able to live a life like he did.”[1]

This is the open secret of how to live as a Christian. Jesus’ sermon is impossible to live out by sheer effort. But if we allow His Spirit to transform us, everything changes. Christ’s sermon is not about outward behavior, but it’s about an inner change of the heart.

 

Light of the World

As part of his sermon, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

 

What does it mean to live as the light? What does it look like? The other day my family and I watched Woodlawn. It tells the true story of Tony Nathan, a talented high school football players in the 1960s and 70s. Though he was an exceptional athlete, he was often benched simply because he was Black. He endured discrimination and humiliation—until something miraculous happened. Revival began—not with a coach or a teacher, but one man who called himself a “sports chaplain.” He prayed for and cared about the school and the football team, and transformation began, one heart at a time. The real change wasn’t external—it was internal. The team began to play, not for their own glory, success, or future, but for something greater—God’s will, His kingdom, and His glory. Even their opponents were transformed.

 

At times, I feel insignificant. I struggle with doubt. I wonder if true revival is possible. Voices whisper, "It’s just temporary," "People don’t really change," "It’s too late," "It’s too hard." But then I remember: God is still at work today. A miracle can happen when God shows up. Here’s a reflection from my journal after watching Woodlawn:

 

“Lord, I am weak. I feel powerless and insignificant. In the complexities of the UMC structure, I struggle to speak truth and navigate the system. I don’t know how to help revitalize aging local churches. But Lord, I will stand. I will follow. I will light my candle. I will keep praying, keep showing up, keep loving and forgiving. I will place my hope and trust in You. Fill me, use me, and send me for Your glory. Amen.”

 

During Explo ‘72, Billy Graham preached on the Sermon on the Mount. He once had the stadium lights turned off. Then, one person lit their candle and passed it on, showing how light spreads in darkness. He said, “You may feel insignificant. But think about a candle—you can see its light from afar. And one candle becomes two; two become four; four become ten; ten become hundreds.”

 

You might be the only Christian in your family, workplace, or school. You may feel insignificant. But one single candle in the dark can be seen from far away. Imagine if hundreds of people each held a light—the entire space would glow. This is how revival begins.

 

At this time, we will light candles as a reminder. Once everyone has received the light, we will sing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” May we shine, even when it feels small. May we pass the flame. May we be willing to stand and be different. May this song be our prayer. Amen.

 

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

 

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

 

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

No turning back, no turning back.

 

                                                                       

 

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[1] John Stott, Basic Christianity (The IVP Signature Collection) (p. 123). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

“Life of a Disciple” (Luke 6:17-26)

 

*Painted by Joyce Kang, "Psalm 84:5"

Walking in Circles?

Today is a snow day, so let me begin with a story about winter weather. Years ago, a man went missing in the Alps. For 13 days, he desperately searched for a village, walking more than 12 hours a day in terrible weather. He thought he was making progress, but in reality, he had been walking in circles within a 4-mile radius. Scientists tell us that when people walk with their eyes closed, they naturally move in circles without realizing it.

 

But here’s the fascinating part—there is a way to walk straight. If you pause regularly to reorient yourself, even with your eyes closed, you can stay on course. The problem wasn’t that the man was too slow—it was that he never stopped to check his direction. By God’s grace, today’s scripture is given to us as a wake-up call – a chance to stop and reorient ourselves. Today’s passage, Luke version of the Beatitudes, challenges us to ask three essential questions. 

 

Disciples Vs. Crowds

The first question is this: “Am I living as a disciple, or as a part of the crowd?” Right before today’s passage, Luke tells us how Jesus chose his twelve apostles. Then we read:

 

“Jesus came down from the mountain with them and stood on a large area of level ground. A great company of his disciples and a huge crowd of people from all around Judea and Jerusalem and the area around Tyre and Sidon joined him there” (Luke 6:17, CEB).

 

There were always two groups following Jesus: the disciples and the crowds. The crowds in Luke 6 followed Jesus, hoping for blessings, miracles, healings, and quick solutions (v. 19). But Jesus turns to his disciples and teaches them. So the Beatitudes and the entire Sermon on the Mount are not for the curious crowds but for committed disciples.

 

Here, we can see a parallel between Moses and Jesus. God chose the twelve tribes of Israel and made them his special people. God gave them Moses as their leader, who received the law on Mount Sinai and taught them how to live as God’s people. In the same way, Jesus chose the twelve apostles on the Mount as the nucleus of a new Israel. Then he taught them and other disciples what it means to be disciples.

 

If we sum up the entire Old Testament law into one phrase, it is: “Be holy” (Ex 19:6; Lev 21:8). Or, put another way: “Be different,” or “Be peculiar.” If we sum up Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount into one phrase, it would be Matthew 6:8: “Do not be like them.” It’s a call to be different. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2, NRSV). Be transformed. Be different. Be a disciple. Then, what is a disciple? A disciple is someone who lives out God’s kingdom values – the Beatitudes.

 

Life Vs. Death

That leads to the second question: “Am I choosing life or death?” In Deuteronomy, Moses gives his farewell sermon. He knows he will not enter the Promised Land, so he gives his final words to Israel’s second generation. And the key message is this: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your children may live” (Deut 30:19).

 

In the same way, Jesus sets before us two paths – life and death, 4 blessings and 4 woes. Jesus teaches a paradoxical truth:

 

Blessed are the poor, the hungry, the weeping, the persecuted – not because suffering is good, but because they know their need for God.

 

Woe to the rich, the satisfied, the laughing, the applauded – not because these things are bad, but because they can blind us from seeing our true need.

 

Richard Rohr, in his book Falling Upward, tells the story of a man who spent his life building his reputation and career, thriving in the "first half" of life. He had success, financial stability, and a strong sense of identity in his achievements. But then, everything collapsed – his business failed, his marriage ended, and he lost what he thought defined him. At first, he saw this as a curse. But over time, this crisis stripped away his illusions of control. Through this painful process, he moved from being part of the crowd—trying harder to chase security and approval—to becoming a disciple—learning to trust in God’s grace.

 

When we realize that we are poor, we are hungry, we are not enough, we need help – then we are blessed, because that’s when God becomes our help, our life.

 

Eternity Vs. Now

Finally, we must ask: “Am I living for eternity, or just for now?” Many people today are like the lost man in the Alps. They were moving, searching, wanting more, but never stopping to ask: “Where is my life actually heading?” But without stopping to listen to Jesus, we may just be walking in circles. We may be just living for now.

 

A wild duck was flying north with his flock in the spring when he stopped in a Danish barnyard. There, he found tame ducks and plenty of food. He thought, I’ll rest for a while. But one hour became a day, then a week, then a month. Eventually, he decided to stay all summer, enjoying the safety and easy life of the barnyard. Then autumn came. One day, he heard the call of his old flock flying south. His heart leapt with excitement, and he flapped his wings to join them. But he had grown soft and heavy from his easy life. He could only lift himself to the barn’s roof before falling back down. So he told himself, Well, at least I’m safe here, and the food is good. Year after year, the wild ducks flew overhead, calling to him. At first, he would feel a stirring inside and try to flap his wings. But over time, he stopped noticing them at all.[1]

 

May we never be domesticated! May we never grow so comfortable and well-fed that we lose our hunger for “the things that are above” (Colossians 3: 1, 2).

 

Falling Upward Journey

It may surprise you to know that professional mountain climbers begin their ascent around midnight. This seems counterintuitive—after all, midnight is when our bodies are at their weakest, when exhaustion is greatest. Yet, for high-altitude climbs, midnight is the safest time. The snow is frozen solid, reducing the risk of avalanches. What feels like the darkest and hardest moment is often the best time to move forward.

 

Perhaps today, you feel like you are in a valley of disappointment. Maybe you’re weary, struggling to endure. But in God’s eyes, this difficult season might be a golden opportunity—a time when your heart is most open to encountering Christ in a deeper, more powerful way. When the night feels longest, let us remember—this may be the very moment God is leading us deeper and higher.

 

Before we leave today, let’s ask ourselves:

·       Am I living as a disciple, or just part of the crowd?

·       Am I choosing life, or settling for what is easy?

·       Am I living for eternity, or just for now?

 

Jesus' words still ring true: “Blessed are you who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted because of the Son of Man… Rejoice when that happens! Leap for joy because you have a great reward in heaven.” Amen.

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[1] R. Kent Hughes, Luke (2 volumes in 1 / ESV Edition) (Preaching the Word) (p. 224). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

“Call Again” (Luke 5:1-11)

Surprised by Grace

Many people go through life wearing masks – masks of degrees, titles, and achievements—convincing the world they have it all together. But behind those masks, many are carrying unhealed wounds and silent insecurities, wondering if all their striving will ever be enough.

In the movie Surprised by Oxford, Caro is one of those people. A brilliant scholar with a sharp mind, she arrives at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, confident on the outside, but inside, she carries deep wounds from her past—wounds that no amount of success can truly heal. It’s only when she encounters grace, both through the kindness of others and the relentless love of God. And she begins to realize: life is not about proving oneself but receiving the grace that has been there all along.

Peter’s story in Luke 5 is not so different. He was an expert fisherman—hardworking, persistent, and skilled. He had spent an entire night doing everything he knew to do, yet his nets remained empty. He was exhausted, frustrated, and perhaps even questioning his own identity as a fisherman. Then Jesus stepped into his boat. This wasn’t Peter’s first encounter with Jesus. He had met Him before, through his brother Andrew.  But this time Jesus stepped into Peter’s personal universe – his boat, his sea, his nets. And with one simple instruction—"Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." (v. 4, NRSV)—Jesus invited Peter into something bigger than he could imagine. At that moment, Peter had a choice: keep striving his own way or surrender to the way of Jesus.

 

Prosperity Gospel?

Peter chose to surrender. He said, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” (v. 5, CEB) Think about it—a professional fisherman taking advice from a carpenter? That took faith. And what happened? The catch was so great, the nets started breaking. He called for help, and soon, both boats were sinking.

Now, some “prosperity gospel” preachers might say, "See? Peter had faith, so he prospered!" But that’s not the point. This miracle wasn’t about wealth or success. It was a sign—pointing to who Jesus is and what He came to do. Just like when Jesus fed the 5,000, and the crowd followed Him—not because they understood, but because they wanted more food. Jesus told them, "You are looking for Me not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the food you wanted." (John 6:26) They missed the real point—Jesus is the true Bread of Life.

But Peter got it. When Jesus stepped into his life and showed him the “sign,” Peter was willing to stop striving and start trusting. He left everything – his success, his security, even his prosperity – and followed Jesus. Today, Jesus steps into our boats. The question is: Are we willing to listen to His voice and follow His way?

 

Into the Deep

Jesus’ call can be terrifying. It’s out of our comfort zone. It’s uncharted waters. It’s the end of me and the beginning of Jesus. When Simon Peter saw the miracle, he was amazed. He was overwhelmed. He was afraid. He fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” (Luke 5:8) Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.”

It reminds me of Isaiah’s call story. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he cried, "Woe to me! I am ruined! I am a man of unclean lips!" Before God’s presence, Isaiah felt unworthy. But God didn’t leave him there. He cleansed Isaiah and then called him: "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" Isaiah responded, "Here I am, Lord. Send me!"

When God calls us, we often feel unworthy, unqualified, unprepared. I don’t know about you, but for me, I was very afraid. I remember when I first sensed God calling me to ministry. I was in college, serving as a youth teacher. Some of the students came from broken families. They had no desire to learn or grow. I started a small study group with them—Bible study, academics, vision-building. Over time, I watched God transform their lives. That gave me strong desire to devote my entire life for ministry. But still, I was hesitant and afraid. Why? Two reasons. First, I was afraid of public speaking. I was never a dynamic, charismatic speaker. Second, I was not a people person. I was always a quite person. I thought, How could someone like me be a pastor? Then, in the summer of 2005, during a youth camp, as I was praying for my students, I heard that still, small voice: “My son, I want you.” And I said, “Yes Lord. I am willing.” That yes changed everything.

 

Call Again

God’s grace is relentless. So is God’s call. Even when we say yes, we drift. We backslide. We lose our way. But God never stops calling. Peter experienced this too. He left everything behind to follow Jesus, but later, after denying Jesus three times, he went back to fishing. He didn’t know what else to do. But Jesus met him again. On the shore, after the resurrection, Jesus called him again: "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Three times, Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, You know I love You." And Jesus said, "Feed My sheep." Jesus restored Peter’s call. Rekindled his fire. And Peter never looked back.

God’s call is not a one-time event. He continues to shape and refine His call in our lives. The other day, I met a Christian man who is pushing 90. We used to serve together in an ecumenical group, working side by side for years. He was so dedicated—working hard, faithfully serving God’s kingdom and our community. Now, he has stepped away from official roles, resigned from committees, and slowed down a bit. But he is still so active. People look at him and say, "What’s your secret? You look so happy. You don’t even look your age—you look 60!" And every time, he smiles and sees it as an opportunity. He tells them, "The secret? It’s my deep faith and connection with Jesus." And then—he invites them to church. He said to me, "Victor, now this is my calling. One-on-one evangelism." God is still using him. His calling didn’t end—it just changed.

As I look back on my own life, I see defining moments where God shaped my calling. When I entered seminary, I realized my school wasn’t affiliated with the Methodist Church. I had a tough decision—stay in school or stay in the denomination. It took six months of wrestling, praying, surrendering, and trusting God. And in the end, God made a way—I was able to finish my degree and pursue ordination in the UMC. Later, when I was appointed to The County, I hit a wall. I felt stuck. I was discouraged. I was ready to throw in the towel. But God met me there at the bottom. He showed me something powerful: Jesus abided with His people. He wasn’t in a rush. He wasn’t about performance. He was present. That changed everything for me. My calling shifted—from effective ministry to the ministry of presence. And now? I sense God calling me again—this time, to be a proactive “last responder”—someone who walks alongside God’s people, helping them review their lives, preparing them for death, and pointing them toward the life to come. God’s call keeps shaping us. The question is—are we listening?

 

Paradox of Life

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "When Christ calls a person, He bids them come and die." He talked about cheap grace versus costly grace. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ. Costly grace calls us to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. Bonhoeffer lived this out. He could have stayed safe in America, away from Nazi Germany. But he chose to return, to share in the suffering of his people. He stood for truth—and it cost him his life.

Jesus is still calling today. He calls us, like Peter, to "catch people for life." Wherever we are in our journey, God is not finished with us yet. So let me ask you: Is Jesus stepping into your boat today? Maybe you’ve been trying so hard, working all night, and your nets are still empty. Maybe you feel like Peter—exhausted, unsure, and wondering if there is something more. Jesus is calling you. Right now. Maybe you’ve said yes before, but you’ve drifted. You’re not where you used to be, and you wonder if God still has a plan for you. He does. Just like He called Peter again, He’s calling you again. Or maybe you’ve never really said yes to Jesus. Maybe you’ve been standing on the shore – like one of the crowds, watching, hesitant. But today, you hear His voice: "Come. Follow Me." Whatever your story, Jesus is here. His grace is relentless. His call is personal. And He is waiting for your yes. So today, if you sense God calling, don’t wait. Step forward. Come to the altar. Say yes to Jesus. He’s stepping into your boat. Will you follow?

“Word and Power” (Luke 4:31-44)

 

Clean Power

Imagine walking into a place and instantly feeling something powerful—something beyond yourself. That’s exactly what happened to a well-known spiritist in London. She was used to supernatural experiences in her spiritist meetings, but one day, she stepped into Westminster Chapel, where Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was preaching. 

 

As she sat down, she felt a power in the room—just like in her spiritist gatherings. But there was something different. She later said, “I was conscious of a supernatural power, but this time, it was a clean power.”[1]  That one moment changed her life. She realized that the power she had known before was nothing compared to the holiness and purity of God's presence. This raises an important question for us today: What kind of power shapes our lives? Let’s explore what it means to live under the true power of Christ.

 

Power of Christ and His Word

While on earth, Jesus focused on three things – teaching, preaching, and healing. “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matt 4:23, NIV) Jesus brought God’s kingdom among the people as he taught, preached, and healed them.

 

Today’s passage was one of the examples. Jesus went to Capernaum. There he taught the people each Sabbath. On one Sabbath as he was teaching, demons were exposed. Christ’s word has power to expose darkness and transform lives. “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to diving soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart… Everything is uncovered and laid bare before his eyes.” (Hebrews 4:12-13).

 

Many of us tend to think the heart of the Gospel is the forgiveness of sin – and it is. But remember, Jesus also came to destroy the powers of evil and set us free. In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus announced His mission: to bring good news to the poor, free prisoners, restore sight to the blind, and liberate the oppressed. Hebrews 2:14-15 also proclaims that through his death Jesus conquered the powers of evil and freed all who were in bondage.

 

Word and Power

Jesus is sovereign over all things. His word has authority and power. No demon can disobey. In today’s passage, Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” The demon threw the man down before the people, then came out of him without harming him. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” (Luke 4:35–36)

 

Luke also wants us to see that the power of Jesus’ word extends not only to the world of demons, but also to the world of nature. Jesus went home with Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a high fever. Luke uses the same word for how Jesus spoke to the fever that he did for how Jesus spoke to the demon. Verse 35 says, “Jesus rebuked the demon.” Verse 39 says, “He stood over her and rebuked the fever.” Jesus is talking to a fever, and the fever obeys. Luke wants us to see – Jesus is sovereign over all things. All demons. All nature.

 

Power through Suffering

In today’s passage when the demons saw Jesus, they screamed, “I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" (4:34) Again, in verse 41, the demons recognized Jesus and shrieked, “You are the Son of God!” But Jesus rebuked them and would not allow them to speak. Why? Because the people expected a “warrior” Messiah (distorted image of the Messiah). But Jesus came to destroy the powers of evil, not through military might, but through suffering. In Luke 9:22 Jesus says, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Colossians 2:15 also proclaims the same truth – the victory through suffering: “[Jesus] disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” (NLT)

 

Today, we face similar temptations: the lure of glory without the cross, or the promise of health, wealth, and prosperity without sacrifice or suffering. The enemy whispers, “If God is good, why do you suffer?” But we know the truth—our suffering has a purpose when it draws us close to Christ.

 

Power through Prayer

Let me bring this home with a modern illustration from the movie Rango. Rango is a quirky character who looks like a chameleon. He stumbles into the town of Dirt, a place desperate for a hero. At first, he just tries to fit in, pretending to be brave, and talking big. By good luck he becomes a hero – a new sheriff. But when a real challenge comes, his true identity is exposed. He isn’t a hero—he’s a fraud, a nobody. So, he runs away. But then, something happens. While wandering in the desert, he encounters the Spirit of the West, a God-like figure. After this, instead of pretending to be somebody, Rango figures out and embraces who he really is. As an ordinary, flawed, and uncertain “nobody,” he returns to face the enemy, risking everything for the town. And in doing so, he becomes a true hero.

This story resonates with us because we, too, wrestle with identity, weakness, and fear. The world (the enemy) tells us to pretend until we become “somebody” (distorted image of God’s children). But the Gospel tells us something greater: Jesus, the true Hero, defeated the enemy, not with force, but through suffering and the cross. Because of Him, we don’t have to pretend—we are already loved, chosen, and called. So, like Rango, we step forward in faith and face the giant. But unlike Rango, we don’t rely on ourselves. We follow Jesus who has already won the victory through his suffering on the cross.

How did Jesus overcome ongoing temptation and discouraging voices to stay the course? There answer is found in Luke 4:42: “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place.” (NIV) Mark 1:35 gives even more detail: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (NIV) Every morning, before anything else, Jesus listened to the Father’s voice.

 

How can we overcome the enemy’s voice and live a victorious life? By listening to God’s word first – daily. From the very beginning, God knew what he was doing. He chose us to become like his Son. He called us, gave us right standing, and gave us his glory. By God’s grace we are “predestined, called, justified, and glorified” – a divine chain of grace that no one can break. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom 8:35) And the answer? “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39)

 

Jesus, sovereign over all things, is for us, not against us. May we listen to God’s truth every morning. May we trust Jesus fully, finding our identity, calling, and purpose in His word. Amen.

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[1] Douglas Banister, The Word and Power Church: What Happens When a Church Seeks All God Has to Offer? (p. 147). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

“The Jesus I Never Knew” (Luke 4:14-21)

 

Who Is Jesus?

Who is Jesus to you? C. S. Lewis famously said in Mere Christianity:

 

“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse.”[1]

 

Tamed Jesus

So, who is Jesus to you? In today’s passage, the people of Jesus’ hometown thought they knew him. They saw him grow up, knew his family, and assumed they understood everything about him. But their knowledge of Jesus was shallow—they didn’t know who he truly was. They were impressed by Jesus’ teaching, but their response was skeptical: “This is Joseph’s son, isn’t it?” (Luke 4:22)

 

Matthew 13 adds more detail: "We've known him since he was a kid; he's the carpenter's son. We know his mother, Mary. We know his brothers James and Joseph, Simon and Judas. All his sisters live here. Who does he think he is?" (vv. 55-56, MSG) And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

 

They had a “tamed” Jesus – a version they could control and fit in their expectations. But this left no room for the real Jesus to work in their lives.

 

Real Jesus

Who is Jesus to you? In today’s passage, Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 – a passage bout the Messiah’s mission – and declared, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.” (Luke 4:21) In other words, Jesus was saying, “I am the Messiah.”

 

Throughout the gospels, especially the Gospel of John, again and again Jesus made claims about his divine identity:

·       “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58).

·       “The Father and I are one” (10:30).

·       “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (14:6).

·       “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (14:9).

 

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who came to redeem us.

 

The Poor

So, who is Jesus to you? In today’s passage, Jesus declared his mission:

 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me.

He has sent me to preach the good news to the poor,

to proclaim release to the prisoners

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to liberate the oppressed,

and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

 

Who are the poor, the prisoners, the blind, and the oppressed? They are not separate groups but one: those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty and blindness, and desperate need for God. These are the “poor in spirit” Jesus blesses in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

 

One day Jesus tells a story about two men who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood confidently and prayed, “God, I thank you that I’m not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” His prayer was full of pride, focused on his own righteousness and external acts. In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even look up to heaven but beat his chest and prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” His prayer was simple, humble, and heartfelt. This is the language of the poor in spirit. "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” (Mt 5:3, MSG)

 

Let me share a faith story of a couple who went from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him. When they got married, they considered themselves Christians. They had both grown up in church, but Jesus didn’t influence their daily choices or priorities—they lived like everyone around them.

 

One day, Jehovah’s Witnesses visited the wife, and she started a Bible study with them. After about a year, one of the leaders said something that stayed with her: “You need to know what you believe.” Those words lingered in her heart. As she prayed about it, she felt a conviction that she should stop the study with them. Instead, she began attending church in Oakfield. There, for the first time, she truly heard the gospel and encountered the real Jesus—the Jesus who transforms lives. Her heart was changed.

 

She invited her husband to join her at church, and he began to listen as well. Not long after, the husband attended an evangelistic meeting in Dyer Brook. The speaker shared the parable of the ten virgins—the five wise who were ready for the bridegroom and the five foolish who were not. The speaker asked a piercing question: “Are you ready?” In that moment, he felt as if God was speaking directly to him. He realized he wasn’t ready. He saw his spiritual poverty, spiritual bankruptcy. He repented and surrendered his life to Jesus that very day. From then on, their lives were never the same. Jesus was no longer a distant figure or a part of their upbringing—He became their Lord. Jesus touched every part of their lives. Before, Jesus was useful to them. They prayed to Jesus when needed. But now, Jesus became precious. This is Tom and Jane Zimmerman’s faith story. This is the story of the poor in spirit.

 

Knowing Jesus

There was once a sculptor who created a beautiful statue of Jesus. People came from far and wide to see it—Jesus, full of strength and tenderness, captured in stone. They walked around it, looking from every angle, trying to fully take in its beauty and power. But no matter how hard they tried, something always seemed to be missing. Finally, someone asked the sculptor, “What’s the best way to see it?” The sculptor smiled and said, “There’s only one way to truly see him. You have to kneel.”^[2]

 

Jesus came not just to be useful, but to be precious. Jesus is not just a friend or a life coach. He is much more—He is the Messiah, the Son of God, our Savior, and Master. To truly know Jesus, we must approach him with humility and worship. May God give us the grace to see Christ for who He truly is. Amen.

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[1] C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis Signature Classics) (p. 52). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

[2] John Stott, The Incomparable Christ (p. 236). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.