Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98, and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
It’s really exciting to be a role model for others. There are some giants of faith whom I would like to imitate. One person introduced Korea to several critical methods of theological study. Of course, when the pastor introduced that methodology, he was heavily criticized by seminaries and churches. At that time, the atmosphere in churches and seminaries was such that introducing critical methods to the Bible was taboo. This caused the denomination to split and even led to the creation of a new denomination. Of course, I don’t have the same academic passion or resilience as he does. So, I prefer to avoid conflict and mediate whenever possible. Another person was a good colleague of this pastor. With his help, the pastor could build a seminary. He generously supported the professor so the pastor could teach theology freely. So, he was a great co-worker in the establishment and operation of the seminary. When I look at these two people, I often reflect on the importance of pastors and their fellow members.
The letter to the Thessalonians reminds me of people who were like models to me. This is verse 9. “We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.”
At that time, some Thessalonian believers had an incorrect eschatological view and believed that the second coming of Jesus Christ would occur tomorrow. There were quite a few people who were so obsessed with this fanaticism that they gave up their livelihoods and lived in idleness. Paul wanted to be a model for them and correct their wrong view of the end of the world. Now in the text, he exhorts us to live a model life as saints.
In fact, Paul had a right to claim the expenses necessary for his ministry. But he didn’t use all of those rights. Rather, by giving up this right, he had to work hard day and night. But here was his purpose and intention. It was intended to present his life to the congregation, encouraging them to work faithfully in society and actively participate in their religious life. Paul’s life is a good model not only for those who are hearing the gospel for the first time, but also for those living in the end times.
It is right to abandon bad lifestyle habits after accepting the gospel. However, some people say they met Jesus, but instead show regression in their lives. I often encounter people who are devoted to their religious life but are, on the contrary, unfaithful at home, at work, and at school. This is not just something that happens today. There were people in the first-century church who said they had experienced the Holy Spirit and believed in Jesus, but then left their families, and there are still people today who do the same.
The changes people experience are natural because they have decided to believe in Jesus. Believing in Jesus, saving, and using that money to meet the needs of the church and society is a valuable transition. Experiencing the Holy Spirit and donating some of my time to those in need are signs of responsible stewardship. Missionaries are not just those who go abroad to help; all who undertake this ministry are stewards and missionaries living within the urban cultural sphere.
The important thing is persistence. As we serve our community with limited time and resources, we may sometimes feel disappointed and frustrated. Sometimes we may not be able to come up with an excellent solution. But remember the following encouragement from the Apostle Paul: “As for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” Let us do what we can and humbly await the judgment of our Lord. Then, all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
When we look at the reasons why believers first believed in God, we often find that it was due to the influence of those who believed first. It may be because of differences in their own lifestyles, but ultimately, they come to church because of the love shown by believers. So, among believers who come to church for the first time, there are cases where they get hurt because they misunderstand that the church is always a place overflowing with love. But the church is clearly a community of love and a place of rich fellowship. Thus, we must be models wherever our feet turn. It is to follow Jesus Christ and become his model.
The world these models face is different than before. The Bible calls these new heavens and a new earth. This new space that God is creating is a blessing for our lives and a prophecy of the end times. This new world is for God’s faithful stewards to enjoy. “They will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.” (23) As we receive the vision of the new heavens and the new earth, we can expect grace that goes beyond mere material blessings. There we can rejoice with God. “The sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.” (19) Those who possess this vision and those who do not live together on this earth. But they have very different worldviews. Those who have this vision can be courageous even in the face of great disasters on this earth. They can maintain peace of mind, whether in prosperity or poverty. These stewards can remember to be thankful and meditate on God’s grace even in times of trouble. Finally, they will be distinguished from the world. Furthermore, people will look to them as models and want to be like them. I hope that we all have this vision and become models for the world. Our Lord will lead us. Let us live by responding with Amen.