Author: knoxchurchreddeer

Jeremiah 20:7-13, Psalm 69:7-15 and Romans 6:1-11

 

On Father’s Day, I reflect on my father’s love and grace. The strong father I saw when I was young has disappeared, and he seems to be becoming increasingly frail, so I often feel sad. The memories of upsetting my father sometimes make me feel ashamed. They create regret for me. My father is as old as the age difference between my daughter and me. I can no longer see my father’s arms and shoulders, which were so strong. However, that love is now passed on to his grandchildren and me. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the fathers of this land.

Looking at Romans verse 4, we can see that Jesus Christ rose again in the glory of the Father. And through the resurrection that raises the dead, we also receive the gift of a new life—people who believe in this gain a new way of living and new values. Through the glorious life given by God, we know that the world of life has an overtime period after the regular period.

Since the 2010s, “Early Retirement Extreme” by Jacob Lund Fisker and Peter Adeney’s concept of early retirement through saving have caused a sensation. It was called the FIRE movement, taking the first letters of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). It is a new value system among the younger generation that emphasizes saving and investing toward early retirement. Of course, through this, I hope our young generation will make meaningful use of the wealth and time given to them. Humans need a longer-term perspective and values regarding such wealth and time. This is because, as we all know, we must prepare together to live in the world after death. You must prepare for life after retirement and the new world after death. It is the life in heaven that we have received as a gift through God’s love. Furthermore, it is a new dimension of space-time that includes resurrection.

In the past, we had no choice but to live immersed in this land’s values, like ordinary people. God saved us. The Creator sent Jesus to humans, who are prone to stumble because of sin. In a world rampant with sin, it is very challenging for us to live as righteous people on our own. This is because my surroundings are full of sin and temptation. These days, I maintain the lawn in my front yard and pull dandelions. However, there is a 170,000-sq-ft park across the road. There are countless dandelions there, and the city manages them. However, I cannot handle the countless tree, grass, and weed pollens that have been flying in over the past few weeks. Even if I keep pulling the weeds in my yard, I cannot keep up with the countless dandelion seeds. Likewise, even if we place several air purifiers inside our house, we are helpless if the air outside is bad.

Similarly, we are surrounded by sin. So, although it is impossible with our own efforts, God sent Jesus to us. Christ was crucified and died for sin, and we also died symbolically with Him. But He promised that we would rise again with Him. Through baptism, we have been united with Jesus. We are called to be new beings. All of this is thanks to the amazing love and grace of God the Father.

Next, through the Father’s love and glory, we can preach the gospel. The prophet Jeremiah warned against Judah’s unbelief. As a result, he suffered from numerous jealousies and criticisms. He prophesied the destruction of Judah and the suffering of his people. This is not an easy task. If the country falls, it breaks the prophet’s heart. Conversely, if they do not repent and the prophecy is not fulfilled, the prophet must endure the nation’s resentment and criticism. The prophet’s proclamation, in hopes of the repentance and salvation of the people of Israel, is like very bitter medicine. It is effective, but they do not prefer it. Every time he warned of judgment and disaster, he was driven even further into a corner. So he vows not to convey God’s warning on his behalf. However, he cannot suppress the passion for the Gospel that burns like fire in his heart.

Likewise, the Psalmist is slandered and suffers hardship because of the things he did with passion for God’s work. Nevertheless, he trusts in God’s great love and sure salvation.

Beloved, we are all united in Christ. Also, in any situation, we can preach the gospel. Why is that? It is because the power of the blood of the cross is within us. And it is because the amazing love and glory of God the Father flow in our blood. It is thanks to God’s great love that even an unworthy person like me can preach the gospel. If I can do it, you can do it too. There are now six months left in 2026. I hope that miracles will unfold in which we share this great gospel of love and grace with our friends and invite them to live such a life. Amen.

Genesis 18:1-15, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, and Matthew 10:9-23

 

The title of today’s message is what God said when He visited Abraham in human form. As we know well, God promised Abraham a son. In that process, God speaks. “I will return to you at the appointed time next year.” How would Abraham feel upon hearing these words of the Lord? Sarah was afraid. Abraham’s heart was probably no different. If God were to visit us at this very moment and say the same words, how should we respond?

Living with a constant awareness of God brings a joyful and grateful heart. There, we find peace and comfort. We also experience grace and mercy and gain the strength to live through a new week. However, at the same time, we know that the God experienced by ancient Israel was a god of war who also showed favouritism toward the Israelite people. Therefore, some Christians and theologians view the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament differently. Some pastors choose sermon texts from the New Testament only rather than the Old Testament.

However, if we erase shameful acts, wrongs, and sins from our history, there will be no lessons to learn. Rather, it would be wise to learn from past mistakes and strive not to repeat them. Likewise, the reason the Bible records the numerous wrongdoings of the people, as well as the disciples’ betrayals and mistakes, lies precisely here. This is because we can make mistakes just like them. Likewise, we can see that the understanding of God gradually became more diverse and broader, beginning with the early records of the Old Testament, where He was depicted solely as the God of the Israelite people. We can meet God, who is overflowing with love. At the same time, we remember the fearsome God who is sometimes strict regarding sin and idolatry. Therefore, we too can meet the God whom Abraham met, and the Creator gives us a heart of reverence.

What was the reason Abraham received the promise of children? The first is Abraham’s patience and steadfast faith. Abraham met God at the age of 75 and obeyed the command to leave his hometown. God encouraged him, who had been childless until then, by promising to make him the father of a great nation. So he left with Sarah and his nephew Lot. His power grew, and he became an influential figure in the region, with over 300 soldiers in his household. However, even though 25 years had passed since he left his hometown, he had neither a nation nor even children. I find it very painful to even wait for the end of the Iran-USA war, which has been going on for over 100 days. However, what about Abraham’s patience in having to spend 25 years relying on God’s promise? If I were him, I could not do that. My faith would have weakened, and I would have been disappointed. However, Abraham waited for God without wavering. He waited at the entrance of the tent, lest he fail to recognize God who would visit him again at any time. He must have believed that God would surely come again before he died. Over the past 25 years, spending more than 9,000 days and nights, he was anxious, feeling various emotions such as anticipation, expectation, and disappointment, wondering when God would come to him again. But finally, he met God again through patience and faith.

Secondly, he received God’s gift through humble service. Even today, travelling a long distance in the ancient Near East remains a life-threatening act. It is a time when transportation is not convenient. It is also a time when neither rest areas nor villages, nor maps or roads, are functioning smoothly. At that time, a stranger passing by can be perceived as a threat to someone. Conversely, if you regard a traveller as your precious guest, it is also an act of bestowing great grace. Abraham was a wealthy man in the region and a powerful figure who commanded an army. It is safe to say that he is the representative of the small village. Such a man humbles himself by calling himself a servant and shows kindness to the pilgrims before him. I presume that this act was not merely a one-time occurrence but has been consistently performed for the past 25 years. I think that otherwise, it would have been difficult for Sarah and the servants to entertain guests so naturally. Therefore, through this generosity, Abraham confirmed God’s gift to him.

Beloved, I want us to emulate Abraham’s patience, service, and generosity. The service of love that transcends decades of waiting gives insight to my heart. Although I find it difficult to practice such giving and service, I hope that we will try every day and become people who welcome guests visiting our church and this community. I pray that the blessing of Abraham, who received a miraculous gift from God through such loving patience and labour, will also take place in your lives. Amen.