Category: Sermon

Psalm 18:7-14, Zachariah 8:16-17, and Matthew 5:1-11, 17-18

 

Last Thursday, the National Church Office hosted a webinar. It focused on residential schools and Colonization. In fact, Residential Schools were a result of Canadian churches complying with government policy at the time, and a tragedy occurred within a limited budget. Out of a total of 139 Indigenous residential schools, Catholics operated 64, Anglicans 36, United Churches 15, and Presbyterian Churches 12. Some people also had good intentions. At the same time, there were also groups with white supremacy. So, the government and the church forced cultural assimilation on Indigenous people. This happened a long time ago, and some of you here may not have a direct connection to them. However, the instructor claims. “All that was a long time ago, but it still continues. The wounds are still open.” In fact, Colonization issues, including residential schools, can be easily found on downtown streets today. And this was not the first time such a problem had occurred in Christian history. As European empires expanded, Christian theology and missionary activities justified colonial rule. The discovery of the North American continent, including the Doctrine of Discovery, and the invasion of Africa and Asia with armed force are a disgrace to the world Christian church. Therefore, most churches today have revised their mission policies from sending conquering and aggressive missionaries to sending collaborators to local churches and institutions. In fact, this uncomfortable reality is not easy to face. So the instructor also says that facing uncomfortable facts is not necessarily a bad thing. This is because, even though current children have not committed any grave wrongs, it is difficult to open up a better future without understanding the pain of the indigenous people living on this land. The fact that the life expectancy of many Indigenous people is 10 to 15 years shorter than that of Non-Indigenous people is a social problem and a future that we will continue to have to deal with. “Yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend, and today’s friend is tomorrow’s enemy.” Currently, the region below Canada was a friend to many countries in the past, but is now the most threatening. If Jesus were to come in this era, what would He tell us?

I tend to avoid sermons that make the audience feel guilty as much as possible. So, when I prepare a sermon or make eye contact with you while delivering the sermon, I try to avoid giving the impression that I am criticizing or attacking you. I am convinced that if Jesus comes to Red Deer in 2026, His priority will be the weakest. We will become followers of Jesus and follow Him. However, I expect that Jesus will go to the drug addicts on the streets, those struggling with identity confusion, and the countless Indigenous youths wandering after leaving the reserve. However, this ministry is truly not easy. This is because having the right direction and thoughts doesn’t mean the results will always be good. However, I would like to gain some insights from the words of Jesus.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Some people mourn due to material and mental distress. It is not easy for us to help them completely, but God will comfort them. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Perhaps this message sounds like a message directed at us. When you maintain gentleness, you will obtain a dwelling place in the Kingdom of God. However, maintaining meekness in life is not easy. Various factors disturb our peace of mind, such as encountering aggressive drivers on the road, seeing church buildings disrespected, receiving scam calls, losing our money and accounts to scam emails, news including next month’s referendum vote and USA tariffs, and so on. However, Jesus exhorts us. Be merciful, and you will be shown mercy.

Beloved brothers and sisters, unlike usual, I addressed political and social issues extensively in today’s sermon. If you felt any discomfort while listening, you are receiving the sermon well. The Gospel is inherently uncomfortable. Living like Christ is uncomfortable. How painful is it to take up the cross? How difficult is it to accept the Refuge and sometimes meet uncomfortable friends or acquaintances? It is also difficult to make altruistic decisions for our community, even if it means I suffer a loss.

But you, children of God, you know. When we strive for peace, God is proud of us. God will be pleased with all acts of bringing harmony to families, supporting the precious lives of those met on the street, caring for and restoring those who were once the masters of this land but have now been deprived of their status, and supporting decisions that bring peace in various political matters. I hope that you will continue to live as peacemakers in the coming week. May God bless all of us. Amen.

Psalm 145.1-8, Matthew 20:1-16, and Philippians 1:21-30

 

Heaven is like a vineyard owner going out to find workers. There is a generous landlord there. Also, workers are promised a reward whenever they come to the vineyard and work. Anyone can come to the vineyard. Instead, they must be called by the master. It is a place you must go to, even if it is very late. If you look closely at Jesus’ parable, the vineyard owner recruits workers and sends them to the vineyard early in the morning, at 9 AM, Noon, 3 PM, 5 PM, and in the evening. We can think of our lives this way, too. Some people start a life of faith at birth, in elementary school, as young adults, in their 40s or 60s, and even past 80. When I was a student minister, a teacher asked me this question. “Pastor, if someone who has attended church since childhood and someone who believed in Jesus right before they died both go to heaven equally, isn’t that unfair?” That is correct. If you think about it with human reason, you might consider it unfair. However, whether that person goes to heaven or not is a matter for God to decide. I am not a judge. Instead, one fact remains. The earlier we start our life of faith, the more spiritual training we undergo. Sometimes, you may have to go through more sacrifice, service, and conflict. However, they can be thankful for grace and rest because they believe in God. Christians who attended church from a very young age can simultaneously enjoy the privilege of living with the hope of heaven from that time on. They live acknowledging God’s existence. They live with a perspective on the created world God made. The belief that the Almighty is with them gives them the strength to rise again when they encounter the rough waves of life.

The same is true of the words in the Gospel of Matthew. In some ways, the person who came when the vineyard owner hired workers earliest in the morning would have worked for a very long time. From this worker’s perspective, it may seem unfair that he, who has worked since morning, and the worker hired in the evening receive the same pay. However, the worker hired early in the morning enjoyed a salary plus the sense of security of being chosen all day long. The worker who has been working since morning gained peace of mind knowing that he can support his family through his work today. Conversely, the worker hired in the evening would have been trembling with anxiety all day. If he cannot find work and therefore cannot even earn money to buy groceries, his family will suffer from hunger. It is hard enough to go hungry alone, but it is even harder to watch my family go hungry. However, the vineyard owner is very generous and gives all the workers the same wages to live on. However, the worker who came to the vineyard early in the morning is envious. That is correct. In this world, faith comes with responsibility, and envy and jealousy sometimes follow. Other people’s lives may seem smooth, and in some ways, someone might feel that donating to the church is a waste. There may be people who envy those who use that money to increase their wealth and do not participate in a communal religious life, only to confess their faith right before death. But God knows. He will judge, and perhaps we cannot remember everything, but we have already received much. It is something very simple but very precious. It is Jesus Christ. My heart feels warm when I think of Jesus’ love. As I meditate on His devotion toward me, I am also challenged and motivated to live an altruistic life like Jesus. Therefore, beloved, let us all live with Jesus’ love and the generosity God shows.

Secondly, let us conduct ourselves in a manner of the Gospel. Paul exhorts the believers in Philippi regarding the life of the saints. He expresses his hope for progress in faith and, at the same time, for joy in the faith. Philippi was a Roman colony where many Roman citizens lived. Therefore, emperor worship and pride in the empire were strong there. Because it was like a small Rome, the church in Philippi continued to suffer persecution and exclusion. Within the church, too, the division intensified because of conflicts among the leaders. The church faced many issues both inside and outside. It was an environment of double and triple persecution from the Romans. However, even amid the crisis, they supported Paul, who was imprisoned in a Roman prison, and soothed their worries. Even though he was facing a life-threatening situation, he was actually more worried about the church and believers he first pioneered, and he was reassuring them. “For to me, to live is Christ. To die is gain.” I think it is a very beautiful and bold confession. “Christ lives within me.” I hope that we can all make this confession. I pray that as my children look at my life, they will want to see Christ, and that my friends will look at me and hope to become Christians. In fact, humans are very imperfect. So sometimes they make mistakes with their words, and sometimes they speak ill of others. I have one thought that I have had for a long time. The point is that it would be good if Christians used more positive language about the church and its members when they are with their children or acquaintances. This is because I have sometimes seen it become a major stumbling block for non-believers when they go to church or start a life of faith. Therefore, I believe that the more mature a person is in their faith and the more grace they have received, the more carefully they should speak. This is because it is living in a manner worthy of the Gospel. I hope you become a people who encourage our neighbours and lift our members. I hope that your very existence will be good news. Therefore, I pray that we become a Knox congregation where faith grows every day and we share the joy of the life of faith. Amen.

Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 103:8-13, and Matthew 18:21-35

 

I want to begin today’s sermon with a controversial question. Our Knox Youth Group discussed this during the Bible study. The question is whether Jesus forgave Judas Iscariot. Actually, everyone probably has their own thoughts on this question. In fact, since there are some very shy people among us, if you think Jesus would have forgiven him, it would be good if you blinked your left eye. Of course, there are traditional interpretations as well as various interpretations within modern society, but honestly, I don’t know the answer. This question is like asking, “Do all criminals go to hell?” It’s like when someone asks me, and I answer, “I don’t really know.” However, I hope that after listening to today’s sermon, you will receive the rich interpretation and grace that the Bible offers.

The first reading is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Personally, I think Joseph lacked social skills in childhood, especially in how he boasted to his brothers about the various dreams he received, which earned him their hatred. However, that does not excuse the brothers’ sin of hating him and selling him to another merchant. Thus, Joseph’s life as an enslaved person in Egypt was very exhausting. He faced various difficulties and unfair situations. He was even imprisoned. He spent a considerable amount of time suffering injustice. An ordinary person might have developed a mental illness. However, thankfully, he remained hopeful. He also had a talent for interpreting dreams. God gave him a few opportunities. Although he was enslaved, he was diligent and helped those around him even in prison. This allowed him to help high-ranking officials. And eventually, he became the Prime Minister of Egypt. Under the king, he became a wise ruler who resolved the impending drought and food shortage.

However, life sometimes involves meeting people you shouldn’t meet in unexpected alleys. It is an irony. The other brothers who had abandoned him came to Egypt to find food and met Joseph. On the one hand, he has finally met his enemy. He can wait patiently and take revenge on them after his father passes away. However, he reassures his trembling brothers. “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? The One who established me is God. I am not in a position as a judge. I cannot take the place of God. Rather, God has prepared today. Although you intended to harm me, God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” It means that God, who repays evil with good, prepared Joseph to save the lives of His children. This is a truly gracious interpretation and a powerful declaration that overcomes injustice and wounds. This declaration marked the beginning of restoring the relationship between brothers who had become enemies.

If I were Joseph, could I offer such forgiveness? Honestly, I’m not confident. Even though I should write injuries in dust and benefits in marble, I can’t do it like that. Forgiveness is not easy. However, we have lived receiving a great deal of forgiveness. When we were clumsy parents, our children always tolerated our mistakes. Children always hold their parents’ hands again. And it helps immature parents overcome conflict and recover. For example, how many mistakes did we make as students or when we were starting in the workforce? However, one thing is certain: we can meet at Knox today because we have come this far thanks to the efforts of many people who understood and cared for us with love. Not only the people we have met in our lives, but also our Saviour Jesus, God the Creator, and the Holy Spirit, who is with us always, understand us. God forgives our mistakes and wrongdoings. God continues to grant us opportunities. So, we can get the strength to live a life of restoration and grace.

Beloved, Matthew 18:21 offers significant insights. Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness. “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” ²² Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

In Jesus’ time, rabbis considered forgiving someone who had wronged them three times to be a great act of tolerance. However, Peter showed a much greater tolerance, and keeping in mind the number ‘7,’ which holds great significance to the Hebrews, he asked Jesus, “Isn’t it enough to forgive seven times?” In response, Jesus exhorts him to forgive seventy-seven times, meaning he must forgive without ceasing.

In fact, today’s passage from the Gospel of Matthew is very intentional, and the author’s purpose is clear. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke share much, but today’s story appears only in Matthew. At the same time, the disciple who asks the question is identified as Peter. We know a person who denied and betrayed Jesus three times. He is Peter. Did Jesus forgive him? We can find the answer today in Jesus’ words. Jesus would have certainly forgiven him. In fact, Jesus himself continued to forgive and accept him. Of course, we are not Jesus. Therefore, it is a challenge to understand and show tolerance toward one’s enemies as Jesus did. Sometimes, it is even hard for me to forgive myself.

However, we can strive to practice Jesus’ teachings and exhortations. It means repeatedly offering forgiveness from the heart. It is to forgive today and tomorrow intentionally, and to accept the enemy within my heart. I believe that in such times, you will also realize how easy it is to tolerate people with different opinions. Beloved, God waits for our forgiveness even today. This is because forgiveness and generosity are the very beginning of love and restoration. The history of salvation for brothers and countless people through Joseph can begin here today. I hope that the history of God’s love and salvation will be realized right through us. Amen.

 

Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 and, Romans 13:8-14

 

The Book of Ezekiel is a collection of prophecies from around 586 B.C., just before the fall of the Kingdom of Judah in Israel’s history. The collapse of a nation entails not only great tangible loss but also spiritual and cultural exploitation. Therefore, invaders obliterate the language and culture that form the foundation of the colonized nation. They eliminate both spiritual and material centers of resistance. Then the empire deprives the colonized nation of many things, and it must spend a long time in a period when despair is closer than hope. Of course, Canada, a civilized nation in modern society, has demonstrated responsible behaviour regarding the issues of global refugees and chaos caused by the invasion of other countries. However, in the Bible, Israel’s case was slightly different from our situation today. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied Israel’s destruction and judgment, and later delivered restoration.

The fall of the chosen people, the ensuing judgment, Jehovah’s grace, mercy, and restoration are like a cycle in the Old Testament. When the people of Israel went astray, God sent a prophet to warn them. However, they did not respect the prophet. God raised up other great nations and empires to invade Israel. The destroyed Israel once again asks God for help. God extends a merciful hand to them and restores them. It is a repetition of history. At times, God raised up Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome to conquer Israel.

Specifically, God chooses Ezekiel as the nation’s watchman, as in verse 7. So God commands him to warn Israel. That word came from the mouth of God. Therefore, a prophet must first hear God’s word and convey it exactly as it is. God’s work begins with hearing. In an era filled with shouting and pleading prayers, pausing to wait for God’s voice requires a decision of faith. So, while I value the inspiration I receive from enthusiastic praise services, I truly love the time of rest, meditation, and worship within the Presbyterian liturgy.

The prophet’s warning to the people of Israel is based on God’s justice. Because the people’s lives at that time were far from God and evil deeds were closer than good deeds, God gave Ezekiel a heavy responsibility. It is a proclamation and an exhortation for the people to repent. It is a command to lead people away from the way of the wicked and to fully fear God. It is the destiny of a prophet and the responsibility of a person of faith. Many of the things happening in the world today are actually due to humans. In addition, this is because the current generation is enjoying many things in a short period of time that no generation in the past 2,000 years has ever enjoyed. Never in Earth’s history has there been a time like this where so many people can simultaneously order something with a single finger and have it delivered smoothly. There have been instances where a minority exploited and enjoyed benefits at the expense of the majority, whether through slavery or colonial rule. However, there has never been an era like today, when so many people can buy a car, a cell phone, a house, and multiple pieces of clothing. I even find myself hesitating in front of my closet this morning, unable to decide what to wear from among my several possessions.

Beloved, as I meditate on righteousness in this way, my heart feels heavy. It is because it keeps making me meditate on my mistakes and wrongdoings. If I only consider my own things, that is fine too. However, when that direction deviates from me and heads toward other beings and society, the word ‘Rightness’ sometimes turns into a blade. It condemns and criticizes others. It leaves scars and casts shadows of frustration and despair. So, the fate of a prophet is very challenging. Furthermore, for us believers today, praying about social issues is often accompanied by pain, much like climbing a mountain with a heavy burden. So, one thing is needed. This is the most important thing. It is love.

It is easy to criticize. However, providing alternatives and changing people is not easy. Let us consider what Saul, who would readily resort to killing people for the sake of his own version of Law and Rightness, said after becoming Paul: “8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Love fulfills all laws and makes all teachings perfect. This is because Paul learned this through Jesus. The law of Christ lies in embracing others. Seeking the benefit of others is love and the way to God’s glory. Therefore, we can understand the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. What benefit would the path toward the cross bring to Jesus? It is nothing but a path of humiliation, contempt, and dishonour. However, Jesus walked silently because at the end of that path lay the benefit of salvation for His children. That is why Paul emphasized love so that we Christians could fulfill the law of Jesus Christ.

Love is the beginning. And it is the end. We can do it just as Jesus did. Love unites the church and society and leads them to God. And we must act so that this word ‘love’ is used more as a verb rather than a noun. Just as ‘agape,’ meaning unconditional love, transforms into ‘agapao,’ which signifies a dynamically active love, we must love unconditionally and without limitation.

Finally, righteousness without love becomes a sharp sword that easily condemns and wounds others. At the same time, love without righteousness sometimes causes us to lose our sense of right and wrong. Therefore, we need to balance between the two. When love and righteousness kiss each other, we can go far together, partnering in ministry. We will not lose our identity as people of faith. We must continue to give, love, and be merciful. Let’s walk this path together. Small churches, with their limited resources and small numbers, sometimes feel overwhelmed and experience burnout. At the same time, there are also abundant opportunities for faith training and service. I have a lot of work to do. I hope that in this season of ripening and harvest, our faith will grow and take a leap forward.

Psalm 67, Matthew 15:21-28, and Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32

 

When you think of Jesus, what image of Him do you have? We have numerous images of Jesus’ ministry, such as Jesus with his disciples, performing miracles, healing people, teaching many people on a hill, entering Jerusalem riding a donkey, being crucified, resurrecting and visiting his disciples, and ascending to heaven. The message of the Gospel of Matthew today is a little unfamiliar. This is because it differs from the image of Jesus, who always embraces others and holds their hands. Jesus gives priority value to Israel’s lost sheep. Therefore, He strictly excludes the remaining outsiders. Generally, the dogs mentioned in the Bible are mostly fierce wild dogs or dogs similar to wolves. However, the original term recorded here refers to a dog raised at home. Of course, pets are precious family members, but I think I would be a little upset if I were compared to a pet or treated as having less value. In that case, we can ask: Why did Jesus say this to her?

First, it was because of the priorities of Jesus’ ministry. At that time, Jesus and his disciples were being rejected by the Jewish leaders. To the disciples who had not yet completely abandoned their Jewish habits, the regions of Tyre and Sidon were Gentile lands and unclean places. Conversely, it was a region where many Israelites were reluctant to find Jesus. So, it was a place where Jesus and his disciples could find quieter rest and recharge. Right there, the Canaanite woman cried out and earnestly and persistently asked Jesus for help. However, Jesus wanted to use the time to train the lost sheep of Israel and his disciples. Other nations and foreigners were a secondary priority for Jesus.

Secondly, many scholars believe it was to test her faith. If you look at Matthew 15:1-20, you will see the behavior of people who pride themselves on keeping God’s laws and commandments well. They distorted the interpretation of the law. The Bible and the commandments say to honor your father and mother, but they begrudged giving to their parents and claimed to have given to God, so they did not honor their parents. They also displayed double standards, using the law as a weapon to violate the commandments. Now, they use the law as a weapon to criticize Jesus and the disciples. The Pharisees and scribes, who prided themselves on knowing God best, rejected Jesus. However, it is actually the Canaanite woman, who was mistreated by the Jews, who confesses Jesus as the Messiah. This is an event in itself.

From the time she met Jesus, she called Him “Lord, Son of David.” This confession acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. Although this woman was a Gentile, she had a sound faith that the Jewish religious leaders did not. And she requested Jesus. “Have mercy on me. My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” It was a simple but earnest request. At the same time, she had faith that Jesus could heal her daughter. She kept requesting. Let’s look at Jesus’ actual reaction to her. In verse 23, Jesus did not answer a word. In verse 24, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” In verse 26, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” He refused as many as three times. No one likes being rejected by others. Sometimes, whether because of discrimination or economic hardship, it is not easy to remain resilient in the face of such exclusion. However, the woman did her best and humbly pleaded and pleaded again. Even though she was lower in priority than the people of Israel, she trusted and expected Jesus’ mercy and grace. Finally, Jesus praises her faith and speaks declaratively. “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

Consequently, it foreshadows that the gospel will be extended to the Gentiles as well. We can interpret Jesus’ specific use of the phrase “dog raised in a house” as an indication that there is a place for Gentiles to dwell in the Kingdom of God as well. However, no matter how much a dog is raised in the house, Jesus deliberately contrasts ‘children’ and ‘dogs’ to remind us of this point. What we must note here is that this means the priority regarding the Gospel belongs to the Jews, but it certainly does not mean that Gentiles cannot join the ranks of the Gospel. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that Jesus did not refuse the Canaanite woman’s plea but healed her daughter’s illness, and later gave his disciples the Great Commission to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, thereby opening the door of the gospel to the Gentiles.

 

Lastly, God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. God’s mercy and grace are directed toward all people. Therefore, He invites us every day to live as the people of the Kingdom of God. Even though the people of Israel sometimes failed to trust God’s promises and worshipped foreign gods, God’s promise of salvation did not fall to the ground. The Creator’s compassion has no limits toward us, to the extent that God even used the extreme method of sending Jesus to this earth. Presbyterian doctrine emphasizes God’s sovereign election and justification more than other denominations. Even though humans are full of mistakes, even if we lose our way, even if we are lacking and commit sins, God has chosen us. The Creator decided to make us righteous. Therefore, God conveyed the righteousness of Jesus to us and elevated our status to that of children of God. All of this is due to faith in God and God’s grace and mercy. Let us spend this week giving thanks to God, who predestined our salvation and guides us. Because of this, we are always guided by God and can humbly make requests every day. I pray that God’s mercy be with you. Amen.