Category: Sermon

Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, and Matthew 10:40-42

I had a very busy week. Actually, rather than having many schedules, there were a lot of things to think about. The lectionary also invited me to cover very important and in-depth topics.

The first is death. Recently, gun-related accidents have been occurring all over the country. There have been incidents where a considerable number of police officers lost their lives for the sake of public safety. What particularly impressed me was that broadcasters live-streamed the funerals of these police officers. I recently watched parts of the Funeral for Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto on CTV. I feel that the culture of the entire society mourning together, including the funeral of Vancouver Police Officer Shaelyn Yang last year, is precious.

There are various ways to interpret and mourn death from a humanities perspective. Differences in religion can arise depending on the interpretation of continuity and discontinuity regarding life and death. There are psychological and philosophical approaches surrounding loss and healing. As seen in the collective memorial service for police officers mentioned earlier, there is a culture of sharing communal solidarity and memories. Here, the Bible and theology share diverse perspectives on death. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can confirm a connection to a world beyond the time on Earth where the body resides. Furthermore, today, as in the words of Genesis, we discover God, who uses even death as a tool to test our faith.

How can we understand God’s command to offer Abraham’s only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering to God? This is a completely different matter from asking someone to pluck the stars from the sky when dating. Honestly, if God were to ask me to sacrifice my son Sean’s life for God, I wouldn’t be able to do it. I simply expect and pray that the God I believe in will not demand such things from me, at least. Of course, God simply wanted to confirm Abraham’s obedience based on his faith. Abraham proved his faith through very fundamental and thorough obedience. God praised him as He saw that he did not withhold anything in the world from God. Abraham’s determination to return everything he has because it was given by God is very sincere. Even if God required my death, it would be difficult to obey, so the command to offer my children is very tough. However, God tests him so that many people may take Abraham as a model through him. Abraham’s attitude of placing no great value on anything before God challenges today’s Christians who fear God. The important thing is whether I, like Abraham, am choosing God first and above all other values.

Today, we will have Holy Communion shortly. What can we remember today through the death of Jesus? The fact is that even if it differs from my will, if God wills it, I must do God’s work. We can reflect on whether we have the faith to obey, even if we cannot understand all of God’s plans through our own reason, knowledge, and experience. Jesus also struggled. However, just like Jesus, who finally obeyed God’s will, and like Abraham, I want to walk this path of faith that transcends death with you today. This journey of faith is never easy. So, prayer is needed, and companions in faith are needed.

As one example, there were drug-addicted homeless people on the church lawn last Thursday. Glenn Allen was mowing the lawn and watering, but the homeless’ condition was not good. The Safe Harbour social division team arrived and attempted to handle the situation, but they were unable to do so. Unlike the typical case of fentanyl addiction, where physical signs are low, he ran around wildly here and there. He crossed the road across the middle school playground, and eventually, peace officers and even the RCMP were dispatched. As a result, the Safe Harbour team found him. It made me think a lot. It was a very pitiful situation, and at the same time, it was one in which the children at the daycare center and the middle school students could feel threatened. In addition, the young man under the influence of drugs was also at risk of being involved in a traffic accident. In addition, as part of our mission, we sometimes receive complaints, both large and small. For some, this can easily turn into criticism, with people asking, “How could the church do such a thing?” I actually receive a stipend for my ministry, but it deeply hurts my heart when church members who volunteer are criticized by others.

However, I thought about it the other way around. I think that such things can happen because of the high expectations for Christians and the high demands from society on the Knox congregation. The question, “Shouldn’t a church be like this?” is asked only when the church still has a reason to exist. People do not demand such expectations or high standards from churches that have stopped growing and are just waiting to close their doors. People are making requests of us because we are seen as a church with the capacity for a mission. I invite you to continue this precious ministry. Amen.

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.

Psalm 50:7-15, Hosea 5:15-6.6, and Romans 4:13-25

 

The prophet Hosea was active in the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BC. He had the nickname “Prophet of Love.” He was active until 722 BC, when Northern Israel was destroyed. The time when a prophet is actively working is, in fact, a negative expression. This is because the prophet’s diligent proclamation of God’s word and warning to the citizens signify that the times were corrupt. At that time, Northern Israel was ruled by Jeroboam II. It was politically and economically more stable than Southern Judah. However, paradoxically, they were arrogant due to their economic wealth. They distanced themselves from God and overestimated their military power. Instead of serving God, they were intoxicated by worldly comforts. This shows just how dangerous the idea that one can be perfectly happy without God is. Hosea was called in this era and left this book of prophecy to warn the people of Northern Israel and Southern Judah.

When we look at Hosea as an individual, we can see that he is a truly pitiful person. Although he came from a family of prophets, he ultimately failed to prevent the nation’s destruction. The wife betrays him and keeps looking for another man. He had to obey God’s command to forgive his wife, who was constantly having an affair. It is hard to imagine how painful this is. In fact, this is because when we suffer deep wounds and fall into hardship, they often come from the people we usually trust and are closest to us. However, Hosea forgives his wife who abandoned her husband and turned her back on the family. This is because God wanted Hosea to demonstrate God’s mercy and promise through these actions.

Of course, the prophet Amos, who was active about 40 years before him, attempted to bring about change in the corrupt society of Northern Israel. He sought a society where God’s justice is realized. On the other hand, Hosea focused on individual faith and spiritual transformation from idolatry. So, as stated in verse 1, he exhorted the people. “Come, let us return to the Lord.”

Beloved, what is the foundation of your faith? Some people think it is knowledge of the Bible. Some people might think of it as God’s great and wide love. Others might call it a prayer life. Some people might say that church members are the foundation of faith. All of these are correct. Considering the situation in Northern Israel at the time, the prophet Hosea believed that knowing God was important. Even if patients have the same disease, doctors prescribe different treatments depending on the symptoms. Likewise, Hosea thought that what the audience at the time needed was to know God’s character and the promise of salvation. The prophet encouraged the people to trust in the expectation and promise that, even if we are currently undergoing trials for our great wrongdoings, God will not abandon us. So it was so extreme that he even argued strongly that God desires mercy rather than sacrifice. In this way, God desires mercy and acknowledgment of God from us.

Most Korean men are very afraid of their partners asking, “Is there anything different about me?” when dating. A perceptive person might notice that their girlfriend has been to the hair salon or changed her makeup. However, I am not a person with great talent here. The questioner’s intention is clear: they want me to take more interest in them. In the Book of Exodus, God is portrayed as jealous. God is jealous, telling us to focus on God instead of other idols and false gods. The Creator sends a prophet to warn us to look only at God, focus on God, take more interest in God, and strive to know God. This request from God is still valid today. The point is that we must trust in God’s mercy and strive to know God more. I hope that we will adjust our priorities so that God becomes the most important part of our lives and focus more on Him.

Finally, God requires even stronger faith from us. We can understand this through the Apostle Paul’s expression regarding Abraham. Abraham’s pure faith made him the heir of the world and the father of faith. Even at that time when he was biologically unable to have children, he trusted in God’s promise. He was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God. God looked upon him as righteous because of his confident actions. It means that righteousness was obtained through firm trust in God. And this is the same invitation not only to the members in the Roman region reading Paul’s letter, but also to us today. God looks upon us as righteous because we believe that Jesus has risen.

I hope that we all become people who trust in God and abide in His grace, just like Abraham, Paul, and Jesus, who were good models. Therefore, I pray that you give glory to God and share that love with your neighbours. Amen.

Psalm 8, Matthew 28:16-20, and 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

 

Among the various news stories from last week, the passing of Elder Donna Richard’s husband and Elder Barb Cormack’s resignation were a shock to me. Barb has been discussing with me over the past month how to proceed wisely with this process for herself and the church. I hope she continues to fulfill, in part, the role she has been fulfilling so far. However, I respect both her life and her choices. Also, the news of Ernie Richard’s passing, whom I met a few months ago, reminded me of God’s calling that comes without warning. I am simply asking for your prayers for Donna and her family.

Beloved, I often ponder the role of a Christian. “As a person of faith, is my life close to the life of a disciple?” I ask myself. The theological education I received in my 20s led me to respond actively to social issues. So, during my undergraduate years, I served as my department representative. I frequently participated in parades, and at the graduate school of theology, I actively engaged with a gender equality club on campus. However, I faced a dilemma. It was precisely the fact that discussing various issues within the church sometimes makes the church community uncomfortable. One group within the church preferred to interpret social issues from the perspective of the Bible and theology. However, another group did not want pastors to address social issues. They wanted that responsibility left to individual church members. I understand both sides. This is because the ministry environments of the churches I have served have included conservative, progressive, and moderate areas at times. Of course, I still believe that the foundation of my pastoral direction and philosophy is to look to God, respect my members, and find the path of faith—that is my role. Today, Jesus’ final words and the Apostle Paul’s final exhortation help us to feel Jesus’ clear will and the Apostle Paul’s comfort.

The first is Jesus’ words of exhortation. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus’s exhortation to His disciples is very simple and clear: Go and baptize the people of all nations in the name of the Triune God, and preach My teachings. Some theologians criticize this Bible verse as Christian nationalism. Of course, some churches in the past made mistakes by engaging in aggressive and hostile missionary work in Third World countries. Other churches are still striving to send missionaries to all nations and peoples to keep this verse. Currently, mainstream Canadian denominations have changed their missionary policies compared with those of the 19th and 20th centuries. We are sending collaborators to established churches around the world and developing local communities to build the foundation of the Gospel. In fact, I think these two methodologies should proceed simultaneously. I am saying that we must preach the gospel to every corner of the world exactly as Jesus said, and strive to continue administering baptism.

One of the things I have often heard since coming to Canada is the criticism that North American society is becoming more liberal and that the church is experiencing a crisis within Religious Pluralism. Due to the church’s past mistakes, we have become cautious about spreading the gospel to Third World regions, including Indigenous people. Secularization and various problems, both large and small, inside and outside the church, have lowered the church’s credibility. Conversely, regarding Religious Pluralism, while we respect other cultures and religions, we have reached a situation where Christianity faces reverse discrimination in communist countries, Islamic countries, Buddhist countries, and Jewish-majority regions. There are currently numerous countries that persecute Christians, and this is an undeniable fact. Turkey and Egypt, which have now effectively become Islamic regions, were places where Christianity flourished in the past. The Coptic Church of Egypt and the Orthodox Church of Turkey boast a long history dating back to the 1st century. The churches in North Korea and China experienced a great revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. Christianity distributed the Bible to them, enabled citizens to learn the language, allowed women to enter society, and contributed to the advancement of equality and rights. However, under the current authoritarian regime, freedom of religion is being severely restricted. Conversely, what is it like within Canadian society? From the nation’s founding until the 1950s, Bible study and recitation of the Lord’s Prayer took place in schools. In response to this, starting in the 1980s, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was amended to guarantee freedom of religion. Still, the sharing of religious discourse in public places began to be restricted. I feel that a solemn social atmosphere has emerged where one cannot even ask about religion among close acquaintances or colleagues. I encourage you to find a wise way to make disciples in this situation. This is because the Lord has called us to this work and wants us to continue this ministry.

The following is Paul’s final exhortation to the Corinthians. We can read Paul’s heart as he looked upon the Corinthian church of that time, which had not yet overcome the wounds of division. “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.” The exhortation to encourage one another, be of one mind, and dwell in the peace of the Lord serves as evidence that the church at that time failed to do so. The groups within the church could not be at peace with one another. They excessively prioritized their own thoughts and even attacked the Apostle Paul. Only their own thoughts and righteous values ​​existed within the church, and the love and peace of Jesus were lost. However, such a sight can still occur today, 2,000 years later. I, too, often face the temptation to run the church according to my own thoughts and will. Therefore, to humble myself before the cross, submit, and live a life of humility, I ask myself: “Am I a disciple of Christ right now? Am I fulfilling my responsibilities and roles before God as a Christian?” I hope we can answer this question with an Amen. I want us to build a community filled with God’s peace and comfort with even greater humility, just as the Apostle Paul gave in his final exhortation. And I pray that we may faithfully go forth with one heart to preach the gospel of Christ. Amen.