Tag: Rev. Jaebok Gu

John 12:1-8. Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14;

 

Last Sunday, I was very moved by the intergenerational worship service. Many people tell me they are very proud of our children. I feel grateful that I can see hope and the future of our church.

We are all currently in the midst of Lent. In particular, today’s message is a series of very solemn words. This happened the day before Jesus entered Jerusalem. Just before that, Jesus visits Lazarus’ house. Mysteriously, in today’s reading, Mary pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. The Gospel of Matthew records differently that it was poured on Jesus’ head. This perfume is called Nerdo in Hebrew, and it is also known as Valeriana perfume. By the way, this was not produced in Israel at the time. At that time, people could only obtain what was made in India through traders. Of course, even today, to buy good Valeriana perfume, you have to pay at least $500 per lb. Moreover, the perfume offered to Jesus was of the highest quality and was worth 300 days’ wages of a worker at the time; therefore, we can infer that a year’s wages were poured out for Jesus. That’s a lot of money. She spent a year’s salary in one moment.

When we think about it rationally, we can not understand it. If I were there at the time, I wouldn’t have been able to understand Mary’s actions either. But Jesus explains. These are verses 7 and 8. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

These are the words of Jesus that pierce my heart. Even with Judas Iscariot, among the disciples who lived together for three years, no one prepared for Jesus’ future more accurately than Mary. Among the actions of Jesus in the past, they only looked at miracles and splendor. They only thought about their status, wealth, and fame. They were unable to meditate on the meaning of each step Jesus took toward Jerusalem.

However, Jesus shows God’s plan very symbolically here at Bethany, where Lazarus was risen again. He said. “Mary is now preparing for my burial.” However, Jesus, who overcomes even death, prepares for death. That’s very ironic. The disciples did not understand Jesus’ words at this time either. Rather, because many people began to believe in Jesus through Lazarus, chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well. I think that through this symbolic scene of Jesus revisiting Lazarus’ house, he was showing his disciples that there is a new stage in Jesus’ path after death. So. My entry into Jerusalem is a path to death. But it clearly shows that it doesn’t end there.

Mary took part in this. The important thing is this. She made holy consumption and holy offerings to participate in God’s work. I can’t understand it rationally. However, the church’s ministry and mission are similar in this regard. From the world’s perspective, it is unwise to donate money, time, or talent to the church. They cannot understand rationally. As you all know, you are a little older than I am. Nevertheless, many people dedicate themselves, like young people, to the missionary work of the church. A month ago, two church members invited several people to Shrove Tuesday. Some of them visited the Church. If you look purely at economic value, it is efficient to buy several pancakes from Albert’s restaurant next to the church and give them to them. This is an event that requires the time, talent, and financial resources of many members. But what we can remember is that we participate in the Lord’s ministry to invite them. We also find their experience visiting our church invaluable. It is also essential for us to continue our training as disciples of the Lord. This way, we can become more rooted in Ross Street and understand the area better. This is holy spending. And it is a sacred seed.

The Psalmist sings: “⁵ Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. ⁶ Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

Israel’s seasons are hot and dry, lasting from April to October. Additionally, the rainy season continues from November to March as Mediterranean winds blow. Surrounding Jerusalem are the Judean Desert to the west and the Plains of Israel to the north. So, Samaria, located approximately 170 km northwest of Jerusalem and east of Galilee, is a granary of various grains, including fruits and nuts. However, as we well know, there are desert-like areas to the right of Israel. On the way from Jerusalem to Jericho, there is a dry valley made of sandstone called Wadi-Qelt. When it rains here, it turns into a river. The same goes for the Negev mentioned in verse 4 of Psalm. It’s like a desert. During the dry season, many areas, including this one, become wilderness. Seeds need to be sown in the spring, but there are times when rainfall is insufficient. However, if farmers miss this period, they have to sow it during the drier summer months. Then, their chances of harvesting decrease even further. Even if there is a water shortage now, significant losses are expected in the future, so farmers must rely on God and sow seeds.

Of course, the original Biblical word for seed here could be interpreted as a costly seed or a massive sack of seeds. This is a very precious seed. But they put their hope in God and sow it generously. Not everyone can guarantee the growth and harvest of these seeds. But God makes a promise to us. It is through the psalmist and the Word. They will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Although the seed sown may have high value from the farmer’s perspective, God promises more significant results.

Yes. We will sow the seeds of the gospel in the past, present, and future. Sometimes, people in the world or rationally may have doubts or skepticism. And if we only look at one aspect at that moment, we may think that efficiency is low. However, Jesus became a farmer himself and planted the gospel in Israel and humankind. And now he has taken root in our lives as the seed of the gospel itself. We are all the result, and at the same time, we are also the seeds. Let’s run towards Red Deer, Alberta, and the rest of the world. God’s prize will be yours. Amen.

Matt. 4: 18 – 22; Psalm 32 v1 and 8; and 1 Corinthians 13 4-7, 13

 

We are preparing many things ahead of Easter, which is scheduled for April 20th. Children practice handbells and draw pictures related to Jesus. Adults conduct Bible studies about the areas where Jesus worked. Also, as a union of churches, each church takes turns preparing for the noon service. Sometimes, our minds can be hectic. But it is significant to remember Jesus, who loved us so much that he came to this world.

The stories in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, at the beginning of the New Testament, are the episodes that Jesus and his disciples experienced together, and the parts that the authors wanted to remember and emphasize. Therefore, there are some differences in the way the author taught lessons to the community they belonged to and lived in.

The story of Jesus and his disciples in today’s Gospel excites me. This is the story of Jesus calling four disciples who were fishermen. Luke’s Gospel provides a more detailed explanation of this episode. Jesus meets the fishermen who have been trying to catch fish all night. Then Jesus commands them to take the boat back to the lake and cast their nets. Peter and his companions cast a net and caught a large number of fish. Even though the experienced fishermen worked all night long, they hadn’t seen any fish, but Jesus helped them grab a surprising number of fish. They were surprised because it was likely a more significant catch of fish than they had ever experienced before. And now Jesus invites them to do something more valuable than making money by catching and selling fish. They immediately begin three years with Jesus, following His words.

Isn’t it fascinating? Of course, the disciples may feel that Jesus is different from other people just by letting them catch so many fish in the boat. Or maybe there were rumors about him in Galilee at the time. Or, as in Chapter 1 of the Gospel of John, Peter and Andrew may have recognized Jesus at once because they were initially disciples of John the Baptist and had been waiting for Jesus for a long time. What is important is that when Jesus called his disciples, they were pleased. So they were very excited.

Jesus did many things together with his disciples. In these three short years, he worked many miracles. He trained his disciples. He taught people correct lessons about the Bible and the Law. Sometimes, he fought against people who had wrong beliefs. But in the end, according to God’s will and plan, he went one step at a time to the cross. And He was resurrected. Reflecting on this journey of faith, we can consider why Jesus and his disciples engaged in this kind of ministry.

That’s because they had faith, hope, and love. They had faith in God. They had hope for the kingdom of God. They all had an overflowing love for people, including the Israelites. The apostle Paul expresses that among faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love. I also agree. Because love is the beginning and end. Thus, love is the greatest. Let’s sing about love today. Let us sing of our faith and hope toward God. Let us sing of the God who invites us, like his disciples, into his ministry. May the Lord bless us. Amen.

Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 

When we purchase something, we have expectations about it. So here is my mobile phone. When I bought this, I expect it to be good at connecting calls with other people. In The Westminster Shorter Catechism, the first question is the most essential purpose of human beings. The Human’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy the Creator forever. When God created humans, the purpose was to make the world beautiful and bring glory to God. But what will the Creator think if humans do not live according to that purpose?

Now, let’s think about it from the perspective of a farmer. In Vancouver, I grew plants by sowing seeds in pots every year. I planted flowers one year, lettuce the following year, and tomatoes last year, but they did not bear fruit well. The tomatoes turned out the best, and I gave them as gifts to my neighbors when I moved to Red Deer. Of course, there is a reason why it does not bear fruit. It is because of the farmer who is not skilled. Honestly, I am clumsy at farming. However, as in Jesus’ parable today, he speaks of a fig tree that does not bear fruit.

First, it is the perspective of Jesus and the vineyard’s owner. There was a fig tree in front of my home. The tree produced fruit well without much care. However, fig trees are easy to grow, but they soon attract other insects once they bear fruit. So it gets easily damaged. So, once it bears fruit, it must be sold immediately. It grows exceptionally well in West Asia, such as Türkiye and Israel. Sometimes, Costco sells sun-dried figs, which are grown there.

Conversely, what about grapes? Grapes require a lot of care from farmers. Pests easily damage it. It spoils well and is greatly affected by temperature changes. So farmers need to fertilize and manage it well. Also, once the grapes bear fruit, they have a lot of uses. The fig tree can be used to make various products, including jam. It has good storage properties so that it can be moved across the country. Profitability is also good.

However, the fig tree has not produced fruit for three years. This isn’t common because fig trees usually bear fruit the year they are planted. However, even if the master waited three times, he could not see the figs. The vineyard owner may feel like he has wasted time and money. He may regret planting the vine there instead.

Second is the perspective of a vineyard manager. I presume that the vineyard manager is someone who the landowner trusts. So, I think the owner did not fire the person caring for the fig tree, which had not produced fruit for three years. He did his part. The point is that the vineyard was well managed. And he asks the owner, who criticized the fig tree again. ⁸ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

If he had been an unfaithful farmer, the owner would not have respected his words upon hearing this. However, what I want to pay attention is the heart of the vineyard farmer. ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.

Please give me one more chance. It sounds like a lawyer speaking in court. Give him one more opportunity. I will become his guardian and take good care of him.

Third is the fig tree’s perspective. Since Jesus spoke in parables, let us think we are a fig tree. Strangely enough, a fig tree was planted in the vineyard. The owner expected that he would be able to get the fruit quickly. But the fig tree feels unfair. ‘Everyone is a vine except me.’ We can think it may have been confused about its own identity. When a fig tree sees grape vines, it may mistakenly believe I am a vine. Why can’t I bear grapes? It may frustrate the tree. I’m healthier than the vines, so why aren’t the grapes growing? Maybe I will get cut off. The tree can feel anxious.

Today, I am giving a sermon in a different way than usual. I think of God, Jesus, and humans in the images of the vineyard owner, farmer, and fig tree. When we look at the vineyard owner, we can think of God being upset. God created humans and sent them to this earth because the Creator wanted them to be happy with him, but they did not live according to that purpose. Sometimes, he judged them by flooding through massive waters. They were kicked out of their homes, ruled by other countries, and had their freedom taken away. However, it does not meet God’s desires and expectations. However, at that very moment, Jesus, like a vineyard farmer, is positioned as a mediator between God and humans. He is trusted by God just as the vineyard owner trusts him. He does his best to serve humanity. It’s 100 percent dedication. And he says it to God. Please give them another chance.

Perhaps we humans are like the fig tree and do not even know what we did wrong. Someone can say it like this. “I just feel wronged. I just lived the way I was born.”  Without knowing the purpose of being born on this earth, human beings can live in this world, looking for what they are comfortable with and like. People can just be happy and follow other people’s trends. For the sake of humankind, Jesus is taking steps toward the cross today, one step at a time. Like the farmer who does his best for his fig tree, we can see God’s plan for us here.

God expects us to bear the fruit of faith. The Creator expects us to bear the fruit of hope. The love of God expects us to bear the fruit of love. Now, we have been guaranteed another opportunity through Christ let us spread the gospel to people like the fig tree who have forgotten the purpose of living in this world. The end will be a happy ending that we can all enjoy together. Amen.

Luke 9: 37-43, Psalm 27, and Philippians 3: 17- 4:1

 

Today’s Gospel of Luke includes Jesus’ various intentions for us. Among them, I see Jesus coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration and rebuking the disciples and the Boy’s father for their lack of faith. Verse 41 also has significant meaning. Through these words, Jesus foretells that he will not be with the Israelites long. Of course, it is not enough to precisely interpret that there was a prediction of Jesus’ passion and resurrection. However, through these comments of Jesus, we can realize that Jesus knew God’s will and plan more clearly during prayer. The third thing is that Jesus rebuked the impure spirit. By the power of God, demons were driven out. What can we learn from this very brief, dramatic scene?

First, we can imagine the situation in Israel at that time. We remember that Jesus performed many miracles. Among them, the ministry of casting out demons appears everywhere. Even today, casting out demons occurs in some countries. However, these places generally lack medical facilities. This phenomenon is common in societies suffering physically and mentally from war, famine, and poverty. At this time, it is natural to invite the highest religious leader in the society to seek a solution. Looking at Israel’s situation at the time, it was a colonial life under the continuous rule of the Babylonian Empire, the Persian Empire, and Rome. In the meantime, some people resisted for the country’s independence. However, what came back was an even more devastating military suppression. The lives of people ruled by other countries are tough. Politics and economy are unstable. There isn’t enough food either. Also, taxes are very high. There is no strong friend country that stands on Israel’s side. This is the sorrow of a weak country. Citizens of these countries suffer from diseases big and small. It isn’t easy to receive treatment in time. Not only are there a shortage of doctors, but there is also a shortage of medications to prescribe them. So there were no groundbreaking alternatives other than basic methods such as applying olive oil or keeping clean. There must have been a lot of resentment built up in the hearts of these people. Even if they resist social problems, they cannot solve them. Some of them are physically ill and fall into wrong thoughts. Sometimes they have delusions and even threaten people. What they need more than anything is plenty of food, comfort, love, and hospitality.

The case is a little different, but a guest who wasn’t familiar with the Soup mission came to visit last week. And he ate soup with us. Under the guidance of a church member, he went down to the lower hall and ate soup. I don’t know how many bowls he ate. He also had some tea and a snack and left quietly. I remember his face before he came to church and when he left the church. At first he seemed very tired. It was hard to feel vitality in his face. However, after eating together and being welcomed by church members, I saw him leave with great confidence on his face. Although it is a tiny thing, our church is doing these things. Although we are not Jesus and cannot drive out the impure spirit, we can drive out the darkness in a person’s heart. It is through faith and love. And we too can handle the Lord’s ministry and have the Lord’s hope. We know the service you do throughout Red Deer. In addition, I remember and bless your precious spirit of service and support through the church. And we experience that the light of hope can shine into a person’s life through us. That’s how we become miracle makers. This is possible through faith in God.

How about David who wrote Psalm 27? Before becoming king, he had to fight on the battlefield. He received both jealousy and threats from opposing forces, including King Saul. He suffered enough to record wicked and enemies in the Bible. But he was not discouraged. Instead, he relied on and trusted God more. As verse 1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” The Lord, who is light, guided David. And Creator leads us. Let us now shine the light we received back into the world like a mirror. Let us trust like David in the Lord, who is the power of life. Ultimately, we will experience verse 13. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Recently, the president of a country offered to sell a gold card that would lead to citizenship for $5 million. Of course, I don’t know if it’s worth it. However, citizenship defines where I belong and my identity. As I spoke during my recent visit, Canadians, Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese take pride in their countries. Many countries in East Asia are not friendly with each other. Among Westerners, military strategists often worry that China, Japan, and South Korea might ally. But that is not possible. Cooperation is difficult because both parties have extreme pride and self-esteem. What power does citizenship have? The country begins with protecting its citizens. Canada’s strength comes from projecting its capabilities to rescue its citizens when they are in trouble abroad. During the coronavirus pandemic, when citizens on a cruise in Japan were detained, a charter flight was sent to rescue them. It also rescued Pastor Hyeonsu Lim of Toronto, detained while traveling to North Korea.

What is the power of heavenly citizenship? It is the peace of knowing that I am under the influence of God’s kingdom. It is a belief that God protects me with his almighty arms. It is the joy that She gives me as a gift. You don’t have to worry about this happiness being taken away from you. There is no need to be anxious. Therefore, we need to understand the kingdom of heaven and how it defines us. As citizens of heaven, we learn and use the language of heaven. It is the language of love. It is a language of encouragement. It is a language that cares for and saves our neighbors in need. Also, as citizens, we must follow the law. What are the laws of the kingdom of God? It’s simple. This is how to love God and love your neighbors. And it was refined into 10 detailed provisions.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stand firm in the Lord in this way! The Lord, who is light, will heal us all, give us strength, and guide us all on His path. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Amen.

Luke 4:1-13; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; and Romans 10:8b-13

 

It’s the first Sunday of Lent. Jesus Christ prayed on a mountain and was tempted in the wilderness before his public ministry. And as we meditate on the various episodes and his ministry that will follow, we will meditate on his actions until Easter. We invited our neighbors over for Shrove Tuesday and shared a meal. We plan to hold the Imposition of Ashes ceremony today. Many Christians think of themselves as sinners before God and indebted to the gospel. At the same time, we confess that we are beneficiaries of Jesus Christ’s endless love and grace. At this point, it is meaningful that we invited the apartment residents across the street and shared time with them last Tuesday.

Inviting or reaching out to someone is not easy these days. I have to make time for it and share my gifts, including my talent and money. No matter how hard we try, results are not guaranteed. Therefore, spreading the gospel becomes increasingly tricky as society becomes more prosperous and advanced. But God has commanded us to do this mission. And this is what Jesus Christ himself showed. I am just grateful that our church is being used for this work. We can respond to requests from our neighbors. So I am happy and thankful for my ministry at Knox. I hope you all are twice or three times as happy as I am.

In Romans verse 10, Paul says: “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Paul, who preached the gospel to Gentiles, emphasized faith repeatedly. He stressed the importance of faith wherever he went. He emphasized faith in God and Jesus as the Christ to members of the regions he visited. He sowed the seeds of the gospel in this way. It was a very long journey, and it is said that if they acknowledge and believe in Jesus as Lord, He will enrich them and provide salvation. This is a straightforward principle. However, there may be some people who have difficulty accepting this. Faith in God means accepting it with your heart and confessing it with your mouth. So you can experience the gifts and help of the Holy Spirit and gain confidence.

When we face a financial or emotional crisis, we remember those who help us. Some people value me enough to risk their lives for me. There is no need to show that much kindness to us, but that person always gives us more love than we deserve. I don’t have enough energy to raise two children. By the way, even though he has many children, he has no shortage of love to give them. Even if their children ask for many things, they do not show any displeasure. That’s why I love this person, but on the other hand, I always feel sorry. I live with the grace He gives me. His name is Jesus; sometimes, he is a good friend and a great gift. So I preach this person’s story every Sunday morning. During my preaching class, the professor said this. Many sermons today do not contain Jesus Christ. The point is that Christ-centered sermons have been lost in the flood of sermons. We all have Jesus together. We remember that love and carry it with us in our lives. Just as a mother spends 40 weeks embracing her child, we also want to spend the 40 days of Lent praying for someone in our lives with the love of Jesus. I want to remember them for that person’s salvation and provide good service for 40 weeks. In this way, we sow the seeds of the gospel and look forward to sharing the joy of salvation with Him, Jesus, and us at Christmas later this year.

Next, confession of faith is always accompanied by tests. Jesus goes into the desert full of the Holy Spirit. He remains there for 40 days. The wilderness and the number 40 are intentionally written, as Israel escaped from slavery in Egypt and entered the land of Judah after 40 years in the wilderness. There he was tempted by the devil. We can think about it. Do the devil or Satan have so much power that they can stand against the Son of God? However, knowing who led Jesus into the wilderness is essential before this question. The Holy Spirit led Jesus there. The point is that Satan was active amid God’s guidance and plan. Jesus was innocent and had divine power. That is why he was sent into the wilderness to experience the various temptations and tests humans experience. He was crucified as a representative of humankind. He paid the price for humanity’s sins. Because Jesus defeated Satan, anyone who believes in Jesus has now been given the ability to overcome Satan.

Looking at the temptation Jesus faced, we can see human weakness. In the wilderness, the difference in temperature between day and night is significant. He also fasts. It’s time to continue to feel physical difficulties. At that time, devil said to him. “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”(3) “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.”(6,7) “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.”(9)

The first test tempts him to make bread from a single stone and eat it. Tests always start from something small like this. Before enlisting in the military, I worked part-time at a convenience store warehouse for about six months. At that time, there was an incident where the police caught five workers. When they were thirsty, they secretly drank beverages from the storehouse. This was the start. Next, they stole expensive cookies, and then they bribed a truck driver to steal a large quantity of alcohol and other items, and were caught. Like this, temptation starts small.

The second test is humans’ desire for authority and splendor. Recently, I had this thought while having a conversation with a doctor. It is about the extent of a person’s desire for advancement and achievement. There is a man. He has been fighting cancer for a long time. Now that he is terminally ill, he has little time left to live. By the way, he was appointed as the highest police officer in a country. What choice would you make at this time? The doctor told me that this was the time to let go of everything and take the time to heal fully. But the man put off treatment, got promoted, and faced a health crisis.

However, Jesus overcame all these temptations and tests. I cannot say that it is very easy to overcome many temptations if you believe. However, by relying on Psalm 14 today, I hope we can overcome when we are tested. ““Because you love me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue you; I will protect you, for you acknowledge my name.” Amen.