Tag: Rev. Jaebok Gu

John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10, and 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11

 

Last Sunday, we reflected on the baptism of Jesus Christ. And this week, Jesus’ public service began in earnest. As the first event, we think of Jesus changing water into wine. When I think about this incident, I picture the characters in it. Jesus, his disciples, Jesus’ mother, servants, the master of the banquet, the bridegroom, and the guests. The wine at the wedding banquet was gone. What if we are having a church communion event, and there are too many people that day and the wine we prepared is not enough? Perhaps the elders and I will be embarrassed. Of course, even if we are embarrassed, I hope more believers will come than the wine we prepared. However, very mysteriously, wine runs out at Cana’s wedding banquet. This phenomenon can happen at any time. However, Jesus’ mother intervenes. “They have no more wine.” Mary did not make a direct request to Jesus. But she knew. Jesus can do anything. She might think that Jesus can help them in his way. From this point on, the phenomenon changes into an event. She told the servants to follow whatever Jesus told them. There are no specific records of her relationship with the groom. But she wanted this feast to go well. She didn’t want people to criticize the bride and groom for not having enough food, including wine. She would be eager to bless the beginning. Of course, it could be a closer relationship. It is crucial here that the servants also did what Jesus told them to do. This happened before the miracles and rumors of Jesus Christ spread. However, despite this, Mary knew the power of Jesus, and the banquet servants obeyed Jesus’ commands. These things cannot be understood by just looking at the phenomenon. Jesus’ mother had faith that Jesus would bring about change with water.

The servants also showed faith by silently following orders to fill the jar with water and deliver it to the banquet master. All of this came together, and a miracle occurred. The water changed into a higher quality wine than the first. If done wrong, the servant, Mary, and Jesus could all be humiliated. But a miracle occurred. Why is that so? Because they had belief. Even if I am lacking, even if I am weak, Jesus can do it. And even though He is now by God’s side, the Holy Spirit is with us.

Sometimes, things happen that we cannot understand with human knowledge. Miracles sometimes occur through God’s good stewards. But before this, I would like to draw attention to the gifts of the Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit, like the air, is always with us. He gives us gifts. They are just messages of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing, different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Here, Paul reveals that the Holy Spirit gives the gifts (verses 1-3). Remembering this is very important. No matter how many different gifts a person possesses, they can become arrogant if they forget this point. And such self-righteous people develop a sense of entitlement and discount the gifts of others. In the end, this attitude amounts to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the source of all gifts. Indeed, the Holy Spirit gives each person various gifts depending on their individuality and needs (verses 4-6, 11). Thus, some people have gifts related to the Word, others associated with the power of faith, and others related to speaking in tongues (verses 8-10).

However, these various gifts do not have different purposes; they have only one common purpose. It is to achieve the will of the Holy Spirit, the source of all gifts. Of course, the Holy Spirit intends to establish a common good (verse 7). In that sense, all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are unified. Therefore, it is essential for those who have received these gifts to recognize the origin, purpose, and diversity of the gifts and use them appropriately for their purposes. In addition to the gifts introduced here, Romans 12:7, 8 presents the gifts of service, teaching, authority, relief, governance, and mercy. The gift of the Holy Spirit is also introduced in Ephesians 4:11. In fact, the gifts introduced in the text only refer to representative miraculous gifts. However, the gifts of the Holy Spirit have a variety of non-miraculous characteristics.

There is a feeling in the Korean church that attaches great importance to the experience of the gift. So, even though it is a Presbyterian Church, many believers believe that pastors and student ministers should speak in different kinds of tongues. As a student, I also went to VBS or retreats and prayed loudly a lot. But I know that there are many different prayer methods and traditions and that each person has their preferred style. So, there are people who pray like this and receive the gift, but there are also many who do not. Some pastors felt burdened by this church culture and prayed by memorizing the Lord’s prayer in Greek. However, I want to say that these gifts of Spirit are literally gifts. In verse 11, Paul writes: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not ours alone. Also, they are not something we can get just because we want them. Therefore, we must believe that the Lord will give us what we need most at the most appropriate time. Gifts are not something we receive through our efforts. As soon as we forget this, even for a moment, we will fall into vain desires. Therefore, we must live a life of faith daily, looking forward to the Lord’s gifts.

When I lived in Vancouver, I logged their mileage whenever my kids washed dishes, cleaned the house, and contributed. And they exchanged it and got $1 each. And when they buy something they need, they deduct that money from their mileage. But even though my kids often behaved well, it wasn’t enough to cover the cost of the snacks, clothes, and gifts I bought them. But I still enjoy giving my children something under a certain amount as a gift. The heart of our Holy Spirit is richer and kinder than mine. “Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.” As the poet expressed, I bless you to live in the light of the Lord, in the love of God, with Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit.

 

Acts 8:14-17, Psalm 29, and Luke 3:15-22

 

Do you remember the first time you were baptized? There are probably many people who were baptized, some while they were students, others when they were adults. Baptism is one of two sacred ceremonies recognized in the Reformed Church tradition. The other Sacrament, as you well know, is Holy Communion. Many people are eager for baptism. To be baptized, you may have the opportunity to receive education and review the essential aspects of faith related to God, the Bible, and the church. Baptism, in our church tradition, basically means entering the church. So, as a confident believer, you become a church community member. Through this, you will have responsibility, service, and the right to participate in various events and church operations within the church. In this way, we become one faith community that serves God and does missionary work to the world.

When reading the Bible today, we can see two impressive scenes related to baptism. The first is the scene of Jesus being baptized in Luke. “As he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” These are lovely and impressive words. However, this verse happened much before John’s imprisonment in verse 20. Luke recorded the baptism of Jesus after recording John’s imprisonment because he intended to show that John the Baptist’s ministry was now over. Jesus’ public time was beginning in earnest. In Mark 1:10, which parallels the Gospel of Luke, the heaven being torn open is intentionally expressed to show God’s supernatural work. The Greek word for opening is significantly often used to express God’s power and revelation, such as Jesus healing the blind and opening their eyes (Matthew 9:30; 20:33), and the opening of the tombs when Jesus died. (Matthew 27:52), and was also used to describe the angel of the Lord opening the prison door when the apostles were imprisoned (Acts 5:19; 16:27). In this respect, Luke uses the fact that the heavens were opened in the text to foretell that God’s incredible power and new revelation will soon appear.

Also, when we compare Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10, parallel to this verse, we can see that the situation in which the heavens are opened is also described somewhat differently. Matthew and Mark express it like this: “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove.” On the other hand, Luke describes the heavens as opening when Jesus was baptized and prayed. The key difference is that Matthew and Mark do not record Jesus praying, and Luke does not record him coming by water. Through this, we can see that Luke is deeply interested in the ‘prayer’ offered by Jesus. In other words, Luke describes it as an event that directly connects prayer and the supernatural phenomenon of the heavens opening. God resumes revelation and communication with the Israelites, which had been cut off for about 400 years since the prophet Malachi, through the sight of opening the heavens. And Luke emphasizes the fact that this was possible because Jesus’ prayer preceded it. In this way, prayer breaks down barriers in relationships. It makes fellowship with God possible. That prayer sparks God’s revelation and salvation. And we are all saved through the prayers and mission of Jesus Christ. We were baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. So we can forgive those who cannot be forgiven and love those who are difficult to love. Even though we, too, may experience difficulties in life, we have the courage to help those who are less fortunate than us. All of this is because the Holy Spirit works in our hearts even when we are not aware of it. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can do great and marvelous things like Jesus. We have thus become new people, new personalities. And we live to remember the love of Christ and spread it to those who do not know it. But before we are baptized, we have inertia. So we all have no choice but to make an effort. Without this training, it is difficult to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I find it challenging to live by taking care of myself, and it is even harder to have the will to help others.

The mysterious thing is that there is a gift for those who receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and try to live as new people. “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” God gives strength to His people who keep His laws and honor Him. God blesses his people with peace, too. Through his poetry, David expressed God’s children’s lives by glorifying God and wearing holy clothes. This is a good introduction to the life of a believer in the light of the gospel. People living in modern society gradually lose expressions of holiness, grace, and glory. However, according to the grace we received through Jesus Christ, we form a church community, serve each other with love, and have a mission for our neighbors. All of this is ‘Soli Deo gloria’, an essential aspect of a Christian who lives for the glory of God. This is the appearance of the people wearing holy clothes. Therefore, I boldly ask you for a moment. Close your eyes and remember the baptism you received. And let us meditate on the time when God invited us to live anew as His people. Also, let us live with new faith daily by confirming baptism again before the Lord. God’s grace will renew our lives and many souls.

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7. 10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12

 

Epiphany is a day around January 6th every year to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ, and the baptism of Christ. As a Christian holiday, it is older than Christmas, it commemorates the wise men who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus in worship. Epiphany is celebrated on the 13th day after Christmas. “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphania, meaning appearance. Early Christians used this word to mean that light reveals itself in the darkness, that God reveals himself to Jesus, and that the glory of God is seen in Jesus. The three wise men from the east worshipped Jesus, and it was like a declaration announcing to the whole world that Jesus had come to this earth. So, on the first Sunday of the New Year, I encourage you to make this year that illuminates the world with the light of Christ.

Wars, incidents, and accidents continue to occur worldwide, which can be understood as dark. Nevertheless, God orders us to arise. Just as Jesus told the blind Bartimaeus to stand up, God tells us through the prophet to arise. The Lord asks us to arise from the situations and problems we face now. And God tells us to shine the glory and light of the Lord into the world.

As you all know, several issues have been recently in my home country. The president attempted a coup by breaking the law to keep his position. The National Assembly has impeached the president, and related trials are underway. Citizens resisted the president’s plan to mobilize the military, and demonstrations and law enforcement took place without major incidents. On the other hand, there was an airplane accident last week where an airplane exploded during landing due to a bird strike. Bad things happened one after another.

South Korea has a short history of democracy and, at the same time, a history of very rapid economic growth. So, things often happen that we don’t understand. However, in this cold winter, to support democracy and comfort the pain of the bereaved families, many people sent stoves, meals, coffee, heated buses, etc., for the bereaved families and protesters. Hundreds of young people were waving light sticks and supporting the farmers who came with tractors to participate in the protest all night. If they get cold, some people rent a bus and send them to a moving shelter to rest for a while to keep warm. Some people sent them portable batteries to charge their cell phones. Among those who could not go to the protest site, some people supported the protesters by paying for sandwiches and gimbap at a restaurant for hundreds of people.

Watching this process, I saw God created a history of empathy and solidarity among vulnerable humans. Yes. Even though I am weak and lacking, God has called us into a community of faith. All of us here at Knox Presbyterian Church are called to bring light to those who encounter a dark world. So, I ask that we all live as lights.

Let us live with God’s Marvelous Plan for salvation. Jesus Christ came to this world. The primary significance of His coming is the extension of salvation beyond Israel. God’s salvation plan extends to the Jewish and gentile faith communities. The distinction and discrimination that existed before between Jews and Gentiles will disappear. Through this, the universal church was born, initially a mystery and secret. For this matter, Paul confesses, as recorded in Ephesians: “⁷ I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Paul, who met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, belatedly joined God’s work. Like the Jews, we are also in the position of believers first rather than non-believers. Like the apostle Paul, who called himself an apostle to the Gentiles, we can also be messengers of the gospel to many non-believers. Gentiles and Jews join God’s salvation plan in Christ Jesus. Together, they complete an organic union. That is why Paul became an apostle to testify to the mystery of the church that he realized through the revelation he received. Also, because of his faith, he could carry out the Lord’s work boldly, even during the trials and tribulations that would follow later.

Dear friends, we are all messengers of God’s truth. We are heirs of revelation and gospel. Sometimes, I think how God brought us all together is really mysterious. God chose Paul, who had been hindering and persecuting the gospel 2,000 years ago, and used him as a messenger of the most amazing gospel. Sometimes, I am amazed at how God has allowed a person like me to study in Canada and to be called Red Deer. I dreamed of becoming a pastor, but I never imagined I would be pastoring in Red Deer. In fact, among the alumni of the Korean seminary where I graduated, I am the only pastor who does local ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. My fellow pastors in Korea are amazed, and my friends in Vancouver also find it very mysterious. It was something no one had ever attempted. However, God made this possible. Right through you. And today, God is calling us again to spread the mystery of the gospel throughout the world. Right here in Red Deer. Paul’s every step planted the glory of God here and there. Likewise, today, we also try to spread God’s love here and there. In particular, the Board of Managers is planning and praying for a needed soup-making ministry in the region. We are collaborating on this at the Session and planning what is required for our church and Red Deer.

As I watched our church members volunteer in the local community, I realized that our church was not a small church. Paul confessed this in verse 8: “Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” Boundless riches of Christ. This is truly a gracious word. Countless grace and love that transcends boundaries have led us to become the Lord’s children today. And we have used the grace we have received to brighten this region through our lives and service. I believe the light of God that has illuminated us so far will shine in the lives of many people in Red Deer. And I am convinced that God wants to use us in His work and plan. Let us live together in 2025 with the abundance of God’s grace and glory. The Lord will help and strengthen us through God the Holy Spirit. I hope that the blessings of God, who makes the impossible possible, will come to your entire family.

 

Isaiah 40:1–8, Psalm 121, and Luke 1:39-55

 

There is a book that says that people may pass away, but love remains. I like this phrase. The reason is that when I meditate on Jesus Christ, his love is by my side even though his body is not by my side. Today, as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, I thought about my grandparents who went to heaven. I lived with my grandparents until middle school. So, I received more love from them than other grandchildren. Also, my mother’s parent was born in North Korea and lived near Pyongyang until the Korean War. However, due to the war, they had to leave their son in North Korea and come down to South Korea to live. And they died without seeing their son for 40 years. I cannot fully understand their pain and life. But what I can say with confidence is that the love of my grandparents is within me. And I remember those. Their prayers and love give me tremendous strength in life.

In today’s sermon, Prophet Isaiah says: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” It is meaningful to find out the background of this verse. Isaiah 40:1-11 is a story about the Israelites who were taken captive in Babylon because they sinned against God. The prophet prophesies that God’s discipline will finally end, and Jehovah’s presence and guidance will resume. This text was undoubtedly set in 538 B.C. when God enabled King Cyrus of Persia to conquer Babylon and return captive Israel. Before Isaiah chapter 40, God warned through prophets that Israel, which betrayed Him, would be punished and taken captive by another powerful nation. And in Chapter 39, God revealed that the country was Babylonia. But from chapter 40, the Lord says He will be present among them and lead them again. These are words of great comfort and grace.

Of course, it happened about 2,600 years ago and is a story from another country. Nevertheless, what is impressive about these verses is that God is with us. The point is that God continues to watch over us. Sometimes, we have to say goodbye to our loved ones sooner than expected. As a pastor, it was challenging to officiate the Celebration of Life under such circumstances. What was the situation in Israel today? The lives of those who were taken captive were miserable. While in Israel, social leaders were taken captive by the Assyrian Empire and lived as lower-class people. They did not receive proper education, medical care, and welfare benefits. They had to be separated from their families and sometimes could not enjoy a decent life. They were often not respected as people. God liberates them through King Cyrus of the Persian Empire in this situation. And he says: My people who believe and follow me, “Comfort, comfort my people.” Yes. We all need comfort and encouragement. Some of us go through difficult times. Although they seem to cope well with their trials, they may also need comfort. When I am at church, sometimes unexpected people come to visit. I usually think that it is not that I’m short but that Canadian people are tall. However, a very tall person came to visit, and I knew he was a member of the AA group. But it wasn’t. He just wanted a bathroom and a place to escape the cold. After listening to him briefly, I realized that he had just been released from prison. He lives in a camping trailer in the Blackfalds and can’t sleep, so he travels all over the place and ends up downtown. He also went to the Shelter, but it was so noisy that he had to leave the facility again. Then he came to church. When I looked up close, I saw he had so many tattoos on his body that I immediately regretted opening the door. But he used the restroom, chatted quickly, thanked me, and left obediently. He didn’t ask me for anything else. He needed someone to listen to him in silence. He found comfort and went back outside the church. Dear everyone, I hope we can provide strength and comfort to the person next to us. Let us hold the hand of the member sitting next to us. If you are shy, it’s okay. And let’s say it together. “God is with us!” “The Lord will keep you.”

A pilgrim going up to the temple sings. “⁵ The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand; ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. ⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.” God walks with us through our lives, which are like a pilgrimage. When I come here and drive on a snowy road, I experience that my car skids even if it has winter tires installed on all-wheel drive. But what if God were beside us and became our shield? “Nothing will ever hurt you.” If you come across trouble, I will protect you from it. Every step you take. I will bless every moment.” If God speaks like this, it will significantly strengthen me. Our Knox members treat me with generosity and respect whenever I meet them. You praise me for improving my English pronunciation and thank me for sharing my life through sermons. Everyone praises me for having a lovely voice or for singing well. I don’t know how grateful I am. I feel that your praise gives me great strength. However, on the contrary, God is giving you words of praise and insurance through the Bible. The Creator encourages you to cheer up as you face significant pain and trials. He says he will protect your soul. Why is that so? Because God loves us. He sent Jesus Christ because he loves us.

Therefore, we can rejoice in Baby Jesus, who has already come. We need to remember His love. And we need to praise God, who gave us the Holy Spirit as a gift. We need to go forward and wait for the coming of Jesus Christ. But how should we wait? The psalmist expresses it this way: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Yes. We have to prepare the way for the Lord. Also, like Mary, we must trust God’s promise and wait for that time. Like a mother waiting to give birth, that time will come. Until then, we have to live with the faith that God’s word will come true. Let us remember God’s love and gain strength by trusting that His amazing love will protect our families. Let us rise again through the amazing love of God, our Savior. The Lord will be with you; Amen.

 

Philippians 4:4–7, Psalm 136:1-14, and Luke 3:7–18

 

Through today’s sermon, I would like to look at Jesus from the aspect of Joy. The more I meditated on the connection between joy and Jesus, the more I asked this question. ‘Was the baby Jesus happy?’ What do you think? Was Jesus happy about being born in the land of Israel? When theologians introduce Jesus, they often express that the Word became flesh. Before coming to this earth, Jesus was with God. Jesus existed as the logos itself before creation. How did Jesus think about God’s plan? I couldn’t easily understand Jesus’ thoughts. However, how much did Jesus know when he came to this earth? As we know, Isaiah 53:5 writes: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Yes, Jesus knew the purpose of his coming to this earth, and he seemed to know the timing. The prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and several passages in the Old Testament partially mention the various things Jesus must do.

The more I think about it, the more strange it becomes. We cannot recognize God’s will and plan. Recently, while studying the Bible on Wednesday evenings, I meditated on the strangeness of God through various ICONs. On the one hand, it is very mysterious, but on the other hand, I feel that God the Father is harsh towards Jesus. Of course, ironically, we can all understand the point of view that Jesus was given to us and offered a peace offering as a ransom in the manner of the previous Israelites. However, I can’t deny that a question mark arises inside me. The more Jesus suffers, the more we can see that God loves us, but there is a mystery in which our feelings of regret and gratitude to Jesus deepen. When we think about Israel 2,000 years ago, it was a ruined country. It was a country that was under colonial rule. Jesus came as a poor baby from a famous family in a tiny rural area in that country. Is this a situation to be happy about? Mary, pregnant with baby Jesus, was anxious at first. The society at that time was like that too. However, paradoxically, while reading Psalm 136, I was able to resolve the questions I had.

Jesus, who came as a perfect god and a perfect human, took on our sins. We Christians confess that. Jesus, who trusted God, faithfully carried out God’s plan. And I believe he knew about the resurrection beyond life on this earth and the sending of the Holy Spirit to this earth in place of Jesus. But at the same time, Jesus, who had a human body, had to experience all suffering personally. So, as I read the Psalms, I have no choice but to be thankful as the author intended. I’m not sure if I’m thankful because I’m happy or happy because I’m thankful. However, I naturally confess my gratitude to God and Jesus at this point in Advent. Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus.

After Gratitude, Joy follows. There is someone who loves me this much, and the fog of fear disappears. I feel that the distance between Jesus and joy is disappearing. Yes, that’s right. Jesus himself is joy, and he gives joy to us as a gift during this season of Advent. He declares joy into our lives. Although I may encounter complex problems, someone supports me until the end. There is someone who hugs me even in situations where I have no choice but to be sad. There is someone in my life who declares joy. And there is one who commands us to be happy. This fact brings me comfort. So, the words of the Philippians are very touching. This is verse 4. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Even though my heart is dark due to war, famine, conflict, climate crisis, political instability, drug addiction, homelessness issues around the world, and various problems at home, Paul declares: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Even if we don’t know whether we are thankful because we are happy or the cause-and-effect relationship, everyone, please rejoice. “The Lord is near.” (5)

So how should we wait for Jesus, who comes as the King of joy? The Apostle Paul and Luke present us with the following two things. The first is to communicate with God through prayer and petition with Thanksgiving. Paul advised that if you believe that there is a God, that He is the Lord with the power to solve any problem that comes to mankind, and that He is the One who rewards those who seek Him, you should not worry but rather pray to God. They are the prayers offered with a heart of worship to God and the prayers requesting what is needed. This is because these privileges are given to us by God.

Sometimes, some children look forward to Santa Claus more than baby Jesus at Christmas. More accurately, they expect presents than Santa Claus. Of course, I told my kids I had delegated all this work to me since Santa Claus was getting old and Canada Post was on strike.

So, I bought gifts for my children that cost less than $20. Children often ask whether there is a Santa Claus. Then I reply that those who believe will receive gifts, but those who do not think so will naturally not receive gifts prepared by Santa Claus. And naturally, the kids ask me to do it. Why is that so? Because I am their dad. And I also request God every day. I ask for the well-being of our church members, blessings in the workplace, and our children. By what authority do I ask? This is what we request as children of God. But very mysteriously, there are times when God avoids an immediate answer. Paul’s experience of God seems to refer to timing, just as a parent knows when a child asks for jelly every day that it is not good. As Philippians verse 7 says, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He testifies that God will keep our hearts and minds. Amazingly, when we ask for what we desire, God will guard our hearts, even if the response sometimes takes a long time and feels rejected. And these are very gracious words. We will be delighted if we can be thankful and happy even if what we hope for does not come true. I hope that God’s answers and joy will come to our lives.

Lastly, John requested the following from the people of various classes who came to him for baptism: To tax collectors, he says: “Don’t collect any more than you are required to.” To those soldiers, he says, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” To people, he says, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Putting this together, we can know how to use the love and talents we have been given. And the person who knows it best is you. I hope this week will be when we receive the Lord, who joyfully came to us as good news. I hope you and your friends can enjoy this joyful and surprising news that will naturally bring about gratitude. God will set us free. Amen.