Tag: Rev. Jaebok Gu

John 13:31-35; Psalm 148, and Acts 11:1-18

 

As we read the passage from the Acts today, we learn about Jewish Christians’ relationship with Gentiles. Here are three groups from the 1st century AD. One group is Orthodox Jews. Another group is Jewish Christians who have just begun to believe in Jesus. Finally, there are foreigners from outside Israel. We learn from verses 2 and 3 that there was tension between them. “² So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him ³ and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

We see disciples judging others by the standards they think are right. They even harshly criticized Peter, a disciple and apostle of Jesus. They kept the law well and believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but at the same time, they still considered the law important. So, uncircumcised Gentiles are still second-class citizens to them. Perhaps they thought that they would not be saved, because from the Jewish point of view, they were unclean people who did not keep the law. Orthodox Jews criticize them for not keeping the law correctly. But now they criticize other people by the same standards. The laws of purity were still important to them, and they could not sit at the same table as the uncircumcised. Even though Jesus completed the imperfect provisions of this law on the cross, they are still slaves to the law. They have been living a religious life not independent of existing Judaism.

We can see that the gospel has crossed Jerusalem’s threshold. It breaks out of Jerusalem’s limited geographical framework and begins to expand throughout Palestine and beyond. Today’s message records that this mission was officially recognized by the Jerusalem church. In this way, the gospel is alive and expanding for the salvation of humankind.

There is some debate about sharing the gospel through eating and socializing with strangers. Peter tells the apostles and disciples in Judea about the vision he had seen. He heard a voice from heaven saying: ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ He also saw the Holy Spirit descending on the Gentiles. They also received the same gifts and words of the Holy Spirit that the disciples, including Peter, had received. So the leaders of the church in Jerusalem also realized that they had received life-giving repentance.

The disciples go beyond the law. The gospel goes beyond the specific region and people of Jerusalem and Israel. At the same time, through the Gospel of John, we see that Jesus gave us a new commandment. ³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus died to save us, even at the cost of his own life. The depth of that love is great and deep. The path of love Jesus showed us is not easy because He loved us so much. Is there someone you would like to protect even at the cost of your life? Jesus commands us to love as He has loved us. This is a very challenging statement. But this commandment is the fulfillment of all the previous laws. Why is that? Because when you love, you understand, and when you know, you can embrace that person.

Today, many churches, regardless of the number of members, are experiencing conflict. There is no church without problems. There is no church without wounds because we are all different beings. Because we are diverse beings. To understand that person, you must try to tune in to that person completely, like tuning into a radio frequency. To understand the church, we must focus on its members. We need to look at their lives. We must try to learn about their culture. Still, it is difficult for us to know everything. Even though they are immigrants, their backgrounds are different. They say that the tendencies are different depending on the area where they settle. For example, immigrants who settled in Vancouver, immigrants who settled in Toronto, and immigrants who settled in Alberta have very different personalities. When looking at Korean immigrants, those who settled in Alberta or Ontario are evaluated as more independent than those who settled in British Columbia.

Peter and several disciples are carrying on Jesus’ ministry. And we practice the life of a disciple by obeying Jesus’ command. Love is sometimes easy, but sometimes it’s tough. When Jesus emphasized this was a new commandment, Jewish believers took it very seriously. Because we all know the history of Israel, where they were judged and suffered when they broke the commandments recorded in the Old Testament. When someone breaks a commandment, some lose their life. For the disciples who knew this well, Jesus’ words, “Love one another,” had the status of a law that took precedence over any other commandment.

So let us make our way clear. Through the disciples’ actions today, we can clearly see our path. It is the way to go beyond the law and perfect it. It is the work of spreading the gospel and practicing love. It is about repentance that leads to life, and inviting my neighbors to do the same. Can I forgive someone who hurt me? It is not easy, but it is the path we must walk. This is the way Jesus commanded. Because it was difficult for us to do so, God sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. Let us begin this work together with the Holy Spirit in the community where we live. I believe that God, who has great and strong arms, will accomplish all these things thoroughly and perfectly, even though I am lacking and sometimes weak. I hope we are used as precious disciples in the Lord’s ministry. Amen.

John 10:22-30, Psalm 23, and Acts 9:36-43

 

The book of Acts deals with the story of Peter’s ministry. God sent the Holy Spirit on his behalf after Jesus Christ was resurrected and stayed with his disciples. Today, Peter is boldly telling the story of Jesus. Joppa, the setting of the Word, is a coastal city called Jaffa in modern Israel. Tel Aviv is a 60 km drive northwest of Jerusalem, which serves as the economic capital. Joppa is the place that Jonah supposedly used in the past to escape from God. Peter came here to preach the gospel. However, there was a female disciple here named Dorcas. This may not be strange to you, but to conservative church members, it is a good example of what is recorded in the Bible about female disciples and female leaders in the church.

She was always doing good and helping the poor. I believe that the apostles recognized her good deeds enough to call her a disciple. Through this service, she gained respect and love from those around her. Also, seeing as she uses the Aramaic name Tabitha and her Greek name, I guess she was probably a Greek Jew. This name means Gazelle, and when people at the time saw a gazelle, it symbolized grace or beauty because it could run fast and had dignity. So, Dorcas, as her name suggests, was a beautiful woman passionate about good deeds and charity. She became sick and died. Then the other disciples, who had heard of Peter’s presence in nearby Lydda, implored him to visit Dorcas of Joppa. When he visits, she is already dead and is lying in the Upper Room. And the widows surround her, weeping mournfully and reporting her good deeds to Peter. Widows were very weak in ancient societies where the economic foundation and social status depended on their husbands. For them, Dorcas was very dedicated to helping. The NIV version translates it as robes and other clothing, but the Greek original records not only outer clothing and undergarments, but also a covering called a himatia. And this was an expensive robe suitable for blocking the hot sun of the Middle East and could be used as collateral when money was needed. Perhaps Dorcas was like a mother to these people. At this point, I see two points of the disciples’ ministry. That is Dorcas’ ministry and Peter’s ministry.

When I first prepared the sermon, my focus was on Peter. However, the more I read, the more I am convinced that her good deeds and relief through Dorcas touched many people. The 1st century was when Christianity was not yet recognized as a completely independent religion from Judaism. So, it is time for the disciples to be threatened by traditional Jewish believers like Saul. At that time, the disciples who followed Jesus did good deeds and charity and cared for the weak in society. On the one hand, it was hazardous. These were things that could be threatened at any time by the powerful, including Jewish leaders. This is because they were disciples who not only did good deeds and charity but also shared the gospel of Christ. Nevertheless, as the disciples gathered in Joppa say in John 27-28, “²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” They heard the Lord’s voice and trusted. They decided to live a life of following Jesus. And they go on to eternal life. This is the path of dedication.

Next is Peter’s ministry. Peter goes up to the upper room, sends those who are crying out, and prays. “Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.”

We’ve heard stories like this before. As you all know, when Lazarus became sick and died, Jesus raised him again. This is what Peter, now a disciple, did the same thing. The hearts of Peter who performed the miracle and the disciples who called him are also very impressive. Washing Dorcas’ body, preparing it for funeral, and at the same time laying it down in the attic are actions that anticipate the works of the Old Testament prophets. Many disciples believed and prepared that God’s special grace would be bestowed on her because of her devotion. Peter’s belief that the resurrected Jesus would bring her back to life, and Peter responded and became an instrument in the Lord’s ministry. We can see the disciples’ earnest faith and expectations. At the same time, we can all confirm God’s merciful response.

Dear everyone, Some of us may do things like Peter in charismatic ministry. On the one hand, like Dorcas, we can share good deeds, charity, and the Word. In this way, we as disciples can do what the Lord did today, 2,000 years later. Lastly, we remember Dorcas, who became the mother of widows with great and deep love, and we support the countless women and mothers in this land. May the grace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

John 21:1-19 Acts 9:1-6, (7-20); Psalm 30;

 

Today’s message is so impressive that I am moved every time I read it. The more I read this, the more mysterious I feel. In particular, the words of John 21 invite us to read them repeatedly.

It is about 200km from Jerusalem to Galilee, the setting of today’s sermon. The distance an adult walks per hour is estimated to be 4-6 km. Assuming we walk 5km per hour, we must walk continuously for at least 40 hours to get there. Of course, we do not know when Jesus appeared in Jerusalem and went to Galilee after the resurrection. The Greek word for afterward is also meta tauta, which refers to the passage of some time. However, the critical point is that 7 of the disciples who would later be called apostles were in Galilee. Of course, some of them may have run away because they were scared. Others may have heard the story of Thomas encountering the resurrected Jesus in Jerusalem. Others may have remembered the words written in Matthew 26:32: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” So maybe he thought he would wait in Galilee. They may have felt ashamed, afraid, and nervous.

What was Galilee like for Jesus and his disciples? It is the place where the disciples first met Jesus and where many episodes take place. They experienced many miracles here. They also gained great enlightenment through Jesus’ words. This is where they decided to follow Jesus, even if it meant giving up their jobs. That is the stage for today.

Why did Jesus choose this location? I think there is an answer to Jesus’ question in John verses 15 to 19. Jesus asks Peter. “Do you love me?” As Jesus asks this question three times, I remember Peter’s actions after Jesus said in Matthew 26:32 that he would go to Galilee after the resurrection. Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” ³⁴ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(Mt 26:33-34)

As we all know, Peter denied Jesus 3 times. The most trusted disciple committed the greatest betrayal. How deeply was Jesus disappointed with him? And how deeply frustrated was Peter? Jesus came to His disciples. And then he asked Peter a question. “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”(15) Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”(16) The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”(17)

Peter must have felt very sorry upon hearing this question. “Lord, I was wrong. I denied you. I failed your expectations. I’m sorry to disappoint you. But Jesus, I love you. You know that I love you.” Through these three questions and answers, Peter is called again to be a disciple. He now restores his trust and love for the Lord. Just as when Jesus called his disciples three years ago, and they dropped everything and followed him, Peter and the disciples made a decision here and now. As Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”(15)“Take care of my sheep.”(16)“Feed my sheep.”(17) Can you feel the rising tension and determination here, like a drama? Do you love Me? Well, let’s start small. Feed My Lambs Do you love me? Then take care of my sheep. Do you love me? Feed my sheep. Gradually, Jesus raises him with an incredible calling.

Today, Jesus came to Peter, who had no choice but to live with a broken heart. He comforted him and gave him what he most needed. Jesus met Peter, who had no choice but to be criticized and insulted by many people, including his disciples. Jesus gave him a mission in front of other people. He expressed trust in him.

In the past, when I experienced a crisis in the field of ministry, it was when I lacked love within myself. It was challenging to minister when faith in God and love for neighbors were lacking. I believe that Jesus created a way for Peter to return to the Lord. Jesus invites him again to express his firm trust in the Lord. Peter, who had the meaning of a rock, is now re-established to stand on the rock of faith. I am convinced that these amazing and touching words are Jesus’ invitation to all of us.

Next, Jesus comes to visit Saul. He made murderous threats to Jesus’ disciples. After receiving permission from the high priest, he captured Jesus’ disciples. He tormented Jesus’ disciples so terribly that his name became very famous. He went from Jerusalem to Galilee and continued to Damascus in Syria, where he arrested Jesus’ disciples. However, Jesus calls Saul again. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”(4) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(6) How did those with Saul respond? Although they had eyes, they did not see the Lord, and although they had ears, they could not properly discern the voice of Jesus.

However, Jesus speaks to Ananias in a vision. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street.” Ananias obeyed Jesus’ words. This is someone who may be a threat to him. But in the Lord he trusted. He eventually met Saul and prayed for him. “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (17) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. (19)

This is Saul, who was at the scene of The Stoning of Stephen, the first martyrdom after Jesus’ crucifixion. He considered murder as a means for the sake of Judaism. Jesus made the fearless young leader of Judaism fall to the ground. The Lord chose Saul. “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”(15) He is my chosen instrument for the Gentiles. Jesus gave Saul a new opportunity. Jesus also foretells Saul’s suffering to comfort his disciples. ^“ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”(16)

Dear friends, Jesus raises Saul. The Lord, who raised Peter and Saul again and gave them opportunities, raises us in the same way today. God gives us strength and invites us to a life full of the Holy Spirit. Let us live together with faith and love. In hope, let us express the Lord’s love to the world this week like the disciples. Amen.

John 20:19-31, Psalm 150, and Acts 5:27-32

 

What do you fear the most? Until a few years ago, I was most afraid of going to the dentist. But now, when a family member gets sick, sometimes when they need surgery, I feel afraid. Many children feel sad when their parents get older and need more surgeries. Why is that so? This is because we trust and rely on our parents. I am like that too.

The disciples here were in the same position. Jesus, whom they trusted so deeply, died helplessly and without any resistance. They expected that if we just went to Jerusalem, our Jesus would be crowned as the king of the world. However, in a legal trial and public opinion battle in front of the Jews and the Roman governor, he was sentenced to death. He died on a cross, which was considered the most humiliating punishment at the time. If events progress this way, what is the next step? Typically, political leaders seek out and arrest group members who follow the death row inmate. This is the regular order of punishment in cases. So, how anxious were the disciples’ hearts?

It is difficult to estimate how insecure a person is on the wanted list and running away, regardless of whether someone is guilty. I have met people like this before. If a person has to run away from the police, he or she has no idea how mentally depleted it is. As you know, Korea is divided into North and South. However, when I was in seminary, the police tried to arrest a seminary alumnus for violating the security law just by talking about the need for unification of South and North Korea. So, he spent several months running away to a student center and dormitory at a university larger than the seminary. One time, I called him, and he felt isolated. I asked him what he would like to eat. He asked me to buy him some Korean fried chicken and seasoned chicken. I visited him with them, and he was very anxious that someone might be around to catch him. It was a situation where I could suspect that the police might be tapping my phone or have him captured. When I finally met him, he had lost over 30 kg. If his body was like this, what was his mind like?

However, the situation of the disciples today is even more dramatic. Until yesterday, they had seen the amazing things Jesus had done. Maybe they were mistaken, like the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. ‘Everyone cheers for me. Everyone is worshiping me on a high level. Wow! I guess I have something amazing. I am in a similar social position to the point where I sit at the same table as Jesus. Or at least I will be closer to Jesus and have a more powerful position than those people there.’ So, they may have thought. However, Jesus gave death and despair to these disciples. To their horror, they were so threatened by other traditional Jews that they closed the door to the gathering place and were only focused on hiding.

The risen Jesus came to these disciples. He changed sadness and fear into joy. He transformed a place of despair into a gathering of hope. He showed them his nail-pierced hands and side and announced the news of the resurrection. Jesus became a joy to his disciples by being himself. It is resurrection. And we know this resurrection is not just a story that happened 2,000 years ago because we experience resurrection today.

Jesus is still resurrected and is with us in our lives today. If he had not been resurrected, it would be difficult for us, who don’t learn the great teachers and philosophies of 500 or 1,000 years ago every week, to be interested in what happened 2,000 years ago. We accept the Lord’s story as the truth. Why is that so? Because he was the Messiah. Because it was meant for us. Like Thomas, sometimes we may sincerely doubt all of this. However, we believe in Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “Stop doubting and believe.” We trust the words of Jesus. We decided to believe, gathered together like disciples, and like them, we carry the gospel and pass it on from place to place. These are all the life witnesses.

We believe in Christ, and He shows up in our lives. That is why we gather today as a church community and accept the Bible as the Word of God. The Holy Spirit made all of this possible, made us all meet, and continues to help us have bold faith.

Let’s see the changes in the disciples’ lives. In verse 19 of John’s Gospel, the disciples were afraid of the world’s threats and the Jewish leaders. They were hiding and cowering and unable to share the gospel. That’s what they did when they couldn’t meet the resurrected Lord. However, they changed after meeting the resurrected Jesus, as seen in Acts verses 27 to 29. “²⁷ The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. ²⁸ “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” ²⁹ Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

The teachings of Jesus Christ were different from previous Judaism, and the disciples were in a situation where their lives were threatened because of this. But they were able to boldly testify the gospel. Why is that so? Because the disciples experienced Jesus Christ living again. We will be like this too. We know of a world of resurrection that goes beyond disease and death. Here is the testimony of the disciples. “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” What a moving testimony! Do you feel that trust, greater than fear, has taken root in the disciples’ hearts? I hope that the confessions of these disciples become ours.

The Lord appeared in our lives. That is enough. Let us live together as bold witnesses like disciples. The Holy Spirit will guide us. Amen.

Luke 24:1-12, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

 

Over the past seven weeks, we have meditated on the words of Jesus every Sunday. We also studied the Bible and looked at the ministries of Jesus. In particular, during the past week, several PLURA denominations held a noon prayer service by inviting Red Deer citizens to each church as a joint service. Through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, we meditated more deeply on Jesus. Looking back, this season of Lent is like a marathon. When running a half marathon, the last 3 to 4 kilometers are said to be the most difficult. As we spent the previous Holy Week, I believe that although our daily lives are busy, it will be a week where we think more closely about Jesus.

One of the most precious good deeds in Judaism was offering one’s grave to a deceased person who could not repay the favor received. Since before the Byzantine era in the 4th century, countless Christians have visited the tomb of Jesus, called the Holy Sepulchre church, and contemplated the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection. The Lord appeared to the disciples, who scattered around the world to spread the gospel, risking their lives just like the Lord.

Jesus acted like the letter of Apostle Paul today. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸ and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”

Christ died for us. He served us because He loves us. Because he trusted God, he complied with the Creator’s plan. And today, we are all only seeing the empty tomb in Jerusalem. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others announced the resurrection of Jesus. Some did not believe this news of resurrection. Even the apostles couldn’t believe this news. But we do know. Jesus Christ is risen. “The Lord is our strength and defense; he has become our salvation.” God, our answer and salvation, has given us this good news.

He gave new hope to many people who were afraid of death, so we can live among the many dead. Dear everyone, let us remember the new life we received as a gift through Jesus. Let us remember the disciples who announced this good news. Let us live by following the example of those who participated in the Lord’s ministry. The Lord will make us cornerstones in God’s ministry. Amen.