WWJD?                                                         1/12/2021

       Many of us must have been shocked by watching the event in Washington D.C at the U.S Capitol on January 6. There was an insurrection led by the extremists who support the current president. They damaged federal property smashing windows and doors. They trespassed the capitol and threatened our democracy. Most importantly five people died at the capitol, including a police officer. Who is going to be responsible for their life? No one. No one can bring their lives back again. They are gone. When we allow to let our anger and hatred drive us, there might be horrible consequences we will never take any responsibility. Yes, As far as a life concerned, Jesus always prioritized a person’s life over everything. He said, “Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives?” (Matthew 16:26)

 

      What people give in exchange for their lives? Nothing. Nothing cannot replace our life. Living in such a divisive world, what can we show as Christians to people in our community when they are forced to stand right or left? Maybe we can bring the classical question again, WWJD. What would Jesus do? We have seen that Jesus had always concerned about the life of others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple when religion was being used for enslaving people. Life was the top priority concerns in Jesus’ ministry. In the decisions we are making, are they concerned about for promoting the life of others? Or just for us or me? What else would you share with me about Jesus’ politics I can learn? Please share with me. That might be something we can imagine what Jesus would do. The Bible said, “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”

How can we pray for our country? Naming sin as sin is the first step toward forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. That is what Christians called repentance. Naming sin is not to condemn somebody or ourselves, but it is to be forgiven and to be in a right relationship.

Unfortunately so many times we lose the chances to repent but change it to arguing, blaming, defensiveness, or hiding. "The Woman You gave me, she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.” (Gen 3:12)

IT'S NOT ME!! BUT YOU AND THE WOMAN DID!!!

This is part of who we are. Whatever we call it "White Supremacy, Trumpism, or Racism", it is not just to debate or argue, but it is something that we all have become involved in making such monsters in our society so it is to repent together. Name it and repent!

That's what Nehemiah prayed to God. He prayed as if his country's sin is his own sin. "I confess the sins of the people of Israel, which we have committed against you. Both I and my family have sinned."(Neh. 1:6b) LET US PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY.

Peace,

Pastor Heewon

 

One at a time...

(7-29-2020)

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

 

A few days ago, I noticed that there was a lamp outside in the front yard in the parsonage I live. It has not been worked since I moved into the parsonage. Maybe for a long time. I thought to myself, “I can give it a try to fix it.” With my small tool box, I went out to the yard and tried to repair it. I looked inside the old lamp and there was spider web covered all around in it. I got rid of the webs and pulled the old bulb out and put a new one. And it did work! A new light shined beautifully in the front yard in the evening. And then I heard a whisper deep inside of me, “That is what you are supposed to do, Heewon. Do one at a time. Start with something small you can do for this church” Then, I felt a deep peace in my heart. I was thankful for the church I serve and the people who are serving with me. It was like God-moment to me. 


In the Bible, we can see that God provides and prepares God’s servants for God’s kingdom. When Moses finished his service, God prepared Joshua. When Ezra initiated the work of rebuilding the broken wall of Jerusalem and its temple, God prepared Nehemiah to continue the ongoing work.

As a new pastor at New Life, at first I was almost overwhelmed by many thoughts for the new ministry I began. But that night, I realized that God is with me and God wants me to do from small things that I can joyfully be committed to and of course it is not me of us to make things happen or change. God does, not us. 


Dear sisters and brothers, your being in this church is important. My time of being as a pastor is important. Because it is our God who brought us together for the work and mission that God assigned us to do at this time, even the time would more likely be trials and tribulations. What we should learn and remember is that God has different ideas and perspectives than ours that are for our ultimate good, salvation and for the love that God has for us no matter what the circumstances are. So, instead of holding the attitude of passively waiting for the day on which this pandemic is over with the vaccine to cope with the virus, we have to learn how to live into it. So that our walk with God would continue to bring us joy and purpose in our lives. The first chapter of 1 Peter concludes by reaffirming our new identity,

“You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For

“All flesh is like grass and

all its glory like the flower of grass.    

The grass withers, and the flower falls,           

but the word of the Lord endures forever."” (1 Peter 1:23-24)


By the power of the resurrected Jesus our Lord, we are the people of being born anew! I am happy to be in this walk with you that God has called us together at New Life United Methodist Church. Things have been changed differently and even forcing us to be changed. But our genuine being as who we are and whose we are is not changed. They are eternal through the living and enduring word of God. So, let us be the church and do what Jesus commanded us to do! Take care of yourself and take care of others. May God bless you.


Pastor Heewon Kim