2015.12.13_Jesus Whom We Believe In

Every day is truly precious to me. I see people my age drenched in the disturbance of time, but there is nothing they can do. The only escape is to be born again. And I wonder how many people out there neglect or hate themselves. I can almost feel their hatred and bitterness! Our time on this dreary earth is short, and when we leave, we will become eternally detached from it. The Kingdom of God differs, in that it is full of glory and peace. This is where we ought to place our tread, this place of no aridness.

It is written in the Bible, “I am the way”, “I am the truth” and “I am the life”. We must truly believe and realize this. There is none to doubt the difficulties marked by this world, but how will you overcome it? Over the course of my life, this is the one and only truth I have discovered. And this, I found in Jesus Christ. With the circulating thoughts of, “what can I do for myself?” I searched for work, only to find that there was none in this world. Instead, I decided to work for someone else; and it became an eye-opening moment for me. To work for another and not myself, implied pastoral devotion.

How can I work for someone else? Pastoral duties cannot be served without one’s sacrifice. As for me, though I have laid down my responsibilities as a pastor, I still stand on the pulpit as a speaker. One of the most important elements as a speaker is spiritual inspiration, and it is only bestowed upon those of faith, for it comes from God alone. Every word and even the raise of a hand to bless the congregation must be fueled by this inspiration, for without it, God’s promises cannot be contained in the speaker’s thoughts or words. As an empty syringe cannot be used on a patient, likewise, a sermon or blessing without the Holy Spirit’s inspiration is not to be given, for this will surely be under the judgment of the Lord.

Throughout my life and the ministries performed, I have worked under the inspiration God has given me. Nevertheless, I must now try harder, for I know that the Holy Spirit works only amongst those who have truly recognized and henceforth grasp onto the grace of Jesus’ blood. I am now old and weary; I am not the hope of our church. Instead, here I am, cleaning up after everything, waiting for the sun to reach the end of its cycle. Every day is truly precious to me. How shall I give myself away? Like Jesus. As He shed blood, I too must shed blood. As He gave away His life, so shall I. It is not something I can leave until tomorrow. Rather, I ought to fulfill it each day. The world offers a place with people whom I will miss; but there is one I desire more. He is the Lord, and He is waiting for me.

Pastor Ki-Dong Kim
Lord’s Day Worship Column