When Palm Sunday comes, we picture Jesus entering Jerusalem as people wave palm branches and shout in celebration. On that day, however, there were two processions in the city. One was the Roman military parade—horses, armor, and weapons—symbolizing power, authority, and domination. The other was Jesus, riding on a donkey. In a world like ours, [...]
Since last Friday, we have been receiving great grace through our Spring Revival. Although I have known the guest preachers for decades and have worked with them, this time I was finally able to truly hear the deeper stories of their lives. As I received grace through the Word, I was also led to reflect [...]
In Psalm 11 we encounter a powerful question: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In King David’s time, the foundations of world were shaking. People told David, “In a world like this, do not try to keep your faith. Escape to the mountains.” It sounded like practical survival advice for living [...]
Recently the news has weighed heavily on my heart. The war with Iran that began last week raises growing concerns that it could become prolonged. Analysts estimate that the war is costing about one billion dollars per day. If the conflict continues, the cost for just two months could reach 40 to 95 billion dollars. [...]
One hundred and seven years ago today, on March 1, 1919, students, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens raised the Korean flag and cried out, “Long live Korean independence!” in protest the brutality of Japanese colonial rule. They did not carry weapons. They carried truth. Today, our world also seems to be ruled by the logic [...]
Last week in Milan, Italy, during the Winter Olympics snowboarding event, a 17-year-old Korean athlete, Gaon Choi, won the gold medal. Her victory did not come easily. She failed twice and suffered fractures in several bones. It was the kind of moment when most people would step away. Yet later she shared something simple and [...]
As I prepared for the Administrative Board meeting and the Class Meeting and Member Care Ministry meetings that took place this past Sunday and weekend, one thought continued to stay in my heart. I felt that I needed to express my gratitude to our church leaders and congregation — gratitude that I had not fully [...]
When we look at the world today, our hearts feel heavy. Economic uncertainty, political division, social fragmentation, and the survival anxiety felt by immigrant communities have filled many people’s hearts with fear. In areas where many immigrants live, a deep sentiment has taken root: “Even if we work hard, we are not safe.” This reality [...]
In today’s sermon text from the book of Genesis, there is a sentence that appears repeatedly: “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a prosperous man.” In the world’s understanding, to be “prosperous” usually means that things go smoothly as planned, that one is rewarded in proportion to one’s effort, and that life is [...]
Starting at 8 a.m. this morning, more than 12 inches of snow is expected to fall through tomorrow, and due to the severe cold, a Winter Hazard Warning has been issued for the New York and New Jersey area. As a result, the 8 a.m. worship service will be held in person, while the second [...]