John 11:1-2: "Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)" (John 11:1-2)
A Journey Back Home
For the first time, I embarked on a long journey alone. Everything felt unfamiliar, yet somehow familiar at the same time. I safely arrived in Korea, and contrary to my concerns, my body adjusted well. I made it home without any trouble.
Since the sixth grade, my mother and younger sibling have lived here. Despite the long absence, my body instinctively remembered the way back. It was a strange and fascinating experience—retracing the past while adjusting to the overwhelming changes around me. Amidst the whirlwind of transformation, I found myself drawn into a sense of nostalgia, encountering remnants of time that have endured despite everything else changing.
Even in the little things, memories surfaced. I recalled the chilling wind that always greeted me when I stepped into my childhood home and the dramatic complaints of a friend who used to live in the same apartment complex. The familiarity of the past and the strangeness of the present intertwined in a way that left me feeling both comforted and displaced.
Unplanned Encounters & Unwanted Treatments
My medical checkups were scheduled efficiently within my short stay. Fortunately, the dentist discovered a hidden inflammation, and after undergoing nerve treatment, I should be able to complete the remaining procedures in the fall.
But as soon as my dental appointment ended, my mother led me straight to a dermatologist. Before I could even react, I found myself sitting in a clinic as they discussed removing freckles and blemishes from my face. In that moment, I felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter.
I suspect that, in my mother’s heart, she had some sort of bucket list of things she wanted her son to do while visiting home.
Looking in the mirror now, I can’t help but regret it. The marks from the treatment are far from subtle. I find myself praying each day, “Please, Lord, let my face heal before I meet the congregation again.”
Experiencing Winter Again
Since I arrived in the coldest part of February, I am experiencing a true Korean winter—something I haven’t felt in years. Snow has fallen heavily, and I had the rare joy of walking through it with my mother. As we made our way down familiar roads, I remembered how, as a child, I used to hold her hand and run across the snow-covered streets.
Yet, amidst these warm memories, I find myself unexpectedly missing the church.
Perhaps it’s the bitter cold, but I long for the church courtyard bathed in warm sunlight and the golden glow of light filtering through the stained glass windows.
Even though my body is in the land of my childhood, my heart longs for the place where my life truly belongs.
An Unforeseen Pause
Before I left for Korea, I had every intention of sending daily devotionals. But as soon as I arrived, I was met with an overwhelming schedule, medical appointments, and, to make matters worse, a stomach virus.
I suspect that the sandwich I ate on the plane was the culprit. For days, I could barely eat, trying to soothe my stomach while running from one appointment to another. Now, as I finally regain my strength, I wanted to share a small update first.
A Story of Siblings, Grief, and a Miracle
Today’s passage is one I read on Saturday morning. I share it not only as a reflection on Scripture but also as a way to reconnect after the past few days of silence. Martha and Mary are two of the most significant women in the Gospels—not just sisters but partners in the work of the Gospel. In today’s passage, they reappear, this time in deep sorrow over the death of their brother, Lazarus. Previously, we saw how Martha busied herself with serving while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, fully immersed in His words.
Now, in John 11, they return as grieving sisters witnessing one of Jesus’ greatest miracles—the resurrection of Lazarus. This moment takes place in Bethany, a village on the way to Jerusalem. Soon after, Jesus will ride into the city on a donkey, receiving shouts of ‘Hosanna! Son of David!’ Meanwhile, the Jewish leaders have been plotting to kill Jesus—yet here, Jesus performs a miracle that changes everything.
With one command, He turns their plans of death into a demonstration of life.
He calls Lazarus out of the tomb, revealing that death itself is merely sleep in the presence of God.
Breaking Through Boundaries
One of the most radical truths of the Gospel is its ability to redefine what seems set in stone.
"This is just the way things are."
"There is no way to change it."
"The facts have already been decided."
Yet, the Gospel refuses to be bound by such assumptions. It teaches us to see beyond what we think is unchangeable.
Life Beyond Borders
In a way, we are all people who have crossed borders. Though our bodies and memories recall our homelands, our true lives are rooted in California, in the Bay Area, among the people we serve and love.
As those who have left one world behind and entered another, we live between cultures, between identities, between histories. Yet in this space, God has given us a purpose and a mission. We are not simply wanderers—we are called to see the world differently and to live beyond boundaries. Whenever I can, I will continue to send updates and reflections from here. In the meantime, I pray that your fellowship within the small groups remains rich and meaningful.
A Thought to Reflect On
What boundaries have you had to cross in your life?
Intercessory Prayers
🙏 For Open Church and its leaders: This week, Pastor Kiuk Min will be delivering the message.
🙏 For our church members: Before I left for Korea, I spoke with Sam-Young Park at the airport. He shared that he is doing well and is grateful for the prayers and encouragement from the congregation. Let us continue to pray for him, and if possible, consider visiting him when the opportunity arises.
Closing Thoughts
As we navigate the transitions and challenges of life, may we learn to see beyond our circumstances and recognize God’s greater purpose in every season.
I miss you all and look forward to reconnecting soon.
Blessings,
Pastor Gyuhyun Kim
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