John 14:1-14, February 20, 2025 (Thursday)

Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Yesterday morning, I sent my devotion earlier than usual. I was attending the "Pivot Retreat" in Phoenix but failed to account for the time difference with California. After sending it, I realized my mistake.

The Pivot Retreat is a program developed by three Western Jurisdiction annual conferences to revitalize church planting and ministry efforts. By participating in two retreat sessions and submitting an application, attendees can receive funding and intensive ministry training for their church work.

Our proposal initially focused on expanding our campus ministry into an English-speaking ministry. Recently, however, we added another vital component: launching an English worship service at our church. In March, we will present our ministry plans to the annual conference, outlining our preparation process, implementation strategy, and budget requirements.

Completing the application and addressing its numerous questions has been challenging. However, this journey has helped us develop our ministry more concretely and has been an invaluable learning experience.

A Conversation with a Second-Generation Korean Pastor

During the retreat, I met a second-generation Korean-American pastor. He had previously served as a senior pastor in a large church but witnessed the struggles of ethnic minority ministries. Instead of continuing in his senior pastor role, he asked the annual conference to allow him to pastor three smaller minority churches.

Rather than granting his request, the conference invited him to oversee 200 minority churches and focus on church leadership development. It was inspiring to hear his journey, and in our brief conversation, we shared both expectations and challenges in ministry.

The Reality of Church Ministry: Expectation & Challenge

Church ministry always involves both anticipation and difficulty. More often than not, circumstances don't unfold as expected, and we frequently encounter greater challenges than initially anticipated.

Naturally, we hope everything proceeds smoothly. However, even ministry for God's kingdom faces obstacles. It requires effort, perseverance, and faith to overcome difficulties and bear fruit.

Jesus: The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Gospel of John was written around AD 100, during a time when the early church faced significant challenges and grappled with many theological questions.

One of the most profound statements in today's passage is: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

This declaration, unique to the Gospel of John, serves as a comprehensive confession of faith in Jesus Christ. It's a verse we should cherish and remember, while also recognizing why such a confession was necessary at that time. The early church was wrestling with the fundamental question: Who is Jesus?

Just as the early church navigated numerous questions and obstacles in establishing Christian communities, today's church faces similar ministry challenges. This perspective helps us understand that God rarely calls us to an easy journey.

God often works through difficult and uncertain processes to accomplish His plans. We see this pattern in Israel's forty-year wilderness journey and in Peter's life, who only fully grasped his mission after enduring trials and hardships.

Following Jesus: The Way & The Truth

By embracing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust that God will guide us in the right direction. When we faithfully follow His lead, we will fulfill the mission entrusted to us.

Reflection Question

What is the greatest challenge in your faith journey right now?

Intercessory Prayer Requests

🙏 Please pray for our Sunday School, Youth Group, and Young Adult Ministry.

📢 This Saturday at 10 AM, we will host a Bible seminar on 'The Life and Theology of John Wesley' at our church. Everyone is encouraged to attend! (Lunch will be provided.)