John 15:18-27, 2025.02.25 (Tue)

It's great, Young Adult ^^

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." — John 15:18-19 (NIV)

In the gentle hush of yesterday's morning, our community gathered in earnest prayer, our thoughts centered on sister Park Jung-Ja as she underwent surgery. The day unfolded with a tapestry of concern and hope woven through our collective consciousness. By evening, like the first ray of dawn breaking through darkness, a message arrived from sister Park herself—words of gratitude illuminating her path to recovery. In a conversation that followed, Park Sam-Young's(her husbund) voice carried the unmistakable weight of concern tempered with relief. Despite the physical distance that separates us, our hearts remain tethered through prayer, and we find ourselves grateful for the successful outcome of her procedure.

Growing Together in Fellowship

The inaugural meetings of our small groups have blossomed with remarkable success. There exists an inevitable apprehension in new beginnings—the unfamiliar faces, the hesitant silences, the careful dance of newly forming connections. Yet, I observed with profound appreciation how each member stepped forward with dedication and openness. Though our gatherings occur but once a month, I harbor a fervent hope that each meeting will delve deeper into meaningful sharing and heartfelt prayer. My commitment remains steadfast: to nurture these groups with unwavering support and guidance.

Embracing New Horizons

A significant milestone has been reached with the formation of our first English-speaking small group—a harbinger of broader aspirations. Beyond this modest beginning lies our vision for a full English worship service. Initially conceived as a ministry tailored for young adults, our church's relocation has prompted us to seek an English-speaking minister to formally establish this new dimension of worship. With the conference's endorsement, we have embarked on this journey, nurturing the hope that it will flourish into a self-sustaining ministry within our church community.

In preparation for this endeavor, Evangelist Jin Hee-Won and I have immersed ourselves in specialized training over the past year. On March 10, we will stand before the conference to present our vision. Success in this presentation promises the financial support necessary to realize our aspirations.

The Journey's Contemplations

The path leading to this juncture has been lined with contemplation and introspection. Yet, witnessing the profound gratitude and fulfillment that accompanies each step, I am convinced of God's abundant grace upon our congregation. As I observe Elder Park Jung-Ja summoning strength through her illness, I am moved to pray fervently that this overwhelming grace might overflow, bringing complete healing to her body and spirit.

Interpreting the Gospel

Today's passage from John's Gospel bears the distinctive philosophical fingerprint that characterizes this biblical text. As I have often noted, John's Gospel, written around 100 AD, bears the unmistakable influence of Greek philosophical thought. The dualistic framework introduced by Plato found its way into biblical interpretation first through John's Gospel. While Paul employed similar structures to communicate the Gospel message to Greek audiences, John's Gospel has exerted a particularly profound influence as a foundational text.

The verse speaks with elegant simplicity: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own, but since you do not belong to the world and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you."

This passage establishes a clear distinction between worldly existence and the life of faith. Extended interpretation might suggest a stark dichotomy: "The world embodies evil, while the church represents good." However, John's Gospel does not intend to establish such rigid categories of morality. Rather, these words offered comfort to a persecuted church and explained why suffering naturally accompanies the faithful. The intent was never to create an inflexible framework that condemns the world while exalting the church.

The church exists within the world, carrying its cross, called to function as light and salt—not to construct higher walls of separation. Let us hold this truth close as we navigate our journey of faith.

Questions for Reflection

If we were to distinguish between the world and the church, what criteria should guide this distinction? Have you ever considered rejecting worldly engagement based on the perception that the world is inherently evil?

Prayer Intentions

As we move forward in faith, let us hold these matters in prayer:

• Sister Park Jung-Ja's complete restoration to health following her surgery

• The establishment of Wednesday services beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 5 (Morning 10 AM / Evening 7 PM)

• The upcoming Turkey & Greece Holy Land Pilgrimage (May 18-29), with two remaining openings for interested participants

In all things, may we remember that we walk not alone, but in the company of fellow believers and in the presence of divine grace.