Numbers 16:12–35, April 29, 2025 (Tuesday)

Numbers 16:12–13Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We will not come! Isn’t it enough that you brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? And now you also want to lord it over us?”

Lately, my eyes have been feeling swollen and itchy — a clear sign that allergy season is in full swing. I imagine many of you are also carrying around some form of seasonal allergy. For me, it manifests through my eyes. Even when I take allergy medicine, the discomfort doesn’t fully go away.

Last week, I wasn’t able to send out the Morning Column. I was deeply involved in the Growing Church Conference, which lasted four days and three nights. Since I was in charge of hosting and leading the conference, the busyness of the schedule didn’t even allow time to sit and write.Personally, the Growing Church Conference holds a special place in my heart because it offers some of the most effective and meaningful training for pastors of smaller churches. A unique feature of this conference is that participants both teach and learn — and one of the highlights is a special activity where we openly share not only our strengths but also our failures. It’s rare to find a space where leaders honestly share their struggles, and because of that honesty, wisdom, guidance, and comfort are abundantly exchanged. That’s why I believe this is one of the best conferences for pastors and churches alike.

This year felt even busier, as we left right after Easter Sunday worship. Yet despite the hectic pace, the journey and the entire conference were filled with joy.We were blessed to celebrate Easter together in worship and host a wonderful Easter Egg Hunt event in the afternoon. Throughout the conference, I carried the warmth and gratitude that came from experiencing the dedication and hard work of Pastor Jin Hee-won, all the staff, and the church members who volunteered and supported the event.I want to once again express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible.

Today’s passage speaks about the challenge to Moses’ leadership.Just as there’s no such thing as 100% satisfaction, there were those — Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their followers — who opposed Moses and tested God. As a result, 250 leaders were consumed by fire from heaven.

The Exodus itself was an extraordinary event, filled with countless challenges. While many of these challenges were likely related to everyday life, leadership challenges were significant too — and today's passage records one such event.

In many ways, the church can be similar to the community of Israel.Within a church, where leadership — whether individual or shared — is necessary, achieving 100% agreement is not easy. Still, the mission and joy of building up the church together remain the same for all.The real danger comes when leadership is no longer seen as service to the community but as an opportunity for domination. When that shift happens, the church ceases to be a community and instead becomes a battleground for power struggles. Sadly, many church conflicts stem from this very problem.

Last week, during the special praise offerings by the Somang and Neulbom small groups, I received great encouragement.Lately, as a pastor, one of the greatest joys at Yeolin Church has been witnessing everyone’s sincere efforts to build up the church together.A church community where everyone prays with one heart and labors to strengthen the body of Christ will surely bear good fruit.I pray that we will continue to cherish and uphold these important values together.

Reflection

• Have you ever witnessed a community consumed by power struggles?

• What did it look like? Was it marked more by achievement or by conflict?

Intercessory Prayer

• Please pray for those who are struggling with illnesses, that they may experience full recovery.

Announcements

• Picture Day at ChurchWe will be taking family pictures at church on Sunday, May 4th and Sunday, May 11th.The proceeds from these photo sessions will support our Christian Education Ministry — particularly to help fund this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS), much like how we successfully hosted the Easter Egg Hunt.Please sign up to reserve your session!

Sign up for Picture Day

• Church Directory UpdatePlease complete the Google Form for the church membership directory!We will continue collecting responses this week. If you have not yet submitted your form, the senior pastor will contact you personally to assist with completing it.

Fill out the Church Directory Form