I am thankful that I can afford the time to look back at this year. This year marks the 6th year of my ministry, as well as the end of my 1st term as a minister; it encourages me to look back at myself and my ministry work.
There is this scene that has been taking its place in my mind since I started the ministry. It is the scene described in the book of Acts 20:17-35 when apostle Paul was leaving Ephesus after finishing up his ministry. While meditating on theses verses, the scene was imprinted as an image in my heart.
“31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. (….) 36 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.”
I even found an artwork by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld illustrating this scene.
Looking back my ministry, I had more moments of being flawed than the moments of being satisfied. I also feel that the path forward is longer than the path I have taken so far. I do not know how long I can continue this precious ministerial work, but I want to offer my best to finish up the work given the time and opportunities God has allowed me. I pray I can say what Paul said and cry like Paul did when the time comes.
In a way, Paul who earned his living by himself while serving as a missionary resembles more of Mokja and Mokyoe than I. The image of Paul is also reflected in all the laymen who follow the same path.
“34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
I hope that the scene stays in our heart like a picture in a dream.
From pastor Choi, Jin-Won
꿈 같은 그림