One Life

One of the students at our seminary is going through a very rough time.  He’s been feeling very weak, and after going to the hospital he was told that he might have liver cancer.  They are doing more tests.  Can I ask for your prayers?

Here’s an email excerpt from Joey to Dr. Joe Kim of our seminary.  It shows the peace and perspective that transcends all human understanding.

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Thank you for your rich prayers last Sunday.  Young Isaiah; such a cute kid and so is your younger son.  Also Agi’s eldest son came and told me he is praying for me, last Sunday. I have been so greatly enriched by the many cute kids at ANF.   So much to learn from kids.  Shohei did not have words; he simply wept and embraced me.  Agi had only a few words and gave me an affectionate brotherly hug.  The Chinese man encouraged me and said I should fast and pray (which is a thrilling concept; I like that war-time mentality).  The rest of ANF people were simply at a loss for words.  I had prayed with Jo-Anne before the service for a pain she had on her hip.  Later when she heard the news after the service, she came and said her pain looked so small. And later today, Craig kindly offered to drive me home because it was raining.  I’ve come to the conclusion that pain, in and of itself, is not beautiful.  But the beauty that pain brings to us is seen in the numerous receptions and expressions of love, in Christ.

I was at the park the other day, contemplating on God’s sovereignty over creation.  As I sat by the shaded tree, I saw each and everyone of your faces one by one (I too make mention of your names everytime I pray); and it suddenly dawned on me that you all look very beautiful in God’s eyes.  God’s community, although sin-sick, is still the bride of Christ.  Then I looked up and was reminded what the Psalmist said: ” The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”  It felt as though the heavens, including the tree right above my head, simply stood there speaking to me of His glory (although subjected to futility -Roms.8:20a).  I am seeing the world differently now; for which I am truly thankful.  No wonder, John Calvin said Special Revelation is a like a lens with which we can look at General Revelation with  ” eyes made anew..”

I told the Lord the other day that I miss Him very much.  And it would be nice if He took me home anytime.  If He did, I would never want to come back down here.   Paul creates this kind of appetite for us in Romans 8: ” For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” [v.18].   But the need is still great in Japan and Asia.  He even used the four beleaguered lepers in 2 Kings 7.  So may the Lord do to me as He deems fit.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Joey