Surpassing Worth

I’m serious when I say this, but I really think these two messages changed the course of my life…

Jesus Christ & the Rescue of Joy (Part 1) – Why God is not a megalomaniac

Jesus Christ & the Rescue of Joy (Part 2) – Why pursuing God as our ultimate joy is not selfish

John Piper came to Park Street Church in Boston on April 19th, 2009 and I walked out with a whole new paradigm on life.

My Conviction in a Nutshell

Preposition #1: God is the ultimate good or else He would not be God. Then our joy is most complete in Him, because He is the ultimate good.

Preposition #2: Love is only true when you are looking out for the best interests of the other person. Therefore, for God to glorify and magnify Himself, it is not megalomania, because He’s simply loving us in working all things for His glory.

Conclusion: For God to reveal more of Himself to us and point our joys in His direction, is the ULTIMATE expression of love. And when we pursue God in this way, there is no greater calling and act of service then to allow for others to see the glories of God.

Ok, I’m thoroughly convinced that if we did a nationwide poll on the worst drivers, the city of Boston would top that list easily. It’s maddening how bad people drive. I admit, from the driver’s seat of your car, it’s always everyone else that sucks. But I’d like to think I bring some objectivity seeing that I’m not originally from here.

I’d even pose that Bostonians have the shortest attention span as well, because they will stop to look at anything! Today, I experienced a traffic jam on the on ramp to the highway because there was a green balloon meandering across the field (yes a freakin’ balloon!). If I sound perturbed, it’s because I am. We need to re-ejumakate these drivers… it’s ridonculous.

Surprisingly though the worst cities to drive in are consistently Washington D.C.; Providence, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Newark, New Jersey. (GMAC Insuranc & Allstate Insurance)

So far so good. My one worry with Seminary (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) was that my mind might start to outrun my heart, but I’m almost surprised to say that the reading that I’m doing and the studies I’m involved with are doing nothing but enriching my spiritual life. I realize I run the risk of sounding like a complete nerd and a grade-A suckup, but it’s absolutely true. Everything from the study of broad theological concepts concerning God’s revelation to us, His creation, and to the nitty gritty of New Testament text criticisms, perusing through the original greek documents at a painstakingly slow pace. I’m loving it (seriously).

Now I’m sure my honeymoon period with Seminary will soon wear off to the reality of my marriage to it for the next 3 years, but let a brother enjoy the moment!

I’ve also settled nicely into a church I absolutely love. It’s called Seven Mile Road. It’s a growing community of young believers learning what it means to love God and love those around them. From week one of stepping in to worship with them, I truly did feel called to stay. I’m excited to learn, grow, and be challenged out of my comfort zones and learn what it means to be missional in the city of Boston. Also, it’s a pretty weird story, tailor made only for the 21st century of how I ended up at Seven Mile in the first place. Let’s just say that Craigslist can do more than sell your unwanted Nintendo 64 games.

Admittedly, a Korean dude coming from a pan-asian church background worshipping weekly with non-Asians was a huge adjustment. But man, after the initial culture shock, I’m just amazed at the unity faith in Christ can bring. Jew or Gentile, truly there is no other God that brings unity to the world.

I leave you with just some things that got me abrewing in my tiny pea-brain. I feel I must vomit them here in order to process…

• Any rejection of the New Testament based on the idea that it’s unreliable, because it has far too many errors and inconsistencies is just poor scholarship. The evidence stacked up against you, if that’s the position you take, is just too great.
• Jesus is God’s Revelation (John 1:1). How cool is it that God would give us, the blind and foolish ones, something to touch and point at, allowing us to say that it is God, himself? If you think about it, He’s letting us hit from the ladies’ tees.
• The Author writes himself into every book. Look for Him and He’s there.
• Recover the Gospel! This generation needs the Gospel. The Good News. The too Good to be true News.

the unofficial story from my perspective

“Yes. Of Course!” That’s what she said when I asked her to marry me.

Rewind a few months back to her 25th Birthday, when I sent Caroline an envelope marked “Do Not Open!” Inside were cards that we’d use throughout the weekend she was to visit in order to make things fun. They all had some sort of directions on them (i.e. Fashion Show!, Take a Walk on the Wild Side, Ask Anything, etc). And I was going to ask her to draw from the deck every once in a while to help us in what we were going to do next that day.

So with that, plans were set for a Labor Day weekend full of surprises. I had the blessings of her family & friends. The travel arrangements were made. And the party planning was coming together in two cities. In all, it was going to be a busy weekend: 3 days in 3 different cities ending with 1 ring and 1 very happy couple.

Friday

I did a “dry run” through what we were going to do on Saturday. Call me Johnny Cautious, but I just wanted to make sure I knew what I was doing before I actually did it. Especially, since I didn’t know the city as well as I would like after moving here just a few months ago.

Did a lot of praying as I was walking the streets of the city, and it was sinking in slowly that this was where God was calling me to serve. And I prayed a lot for our (Caroline and I) future marriage and ministry together. Overall, a hugely blessing day of reflection, repentance, and rejoicing.

Around midnight, went to go pick Caroline up at the airport. I missed seeing her face live and in person.

Saturday

A full day of touring the city of Boston was in order. We woke up early. (Card #1 – Fashion Show) I had told her we were going to have a really nice dinner that night, so I convinced her to bring a change of clothes, so she could look her best. We grabbed our Starbucks and hopped on the train to go into the city.

After a full walkabout tour of Boston, we ended up at Jin’s (my sister’s boyfriend) place to get changed and wash up a little. About this time, I was nervously anticipating what I was going to say when I proposed. And while she was changing in another room, I carefully pulled out the ring one last time and placed it securely in my pocket (touching it a million and a half time just to make sure it was ok). It’s a feeling only those who’ve been there can understand. You really feel as if that thing is secretly burning a hole in your pockets and planning an escape, so you get ultra paranoid and pat it constantly to make sure it’s staying put.

(Card #2 – Take a walk on the wild side) And after a great dinner on the Harbor, we went for a stroll along the Harbor Walk. All this time, while we were at dinner, my roommates Hojin & Andy, were scouting the best spot to propose and have pictures to show for it. I got the go ahead for the perfect spot, so I took Caroline for a leisurely after-dinner stroll along the pier. At dinner we had an awesome conversation about what our future here in the city was going to look like and it continued as we walked toward “the spot”. As I got to the bench, we took a seat and nervously, I started to “setup” the proposal. At this point, all I could hear in my periphery was “click. click. clickety click.” Hojin was going nuts on his camera! I was about to turn around and tell him to shutup! But good thing Caroline was so engrossed in what I had to say (or atleast did an awesome job pretending).

I shared with her just some of the things God’s been teaching me here in the past few months and where I see God calling me and us in the future. After what seemed like an hour long speech, I asked her, “Would you be willing to do that with me?” She quickly replied, “Of course.” Then I asked her to stand up for me (we’ve been sitting this whole time, overlooking the beautiful Boston skyline). As she stood up, I took her hand, got down on one knee, and pulled the ring out of my pocket. I looked up at her and all she kept saying was, “No! Are you serious?! No way…” and in a weird reflex proceeded to pinch my cheeks! I wasn’t gonna have that in my proposal pics, so I brushed her hand away.

While I was on my knee, supposedly Hojin made a mad dash from 100 yards away to get to the perfect spot, but it was already too late. She had already answered, “Yes. Of course!” I got up, gave her the biggest hug I could and we prayed for both ourselves and the city. This is where the tears started to flow. “Amen,” I ended. Looking at her, I wiped the tears from her cheeks, “You ready for this?” I asked. She just nodded.

I told her to turn around and there they were, Hojin & Andy waving in the distance. And after a few more hugs and high-fives, the night came to an end. We went out to celebrate after and spent the night texting friends and family. After talking to her parents, she got another card that read, “Day Trip. Pack Your Bags.” (Card #3 – Day Trip) Her parents told her to come down to New York City, where she lives, to have dinner with them on Sunday. So being the great daughter she is, she obliged and early in the morning we were going to head down to NYC.

It will forever be an unforgettable night. But it wasn’t the end just yet. The weekend of surprises had just started…

to be continued (PART 2 posted on Caroline’s Blog)

It’s such an important question. Without fail, it’s usually the one question that you ask a person you’ve just met. It can say a lot about someone. It can tell you what ethnicity and culture they embrace. It can tell you their history and worldview. It can tell you why they speak so funky. It can even tell you whether they prefer to wear socks or not. Where you’re from tells others so much about you, without you having to explain it all.

I’m from Chicago. What’s that say about me? Well, for one, it tells them what allegiance I hold in matters regarding sports (Cubs, Bulls, Bears, & Illini). What else? It tells them I know how to eat (hot dogs, deep dish, sausages, etc). It also tells them I know how to deal with year-to-year highway construction.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my short time here in Boston, it’s that absolutely no one is from Boston. It’s true. If you live here, it’s highly likely that you were born and raised somewhere else. It’s just the nature of the city. No one stays long enough to see the next Bruins Stanley Cup. And even if they do, no one cares. Boston is a city full of migrants. Here for a season and gone the next. But that’s what makes this city so interesting. Everyone brings a different flavor to this lego bucket of culture.

Much like the very world we live in, Christians aren’t permanent residents, either. We’re from a different city. We’re just passing right on through. But the question always to ask ourselves is, “Do people confirm where we’re from by witnessing our lives?” Can you tell someone you’re a Christian and will they say, “Oh, you love others more than yourself, don’t you!?” “I bet you love to be unselfish with your time and talents!” “What’d you think about that Bible? Surely, you’ve read it!?” Sadly, sometimes no one is able to tell we’re Christians, unless we tell them. And sometimes, even when we tell them, they don’t believe us.

Where you from?

It was a really bad year to move to Boston. They are in an unprecedented season in their sports history. The Patriots are a dynasty. The Bruins aren’t bad. The Red Sox are owning the American League. And as some of you have just witnessed, the Celtics are the new NBA champions. It’s a bad year for a Chicagoan in Boston.

But before the Big Ticket, Jesus, & the Truth got to hold the trophy, I got my hands on it. And you know what I did? I purposefully put my fingerprints all over it! Take that Danny Ainge!

I’m telling you. Wait ’til October folks. Wait ’til October. Cubs vs. Red Sox. Cubs in 6 at Wrigley. Can’t wait.

Half way through my drive in Ohio, it finally hit me: home is no longer behind me.

The move-in was smooth. My place, empty. It’s been just a whirlwind tour of the city and meeting up with different people that live here. So far, so good, I guess until classes start on Monday. By the end of the summer, I’ll be an expert at exegeting the Greek texts and spewing out those grammar paradigms! sounds sexy, doesn’t it?

As is customary every time you visit a city, you gotta ask the question. What’s good to eat? I’ve been asking that of about everyone I meet here. So far, I got two must’s in the city of Boston:

1. Anna’s Taqueria – I like to say this is what Chipotle would be if it wasn’t owned by McDonald’s at one point. This is the authentic version and better version. If you’re careless about your health, you gotta get the Quesadilla, which is basically a fried burrito. mmmmm…

2. Le’s Vietnamese Cuisine – Quite possibly the best pho I’ve had. The portions are huge, but the price is tiny. That’s a winning combination in my book anyday!

It may only be two for now, but don’t you worry… I’m compiling a mental record book of all the great eats in town. If any of you come visit Boston, you’ll never have to do the lunch-decision tango. Do you know what I’m talking about?

First, “Where do you want to eat?” Then, “I don’t care, wherever you want to go.” Then, “I really have no preference, you pick.” “I always pick, I could eat anything.” “hmmm….” *silence*

That will never happen. I garauntee it.

Departure date for Boston, MA: June 10th. I have one week left in Chambana. It’s almost surreal actually. I haven’t had a major change like this for the last 7 years of my life. It’s been steady living in the flat lands of the midwest. But though change can be exciting there is quite a bit of uncertainty and worry still in me.

With a week left, I still don’t have a place to stay. With a week left, I have no idea where I’ll be attending church my first weekend in Boston. With a week left, I’ve yet to nail down my financial income for the coming year. With a week left, there are still so many questions.

But in all of this, I’m gently reminded of the God that goes before me. He knows me. He knows the path that He’s prepared for me. He is in control. And just as he promised to take care of the Levite Priests of the Old Testament by commanding the tithe go to them in return for their service (Numbers 18:21), I know my God knows what is best and will always give me just enough.

Just enough, so I won’t be proud. Just enough, so I’ll depend on Him. Just enough, so that I won’t think I earned it. Just enough, so that I’ll know it was by His hand all along. Just enough, so that I’ll know He’s God.

Not really, but please read on (even though it’s long)

A couple weeks ago, one of the most important marathon races of the year took place in Boston. The Boston Marathon is considered one of the most prestigious road races. Only those that meet qualifying standards are allowed to run in this event. The best runners from around the world are invited to compete for the illustrious crown every year.

This year’s men’s winner, Robert K. Cheruiyot from Kenya, had this to say about the Boston Marathon. “This was the hardest. Boston is not a very easy course, it’s very difficult. [But] I enjoy running the hills.” Although he repeatedly checked his watch as he ran alone for the last miles, Cheruiyot did not challenge the course record of 2:07:14 he set two years ago. His problem: no one to race with. “It’s very difficult when you’re running alone here in Boston,” he said. “You need company.”

As some of you may know, I’m moving to Boston in early June. I’ll be attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the Fall. Actually, this decision’s been a long time in the making. Some of you may ask: why Boston? to answer all the cynics, “No, I’m not jumping on the bandwagon. Yes, all their professional sports teams are winning championships, but I still love my cubs, bulls, & bears.” Ok, so why Boston then? Simply, I feel called. Yes, the city is rich with history. Yes, it’s quaint & beautiful. But much more than that, I think about the Kingdom potential of the city (I blame Pastor Min for giving me eyes to always see potential). If you consider all the Ivy League schools within miles of each other & the types of people that flow through this city, it’s such a huge hub of influence. Men & women that will lead the future of this world flow through this very city. So imagine the Kingdom potential! If Christ can capture the heart of one…many will follow. It’s pretty exciting.

Don’t get me wrong. I realize the naive nature of this vision. But I can’t help but to hold on to the verse in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” There is a power in the Gospel that reaches far beyond hyper intellectualism. There is a power in the Gospel that breaks the grip of money-grubbing hands. And there most certainly is a power in the Gospel that redeems the worldliest efforts for power & influence. So it’s with this vision I set on toward Boston, but not one step ahead of Jesus, who leads me.

But unlike Cheruiyot, who had no one to run with, I won’t be alone in Boston. I’m going to be attending school with my good friend, Hojin. Among other friends already in Boston, I feel as though God’s surrounding me with much needed spiritual accountability. I can’t imagine what this next stage of life would look like without brothers and sisters in Christ that’ll run alongside me. What Cheruiyot said is so true. You need company.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 7 years on campus here at U of I, it’s that this Christian race is meant to be run with other people. With the spiritual accountability of my church, CFC, I always felt like I had 800 brothers and sisters running right alongside me at any given moment. And let me tell you, sometimes that’s what kept me going one more day. It’s a lesson I’ll always take with me wherever I go. When I fall, I need someone to pick me up. When I slow down, I need someone to push me. And when I’m tired, I need someone to keep me going. The Christian marathon was never meant to be run alone.

Most of all, I’m excited to be a part of God’s plan. I know very little about what next year’s going to look like. I’ll be a full-time student again, but other than that, I’m committed to walking by faith & not by sight. Beyond that I know much less about what the next 10 years will look like. Where will I live? Which church will I serve? Who will I be serving? Admittedly, they’re all questions I’m asking myself, but ultimately I entrust all things to the God who knows insurmountably more than I could ever know. So more than the anxiety of me not knowing, I’m thankful that God knows.

Please pray for me as I transition from the cornfields of Chambana to the winding roads of Boston. I’m still in the process of finding a place to live next year & in search for a church in the Boston area. Finances are also a huge worry and prayer request, because I forgot how poor you are when you’re a student! But most of all, pray that I’d faithfully run this race until the very end. Pray that whatever the circumstances, I’d never let up or give up.