송구영신예배 인성재 목사 설교

We all know the power of words. However, like a surgeon’s knife or scalpel, it requires great skill and control to hit the target. Almost always it is hard to find the right words to comfort someone who has lost a loved one. Most of the time, we struggle to find the right words to comfort or remain silent. But we also know that silence can be hurtful when someone is hurting. As such, comforting people who are hurting are extremely difficult. However, we need to comfort the hurting and also receive comfort in return. Especially, now when the majority of our nation are hurting, physically, emotionally, financially, relationally, and spiritually. And in today’s text, through the prophet Isaiah, God commands us to comfort others. And he also teaches us how to comfort others. Verse 1 says, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” When God spoke these words through Isaiah, people of God were in the midst of an exile, hostages for 70 years in a foreign land. For us, for the past ten months, our normal routines have been interrupted and many of our free movements and access have been limited or prohibited. And many of us are frustrated, angry, and saddened. Imagine multiplying our situations by thousand times, in terms of the loss of freedom and dignity. Not just for ten months, but for seventy years. And being in a foreign land with strange language, food, customs, and traditions, in addition to humiliation, shame, and loss of dignity. Seventy years as prisoners, what were their hearts like? Resignation, surrender, despair, frustration, broken spirit….And to them, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” To whom, is God commanding to comfort ‘my people’? They are others who were also hostages, imprisoned in a foreign land. They have been in the same, Godless, forbidden, and gloomy land for the past 70 years. However, they were different from others. They still had hope in God, they still held to their faith in God. Their hearts and spirit were anchored in God’s justice and faithfulness. They were people of true hope. And God called them out to comfort His people. And in verse two, God provides the basis or reasons for comfort. Verse two says, “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.” It is painful to receive any punishments for wrongdoing. However, the news that we did enough time, that it’s over is comforting. It is Good News that all the debts have been paid in full. Even better that paying the penalty will restore the relationship with God. Moreover, the Lord of lords is coming to save them. He is not coming as a judge but as the one to reward his people, with a heart of a good shepherd. Verses 10 and 11 states, “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Now, God’s people are commanded to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. Verses 3 and 4, “A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” This are symbolic words. It means, whatever will get in the way of our Lord’s coming and saving people are to be removed and discarded. Turn away from sins and godlessness and rise from despair and hopelessness. Throw away doubts, skepticisms and unbelief. Verse 5 says, “And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.” One thing is certain here. Comforts need to be backed up with truth. It cannot be empty words. When God commanded people of God to comfort others, God gave truths and not just nice words. God’s comfort is based on truth. When we comfort grieving people, even with good intentions, we might say, “I know how you feel.” And we know that this is not based on truth. Even the same losses are felt differently to different people. We might say, “Be strong, now is not the time to break down. Stop crying. Be strong for others.” I am also guilty of speaking these words. Well, there is a time to cry and mourn. And it is time to cry and mourn when you have losses. Yet, someone might still say, “this is a blessing in disguise.” Perhaps this is close to the truth, but until the griever understands this truth, it is not comforting, in fact it can be even hurtful, feels like a denial. Why do our comforting words feel empty or even hurtful? Because often they are far from the truth. True comforting happens with truth. Of course, all truths need to be spoken or delivered in caring and thoughtful ways. It needs to be delivered in ways the receivers of comfort can understand. In order to see the truth, we need to see the big picture. Have you ever walked through a maze or a labyrinth? Those who can see the whole design of the maze from a far distance can see the exits. In life crisis, when we are immersed and primarily focused on problems, we cannot see the big picture or the truth. Seeing the big picture includes seeing the reality that are not visible to our eyes or not within the scope of our understanding. If you cannot see the spiritual reality, then you are missing the truth, the big picture. The reality of this world is a small part of the bigger reality of God’s Kingdom, which is unseen. This is the truth one must hold. Through Isaiah, God speaks about the big picture in verses 6-8. “A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." We will all agree to the truths of these words. No matter how powerful and strong human beings, nations, and empires come across to us, they fall and disappear. Only God’s word and God’s Kingdom are eternal. Thankfully, you and I belong to God’s eternal kingdom. That is the big picture. That is the truth. That is the good news. Soon the people of God in hostage will see the mighty empire Babylon crushed by another empire Persia (modern day Iraq and Iran respectively). God says in verse 9, “You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" We are in the season of Advent. We are remembering the First Christmas and preparing for the second coming of Christ. Christ Jesus is the proof that God is in the midst of us. His other name is “Emmanuel.” This Hebrew word means, God is with us. Moreover, the Spirit of Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit, whose another name is “Comforter.” When we are inspired by the Holy Spirit, we are able to see the big picture and God’s kingdom. We also experience true comfort. As we experience the Good News, we share the Good news to others. “Here is your God!” I will close with a true experience of Emmanuel. Prof. Gerald Sittser teaches at Whitworth College in the state of Washington after his Ph.D at the University of Chicago. In 1991, due to a head on collision with a heavy pickup truck driven by a drunk driver who crossed the center line, he lost his mom, wife and his youngest daughter. His minivan was totaled. He and his other three children survived. Although he was a devout Christian, he fell into deep depression. He could not make sense of the loss with faith. His knowledge in the Bible or theological discourse could not help him. The words of his friends and family felt like salt sprinkled on his wounded heart. He asked endlessly, “Where was God when this happened?” He was even on the verge of becoming an atheist. But he chose to hold onto God, although his heart remained cold. Then, one day, while lying on his bed, he had a mysterious experience. He does not know whether he dreamt or saw a vision. In the dream/vision, he and his surviving children are standing on the side of a country road. They see a minivan cornering and following the lane, then a huge truck crosses over the center line heading into the minivan. Gerry witnesses great chaos and deaths like few years ago. And at that precise moment, suddenly a beautiful light illuminates and embraces the accident site. The light provided vivid snapshots of the accident. With the light, Gerry suddenly became aware that God is here with them at the accident site. God is here to receive his family into God’s kingdom. God is here to send the surviving family to new paths in life. This experience completely changed Gerry’s life, in addition to pulling him out of deep depression. He still did not receive the answer to the question why his family was taken so early so suddenly. However, he found peace in his heart. Knowing that God is with him in his losses and in his woundedness, comforts him. It allows him to see the big picture of life. He writes, “The sorrow I feel has not disappeared, but it has been integrated into my life as a painful part of a healthy whole. Initially, my loss was so overwhelming to me that it was the dominant emotion—sometimes the only emotion—I had. I felt like I was staring at the stump of a huge tree that had just been cut down in my backyard. That stump, which sat all alone, kept reminding me of the beloved tree that I had lost. I could think of nothing but that tree.” Eventually, he decided to plant shrubs, trees, flowers, and grass around the stump. He laid out a brick pathway and built two benches. Now it is surrounded by a beautiful garden of blooming flowers and growing trees and lush grass. He says, “what was once ugly is now an integral part of a larger, lovely whole.” My beloved members of the church, siblings in Christ, no matter how heavy your losses or burdens are, seek the comfort the Holy Spirit provides. And those of you who are doing well, spread the Good news. “Here is your God!” “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Let us pray.

[translated in English] Company with Jesus Luke 2:41-49 The best news these days is the production of Covid vaccine. However, I heard from a recent news that even with the production of the vaccines, by April the number of deaths by Covid will rise to approximately 520,000. On Friday, the world Covid death count rose to 1.52 million. The causalities of the most tragic war of WWII (Sept. 1993 – Sept. 1945) was 29 million, including the victims of atomic bombings. American casualties were 420,000. So, the estimate of 520,000 Covid-related deaths by April 2021 is shocking. During the pandemic many insights were gained. And the most important one is that I am glad I know Jesus, and how previous life is. Advent is a time of remembering the Christ who came and preparing for the Christ’s second coming. First Advent Sunday focuses on staying awake and waiting for the Last Day. Second Advent Sunday focuses on repentance in preparation for His return. Then, on the Third Advent Sunday, the joy of His expected return is expressed. Finally, on the Fourth Advent Sunday, the focus is on the news of Jesus’ birth and His love. Today is the Second Advent Sunday. The candle lit today is called ‘Bethlehem candle.’ It symbolizes the peace our Christ brings. It represents the hope of uniting with returning Christ. And in preparation, it compels us to examine our lives and sanctify ourselves. It is Sunday when our faith in Lord is restored. In the midst of chaos and anxiety in the world and the future, we trust in our Lord, the king of kings. A few days ago, someone sent me a Katalk message. The person was very upset about her church. Although she believed that Jesus was in control of everything, thoughts about the future brought fears. She confessed how her faith was not as strong as she imagined. And she asked for prayers. I think there are many others who struggle to experience peace in their hearts. In the midst of pandemic, perhaps we should be grateful for having opportunities to examine the strengths of our faith in Jesus Christ. We are human beings, so it is natural to be fearful in the midst of crisis. However, if fears start to cause doubts and pessimism, then we need to deal with them right away with whatever are causing God’s children to feel that way. Today’s text appears between the story of Jesus’ birth and the beginning of his public ministry. In today’s text, Joseph and Mary visited Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover. The fact that they visited Jerusalem annually indicates that Joseph and Mary followed Jewish holidays and traditions very well. At the end of the Passover period, they headed back to home while the twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And the parents did not know until the next day that Jesus was not with them. When I read this story for the first time 32 years ago, I thought this was an odd story. How could parents become aware of Jesus’ absence a day later? These days, there are many Joseph and Mary in our time. They think they are accompanying Jesus when they are not. Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” Jesus said he did not know those who even had power to drive out demons and they were recognized as prophets by people. Jesus added how they were evildoers. Those people thought they were accompanying the Lord, and they did not know that they weren’t. They also did not know what they were doing were evil. Even today, may will think that they are in the company of Jesus, but they have drifted away from Jesus committing evil things. The prospect of Jesus saying ‘I do not know you’ when all along I thought I was in the company of Jesus gives chills on my spine. Greek word for ‘company’ is ‘sunodia’. It means ‘company of travelers’ or ‘caravan’. In the Old Testament, accompanying appears in Genesis 5:21-24, mentioned how Enoch accompanied God. In Hebrew, “accompanying” is ‘halach,’’ which means ‘walking with’ or ‘walking together.’ There are two types of accompanying. One is a company of many people where people do not know other individuals very well. The other accompanying means walking and doing things together. Walking and doing together indicate that they are of one heart and mind. Accompanying with God was initiated by God. God desires to accompany human beings, so he came down to the world abandoning his heavenly throne. In order for the accompanying to happen, hearts must desire that. For example, God called out Abraham and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.” Verb form meaning of halach can be interpreted to mean, “You and I together in perfect unity do my works in life.” In relation to accompanying, Jesus mentioned in verse 49, “I had to be in my Father's house.” “Father’s house” can be interpreted to mean “My Father’s works.” First, one must discern whether one is accompanying Jesus. One needs to see the manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in one’s life, character, and community: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. One also needs to observe how some among the company might use godliness for selfish gain or whether there are internal conflicts. (1 Timothy 6:5 mentions how minds will be corrupted causing conflicts when truths are robbed.) And one must see that Lord’s works are active in life. Through good works and saving lives we witness to God’s love, life, and lights building up God’s kingdom. In Luke 6:9, on Sabbath, on Lord’s Day, Jesus himself did good deeds and saved lives, and demonstrated what it means to do good and save lives in verses 12 to 47. Fortunately, Mary and Joseph became aware of Jesus’ absence in the company after one day of traveling. Then, they returned to Jerusalem. Finally, after three days, they reunited with Jesus and headed to Nazareth. It is Advent and repentance Sunday. Beloved church members, I trust that all of you are accompanying the Lord. However, in order to joyfully welcome the second coming Jesus, we must repent if we have not been accompanying the Lord. Joseph and Mary were God-fearing people who faithfully followed traditions, however when they relaxed, they travelled without Jesus. When people become spiritually conceited and sloppy in thinking that they are accompanying Jesus, they are very likely to leave Jesus behind (vv. 43-44). Second, we must yearn to accompany the Lord. In Psalm 63, the writer calls out, “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” The psalmist writes in Psalm 42, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” It is a yearning like a big thirst. It is like Joseph and Mary’s hearts frantically looking for Jesus once they became aware of Jesus’ absence. Third, one must stay awake always. One must examine one’s heart with God’s word and strive to walk with the Lord while being awake every day (14:20; 15:4-9). Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to this world and saved us from our sins and the power of death. One day, we will live in the world where Jesus rules. This is in-between time. Do not lose Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life. If you become aware that you have left Jesus behind, repent and turn around. Daily, stand before God’s word and talk to Him in prayer. Please the Lord by doing good works of the Lord. Then, our fears will turn to joy when we meet the second coming Christ. And the Lord will welcome us joyfully.

한국어 번역 디모데후서 1:1-5 “영적 백신” 1 하나님의 뜻으로 말미암아 그리스도 예수 안에 있는 생명의 약속대로 그리스도 예수의 사도 된 바울은 2 사랑하는 아들 디모데에게 편지하노니 하나님 아버지와 그리스도 예수 우리 주께로부터 은혜와 긍휼과 평강이 네게 있을지어다 3내가 밤낮 간구하는 가운데 쉬지 않고 너를 생각하여 청결한 양심으로 조상적부터 섬겨 오는 하나님께 감사하고 4네 눈물을 생각하여 너 보기를 원함은 내 기쁨이 가득하게 하려 함이니 5이는 네 속에 거짓이 없는 믿음이 있음을 생각함이라 이 믿음은 먼저 네 외조모 로이스와 네 어머니 유니게 속에 있더니 네 속에도 있는 줄을 확신하노라. ----------------------------------------- 최근에 미국 대통령과 영부인, 그리고 백악관의 많은 인사들이 코로나 양성 반정 받은 것을 보고 놀랐습니다. 코로나는 사회적, 경제적, 심리적 이슈만이 아니라, 국가의 안보까지 흔들 수 있다는 것에 놀랐습니다. 그렇기에 코로나의 백신이 어느때 보다도 절실합니다. 코로나 백신 연구/발전 과정을 추적하는 기관에 의하면, 3단계에 있는 백신이 11개가 있고, 5개는 제한된 가운데 사용 허가가 나있고, 완전 단계에 있는 백신은 아직 없습니다. 이미 아시듯이 백신이 나오기 까지는 1-2년 이상의 시간이 걸립니다. 하지만 세계 각처에서 많은 연구가들이 시간을 다투며 내년까지 만들기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 현재 세계 각처의 연구가들이 44개의 백신을 사람에게 임상실험을 하고 있다고 합니다. 그리고 91개의 백신을 동물들에게 실험하고 있답니다. 코로나로 인한 사회적, 경제적, 정치적인 타격이 크기에 모두 염려하고 있습니다. 하지만, 우리 세대와 다음 세대의 영적, 정서적 건강이 우리들을 더욱 염려하게 합니다. 닫혀 있거나 부분적으로 출석하고 있는 학교들과, 직장들, 닫히거나 제한된 공원들과 놀이터들, 제한된 대면이 우리들의 삶을 많이 정체 시키고, 고립시킵니다. 이것이 장기화 될수록 남녀노소 모두들 불만이 쌓이게 되면서 조바심과 짜증이 폭력으로 나타나게 됩니다. 이런 경우가 이미 우리 주위에 생기고 있습니다. 육체적, 정신적 폭력은 학교, 직장, 가정들에 스트레스를 가중시킵니다. 하지만, 희망이 있습니다. 아시듯이 유럽에서 14세기에 전체 인구의 1/3 이 사망하는 흑사병이 있었습니다. 7500만명에서 2억 명사이의 목숨을 앗아간 인류사상 최악의 비극 사태였습니다. 그런데, 매우 흥미로운 것은 14세기 후부터 예술과 과학에 놀라운 르네상스 시대-문예부흥의 시대가 열렸다는 것입니다. 15세기에는 미켈란젤로와 레오나도 다빈치와 같은 인물들이 활약했습니다. 그리고 곧 16세기에는 마틴 루터, 칼빈 등의 교회지도자들에 의해 종교개혁이 발생했습니다. 우리들도 이 시대의 어려움을 잘 견디고 극복한다면, 우리들을 더욱 놀라게 할 문화적, 종교적, 교회적 개혁과 발전을 이룰 수 있습니다. 그러기 위해서는 이 위기에서 우리의 몸과, 마음과 영을 지켜줄 영적인 백신이 필요합니다. 육신의 안정과 건강만이 아니라, 우리의 마음과 혼과 영을 지켜줄 백신이 필요합니다. 오늘 본문의 말씀이 바로 우리에게 필요한 영적 백신에 대해서 말씀하고 있습니다. 모든 세대를, 한 세대에서 다음 세대를 지켜줄 영적 백신입니다. 오늘 본문에 그 영적 백신을 받은 인물이 나타납니다. 그 청년의 이름은 바로 디모데입니다. 디모데후서는 바울이 디모데에게 보낸 두 번째 편지입니다. 첫째로 받은 디모데의 백신은 바로 사랑입니다. 바울은 그를 ‘사랑하는 아들’이라고 말합니다. 바울과 디모데는 혈연관계가 아닙니다. 그런데 왜 ‘사랑하는 아들’이라고 표현했을까요? 왜냐하면, 디모데는 바울이 전한 복음을 통해 예수님을 믿고 영접했기 때문입니다. 그런 후, 디모데는 사도 바울의 선교 여행에 참여하였고, 그 기간 동안 영적인 가르침과 훈련을 받았습니다. 결과적으로, 그는 사도 바울의 신뢰를 받는 후계자가 되었습니다. 삶의 마지막 순간까지, 디모데는 사도 바울을 영적 아버지로 섬겼고, 사도 바울은 디모데를 믿음으로 낳은 영적 아들로 여겼습니다. 가장 큰 백신은 바로 사랑입니다. 사도 바울은 자신이 그리스도에게서 받은 사랑이 그를 모든 고난과 위기에서, 또한 약한 때에도 강건하도록 지켜 주었습니다. 로마서 8장 말씀입니다. “그런즉 이 일에 대하여 우리가 무슨 말 하리요 만일 하나님이 우리를 위하시면 누가 우리를 대적하리요. 자기 아들을 아끼지 아니하시고 우리 모든 사람을 위하여 내주신 이가 어찌 그 아들과 함께 모든 것을 우리에게 주시지 아니하겠느냐…그러나 이 모든 일에 우리를 사랑하시는 이로 말미암아 우리가 넉넉히 이기느니라. 내가 확신하노니 사망이나 생명이나 천사들이나 권세자들이나 현재 일이나 장래 일이나 능력이나 높음이나 깊음이나 다른 어떤 피조물이라도 우리를 우리 주 그리스도 예수 안에 있는 하나님의 사랑에서 끊을 수 없으리라” (롬8:31-32, 37-39). 부모나 보호자가 되시는 분들에게 묻습니다. 여러분의 자녀들과 다른 어린이들을 사랑하십니까? 당연히 ‘예’라고 답하시겠지요. 부모 가운데 자신의 자녀들을 사랑하지 않는다고 하는 이는 찾기 어려울 것입니다. 하지만, 문제는 너무나 많은 자녀들이 사랑받는 느낌을 못받고 있다는 것입니다. 부모들과 보호자들이 사랑 표현을 올바로 표현하지 못하고 있다는 것이죠. 여러분들은 기회가 있을 때마다 사랑을 표현하시기 바랍니다. 참 사랑 앞에는 누구든 마음을 열게 됩니다. 부모나 보호자의 의무는 그들을 변화시키는 것이 아니라 그들을 사랑하는 것입니다. 그리고 하나님의 말씀을 가르치는 것입니다. 그 다음은 하나님께서 담당하십니다. 우리 성도들도 모두 서로에게 사랑의 봉사로 백신을 서로에게 선물하시기 바랍니다. 날마다 주님의 사랑을 기억하고 누리시기 바랍니다. 주님이 주시는 사랑의 백신입니다. 두번째의 백신은 기도입니다. 본문 3절 말씀입니다. “내가 밤낮 간구하는 가운데 쉬지 않고 너를 생각하여.” 바울은 이 편지를 로마의 감옥에서 쓰고 있었습니다. 그렇게 어려운 가운데서도 바울은 디모데를 위하여 기도하며 그를 기억하였습니다. 사랑하는 이들에게 가장 큰 선물은 그들을 위한 기도입니다. 우리들의 친구들에게도 기도는 가장 귀한 선물입니다. 바울이 디모데를 위해 밤낮으로 기도한 이유가 있습니다. 바울은 감옥에 있으면서, 그의 순교할 날이 가까웠음을 알고 있었던 것입니다. 그는 이렇게 고백했습니다. “나는 선한 싸움을 싸우고 나의 달려갈 길을 마치고 믿음을 지켰으니” (딤후 4:7). 그리고 그는 승리를 확신했습니다. “이제 후로는 나를 위하여 의의 면류관이 예비되었으므로” (딤후 4:8). 하지만, 그에게 염려가 한 가지 있었습니다. 본인이 이 세상을 떠난 후에 과연 디모데가 복음 사역을 잘 감당할 수 있을지 염려가 되었던 것입니다. 그 당시, 로마황제 네로는 교회와 그리스도인들을 잔인하게 핍박하고 있었습니다. 그리고 교회 내부에서는 거짓 교사들이 날치고 있었습니다. 그러기에 바울은 디모데가 그의 믿음을 지키고, 복음을 담대하게 전할 수 있기를 위하여 절실하게 기도한 것입니다. 오늘날, 우리 자신들과 다음 세대들을 위해 더욱 절실하게 기도해야 할 시기입니다. 영적으로 강하고 담대 하도록 자신과 다음 세대를 위해 기도로 도와야 합니다. 세상의 많은 세력들이 우리와 자녀들을 멈추지 않고 시험하고 유혹합니다. 거룩한 가치관을 공격하고, 무가치한 것에 투자하고 소유하도록 유혹합니다. 베드로전서 5:8절 말씀입니다. “근신하라 깨어라 너희 대적 마귀가 우는 사자 같이 두루 다니며 삼킬 자를 찾나니.” 그러면, 무엇이 이 세상에서 마귀요, 우는 사자입니까? 소비주의나, 이기주의, 그리고 욕심과, 자기만족주의 등등 비본질적인 것을 구하는 것입니다. 우리 성도들과 서로를 위한 중보기도로 백신을 선물하시기 바랍니다. 그리고 성령의 백신으로 무장하십시요. 오늘도 성령께서 말할 수 없는 탄식으로 우리를 위해 중보기도 하시고 계십니다. 로마서 8장 26절 말씀입니다. “이와 같이 성령도 우리의 연약함을 도우시나니 우리는 마땅히 기도할 바를 알지 못하나 오직 성령이 말할 수 없는 탄식으로 우리를 위하여 친히 간구하시느니라.” 세번째 백신은 서로에게 믿음의 산 증인이 되어주는 것입니다. 디모데의 가정에는 믿음의 산 증인들이 있었습니다. 바로 그의 어머니와 외할머니입니다. 외할머니 로이스는 그의 딸에게, 그리고 딸 유니스는 그의 아들 디모데에게 믿음을 행함으로 가르치고 양육한 산 증인들이었습니다. 본문 5절 말씀입니다. “이 믿음은 먼저 네 외조모 로이스와 네 어머니 유니게 속에 있더니 네 속에도 있는 줄을 확신하노라.” 이런 말이 있습니다. “듣기만 하면 쉽게 잊어버리고, 보면 기억하고, 행하면 이해하게 된다.” 디모데는 그의 어머니와 외할머니가 어려운 이웃들에게 베푸는 사랑과 긍휼함을 보았을 것입니다. 또한 성수주일을 하는 모습도 보았을 것입니다. 그들은 말로만이 아닌 실행하는 믿음을 보여주었을 것입니다. 그러한 어머니와 외할머니의 믿음 생활을 본 디모데는 믿음에 대한 배움이 있었을 것입니다. 그리고, 마침내 사도 바울과의 전도여행을 통하여 믿음을 함께 행하게 됨으로 하나님의 은혜와 긍휼과 평안을 깨닫게 되었던 것입니다. 이러한 믿음의 산 증인들에 의해 디모데는 참된 믿음이라는 백신을 얻게 된 것입니다. 여러분과 저도 서로에게 참된 믿음의 백신이 되어주는 역사가 있기를 소원합니다. 성서학자들이 어느 날 진지하게 과연 어느 영어 성경 번역본이 가장 으뜸인가를 토론하였답니다. NIV는 뜻을 이해하기 쉽고, NASB는 문법을 철저하게 번역했고….등등 의견이 분분했다고 합니다. 그 때에 긴 시간을 깨는 한 유명한 성경학자가 있었습니다. 그가 말하기를, “가장 훌륭한 성경 번역본은 바로 어머니입니다.” 하나님의 말씀을 몸소 행하는 어머니의 자기 희생적이고 열정적인 사랑과 믿음이 가장 잘된 성서 번역이란 말입니다. 행함이 있는 믿음이야 말로 가장 뛰어난 영적 백신이 될 것입니다. 행함이 있는 믿음으로 서로에게 훌륭한 백신이 되어 주시는 여러분이 되시기를 기원합니다. 1351년도의 흑사병은 유럽 인구의 32%인 23,840,000 을 사망하게 했습니다. 하지만, 그 후에 르네상스 와 종교개혁이 따랐습니다. 현재 우리 세계는 42.4 million 이 감염 되었었고, 1.15 million 이 사망했습니다. 어제 미국에서만 925명이 사망했습니다. 참으로 어려운 때입니다. 하지만, 우리들이 깨어 있고, 정신을 차린다면, 그리고 영적 백신으로 무장한다면, 새로 개혁과 혁명적 발전이 있으리라 믿습니다. 그 시간까지 인내하시고 승리하시는 여러분이 되시기를 기원합니다.