Foreword
Foreword
Lent is a time to share in Jesus’ suffering. It is a time to renew one’s whole life through repentance with the resolve, “I will now live rightly.” We must repent of lying easily, being dishonest, living unfaithfully, and failing to give our whole heart toward our parents, spouses, and children. It is a time to vow before God with firm resolve to never live that way again for the rest of our lives. Lent is a period in which we make a firm vow before God and receive great grace.
“‘I went to church today and celebrated Easter.” That is not true Easter. The apostle Paul said, “I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day” (Acts 23:1). We too must welcome this year’s Easter with this same resolve and determination, making a vow before God.
Let us offer up a prayer.
Just as Abraham, the father of faith, bound his son Isaac and placed him on the wood (Gen 22:9), Jesus too was bound for us (Matt 27:2; Mark 15:1; John 18:12).
We were set free from bondage, but Jesus, in indescribable suffering, could not even relieve Himself or eat freely. Being bound, He had no freedom.
During Lent, as I reflect on Jesus’ suffering for me in Matthew 24–28, Mark 14–16, Luke 22–24, and John 18–21, help me see the Lord being bound for my sake. Let this remind me of my sins for not living honestly, faithfully, and uprightly before You, and lead me to true repentance. Just as You said to Abraham in Genesis 22:12, “for now I know that you fear God,” let me also hear You say, “[Name], now I know that you trust Me.”
Please forgive the way we’ve lived our lives up to this day, and let us not miss this opportunity of Lent, but experience a living work of repentance—beating our hearts and repenting thoroughly for our families, our children, our relatives, our workplaces, and for each one of us.
May Pyungkang Cheil Church firmly with Your soaked, blood-stained hands until we reach that kingdom, and may all our endeavors prosper within Your grace.
For everyone in Pyungkang who are engaged in businesses, may they not suffer loss but give thanks before You. As Your grace is with them and they repent thoroughly from this day on, grant the blessing of prosperity in all their work. Hold fast the sons and daughters You have given as gifts in Your grace, exhort them with the authority of Your word, and help them to live faithfully in church once again.
As we observe Lent ahead of Passion Week, bless us with the realization, heart, and thanksgiving for keeping Lent when Easter comes. Drive away all darkness from every home, every workplace, and every business. May the light of Your glory and Your grace fill every home.
We pray and ask all these things with thanksgiving, in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
January 1, 1987 (Thu) | New Year’s Service
“Come! Let Us Go Toward the Bright Morning” (John 21:1-14)
By Rev. Abraham Park
- 26년 2월호