“Strength and Beauty”: A Lectio Divina on Psalm 96:1-13

Posted on August 7, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

August 7, 2025

TaeHun Yoon

[PREPARATIO – Sacred Silence]

WanHee is finally home. With a joyful heart, I returned to my woodworking today and labored with sweat for two and a half hours in the late afternoon. The raw wood is now ready—waiting for the painter’s touch.

Now I sit in my chair. I quiet myself.
I prepare my spirit to listen to God’s Word.

“Come, Divine Interpreter” by Charles Wesley (1762):

Come, divine Interpreter,
Bring me eyes thy Book to read,
Ears the mystic words to hear,
Words which did from Thee proceed—
Words that endless bliss impart,
Kept in an obedient heart.

All who read or hear are blessed,
If Thy plain commands we do;
Of Thy kingdom here possessed,
Thee we shall in glory view—
When Thou comest on earth to abide,
Reign triumphant at Thy side.

[LECTIO – Reading the Word]

I slowly read Psalm 96:1–13—first silently, then aloud. I read from the Common English Bible and other versions.

Certain verses rise up and stir my soul:

  • “Sing to the Lord a new song!”
  • “Share the news of his saving work every single day!”
  • “Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.”
  • “Let the heavens celebrate! Let the earth rejoice!”
  • “Then all the trees of the forest will shout joyfully before the Lord because he is coming—to establish justice on the earth!”

Yes, yes, yes!
Sing to God! Worship the Holy One!
Shout the news of His victory!

The gods of the nations are nothing but shadows and scraps—tatters and rags.
But the Lord is coming to set all things right,
to treat every person with fairness.

“Bless His name!” (Heb. בָּרְכוּ – barekhu)
Praise Him with grateful offerings.

“Proclaim His salvation!” (Heb. בַּשְּׂרוּ – basseru)
Bear witness—tell the story of how God has saved me.
His glory fills the sanctuary.
His radiant beauty adorns His presence.

[MEDITATIO – Meditating on the Word]

I imagine the joy of the Israelites when they saw the New Temple rebuilt after the exile.
They wept and rejoiced—both Israelites and Gentiles (Heb. לַחֲצֵרוֹתָיו – leḥaẓerotav).
They offered not just rituals, but their sanctified lives.

This is the “new song”—
a rhythm that arises with fresh drumbeats,
a melody rising anew each day.
A praise that shines in daily life.
A light that spreads through the community.

[ORATIO – Prayerful Response]

I remembered the tragic story of Hitler’s army playing music as Jewish people walked toward death.
How can music exist there?
That is not a “new song.”
That is evil wrapped in sound.

I feel the darkness of war still lingers around us.
Schemes of destruction still whisper.
And yet—
The psalmist shouts: “Sing to the Lord a new song!”

From Paul’s heart to the Roman church comes this word of renewal:

“So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God.
This is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform to the patterns of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
(Romans 12:1–2)

[CONTEMPLATIO – Resting in God’s Presence]

I pause.
I breathe deeply.
I enter silence again.

I see myself by the lake at Anderson County Park in Tennessee—my favorite place to camp.
WanHee walks with the dogs.
I sit alone.

Suddenly, images flood my heart:
Exploding volcanoes. Shaking earth.
And then—
a bird glides peacefully over the lake.

Chaos and peace.
Noise and silence.
Judgment and grace.
God is present in all.

[INCARNATIO – Living the Word]

“Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.”

These two are not opposites.
They dance together.

All the wars and violence
will return to dust.
The tides will cleanse the shore again
with quiet, mysterious waves.

All human-made walls and towers
will be leveled.
Back to the beginning.
There will be a new song.

Not Likeness, but Love

Not to love by sameness,
but by difference—
and still, through the years,
grow into the other.

He,
becoming gentler,
rising in grace,
yet holding the strength
to wrestle with the world.

She,
gaining breath of mind,
expanding thought,
yet never losing
the care that cradles life—
nor the wonder
in a wide and childlike heart.

[ORATOTIO – Final Song]

“Thy Word Is a Lamp” by Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith (1984)

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.

And nothing will I fear
As long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.

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“Divine Spark” – A Letter from the Parsonage (For the Sake of Beauty, Thirteenth Story, 1995), Wan Hee Yoon

Posted on August 7, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

I was deeply saddened to hear any news at all after such a long time without word from Neil Irwin and Bunny Irwin. We had always loved and admired that couple—and this unexpected, tragic update struck us all with profound shock.

I first met Neil and Bunny about ten years ago when the pastor was assigned to serve at the First United Methodist Church in the rural town of Coxsackie, NY. On Sundays, one of the most visible couples in their thirties stood out: Neil, a remarkably large-bodied auto mechanic, always wore his blue work clothes, often with a collar—the edge of his white undershirt—hanging out at the back. He had bright, clear eyes and a constant smile, and treated everyone with kindness. One of his arms often held their youngest son, while the other helped with various tasks at the church.

Bunny, his wife, would bring their children to Sunday School, but she rarely attended the worship service inside. Instead, she sat on the steps outside—chatting with passersby, playing with her mischievous boys, lighting a cigarette—always waiting for the service to end with her hearty, audible laughter even during the solemn worship.

Neil, the eldest of twelve siblings, had quit school in fourth grade and become an auto mechanic early in life. He was a devoted husband, living each day simply and reliably for his three sons. Bunny contributed by babysitting, caring for the household, going fishing along the Hudson River on the weekends, and attending every festival, big or small, in their close-knit village.

One day, the pastor encouraged Neil to try attending the 6 a.m. morning prayer service—curiosity led him there. Sitting in the chilly, empty church with the pastor and me, praying, singing hymns, reading Scripture, then quietly meditating—this became a spiritual experience unlike anything he’d ever known. His days had been filled with repairing broken cars, lying under greasy vehicles, returning home to play with the kids and watch TV. But suddenly, he sensed another life waiting for him. Prayer began to bring tears—and an awareness that his life until now was sustained only by God’s grace. He yearned to respond to a stronger call from God.

Neil dug out his old suit—now snug—to wear on Sundays, paired with a broad, outdated tie, and began worshipping God more earnestly each week. At home, he turned every free moment into Bible reading and reflection. Bunny soon began attending worship more often. Both attended every leadership and spiritual training offered by the pastor. Their lives visibly changed, and a holy spark began to glow within them.

That spark was beautiful. On Thanksgiving, they hosted dinners for underprivileged and lonely neighbors. At Christmas, they led plays, choir programs, and early morning carols. In Sunday School, they taught God’s Word to children with zeal. They found joy in service and began to glorify the Lord publicly. And somewhere along the way, Bunny’s much-enjoyed cigarette habit simply vanished.

Eventually, they both felt called to lifelong dedication to God. The pastor sent Neil to a lay pastoral training school, preparing him for ministry. Neil worked as a mechanic by day, studied at night, passed the exam for college admission, and enrolled in community college, preparing for seminary. When he graduated with a “C” grade, Bunny wept tears of pride. To them, and to God, he was certainly no ordinary student—he was a faithful overcomer.

Neil went on to become a notable lay leader—Diaconal Minister—for the Methodist Church’s New York Annual Conference, overseeing ministries and interviewing new lay ministers.

He then answered God’s call to lead a small, pastor-less rural church. As a lay pastor he helped it flourish. Their devotion and faithfulness remained known as an associate pastor, through the conference, even after our move. Neil and Bunny became our pride, vibrant witnesses of God’s work.

Just a few days ago, we received troubling news: Neil is suffering from kidney failure, and Bunny has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. My first reaction was, “How could this happen?” I almost questioned God—but then I found myself deeply grateful. They lived their once-in-a-lifetime days consumed by God’s fiery calling, and through their lives God was glorified. The Holy Spirit prepared them in health days to face future suffering. Though we can’t know how God will lead them forward, we trust He has already been glorified through them—and will continue to be so in the days ahead.

As Exodus 14:13 declares:
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.”

These were Moses’ words as he led our spiritual ancestors forward toward the Promised Land. I hold these words close now, kneeling in prayer for Neil and Bunny, trusting God’s deliverance amid their suffering.

(* Bunny passed away a few years later. Neil was eventually called to Heaven on June 9, 2026 after serving faithfully in the Lord’s ministry for over two decades, deeply loved by his congregation.)

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“불꽃” – 목사관 서신 (아름다움을 위하여, 열세번째 이야기, 1995), 윤 완희

Posted on August 7, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

그 동안 소식이 없던 닐(Nel Irwin)과 버니(Bunny Irwin)의 소식 을 오랜만에 전해듣고 마음이 아팠습니다. 늘 사랑하며 자랑스럽게 여기던 부부의 전혀 예상치 못한 불행한 소식에 우리는 놀랄 수밖에 없었습니다.

닐과 버니를 알게 된 것은 10여 년 전의 일입니다. 콕삭키(Coxackie, N. Y) 라는 시골의 제일감리교회로 목사님이 부임해 가셨을 때, 주일이면 눈에 띄는 30대의 젊은 부부가 있었습니다. 남자는 몸집이 유난히 큰 자동차 정비공으로, 교회에 올 때도 시퍼런 작업복을 입었으며, 뒤허리에는 흰 속 셔츠 한 자락이 늘 빠져 있는 것이 특색이었습니다. 그는 늘 밝고 맑은 눈동자에 미소를 가득 담고 누구에게나 친절했습 니다. 그는 늘 어린 그의 막내아들을 한쪽 팔로 안고, 한쪽 손으로는 교회의 여러 가지 일들을 돕고 있었습니다. 또한 그의 부인인 버니는 아이들을 주일학교에 데리고는 오지만, 자신은 한번도 예배에 참석지 않고 교회 바깥 돌게단에 앉아서 말썽쟁이인 두 아들과 실랑이를 하거나. 오가는 이들과 함께 수다를 떨며 담배를 피우거나, 늘 주일예배가 빨리 끝나기를 기다리곤 했습니다. 그녀의 너털 웃음은 경건한 주일예배 시간에도 간간이 들을 수 있었습니다.

열두 자녀의 맏이기도 한 닐은 초등학교 4학년을 중퇴하고, 일찍이 자동차 정비공이 되어 결혼한 후에 아들 셋을 넣고 하루하루를 평범 하게 살아가는 착한 가장이었습니다. 그의 부인인 버니도 아이들을 돌보며 베이비시터로 가정 경제에 한몫을 하며 주말엔 허드슨 강변에 낚시를 가거나, 마을의 크고 작은 축제에 빠지지 않고 다니는 것이 그들의 삶의 전부였습니다.

어느 날, 닐은 새벽 6시에 있는 새벽기도회에 참석해 보라는 목사님의 권면을 받고 호기심에 차 참석게 되었습니다. 목사님과 저, 닐은 찬바람이 싸늘한 텅빈 새벽 교회당에 앉아 기도와 찬송을 드린 후 말씀을 읽고 묵상한 후의 하루의 일과는 그에게 전에 전혀 경험치 못한 영적인 체험을 안겨주었습니다. 수십 년을 종일토록 망가진 차를 들여다보거나, 기름투성이가 되어 차 밑에 누워 쇳가루를 맞으며 일한 후, 집으로 돌아가면 아이들과 놀아주고 텔레비전을 보는 것이 그의 삶의 전부였는데, 그 외의 또 다른 삶이 그를 기다리고 있음을 어렴풋이 느끼기 시작하였습니다. 기도를 하면 자꾸 눈물이 앞을 가리고, 지금껏 그가 산 것이 하나님의 은혜임을 깨닫게 되었으며, 강한 하나님의 부르심에 응답하기를 원했습니다.

닐은 거의 10여 년 만에 결혼식 때 입었던, 품이 작아진 양복을 꺼내 입고, 폭이 넓고 유행에 뒤떨어진 넥타이를 메고 주일이면 하나님께 나와 예배를 드리기 시작했습니다. 집에서는 틈만 나면 성경을 읽고 묵상하는 남편의 변화에 부인도 예배에 참석하는 빈도가 높아지기 시작하였습니다. 닐과 버니는 목사님이 권하는 여러 가지 지도자 훈련과 영성 훈련에 빠짐없이 참석하기에 이르렀습니다. 그들의 삶이 눈에 띄게 달라지기 시작했고, 서서히 거룩한 불꽃이 일기 시작하였습니다.

그 불꽃은 참으로 아름다웠습니다. 그들 부부는 추수감사절엔 주변의 불우하고 외로운 이웃들을 위해 디너를 마련하고, 크리스마스 때엔 연극과 성가, 새벽송을 앞장서 지휘하고, 주일학교에 교사로서 어린이들에게 하나님의 말씀을 열심히 가르쳤습니다. 그들은 남을 위한 헌신과 봉사에 기쁨을 갖게 되고, 주님의 영광을 드러내기 시작하였 습니다. 그토록 즐기던 버니의 담배가 어느 날부터인가 더 이상 손에 쥐어지지 않았습니다.

그들 부부는 마침내 하나님의 부르심을 받고 평생을 헌신하기를 서원했습니다. 목사님은 닐을 평신도 목회자 훈련원에 보내어 훈련을 받게 한 후에, 사역자가 될 수 있는 길을 안내해 주었습니다. 그는 낮에 는 정비공으로 일하고 밤에는 공부를 하여 대학 입학 자격고시를 보았으며, 커뮤니티 대학에 들어가 공부를 하며 신학교에 들어갈 준비를 하게 되었습니다. 날이 C 학점’ 으로 커뮤니티 대학을 졸업하던 날, 버니는 남편이 자랑스러워 눈물을 흘렸고, 우리는 하나님께 영광을 돌리며 자축하지 않을 수 없었습니다. 인간이 보기엔 C 학점 일지 몰라도 하나님께서 보실 때 그는 틀림없는 우등생이었을 것입니다.

그 후 닐은 감리교단의 중요한 평신도 지도자가 되어 평신도 사역 (Diaconal Minister)을 관리하는 뉴욕연회의 위원장이 되었습니다. 그곳에서는 대학원 이상을 졸업한 전문인들의 사역을 관리하며, 새로 들어오는 이들을 인터뷰하여 사역자로 배출 책임을 감당하는 중요한 자리였습니다.

닐은 그의 기도대로 목회자가 없는 조그만 시골 교회를 맡아, 평신도 목회자로서 교회를 크게 부흥시키며 충성했습니다. 그들의 열심과 하나님께 대한 충성은, 우리가 그곳을 떠나온 후에도 연회를 통해 늘 들을 수 있었습니다. 그들은 우리의 자랑이었으며 살아있는 하나님의 증인이기도 하였습니다.

그러나 며칠 전 날아온 근래의 그들의 소식은, 닐이 신장 불능증으로 고생을 하고 있으며, 버니는 유방암이 발견되어 방사선 치료와 화학물 치료를 받고 투병중에 있다는 것이었습니다. 저는 그들의 고난 앞에 “이럴 수가 있습니까?” 하고 먼저 하나님을 원망했습니다. 그러나 저는 곧 하나님께 감사치 않을 수 없었습니다. 이 땅에서 한 번밖에 없는 삶을 하나님의 뜨거운 불길에 사로잡혀 그들의 삶을 꽃피웠으며, 그들의 삶을 통해 하나님께서 영광을 받으셨기 때문이었습니다. 미리 앞서가시며 우리의 삶을 이끄시는 성령님께서는 앞날에 다가올, 그들 의 모든 삶의 고난들을 넉넉히 이길 수 있도록 그들의 믿음을 준비시키셨으며, 저들이 건강할 때에 자신들의 믿음의 결단을 통해 하나님께 헌신을 약속했던 사실입니다. 닐과 버니의 앞날을 어떤 모양으로 이끄실지 우리는 알지 못해도, 하나님은 그들의 삶을 통해 이미 영광을 받 으셨으며, 앞날에도 큰 영광을 받으시리라 굳게 믿고 있습니다.

“두려워 말고 가만히 서서 여호와께서 오늘날 너희를 위하여 행하시는 구원을 보라”(출 14 : 13).

이 말씀은 믿음의 선조들을 이끌며, 끝내 가나안을 향해 전진하던 모세의 믿음의 선언이었습니다. 저도 이 말씀을 깊이 상고하며 닐과 버니의 투병을 위해 하나님 앞에 무릎을 꿇고 기도드립니다.

Posted in Essay by WanHee Yoon, For the Sake of Beauty, Ministry | Leave a comment

“아버지” – 목사관 서신 (아름다움을 위하여, 열두번째 이야기, 2001), 윤 완희

Posted on August 7, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

아버지! 참으로 오랜만에 불러봅니다. 언젠가는 아버지께 사죄와 감사의 편지를 올리겠노라고 생각하면서도 미뤄온 지가 벌써 30여 년이 지났습니다. 지난 세월을 뒤돌아 보면서 지금도 아버지와의 시간들이 엊그제 일들처럼 생생합니다. 어느 여름날 밤이었던 것 같아요 요란한 개구리들의 울음소리와 풀벌레 소리들이 저마다의 목청을 돋우고 있는 밤에 어린 저는 아버지의 넓은 등에 엎혀 있었지요. 아버지는 몸을 좌우로 천천히 흔들면서 콧노래를 부르셨는데 그것이 어떤 노래였는지는 모르겠어요. 아버지는 먼 밤하늘의 별들을 가리키면서 별자리들의 이름을 하나하나 가르쳐 주셨습니다. 저는 그 때 그 넓고 광활한 밤하늘의 초롱초롱한 별들을 올려다보면서 왠지 두렵고 무서워 아버지의 목을 더 힘껏 껴안았었지요. 아버지의 등에 업혀 있는 것이 얼마나 위로가 되고 편안했는지… . 지금도 가끔 밤하늘을 올려다보노라면, 그 밤의 아버지의 따뜻한 체온이 그리워집니다.

아버지 기억하세요? 흔들리는 앞니를 아파서 빼지도 못하고 그냥 너두지도 못하여 엄살을 부리며 온 집안을 소란하게 하던 날 있잖아요? 언니들이 흔들리는 저의 앞니를 빼주겠노라며 명주실을 들고 설치는 것을 보면서 문 뒤로 숨어 있는 저의 이름을 부르셨지요. “어디 보자! 정말 흔들리는지, 아닌지? 하시기에 저는 아버지 앞에서 “아-“하고 입을 벌렸죠. 순간, 어느새 아버지의 엄지와 검지 손가락 사이에 뽑혀진 저의 앞니를 보았을 때의 처참함과 놀라움! 그땐 정말 허망했어요. 저는 설마 아버지가 그럴 줄 몰랐었던 말이에요. 하지만, 곧 거울 속으로 보이는 빠진 잇몸 사이로 보이는 흰 영구치가 자랑스러웠습니다.

아버지! 저는 지금도 아버지가 얼마나 저를 사랑하셨는지 알고 있어요. 초등학교 1학년 때 소풍가기 전날이었지요. 아버지는 저를 중앙 시장 안에서 제일 과자를 잘 만드는 집에 데리고 가셔서 제가 원하는 것 이상으로 잔뜩 사주셨어요. 그리고 하시는 말씀이 “이것은 선생님 드리고, 저것은 친구들과 나누어 먹어라.” 하시면서 가방이 더 이상 들어갈 수 없을 정도가 되어서야 과자가게를 나섰지요? 그때 제 발걸음은 가볍다 못해 하늘로 둥둥 떠가는 것 같았어요. 골목길을 들어서며 동네 아이들 앞에서 뻐기는 저의 모습을 보고 잔잔히 미소지으시던 아버지의 모습을 기억합니다.

어느 비오던 날이었지요. 아침에 멀쩡하던 날씨가 갑자기 흐려지면서 천둥 번개가 치고 억수 같은 비가 쏟아지기 시작했어요. 학교에서 끝날 시간은 다 되어 가고 친구들의 부모님들은 우산들을 갖고 웅성 웅성 교실 밖에 모여 있는 소리가 들려오는데 집에 갈 일이 걱정이었어요. 그런데 갑자기 교실 창문 밖으로 고개 하나가 보였습니다. 유난히 키가 크신 아버지의 모습이 나타나지 않았겠어요? 그때 얼마나 안심이 되고 기뻤던지요. 아버지의 손을 잡고 집에 돌아가는 길에 개천 물이 넘쳐나고 도로의 파여진 곳에 물난리가 나는 소동이 있어도 저는 조금도 두렵지 않았어요. 아버지의 손만 꼭 잡으면 될 것 같았거든요.

아버지! 아버지가 저를 그토록 사랑하신 것같이 저도 아버지를 사랑했어요. 어느 여름방학 때, 아버지는 저를 데리고 삼각산에 기도하러 가시게 되었지요? 일주일 예정이었던가요? 저는 언니들로부터 부러움을 사면서 아버지의 손을 잡고 삼각산 집회에 따라갔지요. 그 많은 사람들이 어디서 왔는지, 산중은 인산인해를 이루고 있었지요. 천막집회 장소의 가마니 위에 앉아 찬송을 부르고 기도를 하는 뜨거운 열기 속에서도 저는 잠을 얼마나 맛있게 잘 잤는지요! 그런데 아버지는 그 다음 날로 집에 가셔야만 했지요? 이미 일주일을 머물 수 있는 건강이 아버지에게 없으셨던 거예요. 아버지의 헉헉 대시는 숨소리 속에 저는 불안하고 우울해지기 시작했어요. 왠지 아버지가 영영 어디론가 가시고 말 것 같은 두려움이었어요. 그 두려움은 날이면 날마다 가까워지더니 어느 초겨울 날 새벽, 아버지는 한 마디 말씀도 없이 영원히 가시고 말았지요. 그 날 아침, 저는 황당하고 처절한 기분이었어요.

아버지! 아버지가 어머니와 우리를 얼마나 사랑하셨는지 저희들은 잘 알고 있어요. 또한, 병세가 악화되어 당신 몸조차 가누기 힘든 가운데서도 길거리의 거지들을 모아다가 밥을 해먹이고 당신의 옷가지를 나눠 주시던 모습을 저는 보았어요. 그리고 어느 추운 겨울날 밤, 저와 동갑내기인 어느 거지 아이를 데려다가 직접 씻기시고 제가 아끼는 골덴바지를 입히시던 모습을·· … 저는 그때 너무 속상했었지요. 그 아이가 몇 달 동안 우리집에 있는 동안 저는 그 아이를 너무 미워했던 것 용서하셔요. 아버지! 아버지의 11년 동안의 사랑은 하늘 아버지의 영원한 사랑을 볼 수 있게 하고 느낄 수 있는 문을 열어주셨어요. 아버 지께서 붙여주신 ‘물렁이’ 라는 별명처럼, 의지가 약하고 울보인 제가 하늘 아버지의 손을 잡고 이 세상을 살아갈 수 있음이 얼마나 다행이며 축복인지요.

아버지! 감사드려요. 그동안 아버지를 잊지 않았음에도 불구하고 마음뿐이었습니다. 아버지, 지금도 사랑합니다.

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“Song of Worship”: A Lectio Divina on Psalm 95:1-11

Posted on August 6, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

[Preparation for Sacred Reading]

As I sat quietly in my chair, I opened my time of sacred reading with a prayer by Teresa of Ávila (16th-century Spain), titled “For True Life”:

“Govern all by Thy wisdom, O Lord,
so that my soul may always serve Thee as Thou dost will,
and not as I may choose.
Do not punish me, I beseech Thee,
by granting that love which would always live in me.
Let me die to myself, that I may serve Thee;
let me live to Thee,
who in Thyself art the true life. Amen.”

Then, I softly sang a beloved spiritual, “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”:

Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.
Upon the mountain, my Lord spoke,
out His mouth came fire and smoke.
All around me looked so shine,
I asked my Lord if all was mine.

[LECTIO – Reading]

I gathered several translations and study resources:

  • Common English Bible (CEB)
  • The Message
  • Thompson Chain-Reference Bible (Korean)
  • Hokma Bible Commentary (Korean)
  • The Biblical Illustrator (Baker Publishing)

I read Psalm 95:1–11 aloud several times from the CEB, letting the words echo in my heart. Three passages especially stood out:

  • “Let’s march into His presence with singing,
    lifting the rafters with our hymns of praise!”
  • “So come, let us worship; bow before Him,
    on our knees before God, who made us!”
  • “Don’t harden your hearts as at Meribah,
    as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
    when your ancestors tested Me,
    though they had seen My work—for forty years.”

Psalm 95, one of the chiastic and theocratic psalms (Psalms 95–100), begins with joyful, communal praise led by a worship leader who celebrates God’s creation and redemptive work. But then, the tone shifts. The leader sings alone, reminding the people of their ancestors’ rebellion in the wilderness. Half-praise, half-warning—this psalm holds tension between joy and judgment.

[MEDITATIO – Meditation]

In my imagination, I entered the sanctuary of worship. Yet instead of only joyful praise, I sensed contention and spiritual testing.
I was reminded of Leo Tolstoy’s confession—how he abandoned God during his college years at age eighteen.

In the midst of war, suffering, and division—like the ongoing conflict in Gaza or the war in Ukraine—I find myself asking:
Have we truly held onto God in our Christian faith?
Or have we, like Israel in the wilderness, forsaken the living God?

[ORATIO – Prayer]

Lord, I realize now:
I must come to worship with more than a voice—I must bring my whole heart.
Not just reciting what’s printed in a bulletin,
but confessing my sins, my apathy, my lack of reverence.

Every Sunday, I must remember how I may have kindled Your anger—not intentionally, but through neglect, through disobedience, through pride.

Why has the head of a major Christian radio station in Korea played such an active role in politics for the past forty years?
Why have some Christian leaders’ lives been driven more by power than by the Spirit?

And what about me?
Do I live each day to praise You and honor You with integrity?
When I stand to worship on Sunday,
am I truly bringing myself—repentant, humbled—before Your holy presence?

[CONTEMPLATIO – Contemplation]

In silence, I entered the Holy of Holies—
not a temple made by hands, but the sanctuary of my heart.
I rested there…
waiting.

Then I saw a vision—
George Beverly Shea singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus” in his unforgettable baritone voice.
WanHee and I had once attended a preachers’ training conference in Toronto, decades ago, where we heard him in person.

Singing is more than art;
it is the outward expression of inward joy.
It is daily worship—
the spiritual discipline of praising Jesus,
of “putting off the old self” and “putting on the new.”

As Jesus Himself once surrendered in Gethsemane,
“Not my will, but Thine, O Lord, be done.”

[INCARNATIO – Incarnation]

Then, softly, a song arose in my soul:

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Under His eternal arms, I offered this prayer:

Almighty God,
You have filled me with the joy of our Lord’s resurrection.
Grant me also the joy of serving You daily,
And bring me, at last,
into the fullness of eternal life.
Through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
(From The Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978)

Image result for george beverly shea
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“Father” – A Letter from the Parsonage (For the Sake of Beauty, Twelfth Story, 2001), Wan Hee Yoon

Posted on August 6, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

Father!
It’s truly been a long time since I’ve called out to you.
Though I’ve always thought I would one day write you a letter of apology and gratitude,
more than thirty years have already passed in hesitation.
Looking back now, the times I shared with you still feel as vivid
as if they happened only yesterday.

It must have been one summer night—
the chorus of frogs and crickets rang out loudly in the dark.
As a little girl, I was riding on your broad back.
You gently swayed side to side, humming a tune—
though I can’t recall what song it was.
You pointed to the stars in the far-off night sky,
teaching me the names of the constellations, one by one.
I remember looking up at those wide, twinkling heavens,
feeling somehow afraid and overwhelmed,
and wrapping my arms more tightly around your neck.
How comforting, how safe it felt to be carried on your back…
Even now, when I gaze up at the night sky,
I miss the warmth of your body from that night.

Father, do you remember?
That day I was making such a fuss around the house—
too scared to pull out my wobbly front tooth,
too miserable to leave it alone.
While my sisters ran about with silk thread,
trying to pull it out for me,
you called my name from behind the door:
“Let’s see… is it really loose?”
I opened my mouth wide and said, “Ah—”
and in a flash, my tooth was out,
pinched between your thumb and forefinger.
The shock! The betrayal! I couldn’t believe you had done it.
But soon, I proudly admired the new permanent tooth
peeking through my gums in the mirror.

Father, even now I know how deeply you loved me.
Do you remember the day before my first school field trip in first grade?
You took me to the best candy shop in Jungang Market
and bought me far more than I ever imagined.
You said,
“Give these to your teacher, and share the rest with your friends.”
We didn’t leave until my bag was so full it couldn’t hold another thing.
My feet felt like they were floating on air.
I still remember how you smiled
watching me show off to the neighborhood kids
as we turned into the alley.

And that rainy day…
Though the morning had started off clear,
the sky suddenly darkened, thunder rolled,
and rain poured down like a waterfall.
As school was ending,
we could hear the buzz of parents outside,
gathered with umbrellas.
I was so worried about how I’d get home—
but then,
through the window,
I saw a tall head peek in.
It was you, Father!
How relieved and overjoyed I was.
Even though streams overflowed and potholes filled with water,
I wasn’t the least bit scared walking home—
as long as I was holding your hand.

Father, just as you loved me so deeply,
I loved you, too.
Do you remember one summer vacation,
you took me to Samgak Mountain for a prayer retreat?
It was supposed to be a week, I think.
I proudly held your hand
as we joined the crowd heading up the mountain.
The hills were packed with people.
Even in the hot, intense worship
under the straw mat tents,
I somehow slept so peacefully.
But you had to return home the very next day.
Your body couldn’t handle staying for the full week.
As I listened to your labored breath,
a strange sadness and fear began to creep in.
It felt like you might go somewhere far away and never return.
And that fear came true—
one early winter morning,
without a word, you left us forever.
That morning, I was devastated.
The pain was unbearable.

Father, we know how deeply you loved our mother and us.
Even when your illness worsened and you couldn’t stand properly,
I saw you gather beggars from the streets,
cook for them,
and give away your own clothing.
One bitterly cold winter night,
you brought home a beggar boy my age.
You washed him with your own hands
and dressed him in my cherished corduroy pants.
I was so upset.
And during the months he stayed with us,
I remember how much I resented that boy.
Please forgive me for that.
But Father,
your eleven years of love
opened the door for me
to know and feel the eternal love of our Father in Heaven.
Like the nickname you gave me—Mulleongi (Softy)—
I’ve always been timid and a crybaby.
But even so,
it is such a blessing and a gift
that I can walk through this world
by holding onto our Heavenly Father’s hand.

Father,
Thank you.
Though I never forgot you,
my heart had only been full of thoughts, not actions.
Father,
I still love you—
even now.

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“God Put an End to Evil”: A Lectio Divina on Psalm 94:1-23

Posted on August 5, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

[PREPARATIO – Preparation in Silence]

I sat quietly in my chair, reflecting on the time from yesterday to this morning. I gently asked myself: What thoughts have come to me? What feelings linger in my heart?

I noticed:

  1. Though I was left behind, boredom never found me. I spent time caring for our two dogs, a task WanHee used to do. I now deeply appreciate her quiet labor of love.
  2. I remembered struggling to recall place names while giving her directions to Suwanee, Georgia—names like Chattanooga, Buford, and Duluth. Was it due to a lack of sleep? Or a sign of aging—perhaps even early Alzheimer’s? I’m not sure. But I accept it as part of the aging process.
  3. I thank God that time is moving forward. In the past, when no one else was home, I would lose focus and feel aimless after retirement. But not this time. I’ve been writing all day, trying to preserve the memories of our life—before they vanish from both our minds and our papers. Since returning from vacation, I haven’t gone back to my beloved backyard. Still, I thank the Lord who shelters me under His wings and sustains me with good health.

With a grateful heart, I prayed Psalm 19:14:

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Then I shout to welcome His presence:

“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1)

And I chanted from my soul:

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.”

[LECTIO – Reading the Word]

I took three deep breaths and centered myself. Then I read Psalm 94:1–23, first quietly, then aloud, and finally in multiple translations.

These words struck me deeply:

“O Lord, you God of vengeance—show yourself!” (v.1)

“Repay the arrogant, the wicked, the evildoers, the abusers, the killers.”

“They kill widows and immigrants; they murder orphans.” (v.6)

“The ignorant and the foolish think God does not hear or see.”

“If the Lord had not been my help, I would soon have dwelt in the land of silence.” (v.17)

“The wicked band together against the righteous.” (v.21)

“But the Lord is my fortress; my God is the rock of my refuge.” (v.22)

“He will repay them for their wickedness and destroy them completely for their evil.” (v.23)

The evil they planned comes back on them—boomeranged by God’s justice.

[MEDITATIO – Meditating on the Word]

My heart was stirred with disturbance and grief.

The Hebrew words for “the proud” (ge’im) and “to rise up” (ga’ah) describe those who lift themselves arrogantly against God. Their sin isn’t just vanity—it’s a hardened heart that denies God’s authority and distorts all relationships.

They refuse to acknowledge God, and so they continue doing evil, unchecked.

The “evil judge” (kisse hareshaim) is a figure who opens his mouth wide to devour—wearing the mask of justice, but abusing power to oppress the vulnerable. The psalmist becomes the voice of lament, pleading for God’s justice in an age of cruelty and persecution. His hope lies in the righteous Judge, who will not let evil prevail forever.

[ORATIO – Praying the Word]

I found myself shaken by the violence and injustice depicted in the Psalm.

Usually, I respond to such realities with sadness and quiet sorrow—but now, I felt a kind of guilt for my silence in a world filled with judgment and falsehood. Could I take the role of a prosecutor, as the psalmist does, standing in God’s courtroom?

Is this merely an individual cry—or is it the voice of a community suffering under corruption?

Like Job at the gate, I felt condemned without reason—accused unjustly by those closest to him.

Anger, sorrow, disappointment washed over me again—bringing back the memory of the past six months of depression, fueled by the political turmoil in Korea after the military coup on December 3, 2024, until the eventual election of a new president.

Yes, I deeply identify with the psalmist’s lament in Psalm 94.

[CONTEMPLATIO – Resting in the Word]

Words left me. Only deep feeling remained.

I knew I needed rest. I had come through the long winter of depression—recovering just before our summer vacation in July. I’m okay now, but I still carry a heavy burden in my heart—for this nation, for the world, for the corrupted leadership and broken politics.

In perfect stillness, I saw a light shining over Jerusalem, even as enemies surrounded the city. That light grew into a flame, consuming the darkness outside the city wall.

[INCARNATIO – Living the Word]

That image released the weight in my soul.

I and the church shall no longer be victims. This brutal world will come to an end, giving way to green pastures.

The wolf will lie down with the child.
Peace will come like clouds rolling in from every corner.
No more dark clouds, no more fear, no more frozen hearts.

[ORATORIO – Singing the Word]

I rise in joyful dance—with all people, with all nations—hearts humble, arms open, spirits full of care.

This week, I ask: Is there someone I can care for?

I bought a poetry book by a friend and made a small donation to World Central Kitchen—because, truly, “The world cannot stand by while Gaza stands on the brink of famine.”

That is what this silver-haired pilgrim can do this week.

“The Lord is forever my Rock and my Fortress.”

I let the melody in my heart flow:

“Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
Even though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee.”

I slowly opened my eyes and sat still for a moment longer—before heading out for a walk in the park with my little friends.

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“Family” – Parsonage Letter (For the Sake of Beauty, Eleventh Story, 2001), WanHee Yoon

Posted on August 5, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

One evening, while my youngest child was playing computer games late into the night in their father’s office, he turned to me with a satisfied expression and said,

“I love my family the most! I’m thankful for everything!”

“Really? I think so too! Truly, our family has been so richly blessed by God.”

As I agreed with my child’s words, I was reminded of William Wordsworth’s quote, “The child is the father of the man.”

Even though living together as a family on this earth is one of the most precious and beautiful things, I found myself reflecting on how much I truly valued and appreciated my family in everyday life. Even though we may carry feelings of gratitude toward our families, we often express more negative words than simple phrases like “Thank you” or “This is wonderful.” This realization led me to self-reflection. Still, I cannot deny that I am who I am today because of the family that God’s grace has brought together.

One evening, I had gone into Manhattan by train and was returning home in Queens late. The distance between the train station and our home was at least a ten-minute walk, so it was usual for me to call home from the station to be picked up. That night, I called from the quiet and dark station, and the pastor answered the phone.

“Sena hasn’t come back from the library yet, and we don’t have a car. Please take a taxi home.”

One of our cars was at the shop, and the oldest child had taken the other car and had not yet returned. Although I replied, “Alright,” I decided not to take a taxi and started walking. Since it was late and the streets were empty, I chose a well-lit route and hurried my steps.

When I finally arrived home, our two younger children greeted me excitedly and opened the door.

“Mom! Did you see Dad? He went out to meet you riding Sejun’s bike!”

“He did? On Sejun’s bike? I didn’t see him…”

I thought to myself, ‘Why didn’t he just wait at home? He hasn’t ridden a bike since childhood, and he hasn’t exercised recently either. It’s so dark… What if he falls with the bike?‘ I began to worry.

Soon after, the pastor came in, cheeks flushed from the wind, and showed a look of relief. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and hugged him in heartfelt thanks. He had clearly sensed that I might not take a taxi and had gone out to meet me, not trusting that I would follow his advice.

Just behind him, the eldest child came rushing in and said with a sheepish smile,

“It was about time for you to get home, so I went to the station, waited a bit, then came back.”

I hugged the child as well and thanked him. That evening, I was deeply reminded of how happy we are to live in a family where we are cared for and loved by one another.

Through my ministry, I’ve found that in most cases, families who are united in faith, love, and care for one another raise children who grow up strong and beautiful. Even when they face financial hardships, these families rise up again with surprising resilience.

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“가족” – 목사관 서신 (아름다움을 위하여, 열한번째 이야기, 2001), 윤 완희

Posted on August 5, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

어느 날 저녁, 아버지 사무실에서 밤 늦도록 컴퓨터 게임을 하던 막 내아이가 만족한 표정으로 말하였습니다.

“나는 우리 가족이 제일 좋아요! 모든 것이 다 감사해요!”

“그래? 우리도 그렇게 생각해! 정말 우리 가족은 하나님의 축복을 참 많이 받았지!”

저는 아이의 말에 동의하면서 아이는 어른의 아버지라고 말한 윌리 엄 워즈워스의 말이 기억났습니다.

이 땅에서 한 가족으로 살아가는 일처럼 귀하고 아름다운 일이 없음에도 불구하고, 평소 가족을 얼마나 귀하게 여기고 감사하게 생각 했는지 새삼스레 생각하게 되었습니다. 평소에 가족에게 늘 고마운 마음을 갖고 있으면서도 우리는 “고맙다! 참 좋다!라는 표현보다는 오히려 부정적인 표현을 더 많이 하고 살지는 않는가 하고 반성하게 됩니다. 그러나 하나님의 은총 속에 함께 이룬 가족이 있기 때문에 오늘의 내가 있음을 부인치 못하게 됩니다.

어느 날 저녁, 맨해튼에 기차를 타고 나갔다가 늦게 돌아오게 되었 습니다. 기차 정류장과 집 사이의 거리가 걸으면 약 10여 분 이상은 족히 걸리는 거리인지라, 정류장에서 전화를 하여 픽업을 하게 되어 있었습니다. 인적이 드문 어두운 정류장에서 집에 전화를 거니 목사님이 받았습니다.

“세나가 도서관에서 아직 안 와 차가 없으니 택시를 타고 들어와요”

차 한 대가 정비소에 들어가 있는 중이었는데, 큰애가 다른 차를 갖고 나가서 아직 들어오지 않았던 것입니다. 저는 “알겠어요!” 하고 대답을 하긴 했으나, 택시를 타지 않고 걷기 시작하였습니다. 인적이 전혀 없는 늦은 밤이라 불빛이 밝은 거리를 택하여, 걸음을 되도록이면 빨리 재촉하여 걷기 시작하였습니다. 부지런히 집에 와 보니 작은애들 둘이서 약간은 들뜬 상태로 기다렸다는 듯이 문을 열어 주었습니다.

“엄마! 아빠 못봤어? 아빠가 세준이 자전거를 타고 엄마 맞으러 나가셨어요!”

“그래? 세준이 자전거 타고? 난 못 만났는데 …”

‘이 밤길에 가만히 기다리지 … 아니, 어렸을 때 자전거 탔던 분 이 갑자기 운동도 하지 않다가, 아이 자전거를 타고 나가다니 … 캄캄한데 가다가 혹시 자전거와 함께 넘어지지나 않았을까?’ 저는 은근히 걱정이 들었습니다. 그러나 곧 목사님이 바람에 빨갛게 상기된 모습이 되어 들어서며 안도의 표정을 지을 때, 저는 너무 고마워서 포옹을 하며 진정한 감사의 표현을 했습니다. 목사님은 분명히 제가 택시를 타지 않고 걸어올 것을 알고는, 못 미더워 마중을 나갔던 것이었습니다.

아빠의 뒤를 이어 곧 큰애가 헐레벌떡 들어오며 반가운 표정으로 “엄마가 오실 시간이 된 것 같아 정류장에 나갔다가 기다리다 그냥 들어왔어요.”라며 미안한 표정을 지었습니다. 큰아이에게도 포옹을 해 주며 고맙다고 하였습니다. 가족이 있음에 서로의 돌봄과 사랑 안에 우리는 얼마나 행복하게 살아가고 있는가를 새삼 느끼게 되는 저녁이었습니다.

목회 중에 만난 분들 중 대부분, 가족이 신앙으로 뭉치어 서로 사랑 하고 돌보는 가정은 자녀들도 건실하고 아름답게 성장하는 것을 보게 됩니다. 경제적으로 어렵게 사는 것 같아도, 쉽게 일어서는 것을 보게 됩니다.

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Monday’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 93:1–5

Posted on August 4, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

A Practice in Lectio Divina

on August 4, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

THE MAJESTY OF GOD’S RULE

[PREPARATIO | Preparation]

After a refreshing stroll through the park with my two dogs,I returned to my chair and entered into quiet. I began with an Eastern Orthodox prayer for a new day:

“We give You hearty thanks for the rest of the past night and for the gift of this new day, with its opportunities of pleasing You. Grant that we may so pass its hours in the perfect freedom of Your service, that at eventide we may again give thanks unto You. Amen.”

Then I softly sang Fanny J. Crosby’s hymn, “Close to Thee” (1874):

Thou my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me;
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee.
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

[LECTIO | Reading]

I stilled myself with three deep breaths, then slowly read Psalm 93:1–5 in multiple translations. The passage was brief, but full of power:

“The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty and armed with strength.
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice.
But mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
Holiness adorns your house, O Lord, forevermore.”

In these words, I heard the timeless voice of the Creator, clothed in authority, reigning forever with strength and beauty—even above the roaring floods of chaos and despair.

[ORATIO | Prayer]

Images from Scripture flooded my mind.

I saw Israel passing through the parted Red Sea—walls of water on either side—as Pharaoh’s armies pursued. The power of God’s deliverance struck me deeply.

Then another vision emerged: the Israelites dancing as they carried the Ark of the Covenant back to Zion, after reclaiming it from the Philistines.

My heart responded in praise to the Almighty King—who not only saves but reigns with majesty. In Him, I found the strength to face past burdens and afflictions. His rule rescues and renews.

[CONTEMPLATIO | Contemplation]

In my mind’s eye, I placed myself on the quiet trail of Abram’s Falls in Cades Cove. It is Monday morning. No one is around. I sit in solitude. Silence surrounds me.

I let go of every thought—even thanksgiving—and simply rest.

I see the tender beauty of wildflowers and the scattered leaves of early autumn. Around the world, there are wars and uprisings—people marching against injustice. Thunderclouds roar over the mountains.

Yet above it all, the sun breaks through. The light is steady.

God reigns.

[INCARNATIO | Incarnation]

In this stillness, I realize: God has clothed me with His majesty—like a flood of glory and authority.

His justice does not waver. He does not turn away from truth. He refuses to bless prejudice, partiality, or silent approval of evil. His rule is righteous and unwavering.

[Manifestatio (Living the Word)]

I rise in confidence.

The power of the Holy Spirit will lead and sustain me throughout this week. Wherever I go, at any time, His grace will be with me.

To Him be all honor and praise—forever reigning King.

King David bearing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, Early16th cen.. From a private collection.

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