April 27, 2024

“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” Matthew 25:4

One item I appreciated when we were traveling Europe was a portable battery pack for my phone. It made the top essential item list when we were packing for the trip. I have had my phone for some years and now the battery life on the phone is pretty bad. Most of the time, the battery life doesn’t bother me as I am mostly in a building and I can charge it anytime I want, and I can charge the phone when I am driving.

However, that was not the case when we were on the tour. I knew that the phone would not last the morning if I were to take multiple pictures and sometimes I would have to use maps to navigate around (this happened when our return flight got canceled and Hyemi and I were on our own). What got me through was the portable battery pack. Once fully charged overnight, I was able to power my phone to its fullest percentage twice. This was more than enough for me that I would even let other pastors use my battery pack because they would run out of battery as well. Each evening when we arrive at our hotel, I would ensure to hook up the battery pack to be prepared for the following day.

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25 teaches us a valuable lesson that we must be prepared for the groom. A fully charged phone is just not enough. You must have an extra power source ready in case of a delay, as was seen in the parable. I pray that we can stay prepared and ready for Jesus, especially in times like today.

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April 20, 2024

I finished my laps and jumped out of the pool. Immediately, I sat down and looked at my phone to check my swim data. Suddenly an elderly man approached me and said to me in a heavy European accent, “Can you check the Champions League (European futbol tournament) score for me?” “What team do you want me to look up?” “Benfica.” I looked it up for him on my phone (and realized it was not Champions League but Europa League, but that won’t matter to the readers.) At 81 minutes, Benfica was tied at 0:0 against Marseille. He looked anxious and I encourage the elderly man that there was still time for his team to score and advance to the next round. The man left but he couldn’t wait and returned to me about 4 minutes later. In those minutes, Marseille scored a goal and his team was losing. He wasn’t too happy. He said he will stay with me until the game ended (we weren’t even watching the actual game, just the game timeline on Google). I told him that I needed to go now and take a shower. He understood and left.

Once the shower was done, I was getting changed in the locker room and I could hear this elderly man asking around “Do you have your phone with you?” No one had their phones on them and since I knew this man’s intentions, I went up to him to show the score. Benfica didn’t score up until now and it was apparent that his team was going to lose as the game went into injury time. Without saying another word, he turned around and left angry.

I didn’t mind his attitude. I was amazed at the amount of passion he had for his favorite team. After all, Europeans are known for their love of the game of futbol. Instantly I started thinking about my passion for Jesus and ministry. For Paul said in Romans 12:11, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” He also said to the elders in Ephesus, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24. May we all have the same passion and love for Jesus and ministry.

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April 13, 2024

On Monday afternoon, Hyemi and I brought our camping chairs out to the driveway and put on our eclipse sunglasses to enjoy the celestial show. Our heads were lifted up the whole time to observe the unique moment for a few minutes. Millions of other people traveled to the path of totality to experience the wonderful phenomena, a rare sight we will not be able to see for another 20 years on US soil. People anticipated, waited, and looked up. 

The Millerites did the same thing on October 22, 1844. After a careful study of the scriptures, they were certain that Jesus would return that day. All day long, they anticipated, waited, and looked up (I don’t think they had their eclipse sunglasses on though) waiting for Jesus. He didn’t come that day. There was a Great Disappointment. I think it was a blessing in disguise in two ways. First, the experience made the pioneers dig deeper into the Word of God, and eventually understood the scriptures. Second, we will get to experience the second coming of Jesus.

When Jesus returns, we will experience something much greater. Solar eclipse will be nothing compared to His second coming. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. The signs are clear. He is coming soon. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28.

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