Oct. 8: Cannot Taint GOD

The cold season seems to have arrived once again. Everywhere I go, people are struggling with colds and the flu. Despite our weariness, COVID-19 still lingers, reminding us that it's something we must now live with. This past week, as I witnessed many suffering from illness, a thought came to mind. When we fall sick, we often tell our friends, "You don't want to be around me right now, or else you’ll get sick too." But we would never say such a thing to a doctor. If anything, we want the doctor to be around us more, so they can help restore our health.

When Peter first encounters Jesus, he realizes that he is in the presence of someone very special. Perhaps Peter suspected from the beginning that this might be the Christ. Though well-meaning, Peter’s response was perhaps misguided. Thomas Watson asks, "Is it a good argument to say to a physician, 'I am diseased, therefore depart from me'? No, rather, 'Come and heal me!' Our sins should serve to humble us, not drive us away from Christ. I tell you, if we had no diseases, Christ would have no work to do in the world."

Much like how illness spreads from person to person, Peter likely feared that his sins would somehow taint Jesus. As modern-day disciples, we can fall into a similar mindset. When we sin, we might think, "I’ve failed today, so I can't come into God's presence, or I'll be a hypocrite." Yet, it is precisely in our sin that we must run toward God, not away from Him. Our sins cannot defile Him, but His forgiveness can surely cleanse us. In whatever way possible, draw nearer to Jesus. He is our true source of life. I pray that, in this season, you take good care of your health, both physically and spiritually. I am praying for everyone at Thrive Church!

Grace and Peace,

 Rev. Dr. Won Kim

The Lead Pastor of Thrive Church