Making God’s Dongchimi -Fast from "Me," Feast on “God-

                                      

2/25/26 1^st Lenten Soup Luncheon

The "Helper" in the Kitchen

Recently, I made Dongchimi (radish water kimchi) with my youngest daughter, Hannah. Because it’s a fermented food, it’s great for digestion and immunity, so I wanted to share some with our sick church members and neighbors. Now, in my mind, I was the one planning it; I was the one preparing it; and I was the one who knew how to make it.

Hannah just wanted to help. She followed my instructions one by one—though, occasionally, she did things I didn’t ask for and needed a little "correction." Hannah didn't know why Dongchimi was healthy, what ingredients were needed, or the complex process of fermentation.

But when it was time to give it away? Hannah said with total confidence: "Please, have some! I made this!" Then, in a tiny whisper no one could hear, she added, "(...with Mommy)." I couldn't help but laugh. But through Hannah, I saw myself.

 

The Pastor’s Worry

Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by some challenges. I told my mentor, "I’m so worried that I might ruin God’s work." She looked at me and said, with a gentle but firm smile, "I know you’re capable of many things, but I really don’t think you have the power to ruin what the Almighty God has already set in motion."

We laughed so hard. It reminded me of Hannah. Even though she made some mistakes while helping, she didn't have the power to ruin my entire batch of Dongchimi; I was right there to fix it. I realized I was acting like I was the one in charge—planning and producing "God’s Dongchimi" by my own strength. When someone asked Hannah how to make it, she just looked up at me. It was okay that she didn’t know everything, because she had me. And it’s okay that I don’t know everything, because I have Him.

 

Six Human Frailties vs. Six Divine Attributes

The great giants of the Bible reacted just like me. Today, let’s look at 6 human traits contrasted with 6 attributes of God. This Lent, we practice a "Fast & Feast" prayer: we fast from our fallen nature and feast on God’s nature.

1. Moses: Anxiety vs. Immanence (God With Us) When Moses stood at the burning bush, he shook like a leaf. He gave God a long list of excuses. But God replied, "I will be with your mouth" (Ex. 4:10-12). When we are Anxious, we feast on God’s Immanence. He is close.

 

2. Isaiah: Fear of Sin vs. Transcendence (God Above Us) Isaiah saw a vision of God’s holiness and cried, "Woe is me, for I am ruined!" (Isa. 6:1-5). Before our human Filth, God shows His Transcendence. He is far above our limitations, calling us into His glory.

 

3. Peter: Inconsistency vs. Immutability (God Never Changes) Peter was a "shaking reed." One moment he called Jesus the Son of God; the next, he was told, "Get behind me, Satan." He denied Jesus three times. Yet, Jesus called him back with an Unchanging Love (John 21:15-17). We are Fickle, but God is Immutable.

 

4. Jeremiah: Ignorance vs. Omniscience (God Knows All) Young Jeremiah said, "I am only a youth; I do not know how to speak." He didn’t know himself or his future. But God said, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" (Jer. 1:5). We are Short-sighted, but God is Omniscient.

 

5. Gideon: Weakness vs. Omnipotence (God Is All-Powerful) Gideon was hiding in a winepress out of fear. He called himself the "least in his family." But the Almighty God gave him a great victory (Judges 6:15). We are Weak, but God is Omnipotent.

 

6. The Disciples: Loneliness vs. Omnipresence (God Is Everywhere) As Jesus ascended, the disciples felt vulnerable and alone. But Jesus promised: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). When we feel abandoned, we feast on God’s Omnipresence. He is the First and the Last, existing everywhere at once.

 

The Fast & Feast

We cannot make "God’s Dongchimi" alone. But in Him, we can. Let us pray:

 

• Lord, like Moses, we fast from Anxiety and feast on Your Presence.

 

• Like Isaiah, we fast from Fear and feast on Your Transcendence.

 

• Like Peter, we fast from Instability and feast on Your Unchanging Love.

 

• Like Jeremiah, we fast from Ignorance and feast on Your Perfect Knowledge.

 

• Like Gideon, we fast from Weakness and feast on Your Almighty Power.

 

• Like the disciples, we fast from Loneliness and feast on Your Constant Presence.

Thank You for inviting us to work with You to make God’s Dongchimi. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.