Sunday, April 7, 2013

A Korean Tale- Turning the other cheek

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:39)

Thoughts: When we visited South Korea's Soon Chuun region we ran across a riveting true story from the time of the Korean War.  The Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Soon Chuun saw the North Korean invade his region, almost pushing the South Korean army out of the country.  The Christians were immediately persecuted.  South Korean academics and religious leaders were rounded up and executed.  One North Korean soldier tried to get the pastor of the Presbyterian church to recant his faith.  He would not.  The soldier threatened to kill his son if he did not recant, but the pastor regrettably refused.  The North Korean then shot the pastor's son.  The American and South Korean army retook the area.  The North Korean soldier was arrested, and was put on trial for shooting the pastor's son.  But the Presbyterian pastor attended the trial and said he forgave the man who shot his son thus assuring his release.  The soldier became a believer after that.  Later the pastor adopted this  former soldier as his own son.  Tales like this were duplicated all over the Korean peninsula and are reasons why the church in South Korea has exploded.  Today there are more Presbyterians in South Korea than in the United States and the largest church in the world and the largest Presbyterian church in the world are in South Korea.  

Prayer: We pray tonight, Lord for peace in the Korean Peninsula and for the protection for the believers there.  May they stand firm and strong, Lord. 

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