2024.07.23 District Message
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
There was a boy in elementary school who kept asking for something, so his parents bought him a camera. He loved it so much that he carried it around all day taking pictures. That much was fine, but he skipped school to take those pictures. What would you have done? You probably would’ve said, “Give it to me right now!” and taken the camera away. “You have to go to school—why are you skipping it?” But the mother had a different perspective. She said, “You must have a talent in this area,” and encouraged him. That boy grew up to be Steven Spielberg, the world-renowned film director.
As we grow older, we tend to become fixed in our ways of thinking. So don’t become rigid; stay flexible. Mothers often scold their children from their own level of understanding. But your children have infinite potential, so you must be cautious. Otherwise, you’ll inevitably pass on your own limited level. As you know, Edison once boiled a watch in hot water when he was a child. From a so-called “normal” person’s perspective, he would’ve seemed crazy—but that’s how he became the king of invention.
Perhaps right now, there’s something in your heart that feels like a problem. Most of you probably have something, even if it’s small. Or maybe something will arise in the future, especially in daily life—like, “My child is the problem,” or “My husband is the issue,” or “There’s this problem at church.” That happens. But take a moment to consider: what’s really been troubling your heart lately? Then try to think about it from the opposite perspective—you’ll discover something amazing.
[Reverse Thinking and the 25 Answers (Matthew 5:1–12)]
That’s what we call “reverse thinking.” You may think something is a problem and see it only that way, but there’s another side to everything. That’s very important. When you look from the opposite angle, what comes? The 25 answers. This happens very often.
So before worship today, maybe you’ve noticed that around us, there are more strange people than good ones. That happens a lot. Try looking at things from the other side, and you’ll find amazing answers. After hearing this, one church leader shared that her husband used to come home late every night, drinking under the excuse of work. When he’d come home and ask for water, instead of scolding him, she would bring it and say, “Thank you.” Even drunk, her husband was expecting nagging—but she thanked him. He asked, “For what?” She replied, “Thank you for working so hard for the sake of our family. I’m grateful you came home. And I’m thankful for your good health—because if you were sick, this would be much worse.” That moment made her husband pause and reflect. “That’s right… if I keep this up, I’m going to die.” When she nagged, it never reached him—but her one word turned his thoughts around. That’s how powerful this kind of (reverse-thinking, 25-answer) moment is.
▣ Introduction – God’s Preparation
If we’re not careful, we’ll live by our own standards, levels, and norms. And when that happens, we can’t see what God has prepared. That’s the key point—we must see what God has prepared. But by nature, we tend to interpret, listen, and speak based on our own framework and level.
(Opposite side) Daily Life
God has prepared something tremendous, and just by shifting to this (reverse thinking), just by looking at the opposite side of our thoughts, our daily lives can be filled with true answers.
About 10 years ago, when I’d go to the U.S., there were Korean, Chinese, and Japanese restaurants. But Japanese restaurants were always in upscale neighborhoods, while Korean and Chinese restaurants were often in poorer areas. What surprised me was the Korean restaurant signs—they looked like signs from the Korean War era, completely outdated. They didn’t even realize it. But Japanese restaurants had very modern, high-class signage. Naturally, the way they raised their children, worked in church, and lived daily life all matched that level. Recently, though, things are changing. Korean food is gaining popularity, K-pop is booming, and perceptions are shifting. Yet many Koreans still struggle to update themselves. That’s when we must change completely—go to this (opposite side).
▣ Main
1. Jesus – Breaking the Mold
If you really want to receive answers, take a look at what Jesus taught. He completely shattered the mold—everything He taught was the opposite of what was expected. That’s when real change happens.
What did He start with?
1) Blessing
He redefined what it means to be blessed.
2) Prayer – Kingdom
Even prayer, He explained in a completely different way. Israel was under foreign rule—so was holding onto a government position really a blessing? Jesus asked. “Is your current comfortable position really comforting when your nation is collapsing? Isn’t it better to be poor in spirit?” Right? Jesus pointed it out precisely. “Isn’t it better to mourn than to rejoice in your position? Shouldn’t you be meek, not boastful? And even more—those who are persecuted are blessed.”
As I read the Sermon on the Mount, I realized something deeply. In my second year of university, I randomly attended a lecture by a pastor on the Beatitudes. He spoke softly but was clearly a scholar. I’ll never forget it. I later learned he was Pastor Sang-Geun Lee from Daegu—quite a famous teacher, often referred to as Dr. Lee. As I listened to his lecture, it became deeply engraved in me.
Even Jesus’ teaching on prayer was the exact opposite of what we expect. “Do not babble. Do not pray to be seen by others.” That makes sense. When elders lead corporate prayer, they naturally prepare more. But Pharisees literally prayed to show off. Jesus said that’s unnecessary. He said, “Go into your room”—not to insist on praying in a room, but to say, “Don’t pray to be seen.” He even said, “Do not ask for this and that.” That shocked me. Right—if God already knows, why ask? “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” From then on, I stopped asking in prayer. When the kingdom comes, everything follows.
2. Remnants (RT)
Let’s take one example: Joseph.
1) Slave – Economy
He was sold as a slave. Remnants must remember this. If you think too much about your home, school, or church situation, you’ll become a slave to those thoughts. Joseph used that time to study the economy. That’s important.
2) Prison – Politics
He was falsely accused and imprisoned. No way out, no one on his side. That’s when you need to look to the opposite side. Joseph learned politics there—because he was placed in a cell with politicians. Even today, there are different cells for different people. This prison housed only politicians, and Joseph saw (politics) firsthand. That’s how the way opened.
3) King – Mission
Eventually, he stood before the king. What would we do in such a moment? It’s overwhelming. But Joseph didn’t actually interpret the dream himself—he said, “I cannot interpret it.” The king could’ve been furious! But Joseph said, “God will reveal the dream to the king.” He carried out his mission well, even when the answer came.
4) Prime Minister – Missions
He never aimed to be prime minister—but it just happened. If you truly hold onto what God has prepared, you’ll receive things you never asked for. Joseph didn’t take revenge—not a single one. He became a powerful prime minister, entrusted by the king with full authority: “Run Egypt as you see fit.” That’s when Joseph began full-fledged missions. Isn’t that amazing?
Always try this: when a problem arises, don’t just see it as a problem. Look at the opposite side. Some people say, “I’m so lonely.” Then you’ll live lonely forever. Try the reverse: God has given you incredible time. Right? Amazing time. Sometimes when we travel for a conference, we’re placed in the city; other times, deep in the mountains. Wherever it is, just go. Some people complain, “I’m so bored here.” But for me, it’s a golden opportunity to finish all the assignments I’ve been putting off—and it works out so well.
The problems you face in daily life are actually full of answers. If your family is struggling, remnants should think: “Ah, God is showing us what we need.” Not to fight about it—but to pray. Most people miss answers, and they miss them in daily life. That must be remembered.
3. God’s Things
Once you look to the opposite side, you begin to see God’s things.
1) My Thoughts
Once you see God’s answers, your own thoughts become less important. Right? If the answer is clear, why push your own thinking? Your level doesn’t matter. Once you reach this point, others will notice, “There’s something different about this person.” Then people begin to open up. That’s when evangelism begins. Don’t neglect your workplace duties to run around evangelizing—that’s not good either.
2) God’s Things (God’s Plan)
As you enjoy these answers, you begin to see God’s things—His plan. Just as the title says.
3) Three Things
Then you begin to see three things:
(1) Why? – Concept
First, you see why you’re here. Then answers begin.
(2) What? – Content
Next, knowing the “why,” you can see clearly what you must do.
(3) How? – System
Once you know the “why” and the “what,” the “how” becomes clear.
In more specialized terms:
“Why” = Concept
“What” = Content
“How” = System
Remnants must remember this.
For example, when constructing a building, the concept is the vision of what kind of temple to build. The content is the design. The system is how it functions. With a little prayer and a different perspective, answers unfold like this (entire message).
This happens to me often. Of ten people I meet, one may be agreeable and nine may not. But even from those nine, I learn a lot when I think from the opposite side. Sometimes while driving, people get angry at me even when they’re clearly at fault. When I roll down my window and say, “I’m sorry,” they’re shocked and drive away smiling. I just thought, “This person must be in a hurry.” When people are in a rush, they act without thinking—like they’re sick. So don’t argue. Some people even shoot hunting rifles over such issues.
In the U.S., people greet strangers with a smile. If you pass someone with a frown, you might get shot. It’s a cultural habit. In an elevator, Americans always say “Hi,” whether they know you or not. Korean people ride the elevator with a frown, staring at the wall—and then they might get shot. So be careful.
Reverse thinking opens up many things. That’s why I reached a conclusion: if you go where “nobody” is, there’s no competition. It’s the same in work. People are missing out. When I first started as an assistant pastor, no one asked me—but I took the outdated church member lists and cleaned them up. I visited members who were discouraged and hadn’t come in years. When I said, “I’m the new evangelist,” they were shocked. “No one’s ever come to see me!” Just that one visit changed their heart. No one had reached out. That’s the power of “nobody”—no competition.
▣ Conclusion – Absolute Plan
In the end, once you discard all the noise and clutter in your thinking, you’ll see it: God’s absolute plan.
Foolish people often criticize others. But I look at the opposite side. We already know what was wrong—looking from the other side reveals how to awaken, save, and guide the person. People who don’t pray or who lack insight ask, “Why does Pastor Ryu tolerate that?” But when I look at the other side, I see God’s plan—and even His absolute plan. So even when I face criticism, I’m always thankful. Those moments become lifelong blessings in prayer. There’s so much good on the other side. Right?
Throughout today’s worship, may you enter deep grace and witness healing, power, and the coming of God’s kingdom. I bless your children, your workplace, and your field in the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer. God, thank You for giving us new grace and opportunity today. Make us witnesses who see Your plan. May today be a precious day to receive new strength. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.