David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 2:1-2

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Pastor David Cho served a church in Seoul North Korea – the largest church in the world at one time, maybe even still, with 1,000,000 members. At one time in his ministry he needed to secure additional financing for his church to avoid loosing their building. He visited the bank and pulled a South Korean stunt that was either a stroke of genius or inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Korean people are orderly and very given to proper authority being exercised without question. So when Cho could not succeed in getting in to see the bank president in a number of banks he decided to try a new approach: He told the receptionist, “I come from the highest authority.” He was speaking of the fact that he came from God. The receptionist thought he was speaking of the President of Korea. The full story is worth reading below.

When the wise men from the east came and asked about the new born king of the Jews, Herod and all of Jerusalem were disturbed. They sensed an impending political upheaval and turmoil. But the reality of Jesus’ reign transcends politics. There would indeed a revolution – even violent events surrounding Jesus’ appearance. Innocent children would be slaughtered by Herod in an attempt to prevent his reign. Jesus would be killed by the political rulers 33 years later to put an end to his influence.

But Jesus reigns. And he is king not only of the Jews but of all kings. He is worthy of our worship, honor, and homage. But more than that: we are – by faith – children of the King. As his subjects we have incredible authority and privilege. We do well when we remember that Jesus is King of kings, above all. You can say that of no other ruler.

In 1969, God told Cho to build a church building that would seat 10,000 people costing $5 million. How God supplied the finances was a tremendous testimony of faith. Cho once wrote a $50,000 check that was post-dated on 31st December. As the day approached, he could not even gather a small portion of the amount. If his check bounced, the newspapers would carry headlines saying that the pastor of the largest church in Korea wrote a hot check.

On the day that the funds had to be deposited in the bank, he still did not have the funds. It was already 5 pm and the bank was to close by 6 pm. He paced around and prayed in desperation to God. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit let a thought flow through Cho’s mind – go to the head of his bank and ask him to write a $50,000 check to Cho. He thought he was out of his mind but the Holy Spirit insisted.

So he asked his treasurer to go with him. Mr. Park said, “You have really lost your mind, haven’t you? This is December 31st. Its 5 o’clock, you have no appointment, and people are lined up to see him. Moreover, we don’t have any assets for collateral. No paper work has been done. It’s foolish. I’m not going with you.”

Cho decided to go with a “renewed mind.” When he reached the bank, the Holy Spirit said, “Walk courageously. Be very bold. Act like a big shot. Don’t pay attention to anyone else, but just walk straight to the president’s office.”

The secretary stopped him and asked him who he was, and if he had an appointment. Suddenly an inspiration came to Cho. “I’m from the highest authority,” he responded. He meant that he was from God, but she thought he was from the President of Korea. Her attitude changed and she ushered him past the line of waiting people, straight to the president’s office.

The Spirit kept repeating, “You are a child of the King, an important person. Keep acting like the big shot you are.” He walked in boldly, sat on the sofa, and crossed his legs. He told the president, “Sir, I’ve come with a tremendous project, and I’m going to do a great favor for you.” That caught his attention. He said he was the pastor of the largest church with more than 10,000 members and he would give the bank 10,000 new bank accounts, if the president did him a small favor. He asked the president to write him a $50,000 check.

The president hesitated because there was no paperwork or collaterals. Cho said he was the King’s businessman, and that they could work on the basis of trust. Then the president wrote him a $50,000 check and Cho walked out feeling 10 feet tall.

Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” ⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.