Divided We Stand
previously published on July 2004
Better kimchee? West Coast
Better potluck? East
Better volleyball? East
Better basketball? West
Better bowlers? West
Better musicians? East
Ancient Jews had the Northern and Southern kingdoms; Korean-American SDA's have the West and East Coast. The two kingdoms contrasted in leadership, worship, and economy. Yet despite centuries of independence, they sustained a unique bond because of tradition, marriage, and family ties. Sound familiar?
Time and distance has also created a chasm between East and West. Yet every time you visit another church across the country, you enter into the same game of "Do you know?", and then soon realize that you're not so distant after all. It turns out that someone married your uncle, went to nursing school with your mother, or claims to be your cousin. In the end, you know you're a part of something larger than your isolated world.
Admittedly, for comparison’s sake, I’ll purposely over-generalize the East and West. Obviously, countless exceptions abound. So to every Laker-hater in Los Angeles, non cafe-goer in Manhattan, and sun-bather in Seattle/Oregon I apologize in advance.
Remember those teenage sit-coms that included the entire social spectrum in one clique? Though unrealistic, they neatly crammed all the characters into one thirty minute show. Well given the restraints of this article, my West Coast "sit-com" would be something like this. Pastor Dan/John/Mike really excels at tennis/golf/basketball, though he's no slouch with the guitar/keyboard either. Church work can be a trying, but God is good and has constantly supplies help in time of need; such as moral support from the Kim’s/Lee’s. Recently, he has been concerned about Sue/Jennie/Grace, a youth member who always helps out, but has shown signs of burnout. College applications, schoolwork, church work, and a social life is quite a heavy load for any teenager to juggle.
Church at the East Coast “show“ just hasn't been the same since Dan/John/Mike left, but the youth are doing what they can. David/Joe/Paul offer their services, but it's difficult helping at church while being a busy resident/dentist/lawyer. Fortunately, Francisco/Sergei/the Anderson’s, have also helped, being stable and influential members. Church isn't the most stimulating event in the week, but it's a part of life, and missing it would just feel odd. At times, the speakers are inexperienced, but they speak from the heart, and though Jane/Anne/Esther regularly have to leave Sabbath school to play piano for the adults, the topics they begin can be somewhat interesting.
Continuing in the spirit of over-generalizations, the word that comes to mind when I think of the West Coast is "competition". I sense that youth pastors have more to compete with out West; competition not limited to the standard SAT classes, band festivals, or tennis tournaments. Rather, competitions involving neighboring SDA churches boasting superior praise bands, orchestras, or even better looking members.
Out east, words like "ownership" and "tradition" seem appropriate. Well into their college years, some continue to come to church for reasons I'm still unclear of. Someone may have been clubbing late into the morning, but there he/she is Sabbath morning. Youth leaders come and go, but the "locals" have been there since childhood, and there belies a deep sense of ownership within its members. Typical problems with apathy and disinterest still manifest amongst some, but overall, people stick around a little bit longer.
Looking again to ancient history, the three major events involving the Jewish kingdom (the dividing, the fall of the North, and subsequent fall of South) are earmarked by definite acts of providence.
Idolatry prompted the original division of the kingdom, as people desired to worship the likes of Ashtoreth, and Milcom, rather than the God of Abraham. Incidentally, in the closing years of the Northern kingdom's existence, King Hezekiah (the Southern king) organized a special Passover feast and invited not only his kingdom to attend, but also those tribes of the North. Though in the minority, a few from the North did respond to the call and united in worship.
In time, the Northern ten tribes were dispersed simply due to their outright rejection of God; displaying boldness not witnessed since the days of Noah. The Southern demise had many reasons, but one of their greatest mistakes was the willingness to listen to false prophets rather than the messengers that God had sent.
I can’t say either Coast perfectly resembles one kingdom or the other, but nevertheless we can learn a great deal from history. First, while idolatry (worshiping/coveting created things rather than the Creator) causes division and discord, Godly worship leads to unification. Second, outright rejection of God will momentarily appear to continue without retribution, but will eventually be dealt with accordingly. Third, we’re told that popular movements will once again arise that are prompted by false prophets and spirits rather then by the Word of God. My opinions of the two coasts are certainly debatable, but the way God has dealt in similar situations to similar people has not changed. Therefore, the past can teach us a great deal about what to expect in the future.
Centuries after the initial dispersion of both kingdoms, Jesus mourned with insuppressible tears while gazing upon, from atop the crest of Olivet, the last vestiges of the once mighty kingdom. Surely he wept for some He knew well, but also for others who may have never even had an interview with Him. Though strangers, they were still His creation; they were still His blood—they were still His people.
We need the love of Jesus. We need to pray for the worldwide work as well as for our loved ones. Yet like our Savior, we need to pray for those strangers on the other "coast". You ask why you should even care, but in reality the burden is already imprinted upon your soul and conscience. They too are your blood, they too are your people. Your reward will be a heavenly reunion with many strangers, and hopefully a thousand years will be long enough to play "Do you know?" one last time.