WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:14.580 Turn with me to Luke 19. 00:00:15.939 --> 00:00:22.820 Back in Luke this morning after a sweet celebration last week of God's faithfulness to Southwood. 00:00:22.820 --> 00:00:31.460 And remember as we turn back to Luke, Jesus has been journeying to Jerusalem for several chapters now. 00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:32.960 He's getting close. 00:00:33.780 --> 00:00:39.500 And the followers of Jesus, they have expectations for what's going to happen when we get to Jerusalem, right? 00:00:39.539 --> 00:00:40.400 This is significant. 00:00:41.879 --> 00:00:45.280 Mostly they have misguided expectations. 00:00:45.640 --> 00:00:52.679 That Jesus wants to clarify for them so they will know what it will take to follow Him. 00:00:53.380 --> 00:00:59.100 And so He tells this challenging parable this morning that we're going to read. 00:00:59.439 --> 00:01:02.640 Let's read it together and then ask for God's help. 00:01:02.759 --> 00:01:05.920 This is Luke 19 at verse 11. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:08.040 God's holy word. 00:01:08.040 --> 00:01:14.960 As they heard these things, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable because He was near to Jerusalem 00:01:14.960 --> 00:01:19.359 and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 00:01:19.359 --> 00:01:21.620 He said, therefore, 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:26.540 a nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 00:01:27.600 --> 00:01:31.200 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas and said to them, 00:01:31.939 --> 00:01:34.020 engage in business until I come. 00:01:35.140 --> 00:01:38.500 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him saying, 00:01:38.900 --> 00:01:41.219 we do not want this man to reign over us. 00:01:42.180 --> 00:01:44.540 And when he returned, having received the kingdom, 00:01:44.939 --> 00:01:48.180 he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him 00:01:48.180 --> 00:01:51.420 that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 00:01:51.940 --> 00:01:53.420 And the first came before him saying, 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:56.000 Lord, your mina has made ten minas more. 00:01:56.720 --> 00:01:58.840 And he said to him, well done, good servant. 00:01:59.380 --> 00:02:01.220 Because you have been faithful in a very little, 00:02:01.320 --> 00:02:03.360 you shall have authority over ten cities. 00:02:04.360 --> 00:02:05.760 And the second came saying, 00:02:06.060 --> 00:02:08.040 Lord, your mina has made five minas. 00:02:08.700 --> 00:02:11.400 And he said to him, and you are to be over five cities. 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:13.980 Then another came saying, 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:19.480 Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief. 00:02:20.319 --> 00:02:24.080 For I was afraid of you because you're a severe man. 00:02:24.240 --> 00:02:27.960 You take what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow. 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:33.140 He said to him, I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant. 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:37.340 You knew that I was a severe man taking what I did not deposit 00:02:37.340 --> 00:02:38.900 and reaping what I did not sow. 00:02:38.900 --> 00:02:41.340 Why then did you not put my money in the bank? 00:02:41.879 --> 00:02:44.280 And at my coming, I might have collected it with interest. 00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:46.760 And he said to those who stood by, 00:02:46.860 --> 00:02:50.280 take the mina from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas. 00:02:51.180 --> 00:02:53.319 And they said to him, Lord, he has ten minas. 00:02:54.400 --> 00:02:57.520 I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given. 00:02:57.700 --> 00:03:01.759 But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 00:03:02.819 --> 00:03:06.280 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to reign over them, 00:03:06.280 --> 00:03:09.020 bring them here and slaughter them before me. 00:03:10.680 --> 00:03:13.520 We need to pray and ask for God's help. 00:03:16.180 --> 00:03:19.979 Father, we do ask that you would teach us from your word. 00:03:20.060 --> 00:03:21.479 Would you give us hearts to hear? 00:03:22.699 --> 00:03:27.379 Would you work by your spirit that we might not just know more about you, 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:31.740 that we might know you more, know who you are? 00:03:32.020 --> 00:03:33.360 Show us yourself. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:36.180 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:03:37.080 --> 00:03:37.400 Amen. 00:03:41.260 --> 00:03:46.340 Many of you have asked me over the years how I tricked Christi into marrying me, 00:03:47.160 --> 00:03:52.700 which is a very fair question to ask, and I'm not 100% sure myself. 00:03:53.360 --> 00:03:54.260 She's amazing. 00:03:54.560 --> 00:03:56.600 I married way up, and you've all noticed. 00:03:56.599 --> 00:04:04.439 But, you know, I'd heard that marriage was hard, and all the things that people tell you, 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:11.159 but I figured that as many of us do, that I'd found someone so wonderful, you know? 00:04:11.659 --> 00:04:18.459 And we loved each other so much that it was actually going to be pretty easy for us. 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:22.419 I mean, honestly, that's what I was thinking when we were engaged. 00:04:22.779 --> 00:04:28.299 It was really this feeling that it was as though I'd worked so hard up to that point in my life, 00:04:28.359 --> 00:04:33.459 convincing people to like me, and then convincing her to like me enough to marry me, 00:04:33.539 --> 00:04:38.859 that now I'd done it, like I'd reached the pinnacle, and it was all downhill from here. 00:04:39.319 --> 00:04:41.359 Life would just be coasting, right? 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:50.379 I expected I'd arrived, only to find out that I'm actually harder to live with than I imagined. 00:04:51.240 --> 00:04:58.180 And when two sinners get married, even when they really love each other, it takes hard work 00:04:58.180 --> 00:05:01.540 and an investment in that relationship. 00:05:01.819 --> 00:05:06.900 It's so worth it, but it costs more than I expected. 00:05:06.899 --> 00:05:14.399 Jesus' disciples and others who are following Him as He heads to Jerusalem 00:05:14.399 --> 00:05:18.159 have struggled to understand what's going to happen when they get there. 00:05:19.479 --> 00:05:24.839 Jesus knows He's headed to be mocked, beaten, killed. 00:05:25.079 --> 00:05:26.179 He's told them that. 00:05:26.799 --> 00:05:33.279 And He knows that the eternal kingdom that He's come to establish is still going to be well in the future. 00:05:33.279 --> 00:05:41.639 And He wants His followers to be prepared for this delay in their victory parade, so to speak, 00:05:41.719 --> 00:05:46.339 that they think they're walking into, for them to have right expectations. 00:05:49.019 --> 00:05:50.819 And so He tells this story. 00:05:51.659 --> 00:05:53.559 It's a story, the one we just read. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:56.059 It probably didn't remind you of this, 00:05:56.060 --> 00:06:02.819 but it would have reminded Jesus' followers of another king coming to Jerusalem around this time. 00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:09.100 It would have helped them see that you don't just walk into Jerusalem and make yourself king. 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:12.540 It's a brief history note, I promise. 00:06:13.639 --> 00:06:16.860 Archelaus was one of the sons of King Herod. 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:22.199 King Herod, the one who ordered that all the babies be killed when Jesus was born. 00:06:22.199 --> 00:06:26.579 When Herod split his kingdom among his three sons, 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:30.920 he gave Archelaus the part of the kingdom that included Jerusalem, 00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:33.939 and he gave him the title of king. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:39.279 But you see, Rome was in charge, not Herod. 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:44.639 If you really wanted to be king, you had to go to Rome. 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:51.579 So Archelaus journeyed a long way to Rome to receive a kingdom. 00:06:51.839 --> 00:06:53.620 That's what this parable is referencing. 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:58.860 And the Jews sent a delegation, like is discussed here. 00:06:59.120 --> 00:07:03.779 Fifty people who journeyed all the way to Rome just to plead, 00:07:04.439 --> 00:07:06.379 don't let Archelaus be our king. 00:07:07.019 --> 00:07:09.099 See, Herod and his sons were ruthless. 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:12.219 They didn't want them ruling over them. 00:07:12.220 --> 00:07:15.240 And Archelaus, after journeying to Rome, 00:07:15.320 --> 00:07:17.980 was sent home with some authority in that area, 00:07:18.100 --> 00:07:21.020 but without the title of king, which he would never earn. 00:07:21.540 --> 00:07:23.600 In fact, ten years after this, 00:07:23.860 --> 00:07:27.220 another delegation would go from Jerusalem to Rome 00:07:27.220 --> 00:07:31.720 and actually get Archelaus removed from power altogether. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:37.920 You don't just walk into Jerusalem and become king overnight. 00:07:37.920 --> 00:07:42.360 Jesus is reminding his followers of that. 00:07:42.460 --> 00:07:45.040 It's not all downhill from here. 00:07:46.140 --> 00:07:52.520 Jesus is about to embark on a long journey to receive a kingdom and then return. 00:07:52.980 --> 00:07:56.480 And his followers will need to know how to live in the meantime. 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:58.500 They're going to have to struggle. 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:01.120 They have to wait. 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:04.199 And as with marriage, 00:08:04.759 --> 00:08:10.120 they will pay a high cost for pursuing Jesus' kingdom. 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:13.959 But it will be worth investing in. 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:17.220 That's what Jesus is telling them here. 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:19.920 It's the primary point of this parable. 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:22.920 Jesus wants his followers to know 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:28.000 that although his kingdom is not coming immediately as they envisioned it, 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:29.420 it is coming. 00:08:31.019 --> 00:08:38.200 And so giving yourself passionately and zealously without fear to his kingdom 00:08:38.200 --> 00:08:41.379 is an eternally wise investment. 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:44.019 It was true for them then. 00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:45.039 He wanted them to hear it. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:46.539 It's true for us now. 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:48.779 He wants us to hear it today. 00:08:49.980 --> 00:08:52.000 Now, it's not all good news, is it? 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:58.220 Jesus also references this delegation against the king. 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:02.700 Verse 14 and then at the end, verse 27. 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:06.480 And there is a serious warning not to be ignored 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:09.059 that if you work to have the king removed, 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:11.740 to refuse his rule and reign, 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:17.120 there's swift and serious eternal death awaiting you. 00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:19.399 Those are strong words. 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:25.819 Strong words for those outwardly and actively opposing King Jesus 00:09:25.819 --> 00:09:29.120 then and now. 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:32.779 There would be many in this camp that they'd encounter 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:34.399 when they got to Jerusalem, right? 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:36.579 Crying for him to be crucified. 00:09:37.819 --> 00:09:38.679 And there are many today. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:42.939 But the focus of the parable 00:09:42.939 --> 00:09:47.000 is on those who would be servants of the king. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:50.039 There's warning for them as well. 00:09:50.139 --> 00:09:50.820 We'll see in a minute. 00:09:51.080 --> 00:09:54.539 But let's notice the faithful servants first. 00:09:55.799 --> 00:09:56.539 Verse 13. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:59.179 The future king, before he leaves, 00:09:59.299 --> 00:10:00.480 gives them gifts 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:02.820 and tells them to use them well 00:10:02.820 --> 00:10:04.740 until he returns. 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:06.139 Verse 13. 00:10:06.220 --> 00:10:07.419 Calling ten of his servants, 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:09.559 he gave them ten minas, one each, 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:10.799 and said to them, 00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:13.100 engage in business until I come. 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:16.379 Now, I know you don't deal in minas a lot. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:16.980 I understand. 00:10:17.320 --> 00:10:19.200 A mina is a generous gift. 00:10:20.120 --> 00:10:23.080 It represents about three months' wages 00:10:23.080 --> 00:10:24.980 in those days. 00:10:25.139 --> 00:10:28.019 So, if you make $40,000 a year, 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:31.139 that's a $10,000 gift 00:10:31.139 --> 00:10:34.120 that you're to use for the king's purposes. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:36.860 So, keep that number in mind. 00:10:37.060 --> 00:10:38.100 In verse 16, 00:10:38.220 --> 00:10:40.240 the report from the first servant 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:43.940 is that he's made ten times that. 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:46.240 A hundred thousand dollars 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:48.340 with the $10,000. 00:10:48.799 --> 00:10:49.940 That's really good work, right? 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:50.700 Yes? 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:52.600 You don't get that kind of return every day. 00:10:54.419 --> 00:10:55.899 But listen to the king's response. 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:57.580 Verse 17. 00:10:58.080 --> 00:10:58.779 He said to him, 00:10:59.060 --> 00:11:00.279 Well done, good servant. 00:11:00.580 --> 00:11:02.639 Because you have been faithful in a very little, 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:06.879 you shall have authority over ten cities. 00:11:08.179 --> 00:11:08.620 Whoa! 00:11:09.519 --> 00:11:12.639 In charge of ten cities. 00:11:13.220 --> 00:11:16.399 This king is way more generous 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:18.179 than we realized, isn't he? 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:21.399 I mean, he gave the initial gift anyway. 00:11:21.699 --> 00:11:24.740 It was his mina that was stewarded. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:26.500 And when it's steward faithfully, 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:29.639 he gives responsibility far beyond 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:31.039 what was earned. 00:11:31.299 --> 00:11:33.279 Oversight of ten cities. 00:11:34.460 --> 00:11:35.819 Made a hundred thousand bucks. 00:11:35.899 --> 00:11:36.919 Why don't you run ten cities? 00:11:38.559 --> 00:11:40.319 It happens again with the next servant 00:11:40.319 --> 00:11:42.419 who makes five times what he started with 00:11:42.419 --> 00:11:44.500 and is given oversight of five cities. 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:47.379 Side note, 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:49.679 not the primary point of the parable. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:51.699 Did you know we're going to have 00:11:51.699 --> 00:11:53.840 meaningful work to do 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:55.179 in the new heavens and new earth? 00:11:55.179 --> 00:11:57.179 In Jesus' kingdom. 00:11:57.879 --> 00:11:59.779 It's not just harps and clouds. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:01.879 It's just exciting to me to realize 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:04.099 he didn't give them oversight of ten clouds 00:12:04.099 --> 00:12:05.939 and five clouds. 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:07.579 But ten cities. 00:12:08.179 --> 00:12:09.459 Five cities. 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:11.879 Work is pre-fall. 00:12:12.959 --> 00:12:15.559 God created it and created us for it. 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:17.299 So we have an eternal kingdom 00:12:17.299 --> 00:12:19.219 where the king loves 00:12:19.219 --> 00:12:22.659 and labors alongside his faithful servants. 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:26.000 Listen, Jesus is saying, 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:27.740 there's work to be done 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:29.839 for the sake of my kingdom 00:12:29.839 --> 00:12:30.860 while I'm gone. 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:32.799 I'm giving you gifts 00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:34.240 so that you can do it 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:35.719 and when I return, 00:12:36.199 --> 00:12:37.019 faithful servants 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:38.419 who've invested those gifts 00:12:38.419 --> 00:12:41.139 will receive glory beyond imagination. 00:12:41.819 --> 00:12:42.819 You need to know that 00:12:42.819 --> 00:12:44.059 because it's about to be hard. 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:49.379 But the story turns, doesn't it? 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:52.600 As the third servant arrives. 00:12:52.659 --> 00:12:54.399 And I've got to imagine, 00:12:54.559 --> 00:12:55.439 as Jesus tells it, 00:12:55.799 --> 00:12:57.419 that this guy's sheepishly 00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:59.860 walking up to the king now 00:12:59.860 --> 00:13:01.939 and unfolding his handkerchief. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.539 I kept your mina. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:08.919 Verse 20. 00:13:10.059 --> 00:13:10.899 Another came saying, 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:12.179 Lord, here's your mina 00:13:12.179 --> 00:13:14.740 which I kept laid away in a handkerchief. 00:13:16.439 --> 00:13:17.899 For I was afraid of you 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:20.559 because you're a severe man. 00:13:20.559 --> 00:13:22.199 You take what you did not deposit 00:13:22.199 --> 00:13:24.199 and reap what you did not sow. 00:13:25.959 --> 00:13:27.079 And the king calls him 00:13:27.079 --> 00:13:28.619 a wicked servant 00:13:28.619 --> 00:13:30.299 and says, 00:13:30.439 --> 00:13:32.000 even if it was true 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:33.659 that I was like that, 00:13:33.699 --> 00:13:34.239 you could have at least 00:13:34.239 --> 00:13:35.139 put the money in the bank 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.299 to make some interest. 00:13:36.839 --> 00:13:38.759 Now I'm taking your mina away. 00:13:39.019 --> 00:13:40.059 Verse 24. 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:41.859 Take the mina from him. 00:13:41.939 --> 00:13:43.259 Give it to the one who has ten. 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.119 And they said, 00:13:44.339 --> 00:13:45.419 Lord, he has ten. 00:13:45.419 --> 00:13:47.019 I tell you, 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:47.899 to everyone who has, 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:48.659 more will be given. 00:13:48.779 --> 00:13:50.120 But from the one who has not, 00:13:50.219 --> 00:13:51.199 even what he has 00:13:51.199 --> 00:13:52.779 will be taken away. 00:13:53.339 --> 00:13:53.579 Listen, 00:13:53.699 --> 00:13:55.519 this is not economic policy. 00:13:55.679 --> 00:13:56.559 Don't read that. 00:13:57.439 --> 00:13:58.759 It's part of the parable 00:13:58.759 --> 00:14:00.659 where Jesus is explaining 00:14:00.659 --> 00:14:02.179 that faithfulness 00:14:02.179 --> 00:14:04.259 in small responsibilities 00:14:04.259 --> 00:14:08.039 leads to greater responsibilities. 00:14:08.319 --> 00:14:09.639 And unfaithfulness 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:10.860 in small things 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:12.139 leads to less. 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:15.620 Jesus is calling his followers 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:18.000 to labor for his kingdom 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:20.559 while they face a hard season 00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:22.720 of waiting apart from him. 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.379 So we need to think about 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:27.120 what that means for us. 00:14:28.179 --> 00:14:29.879 For how we follow Jesus 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:31.819 and invest his gifts 00:14:31.819 --> 00:14:32.779 for his kingdom 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:36.399 while we await his return as king. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:38.919 It's important as we do that 00:14:38.919 --> 00:14:41.059 for us to understand 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:42.299 the mind and the heart 00:14:42.299 --> 00:14:43.659 of the third servant. 00:14:45.339 --> 00:14:45.859 Why 00:14:45.859 --> 00:14:48.359 did he not invest 00:14:48.359 --> 00:14:49.959 for the king? 00:14:50.579 --> 00:14:51.199 What does he say? 00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:52.579 He says he was 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:53.359 fearful 00:14:53.359 --> 00:14:55.219 of the king. 00:14:56.819 --> 00:14:58.039 Afraid the king 00:14:58.039 --> 00:14:58.739 would punish 00:14:58.739 --> 00:15:00.739 any mistakes he made. 00:15:00.859 --> 00:15:01.139 So, 00:15:01.339 --> 00:15:02.059 what did he do? 00:15:02.439 --> 00:15:03.819 He played it safe. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:05.859 Verse 21, 00:15:06.039 --> 00:15:07.500 I was afraid of you 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:09.859 because you're a severe man. 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:11.919 You take what you did not deposit 00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:14.120 and reap what you did not sow. 00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:15.600 Severe. 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:20.080 Looking to take what's not his. 00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:23.300 Trying to hoard things to himself 00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:25.580 and take advantage of others. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:27.000 Is that what this king is like? 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:30.220 Does the handkerchief servant 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:32.240 perceive his character correctly 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.000 in this story? 00:15:33.860 --> 00:15:34.879 No way. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:36.920 He's not like that at all. 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:38.819 This king is magnanimous 00:15:38.819 --> 00:15:40.059 in his generosity. 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:41.379 He's unmatched 00:15:41.379 --> 00:15:42.759 in his grace. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:45.659 And handkerchief servant's 00:15:45.659 --> 00:15:47.659 unfaithful stewardship 00:15:47.659 --> 00:15:49.579 is a result 00:15:49.579 --> 00:15:51.479 of not knowing 00:15:51.479 --> 00:15:52.899 the king's heart. 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:53.599 Isn't it? 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:55.899 He acts fearfully 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:58.799 because he doesn't truly know 00:15:58.799 --> 00:15:59.579 the kindness 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:01.059 and generosity 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:02.699 of the king. 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:06.000 I'm reading 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:07.360 an abridged version 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.360 of Little Women 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:10.160 to Lily right now 00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:11.379 with three girls. 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:11.940 Little Women 00:16:11.940 --> 00:16:12.840 is a classic 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:13.540 in our house. 00:16:13.640 --> 00:16:14.320 A fan favorite. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.060 Early in the book 00:16:16.060 --> 00:16:17.740 we find out 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:18.860 that the March girls 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:20.060 have a neighbor 00:16:20.060 --> 00:16:22.000 named Mr. Lawrence. 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:24.400 And Beth 00:16:24.400 --> 00:16:25.540 in particular 00:16:25.540 --> 00:16:27.280 being young 00:16:27.280 --> 00:16:28.120 is afraid 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.160 of old 00:16:29.160 --> 00:16:30.360 Mr. Lawrence. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.519 but occasionally 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.360 she slips 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:33.139 into his house 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.519 to play the piano 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:35.399 as long as she can 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:36.560 avoid seeing him. 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:39.039 And so Mr. Lawrence 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.100 notices this 00:16:40.100 --> 00:16:42.139 and wanting 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:43.700 her to know 00:16:43.700 --> 00:16:44.399 his kindness 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:45.240 wanting to have 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:46.259 a relationship 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:46.820 with her 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:47.860 what does he do? 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:49.039 What does old 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:49.919 Mr. Lawrence do? 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:50.759 If you've read the book 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.100 you know 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:52.519 he buys 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.519 or gets 00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:54.159 a piano 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:56.220 and it shows up 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:57.120 in the March house 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:57.899 as a gift 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:58.840 for Beth. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:00.100 shows up 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:00.720 out of nowhere 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:02.440 an extravagant gift 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:03.379 to be sure 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:03.940 a piano 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:05.039 that shows up 00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:05.480 in her house 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.640 and she sees it 00:17:06.640 --> 00:17:07.779 and Beth is overjoyed 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:08.319 and what does she do 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:08.720 immediately? 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:10.019 She sees the gift 00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:10.960 and she runs 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:11.740 next door 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.660 all the way 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:13.460 into his office 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:15.039 and throws herself 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:16.579 into Mr. Lawrence's arms. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:19.880 They become fast friends. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.340 Through his 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.460 thoughtful gift 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:23.559 he shows himself 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:24.460 to be kind 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:25.440 and loving 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.160 and generous 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:27.480 and fearful 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.200 Beth 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:29.960 becomes joyful 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.259 and confident 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:32.840 in their friendship. 00:17:35.100 --> 00:17:36.019 Maybe you're not a fan 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:36.680 of little women 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:37.840 I understand that 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:39.620 but you know 00:17:39.620 --> 00:17:40.820 this classic character 00:17:40.820 --> 00:17:42.279 from one story 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:42.720 or another 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:44.060 who when his 00:17:44.060 --> 00:17:44.960 true heart 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.580 is known 00:17:45.580 --> 00:17:46.960 changes the way 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:47.940 that people act 00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:48.940 toward him. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.040 I want you to think 00:17:50.040 --> 00:17:50.920 of one this morning 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:51.860 that you know 00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:52.720 and that you love. 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:53.740 Think of a character 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.259 in a movie 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:55.379 or a book you've read. 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.259 Maybe it's 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.619 Shovel Guy Marley 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.900 in Home Alone. 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.460 You know him. 00:18:01.960 --> 00:18:02.720 Kevin fears 00:18:02.720 --> 00:18:04.279 he's a serial killer 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:05.960 but he ends up 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:07.379 rescuing Kevin 00:18:07.379 --> 00:18:08.099 in the end 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:08.599 doesn't he? 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:09.740 And they sit 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:10.720 warmly 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.619 on a pew 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:12.759 in the church 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:14.240 as new friends. 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:17.619 Maybe it's Mr. Myrtle 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:18.779 in The Sandlot. 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:20.859 James Earl Jones 00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:22.640 playing an older man 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:23.580 with a dog 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:24.920 called The Beast 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:26.640 whose backyard 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:27.580 is the most 00:18:27.580 --> 00:18:28.860 dangerous place 00:18:28.860 --> 00:18:29.620 in the whole neighborhood 00:18:29.620 --> 00:18:31.220 nobody ever comes out alive. 00:18:32.600 --> 00:18:33.780 Until they meet 00:18:33.780 --> 00:18:35.100 Mr. Myrtle 00:18:35.100 --> 00:18:36.880 and he gives them 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:38.020 an autographed baseball 00:18:38.020 --> 00:18:38.880 that cements 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.840 their new friendship 00:18:39.840 --> 00:18:41.480 and what a great guy 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.360 he turns out to be. 00:18:43.520 --> 00:18:44.740 Maybe it's the mysterious 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:45.840 Boo Radley 00:18:45.840 --> 00:18:47.680 in To Kill a Mockingbird 00:18:47.680 --> 00:18:49.140 whom Scout and Jim 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:51.259 make up fearful stories about 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.000 because they don't really 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.059 know the truth 00:18:53.059 --> 00:18:54.879 until he rescues them 00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:55.960 and they realize 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.480 how generous 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:57.140 and thoughtful 00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:57.819 of others 00:18:57.819 --> 00:19:00.019 Boo actually is. 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:03.359 I want you to think 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.019 about that guy 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.079 whichever one you know 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:06.019 and like. 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:09.140 And now think about 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:10.259 how you think about 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:11.279 God. 00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:14.140 Is he a bit of a 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.400 distant 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:17.119 unknown 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.539 unpredictable 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:20.039 character 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:21.539 to you? 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.599 A monster 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.519 you worry 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.119 may be out 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:24.819 to get you 00:19:24.819 --> 00:19:25.420 actually 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:27.159 if you're honest? 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:30.339 Is he a miserly 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.200 old man 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:31.940 only 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:32.899 doling out 00:19:32.899 --> 00:19:33.519 blessings 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:35.240 on rare occasions 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.440 when he's forced to 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:37.879 by exceptional behavior? 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:42.220 And ask yourself 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:42.599 honestly 00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:43.579 what difference 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.579 would it make 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:45.539 in your life 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:45.940 if you 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:46.539 if you 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:46.980 met him 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:48.759 and experienced 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.299 him 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:49.879 to be deeply 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:50.519 kind 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:52.680 and magnanimously 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.659 generous? 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.319 A father 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.259 you could trust 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:56.259 and love 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:57.259 beyond anyone else 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.079 you've ever known? 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.460 See I'm often 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:02.019 like the 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.899 handkerchief 00:20:02.899 --> 00:20:03.759 servant. 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:05.559 I am 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.539 risk averse. 00:20:07.879 --> 00:20:08.240 I'm a 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:08.680 play it 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.099 safe 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.899 kind of guy. 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:10.539 It seems 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:11.319 like the right 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:11.740 thing. 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:12.619 Putting the 00:20:12.619 --> 00:20:13.220 mina in the 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:13.799 handkerchief 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:14.619 makes total 00:20:14.619 --> 00:20:15.500 sense to me 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.359 because at least 00:20:16.359 --> 00:20:16.979 nothing bad 00:20:16.979 --> 00:20:17.619 can happen. 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:20.699 For me 00:20:20.699 --> 00:20:21.419 it's actually 00:20:21.419 --> 00:20:22.299 a form of 00:20:22.299 --> 00:20:23.859 self-protection. 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.719 I'm like the 00:20:26.719 --> 00:20:26.979 servant. 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:27.439 I don't want 00:20:27.439 --> 00:20:28.399 anything painful 00:20:28.399 --> 00:20:29.839 or embarrassing 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.639 to happen 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.199 to me. 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.899 I'm afraid 00:20:32.899 --> 00:20:34.079 of being 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:34.699 a failure 00:20:34.699 --> 00:20:37.419 of disappointing 00:20:37.419 --> 00:20:39.059 myself 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:40.799 or someone 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.299 else 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:43.339 or God. 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:44.339 God, I 00:20:44.339 --> 00:20:44.819 don't like 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:45.639 that feeling 00:20:45.639 --> 00:20:46.959 disappointing 00:20:46.959 --> 00:20:47.539 someone. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.079 I try to 00:20:49.079 --> 00:20:50.299 protect myself 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:51.539 from it. 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:54.279 When I do 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:54.740 that, what 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:56.339 kingdom am I 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:57.539 actually serving? 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:00.839 Mine, right? 00:21:01.419 --> 00:21:02.339 I'm protecting 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:02.720 me. 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.339 Do you see 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:03.619 that? 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.359 Do you see 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.119 how that could 00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:05.839 be true in my 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:06.079 heart? 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:07.000 I do it in a 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:07.480 lot of different 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:09.199 ways by avoiding 00:21:09.199 --> 00:21:10.720 hard spiritual 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:11.519 conversations 00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:12.660 with my wife 00:21:12.660 --> 00:21:14.440 or with a 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:14.740 neighbor. 00:21:16.360 --> 00:21:16.940 Just keep 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:17.600 things peaceful 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:18.579 and comfortable 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:19.839 and not risk 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:20.660 a hard night 00:21:20.660 --> 00:21:21.960 or an awkward 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:22.839 relationship. 00:21:24.360 --> 00:21:25.319 I do it by 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:25.860 never giving 00:21:25.860 --> 00:21:26.460 away enough 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:27.200 money that I 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.000 would feel 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:29.039 insecure or 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.140 like I really 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:31.160 needed something. 00:21:32.600 --> 00:21:33.519 I do it by 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:34.380 praying only for 00:21:34.380 --> 00:21:35.079 things that seem 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:35.799 reasonable, they 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:36.400 might actually 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:37.200 happen so I 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:37.940 won't be let 00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:38.519 down if they 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:38.860 don't. 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:40.159 I do these 00:21:40.159 --> 00:21:40.579 things in 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.139 others not 00:21:41.139 --> 00:21:42.740 usually for me 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.500 because I think 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.439 God will smite 00:21:44.439 --> 00:21:45.419 me if I mess 00:21:45.419 --> 00:21:46.759 up, although 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.500 some of you 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.219 struggle more 00:21:48.219 --> 00:21:48.699 with that 00:21:48.699 --> 00:21:49.859 particular fear, 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:51.959 but because I 00:21:51.959 --> 00:21:52.819 often imagine 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:54.899 God as miserly. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:56.879 He's only 00:21:56.879 --> 00:21:57.719 doling out His 00:21:57.719 --> 00:21:59.019 grace on rare 00:21:59.019 --> 00:21:59.740 occasions. 00:22:00.959 --> 00:22:01.459 And so most 00:22:01.459 --> 00:22:02.099 of the time I'm 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:02.819 on my own and 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.939 just get what I 00:22:03.939 --> 00:22:05.019 can for myself, 00:22:05.179 --> 00:22:05.279 right? 00:22:05.639 --> 00:22:06.519 Get what I can 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.079 of people's 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:07.939 praise or 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:09.759 financial stability, 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:10.480 of personal 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.920 comfort, whatever 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:12.779 it happens to 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:12.960 be. 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:14.000 I don't know 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:14.900 Him deeply 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:15.860 enough. 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.220 I think I 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:18.759 gotta look out 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.539 for myself. 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:21.660 When I fail to 00:22:21.660 --> 00:22:22.779 embrace God as a 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:24.140 generous Father who 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:25.519 delights to give 00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:26.680 good gifts to His 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:28.240 children, as He 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:29.180 says He is, as He's 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:30.320 shown Himself to 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:31.720 be, I take my 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:33.160 mina and whatever 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:34.100 else I can gather 00:22:34.100 --> 00:22:34.940 for myself and I 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:35.480 wrap it in the 00:22:35.480 --> 00:22:36.160 handkerchief. 00:22:36.160 --> 00:22:38.540 life, it's safe 00:22:38.540 --> 00:22:38.920 there. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:42.600 There's a huge 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.500 difference, isn't 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.480 there, between 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:46.100 being passionately 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:47.680 kingdom oriented 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:49.620 and fearfully 00:22:49.620 --> 00:22:51.640 self-protective. 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:54.400 It's a difference 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:55.200 that centers around 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.259 truly knowing and 00:22:56.259 --> 00:22:58.180 trusting my kind 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:58.860 Father. 00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:00.640 We say He's like 00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:01.320 that, but do we 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:02.740 live like it's 00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:03.160 really true? 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.720 Have we really 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:05.319 met Him personally 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.559 in a transformative 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:07.460 way? 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:08.079 Will you think 00:23:08.079 --> 00:23:08.779 about that with me 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.220 for a couple 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.579 minutes? 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.860 The difference 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.480 between being 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.600 passionately 00:23:13.600 --> 00:23:14.440 kingdom oriented 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.980 and fearfully 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:17.579 self-protective. 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:19.019 Maybe we should 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:20.079 talk about it in 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:21.220 the connect 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:22.019 communities and 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:22.860 small groups. 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.360 Maybe that's where 00:23:23.360 --> 00:23:24.240 we really need to 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:25.039 wrestle with it, 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:26.680 but how do you 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.440 often live? 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.740 Investing all for 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.460 King Jesus? 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:31.660 or looking out 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:32.640 for yourself and 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.880 hedging your bets 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:34.600 on God? 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:38.240 Minas represent 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:38.900 more than money, 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:39.900 but why don't we 00:23:39.900 --> 00:23:40.819 start there? 00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:42.840 We just saw from 00:23:42.840 --> 00:23:43.600 Zacchaeus in the 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:44.779 previous story a 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.819 proof of relationship 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:46.720 with the King is 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.819 generosity, right? 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:50.640 Do you love to see 00:23:50.640 --> 00:23:51.819 your money used as a 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.720 kingdom resource? 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:55.860 To blow holes in 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:56.779 the gates of hell 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.799 with your finances? 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:59.559 Or do you hesitate 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:00.159 because you don't 00:24:00.159 --> 00:24:01.200 want to stretch too 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:01.599 far? 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:03.279 It might hurt. 00:24:03.399 --> 00:24:04.200 You might regret it. 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.180 We have the privilege 00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:08.079 of being a part of a 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:09.019 church where we invest 00:24:09.019 --> 00:24:10.399 in the kingdom all 00:24:10.399 --> 00:24:11.039 the time. 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:12.639 Impacting the young 00:24:12.639 --> 00:24:13.359 people of this 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:14.960 community, the poor 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:16.039 and the hurting in 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:17.500 this city, the 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:18.240 unreached people 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:19.240 groups in India and 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:20.559 many other places. 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:22.279 So let me ask it 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:22.799 this way. 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:25.700 When you see a 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.859 late year budget 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:28.000 deficit at your 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:29.599 church, what goes 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:30.259 through your mind? 00:24:31.459 --> 00:24:32.079 Do you think 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.859 that's someone 00:24:33.859 --> 00:24:34.579 else's problem? 00:24:36.919 --> 00:24:37.419 Do you think, 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:39.279 I suppose I have a 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:40.299 little extra to 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:40.579 share? 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:43.559 Or do you think, 00:24:43.919 --> 00:24:45.279 what a great 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:47.539 opportunity for me 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:49.039 to experience my 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:51.319 generous father in 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:52.559 deeper ways as he 00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:54.439 cares for me and my 00:24:54.439 --> 00:24:54.859 family. 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.759 family, I'll know 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.219 him. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.799 And Jesus says he's 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:59.240 worth it to risk 00:24:59.240 --> 00:24:59.579 that. 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:00.919 God says in Malachi 00:25:00.919 --> 00:25:02.039 3, we can give 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:03.359 generously and 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:04.319 actually as we do, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:05.759 get to know him 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:06.479 more. 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:07.740 He actually tells us, 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.319 test him. 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.819 See him open the 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:11.539 windows of heaven and 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:13.179 pour down so much 00:25:13.179 --> 00:25:14.399 we'll be overwhelmed. 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.519 That's what he's like, 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:16.939 isn't it? 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:17.819 Let me give you a 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:18.639 little bit to be 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:20.159 faithful with and 00:25:20.159 --> 00:25:20.740 then watch me 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:22.919 overwhelm you with my 00:25:22.920 --> 00:25:23.880 generosity. 00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:26.740 Have you experienced 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.539 him like that or 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.420 just heard about it? 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:30.480 Anyone else ready to 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:31.039 get to know your 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:32.460 king in that way? 00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:33.779 See, it's not about 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.620 meeting the budget, 00:25:34.860 --> 00:25:35.680 it's about meeting 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:37.259 him, isn't it? 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:40.400 How else could we be 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:41.740 passionately kingdom 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.820 oriented with what 00:25:42.820 --> 00:25:44.320 God has entrusted to 00:25:44.320 --> 00:25:44.620 us? 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:45.960 We've talked about 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.600 our time. 00:25:47.080 --> 00:25:47.720 What's one thing you'd 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.560 stop doing on a 00:25:48.560 --> 00:25:49.560 regular basis to be 00:25:49.560 --> 00:25:50.779 more kingdom oriented 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:52.139 and reinvest that 00:25:52.139 --> 00:25:53.680 time for the king? 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:55.339 How about the good 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.839 news of Jesus that 00:25:56.839 --> 00:25:58.180 he's given to us? 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.059 Who are you just 00:25:59.059 --> 00:25:59.839 keeping the peace 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:00.920 with, avoiding that 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.019 perhaps hard 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:02.960 conversation that 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:04.839 could be risky, but 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:05.799 could be eternally a 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:06.639 fruitful one, 00:26:06.839 --> 00:26:07.660 especially if your 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:08.619 heavenly father is as 00:26:08.619 --> 00:26:09.720 good and gracious as 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:10.599 he says he is? 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:13.059 How about your 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:13.399 prayers? 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.619 Do you pray like 00:26:14.619 --> 00:26:15.879 you're talking to the 00:26:15.879 --> 00:26:17.180 king standing at the 00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:18.339 windows of heaven, 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:20.220 ready to pour down the 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.059 blessings of his 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:21.420 kingdom? 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:23.779 What's one big thing 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:25.839 you would pray for if 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.920 you really believed God 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:28.420 was a generous father 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:29.839 delighting to open the 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:32.460 windows of heaven and 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.519 advance his kingdom in 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:34.019 your life? 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:37.140 We sometimes forget, 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.480 don't we, who he is? 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.360 We sometimes forget 00:26:40.360 --> 00:26:41.180 we're awaiting the 00:26:41.180 --> 00:26:42.680 return of the true 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:43.440 king. 00:26:45.120 --> 00:26:46.839 When we're not all in 00:26:46.839 --> 00:26:48.799 with Jesus, maybe some 00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:50.099 for Jesus or occasionally 00:26:50.099 --> 00:26:51.220 when convenient for 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:52.220 Jesus, but I also need 00:26:52.220 --> 00:26:53.039 to get what I can for 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:54.359 myself and protect what 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:55.000 I have because I don't 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.759 know how life's going to 00:26:55.759 --> 00:26:56.879 go and whether Jesus 00:26:56.879 --> 00:26:57.960 will really come through. 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:00.879 Jesus is saying, if you 00:27:00.879 --> 00:27:02.019 think about me like that, 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:03.279 you don't know my heart. 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:06.019 You may not be outwardly 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:07.519 protesting my kingship, 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:09.139 but your life is 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:10.039 evidencing you don't 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:11.980 deeply know the king. 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:15.000 Listen, his invitation 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:16.579 here is for you to know 00:27:16.579 --> 00:27:18.500 him not merely theoretically 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.740 or what you've heard 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:21.199 someone else say he's 00:27:21.199 --> 00:27:22.519 like from a distance, 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:25.740 but personally, up close, 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:27.960 experientially, like the 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:29.099 faithful servants who 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:30.960 experience his generosity 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:32.899 and grace firsthand. 00:27:34.179 --> 00:27:36.419 This table, as clearly as 00:27:36.419 --> 00:27:39.099 anything else, reminds us 00:27:39.099 --> 00:27:40.519 what he's like, doesn't it? 00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:43.680 So overwhelmingly generous 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:45.019 and gracious. 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.379 That's what he's like. 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:49.519 Do you feel sometimes that 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:52.200 God might smite you in your 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:52.480 sin? 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:55.500 If you do, your instincts 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.259 are good. 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:57.819 He's holy. 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:59.500 He's just. 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:01.559 He punishes sin. 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:03.420 And if you don't have 00:28:03.420 --> 00:28:05.180 Jesus, if you don't trust 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.519 Jesus to pay the penalty 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:08.839 for your sin, don't come to 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:10.279 this table and pretend to be 00:28:10.279 --> 00:28:12.059 in relationship with God 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:13.699 on your own merits, he 00:28:13.699 --> 00:28:15.679 warns against that and 00:28:15.679 --> 00:28:17.039 says someone's got to pay 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:17.879 for that sin. 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:24.059 But if you do trust Jesus 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:25.980 to be your king, if you 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:28.679 trust him to pay for your 00:28:28.679 --> 00:28:30.599 sin, then how does God 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:32.159 respond to your sin? 00:28:33.699 --> 00:28:35.679 He does smite your sin. 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:38.340 on the cross. 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.100 Fully. 00:28:41.140 --> 00:28:42.140 And finally. 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.259 Forever. 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:46.060 And so that he can be 00:28:46.060 --> 00:28:49.539 magnanimously generous to you, 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.840 his child. 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:53.019 That's what he does. 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:55.080 Because he loves you. 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:56.660 And he wants you to know that. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:58.400 And so he comes this morning 00:28:58.400 --> 00:29:00.840 and sets this table and shows 00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:02.620 you himself again so that you 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:04.099 can look on this gift. 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:07.659 His generous gift to you 00:29:07.659 --> 00:29:09.079 so that you would see it 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:11.759 and run into his arms 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.939 again this morning. 00:29:13.159 --> 00:29:14.439 And know him to be kind 00:29:14.439 --> 00:29:16.539 and loving and generous 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.759 for you. 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.319 Jesus, 00:29:20.379 --> 00:29:21.279 the night he was betrayed, 00:29:21.399 --> 00:29:22.659 wanted his followers to know 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:22.839 that. 00:29:23.059 --> 00:29:24.579 He took the bread and he broke it. 00:29:25.419 --> 00:29:26.659 He gave it to them as I'm 00:29:26.659 --> 00:29:27.679 ministering in his name, 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.979 give this bread to you. 00:29:29.479 --> 00:29:30.059 And he said, 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:31.559 take and eat. 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:33.440 This is my body. 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:36.039 I give it for you. 00:29:37.139 --> 00:29:38.919 So do this in remembrance of me. 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.899 And he took the cup 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:40.779 and said, 00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:42.240 this cup is the new covenant 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:43.379 in my blood 00:29:43.379 --> 00:29:44.740 which I'm going to shed 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:45.679 for the forgiveness 00:29:45.679 --> 00:29:46.919 of your sins 00:29:46.919 --> 00:29:48.579 so yours won't have to be. 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:51.179 Take it and drink it. 00:29:51.419 --> 00:29:52.559 Whenever you eat this bread 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:53.599 and drink this cup, 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.599 you proclaim the Lord's death 00:29:55.599 --> 00:29:57.440 as your only hope 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:59.220 until he comes. 00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:01.220 Let's pray 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.259 and we'll celebrate together. 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:04.460 Jesus, 00:30:04.639 --> 00:30:06.059 what an amazing gift. 00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:09.819 Would you use it this morning 00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.879 to help us know 00:30:10.879 --> 00:30:11.940 the giver of it 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:14.379 in a new and deeper way? 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.839 Would we taste it 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:17.159 and know that you're good? 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:20.059 Would we know you delight 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:21.240 to give us good gifts? 00:30:22.740 --> 00:30:24.339 Would we experience your love 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:26.879 and would it warm our hearts 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:28.900 to live for your kingdom? 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:29.980 In Jesus' name, 00:30:30.900 --> 00:30:31.200 amen. 00:30:35.200 --> 00:30:36.400 For more information, 00:30:36.780 --> 00:30:37.700 visit us online 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:39.000 at southwood.org. 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:49.980 and in Jesus 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.720 Conciried.org 00:30:51.579 --> 00:30:52.200 All right. 00:30:52.200 --> 00:30:52.380 Thank you.