WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.100 So, and this morning we're asking the question, what are the times that we live in like? 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:13.080 ! What are the times we live in like? What characterises these days here in London, in West London? 00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:19.719 What ought to be our perspective on the world in which we find ourselves? 00:00:20.719 --> 00:00:26.719 And the answer to those questions, the media offers, I think, a pretty consistent set of answers. 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:34.460 In the first place, we are told, aren't we regularly, that financially we are on the road to recovery. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:39.920 That we're on the way to a healthy financial state. Now whether you agree with that or not, 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:45.140 you cannot argue that the last 40 years, despite the various bumps in the economy, 00:00:45.859 --> 00:00:50.480 have seen unprecedented economic prosperity in our country. 00:00:51.439 --> 00:00:54.239 Unemployment figures are getting lower, aren't they, bit by bit? 00:00:54.240 --> 00:00:59.280 Unemployment. The government is just about not acquiring any more national debt. 00:00:59.380 --> 00:01:01.120 People are beginning to spend money again. 00:01:01.820 --> 00:01:04.599 You'll have noticed in the last couple of months, if you go to Elam Broadway, 00:01:05.159 --> 00:01:08.120 that shops are beginning to be filled up again, aren't they? 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:13.820 Albeit with charity shops and pound shops, but they are beginning to be filled up again, aren't they? 00:01:14.439 --> 00:01:19.240 No one is denying that there are still many people finding it tough. 00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:26.819 But the big picture, nationally, and when you look particularly over the last 20 to 30 years, 00:01:27.619 --> 00:01:31.939 these are times where people create wealth and they enjoy wealth. 00:01:33.019 --> 00:01:37.699 At the same time, the media reminds us, doesn't it, these are days of terror. 00:01:37.700 --> 00:01:45.560 If we're honest with ourselves, while we've been shocked at terrorism in other countries, 00:01:45.760 --> 00:01:49.520 apart from 7-7 and the guy in Woolwich earlier this year, 00:01:50.180 --> 00:01:53.620 we have been relatively sheltered, haven't we, from terrorism. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:54.219 Wouldn't you agree? 00:01:55.359 --> 00:02:00.320 It's true that a number of Britons died last week as a result of terrorist attacks in Kenya, 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:06.359 and it's true that some people have great fear that terror is going to somehow turn up on our doorstep, 00:02:06.579 --> 00:02:09.000 but for the most part, for most of us, 00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:13.459 terrorism is something that happens in other countries, in other parts of the world. 00:02:14.299 --> 00:02:18.419 And even the worldwide spread of terrorism reminds you and I, 00:02:18.780 --> 00:02:21.060 we live in a pretty lucky country, don't we? 00:02:21.060 --> 00:02:28.420 When you put our relative safety alongside our economic prosperity, 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:31.920 you throw in what isn't a terrible climate in London. 00:02:32.400 --> 00:02:35.240 It's a city with some of the greatest buildings in the world. 00:02:35.620 --> 00:02:37.140 It's a city of great culture. 00:02:37.759 --> 00:02:39.319 Our sporting teams do all right. 00:02:39.319 --> 00:02:41.980 We have the afterglow of the London Olympics. 00:02:42.420 --> 00:02:44.340 These are pretty good days, aren't they? 00:02:44.819 --> 00:02:45.219 Aren't they? 00:02:46.520 --> 00:02:48.800 Good days in a good country. 00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:52.920 Good days, good times to be thankful for. 00:02:53.719 --> 00:02:54.620 And we should be. 00:02:55.300 --> 00:02:56.600 There should be times to enjoy. 00:02:57.480 --> 00:02:59.020 At least that's the common perspective. 00:02:59.660 --> 00:03:01.439 But as we turn to the Bible this morning, 00:03:02.080 --> 00:03:04.360 we find that God speaks words to us, 00:03:04.580 --> 00:03:06.880 which cause us to sharpen our view of the world. 00:03:07.660 --> 00:03:11.939 And we see the times that we live in from Jesus' perspective. 00:03:12.800 --> 00:03:15.100 And he does that for us today by doing three things. 00:03:15.380 --> 00:03:17.820 He takes us to what it was like for him, his times, 00:03:17.819 --> 00:03:20.699 what the times were like for the people in which he lived. 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:23.180 And then he asks us questions about our times. 00:03:23.739 --> 00:03:25.239 The setting is near Galilee. 00:03:25.739 --> 00:03:29.039 It's in the Middle East when we've gone to time travel 2,000 years. 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:32.759 And there we find the Lord Jesus talking to his contemporaries 00:03:32.759 --> 00:03:34.780 about what their times were like. 00:03:35.519 --> 00:03:40.340 And Jesus was getting them to answer the same question as he asked us this morning. 00:03:40.659 --> 00:03:42.939 What are the times that we live in like? 00:03:42.939 --> 00:03:46.840 And in the first place we find him talking about his experience. 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:49.579 Then he goes on to the people that lived in his time. 00:03:49.939 --> 00:03:50.919 And then he comes to us. 00:03:51.879 --> 00:03:53.780 So I want you to see the first thing is this. 00:03:54.139 --> 00:03:56.919 He came to earth to bring fire. 00:03:57.599 --> 00:03:58.419 Verse 49. 00:03:58.620 --> 00:03:59.039 Do you see that? 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:05.079 I came to cast fire on the earth. 00:04:05.560 --> 00:04:07.579 And would that it were already kindled. 00:04:07.900 --> 00:04:09.120 Would that it were already started. 00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:13.580 A fire in the Bible is often the symbol of judgment. 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:18.620 And it seems to me completely likely that that's the way that Jesus is using it here. 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:21.399 He's come to earth to bring fire. 00:04:22.540 --> 00:04:24.720 He's come to earth to bring the judgment of God. 00:04:25.780 --> 00:04:30.100 However it seems to me that Jesus recognizes that God's judgment will begin with him. 00:04:30.180 --> 00:04:31.040 If I can put it like that. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:35.160 It will begin when God pours out his judgment on Jesus at the cross. 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:38.180 God's fire will be kindled. 00:04:38.540 --> 00:04:39.960 Will become ablaze. 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:42.500 When Jesus takes human sin on his shoulders. 00:04:43.320 --> 00:04:45.840 And I think that's what Jesus means in verse 50. 00:04:46.780 --> 00:04:49.660 He's basically saying the same thing as verse 49. 00:04:49.840 --> 00:04:51.060 But using different words. 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:53.660 In Luke 12 and 50. 00:04:54.020 --> 00:04:55.600 The ESV I think gets it right. 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:57.400 The NIV which we used to use. 00:04:57.480 --> 00:04:58.360 And some of you still got. 00:04:58.860 --> 00:05:01.379 Puts a but in there at the start of verse 50. 00:05:01.980 --> 00:05:02.920 But that shouldn't be there. 00:05:02.920 --> 00:05:05.520 And the ESV would do even better. 00:05:05.780 --> 00:05:08.480 If it put an and at the start of verse 50. 00:05:09.580 --> 00:05:11.020 In verse 49 he has said. 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:12.560 I have come to bring fire. 00:05:13.020 --> 00:05:15.100 And he wishes that it was already kindled. 00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:16.540 And listen to verse 50. 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:19.420 And I have a baptism to be baptized with. 00:05:19.700 --> 00:05:21.420 And how great is my distress. 00:05:21.939 --> 00:05:22.819 Until it's accomplished. 00:05:24.060 --> 00:05:27.300 I hope that you can see the similarity between verse 49 and verse 50. 00:05:27.819 --> 00:05:28.780 That's the same thing. 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:33.039 Jesus is talking about something that has not taken place yet. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:35.259 And in both verses. 00:05:35.799 --> 00:05:36.719 He is expressing. 00:05:37.219 --> 00:05:37.859 His hope. 00:05:38.179 --> 00:05:39.619 That what needs to happen. 00:05:39.879 --> 00:05:41.279 What needs to take place. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:42.579 Wouldn't be too far away. 00:05:43.719 --> 00:05:45.699 When Jesus refers to his baptism. 00:05:46.059 --> 00:05:47.179 That he must undergo. 00:05:47.699 --> 00:05:49.679 He is using the word metaphorically. 00:05:49.779 --> 00:05:50.959 To refer to his death. 00:05:52.059 --> 00:05:53.099 Given that the prospect. 00:05:53.100 --> 00:05:54.580 Of this baptism. 00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:56.100 Is so distressing. 00:05:56.480 --> 00:05:56.980 To Jesus. 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:00.280 It's hard to imagine him referring to anything else. 00:06:00.700 --> 00:06:02.180 He is all too conscious. 00:06:02.420 --> 00:06:03.280 Conscious isn't he. 00:06:03.300 --> 00:06:03.800 The Lord Jesus. 00:06:04.200 --> 00:06:05.379 That a day is coming. 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:08.580 When Jesus will be baptized in death. 00:06:09.379 --> 00:06:11.760 When he will be sprinkled with death. 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:14.140 When he will be immersed in death. 00:06:14.140 --> 00:06:16.200 When he will be baptized in death. 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:17.939 When he will be united to death. 00:06:18.220 --> 00:06:20.620 When he will be united to the judgment of God. 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:22.620 In the realms of Shea. 00:06:24.020 --> 00:06:25.720 It is in this sense. 00:06:26.340 --> 00:06:28.360 When Jesus' baptism comes. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:31.020 The fire he brings will be kindled. 00:06:31.879 --> 00:06:33.740 And Jesus knows this is why he came. 00:06:34.540 --> 00:06:35.920 Why did Jesus come? 00:06:36.280 --> 00:06:37.439 He came to bring fire. 00:06:38.500 --> 00:06:40.800 He came to endure that baptism. 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:45.320 He came in order that he might bring in the justice of God. 00:06:45.320 --> 00:06:47.540 By bearing the justice of God. 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:50.120 Now as you can already see. 00:06:50.200 --> 00:06:51.580 This is not a very easy passage is it? 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:55.639 And there are more difficulties for you and I to wrestle with as we go on. 00:06:55.859 --> 00:06:59.159 But the next point that Jesus makes is not hard to understand at all. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:02.639 Jesus has told us in verse 49 he comes to bring fire. 00:07:03.019 --> 00:07:05.139 And then he tells us he's come to bring division. 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:06.219 Do you get it? 00:07:06.220 --> 00:07:09.820 People think that Jesus came to bring peace. 00:07:10.580 --> 00:07:12.080 He's the prince of peace isn't he? 00:07:13.020 --> 00:07:15.960 And there's a very real sense in which Jesus does bring peace. 00:07:17.020 --> 00:07:18.540 The judgment of God. 00:07:18.740 --> 00:07:20.140 Which Jesus will endure. 00:07:20.520 --> 00:07:21.220 The fire. 00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:23.520 And the baptism that we've just been thinking. 00:07:23.520 --> 00:07:25.520 That experience for Jesus. 00:07:26.340 --> 00:07:28.480 Will ensure for his followers. 00:07:28.920 --> 00:07:31.000 That they will experience a peace with God. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:33.519 Because the judgment of God. 00:07:33.779 --> 00:07:35.000 Fell on Jesus. 00:07:35.699 --> 00:07:36.399 His followers. 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:37.360 Those who trust him. 00:07:37.680 --> 00:07:39.199 Can know peace with God. 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:41.079 That is all certainly true. 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:42.740 It's definitely true. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:45.560 But when it comes to the impact. 00:07:45.779 --> 00:07:47.899 That Jesus has on human beings. 00:07:48.259 --> 00:07:51.439 There's a very real sense in which Jesus did not come to bring peace. 00:07:51.959 --> 00:07:53.120 Instead he came to divide. 00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:53.899 Look at verse 51. 00:07:53.899 --> 00:07:58.120 Do you think that I've come to bring peace on earth? 00:07:58.479 --> 00:07:59.120 No I tell you. 00:07:59.179 --> 00:07:59.919 But rather division. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:04.219 And he goes on to explain how that will affect families in particular. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:07.079 From now on there will be five in one family. 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:08.179 Divided against each other. 00:08:08.279 --> 00:08:08.979 Three against two. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:09.839 And two against three. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:10.639 They will be divided. 00:08:11.739 --> 00:08:12.679 Father against son. 00:08:12.899 --> 00:08:13.659 Son against father. 00:08:13.979 --> 00:08:14.859 Mother against daughter. 00:08:15.799 --> 00:08:16.699 Daughter against mother. 00:08:16.799 --> 00:08:18.120 Mother in law against daughter in law. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:19.799 And daughter in law against mother in law. 00:08:20.659 --> 00:08:22.060 And Jesus is asking. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:23.859 His followers to imagine a family. 00:08:23.899 --> 00:08:24.539 Of five. 00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:27.579 Two choose to follow Jesus. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:29.739 The others in the family don't. 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:32.139 And so as a result. 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:33.379 That family is divided. 00:08:34.439 --> 00:08:36.579 Half the family have entered the kingdom. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:39.439 Half the family resolutely remain outside. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:42.139 The mother Jesus refers to. 00:08:42.199 --> 00:08:43.220 And the mother in law of course. 00:08:43.360 --> 00:08:44.559 One person and the same person. 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:46.079 So you see how it might work. 00:08:47.459 --> 00:08:48.419 So for example. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:49.840 Let's do an example. 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:51.679 A father and a mum and a dad. 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:52.980 They turn to Jesus. 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:54.539 But the daughter. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:56.000 And the son. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.639 And the son's wife. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:08:59.019 Turn away from Jesus. 00:08:59.139 --> 00:08:59.840 They reject him. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:02.259 So there are two against three. 00:09:03.279 --> 00:09:05.000 And instead of bringing peace. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:06.779 In that family. 00:09:07.259 --> 00:09:08.100 There is disharmony. 00:09:08.460 --> 00:09:09.200 And there is disagreement. 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:15.360 Now these are really outrageous verses aren't they? 00:09:16.560 --> 00:09:21.440 They obliterate any simplistic picture of Jesus. 00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:25.740 That sees Jesus just as a nice guy who wanted everyone to get along. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:29.159 These verses make it blindingly clear. 00:09:29.539 --> 00:09:30.659 That tolerance. 00:09:31.379 --> 00:09:33.919 Was not Jesus' number one virtue. 00:09:35.159 --> 00:09:36.180 In his mind. 00:09:37.440 --> 00:09:38.180 As a result. 00:09:38.299 --> 00:09:40.180 I find it absolutely tragic. 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:45.120 When people speak as if tolerance was all that Jesus was about really. 00:09:46.259 --> 00:09:46.919 You've heard it too. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:49.680 They say Jesus was a great lover of peace. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:50.899 And harmony. 00:09:51.359 --> 00:09:54.299 Jesus would certainly have rejected the dogmatism. 00:09:54.699 --> 00:09:55.899 Of today's Christians. 00:09:56.319 --> 00:09:59.139 Christians should stop taking the apostle Paul so seriously. 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:01.459 And get back to the essence of Christianity. 00:10:02.199 --> 00:10:03.539 You read the gospels. 00:10:03.739 --> 00:10:06.319 And the gospels tell you about the tolerant love of Jesus. 00:10:06.559 --> 00:10:08.519 Now I've heard that many times. 00:10:08.579 --> 00:10:09.099 As you have. 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:12.860 But people who say your sins couldn't be further from the mark. 00:10:14.240 --> 00:10:15.779 They've misunderstood Jesus. 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.600 It seems impossible to me. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:20.159 That those people who tell you. 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:21.320 Go back to the gospels. 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:22.860 Have actually read the gospels. 00:10:24.180 --> 00:10:25.720 They certainly have read Luke 12. 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:28.980 The Jesus we find in this chapter. 00:10:29.320 --> 00:10:30.840 Is one that the western world. 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:33.120 Is woefully unprepared to meet. 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:34.560 And the western church. 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:37.680 Jesus explicitly says. 00:10:37.740 --> 00:10:38.080 Doesn't he. 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:39.660 I did not come to bring peace. 00:10:39.780 --> 00:10:40.820 I am not a peacemaker. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:41.960 I'm a division bringer. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:43.280 And I'm a fire starter. 00:10:45.620 --> 00:10:46.220 He says. 00:10:46.280 --> 00:10:47.840 I've come to turn families against each other. 00:10:49.680 --> 00:10:50.120 Now. 00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:51.280 Don't misunderstand me. 00:10:51.320 --> 00:10:52.820 He's not saying that's his ultimate goal. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:55.120 We know in other places. 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:56.620 That the bible very clearly says. 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:58.720 That family is at the centre of God's purposes. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:01.460 Jesus is not saying here. 00:11:01.520 --> 00:11:03.020 I'm aiming to destroy families. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:05.800 But he's saying that he has an aim. 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:07.980 And his aim. 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:10.580 Will mean disharmony for some families. 00:11:11.780 --> 00:11:13.259 He's not saying today. 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:14.680 My goal is to ruin your family. 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:15.420 He's not saying that. 00:11:16.540 --> 00:11:17.660 But he is saying this. 00:11:17.780 --> 00:11:18.700 My goal. 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:21.020 Is to ask people. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:22.360 To show a loyalty. 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:25.500 That surpasses all other loyalties. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:28.360 I am asking you. 00:11:28.360 --> 00:11:28.799 Jesus says. 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:30.740 To put me before absolutely everything. 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:31.899 Even your flesh and blood. 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.980 And that is why family life. 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:36.700 Can be placed under great stress. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.120 Can't it. 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:39.519 When somebody chooses to follow the Lord Jesus. 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:43.240 Because they've introduced him to that life. 00:11:43.460 --> 00:11:44.960 A principle of loyalty. 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:46.600 That is higher. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:48.879 Than the principle of loyalty to the family. 00:11:48.879 --> 00:11:51.299 I think that's what happens. 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:52.179 Most of the time. 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:54.379 You know when there's strife and trouble in families. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:56.980 It's nearly always. 00:11:57.059 --> 00:11:59.399 Because the goal of kind of family harmony. 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:01.580 Has started to run second. 00:12:02.580 --> 00:12:03.419 To something else. 00:12:03.939 --> 00:12:05.419 At least for one person in the family. 00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:07.659 They've started to put someone else first. 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:08.740 Or something else first. 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:09.559 Before the family. 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:11.119 And so there's family strife. 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:14.319 And that is what Jesus expects. 00:12:14.439 --> 00:12:15.099 From you and I. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.479 He expects a loyalty to him. 00:12:19.079 --> 00:12:21.039 Which will surpass every other loyalty. 00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:24.159 That is what it means to follow Jesus. 00:12:25.000 --> 00:12:26.599 It means to make him Lord. 00:12:28.039 --> 00:12:30.259 That's what it means to acknowledge God. 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:31.439 As our spiritual father. 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:34.000 To acknowledge Jesus Christ as king. 00:12:35.219 --> 00:12:36.500 That doesn't mean that a Christian. 00:12:36.659 --> 00:12:38.039 Will no longer take part of his family. 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:38.579 Not at all. 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:39.480 It will probably mean. 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:41.740 That a Christian will take better care of the family. 00:12:41.800 --> 00:12:42.720 Than they ever did before. 00:12:43.980 --> 00:12:44.980 But it does mean. 00:12:45.040 --> 00:12:46.639 That they will make all their decisions. 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:47.660 Every decision. 00:12:48.020 --> 00:12:50.480 In the light of this one guiding principle. 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:52.420 What does Jesus want? 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:55.139 What does Jesus want? 00:12:56.680 --> 00:12:58.360 And that may mean. 00:12:58.680 --> 00:13:00.040 That guiding principle means. 00:13:00.040 --> 00:13:01.600 That a family could be disgruntled. 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:04.240 If not angry. 00:13:05.560 --> 00:13:06.600 Or hostile. 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:09.320 And as I look around this room actually. 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:11.180 I can see that in some of your families. 00:13:11.540 --> 00:13:12.860 You know what that is like. 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:16.779 You know that as you've put Jesus first. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:20.019 It has meant your family has been very disgruntled. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:24.199 For a Christian. 00:13:24.199 --> 00:13:25.360 The overarching principle. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:25.960 The overarching principle. 00:13:25.960 --> 00:13:27.419 Can never be anything else. 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.799 But what does Jesus want? 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.079 You see. 00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:33.759 This is the intolerance of Jesus. 00:13:34.340 --> 00:13:34.699 Isn't it? 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:37.840 The intolerance of Jesus. 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:40.360 He is intolerant. 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:41.919 Of his rivals. 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:44.360 His intolerance. 00:13:45.199 --> 00:13:46.179 Of running second. 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:47.679 To some higher loyalty. 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:50.459 An intolerance founded on who he is. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.899 And the lengths to which he's gone. 00:13:53.079 --> 00:13:54.459 To welcome people into his kingdom. 00:13:54.899 --> 00:13:56.099 It is an intolerance. 00:13:56.199 --> 00:13:58.279 That Jesus has got every right to ask for. 00:13:58.699 --> 00:13:59.500 To exercise. 00:14:00.979 --> 00:14:02.459 But it's an intolerance. 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:03.779 That means you and I. 00:14:04.500 --> 00:14:06.259 May be in conflict with our families. 00:14:08.139 --> 00:14:08.879 So you see. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:11.359 When Jesus reflects upon his time. 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:13.940 And upon why he came. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.759 Jesus sees that it's a time for judgment. 00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:20.960 A judgment that will begin with God's justice falling upon him. 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:26.320 But it's a judgment that will also separate all those who follow from those who don't. 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:32.180 It's a judgment that will see the final verdict of God beginning to be felt in the here and now. 00:14:32.179 --> 00:14:38.539 Even in the most intimate context of family relationships. 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:41.439 When Jesus came. 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:43.759 The judgment of God came. 00:14:45.099 --> 00:14:46.539 They were the times in which he lived. 00:14:47.359 --> 00:14:48.339 And then in verse 54. 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:49.620 He turns to the second group. 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:50.539 Second question. 00:14:50.839 --> 00:14:52.339 And he asks the crowd then. 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:53.179 He says. 00:14:54.359 --> 00:14:56.599 What are the times that you live in like? 00:14:57.579 --> 00:14:59.179 That's what he says to the crowd in front of him. 00:14:59.179 --> 00:15:02.039 What characterized their time. 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:03.979 At the start of the new millennium. 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:05.000 At the start of. 00:15:05.479 --> 00:15:06.879 You dot whatever it was. 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:09.699 He asks them to think about the times they lived in. 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:12.079 What characterized those times. 00:15:12.179 --> 00:15:14.239 And he begins with an illustration about interpreting the weather. 00:15:14.339 --> 00:15:15.059 Look at verse 54. 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:17.939 He also said to the crowd. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.339 When you see a cloud running in the west. 00:15:19.339 --> 00:15:19.639 You say. 00:15:19.719 --> 00:15:20.620 Once a shower is coming. 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:22.879 And so it happens. 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:25.659 And when you see the south wind blowing. 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:26.059 You say. 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:27.079 There will be scorching heat. 00:15:27.859 --> 00:15:28.699 And it happens. 00:15:29.859 --> 00:15:30.779 Jesus was saying to them. 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:30.959 You see. 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:32.579 You're pretty good at predicting the weather. 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:34.819 I went on the BBC website. 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:36.099 To check the details for today. 00:15:36.439 --> 00:15:37.579 And at 11am. 00:15:37.579 --> 00:15:39.379 The weather is supposed to be dry. 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:40.759 And overcast. 00:15:41.299 --> 00:15:42.179 It's not bad is it? 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:43.059 It's not bad. 00:15:43.099 --> 00:15:43.799 I think they got it right. 00:15:44.699 --> 00:15:46.879 We have a lot of technology to help us. 00:15:47.699 --> 00:15:48.500 But back then. 00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.620 They had a cloud there. 00:15:49.839 --> 00:15:50.799 And a wind here. 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:53.339 But they were still able to predict the weather. 00:15:54.459 --> 00:15:56.019 With a high degree of accuracy. 00:15:56.459 --> 00:15:57.139 But Jesus says. 00:15:57.219 --> 00:15:58.859 You may be able to interpret the weather. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:16:00.700 But you can't interpret the times. 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:01.700 As a result. 00:16:01.800 --> 00:16:03.080 Jesus calls in verse 56. 00:16:03.180 --> 00:16:03.740 You hypocrites. 00:16:04.820 --> 00:16:05.500 You hypocrites. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.840 You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. 00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:10.019 But why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 00:16:11.300 --> 00:16:12.460 Jesus is suggesting. 00:16:12.600 --> 00:16:14.139 That just as there are signs. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:16.320 Which can reveal things about the weather. 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:18.940 So too there are signs. 00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:19.360 About. 00:16:19.960 --> 00:16:20.860 That reveal things. 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:22.740 About what is going on in the world. 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:25.320 There are signs. 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:27.220 That reveal what the times are really like. 00:16:28.180 --> 00:16:29.159 The sad thing is that. 00:16:29.220 --> 00:16:31.379 These A grade meteorologists. 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:32.680 Jesus was talking to. 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:34.899 They were completely clueless. 00:16:35.560 --> 00:16:38.060 When it came to knowing what times they lived in. 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:40.680 And so Jesus finishes this section. 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:41.440 With a scenario. 00:16:41.820 --> 00:16:43.560 That is meant to give them a bit of a clue. 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.399 It's a scenario. 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.460 That suggests to us. 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:48.659 What Jesus himself thought the times are saying. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:49.519 Look at verse 57. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:52.840 And do you not judge for yourselves what is right. 00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:55.819 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate. 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:57.720 Make an effort to settle with him on the way. 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:59.620 Lest he drag you to see the judge. 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:01.340 And the judge hand you over to the officer. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:02.939 And the officer put you in prison. 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:04.000 I tell you. 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:05.359 You will never get out. 00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:07.480 Until he paid the very last penny. 00:17:10.639 --> 00:17:11.900 In this last little story. 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:14.879 Jesus asks the people to imagine somebody is suing them. 00:17:16.139 --> 00:17:17.960 And if they find themselves in that situation. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:20.299 They would be really smart. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:22.120 If they tried to sort it out. 00:17:22.600 --> 00:17:23.720 Before it gets to the court. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.940 Because if they do go to court. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:26.700 And they lose. 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:28.079 They are going to end up having to pay. 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:31.299 And they may spend a very long time in jail. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.299 And what Jesus is saying. 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:35.299 Well most of the commentators think it is a parable. 00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:38.259 It is a parable about being reconciled to God. 00:17:38.360 --> 00:17:40.079 Before his judgement comes upon you. 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:42.460 And so they say this is a parable. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.480 Like the other parables in Luke. 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:46.180 And it is all about being reconciled to God. 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:47.360 Before God judges you. 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:49.559 I don't actually think that. 00:17:50.699 --> 00:17:53.079 I don't think verses 57 to 59. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:55.159 Read like a parable. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:57.459 I don't think they read like the rest of the parables in Luke's gospel. 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:59.079 In fact I think it is literal. 00:18:00.199 --> 00:18:01.379 It is a literal story. 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:04.179 I say because it would be very unusual. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:06.000 For a parable about God's judgement. 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:07.899 To even entertain getting out from it. 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:09.939 I don't see that anywhere else in the New Testament. 00:18:11.699 --> 00:18:13.519 These verses speak of in verse 49. 00:18:13.679 --> 00:18:14.759 Kind of getting out of judgement. 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.719 I don't think that fits. 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:19.480 And if you look at the parallel verses in Matthew's gospel. 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:21.559 Which seem to me to be very literal. 00:18:21.860 --> 00:18:22.940 When Matthew explains them. 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:27.420 Rather than seeing verses 57 to 59 as a parable. 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:30.480 It seems much more natural to me. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:32.500 To read it as if Jesus is giving you instructions. 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:35.140 About what people should do. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:37.120 If they find themselves in this situation. 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:40.519 And I think Jesus is saying something much more straightforward. 00:18:40.719 --> 00:18:41.919 Something much more obvious. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:44.719 It seems to me Jesus is saying. 00:18:45.279 --> 00:18:46.139 Time is short. 00:18:47.619 --> 00:18:48.479 Time is short. 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.479 That's a clue. 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.959 Jesus is giving them. 00:18:53.179 --> 00:18:54.879 This is how you interpret the times. 00:18:55.359 --> 00:18:56.199 The time is short. 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:59.620 And that is why they should be reconciled. 00:18:59.620 --> 00:19:01.460 With their adversary on the way to court. 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:03.720 If they find themselves in that circumstance. 00:19:04.100 --> 00:19:05.840 Because the time is short. 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:07.299 It's too short. 00:19:07.640 --> 00:19:11.360 To find yourself spending days and months and years behind bars. 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:14.600 There are far more important things to do. 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:18.640 There isn't long before the justice of God comes once and for all. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:21.440 And I think that is what Jesus is suggesting. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:25.140 He's already said in verses 49 and verse 50. 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:27.400 That he's come to bring the fire of God's judgment. 00:19:28.540 --> 00:19:30.520 And now I think he's reminding them. 00:19:30.820 --> 00:19:34.660 There is a day coming when the judgment of God will bring the whole world to a standstill. 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:38.280 And every man and every woman to their knees. 00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:41.640 And Jesus' presence among them. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:43.420 Kindling that fire. 00:19:43.860 --> 00:19:44.759 Dividing people. 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:46.400 Bringing the justice of God. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.940 Should be the only sign that they need. 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:50.640 The fact that Jesus has come. 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:52.100 And he's come to bring fire. 00:19:52.520 --> 00:19:53.560 He's judging people. 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:54.600 And he's dividing people. 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:55.800 Is the only sign they need. 00:19:56.820 --> 00:19:59.620 And they should have been able to tell by listening to Jesus. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:02.060 And seeing what Jesus did. 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:03.780 That the justice of God was coming. 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:06.720 They should have been able to tell the time was short. 00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:09.640 So what we see in these verses. 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:11.020 Like in the previous section. 00:20:11.540 --> 00:20:12.680 Is their time. 00:20:13.540 --> 00:20:14.680 Was a time for judgment. 00:20:16.820 --> 00:20:18.100 And in these verses. 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:21.020 It's judgment in a different sense. 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:24.860 Not God's judgment coming upon Jesus. 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:27.320 But their judging. 00:20:28.420 --> 00:20:29.920 Look at how Jesus uses the word. 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:31.880 Just slightly differently in verse 57. 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:33.759 He says. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:36.880 And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:39.900 He says to them. 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:40.100 Listen. 00:20:40.100 --> 00:20:41.520 The time is short guys. 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:45.060 And because the signs are all there. 00:20:45.540 --> 00:20:46.780 Jesus tells the crowd. 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:48.200 This is the time for judging. 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:49.300 Judge yourself. 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:52.600 Judging in the sense of discerning. 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:55.880 Judging in the sense of interpreting the times. 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:58.080 It was a time for judgment. 00:20:59.080 --> 00:21:00.220 And that they should have been saying. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.319 Well in my judgment. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.100 Considering the times. 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:05.579 Seeing Jesus. 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:07.019 The time is short. 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:10.920 And that's the kind of wise judgment. 00:21:11.860 --> 00:21:13.380 That they should have been exercising. 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:16.279 But sadly they weren't. 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:17.160 They weren't doing that. 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:20.100 And if they didn't heed Jesus' warning. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:23.259 They would find themselves falling on the wrong side. 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:24.600 Of a very vicious irony. 00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:30.059 Because if they failed to exercise sound judgment. 00:21:31.159 --> 00:21:33.019 They would feel the full force. 00:21:33.679 --> 00:21:34.779 Of God's judgment. 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:38.519 Well they were Jesus' stern words. 00:21:38.579 --> 00:21:39.500 To the people of his day. 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.719 But what do they say to us. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:43.339 2000 years later. 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:45.319 What does it say to us. 00:21:45.399 --> 00:21:46.199 2000 years later. 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.799 How do they sharpen. 00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:50.779 Our view of the world in which we live. 00:21:51.439 --> 00:21:53.559 How do they help us see the times. 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:55.500 In which we live from God's perspective. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.720 And it seems to me. 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:59.039 That Jesus would help us in two key ways. 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:01.839 Because the words that Jesus added. 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:03.000 Are still true aren't they. 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:06.019 And still powerfully relevant. 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.480 In the first place. 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:09.299 Jesus still divides. 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:11.980 He still divides. 00:22:13.639 --> 00:22:15.500 Jesus is still the same. 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.639 Controversial figure now. 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:19.359 As he was 2000 years ago. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:22.659 He's the same king now. 00:22:22.660 --> 00:22:24.380 Than he was then. 00:22:25.100 --> 00:22:26.279 Because he lives. 00:22:26.620 --> 00:22:27.620 And he reigns. 00:22:27.820 --> 00:22:29.720 And he still claims the allegiance. 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:30.980 Of his followers. 00:22:31.360 --> 00:22:33.640 And Jesus is still intolerant. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:35.259 Gloriously intolerant. 00:22:35.320 --> 00:22:35.880 Of his rivals. 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:39.420 And you will still find today. 00:22:39.420 --> 00:22:40.740 Families divided. 00:22:42.320 --> 00:22:43.680 Divided because of Jesus. 00:22:45.360 --> 00:22:46.640 And in that sense. 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:48.740 The final judgment of God. 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:50.000 Is foreshadowed now. 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:53.240 Some follow Jesus. 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:55.020 And love him. 00:22:56.360 --> 00:22:58.000 Others ignore him. 00:22:58.680 --> 00:22:59.660 And spurn him. 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:02.560 Jesus still divides. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.919 But what is more. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.279 Secondly. 00:23:05.399 --> 00:23:06.839 The time is still short. 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.559 The time is still short. 00:23:11.179 --> 00:23:12.399 The judgment of God. 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:13.059 Is still coming. 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.559 God's plans haven't changed. 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:17.500 The day is still coming. 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:18.619 When his justice. 00:23:18.619 --> 00:23:19.839 Will bring the whole earth. 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.740 To a standstill. 00:23:21.899 --> 00:23:23.319 And every man. 00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:23.960 And woman. 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:24.940 And boy and girl. 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:25.779 To their knees. 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:27.799 And if the signs. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:29.639 Were there in Jesus's day. 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:31.839 And the time was short. 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:32.539 Then. 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:34.099 How much more now. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:36.619 Surely the time. 00:23:36.799 --> 00:23:37.519 Must be getting shorter. 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:40.379 And we don't know the day. 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:42.539 And we don't know the hour. 00:23:42.639 --> 00:23:43.839 But God the Father does. 00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:45.779 And it is. 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:47.059 Inevitably getting closer. 00:23:48.619 --> 00:23:50.019 And we must not allow. 00:23:50.099 --> 00:23:51.399 The passing of 2000 years. 00:23:51.500 --> 00:23:52.639 To weaken our convictions. 00:23:52.639 --> 00:23:53.519 About that day. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:56.299 It is real. 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:58.819 And it is coming. 00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:00.639 It is. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:04.220 And the time between that day. 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.900 And our days. 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:08.420 Is much shorter than when it was. 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:10.180 When Jesus warned. 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.200 And rebuked those crowds. 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.660 And so. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.240 This morning. 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.960 We need to hear Jesus's warning. 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:16.420 Don't we. 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:17.879 As well. 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:21.440 Because the shortness of time. 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:23.240 Ought to impact. 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.859 The way we see the days. 00:24:24.900 --> 00:24:25.559 In which we live. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:28.180 In order to sharpen. 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:28.980 Our perspective. 00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:32.079 Straight after this section. 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:34.700 In Luke 12. 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:35.599 Luke 13. 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:37.160 Opens with Jesus being asked. 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:37.799 About a question. 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:39.559 About what disasters mean. 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.839 There is a disaster. 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.319 That has happened. 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:44.480 There is a tower. 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:45.240 That has fallen over. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.900 And Jesus asked the question. 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:49.180 What do these disasters mean? 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.079 Do they mean. 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:51.180 That those who were killed. 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:51.920 Were more guilty. 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.960 Than those who survived. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.140 And Jesus' answer. 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:54.940 Is an emphatic. 00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:55.539 No. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.839 But Jesus does say. 00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:00.039 It is just another sign. 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:02.519 It is another reminder. 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.480 That time is. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:04.880 Short. 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:07.579 And what is the implication. 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.120 Of that? 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:10.299 What is the implication. 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:11.660 Of the shortness of time? 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:13.279 He sums it up in a word. 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:15.119 Repentance. 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.539 If the time is short. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:20.940 And the judgment of God. 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.379 Is coming. 00:25:22.599 --> 00:25:23.440 And the world. 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.399 Is full of signs. 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.119 To that effect. 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:26.019 Then what should we do? 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:28.119 We should repent. 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:30.839 Jesus' words. 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:31.440 In verse 5. 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:32.259 Of chapter 13. 00:25:32.339 --> 00:25:33.519 Are actually quite chilling. 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.059 Aren't they? 00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:35.420 Can you see them? 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.519 Now I tell you. 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.839 But unless you repent. 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:43.180 You will all likewise perish. 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:47.420 And given that Jesus. 00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.779 Still invites today. 00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:51.019 People to come. 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:52.139 And to be loyal to him. 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.500 And given that the time. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:55.259 Is still short. 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:57.299 And it's getting shorter. 00:25:58.680 --> 00:25:59.680 And then the need. 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.460 For people to repent. 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.379 The need for people. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.799 To be reconciled to God. 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:03.799 Is still urgent. 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:04.220 Isn't it? 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.099 In fact. 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:07.000 It's getting more urgent. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:10.200 We saw that sense of urgency. 00:26:10.299 --> 00:26:11.099 In our first reading. 00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:12.019 I don't know whether you picked it up. 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:12.960 In 2 Corinthians 5. 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.960 The Apostle Paul. 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:14.740 Is awed. 00:26:14.799 --> 00:26:15.440 By the fact. 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.440 He's amazed. 00:26:16.440 --> 00:26:16.980 By the fact. 00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:18.140 That God has entrusted. 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:18.720 To him. 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:20.500 The ministry of reconciliation. 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.859 And so he pleads. 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.460 With the Corinthians. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.840 We implore you. 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:26.759 On Christ's behalf. 00:26:27.340 --> 00:26:29.079 Be reconciled. 00:26:29.600 --> 00:26:30.240 To God. 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:33.860 And if it was urgent then. 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:37.160 How much more urgent is it now? 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:40.960 How much more urgent is it now? 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:44.240 That people who are in darkness see the light. 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:49.100 How much more urgent is it that we prove to be faithful ambassadors. 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:51.039 As God makes his appeal through us. 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:51.839 Through our lives. 00:26:53.379 --> 00:26:54.819 What are the times we live in like? 00:26:57.179 --> 00:26:58.179 Well one writer says. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:27:00.439 Unprecedented economic prosperity. 00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:04.519 Times of safety. 00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:06.139 In a world of terror. 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:08.899 But brothers and sisters. 00:27:08.899 --> 00:27:09.819 Don't be fooled. 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:11.899 Don't be fooled. 00:27:13.659 --> 00:27:15.079 Because we in this city. 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.899 In our homes. 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.899 In our jobs. 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:20.420 And with our ability to spend. 00:27:21.640 --> 00:27:23.320 We're perhaps more fooled. 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.420 Than at any other time. 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:28.280 We live in the final days. 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:31.240 The signs are still around us. 00:27:31.280 --> 00:27:32.500 As they were in Luke 12. 00:27:33.560 --> 00:27:35.320 And the word of God comes to you and I. 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:37.160 With crystal clarity this morning. 00:27:38.600 --> 00:27:39.680 The time is short. 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:42.780 And with this shortness of time. 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:44.200 Comes urgent priorities. 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:46.500 Our repentance. 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:49.740 Our turning from sin continually. 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:50.880 And not just ours. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:52.480 But the repentance of those around us. 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:56.099 There is an urgent need. 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:58.440 For people to find themselves. 00:27:59.019 --> 00:28:00.460 Reconciled with God. 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:03.980 And these may seem like good days. 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.400 In a lucky country. 00:28:05.400 --> 00:28:09.200 It may seem that it's a time of safety. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.640 And wealth. 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:14.060 But Jesus pleads with you this morning. 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:15.840 To see through the fog. 00:28:17.320 --> 00:28:18.880 And to know with a kind of. 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.380 Agitation. 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.380 If I can put it like that. 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:22.620 That the time is short. 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:25.259 It's my hope. 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.199 And my prayer this morning. 00:28:26.319 --> 00:28:26.839 That Jesus. 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.299 Could not address. 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.399 Us the way. 00:28:30.639 --> 00:28:31.500 That he addresses. 00:28:31.679 --> 00:28:32.699 Those in his own generation. 00:28:32.859 --> 00:28:34.179 Do you look at verse 56 with me? 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.519 You hypocrites. 00:28:40.899 --> 00:28:42.139 You know how to interpret. 00:28:42.139 --> 00:28:43.479 The appearance of the earth. 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.159 And the sky. 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:45.619 You know how to tell the weather. 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.619 But why do you not know. 00:28:48.619 --> 00:28:49.919 How to interpret the present time. 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:52.340 Let's pray.