WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.759 So this morning we're wrapping up our series on the twelve disciples and after having looked at Andrew, Simon Peter, Matthew, James, Philip, John, Thomas, Nathaniel, and Judas Iscariot. 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:24.660 This morning we're looking at the other three. And I'll admit when I was preparing for this morning I did have to take a moment to work out who the other three were. 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:34.359 The thing is each of them share their name with another one of the disciples. So we have Judas, the son of James though, not the traitor. 00:00:35.259 --> 00:00:42.119 We have Simon, the zealot, the political one. We have James, the lesser, not to be confused with James the greater. 00:00:42.119 --> 00:00:54.500 And I wonder how it felt for Judas, James, and Simon to be one of the other twelve disciples who were less known in comparison to the other nine. 00:00:55.839 --> 00:01:00.359 To be so unknown that they had to clarify which one they were. 00:01:02.219 --> 00:01:09.640 You know, I've met so many Emilies. That happens when you have the most popular name of your birth year. 00:01:09.640 --> 00:01:23.219 Thanks mum and dad. I've met so many other Emilies in my time that I'll often find myself in the street hearing my name being called only to turn around and it's not me that's being called. 00:01:23.319 --> 00:01:26.640 Or it's not me who's being spoken about. 00:01:27.740 --> 00:01:33.439 And I imagine Simon overhearing a conversation between the disciples. 00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:37.719 Have you heard Jesus is going to build his church on Simon? 00:01:38.079 --> 00:01:41.759 Only for Simon to go, ooh, I've got a glimpse of my future. 00:01:42.819 --> 00:01:45.319 And then they go, no, not you Simon, it's Simon Peter. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:53.439 Or Judas hearing whispers of, did you hear? It was Judas who betrayed Jesus. 00:01:55.299 --> 00:01:58.140 Only for him to have to pipe up and go, no, no, no, no, not me. 00:01:58.259 --> 00:02:02.219 It was Judas Iscariot, not me. I'm innocent. I'm loyal. 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:11.159 But these three disciples, they aren't so well known in comparison to the other better known comrades. 00:02:12.180 --> 00:02:23.300 In the story for today, we can gather that all 12 disciples were there when the rich ruler approached Jesus to find out what he must do to inherit eternal life. 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:28.240 In the passage, the man comes to Jesus with his question. 00:02:29.580 --> 00:02:32.939 You see, he's been following the Ten Commandments for all of his life. 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:34.740 So what else must he do? 00:02:35.260 --> 00:02:47.020 And I find it interesting that he recognizes something about Jesus that moves him to a realization that walking with God, faith, isn't just about following rules. 00:02:47.240 --> 00:02:48.300 There has to be something else. 00:02:48.300 --> 00:02:59.620 He sees that Jesus is offering the eternal life, not based on how well we keep the rules, which is something that the Pharisees have been teaching, 00:03:00.160 --> 00:03:04.400 but that there was something else required of them, of us. 00:03:05.600 --> 00:03:12.000 And Jesus tells the ruler that whilst he's been following all of the commandments, he still lacked one thing. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:19.860 He needed to sell all he had, give to the poor, and then he would have treasure in heaven. 00:03:20.360 --> 00:03:23.280 And Jesus says, then come follow me. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:29.259 In other words, stop being so preoccupied with possession and earthly gains. 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:33.879 Only when you live by kingdom economy will you find true wealth. 00:03:34.400 --> 00:03:36.939 Sort your priorities, then come and follow me. 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:49.919 And I wonder, and I'm talking to myself here too, when we look at our own lives and ask a similar question, what would Jesus' response to us be? 00:03:52.479 --> 00:03:55.939 I wonder if you'd be up for trying something with me this morning. 00:03:56.039 --> 00:04:00.939 See, I've been reading and learning about some of the old saints of the church. 00:04:00.939 --> 00:04:09.620 And St. Ignatius gives us this really wonderful meditative way of reading the Bible, dwelling in scripture. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:12.199 It's really simple and I'll lead us through it. 00:04:12.620 --> 00:04:15.219 But all you need to do is start by closing your eyes. 00:04:15.319 --> 00:04:21.560 And if you think you might fall asleep, then maybe just cast your eyes down to your lap, if that's a risk. 00:04:24.019 --> 00:04:26.279 So I'm going to read part of the passage again. 00:04:26.399 --> 00:04:28.740 And I want you to imagine yourself in the scene. 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:31.939 Notice where you are in the story. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:34.800 Notice where you're sitting or standing. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:38.579 What you see, feel, hear. 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:43.139 A certain ruler asked him, 00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:47.400 Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:50.259 Why do you call me good? 00:04:50.639 --> 00:04:51.439 Jesus answered. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:53.780 No one is good except God. 00:04:56.319 --> 00:04:57.660 You know the commandments. 00:04:57.660 --> 00:04:59.520 You shall not commit adultery. 00:04:59.640 --> 00:05:00.500 You shall not murder. 00:05:00.980 --> 00:05:01.960 You shall not steal. 00:05:02.100 --> 00:05:03.600 You shall not give false testimony. 00:05:04.260 --> 00:05:05.700 Honor your father and mother. 00:05:07.320 --> 00:05:10.780 All these I have kept since I was a boy, he said. 00:05:11.460 --> 00:05:13.860 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 00:05:14.220 --> 00:05:16.080 You still lack one thing. 00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:19.760 Sell everything you have and give to the poor. 00:05:20.620 --> 00:05:22.360 And you will have treasure in heaven. 00:05:23.300 --> 00:05:25.160 Then come, follow me. 00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:28.939 When he heard this, he became very sad. 00:05:29.480 --> 00:05:30.939 Because he was very wealthy. 00:05:32.240 --> 00:05:34.160 Jesus looked at him and said, 00:05:34.660 --> 00:05:38.260 How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. 00:05:39.100 --> 00:05:42.680 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:46.400 than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:51.819 And with your eyes still closed, I wonder where you are in the scene. 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:55.419 I wonder what you see. 00:05:57.019 --> 00:05:59.620 I wonder where you are in the gathered crowd. 00:06:01.979 --> 00:06:03.439 Notice what you see. 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:07.139 Where is Jesus in proximity to you? 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:10.719 What does the crowd look like? 00:06:12.839 --> 00:06:14.420 What are people wearing? 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:17.399 How do your clothes feel on your skin? 00:06:19.399 --> 00:06:21.319 Notice what you smell. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:26.980 Is the air hot, dusty, arid? 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:30.079 Notice what you feel. 00:06:31.199 --> 00:06:34.040 Can you feel bodies close up beside you, 00:06:34.240 --> 00:06:36.500 peering together, look at this radical teacher. 00:06:39.319 --> 00:06:41.219 Can you feel the breeze on your skin? 00:06:41.959 --> 00:06:43.899 Can you feel the sun on your face? 00:06:43.899 --> 00:06:47.759 Notice what you hear. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:50.319 Can you hear the birds, 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:52.259 the hubbub of conversation, 00:06:52.739 --> 00:06:56.179 the outrage that Jesus told the man 00:06:56.179 --> 00:06:58.359 to sell everything he had to give to the poor? 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:04.439 I wonder what Jesus' voice sounds like to you. 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:07.759 Notice the gentleness in his voice, 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:12.000 the love in his eyes as he looks at each person gathered around him. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:15.740 And I want you to imagine for a moment 00:07:15.740 --> 00:07:21.300 that Jesus now turns to you with a gentle yet serious look on his face. 00:07:22.199 --> 00:07:25.660 And he looks you in the eyes and says your name. 00:07:27.800 --> 00:07:29.459 Let's talk about your priorities. 00:07:30.680 --> 00:07:32.620 I ask just one more thing of you. 00:07:37.660 --> 00:07:38.779 What's he asking? 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:40.240 What's he saying? 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:43.019 If you're unsure, 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:45.620 maybe it's the first thing that popped into your head. 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:48.480 But notice how that makes you feel. 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:56.360 When you're ready, open your eyes again. 00:07:57.240 --> 00:08:00.740 I wonder what the Lord might have been speaking to you about. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:03.060 What might he have asked you to do? 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:05.300 Maybe, like the ruler, 00:08:05.480 --> 00:08:07.000 it was to give up everything you own 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:07.879 and give it to the poor. 00:08:07.879 --> 00:08:11.579 Maybe it was to give up one thing. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:13.719 Or to take up one thing. 00:08:15.159 --> 00:08:20.120 Maybe there's some misaligned priorities in our lives 00:08:20.120 --> 00:08:21.980 that he wants to speak to us about. 00:08:22.300 --> 00:08:23.899 And what a joy it is 00:08:23.899 --> 00:08:27.319 that God loves to work with us 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:31.779 to make our lives reflect him more and more clearly every day. 00:08:31.779 --> 00:08:37.459 Something the rich young ruler got wrong 00:08:37.459 --> 00:08:40.579 was that he thought that he could do something 00:08:40.579 --> 00:08:42.319 to inherit the eternal life. 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:44.159 But that's not Jesus' way. 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:45.139 That's not his purpose. 00:08:45.899 --> 00:08:48.839 In fact, we can all inherit eternal life. 00:08:48.939 --> 00:08:53.059 We all have inherited it when we gave our lives to Jesus. 00:08:53.199 --> 00:08:55.240 Or if we haven't yet, we will. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:58.500 And it's a wonderful gift. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:00.960 And that is the good news of the gospel. 00:09:02.100 --> 00:09:05.180 The grace and mercy of his death and resurrection 00:09:05.180 --> 00:09:06.919 that it's not by works, 00:09:07.259 --> 00:09:09.139 but by grace through faith. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:14.600 But this discipleship journey is a whole life thing. 00:09:14.680 --> 00:09:16.060 And it requires our everything. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:17.860 And sometimes, like the man, 00:09:17.940 --> 00:09:21.120 that will require giving up our worldly wealth. 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:23.259 Whatever that wealth might be. 00:09:23.259 --> 00:09:26.879 And I'd like to point out here, 00:09:27.240 --> 00:09:29.080 before I carry on talking about wealth, 00:09:29.379 --> 00:09:31.559 that giving up everything you own, 00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:34.460 giving up, giving financially to charity, 00:09:34.580 --> 00:09:37.519 might not be Jesus' call for everybody in the room. 00:09:38.080 --> 00:09:40.399 Although, please do consider your giving to Christchurch. 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:44.879 I know so many people who have wonderfully full, 00:09:45.200 --> 00:09:46.519 healthy bank accounts, 00:09:46.620 --> 00:09:49.559 yet that facilitates their ministry of generosity. 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:53.399 And there are people who maybe can't give financially right now. 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:55.079 And that's okay. 00:09:55.199 --> 00:09:58.519 Perhaps with these people giving in time, 00:09:58.639 --> 00:09:59.859 or hospitality, or service, 00:09:59.959 --> 00:10:00.879 or some other way, 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:02.359 is something that they can do. 00:10:03.319 --> 00:10:06.359 My point is that this specific call, 00:10:06.559 --> 00:10:07.839 when we read it in the Bible, 00:10:08.059 --> 00:10:09.859 of giving up everything you have, 00:10:09.939 --> 00:10:10.579 and selling it, 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:11.759 and giving to the poor, 00:10:11.939 --> 00:10:14.199 in that particular way, 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:15.339 isn't for everyone, 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:18.220 but perhaps there is something to consider in it. 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:19.980 In our own lives, 00:10:20.040 --> 00:10:20.960 in our own ministries, 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:22.360 and walks with the Lord. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:27.000 I won't make assumptions about bank accounts, 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:28.180 about education, 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:29.120 and qualifications, 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:30.200 and home situations, 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:31.980 and the things that we have access to. 00:10:32.740 --> 00:10:35.259 What God asks of us, 00:10:35.300 --> 00:10:36.680 is between us and him. 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:39.439 However, 00:10:40.039 --> 00:10:42.979 in comparison to millions of people around the world, 00:10:43.319 --> 00:10:45.399 we have so much in the world, 00:10:45.839 --> 00:10:47.539 in the way of worldly wealth. 00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:49.179 Swish Goswami, 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:50.739 a Canadian entrepreneur, 00:10:50.979 --> 00:10:51.219 says, 00:10:51.559 --> 00:10:53.000 if you have food in your fridge, 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:54.239 clothes on your body, 00:10:54.339 --> 00:10:55.639 and a roof over your head, 00:10:56.019 --> 00:10:57.000 a place to sleep, 00:10:57.120 --> 00:11:00.319 you're richer than 75% of the entire world. 00:11:01.099 --> 00:11:02.759 If you have money in your wallet, 00:11:03.179 --> 00:11:04.659 and can go anywhere you want, 00:11:04.659 --> 00:11:08.199 you're among 18% of the world's most wealthy people. 00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:10.899 If you're alive and healthy, 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:12.939 you're more blessed than millions of people, 00:11:13.019 --> 00:11:14.480 who will not survive this week. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:17.959 And if you actually can read this message, 00:11:18.059 --> 00:11:18.919 and understand it, 00:11:18.980 --> 00:11:22.000 you're more fortunate than 3 billion people around the world, 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:23.919 who are blind, deaf, or illiterate. 00:11:24.419 --> 00:11:25.419 But he ends by saying, 00:11:25.559 --> 00:11:26.360 count your blessings, 00:11:27.199 --> 00:11:28.839 view your problems with perspective, 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:30.360 most importantly, 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:32.019 be grateful and happy. 00:11:32.019 --> 00:11:36.240 And that makes me think about what we define as wealth. 00:11:38.319 --> 00:11:40.620 Because we have so much stuff, don't we? 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:44.100 We strive for this worldly view of success, 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:45.960 and status, and riches, and significance. 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:48.759 But what is real, true wealth? 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:53.379 Is it money in our bank account? 00:11:54.319 --> 00:11:55.919 Or is it what God offers us? 00:11:58.419 --> 00:12:01.240 Because when the rich man is sad, 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:04.039 because he doesn't want to give up his wealth, 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:06.740 the riches that he'd stored up for himself, 00:12:06.860 --> 00:12:08.139 Jesus says it's easier 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:11.360 for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle 00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:15.000 than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:17.360 And it doesn't take a genius to know 00:12:17.360 --> 00:12:18.779 that it's impossible for a camel 00:12:18.779 --> 00:12:20.019 to go through the eye of a needle. 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:21.580 But I personally struggle 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:23.320 to even thread a needle sometimes. 00:12:25.220 --> 00:12:28.320 So Jesus' disciples were perhaps very reasonable 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:30.039 in asking Jesus, 00:12:30.460 --> 00:12:33.059 then who can enter the kingdom of heaven? 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:37.000 To whom is eternal life even accessible? 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:41.860 When I was reflecting on this 00:12:41.860 --> 00:12:43.539 in preparation for this morning, 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:45.860 I had this kind of picture come to mind. 00:12:46.100 --> 00:12:47.620 You know when you go to a train station, 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:48.539 you have to beep your ticket 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:50.320 so that you can go through those electric gates? 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.899 I had this picture of someone 00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:54.620 trying to go through the gates 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:57.100 with all their backpacks and their suitcases 00:12:57.100 --> 00:12:58.740 and their shopping bags and everything. 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:01.580 Except when you try and go through 00:13:01.580 --> 00:13:02.879 with much more than a backpack, 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:04.259 it's quite difficult. 00:13:04.259 --> 00:13:07.419 In fact, sometimes it can be impossible 00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:08.740 to go through with all your stuff. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:11.080 You can't manipulate your way 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:12.580 through one of those gates. 00:13:13.019 --> 00:13:14.679 Not even a first class ticket 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:16.279 would get you through one of those gates. 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:18.240 So you have to lay down your stuff. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.639 You need someone to come along 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:21.419 and help you with your stuff 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.860 so you can go through. 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:27.600 And Jesus is saying the same thing to the man 00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:30.720 trying to enter the kingdom of God. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:33.659 That if he's got all his stuff, 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:36.399 all his stored up wealth, 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:39.179 then no kind of special benefit 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:40.899 is going to be given to him 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:42.699 just because he kept some rules. 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:45.559 He needs to lay down his stuff 00:13:45.559 --> 00:13:48.519 in order to enter the pearly gates. 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:51.480 He needs to work out 00:13:51.480 --> 00:13:53.899 whether his riches on earth 00:13:53.899 --> 00:13:55.319 that he'd gained for himself 00:13:55.319 --> 00:13:57.500 now are more important 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:58.860 than the eternal riches 00:13:58.860 --> 00:14:00.860 of eternal life with God. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:06.940 Our sights should be set on Jesus 00:14:06.940 --> 00:14:08.600 and what he offers us 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:09.980 in the eternal life 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:11.680 with his eternal riches 00:14:11.680 --> 00:14:13.419 beyond anything 00:14:13.419 --> 00:14:15.620 that we could ever store up for ourselves. 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:19.720 Jesus, in his grace, 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:22.519 reminds us that what's impossible 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:24.440 for man and woman 00:14:24.440 --> 00:14:27.360 is made possible for us by God. 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:30.940 He has made a way for all of us. 00:14:31.700 --> 00:14:33.279 As Paul writes in Ephesians, 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.600 not by works, 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:36.580 but by grace through faith. 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:41.600 But there is this cost, 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.240 just as there was a cost 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:45.060 for those 12 disciples. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:48.779 We've heard about the disciples 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:49.779 who left their jobs, 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:50.379 their families, 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:51.899 their homes to follow Jesus 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:53.479 because they knew 00:14:53.479 --> 00:14:54.819 that life and faith 00:14:54.819 --> 00:14:56.679 wasn't just about following Jesus. 00:14:57.979 --> 00:15:01.219 It wasn't just about following rules, 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:03.519 just like Jesus has pointed out 00:15:03.519 --> 00:15:04.559 to the rich ruler. 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.179 Important though, 00:15:06.219 --> 00:15:07.039 those rules were. 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:08.339 Following Jesus 00:15:08.339 --> 00:15:11.359 is a whole life choice, 00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:13.119 a complete way of life. 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:14.600 It's not just about coming to church 00:15:14.600 --> 00:15:15.200 on a Sunday 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:16.860 or saying grace before a meal. 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:18.419 It's about being willing 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:20.220 to lay our lives down, 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:22.019 our whole lives, 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:22.639 for him, 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:24.000 for his kingdom. 00:15:25.080 --> 00:15:27.480 Being willing to leave behind comfort 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:28.519 and wealth 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.879 in order to follow him 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:31.879 and to go where he sends us 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:33.759 and do what he asks of us. 00:15:38.580 --> 00:15:39.659 As we've said, 00:15:39.840 --> 00:15:40.779 the rich ruler, 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:41.840 he was really sad 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:42.540 because he didn't want 00:15:42.540 --> 00:15:43.560 to give up his wealth. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:45.080 He didn't want to lose it. 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:47.040 But the sad thing is 00:15:47.040 --> 00:15:49.300 that the ruler's response 00:15:49.300 --> 00:15:50.800 was that Jesus was promising 00:15:50.800 --> 00:15:52.320 something even greater. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:56.740 An inheritance of real riches in heaven. 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:58.240 Endless joy, 00:15:58.580 --> 00:15:59.680 perfect peace, 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:02.200 eternal presence of the Father. 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:04.660 An end to suffering and shame. 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:07.700 A world without grief and sadness. 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:10.220 The ruler didn't want to give up 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:11.060 what he had now 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:12.400 for the sake of God 00:16:12.400 --> 00:16:14.540 or even for the sake 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:16.200 of what he could gain through God. 00:16:17.640 --> 00:16:19.460 And I wonder if sometimes 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:21.340 we can relate to that. 00:16:22.060 --> 00:16:23.259 Do we live in this world 00:16:23.259 --> 00:16:24.820 of instant gratification 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:26.700 where we skip a song 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:28.200 five seconds in on Spotify 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:29.840 if it hasn't grabbed our attention? 00:16:30.900 --> 00:16:33.040 Or we're ordering next day delivery 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:35.039 on the expense 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:36.779 of somebody else's Sabbath. 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:38.779 And I'll put my hand up 00:16:38.779 --> 00:16:39.980 and say that I am rubbish. 00:16:40.079 --> 00:16:40.839 When I decide 00:16:40.839 --> 00:16:42.120 that I want something, 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.439 I struggle to wait 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:45.299 and buy it 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:46.679 and I want it now. 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:50.019 But I remember this study 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.679 that we did 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:52.579 in my psychology degree 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:54.259 where children were given 00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:55.039 a marshmallow. 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:58.559 And they all knew the rules, 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.579 they all understood the rules 00:16:59.579 --> 00:17:00.379 that they could eat 00:17:00.379 --> 00:17:01.179 the marshmallow now 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:02.099 but if they waited, 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:03.399 they could get 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:04.759 two marshmallows later. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:09.379 Despite knowing the rules, 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:10.720 mostly all of them 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:12.379 ate the marshmallow straight away 00:17:12.379 --> 00:17:14.000 because they couldn't see 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:15.460 that the delayed gratification 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.720 was far greater 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:18.619 than the instant gratification. 00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:22.500 And we live in a world 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:23.779 where despite the consequences, 00:17:23.919 --> 00:17:25.179 so often don't we just want 00:17:25.179 --> 00:17:26.500 that marshmallow right now? 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:28.460 We want the riches, 00:17:28.619 --> 00:17:29.179 the blessings, 00:17:29.379 --> 00:17:30.339 the good stuff now 00:17:30.339 --> 00:17:32.139 but what if we were willing 00:17:32.139 --> 00:17:33.039 to wait, 00:17:34.139 --> 00:17:35.599 surrender everything 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:37.419 because he asks us to? 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:38.939 What if we trusted 00:17:38.939 --> 00:17:41.240 that the great stuff, 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:42.539 the real stuff, 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.740 is to come 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.819 even if it means 00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:46.439 laying down something now? 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:49.679 Even if it means 00:17:49.679 --> 00:17:51.359 living slightly less comfortably? 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:53.379 Trusting that God 00:17:53.379 --> 00:17:54.000 has something 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:56.079 far better for us 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.119 than we could possibly 00:17:57.119 --> 00:17:59.019 create or store up 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.839 for ourselves. 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:02.700 And this is the way 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:03.559 of life that Jesus 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:05.139 is inviting us into. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.779 To live by 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:08.019 his kingdom principles. 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.420 He's inviting us 00:18:09.420 --> 00:18:10.460 to give it up, 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.859 to lay it down 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:13.119 so that he can show us 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:14.079 the real deal. 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:18.879 And as well as living 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:19.639 in this way 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:20.920 of instant gratification, 00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:22.700 our culture tells us 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:24.019 that we need to be 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:24.940 significant, 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.559 that making a name 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.220 for ourselves 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:28.460 by being seen 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:29.200 and acknowledged 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:29.940 for what we do 00:18:29.940 --> 00:18:31.700 is of utmost importance. 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:32.759 But it's not. 00:18:34.139 --> 00:18:34.859 See, our actions 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:36.679 won't always be recognized 00:18:36.679 --> 00:18:37.759 in this world. 00:18:38.279 --> 00:18:39.000 Our choices 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.480 and our sacrifices 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:41.619 very often 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:43.119 won't be seen 00:18:43.119 --> 00:18:44.359 for what they are 00:18:44.359 --> 00:18:45.259 by other people. 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:48.460 See, 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.940 those three disciples, 00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:51.720 James, 00:18:51.919 --> 00:18:52.279 Simon, 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.019 and Judas, 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:55.319 they were listed 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:56.019 at the beginning 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:56.920 of the gospel 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:58.000 under Jesus' 00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:58.940 twelve disciples 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.000 but we don't really 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:01.200 hear of them again. 00:19:02.139 --> 00:19:02.879 We don't read 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.799 their names as often 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:04.879 as some of the others. 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.399 But they were willing 00:19:07.399 --> 00:19:07.879 to give up 00:19:07.879 --> 00:19:08.599 everything 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:09.960 they had. 00:19:11.099 --> 00:19:11.500 Family, 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:13.500 comfortable lifestyles, 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:14.119 work, 00:19:14.379 --> 00:19:15.099 reputation. 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:18.219 all of it 00:19:18.219 --> 00:19:19.019 so that they could 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:19.759 follow Jesus' 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:20.480 call. 00:19:22.219 --> 00:19:23.379 Because that call 00:19:23.379 --> 00:19:24.399 to come and follow 00:19:24.399 --> 00:19:25.500 him was so 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.399 compelling. 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:28.659 Because that they 00:19:28.659 --> 00:19:29.639 could see the way 00:19:29.639 --> 00:19:30.099 of life 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:31.000 of Jesus, 00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:32.839 following him 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:33.839 was just too good 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.579 to be missed. 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:38.000 I wonder if you know, 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:38.879 I recently learned 00:19:38.879 --> 00:19:39.059 this, 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:40.439 that all the twelve 00:19:40.439 --> 00:19:41.119 disciples, 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:42.000 except for one, 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:42.819 were martyred. 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:44.500 all of them 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.259 killed for their 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:45.700 faith. 00:19:46.879 --> 00:19:47.519 All but one. 00:19:47.619 --> 00:19:48.059 So John, 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:49.559 who wasn't killed 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.059 for his faith, 00:19:50.119 --> 00:19:51.299 actually survived 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:51.899 an attempt 00:19:51.899 --> 00:19:53.019 and then he was 00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:54.159 exiled to Ephesus 00:19:54.159 --> 00:19:55.819 where he wrote 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.399 Revelation. 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:59.059 But that means 00:19:59.059 --> 00:19:59.960 that even our 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.779 other three 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:02.179 today were martyred. 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.299 They were willing 00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:05.379 to die for Jesus, 00:20:05.619 --> 00:20:06.419 clubbed to death, 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:07.659 sawn in half, 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:09.039 thrown off a temple 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:10.220 and then stoned 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:10.759 to death. 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.659 But they gave up 00:20:12.660 --> 00:20:14.660 everything they had, 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:15.600 including their 00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:16.240 very lives 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.860 for the sake 00:20:16.860 --> 00:20:18.080 of the kingdom. 00:20:18.540 --> 00:20:19.300 Even though 00:20:19.300 --> 00:20:19.800 their names 00:20:19.800 --> 00:20:20.960 aren't well recorded 00:20:20.960 --> 00:20:22.019 amongst the others. 00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:23.940 Even though 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.580 they weren't so 00:20:24.580 --> 00:20:25.759 recognized as others. 00:20:26.320 --> 00:20:26.800 Even though 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.840 we don't really 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:28.620 remember what 00:20:28.620 --> 00:20:29.240 they did 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:30.240 as well as 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:30.800 the others. 00:20:31.580 --> 00:20:32.540 Because it's not 00:20:32.540 --> 00:20:33.180 about what other 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.000 people think. 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.360 It's not about 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:36.200 gathering up 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:37.540 riches and success 00:20:37.540 --> 00:20:38.300 and significance 00:20:38.300 --> 00:20:39.180 for ourselves. 00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:39.340 themselves. 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:42.500 And so I guess 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.180 we land with 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:43.700 a couple of 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.279 questions. 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.440 Even if people 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.380 don't get it, 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:51.660 don't recognize it, 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:52.880 don't thank us 00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:53.460 for it, 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:54.980 are we willing 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.400 to give it all 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.140 over to Jesus 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:57.759 anyway? 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:00.820 Are we willing 00:21:00.820 --> 00:21:01.440 to give up 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.180 everything 00:21:02.180 --> 00:21:03.980 to follow Jesus, 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:05.320 even if it means 00:21:05.320 --> 00:21:06.140 being criticized 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:08.420 or being unpopular 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:10.940 or leaving behind 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:12.500 our kushti lifestyles? 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.440 It's easier 00:21:18.440 --> 00:21:19.180 for a camel 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:19.940 to pass through 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:21.080 the eye of a needle 00:21:21.080 --> 00:21:23.120 than for a rich person 00:21:23.120 --> 00:21:24.160 to enter the kingdom 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:24.880 of heaven. 00:21:26.020 --> 00:21:27.180 So are we 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:27.800 ready 00:21:27.800 --> 00:21:28.520 and willing 00:21:28.520 --> 00:21:29.580 to give up 00:21:29.580 --> 00:21:31.280 a life? 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:32.960 Are we ready 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:33.360 and willing 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:34.540 to live a life 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:35.680 of surrender 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.359 and obedience 00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:37.059 to God 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:38.720 so that we 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.839 can serve him 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:40.399 fully, 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.259 body, 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:42.420 mind and spirit 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.779 in obedience 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:45.559 here on earth 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.819 until we receive 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:47.519 the fullness 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.339 of his wonderful 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.960 glorious riches 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:53.359 in the eternal life? 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:57.000 Shall we pray? 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:57.099 Amen. 00:21:57.099 --> 00:22:02.519 Thank you Lord 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.059 that you have 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.199 so much 00:22:04.199 --> 00:22:05.179 more for us 00:22:05.179 --> 00:22:05.619 than we could 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.259 possibly 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:08.019 ask or imagine. 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:11.039 Thank you 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:11.819 that you invite 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.459 us to your 00:22:12.459 --> 00:22:12.980 radical 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:14.819 way of living 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:16.439 in this world 00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:17.819 of instant 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:18.599 gratification, 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:19.500 of searching 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:20.319 for significance, 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.399 of storing up 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:22.740 wealth for ourselves. 00:22:23.439 --> 00:22:24.319 Would you teach 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:25.500 us to lay 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.159 down that 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:27.259 urge for fame 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:28.019 and fortune 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:29.860 in order 00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:30.720 to build 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.700 with you 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:32.779 your kingdom 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:33.820 on earth 00:22:33.820 --> 00:22:34.779 as it is 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.460 in heaven? 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.040 Would you 00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:39.680 teach us 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.180 to live 00:22:40.180 --> 00:22:40.680 a life 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:41.380 of surrender 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:43.720 not for our 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.100 glory 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:45.360 but for yours? 00:22:47.360 --> 00:22:48.000 Amen.