WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.120 Now, if you can turn with me in your Bibles to Matthew chapter 25, which if you're using 00:00:14.120 --> 00:00:24.160 a church Bible is on page 994, we're continuing to follow the Apostles' Creed, the ideas there. 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:31.760 So we have last week thought about Jesus ascending to take the throne of heaven, and now we're 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:37.539 thinking about this reality that from there He will come, the return of the King, He will 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:44.179 come to judge the living and the dead, something that Jesus taught about, and we find it here 00:00:44.179 --> 00:00:46.120 a lot in Matthew 24 and 25. 00:00:46.119 --> 00:00:55.559 So we're going to look at this central parable here, Matthew chapter 25 verse 14 to verse 00:00:55.559 --> 00:00:56.059 30. 00:00:56.059 --> 00:00:58.239 Let's again hear God's Word. 00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:05.079 Again, the kingdom of heaven will be like a man going on a journey who called his servants 00:01:05.079 --> 00:01:06.859 and entrusted his wealth to them. 00:01:07.460 --> 00:01:13.240 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according 00:01:13.240 --> 00:01:14.079 to his ability. 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:16.000 Then he went on his journey. 00:01:16.599 --> 00:01:21.439 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:22.680 gained five bags more. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:26.300 So also the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 00:01:26.980 --> 00:01:31.220 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his 00:01:31.220 --> 00:01:31.920 master's money. 00:01:32.940 --> 00:01:37.700 After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 00:01:38.180 --> 00:01:41.580 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 00:01:42.100 --> 00:01:45.020 Master, he said, you entrusted me with five bags of gold. 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:47.300 See, I have gained five more. 00:01:47.299 --> 00:01:52.259 His master replied, well done, good and faithful servant. 00:01:52.659 --> 00:01:54.819 You've been faithful with a few things. 00:01:55.319 --> 00:01:57.359 I will put you in charge of many things. 00:01:57.840 --> 00:02:00.060 Come and share your master's happiness. 00:02:00.819 --> 00:02:03.159 The man with two bags of gold also came. 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:06.420 Master, he said, you entrusted me with two bags of gold. 00:02:06.799 --> 00:02:08.800 See, I have gained two more. 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:13.340 His master replied, well done, good and faithful servant. 00:02:13.939 --> 00:02:15.919 You have been faithful with a few things. 00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:18.319 I will put you in charge of many things. 00:02:18.679 --> 00:02:21.000 Come and share your master's happiness. 00:02:21.959 --> 00:02:24.219 Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. 00:02:25.099 --> 00:02:29.599 Master, he said, I know that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:31.919 gathering where you have not scattered seed. 00:02:32.259 --> 00:02:35.679 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. 00:02:36.019 --> 00:02:38.239 See, here is what belongs to you. 00:02:38.879 --> 00:02:41.779 His master replied, you wicked, lazy servant. 00:02:41.780 --> 00:02:46.659 So you knew that I harvest what I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:52.879 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers so that when I returned, 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:55.000 I would have received it back with interest. 00:02:55.620 --> 00:02:59.580 So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has 10 bags. 00:03:00.020 --> 00:03:03.639 For whoever has will be given more and they will have an abundance. 00:03:03.639 --> 00:03:10.159 Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them and throw that worthless 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:16.839 servant outside into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 00:03:17.419 --> 00:03:17.799 Amen. 00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:25.520 So the question is sometimes asked, when will the world end and how will it happen? 00:03:26.480 --> 00:03:34.020 Often we encounter fear and anxiety about the future of our planet. 00:03:34.660 --> 00:03:39.120 There is an organization called the Global Challenges Foundation. 00:03:39.880 --> 00:03:43.920 It doesn't strike me as a particularly enjoyable place to work because it's their job to try and 00:03:43.919 --> 00:03:44.639 identify. 00:03:44.639 --> 00:03:50.539 Here are the main challenges facing humanity, facing the world. 00:03:50.899 --> 00:03:56.739 Here are what could bring the end of the world, according to some of these leading scientists. 00:03:56.739 --> 00:04:05.539 So they have identified this year the threat of nuclear war, pandemic, perhaps climate change, 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:13.000 ecological collapse, the fear of an expanding sun, a massive asteroid. 00:04:13.919 --> 00:04:23.300 Even artificial intelligence as the part of the top 10 list of challenges that could bring 00:04:23.300 --> 00:04:26.259 the destruction of our world. 00:04:27.539 --> 00:04:32.919 To read their reports, sometimes you get a sense that there is a hopelessness and a desperation. 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:37.240 And to read can even add to anxiety. 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:38.599 When will the world end? 00:04:38.680 --> 00:04:39.399 How will it happen? 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:47.439 The tone is so different from the biblical writers who know key truths. 00:04:48.279 --> 00:04:54.099 They know that King Jesus right now sits on the throne of heaven, that he is in control. 00:04:54.879 --> 00:05:00.439 That he will certainly return to wind up history on God's terms. 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:06.279 And when he comes, he will come to judge and destroy evil and death once and for all. 00:05:06.459 --> 00:05:10.139 And he will establish the kingdom of God on this earth. 00:05:10.279 --> 00:05:17.699 And to be equipped with this answer is to recognize as Christians, we have a source of hope and comfort 00:05:17.699 --> 00:05:20.139 for ourselves, but also for our world. 00:05:20.139 --> 00:05:27.539 It's interesting when you read Christian novelists and they take this theme, the theme of the returning king. 00:05:28.139 --> 00:05:31.060 Think about it if you've read C.S. Lewis or Tolkien. 00:05:31.740 --> 00:05:35.719 When the true king returns, darkness is pushed back. 00:05:36.339 --> 00:05:41.419 Peace and joy comes to the land when Aslan or Aragorn comes. 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:47.040 We have good answers as Christians to the questions that are being asked. 00:05:47.080 --> 00:05:49.699 And so it's important for us to recognize that. 00:05:50.220 --> 00:05:54.700 To think together about what is it that we believe and to think about why it matters. 00:05:56.280 --> 00:06:00.620 So the first thing that I want us to do before we dive into Matthew 25 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:05.160 is to just see the truth in a variety of different places. 00:06:05.259 --> 00:06:08.300 I want to begin with a statistic that fascinated me this week. 00:06:08.300 --> 00:06:11.980 I discovered, I didn't count, but I'm going to trust the scholar, 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:17.819 that there are over 300 references in the New Testament to the return of Christ. 00:06:18.280 --> 00:06:25.480 One in every 13 verses of the New Testament draws our attention to the certain return of the Lord Jesus. 00:06:26.519 --> 00:06:31.920 And that in itself is enough to say to us that this has always been a truth vital to our faith 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:33.460 and our hope and our love. 00:06:33.580 --> 00:06:38.120 True for the apostles, true for the early church, and it can be true for us as well. 00:06:38.300 --> 00:06:43.980 Let me just take us on a quick whistle-stop tour to see some examples. 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:45.259 We'll go to the end of the Bible. 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:46.600 We'll go to the book of Revelation. 00:06:46.740 --> 00:06:51.540 Think about the apostle John as he had that vision of the Lord Jesus 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:54.360 unveiling spiritual truths and things to come. 00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:57.920 Revelation 1-7, he states, 00:06:58.180 --> 00:07:00.400 Look, He is coming with the clouds, 00:07:00.920 --> 00:07:05.500 and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:11.060 So right at the beginning, we're introduced in this vision to the reality of the certain return of Jesus. 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:15.740 We get to the close, we get to Revelation 22, we get to verse 20. 00:07:16.459 --> 00:07:19.620 We have Jesus testifying to these things, saying, 00:07:19.779 --> 00:07:22.339 Yes, I am coming soon. 00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:27.100 And the response to the soon imminent return of Jesus is, 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:29.279 Amen, come, Lord Jesus. 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:30.579 What's the hope of John? 00:07:30.819 --> 00:07:33.419 What's the hope of the suffering church in the first century? 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:35.659 What's the hope of the church in every century? 00:07:36.479 --> 00:07:37.859 That the Lord Jesus will come. 00:07:38.779 --> 00:07:39.859 That's the book of Revelation. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:45.739 Think of another apostle, the apostle Peter, in his first letter. 00:07:46.500 --> 00:07:49.279 Chapter 1, verse 13, he writes this, 00:07:49.279 --> 00:08:05.319 Okay, so there's our focus as Christians, the return of Jesus Christ. 00:08:05.479 --> 00:08:06.619 And here's our reality. 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:12.119 We enjoy grace now, but there is more grace to come when Jesus Christ is revealed. 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:15.899 Let's go to the apostle Paul. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:19.079 Let's hear what he writes to the Philippians. 00:08:19.220 --> 00:08:21.800 Chapter 3, verse 20, he says, 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:28.959 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:35.919 the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, 00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:42.719 will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. 00:08:42.719 --> 00:08:49.299 So we have this eager anticipation for the return of Christ and the reality that when He comes, 00:08:49.879 --> 00:08:57.539 His people will enjoy transformed, glorified bodies for all eternity. 00:08:57.539 --> 00:09:04.719 So it's just a tiny sample to highlight that the church taught, believed, encouraged a focus upon 00:09:04.719 --> 00:09:12.360 a physical, visible return of the Lord Jesus, bringing final judgment and salvation. 00:09:13.279 --> 00:09:14.480 Why is that focus there? 00:09:15.219 --> 00:09:18.219 Because they're following the teaching of the Lord Jesus. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:25.459 We could go to lots of places in the Gospels, but we're going to settle in Matthew 24 and 25. 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:31.500 So if you have your Bible there at Matthew chapter 24, some of which we already read, 00:09:32.040 --> 00:09:34.180 but verse 30 we didn't read. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:37.800 Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:42.759 Then all the people of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:45.320 heaven with power and great glory. 00:09:45.720 --> 00:09:50.860 And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:53.620 winds from one end of the heavens to the other. 00:09:53.620 --> 00:09:55.659 So it's clear Jesus is going to come back. 00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:59.480 This is going to be terrible news for those who have rejected Jesus, 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:06.220 glorious hope-filled news for those who are going to be called by the angels to belong to His kingdom. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:09.480 Verse 36, we did read, 00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:17.060 About that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 00:10:17.139 --> 00:10:18.539 So we get that consistent note. 00:10:18.539 --> 00:10:22.980 The timing is uncertain, but the return is absolutely certain. 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:25.480 We don't know when, but we know He will. 00:10:26.500 --> 00:10:32.860 And because that's true, there is a certain spirit that should typify the Christian life. 00:10:33.219 --> 00:10:35.039 Verse 42 of chapter 24, 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:41.740 Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:42.719 Or verse 44, 00:10:42.719 --> 00:10:50.620 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. 00:10:51.559 --> 00:10:52.439 He is coming. 00:10:52.599 --> 00:10:53.419 We don't know when. 00:10:53.599 --> 00:10:57.159 So we must be watchful and ready. 00:10:57.159 --> 00:11:04.579 And then Jesus continues that theme in chapter 25 with three parables, 00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:08.139 each teaching the truth in story form. 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:10.980 And we're only going to look at the middle parable, 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:16.559 but we understand His key theme when He tells the parable of the wise and the foolish virgins. 00:11:16.980 --> 00:11:19.379 There in chapter 25, verse 13, 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:24.299 Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. 00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:26.419 In verse 21, 00:11:27.039 --> 00:11:27.939 How shall we live? 00:11:28.459 --> 00:11:31.719 Who is praised, well done, good and faithful. 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:32.500 Servant. 00:11:32.559 --> 00:11:33.620 We're to be watchful. 00:11:33.959 --> 00:11:35.219 We're to be faithful. 00:11:35.639 --> 00:11:38.159 And then the parable of the sheep and goats. 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:40.219 Verse 34, 00:11:40.819 --> 00:11:43.139 Those who receive their inheritance. 00:11:45.620 --> 00:11:46.919 The kingdom prepared. 00:11:48.439 --> 00:11:50.740 I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:53.039 I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. 00:11:53.039 --> 00:11:55.879 I was a stranger and you invited me in. 00:11:56.139 --> 00:11:58.319 I needed clothes and you clothed me. 00:11:58.899 --> 00:12:00.719 I was ill and you looked after me. 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:03.199 I was in prison and you came to visit me. 00:12:04.419 --> 00:12:09.399 We are to be watchful and faithful and engaged in loving service, 00:12:09.719 --> 00:12:15.419 knowing that Jesus will return one day at a time that we don't know, but the Father does. 00:12:17.219 --> 00:12:20.159 So we've just very quickly scanned over the New Testament teaching. 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:22.100 J.I. Packard asked the important question. 00:12:22.100 --> 00:12:27.019 Since the return of Christ is everywhere in the New Testament, 00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:33.600 and since it's presented as vital for the faith of a believer, 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:37.460 when it's presented as good news, 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:39.740 he asked the question, 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:42.500 why is it that the church has stopped talking about it 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:47.639 or stopped thinking about it as much as in past centuries? 00:12:47.639 --> 00:12:51.580 He suggested some potential reasons why. 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:55.679 Maybe it's a reaction to some of the unhelpful teaching, 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:57.759 perhaps unhelpful teaching that we've heard, 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:59.639 maybe that focused on trying to figure out, 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:01.600 when is Jesus coming back? 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:08.539 Maybe we grew up at a time when the Left Behind series was capturing attention. 00:13:09.199 --> 00:13:13.379 Maybe we remember people with sandwich boards claiming the end of the world is nigh, 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:21.480 and we can have a reaction to that with the extent that we lose sight of the truth that Jesus is returning. 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:26.580 And we're told that so often because it's supposed to give hope to us as his people. 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:32.240 Perhaps one of the challenges we face is skepticism. 00:13:33.040 --> 00:13:37.139 So many questions swirling around about the birth of Jesus, 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:39.980 about the resurrection of Jesus. 00:13:41.300 --> 00:13:45.120 Perhaps it follows that there are lots of questions about the return of Jesus, 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:48.580 maybe especially because it seems to be taking so long. 00:13:48.660 --> 00:13:50.139 That was true even in Peter's day. 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:57.360 Perhaps the challenge, maybe for us here as we live when we do, 00:13:58.139 --> 00:14:00.639 is it's very easy for us to be worldly minded. 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:03.199 We quite enjoy comfort. 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:05.539 We're enjoying the good life. 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:09.860 Maybe it's hard for us to imagine that life gets any better than this. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:14.379 In our comfort, we can lose a sense of urgency, 00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:19.120 of waiting for the return of Jesus and wanting to be commended by him. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:27.659 So one of the things that the New Testament writers do is they use that imagery of an athlete, 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:33.480 encouraging us to focus on our goal, to keep our eye on the prize. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:38.439 And the goal and the prize is the return of the Lord Jesus. 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:42.460 So Paul, we heard it in 1 Timothy 6, 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:46.299 he used the return of Christ as a motivation for our obedience. 00:14:46.299 --> 00:14:51.659 Keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:59.659 The author of Hebrews uses the return of Christ as a means for ongoing encouragement within God's people. 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:01.339 Hebrews 10, 25, 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:04.000 Not giving up the habit of meeting together, 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:06.159 as some are in the habit of doing, 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:08.199 but encouraging one another, 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:20.080 All that to say we need Christ's return within our good news. 00:15:20.300 --> 00:15:25.300 The gospel that we share includes the return of the King. 00:15:25.560 --> 00:15:27.759 Because when the true King returns, 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:34.520 Satan and sin and death and evil and darkness are defeated once and for all. 00:15:34.519 --> 00:15:38.639 That the new heavens and the new earth are established. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:41.960 That God and his people dwell together forever. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:46.059 We will be made like Jesus and we will see him face to face. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.579 That's our hope. 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:50.079 That's the future for the people of God. 00:15:50.199 --> 00:15:51.740 That's our good news. 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:55.340 So having stated that truth, 00:15:55.899 --> 00:16:01.740 let's look at this story that Jesus tells in Matthew chapter 25. 00:16:01.740 --> 00:16:06.480 Just to very quickly put this parable into context. 00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:10.659 Hopefully we've already seen this as part of Jesus' extended teaching 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:15.100 about his departure and about his return. 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:17.840 And then immediately following this, 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:19.779 we come to chapter 26 and 27. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:26.580 We have the Lord's Supper followed by Jesus' arrest and trial and execution. 00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:29.379 And so Jesus is helping us to see, 00:16:29.379 --> 00:16:34.139 Matthew is helping us to see that Jesus the King is shortly going to depart, 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:36.600 as he prophesied and predicted. 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.960 And we are invited to trust him, 00:16:39.439 --> 00:16:40.639 that he will return, 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:43.299 as he prophesied and predicted. 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:45.580 That we would keep alert, 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:47.399 that we'd be wise and not foolish. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:50.320 That we would keep loving Jesus and his church 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:53.340 like the sheep and not the goats of that other parable. 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:54.360 And then in the middle, 00:16:54.560 --> 00:16:55.740 we have this parable, 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:57.960 sometimes called the parable of the talents. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:16:59.560 Here in this translation, 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:02.120 it's the parable of the bags of gold. 00:17:02.660 --> 00:17:04.019 And in this story, 00:17:04.440 --> 00:17:07.380 there is enough for us to see essential truths 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:10.440 and the significance of the return of Jesus the King. 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:15.299 Just to follow the story quickly, 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:17.099 verses 14 and 15. 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:24.919 We begin with a master who is distributing wealth to his servants. 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:26.299 The kingdom of God, 00:17:26.659 --> 00:17:29.519 the kingdom of heaven is like a master who is leaving. 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:31.799 And he calls his servants, 00:17:32.359 --> 00:17:35.099 and he gives out wealth for them to use, 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:38.099 that wealth for them to improve upon. 00:17:38.419 --> 00:17:40.119 They're given a vast sum. 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:44.919 Each bag of gold is the equivalent to 20 years' salary. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:48.900 This master is free to give as he sees fit. 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:52.220 He gives according to abilities. 00:17:53.080 --> 00:17:54.519 And it's really interesting to think 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:57.180 that Jesus is telling this parable shortly 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.640 before he will return to heaven. 00:17:59.100 --> 00:18:00.560 And we're being reminded here 00:18:00.560 --> 00:18:03.140 that the church is to continue his work, 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.840 and he's going to give his spirit, 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:06.240 he's going to give spiritual gifts. 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:08.060 So there's that distribution that happens. 00:18:08.060 --> 00:18:10.300 And then in verse 16 to 18, 00:18:10.840 --> 00:18:14.120 we see the action of the servants. 00:18:14.119 --> 00:18:16.779 There's really two different kinds of servants, 00:18:16.979 --> 00:18:17.579 aren't there? 00:18:18.459 --> 00:18:20.279 There are the first two, 00:18:20.619 --> 00:18:22.039 the one who receives five bags 00:18:22.039 --> 00:18:23.339 and the one who receives two bags, 00:18:23.479 --> 00:18:24.519 and they are active. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.679 We see them obedient. 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:30.399 We understand that they feel their weight of responsibility. 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:33.739 They're working hard when the master is absent, 00:18:33.959 --> 00:18:35.599 and their wealth grows. 00:18:35.779 --> 00:18:37.559 The wealth of the master grows. 00:18:37.559 --> 00:18:43.720 But we then have that third servant receive one bag of gold. 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:46.539 He's both unwilling to work, 00:18:47.379 --> 00:18:50.759 and he's unwilling to risk losing what he's been given. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:55.680 So he digs a hole and sticks it in the ground. 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:57.680 Maybe in past generations, 00:18:57.680 --> 00:19:00.400 we can think of people keeping their savings under the mattress, 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:03.839 keeping it in a big jar somewhere in their home. 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:07.980 Well, after a long time, 00:19:08.339 --> 00:19:09.200 verse 19, 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:12.019 that return of the unknown, 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:14.660 the timing of Christ's return is there. 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:16.180 There is the return, 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:18.460 and there is the reckoning, 00:19:19.040 --> 00:19:21.860 because the master of those servants returned 00:19:21.860 --> 00:19:24.700 and settled accounts with them. 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:26.019 Now, two servants, 00:19:26.580 --> 00:19:27.600 they are commended. 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.820 Why are they commended? 00:19:30.759 --> 00:19:31.620 Verse 21, 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:34.840 well done, good and faithful servant. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:37.940 You have been faithful. 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:40.480 The outcome for this servant, 00:19:40.840 --> 00:19:42.440 faithful with a few things, 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:45.680 given greater responsibility, 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:51.920 and invited to enter into great joy, 00:19:52.320 --> 00:19:54.840 to enter into the master's happiness. 00:19:56.620 --> 00:20:00.180 Perhaps we're reminded of Jesus' words in John 15, 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:04.259 when he says he's come to make our joy complete. 00:20:04.600 --> 00:20:07.440 So two servants are commended because they're faithful, 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:10.640 one servant is condemned. 00:20:11.940 --> 00:20:12.460 Why? 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:14.480 Verse 24, 00:20:15.620 --> 00:20:18.480 because the servant has a negative view of his master. 00:20:18.660 --> 00:20:19.960 I knew that you're a hard man, 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:22.039 harvesting where you've not sown, 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:24.340 and gathering where you've not scattered seed. 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.640 Takes a harsh view, 00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:29.700 thinks his master is someone who exploits others, 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:31.500 so he will neither work for him, 00:20:31.580 --> 00:20:35.900 nor consider him worth taking risks for. 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:43.840 It shows that this servant fails to see the duty he owes to his master. 00:20:45.080 --> 00:20:46.820 He's been given a responsibility, 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:47.940 he's been given a task, 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:48.980 therefore he has a duty, 00:20:49.080 --> 00:20:50.279 but he's failed to fulfill. 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:56.240 He fails to understand the real heart of his master. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:21:00.059 A master who we've just seen is generous, 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.920 and is joyful, 00:21:02.319 --> 00:21:05.180 and gives an invitation into joy. 00:21:06.399 --> 00:21:07.279 Perhaps in our minds, 00:21:07.359 --> 00:21:09.039 we might think of the elder brother 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:11.119 in the famous prodigal son story. 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:14.199 I've been slaving for my father. 00:21:15.199 --> 00:21:16.859 You haven't given me anything. 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:22.739 He strikes us as someone who is lukewarm, 00:21:24.399 --> 00:21:26.139 don't care enough to serve, 00:21:26.739 --> 00:21:31.559 don't care enough to outright reject his master. 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:35.240 And what happens is that he is condemned and judged 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:39.659 by his words and his actions. 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:43.159 He failed to serve. 00:21:45.319 --> 00:21:46.799 His money is taken. 00:21:47.179 --> 00:21:48.740 Take the bag of gold from him 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:50.159 and give it to the one who has ten. 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.960 And when that money is taken, 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:55.679 the master-servant relationship is now severed. 00:21:55.680 --> 00:22:01.440 This failure to be faithful is serious, 00:22:01.560 --> 00:22:04.600 especially as we're reminded at the end 00:22:04.600 --> 00:22:06.920 that this isn't a morality tale, 00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:10.299 that servants should work hard and be diligent 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:12.320 and respect their masters 00:22:12.320 --> 00:22:14.299 because they don't know when he's going to come back. 00:22:15.320 --> 00:22:17.060 But in verse 30, we're reminded 00:22:17.060 --> 00:22:19.120 this is a kingdom parable. 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:21.060 Verse 30, 00:22:21.060 --> 00:22:24.140 throw that worthless servant outside 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:26.080 into the darkness 00:22:26.080 --> 00:22:28.780 where there will be weeping 00:22:28.780 --> 00:22:31.620 and gnashing of teeth. 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:34.420 This is about eternity. 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:39.460 There is heaven and there is hell. 00:22:39.840 --> 00:22:42.020 There is joy and there is despair 00:22:42.020 --> 00:22:44.180 within this parable. 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:46.160 And so there are valuable lessons 00:22:46.160 --> 00:22:48.460 as we apply it 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:51.820 to the truth of the return of King Jesus. 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:55.059 First to recognize that Jesus 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:58.019 has entrusted his church with gold. 00:23:00.159 --> 00:23:01.519 We have the gospel. 00:23:02.859 --> 00:23:03.919 Jesus has left. 00:23:05.159 --> 00:23:06.879 But he's left the apostles, 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:08.179 he's left the church 00:23:08.179 --> 00:23:09.960 with that precious truth. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:13.559 The way to salvation, 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:14.720 the way of life, 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:15.899 the way back to God 00:23:15.899 --> 00:23:17.200 through faith in Jesus. 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:19.220 We have the gospel. 00:23:19.399 --> 00:23:20.559 We've got the gold. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:24.579 The story also reminds us, 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:25.000 doesn't it, 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:26.759 that hearing the message 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:28.019 of Jesus the King, 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:29.619 hearing about his kingdom, 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:31.119 is both a privilege 00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:33.139 and a responsibility. 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.259 This parable, 00:23:35.379 --> 00:23:36.099 like so many others, 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:38.799 calls us to a life of faithfulness 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:40.659 and calls us to a life 00:23:40.659 --> 00:23:42.399 of active obedience. 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:44.059 It calls for a response. 00:23:44.179 --> 00:23:46.379 It calls for a positive response 00:23:46.380 --> 00:23:48.820 to Jesus the King. 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:52.900 This parable reminds us 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:54.300 that followers of Jesus, 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:56.060 we must be using 00:23:56.060 --> 00:23:57.040 what we've been given, 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.780 using the gospel message. 00:24:00.060 --> 00:24:02.240 How do we use the gospel message 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.720 within the context, 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.160 even of our church? 00:24:06.540 --> 00:24:08.020 We use the gospel, 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:09.740 the good news of what God 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.160 has done for us in Jesus, 00:24:11.320 --> 00:24:12.840 the good news of who our God is, 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:14.419 to encourage one another. 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:19.480 We share the truth of God's word 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:21.159 to equip one another 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:22.959 so that we might persevere 00:24:22.959 --> 00:24:23.699 in obedience. 00:24:25.459 --> 00:24:27.000 We use the gospel 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:28.179 so we can evangelize, 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.859 so we can share our faith 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:30.959 with others, 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:32.480 that they too might live 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.699 with a certain hope 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:35.259 and promise 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:36.700 and anticipation 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:38.819 about the return of Jesus. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:43.840 Because this parable reminds us 00:24:43.840 --> 00:24:46.059 that Jesus is returning 00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:47.940 to bring a final judgment. 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.100 The Bible, 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:53.519 Jesus himself will make clear 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.360 that as Christians, 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:55.319 we will be judged 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:57.460 on our faithfulness in service. 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:01.380 Non-Christians 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:02.800 will be judged 00:25:02.800 --> 00:25:04.420 on the rejection 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:05.200 of Jesus 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:07.320 as King and Master. 00:25:08.300 --> 00:25:09.260 All of us 00:25:09.260 --> 00:25:11.200 will know judgment. 00:25:13.280 --> 00:25:14.980 But we have promise here 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.760 in this parable, 00:25:15.860 --> 00:25:16.160 don't we, 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:17.640 that Jesus' return 00:25:17.640 --> 00:25:20.660 will bring eternal reward 00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:22.380 for his people. 00:25:23.020 --> 00:25:25.260 Those who have faith in him, 00:25:25.780 --> 00:25:26.980 those who are faithful 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:28.460 to him. 00:25:28.460 --> 00:25:31.860 that we too have this promise 00:25:31.860 --> 00:25:33.460 that we will share 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:35.759 our master's happiness. 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:39.319 That heaven is a world 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:40.319 of perfect love 00:25:40.319 --> 00:25:41.799 and perfect joy. 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:42.920 The new heavens 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.980 and the new earth 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.740 will be joy 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:46.600 that lasts forever. 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:48.180 That God's people 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:49.059 will share that 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:50.200 in the presence of God 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:51.700 with our Savior, 00:25:51.860 --> 00:25:52.579 the Lord Jesus, 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:54.539 that is real joy. 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:56.539 And for disciples 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:58.379 then and now, 00:26:00.339 --> 00:26:01.279 knowing about 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.279 the return of the King, 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:04.139 knowing about the judgment 00:26:04.139 --> 00:26:05.480 and knowing about the joy 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:07.259 was intended 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:08.319 as a perspective 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.279 to fuel 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:10.519 obedience, 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:12.879 to help us 00:26:12.879 --> 00:26:14.480 to persevere. 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:16.319 When life is full 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.980 of challenge 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:17.920 and struggle, 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:18.680 when we feel 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:20.139 tired and weary 00:26:20.139 --> 00:26:21.079 on the walk of faith, 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:22.240 here is something 00:26:22.240 --> 00:26:23.799 to lift our eyes 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.319 up to 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:25.259 and to focus 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:26.839 our gaze on 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:28.339 as we keep 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.460 that goal 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:30.900 and Jesus' glory 00:26:30.900 --> 00:26:31.819 in view. 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.779 So let me suggest 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:38.620 as we close 00:26:38.620 --> 00:26:40.839 how this might be 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.440 significant 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:42.920 for us 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.960 this week. 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:46.339 It's not just 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:47.539 the Global Challenges 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.059 Foundation 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:49.200 that recognizes 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:49.720 the world 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:50.980 is an uncertain place. 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:52.240 We recognize 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:52.539 that. 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:53.039 We live 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:54.240 with uncertainty 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:55.279 all the time 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:56.319 in the world, 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:57.000 in our nation, 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:59.460 with our own lives. 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:02.099 What will tomorrow bring? 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:04.640 What will our future hold? 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:06.559 These are real questions, 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.700 real challenges, 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:09.519 but here is certain truth 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.220 to comfort 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:12.000 and sustain us 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.759 and 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:15.720 here is a better story, 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.500 here is a truer story 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:19.180 about how the world 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:20.319 will come to an end 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:21.839 to share with others 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:23.299 that they might share 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:24.200 our hope 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:24.880 and our joy. 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:28.299 Because there are realities 00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:29.440 here that we need 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:31.059 in our life. 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:32.000 The first reality, 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:32.359 I think, 00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:33.240 that we need 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.720 and we get 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.900 from this teaching 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.700 and from this parable 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.960 is the idea 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:38.000 of purpose. 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.440 Our lives need, 00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:40.819 don't they, 00:27:40.900 --> 00:27:42.319 a sense of purpose. 00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:43.579 What am I here for? 00:27:43.660 --> 00:27:44.839 What am I going to do 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:45.420 today? 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:47.759 Well, 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:48.920 every day 00:27:48.920 --> 00:27:50.500 for the Christian 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.600 becomes an opportunity 00:27:51.600 --> 00:27:53.519 to serve Jesus, 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.340 our King, 00:27:55.120 --> 00:27:57.300 wherever we find ourselves. 00:27:58.920 --> 00:27:59.920 Every day 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:01.160 becomes an opportunity 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.960 for us 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:03.539 to use our gifts 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:05.220 for the sake 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.380 of others. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.100 Whether that's publicly, 00:28:09.340 --> 00:28:10.380 whether that's privately, 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.240 in our family, 00:28:11.360 --> 00:28:12.019 in our workplace, 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:12.940 in our school, 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.140 here is an opportunity 00:28:15.140 --> 00:28:16.280 for us to know 00:28:16.280 --> 00:28:18.520 that everything matters. 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.940 Everything that we do 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.759 matters. 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:24.220 Because Jesus will return 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:26.540 and He will reward 00:28:26.540 --> 00:28:28.120 faithfulness. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.759 So, 00:28:28.840 --> 00:28:30.060 the return of the King 00:28:30.060 --> 00:28:30.720 one day 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:32.300 motivates obedience 00:28:32.300 --> 00:28:33.160 in this day 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:34.680 and the next day. 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:36.540 Verse 21, 00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:38.080 His master replied, 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:38.679 well done, 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:40.759 good and faithful servant. 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:42.579 You have been faithful 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:44.019 with a few things. 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:45.720 I will put you in charge 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:47.199 of many things. 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.500 Come and share 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.819 your master's happiness. 00:28:50.679 --> 00:28:51.699 The return of the King 00:28:51.699 --> 00:28:52.439 gives us purpose 00:28:52.439 --> 00:28:53.279 for every day. 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:54.980 The return of the King 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:56.199 also gives us hope 00:28:56.199 --> 00:28:57.980 for every day. 00:28:58.379 --> 00:28:59.859 In a world marked 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:01.240 by pessimism 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.839 or cynicism 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:04.000 or the fear 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.539 that the world 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:05.159 is spinning 00:29:05.159 --> 00:29:06.319 out of control, 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:07.899 God's word 00:29:07.899 --> 00:29:09.740 plainly says, 00:29:10.220 --> 00:29:11.480 it's not going to be 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.359 disaster 00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:13.819 or disease 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:15.099 or the decision 00:29:15.099 --> 00:29:16.099 of a dictator 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:17.039 that's going to bring 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:18.339 world's end. 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:20.099 Our times 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:21.759 are in God's hands. 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:24.779 It's a supernatural event 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.519 that will mark 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:26.759 the end of history. 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:27.940 It's the return 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:29.299 of Christ 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:31.200 in His glory 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:32.900 that will wind up 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:33.480 history 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.500 and usher 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:35.059 in 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:37.339 the new heavens 00:29:37.339 --> 00:29:38.259 and the new earth. 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:41.460 After a long time, 00:29:41.579 --> 00:29:42.559 verse 19 says, 00:29:42.640 --> 00:29:43.180 the master 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:44.079 of those servants 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:44.779 returned 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:46.420 and settled 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:47.539 accounts with them. 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:49.839 Jesus will return. 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.660 Could be today, 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:52.279 could be in a thousand years. 00:29:52.579 --> 00:29:54.099 But the certain return 00:29:54.099 --> 00:29:55.319 of Christ 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.119 who settle 00:29:56.119 --> 00:29:56.819 accounts 00:29:56.819 --> 00:30:00.279 to do all things well, 00:30:01.959 --> 00:30:02.559 I should shape 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:02.979 how we look 00:30:02.979 --> 00:30:03.459 at the world. 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:04.059 It should shape 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.699 how we read 00:30:04.699 --> 00:30:06.459 our newspaper headlines 00:30:06.459 --> 00:30:07.759 or how we approach 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:09.399 challenging circumstances. 00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:12.199 It can help us 00:30:12.199 --> 00:30:12.619 to pray 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:13.579 for opportunities 00:30:13.579 --> 00:30:14.439 to sound 00:30:14.439 --> 00:30:15.719 a different note 00:30:15.719 --> 00:30:16.479 when we're 00:30:16.479 --> 00:30:17.759 in those conversations 00:30:17.759 --> 00:30:18.439 that seem 00:30:18.439 --> 00:30:20.219 so fearful 00:30:20.219 --> 00:30:22.019 and despairing 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.879 because we have hope 00:30:22.879 --> 00:30:23.919 because the King 00:30:23.919 --> 00:30:24.379 is coming. 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:27.859 And the last significance 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:29.199 for us to think about 00:30:29.199 --> 00:30:30.379 is that we're 00:30:30.379 --> 00:30:31.479 offered joy here. 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:33.979 When everybody 00:30:33.979 --> 00:30:34.859 on this planet 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:35.500 is seeking 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:37.539 their own happiness, 00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.639 we have the biggest, 00:30:39.859 --> 00:30:40.059 best, 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:40.879 and most enduring 00:30:40.879 --> 00:30:41.899 happiness and joy 00:30:41.899 --> 00:30:43.519 of all. 00:30:43.519 --> 00:30:45.759 Jesus, 00:30:46.059 --> 00:30:46.740 our King 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.839 and our Master 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:49.500 invites us today 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:51.139 into real 00:30:51.139 --> 00:30:52.720 and living joy, 00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:53.319 the joy 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:54.460 of knowing life 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.000 with God 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:55.779 through faith 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:56.480 in Him. 00:30:57.220 --> 00:30:58.299 And King Jesus 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:58.839 promises 00:30:58.839 --> 00:31:00.359 eternal joy 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:01.460 in the glory 00:31:01.460 --> 00:31:02.079 of heaven, 00:31:02.359 --> 00:31:03.059 in the glory 00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:04.539 of the new creation. 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:05.539 He offers us 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.039 a joy 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.000 that can never 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:07.680 be lost, 00:31:07.839 --> 00:31:08.299 that can never 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:09.259 be taken away, 00:31:09.259 --> 00:31:10.259 that never 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:11.460 gets sold. 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:13.720 That's why 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.400 the apostles, 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.539 why the early church 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:16.859 focused so much 00:31:16.859 --> 00:31:18.359 on Christ's return. 00:31:19.660 --> 00:31:20.700 Life is hard, 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:23.019 suffering is real, 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:24.819 but take heart, 00:31:24.920 --> 00:31:25.599 your King 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:26.839 will come 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:28.259 to reward 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:28.960 His people 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:30.559 and to take them 00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:31.079 home 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:32.799 to be with Him 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:33.379 forever. 00:31:33.380 --> 00:31:35.580 So the return 00:31:35.580 --> 00:31:36.360 of the King, 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:37.620 that theme 00:31:37.620 --> 00:31:38.320 comes like 00:31:38.320 --> 00:31:40.240 light in the darkness 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:42.060 for the church. 00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:44.420 As we fix 00:31:44.420 --> 00:31:45.480 our eyes 00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:46.140 and our hope 00:31:46.140 --> 00:31:46.920 on that, 00:31:47.020 --> 00:31:47.740 we have comfort, 00:31:47.860 --> 00:31:48.520 we have purpose, 00:31:48.640 --> 00:31:49.440 we have joy. 00:31:53.760 --> 00:31:55.460 We'll give our last words 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:57.400 to Mr. Beaver, 00:31:58.280 --> 00:31:59.740 the Chronicles of Narnia, 00:31:59.820 --> 00:32:00.940 speaking of Aslan, 00:32:01.340 --> 00:32:02.760 the great Lion King, 00:32:02.759 --> 00:32:04.259 returning to Narnia. 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:06.379 Wrong will be right 00:32:06.379 --> 00:32:07.879 when Aslan 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:08.960 comes in sight. 00:32:09.819 --> 00:32:10.519 At the sound 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:11.559 of his roar, 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:13.480 sorrow will be 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.279 no more. 00:32:15.039 --> 00:32:15.619 When he 00:32:15.619 --> 00:32:17.059 bears his teeth, 00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:18.200 winter 00:32:18.200 --> 00:32:18.920 meets 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:19.879 its death. 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:21.519 And when 00:32:21.519 --> 00:32:22.319 he shakes 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:23.119 his mane, 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.099 we shall 00:32:25.099 --> 00:32:26.200 have spring 00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:27.779 again.