WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.400 The title of the talk today that I've given, a little bit different to the one that was on the screen, is Waiting, Watching, and Working for Jesus. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:15.939 Waiting, Watching, and Working for Jesus. 00:00:16.399 --> 00:00:21.859 The passage that John read to us, in some ways, is one that maybe takes us a little bit of time to fully get our heads around. 00:00:21.859 --> 00:00:28.859 Because actually there are three short stories woven together and told really quickly in this. 00:00:28.859 --> 00:00:33.659 And we're going to dive in in just a minute or two to each of those three short stories. 00:00:33.700 --> 00:00:39.619 But I want you to get a sense of the overall themes of what Jesus is actually communicating to us. 00:00:39.659 --> 00:00:48.079 If you do have your Bible, either in paper version or on phone, it'd be great if you could look with me to Luke chapter 12, verse 35 to 48. 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:51.460 Stick with me. Make sure that I'm not going off-piste at any point. 00:00:51.859 --> 00:00:55.719 Because it's God's word and it's God's voice that we need to hear today. 00:00:55.719 --> 00:01:01.519 As we open up his word and try and really think about what he has to say for us. 00:01:01.519 --> 00:01:09.060 So the first thing that jumps out for me as I look at this is two words that are repeated time and time and time again. 00:01:09.140 --> 00:01:12.239 And I'm using the newer version of the NIV here. 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:21.519 And I find in this passage that 11 times over, I hear the word or I read the word servants or service. 00:01:21.519 --> 00:01:24.319 Okay, let's just rattle through some of them. 00:01:24.379 --> 00:01:27.099 Verse 35, we have to be ready for service. 00:01:27.599 --> 00:01:31.560 We have to be like servants waiting for their master to return. 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:36.140 Verse 37, it'll be good for servants whose master finds them watching. 00:01:36.539 --> 00:01:40.340 And as we go on, he will dress himself to serve. 00:01:40.699 --> 00:01:44.539 Verse 38, it'll be good for servants whose master finds them ready. 00:01:44.540 --> 00:01:51.240 Verse 42, who is the faithful and wise manager whom the master puts in charge of his servants. 00:01:51.480 --> 00:01:54.880 Verse 43, it'll be good for the servant whom the master finds doings. 00:01:55.020 --> 00:01:56.400 And so on and so on. 00:01:56.640 --> 00:02:00.560 Lots and lots of references, 11 and all, to being servants. 00:02:01.940 --> 00:02:06.600 And then the other word that we see running right through this, stick with me, is the word master. 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:08.200 Let's look out for that, okay? 00:02:08.199 --> 00:02:11.219 So verse 38, waiting for their master. 00:02:11.639 --> 00:02:15.839 Verse 37, good for the servants whose master finds them watching. 00:02:16.019 --> 00:02:19.599 Verse 38, good for the servants whose master finds them ready. 00:02:20.419 --> 00:02:25.560 And verse 46, the master of the servant will come on a day when he's not expected. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:32.539 Verse 47, the servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:36.839 will be beaten with many blows, it says in this version. 00:02:36.840 --> 00:02:45.620 So stories told in different ways with slightly different twists in them, all trying to make absolutely clear. 00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:47.280 Remember, this is Jesus teaching. 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:51.460 There's a crowd around, but he appears to be focused largely on his disciples. 00:02:52.039 --> 00:02:56.280 And he's talking to them about the master and the servant relationship. 00:02:56.280 --> 00:03:03.920 He's using these stories, I think, to emphasize to them that his followers should see themselves as servants 00:03:03.920 --> 00:03:06.740 and should see him as the master. 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:13.319 And the other theme that keeps running through the stories is the idea of the master going away, 00:03:14.620 --> 00:03:23.259 but the master's sure and certain return, albeit no one knows when that return will be. 00:03:24.480 --> 00:03:29.860 Now, this raises quite a number of questions in my mind as I look at these stories. 00:03:29.860 --> 00:03:34.660 And some of the questions in my mind are simply not addressed in this passage at all. 00:03:34.660 --> 00:03:39.080 And I want to just mention two of the questions that are not answered here, 00:03:39.180 --> 00:03:45.480 which I think are quite important for our understanding of what is actually talked about and explained here. 00:03:45.760 --> 00:03:52.600 So as I think of these stories of the master and the servant, I wonder, why does the master go away? 00:03:53.239 --> 00:03:54.659 It's a common theme in all of them. 00:03:54.659 --> 00:04:00.199 The master tasks his servants with things, but then leaves them. 00:04:01.799 --> 00:04:02.539 Big subject. 00:04:02.680 --> 00:04:04.060 Why does the master go away? 00:04:04.159 --> 00:04:10.459 For me, I then think, so if Jesus is the master and we are his servants, why does he leave? 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:14.780 Why is he not here physically present with us as he once was? 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:20.680 And for that, I turn to John 14, another gospel for some answers where Jesus says, 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:22.819 Do not let your hearts be troubled. 00:04:23.560 --> 00:04:26.839 You believe in God, believe also in me. 00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:29.480 My father's house has many rooms. 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:34.819 If that were not so, would I have told you that I'm going there to prepare a place for you? 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:41.800 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, 00:04:42.120 --> 00:04:44.220 that you also may be where I am. 00:04:44.220 --> 00:04:46.760 You know the way to the place where I'm going. 00:04:46.840 --> 00:04:47.940 So why is he going away? 00:04:48.120 --> 00:04:51.820 He is going away in order to prepare a place for us. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:59.160 And the words that I'd really like you to bear in mind today are these words that he said in John 14. 00:04:59.380 --> 00:05:02.620 I will come back. 00:05:03.380 --> 00:05:06.080 I hope for many of us, these words might bring comfort. 00:05:06.400 --> 00:05:08.840 I hope for some of us, they might bring real challenge. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:11.420 They've certainly challenged me as I've reflected on them. 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:14.020 I will come back. 00:05:14.220 --> 00:05:16.000 They could hardly be simpler words, could they? 00:05:16.200 --> 00:05:18.160 They could hardly be clearer words. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:20.800 And yet it's also a theme threaded through our passage. 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:27.120 The master who goes away is the master who says, I will come back. 00:05:27.440 --> 00:05:28.620 Another question I have. 00:05:28.620 --> 00:05:33.740 Why do the servants have no idea as to when the master is returning? 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:35.600 It's another theme that runs through. 00:05:35.759 --> 00:05:36.439 No idea. 00:05:36.899 --> 00:05:37.560 Why is that? 00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:39.540 The answer is not really given here. 00:05:39.740 --> 00:05:47.639 But for that question and that answer, I turn to the book of 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 8 to 10 where I read this. 00:05:47.639 --> 00:05:54.779 With the Lord, a day is as a thousand years. 00:05:54.779 --> 00:06:01.620 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:10.759 Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 00:06:10.759 --> 00:06:16.459 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. 00:06:17.219 --> 00:06:29.379 And I could look to so many verses of scripture which contain what for many of us is sometimes difficult and at times confusing teaching about what the return of Jesus will actually look like. 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:33.360 But I want us to hold on to some certainties today as taught in the Bible. 00:06:33.639 --> 00:06:36.620 Number one, as we've learned, Jesus saying, I will come back. 00:06:36.939 --> 00:06:45.100 Number two, the reason why he's not yet returned back, the reason why the servants don't know when he's returning back, is because of the patience of God. 00:06:45.819 --> 00:06:53.740 It's because God is patient and loving and wants everyone to have a chance to come to know him. 00:06:53.740 --> 00:07:00.060 He doesn't want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 00:07:00.220 --> 00:07:05.560 That verse is one which I encourage you to hang on to, to find real comfort in. 00:07:05.680 --> 00:07:12.759 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 8 to 10, alongside that incredible teaching that with the Lord a day is like a thousand years. 00:07:12.900 --> 00:07:14.740 A thousand years are like a day. 00:07:15.460 --> 00:07:18.780 Think of all of this through God's perspective. 00:07:18.779 --> 00:07:23.779 A day like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day. 00:07:24.559 --> 00:07:33.059 So I think then if those are some of the unanswered questions, one of the key questions that are answered in this passage or that is answered is this question. 00:07:33.559 --> 00:07:37.019 What should the servants do while the master's away? 00:07:38.119 --> 00:07:39.559 Okay, we don't know when he's coming back. 00:07:39.819 --> 00:07:42.359 We're absolutely certain he will come back at some point. 00:07:42.459 --> 00:07:44.119 But what should we do while he's away? 00:07:44.120 --> 00:07:51.540 Now you notice, I think the thrust of this passage is teaching for those who are already in a relationship with a master. 00:07:52.060 --> 00:07:58.360 Okay, so I'm going to be focusing largely in my comments over the next few minutes on those of us who would already say, 00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.199 yes, we're signed up to follow Jesus. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:06.259 Yes, we've experienced what it is to know Jesus as our, as our saviour. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:08.439 And so we are in that relationship with him. 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:24.060 But there is, of course, plenty of other teaching in scripture and indeed relevance in this passage for some who might be here today who would acknowledge, perhaps, or think that it's possible that you've got no relationship at all with Jesus. 00:08:25.420 --> 00:08:32.879 And when you hear this business already of Jesus coming back and of us not knowing when because God is patient and wants us all to have a chance to repent, 00:08:32.879 --> 00:08:38.080 then I wonder what, how that impacts on your heart and your life. 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:47.100 And I trust that for all of us, we would have a desire today to be ready for when Jesus does come back. 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:52.580 And I trust that we might also recognize that that could be even today. 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:58.879 One of the songs that I really enjoyed and was challenged by as I was growing up was the Larry Norman song. 00:08:58.879 --> 00:09:00.220 I wish we'd all been ready. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:01.500 Can I test the room? 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:02.939 Do some of you know this song? 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:05.519 I'm not seeing much recognition. 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:06.840 Margo does, which is great. 00:09:06.919 --> 00:09:09.200 Margo and I must have some similar music tastes. 00:09:09.679 --> 00:09:11.259 Man and wife asleep in bed. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:13.279 She hears a noise and turns her head. 00:09:13.340 --> 00:09:13.860 He's gone. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:15.980 I wish we'd all been ready. 00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:18.139 Two men walking up a hill. 00:09:18.559 --> 00:09:21.120 One disappears and one's left standing still. 00:09:21.439 --> 00:09:23.600 I wish we'd all been ready. 00:09:23.960 --> 00:09:25.799 There's no time to change your mind. 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:29.059 The sun has come and you've been left behind. 00:09:29.299 --> 00:09:33.659 Really challenging, solemn words in that song. 00:09:33.919 --> 00:09:35.579 I will come back. 00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:39.919 But I have to say my own experience of my own journey to faith and to knowing Jesus 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:44.740 was not one where scare stories had any impact on me at all. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:47.000 And that is not what I want to bring today. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:53.099 Rather, I think this passage encourages us to think of what it looks like 00:09:53.100 --> 00:10:00.960 for us, his followers, to be waiting for the return of Jesus, our Lord and Master. 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:04.080 So let's look at the stories in a little bit more detail. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:06.300 Verse 36, let's get into this one. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:11.240 Servants are waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. 00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:16.300 And it's quite clear that these servants have got no idea at all when he will return. 00:10:16.740 --> 00:10:19.220 He might be returning in the middle of the night, 00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:25.960 or they might have to wait until almost daybreak before the master actually returns. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:27.920 But despite this, what should they do? 00:10:28.680 --> 00:10:32.340 Well, the lamps should be kept burning. 00:10:32.600 --> 00:10:36.620 The master should not be coming back to find the house in pitch darkness. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:40.060 He should not be coming back to find that the doors are locked, 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:41.519 the windows have been shut, 00:10:41.700 --> 00:10:44.940 and the servants are fast asleep in their beds. 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:48.080 The master is expecting a sense of anticipation, 00:10:48.600 --> 00:10:52.080 a sense of readiness for his return. 00:10:52.840 --> 00:10:55.140 Now, as I was beginning to prepare this, I thought, 00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:58.840 you know, we don't really have that master-servant relationship so much today. 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:00.500 And then I thought, how silly am I? 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:03.260 Of course we have it, and I am one of the servants. 00:11:04.280 --> 00:11:05.840 Perhaps along with some of the others, 00:11:06.040 --> 00:11:09.880 I know certainly some of you have had a career in the civil service. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:15.960 Some of you, like me, live our whole working lives merely to serve. 00:11:16.539 --> 00:11:21.179 We don't live our lives to be in control or to pursue our own agenda, 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:27.039 but to, in my case, to be serving the ministers of the government of the day, 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:30.379 whoever they may be, whatever their policies might be. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:35.740 My role is to help and support and serve them as they seek to implement their policies. 00:11:35.940 --> 00:11:38.360 But, of course, there's lots of different jobs in the civil service, 00:11:38.360 --> 00:11:42.320 and the one that really comes to mind as I was reading this passage 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:44.259 about people awaiting the master's return 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:47.659 was the job in private office in the civil service. 00:11:47.899 --> 00:11:50.700 It's a job that Aileen, John Gemmell's pastor, used to have. 00:11:51.039 --> 00:11:54.500 And in private office, the key thing that you have to do 00:11:54.500 --> 00:12:00.039 is ensure that every need of your minister is attended to. 00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:02.920 In particular, they must know where they are going, 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:04.759 when they are going to go there. 00:12:04.759 --> 00:12:09.700 They must have clear and proper material about exactly what they must do and say 00:12:09.700 --> 00:12:11.919 when they are going to wherever they are meant to go. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:16.379 And the key thing about being in private office is you have no idea what your working hours will be. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:18.139 No idea. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:23.039 Because you are a servant there to serve the minister. 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:26.299 So if the minister goes to an event and it goes on a bit 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:31.259 because there are engagements or conversations or things to happen, 00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:33.759 do you think for a minute that the civil servant says, 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:36.460 well, sorry, it's quarter to five, I'm away home? 00:12:37.139 --> 00:12:37.679 Not at all. 00:12:37.779 --> 00:12:40.919 They won't survive in private office for a week if that was their mentality. 00:12:41.019 --> 00:12:42.659 Contrary to those of you who think in the civil service, 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:44.019 we only work from 10 till 4. 00:12:44.100 --> 00:12:44.899 It's not true. 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:49.259 The servant will simply be there waiting, 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:53.659 waiting for the minister to finish their business, 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:55.120 whatever it might be, 00:12:55.580 --> 00:12:57.220 whatever the time of the day or night. 00:12:57.220 --> 00:12:59.420 And when the minister is finished, 00:12:59.519 --> 00:13:01.220 we'll be there to continue to serve them. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:02.200 Where do we go to now? 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:04.519 What can I pick up from that meeting that you'd like me to do? 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:07.360 Are there any particular action points that need followed up now, 00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:08.420 even though it might be late at night? 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:09.040 That's fine. 00:13:09.180 --> 00:13:10.639 Here, happy to serve. 00:13:11.779 --> 00:13:13.860 But isn't it strange in this passage, 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:15.720 there's a twist. 00:13:17.060 --> 00:13:18.200 Did you notice the twist? 00:13:18.560 --> 00:13:21.759 It's not the case that the master returns and says to the servants, 00:13:21.960 --> 00:13:22.560 the good servants, 00:13:22.800 --> 00:13:23.800 well, thanks for waiting up. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.879 Right, where's my three course meal? 00:13:24.879 --> 00:13:27.639 Well, despite the time of the day or night. 00:13:27.720 --> 00:13:28.559 That doesn't happen. 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:30.539 What does the master do here? 00:13:31.320 --> 00:13:32.320 The master comes. 00:13:32.679 --> 00:13:34.139 Stay with me to make sure that I'm not, 00:13:34.759 --> 00:13:37.919 that what I'm saying is true here. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:40.659 It says, verse 37, 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:43.960 it will be good for the servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.820 Truly I tell you, he'll dress himself. 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:49.740 He, the master, will dress himself to serve. 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:52.399 Will make them recline at the table. 00:13:52.399 --> 00:13:55.079 And will come and wait on them. 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:56.860 This is an amazing twist. 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:59.039 This is a twist where the master, 00:13:59.539 --> 00:14:00.980 the one who is in charge, 00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:03.659 chooses to become the servant. 00:14:04.659 --> 00:14:06.059 Does it remind you of anything? 00:14:07.059 --> 00:14:09.199 Does it remind you of the great God 00:14:09.199 --> 00:14:12.500 and the great Lord whom we have been worshipping? 00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:15.079 Who humbled himself? 00:14:15.080 --> 00:14:18.400 Who, despite being Lord of all, 00:14:18.900 --> 00:14:22.040 took on himself the nature of a servant 00:14:22.040 --> 00:14:24.020 and was made in human likeness. 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:25.700 Does it remind you of the one who, 00:14:25.900 --> 00:14:26.840 when with his disciples, 00:14:27.139 --> 00:14:28.780 when they were all standing on ceremony 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:30.220 and thinking, well, we're all too important 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:32.200 to wash one another's dirty feet. 00:14:32.520 --> 00:14:34.700 Does it remind you of the one who would take the towel? 00:14:35.520 --> 00:14:38.960 The one who would kneel at the feet of his disciples. 00:14:39.180 --> 00:14:40.480 He who was Lord of all 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:44.360 would be the one who would come in front of them and serve. 00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:46.200 This is a wonderful master 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:51.259 whom these servants are actually tasked with serving. 00:14:51.539 --> 00:14:52.920 Not one who will manipulate, 00:14:53.180 --> 00:14:55.300 not one who will use or misuse his power, 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:57.500 but one who, despite being the master, 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.940 is also the one who will return 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:02.480 and who will serve. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.420 I trust we can be encouraged 00:15:04.420 --> 00:15:06.480 by the opportunities that we have 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:09.340 to serve a master like this. 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:11.000 But the key point from here, 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:12.960 clearly, is that we should be watching 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:15.279 and waiting for the master's return, 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:17.200 even though we have no idea 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:19.539 when he will be returning. 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:21.100 And I wonder if some of us have assumed 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:23.480 that that return will never happen. 00:15:24.220 --> 00:15:25.019 Been so long. 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.180 Nothing's changed. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:29.220 It's never going to happen in our lifetime. 00:15:29.680 --> 00:15:31.420 Maybe some of us think it'll never happen at all. 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:33.539 In which case, we need to go on to the second story 00:15:33.539 --> 00:15:36.479 because the second story's got particular resonance for us 00:15:36.479 --> 00:15:37.719 if that's where we're at. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:38.919 It's there in verse 39. 00:15:39.199 --> 00:15:41.360 It's such a short story, you could almost miss it. 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.839 But it is a different story 00:15:42.839 --> 00:15:43.819 because here it says, 00:15:43.919 --> 00:15:44.919 if the owner of the house 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:47.219 had known at what hour the thief was coming, 00:15:47.979 --> 00:15:49.899 he wouldn't have let his house be broken into. 00:15:50.979 --> 00:15:51.779 You must be ready 00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:53.319 because the Son of Man will come at an hour 00:15:53.319 --> 00:15:55.860 where you do not expect him. 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.099 You must be ready 00:15:57.099 --> 00:15:59.339 for the Son of Man will come at an hour 00:15:59.339 --> 00:16:01.379 where you do not expect him. 00:16:02.019 --> 00:16:04.179 Can I illustrate this point here, please, 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:07.000 by telling you about the puppy 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:09.779 that has come into the lives of the Johnston family 00:16:09.779 --> 00:16:11.279 in the last few months 00:16:11.279 --> 00:16:12.819 and is probably actually on the cusp 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:14.219 of becoming a full-grown dog. 00:16:14.559 --> 00:16:17.759 The one thing I have learned about our puppy, Harris, 00:16:18.479 --> 00:16:21.159 is that he loves it when we come home. 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:26.079 And I don't know really what he does 00:16:26.079 --> 00:16:27.759 for the hours and hours and hours 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.219 that we sometimes leave him on his own. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:31.240 But what I do know 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:33.139 is that nine times out of ten, 00:16:34.040 --> 00:16:36.580 as we drive into our driveway 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:39.820 and look at the small panes of glass 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:40.840 either side of our door, 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:41.420 he's there. 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:43.899 He's there, poised, waiting. 00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:44.920 For all I know, 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:47.019 he has potentially been there 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:48.240 looking out the window, 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:50.560 waiting for the preceding four or five hours. 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.540 He's possibly there now. 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.500 Spare a thought for him. 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:56.039 Just waiting, patiently. 00:16:57.059 --> 00:16:58.480 And how does he react when we come? 00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:59.740 He's got no idea when we come, 00:16:59.940 --> 00:17:01.379 but no matter when we come, 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:03.519 he's there, leaping, bounding, 00:17:03.820 --> 00:17:04.420 jumping up, 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:07.119 showing his absolute joy and delight 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:09.240 that we have returned. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:12.880 And I'm challenged as I look at this 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:15.539 and I hear this second story from Jesus. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:18.839 I'm challenged about whether I've got 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:20.420 that real desire 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:23.259 for the Son of Man to return. 00:17:24.159 --> 00:17:24.899 And am I ready? 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:27.240 Or have I got so many things 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:28.740 that I want to do in my life 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.460 that in some ways 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:31.420 I see as more important 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:33.319 than the return of Jesus Christ, 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:36.059 whom we've been singing as Lord of all. 00:17:36.139 --> 00:17:37.180 That's the second story. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:38.119 But I have to say, 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:39.519 the third story is really important 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:40.500 because there, 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:42.599 the analogy of my little dog 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:44.180 breaks down entirely. 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:44.680 Right? 00:17:44.879 --> 00:17:46.059 Because the reality is, 00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:47.960 Harris, while he's waiting for our return, 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:49.420 is doing absolutely nothing. 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:50.160 Right? 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:51.559 He is just sitting there, 00:17:51.599 --> 00:17:52.160 maybe sleeping. 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:54.379 And I wonder if some of us, 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:55.819 and I think as we look at the book 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:57.200 of 1 Thessalonians, 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.680 we see that some of the early Christians 00:17:58.680 --> 00:18:00.339 thought that what they should do 00:18:00.339 --> 00:18:02.960 while they waited for Jesus' return 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:03.619 was nothing. 00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:05.019 Right? 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:06.339 Jesus is coming back. 00:18:06.619 --> 00:18:07.839 So I suppose we need to make sure 00:18:07.839 --> 00:18:08.960 we keep ourselves pure 00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:10.620 and we keep ourselves clean 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:12.440 and we make sure we're ready. 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.039 But actually, 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.740 what we do, 00:18:13.860 --> 00:18:14.059 well, 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.380 it doesn't really matter what we do. 00:18:15.440 --> 00:18:16.640 So let's give up our job. 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:18.420 Let's sell up our house. 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:19.240 Let's make sure 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.360 we basically gather together 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:21.120 in a little huddle 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:22.720 and just hope that he comes back soon. 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.840 Is that what the Bible teaches us to do? 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.620 Absolutely not. 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.900 Let's look at the third story. 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:29.579 If the first two stories 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:30.539 tell us about waiting 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:32.819 and watching for Jesus' return, 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:35.440 the third story speaks to us 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:36.519 about working 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:38.619 while we await 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:40.400 Jesus' return. 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:41.839 Because in this story, 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:42.680 what we see 00:18:42.680 --> 00:18:44.960 is that the master 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:46.779 has tasked the servant 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:48.139 with work to do. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:49.160 He said, 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:49.400 listen, 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:50.500 I'm going to give you 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:52.279 a real responsibility 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.740 while you're here 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:55.400 waiting for my return. 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.700 And so I'm going to ask you 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.519 to look after 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.740 some of the other servants 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.420 in my household 00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:00.500 and I want you to give them 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.519 their food 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.680 at the proper time 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.299 and, you know, 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.740 manage the affairs 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:05.620 of my house. 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:07.720 And we read in verse 43 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:08.859 that it's going to be good 00:19:08.859 --> 00:19:09.559 for the servant 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:10.799 who understands 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.700 what he needs to do 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:13.960 and sets his mind to it 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.720 and does it 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.539 with all of his heart 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.079 and soul. 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.240 And that servant 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:18.759 is going to get 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.839 an even greater reward. 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.519 Verse 45, 00:19:21.660 --> 00:19:22.259 we've got an example 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:22.660 of someone 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:23.359 who also knows 00:19:23.359 --> 00:19:24.160 what he needs to do. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.880 He's been given work to do 00:19:25.880 --> 00:19:26.480 while he awaits 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.259 the master return 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.640 and what does he decide to do? 00:19:28.880 --> 00:19:30.000 He becomes lazy. 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.099 He says, 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:31.339 oh, 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:32.279 my master's taking 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:33.120 such a long time 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:33.619 to return 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:34.479 and so he starts 00:19:34.479 --> 00:19:35.779 to beat the other servants, 00:19:35.879 --> 00:19:36.699 both men and women. 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:37.899 He eats and drinks 00:19:37.899 --> 00:19:38.739 and he gets drunk 00:19:38.739 --> 00:19:39.739 and that person 00:19:39.739 --> 00:19:40.459 comes back 00:19:40.459 --> 00:19:41.339 and faces 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.500 what is a pretty gory 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.339 punishment 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:44.199 as you'll read about 00:19:44.199 --> 00:19:45.859 in that passage. 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:47.419 I find this 00:19:47.419 --> 00:19:48.479 a hugely challenging 00:19:48.479 --> 00:19:50.039 story 00:19:50.039 --> 00:19:52.000 and it makes me think 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.939 about the sort of work 00:19:53.939 --> 00:19:55.419 that Jesus, 00:19:55.579 --> 00:19:56.219 our master, 00:19:57.099 --> 00:19:58.399 might want us 00:19:58.399 --> 00:19:59.219 to do 00:19:59.219 --> 00:20:00.859 while we await 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.919 his return. 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:04.060 What were the characteristics 00:20:04.060 --> 00:20:05.880 of the terrible servant 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:06.800 in that story? 00:20:07.560 --> 00:20:08.480 What were the characteristics? 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:09.820 He wasn't marked 00:20:09.820 --> 00:20:10.980 by a care or a love 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:11.680 for those that were 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:12.300 in the household. 00:20:13.640 --> 00:20:14.620 Rather the reverse. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.640 He was abusive. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.380 He was selfish. 00:20:17.800 --> 00:20:18.519 He was lazy. 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.180 What were the characteristics 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:22.019 of the servant 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.880 who was rewarded? 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.120 He was one 00:20:25.120 --> 00:20:25.940 who was working 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.860 diligently 00:20:26.860 --> 00:20:28.279 while he awaited 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:30.039 the master's return. 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:34.240 Look at verse 47, 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:35.059 48 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:36.420 which I think 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:37.680 talks to us 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:39.039 about the importance 00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:40.440 of knowing 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:41.559 what it is 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.440 the master wants 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:42.940 to do. 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.559 So in verse 47 00:20:44.559 --> 00:20:45.240 the servant 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.720 who knows 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.220 what the master 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:46.680 wants to do 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:47.480 will need to do it. 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:48.940 Verse 48 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:49.740 recognises 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.319 that some of us 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:50.960 might be a little bit 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:51.539 unsure 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:52.899 about what the master 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:54.259 actually wants to do 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:54.799 and there there'll be 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:55.779 greater leniency. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:57.859 Verse 48 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:59.819 reminds us 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:01.339 that from those 00:21:01.339 --> 00:21:02.219 to whom much 00:21:02.219 --> 00:21:02.979 has been given 00:21:02.979 --> 00:21:04.539 much will be demanded 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:05.099 and I think 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:05.859 we can probably 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:06.959 pause today 00:21:06.959 --> 00:21:07.719 and look at our own 00:21:07.719 --> 00:21:08.539 life and circumstance 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:09.219 and recognise 00:21:09.219 --> 00:21:10.079 that much 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:11.459 much has been given 00:21:11.459 --> 00:21:12.379 to all of us. 00:21:12.459 --> 00:21:12.939 We've been given 00:21:12.939 --> 00:21:14.539 time and energy. 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:15.799 We've been given 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:16.359 an assurance 00:21:16.359 --> 00:21:17.059 through Jesus 00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:17.799 that we're loved 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:18.539 we're valued. 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.639 We've been brought 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:20.439 into relationship 00:21:20.439 --> 00:21:20.959 with God 00:21:20.959 --> 00:21:22.039 through Jesus Christ. 00:21:22.379 --> 00:21:23.219 We know our sins 00:21:23.219 --> 00:21:23.719 are forgiven. 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:25.099 We know the Holy Spirit 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:25.759 lives in us. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:27.099 We've been given much. 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:28.379 We have great hope 00:21:28.379 --> 00:21:29.159 for the future 00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:30.859 and now 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:31.759 I do feel 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.419 that the challenge 00:21:32.419 --> 00:21:33.619 of this passage 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:34.559 is that just as 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:36.000 faith without works 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.599 is described 00:21:36.599 --> 00:21:37.219 by James 00:21:37.219 --> 00:21:38.000 as dead 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:40.579 so simply 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.539 receiving all 00:21:41.539 --> 00:21:42.500 of that from God 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:44.480 and responding 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.599 by doing nothing 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.279 with it 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.219 and by sheer 00:21:47.219 --> 00:21:48.079 laziness 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:49.259 and idleness 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:52.079 is perhaps 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:52.980 the very scenario 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:53.559 that we need 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:54.079 to feel 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:55.359 challenged about. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.199 How does God 00:21:56.199 --> 00:21:57.240 want us to work? 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.779 Well I'm going to 00:21:58.779 --> 00:21:59.339 invite one of our 00:21:59.339 --> 00:21:59.959 church members 00:21:59.959 --> 00:22:00.699 Robert to come 00:22:00.699 --> 00:22:01.419 and tell us 00:22:01.419 --> 00:22:02.179 a little bit 00:22:02.179 --> 00:22:02.659 about his 00:22:02.659 --> 00:22:03.379 experience 00:22:03.379 --> 00:22:04.939 of work 00:22:04.939 --> 00:22:06.379 and Robert 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:06.959 I am now 00:22:06.959 --> 00:22:07.539 realising that 00:22:07.539 --> 00:22:08.000 the questions 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:08.599 that you and I 00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:08.979 had discussed 00:22:08.979 --> 00:22:09.359 in advance 00:22:09.359 --> 00:22:10.019 I do not have 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:10.439 in front of me 00:22:10.439 --> 00:22:10.859 here which I'm 00:22:10.859 --> 00:22:11.319 really sorry. 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:12.179 So Robert 00:22:12.179 --> 00:22:12.719 stick with us. 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.319 I think the 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.259 first one was 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:14.699 probably just to 00:22:14.699 --> 00:22:15.119 tell us a little 00:22:15.119 --> 00:22:15.839 bit about yourself 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:16.899 and what you do 00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:17.500 and maybe your 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.279 journey to get 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:19.519 to what you're 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:19.699 doing. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:20.179 Okay. 00:22:20.639 --> 00:22:21.799 Hi I'm Robert 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:22.419 for those of you 00:22:22.419 --> 00:22:22.839 that don't know me. 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.559 I'm a GP 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:24.779 family doctor 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:26.319 I work down 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:27.019 in Peebles 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:28.179 a small town 00:22:28.179 --> 00:22:29.159 about 20 miles 00:22:29.159 --> 00:22:29.720 south of here 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.899 and I've done 00:22:31.899 --> 00:22:32.259 that for the 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:33.179 last four years 00:22:33.179 --> 00:22:34.079 prior to that 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:34.579 I was doing 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.699 various training 00:22:35.699 --> 00:22:37.679 jobs in hospitals 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:38.319 and so on 00:22:38.319 --> 00:22:39.019 and before that 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.659 medical school 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:42.399 I was relatively 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:43.119 late in going 00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:44.079 back to medical 00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:44.439 school. 00:22:44.919 --> 00:22:46.019 I was 26 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:46.399 when I went 00:22:46.399 --> 00:22:47.039 back to study 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:48.299 prior to that 00:22:48.299 --> 00:22:49.119 I had studied 00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:49.599 engineering 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.679 and was on 00:22:50.679 --> 00:22:50.980 a completely 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:51.919 different course 00:22:51.919 --> 00:22:52.480 in life 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:54.659 and really 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:56.959 came to be 00:22:56.959 --> 00:22:57.959 aware in quite 00:22:57.959 --> 00:22:58.579 a profound way 00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.139 that that's not 00:22:59.139 --> 00:22:59.919 what God 00:22:59.919 --> 00:23:00.839 wanted me to 00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:01.059 do. 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.399 I had a good 00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:03.559 job and I 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.339 enjoyed working 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.759 there where I 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:07.779 was but I 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.259 came to 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:09.839 gradually realise 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.480 it was something 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.000 else in life 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.480 for me so it 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:11.699 was actually 00:23:11.699 --> 00:23:12.119 quite a big 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:12.740 step for me 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:13.259 to go back 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:15.240 to study at 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:15.699 that age. 00:23:16.179 --> 00:23:16.939 Suddenly I had 00:23:16.939 --> 00:23:18.159 no money and 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:19.259 all sorts of 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.960 issues around 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:20.580 where to live 00:23:20.580 --> 00:23:21.080 and so on 00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:21.779 and God 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.380 really provided 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:23.360 along the way 00:23:23.360 --> 00:23:24.279 and probably 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.300 the most notable 00:23:25.300 --> 00:23:26.300 thing is that 00:23:26.300 --> 00:23:27.300 if you ever find 00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:27.800 yourself in that 00:23:27.800 --> 00:23:28.340 situation 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:29.800 you're maybe not 00:23:29.800 --> 00:23:30.480 sure that this is 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:30.960 where you're meant 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.560 to be just now 00:23:31.560 --> 00:23:32.240 certainly my 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:32.980 experience was 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:33.779 that God 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.700 in a very real 00:23:34.700 --> 00:23:35.680 way can speak 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.600 and change that 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:37.820 and it's I think 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:38.860 important to be 00:23:38.860 --> 00:23:39.480 aware of that 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:40.700 potential and to 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.880 really be still 00:23:41.880 --> 00:23:42.980 and listen to God 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.880 because I had 00:23:43.880 --> 00:23:44.840 enormous blessing 00:23:44.840 --> 00:23:45.840 although I took 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:46.540 what was actually 00:23:46.540 --> 00:23:47.240 quite a tricky 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:47.940 decision at the 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:48.940 time to change 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:49.380 direction 00:23:49.380 --> 00:23:51.480 I was enormously 00:23:51.480 --> 00:23:52.500 blessed for doing 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:52.779 so. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.220 So Robert you've 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:54.900 got this real 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:56.100 sense that the 00:23:56.100 --> 00:23:56.840 work you're doing 00:23:56.840 --> 00:23:58.320 now is the 00:23:58.320 --> 00:23:59.279 work that God 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.519 wants you to do 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.039 which I think is 00:24:01.039 --> 00:24:01.960 tremendous which 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.539 kind of takes us 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:03.240 on then to just 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:04.320 really keen to 00:24:04.320 --> 00:24:04.820 hear a little bit 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:06.100 about how does 00:24:06.100 --> 00:24:07.440 that conviction 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.799 make a difference? 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:11.539 Well so in my 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:14.100 job I see all 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:14.640 sorts of people 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.640 from the beginning 00:24:15.640 --> 00:24:16.580 of life to the 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.159 end of life 00:24:17.159 --> 00:24:18.819 and all the 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:19.419 challenges that 00:24:19.419 --> 00:24:20.179 go along the 00:24:20.179 --> 00:24:22.119 way and that 00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:22.720 in itself can be 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.639 a difficult thing 00:24:23.639 --> 00:24:25.799 it can take its 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:27.819 toll on your 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:28.399 own health 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:29.259 you know just 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:30.259 the stresses and 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:30.779 strains of that 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:31.599 as many jobs 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:31.980 can do 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:33.740 but it's a real 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.819 reassurance to 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:35.819 know that this 00:24:35.819 --> 00:24:36.659 is what God 00:24:36.659 --> 00:24:37.199 wants me to do 00:24:37.199 --> 00:24:37.960 you know it 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:38.439 could be quite 00:24:38.439 --> 00:24:39.279 discouraging at 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.599 times 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:41.819 people talk about 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.179 burnout and 00:24:43.179 --> 00:24:43.839 various different 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:45.199 jobs and something 00:24:45.199 --> 00:24:46.119 to be aware of 00:24:46.119 --> 00:24:47.220 but it really 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:47.579 gives me a 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:48.759 reassurance and 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:52.059 I suppose my 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:53.740 job enables me 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.879 to practically 00:24:54.879 --> 00:24:55.779 apply a lot of 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.799 the teaching in 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.839 the Bible about 00:24:57.839 --> 00:24:59.480 people and for 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.799 looking after 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:01.319 people when 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:01.799 they're struggling 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:03.659 in life and 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:05.759 so that's a 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:06.639 joy really to 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.039 be able to do 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:07.319 that. 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:09.799 In terms of my 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.959 own well-being 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:11.460 the Bible 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:12.120 really provides 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:13.640 a lot of 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:14.079 support and 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.900 guidance on 00:25:14.900 --> 00:25:15.700 that as well 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:17.900 the passage I 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:18.640 was going to 00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:19.360 mention here is 00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:20.480 in Philippians 4 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:22.019 verse 6 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:24.059 where it says 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:25.160 don't be 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:25.579 anxious 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:27.240 in every 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:28.019 situation 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.860 every situation 00:25:28.860 --> 00:25:30.460 present your 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.140 petitions to 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:31.960 God in prayer 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:33.799 and God will 00:25:33.799 --> 00:25:34.180 give you the 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:34.920 peace that 00:25:34.920 --> 00:25:35.440 passes 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.059 understanding 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:36.360 it's this 00:25:36.360 --> 00:25:37.120 peace that 00:25:37.120 --> 00:25:38.319 is beyond 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:38.700 what we're 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:38.960 able to 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.799 understand and 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.259 that is a 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:41.240 real strength 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:42.259 and a real 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:42.980 encouragement to 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:44.059 me and as it 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:44.460 should be to 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.059 everyone that's 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:46.279 there and it's 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:46.680 a very real 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:46.940 thing. 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:48.299 Robert thanks so 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:48.740 much was there 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:49.180 anything else that 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.839 you wanted to 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.879 add about this 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.640 namely any other 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:52.119 questions I've 00:25:52.119 --> 00:25:52.420 forgotten? 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.680 Right excellent 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.339 thanks so much 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:54.819 Robert it's great 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:55.480 to hear a little 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.099 bit about what 00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:57.759 work looks like 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.720 for you and 00:25:58.720 --> 00:26:00.420 just before I 00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:01.759 finish up here 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:03.359 could I I just 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:03.920 hope some of you 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:05.220 might be genuinely 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:07.240 encouraged to 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:08.240 think much perhaps 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:09.579 more deeply about 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:10.779 what it means to 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.740 be a Christian 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:13.500 in the workplace 00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:14.899 or what does it 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:15.379 mean as a 00:26:15.379 --> 00:26:16.119 Christian to be 00:26:16.119 --> 00:26:16.879 seeking to do 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:17.980 good work if 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:18.480 you're maybe not 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.159 in an employment 00:26:19.159 --> 00:26:20.339 situation what does 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:20.740 it mean to be 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:21.619 doing good work 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.819 day in day out 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.399 if so I've got a 00:26:23.399 --> 00:26:24.079 book to recommend 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:25.319 for you it's this 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:25.819 book by a guy 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.379 called Matt 00:26:26.379 --> 00:26:28.220 Perman what's 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:29.159 best next 00:26:29.159 --> 00:26:30.159 subtitled how the 00:26:30.159 --> 00:26:31.379 gospel transforms 00:26:31.379 --> 00:26:32.639 the way you get 00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:33.879 things done so 00:26:33.879 --> 00:26:34.659 it's not primarily a 00:26:34.659 --> 00:26:35.419 book about just 00:26:35.419 --> 00:26:37.119 being more super 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:38.199 efficient there's a 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:39.200 little bit there 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.019 but it's a book 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.740 that fundamentally 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:42.400 says that as 00:26:42.400 --> 00:26:42.819 people who 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.840 recognize ourselves 00:26:43.840 --> 00:26:44.720 as servants of 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:46.279 God in what we 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.799 do as people with 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:49.160 a real purpose in 00:26:49.160 --> 00:26:49.900 our everyday 00:26:49.900 --> 00:26:51.700 situation we have 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:53.299 unlimited opportunities 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:55.660 to do good works 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.500 that's what the 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.120 servant in our 00:26:57.120 --> 00:26:57.819 passage who was 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:59.120 commended did he 00:26:59.120 --> 00:27:00.120 did good works he 00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:01.080 sought to love and 00:27:01.080 --> 00:27:02.360 serve others and 00:27:02.360 --> 00:27:03.039 the servant in our 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.700 passage who was 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:04.980 punished was one who 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.819 was selfish and only 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:06.580 looked out for 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:08.119 himself and I love 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.000 this little section 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:09.960 from the book which 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:10.679 says this when you're 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:11.740 answering emails you 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.799 aren't just answering 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:14.199 emails you're doing 00:27:14.199 --> 00:27:15.859 good works when you 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:16.819 attend meetings you 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:17.740 aren't just attending 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.819 meetings you're doing 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:20.279 good works when you 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.159 make supper for your 00:27:21.159 --> 00:27:22.279 family you aren't just 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.259 making supper for your 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:24.279 family you're doing 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:25.759 good works when you put 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.759 the kids to bed you 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:27.699 aren't just putting the 00:27:27.699 --> 00:27:28.939 kids to bed you are 00:27:28.939 --> 00:27:31.639 doing a good work and 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.359 he goes on to talk 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.679 about a life of serving 00:27:33.679 --> 00:27:35.079 God as a life of joy 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:37.619 adventure and excitement 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:39.740 far more exciting in 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.319 fact than a life lived 00:27:41.319 --> 00:27:43.119 for yourself no matter 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:44.539 how many times you 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:46.359 might get to travel the 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:48.460 world so our time is 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.079 nearly up and I want 00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:50.099 to hand back to Andrew 00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:51.359 to close us with two 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.339 great songs that I 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:53.119 think will allow us to 00:27:53.119 --> 00:27:54.579 focus our minds on that 00:27:54.579 --> 00:27:56.139 certainty of Jesus 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:57.799 return but as we close 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:59.639 let me be very clear 00:27:59.639 --> 00:28:01.839 about one thing despite 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.759 what we've talked about 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.639 in the last few minutes 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.960 about the need for those 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:06.080 servants not only to be 00:28:06.080 --> 00:28:07.900 watching and waiting but 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:09.620 also working let's be 00:28:09.620 --> 00:28:11.640 very clear that being in 00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:12.640 that relationship with 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:13.920 Jesus in the first place 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:16.600 is what this all hinges on 00:28:16.600 --> 00:28:17.940 I'm not suggesting for a 00:28:17.940 --> 00:28:19.380 minute that by simply 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:20.620 working our socks off and 00:28:20.620 --> 00:28:22.700 trying to do good we will 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.980 thereby be ready for the 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:26.280 return of the master not at 00:28:26.280 --> 00:28:29.160 all but rather those of us 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:30.520 who have had that encounter 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:32.639 with Jesus Christ are now 00:28:32.639 --> 00:28:34.500 encouraged to be people who 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:37.180 will watch who will wait and 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:39.099 who will work let's pray 00:28:39.099 --> 00:28:47.299 so Lord Jesus we thank you for 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:50.059 the confidence that we have 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:53.700 that you will return 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:57.899 help us to anticipate that 00:28:57.899 --> 00:29:01.319 more today help us to watch 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:04.519 help us to wait and help us to 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:07.200 do exactly what you would call 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:11.220 us to do in service of you as 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:12.659 we await your return 00:29:12.660 --> 00:29:13.500 talking bye 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:13.700 me 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:13.820 important 00:29:13.820 --> 00:29:15.060 find out 00:29:15.060 --> 00:29:15.460 fine 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:15.820 no 00:29:15.820 --> 00:29:16.400 no 00:29:16.400 --> 00:29:16.680 no 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:16.840 no