WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:17.300 First, let me just say thank you for praying for us as we go to India. 00:00:17.780 --> 00:00:26.679 I've been particularly aware this week of my inadequacy for this and of the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in. 00:00:26.679 --> 00:00:28.879 So thank you for praying. 00:00:29.879 --> 00:00:35.179 It really is exciting to think about going across the globe to share the good news of Jesus, 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:41.140 the hope of the kingdom with people who are in many ways very different from me, 00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:45.539 to encourage them with the love of their Father and the treasure of His kingdom. 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:48.280 What a great privilege that is. 00:00:49.420 --> 00:00:51.420 At the same time as I've been thinking of that, 00:00:51.420 --> 00:00:58.060 I've also been reminded of what a great privilege it is that I have day in and day out 00:00:58.060 --> 00:01:02.060 to get to share those exact same things with you. 00:01:02.480 --> 00:01:04.060 One person at a time. 00:01:04.840 --> 00:01:07.120 One life situation at a time. 00:01:07.299 --> 00:01:10.180 Right here in this place with these people. 00:01:10.299 --> 00:01:13.200 What a great privilege it is to be your pastor. 00:01:13.200 --> 00:01:16.100 It's an honor for me. 00:01:16.159 --> 00:01:20.240 It's a delight to me to share the good news of Jesus with you, 00:01:20.320 --> 00:01:24.159 to see how God is at work in my life and in your life, 00:01:24.159 --> 00:01:28.060 to share that together as He walks with us. 00:01:28.060 --> 00:01:32.600 My wife tells me that I tell her I love you too often. 00:01:33.719 --> 00:01:34.859 That may be true. 00:01:35.540 --> 00:01:39.719 I don't tell you often enough, Southwood, I love you. 00:01:41.219 --> 00:01:44.900 So enough of that mushy-gushy stuff. 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:49.240 Let's do turn our attention to what we are about together, 00:01:49.400 --> 00:01:51.320 to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:01:51.319 --> 00:01:54.399 In the gospel according to Luke, 00:01:54.779 --> 00:01:58.759 this morning we're in the middle of Jesus teaching His followers. 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:04.299 He's been warning them about eternal matters in chapter 12 thus far. 00:02:04.299 --> 00:02:06.379 The dangers of hypocrisy, 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:09.799 of fearing man more than God, 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:14.419 of greed and covetousness and storing up for yourself treasures on earth 00:02:14.419 --> 00:02:16.139 rather than in heaven. 00:02:16.139 --> 00:02:22.439 And He continues in that same train of thought with more weighty words this morning. 00:02:22.699 --> 00:02:25.839 It's a long passage that we will read as we go. 00:02:26.479 --> 00:02:28.959 But first let's pray and ask for God's help. 00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:29.739 Will you pray with me? 00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:38.319 Father, we look forward to that day we've been singing about and listening about 00:02:38.319 --> 00:02:41.359 and to an eternity in relationship with You. 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:44.960 And what a joy that that's not awaiting us only, 00:02:45.140 --> 00:02:48.500 but that we know that relationship with You now. 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:50.520 You are our Father. 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:52.260 You've sent Your Son. 00:02:53.260 --> 00:02:54.880 You've given us Your Spirit. 00:02:56.520 --> 00:02:59.760 And so, Father, would You teach us by Him this morning. 00:03:00.120 --> 00:03:02.000 These are Your words, not mine. 00:03:02.840 --> 00:03:04.220 Might we hear You clearly. 00:03:05.720 --> 00:03:06.400 Speak, Lord. 00:03:07.100 --> 00:03:08.780 Your servants are listening. 00:03:09.640 --> 00:03:10.640 Change our hearts. 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:13.540 Cause us to worship and to serve You more. 00:03:14.360 --> 00:03:15.900 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:17.240 Amen. 00:03:19.980 --> 00:03:22.880 Sometimes Christy will go away for a long weekend. 00:03:23.440 --> 00:03:28.440 Maybe a women's retreat or a girls' weekend at the beach with some friends 00:03:28.440 --> 00:03:30.380 or something like that. 00:03:30.380 --> 00:03:34.960 And the girls and I will get a special, fun weekend together. 00:03:36.100 --> 00:03:38.860 Those times stretch my ability, 00:03:38.860 --> 00:03:45.480 both as a parent and also particularly in terms of managing the household, 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:51.880 which my wife typically does more of and better of than I do. 00:03:51.879 --> 00:04:00.939 There are meals to eat, rooms to clean, work to be done for each of us who is left at home while she's gone. 00:04:01.560 --> 00:04:06.780 And so, I want the house to look the way it's supposed to when she gets back, right? 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:08.419 Have you had that feeling before? 00:04:08.419 --> 00:04:14.199 That means, usually, that the couple hours before she returns is a mad scramble. 00:04:15.579 --> 00:04:17.019 Everything needs to be cleaned. 00:04:17.139 --> 00:04:22.719 The frozen pizza boxes need to be taken out to the big trash can outside where she won't see them when she comes back. 00:04:22.939 --> 00:04:24.180 There are several of them, usually. 00:04:24.180 --> 00:04:30.000 We tell the girls to go fix each other's hair nicely because dad hasn't touched it all weekend. 00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:36.360 All of these things that we're doing so we can be ready for mom's return. 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:42.399 In this passage, Jesus is asking us, are you ready? 00:04:43.460 --> 00:04:44.460 Are you ready? 00:04:44.980 --> 00:04:49.060 And it's his return that we must be ready for. 00:04:49.340 --> 00:04:51.399 Look at Luke 12 at verse 35. 00:04:51.399 --> 00:05:04.439 Verse 40. 00:05:04.439 --> 00:05:15.599 What is Jesus telling us to be ready for? 00:05:16.779 --> 00:05:19.079 It's the return of the king, right? 00:05:19.079 --> 00:05:21.939 It's his second coming. 00:05:22.599 --> 00:05:27.500 Sometimes in these verses, the king's referred to as the master of the household. 00:05:28.339 --> 00:05:35.360 But it's this idea that when he returns, he comes to bring joyful deliverance on the one hand, 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:41.939 and at the same time, devastating judgment at the same moment. 00:05:41.939 --> 00:05:46.600 This is the biblical picture of what will happen at the Messiah's coming. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:49.740 Salvation and punishment. 00:05:50.779 --> 00:05:58.740 It happens all the way back in Exodus, which the words here are recalling the Exodus of God's people from Egypt. 00:05:59.159 --> 00:06:05.399 Stay dressed for action or gird up your loins is what they were told at the Passover. 00:06:05.399 --> 00:06:09.159 Passover, that first Passover celebration of God's people. 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:12.159 They were to be ready to leave Egypt in the dark. 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:13.199 They needed lamps. 00:06:14.099 --> 00:06:21.359 In the middle of the night, when God came to rescue them and to bring judgment on his enemies. 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:28.080 Now, when Jesus is talking to his disciples in our passage this morning, 00:06:28.280 --> 00:06:32.080 I need to tell you up front, there are references to his death to come, 00:06:32.379 --> 00:06:34.040 to his resurrection to come, 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:39.139 and even to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:45.800 But even those, even those other things that are mentioned, look forward to another day. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:52.500 And there are a lot of details in this passage that are only fitting for one other day, 00:06:52.659 --> 00:06:55.180 and that is his second coming. 00:06:55.839 --> 00:06:59.879 When he fully and finally delivers and judges. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:03.699 Yes, there are elements of salvation and judgment in these early instances, 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:08.879 but ultimately Jesus is pointing us this morning as we think about his words. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:12.860 He's saying, be ready for my second coming. 00:07:13.560 --> 00:07:14.839 For eternity. 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:19.339 For my coming again to deliver and to judge. 00:07:20.699 --> 00:07:23.800 So there may be some major events in our lives. 00:07:23.919 --> 00:07:25.240 Crises of faith. 00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:26.959 Significant challenges. 00:07:27.319 --> 00:07:30.039 Where what Jesus tells us will also apply. 00:07:30.040 --> 00:07:34.920 But primarily, it's the return of the king on the clouds. 00:07:35.100 --> 00:07:37.260 What we've been singing about. 00:07:37.400 --> 00:07:39.319 The second coming of the Messiah. 00:07:40.020 --> 00:07:42.020 What we've heard sung to us. 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:46.560 Did you know in the New Testament it is referenced over 300 times? 00:07:47.520 --> 00:07:48.900 The second coming of Jesus. 00:07:49.080 --> 00:07:50.120 His return. 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:54.780 It's said, it's talked about so often because it's what we're all to be longing for. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:08:02.879 And even now, shaping our lives and pointing our hearts towards today is that day. 00:08:03.959 --> 00:08:08.199 Remember in verse 40, Jesus says, we don't know when he's coming back. 00:08:08.539 --> 00:08:08.719 Right? 00:08:09.299 --> 00:08:11.079 In an hour we do not expect. 00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:16.839 One Sunday when Christy had been gone for one of those long weekends. 00:08:17.539 --> 00:08:23.500 She was coming back and I had expected her to come mid to late afternoon on that Sunday. 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:27.759 And so after the worship service, I was in my office with all three girls. 00:08:28.339 --> 00:08:28.899 Hungry. 00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:30.599 Needing lunch. 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:34.220 And with the house in bad shape back there. 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:35.980 And I get a text on my phone. 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:38.139 I'm in Decatur! 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:39.879 Exclamation mark. 00:08:39.980 --> 00:08:40.779 Smiley face. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:43.860 But I didn't feel exclamation mark. 00:08:43.980 --> 00:08:44.680 Smiley face. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:46.060 I thought, no! 00:08:46.740 --> 00:08:47.759 Two hours early! 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:52.259 The mad scramble is not going to be effective this time. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:55.840 I can't get them fed and have the house ready. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:09:03.480 So Jesus tells us some things in this passage that should be taking place in our lives now. 00:09:04.180 --> 00:09:08.500 So that we're ready for his return that comes when we don't expect. 00:09:09.300 --> 00:09:12.840 He says we're to focus not on figuring out when he will return. 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:18.480 But living in such a way as to be expectant and ready every day. 00:09:20.300 --> 00:09:23.100 His return is the most important day of our lives. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:25.320 And we don't know what day it is. 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:28.200 So we must always be ready. 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:30.820 So what does he tell us? 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:32.940 He tells us several things in this passage. 00:09:33.080 --> 00:09:36.440 How do I stay ready for the return of the king? 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:39.960 We're going to walk through this passage and he's going to teach us about that. 00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:44.300 And the first thing is to serve the king. 00:09:45.340 --> 00:09:49.800 Look at these parables that Jesus starts with again at verse 35. 00:09:50.320 --> 00:09:52.800 Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning. 00:09:53.100 --> 00:09:57.560 And be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast. 00:09:58.000 --> 00:10:01.740 So that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:06.920 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:12.340 Truly I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:14.240 And he will come and serve them. 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:18.860 If he comes in the second watch or in the third, in the middle of the night. 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:20.800 And finds them awake. 00:10:20.800 --> 00:10:22.779 Blessed are those servants. 00:10:24.039 --> 00:10:27.680 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming. 00:10:27.779 --> 00:10:30.039 He would not have left his house to be broken into. 00:10:31.060 --> 00:10:32.340 You also must be ready. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:37.340 For the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 00:10:37.340 --> 00:10:42.879 The priority of service in God's kingdom. 00:10:43.180 --> 00:10:45.240 It's evident throughout this whole passage. 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:47.100 You'll see it time and again this morning. 00:10:47.660 --> 00:10:51.139 We are to be prepared to serve the master. 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:54.259 To open the door and get him what he needs. 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:57.420 To be awake and on the lookout to handle his return. 00:10:57.480 --> 00:10:59.280 Even in the middle of the night, so to speak. 00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:05.799 Notice the priority of service in Jesus' kingdom is not just highlighted by the servants. 00:11:06.579 --> 00:11:12.899 It's so important to serve in his kingdom that the king himself serves, doesn't he? 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:16.339 When the master returns, he serves the servants. 00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:26.799 One way to be ready for the return of Jesus is to be serving him and his kingdom priorities all the time. 00:11:28.100 --> 00:11:29.199 Think about it this way. 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:36.840 If Jesus showed up this afternoon and he returned, would you say, oh, hang on a minute. 00:11:37.620 --> 00:11:40.340 Give me a couple years to fix my priorities. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.800 I need to spend my time differently. 00:11:42.920 --> 00:11:44.920 I want to start spending my money a little bit differently. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:53.420 Or would he find you prepared to serve and seek first his kingdom? 00:11:53.660 --> 00:11:55.680 Would he find you actively doing that? 00:11:55.679 --> 00:12:00.239 Of course, that looks different for each of us, doesn't it? 00:12:00.359 --> 00:12:02.739 What it looks like for us to serve in his kingdom. 00:12:03.059 --> 00:12:08.439 But all of us have a tendency to be looking out for ourselves, don't we? 00:12:08.699 --> 00:12:10.079 Pursuing our own kingdoms. 00:12:10.239 --> 00:12:11.059 We've got big plans. 00:12:12.199 --> 00:12:17.199 And therefore sleeping, as it were, on the king's priorities. 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:21.780 On what our master would have us to be doing while he's gone. 00:12:22.300 --> 00:12:24.400 We tend to be consumers, don't we? 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:26.020 In all of life. 00:12:26.160 --> 00:12:28.820 But even then of kingdom things. 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:31.960 You know, what's my church doing for me? 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:34.540 We're consumers. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:38.820 We focus on ourselves rather than on serving. 00:12:38.820 --> 00:12:44.120 Are we serving our own agendas or our master's agenda? 00:12:44.680 --> 00:12:48.620 We so naturally live for today and for ourselves, don't we? 00:12:48.960 --> 00:12:50.980 You don't even have to think about it to do that. 00:12:51.300 --> 00:12:53.500 You'll wake up doing that tomorrow, won't you? 00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:54.660 What do I need today? 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:55.640 What am I going to do today? 00:12:55.820 --> 00:12:56.980 How is today going to go? 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:59.120 Will it be what I want it to be? 00:12:59.300 --> 00:13:00.100 It's natural. 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:03.060 And we so naturally give little thought to the future. 00:13:04.100 --> 00:13:07.380 Certainly little thought to our eternal future. 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:15.500 And so this can leave us radically unprepared for that great day when Jesus returns. 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:24.299 If I've spent the weekend with my girls while mom is away, just having fun, eating out, making 00:13:24.299 --> 00:13:31.519 messes, while avoiding serving the good of the household and the needs of our home, I won't 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:34.340 be ready when Christi returns unannounced. 00:13:34.340 --> 00:13:40.840 Let me ask you a few questions in this regard just to get your mind thinking in this direction. 00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:42.420 What could that look like for you? 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:50.340 Are you putting yourself in places to be equipped for bringing the gospel of the kingdom into every 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:52.680 area of your life? 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:56.179 Are you regularly in worship? 00:13:57.179 --> 00:13:58.239 In relationships? 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:00.679 In Sunday school classes? 00:14:00.859 --> 00:14:01.599 Small groups? 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:07.719 Other places where you can learn and process how God's word impacts your life? 00:14:08.239 --> 00:14:09.059 In every way. 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:09.859 Your work? 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.359 Your neighbors? 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:12.679 Your community? 00:14:13.319 --> 00:14:16.779 Serving the kingdom doesn't just mean I'm going to stay in this room and make sure that 00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:18.679 when Jesus comes I'm in the sanctuary at church. 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:20.879 Because that's where Jesus would want to find me. 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:22.819 No, no, it's too easy. 00:14:23.319 --> 00:14:27.339 It doesn't mean you have to go on a mountaintop and start looking out for him to be ready. 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.059 No. 00:14:30.219 --> 00:14:32.479 He's called you into his kingdom and it's everywhere. 00:14:33.579 --> 00:14:37.819 But are you seeking how his word prepares you and equips you for that? 00:14:38.199 --> 00:14:43.740 Are you intentionally thinking about work, life, neighbors, community, everything with his 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:44.740 priorities? 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:47.680 I know you go to training for your job. 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:54.419 I know you read blogs about parenting, business leadership, college football. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:15:02.100 Are you preparing to serve God at home, in the office, and in your free time? 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:09.519 Are you investing in your heart the way you're investing in your body? 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:15.240 Working out, watching what you eat, buying the right clothes? 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:19.659 Those have some value, God says. 00:15:21.320 --> 00:15:24.800 But are you praying, studying to feed your heart? 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:33.319 Are you actively engaging in this spiritual warfare the king tells us we're fighting in 00:15:33.319 --> 00:15:35.919 his kingdom for him, for his kingdom? 00:15:37.219 --> 00:15:43.199 Being alert and aware as a servant means knowing we're in a war for the hearts of our kids, 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:49.779 for the dignity of the downtrodden in our city, for the souls of our neighbors in Huntsville, 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:55.980 and our neighbors in India, for the glory of the gospel to be reflected in our marriages? 00:15:57.019 --> 00:16:00.100 There's a war and you're in it, like it or not. 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:01.799 Are you fighting? 00:16:03.579 --> 00:16:09.899 It's a war that requires us to sacrifice our agendas daily and to serve others in the service 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:10.579 of our king. 00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:12.819 Wars require sacrifice like that. 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:22.000 This is a general call to serve the king, to prepare ourselves to serve him so that we're 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:22.840 ready when he comes. 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:29.540 And after that general call, Jesus gets a little more specific and he calls us to embody the 00:16:29.540 --> 00:16:31.420 king's gracious character. 00:16:33.060 --> 00:16:34.240 Verse 41. 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:38.320 Peter responds to Jesus. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:42.380 Peter said, Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all? 00:16:42.820 --> 00:16:49.360 And the Lord said, who then is the faithful and wise manager whom his master will set over 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:53.140 his household to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 00:16:53.940 --> 00:16:57.680 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 00:16:58.180 --> 00:17:01.980 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.740 You see what Jesus is saying? 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:07.460 We're stewards, aren't we? 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:11.500 Perhaps especially those in leadership in the church. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:12.180 Pay attention. 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:13.700 Leaders. 00:17:15.059 --> 00:17:21.539 But just as surely any and all of us who would be faithful followers of Christ are stewards 00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:24.680 who rule on behalf of the king. 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:30.779 For you Tolkien fans, this is the steward of Gondor who's in charge until the true king 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:31.680 returns, right? 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.480 You can keep that picture. 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:34.579 Everybody else can move on. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:42.119 This is the way God created us in his image as vice regents to rule over his creation. 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:48.259 All the way back in the beginning, it's what he's made all of us for as image bearers of 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:48.480 his. 00:17:48.679 --> 00:17:51.539 And he created us not just to go rule in any way we wanted to. 00:17:51.679 --> 00:17:52.519 Go be in charge. 00:17:53.639 --> 00:17:53.879 No. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:55.059 How are we supposed to rule? 00:17:55.480 --> 00:18:01.460 We're supposed to rule the way the true king would, reflecting his gracious character. 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:04.799 So we have to ask, what is our master like? 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:08.579 How would he care for his household? 00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:13.720 We know he would lovingly provide for all their needs. 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:18.920 He would generously give without demanding repayment. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:24.980 He would be fair to all and especially merciful to those in need. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:32.440 And so Jesus says, being ready for my return means living like that every day. 00:18:33.319 --> 00:18:39.860 Embodying my gracious character in every situation and to every person, especially your brothers 00:18:39.860 --> 00:18:41.339 and sisters in my family. 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:45.960 To use the example of Christi returning home again. 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:48.440 If we clean up along the way. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.240 If we eat appropriately. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:54.660 If we function in every way as she would while she is gone. 00:18:55.380 --> 00:19:00.220 There won't be a mad scramble to straighten up when she's coming home. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:01.000 We'll be ready. 00:19:03.660 --> 00:19:08.039 The problem for us is if God is always faithful. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:10.039 Consistently gracious. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.559 Overwhelmingly generous. 00:19:13.319 --> 00:19:16.180 Intentionally merciful to those beneath him. 00:19:17.099 --> 00:19:19.000 Sacrificially loving to others. 00:19:19.399 --> 00:19:20.200 And he is. 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:22.500 We're different. 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:27.960 We have a strong propensity towards loving ourselves. 00:19:28.819 --> 00:19:29.000 Right? 00:19:30.159 --> 00:19:32.799 Towards doing things our way rather than his. 00:19:32.899 --> 00:19:35.859 We've had it all the way since he created us to do this back in the garden. 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:39.639 We as people started thinking, you know, I'd rather rule my way. 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:43.099 I've got a different way that this would work better. 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:47.719 And Jesus describes this tendency in the unfaithful steward. 00:19:47.879 --> 00:19:49.000 Verse 45. 00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:51.979 A contrast with the faithful steward. 00:19:52.159 --> 00:19:57.819 If the servant says to himself, my master is delayed in coming and begins to beat the male 00:19:57.819 --> 00:20:00.419 and female servants and eat and drink and get drunk. 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:04.199 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him. 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:09.080 And at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:19.420 That servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will will receive a severe beating. 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:24.660 But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. 00:20:25.800 --> 00:20:29.300 Everyone to whom much was given of him much will be required. 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:34.440 And from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:41.259 Jesus, in some sobering words, pictures a steward who lives for himself, 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:44.960 who mistreats those under his charge, 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:51.240 and pays the price in dreadful ways when the master returns. 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:56.080 This is a clear warning to elders and deacons in the church 00:20:56.079 --> 00:21:01.960 that we are to tend and feed the flock as the good shepherd would. 00:21:02.379 --> 00:21:03.279 Not any way we want. 00:21:04.939 --> 00:21:09.899 But it's for everyone following Jesus to clarify Peter's earlier question. 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:11.379 Is this for us or everybody? 00:21:12.159 --> 00:21:13.220 Verse 48, 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:23.680 Y'all, that's all of us. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:31.380 We often hear these words used to speak of those who've been given much in terms of material possessions 00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:33.759 or physical talents. 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:36.799 That's not untrue. 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:43.119 But in context, those who have been given much are all those in relationship with Jesus 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:45.059 to whom the Father has given what? 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:47.180 The kingdom. 00:21:47.919 --> 00:21:50.279 Verse 32 from last week. 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:53.359 That's what the Father has given to us. 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:56.819 Every spiritual blessing in Christ. 00:21:57.599 --> 00:22:03.599 The word of God that all of us have so that we can know him more and know his heart 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:05.940 and understand our master's will. 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.919 And God says, 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:10.919 Steward those things as I would. 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:15.799 Love your children in the way I love you. 00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:24.440 Do your work justly and fairly and faithfully the way I do with all of creation. 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:31.119 Engage with your neighbor and the least of these and the lost passionately, 00:22:32.399 --> 00:22:36.720 sacrificially, relentlessly the way I do. 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:40.299 The heart I have towards them, God says. 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:43.480 Have you been given much forgiveness? 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:46.339 Forgive much. 00:22:47.359 --> 00:22:49.419 Have you been given much hope? 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:51.839 Share hope with others. 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:56.500 Have you been provided for generously and freely? 00:22:56.500 --> 00:23:01.759 Then dump it out on others as freely as it has been given to you. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:05.680 Give the same way. 00:23:05.680 --> 00:23:06.299 Serve the king. 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:06.680 Serve the king. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:09.860 Serve the king. 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:13.759 Embody his gracious character in every way. 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:17.600 And then one last way to stay ready for the return of Jesus. 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:20.539 Cling to the king. 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:31.000 All these things we've been talking about, things we can do, ways we can live day in and day out to be ready for the return of Jesus, 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:35.940 they all come out of a heart that treasures the king. 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:40.620 They're all a reflection of our heart for him, aren't they? 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:42.400 Verse 34 told us, 00:23:42.559 --> 00:23:45.740 Where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:50.039 See, if I treasure Christi, 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:54.680 when she comes back in the middle of the night unexpectedly, 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:58.580 she will find me faithful to her. 00:23:58.579 --> 00:24:03.159 She will find us longing for her to come back. 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:05.579 Anxious for her to be home again. 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:09.159 She'll find us living in such a way that if she came back, 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:11.299 she would be happy to be living with us, right? 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:13.220 If we treasure her. 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:16.519 Walking back into a messy kitchen says, 00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:18.500 We were hoping you weren't coming back tonight. 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:24.240 Walking back into a home that's prepared for her says, 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:29.140 We love you and couldn't wait for you to be back here with us. 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:32.440 It's why, by the way, side note, 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:38.680 we're called to pray and long for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:44.620 because we long for the king to come and live with us. 00:24:44.620 --> 00:24:49.819 We want this earth to be a fit place for our king to dwell, 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:54.180 not just so it'll be great, but because we treasure him. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:57.240 And we want him with us. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:59.099 That's why we need the kingdom to come, right? 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:03.099 The point of this last section, 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:05.839 several brief comments that Jesus makes, 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.720 is that we must cling to the king. 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:11.900 That we must be committed to him no matter what 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:16.000 because both deliverance and judgment are coming. 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:19.559 And he is the dividing line. 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:21.140 Listen to these hard words. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:21.859 Verse 49. 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:26.559 I came to cast fire on the earth and would that it were already kindled. 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:32.459 I have a baptism to be baptized with and how great is my distress until it is accomplished. 00:25:32.719 --> 00:25:34.799 That's Jesus headed to the cross. 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:37.199 That's what that verse means. 00:25:37.899 --> 00:25:40.659 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:43.700 No, I tell you, but rather division. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:47.480 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, 00:25:47.620 --> 00:25:49.620 three against two and two against three. 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:53.060 They will be divided father against son and son against father. 00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:55.720 Mother against daughter and daughter against mother. 00:25:55.860 --> 00:25:57.759 Mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:59.920 and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:05.180 We think of Jesus as the prince of peace and that's true. 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:14.600 He does come to bring peace between men and God to reconcile us to God by his cross in particular. 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.100 And that unites people. 00:26:17.320 --> 00:26:24.420 But Jesus is highlighting here a stark distinction that his coming and his death will bring. 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:29.800 And that's because while some embrace him and follow him, others reject him. 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:33.460 And so there's division between those. 00:26:33.560 --> 00:26:35.759 Jesus is the dividing line. 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:38.920 And he continues on this point. 00:26:39.060 --> 00:26:40.460 He also said to the crowds, 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:42.740 when you see a cloud rising in the west, 00:26:42.800 --> 00:26:46.300 you say it once a shower is coming right there off the water. 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:47.940 And so it happens. 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:51.900 When you see the south wind blowing, it's coming up from the desert. 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:55.840 You say there will be a scorching heat and it happens. 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.560 You hypocrites. 00:26:58.200 --> 00:27:01.140 You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, 00:27:01.280 --> 00:27:05.500 but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:08.960 You're good at seeing the weather coming, 00:27:09.100 --> 00:27:13.060 but you don't see what's happening right here in your midst. 00:27:13.540 --> 00:27:15.840 The Messiah is here to rescue. 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:19.700 He's been promised for years and for generations. 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:21.779 He's coming now. 00:27:21.840 --> 00:27:23.100 He's here to rescue. 00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:25.960 Everything now changes. 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:28.080 Look around you. 00:27:28.160 --> 00:27:29.480 The blind receive sight. 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.660 The lame walk. 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:32.680 The good news is preached to the poor. 00:27:33.059 --> 00:27:36.200 Blessed is the one who doesn't fall away on account of the one that's brought this. 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.259 The Messiah. 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:39.720 Find him. 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:41.299 Cling to him. 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:45.940 At the same time, he says, verse 57, 00:27:46.159 --> 00:27:48.639 Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:51.639 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:53.779 make an effort to settle with him on the way, 00:27:54.379 --> 00:27:55.899 lest he drag you to the judge, 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:57.919 and the judge hand you over to the officer, 00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:00.019 and the officer puts you in prison. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:02.579 I tell you, you will never get out 00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:05.659 until you have paid the very last penny. 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:11.440 Sometimes we hear that quoted as just good practical advice, 00:28:11.620 --> 00:28:12.220 which it is. 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:16.420 But now in this context, think about it, 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:20.220 we understand that the judge is God himself. 00:28:21.060 --> 00:28:24.320 Because not only is salvation coming with the Messiah, 00:28:24.800 --> 00:28:26.560 the rescue you've been waiting for, 00:28:26.820 --> 00:28:30.600 but so is judgment for those who reject him. 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:34.819 So read the signs of the times, Jesus says. 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:37.079 Get right with God now. 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:40.559 The kingdom of God is in your midst, 00:28:40.919 --> 00:28:43.099 so align yourself with the king. 00:28:43.439 --> 00:28:46.399 Cling to him, Jesus is saying. 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:50.480 Do you long for Jesus? 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:54.859 Do you ever daydream about his return? 00:28:56.059 --> 00:28:58.500 What's it going to be like to be with him forever? 00:28:58.500 --> 00:29:04.480 Is your heart faithful to your first love? 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:09.299 Clinging to trust in him until he comes back? 00:29:10.559 --> 00:29:12.579 Listen, if you don't know Jesus, 00:29:13.900 --> 00:29:15.700 nothing could be more urgent 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:19.960 than for you to meet him today, 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:21.339 to know him. 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:24.559 He was promised to come once, and he came. 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:28.220 He's promised to come back again, 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:29.920 and when he does, he will deliver 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:33.660 and judge fully and finally. 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.680 Don't say to yourself, 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:38.740 well, I've got time. 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:39.900 Plenty of time. 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:44.579 Do you think Jesus is coming back tonight? 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:47.480 No? 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:52.900 Well, this passage says he's coming when we don't expect. 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.820 So in that regard, 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.180 if you don't think it's tonight, 00:29:56.280 --> 00:29:59.420 tonight's as good a time as any in that respect. 00:29:59.880 --> 00:30:01.540 Jesus is coming. 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:04.900 Don't delay dealing with Jesus. 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:08.060 If you want to talk about it more this morning, 00:30:08.120 --> 00:30:08.960 I'd love to talk with you. 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:11.780 Any of us would love to talk with you more about him, 00:30:11.880 --> 00:30:12.680 but don't delay. 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:17.420 If you're unsure about Jesus, 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:20.279 or if you look at your life 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:23.000 and realize that you're not serving the king 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:24.380 and kingdom priorities, 00:30:24.880 --> 00:30:26.460 or that you're not embodying 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:28.880 the gracious character of the king, 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:31.220 and you realize what that says about your heart, 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:34.380 is that you don't treasure the king, 00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:37.740 if you realize that this morning, 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:40.819 let me give you a glimpse 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:43.940 at why we long for his return. 00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:48.400 What it is about him that wins our hearts, 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:51.500 that makes us want to shape our lives 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:53.079 after him right now. 00:30:53.160 --> 00:30:55.400 Why would somebody do such a thing? 00:30:57.579 --> 00:30:59.759 When Christy comes home from a trip, 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:03.920 everyone in our house is eagerly awaiting her return. 00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:07.220 Now, part of that is because Christy 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:09.860 usually brings presents back for us. 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:13.360 Because while she's been away from us, 00:31:13.580 --> 00:31:16.660 her heart has remained so fixed on us, 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:18.900 she loves us so much that while she was away, 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:21.660 she was thinking of bringing something back for us. 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:26.759 And then secondly, we're so excited she's coming home 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:29.620 because she doesn't come home just to prop her feet up, 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:32.759 she comes home and jumps right back in to serving, 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:35.079 fixing us dinner, 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:37.079 taking care of our house, 00:31:37.160 --> 00:31:38.579 getting us ready for school, 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:40.579 sitting and reading with us. 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:45.240 Her love for us is so evident and so persistent, 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:47.519 even when we leave a mess, 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:52.879 even when we didn't live the way she would have wished 00:31:52.879 --> 00:31:53.779 while she was gone, 00:31:54.099 --> 00:31:56.539 even when she really deserves a break, 00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:59.599 she keeps loving us. 00:31:59.599 --> 00:32:05.119 That's just a glimmer of our Savior's heart for us. 00:32:05.459 --> 00:32:09.559 His heart remains fixed on us always. 00:32:10.699 --> 00:32:11.219 Always. 00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:12.639 Do you remember verse 50? 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:16.879 What does he say about how we're on his heart all the time? 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:19.259 I have a baptism to be baptized with 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:22.519 and how great is my distress until it is accomplished. 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:26.819 Remember, Jesus has set his face to go to the cross, 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:28.099 to be baptized. 00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:33.759 There's judgment there as well as he's going to purchase for us our salvation. 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:36.559 We're on his heart. 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:38.939 He's coming to give us gifts, 00:32:39.639 --> 00:32:41.460 salvation and the kingdom 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:44.000 and every spiritual blessing, 00:32:44.379 --> 00:32:45.980 even eternal life, 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:48.099 a gift from him. 00:32:48.099 --> 00:32:52.159 And when he returns, 00:32:53.659 --> 00:32:56.240 he doesn't just bring gifts because he loves us. 00:32:57.119 --> 00:33:00.099 The king who is due all glory, 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:06.000 the master who deserves all service from all the servants, 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:14.599 who deserves to take a rest after all the work he's done on our behalf. 00:33:15.980 --> 00:33:17.059 Nonetheless, what does he do? 00:33:17.059 --> 00:33:19.419 He serves us. 00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:20.819 He says, 00:33:20.940 --> 00:33:23.240 I want you to recline at the table 00:33:23.240 --> 00:33:27.059 at the wedding feast of the Lamb that is rightfully mine. 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:28.799 Remember verse 37? 00:33:30.679 --> 00:33:33.980 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. 00:33:34.480 --> 00:33:35.639 Truly I say to you, 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:39.079 he will dress himself for service 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:42.919 and have them recline at table 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:46.640 and he will come and serve them. 00:33:46.640 --> 00:33:50.000 Y'all, that's a king worth waiting up for. 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:53.180 Now do you know why he has our hearts? 00:33:53.600 --> 00:33:57.240 Why it's worth anything for us to serve him? 00:33:57.480 --> 00:34:00.560 He has come once in great humility 00:34:00.560 --> 00:34:04.519 to rescue us at the cost of his own life. 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:10.420 And he is coming again in great glory 00:34:10.420 --> 00:34:13.739 to be with us forever 00:34:13.739 --> 00:34:17.280 and serve us always. 00:34:18.380 --> 00:34:20.079 Stay ready for him. 00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:22.159 Trust him now. 00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:24.920 Serve him now. 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:27.500 He will never let you down. 00:34:28.559 --> 00:34:29.159 Pray with me. 00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:36.579 Jesus, we look forward to that day 00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:38.619 when you come. 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:42.119 Thank you you have not left us alone now. 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:46.619 But oh, we long to be with you 00:34:46.619 --> 00:34:47.799 always 00:34:47.799 --> 00:34:49.519 and forever 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.699 eternally. 00:34:50.699 --> 00:34:55.559 So Jesus, make us those 00:34:55.559 --> 00:34:56.460 today 00:34:56.460 --> 00:34:58.799 who truly do long for that day 00:34:58.799 --> 00:35:00.079 more than any other day. 00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:03.480 Who long to be with you 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:04.299 and who live 00:35:04.299 --> 00:35:06.179 as people 00:35:06.179 --> 00:35:07.619 whose great joy 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:10.219 is to serve the king 00:35:10.219 --> 00:35:12.099 and to be ready 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:14.019 for his return. 00:35:14.659 --> 00:35:16.480 Oh Father, just in the years that we have 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:17.779 on this earth, 00:35:18.539 --> 00:35:19.239 help us 00:35:19.239 --> 00:35:20.319 as we serve 00:35:20.319 --> 00:35:21.699 to make it a fit place 00:35:21.699 --> 00:35:22.959 for the 00:35:22.959 --> 00:35:25.459 unnumerable 00:35:25.459 --> 00:35:28.219 incomprehensible 00:35:28.219 --> 00:35:29.119 years 00:35:29.119 --> 00:35:30.319 we will spend 00:35:30.319 --> 00:35:31.199 with you 00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:32.039 forever. 00:35:33.839 --> 00:35:35.000 Change our hearts 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:37.959 by your spirit. 00:35:38.619 --> 00:35:39.779 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:35:40.699 --> 00:35:40.939 Amen. 00:35:44.879 --> 00:35:46.159 For more information 00:35:46.159 --> 00:35:47.459 visit us online 00:35:47.459 --> 00:35:48.759 at southwood.org 00:35:48.760 --> 00:35:50.280 The 00:35:50.340 --> 00:35:50.880 people 00:35:50.880 --> 00:35:51.520 who 00:35:51.520 --> 00:35:52.500 whom 00:35:52.500 --> 00:35:53.660 the 00:35:53.720 --> 00:35:54.300 country 00:35:54.300 --> 00:35:55.680 the 00:35:55.680 --> 00:36:14.180 few