WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.000 Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near. 00:00:08.620 --> 00:00:10.720 ! Prepare the way for the Lord. 00:00:10.720 --> 00:00:14.120 ! Make straight paths for him. 00:00:18.080 --> 00:00:18.879 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.960 It wasn't a diamond. 00:00:34.460 --> 00:00:37.299 In fact, it wasn't any kind of jewel. 00:00:39.100 --> 00:00:47.379 So what was it that made this 24.7 kilograms piece of rock so special? 00:00:49.939 --> 00:00:53.640 It was a meteorite from Mars. 00:00:55.240 --> 00:00:58.539 Now, there are quite a few of these, not a lot of them, 00:00:58.539 --> 00:01:00.240 but there are a few of them around, 00:01:00.380 --> 00:01:08.159 but this reckons to be the largest known piece of Mars on planet Earth. 00:01:08.920 --> 00:01:13.239 And it was not without controversy as to whether it was right to sell it 00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:14.680 and who bought it and all the rest of it, 00:01:14.759 --> 00:01:18.500 but that's not really the point that I want us to think about right now. 00:01:20.700 --> 00:01:23.259 The point that I would invite us to think about 00:01:23.260 --> 00:01:28.219 is how there is so much fascination 00:01:28.219 --> 00:01:31.080 over the notion 00:01:31.080 --> 00:01:34.800 of something not of this world 00:01:34.800 --> 00:01:37.980 entering our world. 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:42.660 Hold on to that image. 00:01:42.659 --> 00:01:50.519 The message of John the Baptist, 00:01:52.120 --> 00:01:53.799 the message of Advent, 00:01:54.079 --> 00:01:55.799 and why we celebrate, 00:01:55.920 --> 00:01:57.519 why we engage this season 00:01:57.519 --> 00:01:59.579 as Christmas approaches, 00:02:00.500 --> 00:02:02.219 it's not something we just do 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:04.679 for the sake of having a liturgical calendar. 00:02:04.900 --> 00:02:06.299 It's something that we do 00:02:06.299 --> 00:02:08.800 as a reminder that is an important thing 00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:10.919 that we need throughout our whole lives, 00:02:10.919 --> 00:02:13.139 throughout the whole year of our lives, 00:02:13.179 --> 00:02:14.239 every single day. 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:17.079 And that is to be refreshed in 00:02:17.079 --> 00:02:19.579 and reminded of the importance 00:02:19.579 --> 00:02:21.579 of getting ready, 00:02:22.479 --> 00:02:23.739 of being ready, 00:02:24.879 --> 00:02:25.939 of being prepared. 00:02:27.919 --> 00:02:30.339 And as John's message was one 00:02:30.339 --> 00:02:32.299 of pointing towards the coming 00:02:32.299 --> 00:02:34.639 of the ministry of Jesus on Earth, 00:02:34.639 --> 00:02:40.599 so that dynamic of expectation 00:02:40.599 --> 00:02:42.459 is set before us 00:02:42.459 --> 00:02:45.459 as the very thing that we need 00:02:45.459 --> 00:02:47.219 to kindle every single day 00:02:47.219 --> 00:02:48.419 of our lives. 00:02:49.399 --> 00:02:51.239 Getting ready to meet 00:02:51.239 --> 00:02:53.979 with the ultimate visitor 00:02:53.979 --> 00:02:55.759 to this world. 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:58.319 Getting ready to meet 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:02.739 with the one who enters this world 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:04.320 who is not of this world. 00:03:06.600 --> 00:03:09.000 Not to meet with a chunk of rock 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:09.960 from Mars, 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:11.980 or even a living thing 00:03:11.980 --> 00:03:12.840 from Mars, 00:03:13.700 --> 00:03:15.439 but to meet 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:17.939 with the living one 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:20.700 who created heaven 00:03:20.700 --> 00:03:22.040 and earth 00:03:22.040 --> 00:03:23.260 and Mars 00:03:23.260 --> 00:03:24.460 and everything 00:03:24.460 --> 00:03:25.719 in the whole universe. 00:03:25.719 --> 00:03:31.740 The theme of getting ready 00:03:31.740 --> 00:03:33.479 is something that is 00:03:33.479 --> 00:03:36.539 a very widespread message 00:03:36.539 --> 00:03:38.120 in wider media 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:39.400 as Christmas approaches. 00:03:41.400 --> 00:03:43.419 But it tends to carry 00:03:43.419 --> 00:03:44.099 that meaning 00:03:44.099 --> 00:03:45.159 of getting ready 00:03:45.159 --> 00:03:47.599 for hosting a big party. 00:03:51.099 --> 00:03:52.860 And the more we kind of 00:03:52.860 --> 00:03:53.699 look into that 00:03:53.699 --> 00:03:54.419 and read into it 00:03:54.419 --> 00:03:55.019 and see what people 00:03:55.019 --> 00:03:56.139 have to say about it, 00:03:57.199 --> 00:03:59.539 the less it has to do 00:03:59.539 --> 00:04:00.280 with the kind of 00:04:00.280 --> 00:04:01.519 expectation 00:04:01.519 --> 00:04:02.719 and getting ready 00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:04.039 that God would probably 00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:05.939 want us to be engaged with. 00:04:08.459 --> 00:04:09.459 A few weeks ago 00:04:09.459 --> 00:04:10.539 I was reading in the, 00:04:10.539 --> 00:04:11.159 I'm not sure if it was 00:04:11.159 --> 00:04:12.560 the November or December 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:15.359 edition of Good Housekeeping. 00:04:15.500 --> 00:04:16.399 Yes, I did say that. 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:18.719 I'm not a subscriber. 00:04:20.560 --> 00:04:21.899 I get it from a mum 00:04:21.899 --> 00:04:23.659 who does enjoy reading it. 00:04:24.419 --> 00:04:25.679 And when we were visiting her 00:04:25.679 --> 00:04:26.379 and it's always a copy 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:27.099 laid out there, 00:04:27.959 --> 00:04:28.819 I'll fess up to it, 00:04:28.839 --> 00:04:30.120 I do quite enjoy reading it. 00:04:30.259 --> 00:04:33.620 But there was an article there 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:34.620 entitled 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:37.399 How to Prep Your Home 00:04:37.399 --> 00:04:38.419 for Guests 00:04:38.419 --> 00:04:40.019 with Christmas on the Horizon. 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:41.500 I'm just going to 00:04:41.500 --> 00:04:43.299 briefly read through 00:04:43.299 --> 00:04:45.979 these 22 tips. 00:04:45.980 --> 00:04:48.020 Number one, 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:49.120 consider the layout 00:04:49.120 --> 00:04:50.660 of your home 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:52.400 before you do anything. 00:04:56.600 --> 00:04:57.439 Number two, 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:58.460 there's a whole load 00:04:58.460 --> 00:04:59.220 I'm missing out here 00:04:59.220 --> 00:04:59.840 and I'm not even going to do it, 00:04:59.840 --> 00:05:00.200 I'm just giving you 00:05:00.200 --> 00:05:01.020 the headline points. 00:05:01.340 --> 00:05:01.819 Number two, 00:05:01.920 --> 00:05:03.120 always clean 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:04.980 before you put up 00:05:04.980 --> 00:05:05.759 the decorations. 00:05:06.180 --> 00:05:06.680 Oh, help. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:08.140 Number three, 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:10.700 be proactive 00:05:10.700 --> 00:05:13.580 about pine needle pickup. 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:16.120 If you have a real tree, 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:18.279 invest in a tree skirt 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:19.899 to catch fallen needles. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:22.399 Number four, 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:24.759 leave room for outer wear. 00:05:25.219 --> 00:05:26.899 Create a designated space 00:05:26.899 --> 00:05:27.959 for your front door 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:29.139 for guests' coats 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:30.299 and shoes. 00:05:30.759 --> 00:05:31.699 That way no one 00:05:31.699 --> 00:05:32.479 will end up 00:05:32.479 --> 00:05:34.500 tripping over a rogue boot. 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:36.000 Number five, 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:37.419 lay out the dinner table 00:05:37.419 --> 00:05:39.180 before the big day. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:40.279 Number six, 00:05:40.599 --> 00:05:43.060 prepare what food you can 00:05:43.060 --> 00:05:44.120 in advance. 00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:45.300 Number seven, 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:47.079 declutter your fridge 00:05:47.079 --> 00:05:48.319 before you do 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:49.459 the Christmas shop. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:50.139 Eight, 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:51.040 clean the fridge 00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:52.540 while it's mostly empty. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:53.519 Nine, 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:56.459 make use of other rooms 00:05:56.459 --> 00:05:57.639 for food storage 00:05:57.639 --> 00:05:58.680 if you can. 00:05:59.259 --> 00:05:59.720 Ten, 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:01.139 empty the freezer. 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:01.920 Two, 00:06:02.579 --> 00:06:03.000 eleven, 00:06:03.220 --> 00:06:05.040 inspect your cookware 00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:06.620 ahead of Christmas Day. 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:09.120 Twelve, 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:10.300 clean your oven 00:06:10.300 --> 00:06:12.079 in advance of the day. 00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:13.779 thirteen, 00:06:14.300 --> 00:06:15.199 make the beds 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:16.000 with care. 00:06:16.259 --> 00:06:16.939 This is hilarious. 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:18.339 Number fourteen, 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:19.959 create a space 00:06:19.959 --> 00:06:20.620 for guests 00:06:20.620 --> 00:06:21.959 to store their clothes. 00:06:22.139 --> 00:06:22.919 Clear a shelf 00:06:22.919 --> 00:06:23.639 and rail 00:06:23.639 --> 00:06:25.860 for them 00:06:25.860 --> 00:06:27.699 and add velvet hangers. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:32.180 Number fifteen, 00:06:32.620 --> 00:06:33.680 welcome your guests 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:35.419 with beverage stations. 00:06:35.420 --> 00:06:38.480 make a travel kettle, 00:06:38.900 --> 00:06:40.240 move a travel kettle 00:06:40.240 --> 00:06:41.759 or a pod coffee machine 00:06:41.759 --> 00:06:43.480 and cups into the guest room 00:06:43.480 --> 00:06:44.879 to create their own 00:06:44.879 --> 00:06:46.319 little hot drink station. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:47.480 Milk and sugar 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:48.740 make a nice addition too, 00:06:49.180 --> 00:06:49.980 although you'll need 00:06:49.980 --> 00:06:50.960 a mini fridge 00:06:50.960 --> 00:06:51.620 for the latter. 00:06:53.080 --> 00:06:53.680 Sixteen, 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:55.160 provide a laundry bag 00:06:55.160 --> 00:06:56.280 for dirty washing. 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:57.620 Seventeen, 00:06:58.620 --> 00:06:59.740 fluff the towels. 00:07:00.340 --> 00:07:00.860 Eighteen, 00:07:00.960 --> 00:07:01.900 if you really want 00:07:01.900 --> 00:07:02.860 to go to gold, 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:03.520 oh my word, 00:07:03.740 --> 00:07:04.980 you could provide 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:06.400 dressing gowns 00:07:06.400 --> 00:07:07.040 and slippers. 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:08.540 The things we love 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:10.040 to wear at home 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:11.680 but that are impractical 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:12.660 to pack in a suitcase. 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:13.920 Nineteen, 00:07:13.980 --> 00:07:14.759 leave amenities 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:16.280 out for your guests. 00:07:16.460 --> 00:07:17.720 It's a thoughtful touch 00:07:17.720 --> 00:07:18.860 to provide soap, 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:19.460 shampoo 00:07:19.460 --> 00:07:20.639 and toothpaste. 00:07:21.639 --> 00:07:22.120 Twenty, 00:07:22.840 --> 00:07:24.160 deep clean the toilet 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:25.920 ahead of their arrival. 00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:27.480 Scrub the seat, 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:28.699 lid and bowl 00:07:28.699 --> 00:07:29.660 with a dedicated 00:07:29.660 --> 00:07:30.880 bathroom cleaner. 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:32.480 Twenty-one, 00:07:32.580 --> 00:07:33.900 we're coming to the end now. 00:07:34.760 --> 00:07:35.280 Literally. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:36.860 Don't forget 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:38.360 about the toilet brush. 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:40.200 Deep clean this 00:07:40.200 --> 00:07:44.400 by filling the holder 00:07:44.400 --> 00:07:45.680 with hot soapy water 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:47.120 and swilling it around 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:48.520 with the brush in place. 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:49.800 Tip that away 00:07:49.800 --> 00:07:50.940 and rinse the brush holder. 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:52.360 Repeat with cold water 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:53.720 and a couple of drops 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:54.260 of bleach. 00:07:54.480 --> 00:07:55.400 Soak for ten minutes 00:07:55.400 --> 00:07:56.360 then pour away 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:56.940 and rinse. 00:07:56.939 --> 00:07:57.959 And finally, 00:07:58.300 --> 00:07:59.139 last but not least, 00:07:59.199 --> 00:08:00.000 number twenty-two, 00:08:00.319 --> 00:08:01.100 give the shower 00:08:01.100 --> 00:08:03.519 a deep clean too. 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:09.920 Well, I trust you've done 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:10.779 all that already. 00:08:11.019 --> 00:08:11.759 I mean, come on. 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:16.180 The irony is 00:08:16.180 --> 00:08:17.120 that the first, 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:18.100 that appears towards 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:18.920 the end of that 00:08:18.920 --> 00:08:19.800 particular edition, 00:08:20.159 --> 00:08:21.019 the first half 00:08:21.019 --> 00:08:22.360 is full of articles 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:22.980 telling you 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:23.959 how to relax 00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:25.560 and not be stressed 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:26.479 written by 00:08:26.479 --> 00:08:27.539 fully qualified 00:08:27.539 --> 00:08:28.819 life coaches. 00:08:35.220 --> 00:08:35.860 How 00:08:35.860 --> 00:08:39.039 might Advent 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:41.460 as a theme 00:08:41.460 --> 00:08:42.360 that's not just 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:44.079 confined to December, 00:08:46.079 --> 00:08:47.559 how might it 00:08:47.559 --> 00:08:50.379 help us 00:08:50.379 --> 00:08:51.379 to get ready 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:54.939 in a genuine way? 00:08:56.259 --> 00:08:57.340 How does God 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.659 want us to get ready 00:08:58.659 --> 00:08:59.820 and to be ready 00:08:59.820 --> 00:09:00.600 for him? 00:09:02.600 --> 00:09:03.519 How might this 00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:04.720 truly be a time 00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:05.620 and an invitation 00:09:05.620 --> 00:09:06.559 to reconnect 00:09:06.559 --> 00:09:07.419 with God 00:09:07.419 --> 00:09:08.399 in a deeper, 00:09:08.860 --> 00:09:09.500 deeper way? 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:11.320 I just want to 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:12.019 draw attention 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:12.879 to these words 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:14.279 of John the Baptist. 00:09:16.039 --> 00:09:16.600 Repent 00:09:16.600 --> 00:09:17.480 for the kingdom 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:18.039 of heaven 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:18.899 has come near. 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:21.399 prepare the way 00:09:21.399 --> 00:09:21.939 for the Lord 00:09:21.939 --> 00:09:23.159 and make straight 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:24.039 paths for him. 00:09:25.579 --> 00:09:26.699 That breaks down 00:09:26.699 --> 00:09:27.699 into three parts. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:28.939 The first is repent. 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:31.759 To turn round, 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:33.259 literally, 00:09:33.539 --> 00:09:34.240 is what it means, 00:09:34.799 --> 00:09:36.600 but to turn around 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:40.919 not just as a 00:09:40.919 --> 00:09:41.860 one-off thing 00:09:41.860 --> 00:09:42.439 that we do 00:09:42.439 --> 00:09:43.019 at the point 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:43.600 where we become 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:44.159 a Christian, 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:46.100 at that point 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:46.720 of conversion, 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:48.460 but rather 00:09:48.460 --> 00:09:49.019 that call 00:09:49.019 --> 00:09:50.200 to turn round 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:50.920 is an ongoing 00:09:50.920 --> 00:09:51.720 thing every day 00:09:51.720 --> 00:09:52.480 of our lives. 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:55.600 It's a daily 00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:55.980 call, 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:57.200 not just a one-off. 00:09:59.540 --> 00:10:00.279 And I guess 00:10:00.279 --> 00:10:00.920 the question 00:10:00.920 --> 00:10:02.000 it puts to all 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:02.440 of us 00:10:02.440 --> 00:10:03.480 is every day 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:04.100 to ask. 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:07.200 When we think 00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:07.759 about turning 00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:08.180 around, 00:10:09.320 --> 00:10:09.960 are you walking 00:10:09.960 --> 00:10:10.800 away from God 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:12.080 or walking 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:12.660 towards him? 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:17.179 I can't answer 00:10:17.179 --> 00:10:17.819 that question 00:10:17.819 --> 00:10:18.379 for you. 00:10:20.419 --> 00:10:21.419 Only you can. 00:10:27.480 --> 00:10:28.319 My guess is 00:10:28.319 --> 00:10:29.259 if you were told 00:10:29.259 --> 00:10:30.120 that over there 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:31.539 there's a chunk 00:10:31.539 --> 00:10:32.179 of rock in the 00:10:32.179 --> 00:10:32.480 corner 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:33.579 that's arrived 00:10:33.579 --> 00:10:34.360 from Mars, 00:10:35.360 --> 00:10:36.319 you'd probably 00:10:36.319 --> 00:10:36.879 be a little bit 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:37.360 interested. 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:39.379 You probably 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:39.799 wouldn't want 00:10:39.799 --> 00:10:40.480 to pay 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:41.139 three point 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:41.940 something million 00:10:41.940 --> 00:10:42.840 pounds for it. 00:10:44.580 --> 00:10:45.420 But my guess 00:10:45.420 --> 00:10:45.980 is you'd walk 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:46.580 towards it. 00:10:49.740 --> 00:10:50.639 If the 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:51.000 fundamental 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:51.539 claims of 00:10:51.539 --> 00:10:51.960 the Christian 00:10:51.960 --> 00:10:52.360 gospel 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:54.279 are true, 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:56.860 that the 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:57.440 author of 00:10:57.440 --> 00:10:58.080 heaven and 00:10:58.080 --> 00:10:58.440 earth 00:10:58.440 --> 00:11:00.139 has entered 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:00.539 earth, 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:04.120 why would 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:04.500 we want 00:11:04.500 --> 00:11:04.820 to walk 00:11:04.820 --> 00:11:05.360 away from 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:05.560 him? 00:11:05.559 --> 00:11:09.179 So as 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:09.459 we think 00:11:09.459 --> 00:11:09.739 of those 00:11:09.739 --> 00:11:10.219 words of 00:11:10.219 --> 00:11:10.519 John the 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:10.839 Baptist 00:11:10.839 --> 00:11:11.199 that say 00:11:11.199 --> 00:11:11.619 repent, 00:11:11.819 --> 00:11:12.379 turn around, 00:11:13.939 --> 00:11:14.859 let that be 00:11:14.859 --> 00:11:15.179 a daily 00:11:15.179 --> 00:11:15.679 question. 00:11:16.959 --> 00:11:17.179 In our 00:11:17.179 --> 00:11:17.539 actions, 00:11:17.699 --> 00:11:18.159 our decisions, 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.019 our values, 00:11:19.619 --> 00:11:20.000 our thought 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:20.459 patterns, 00:11:21.019 --> 00:11:21.319 are we 00:11:21.319 --> 00:11:22.039 walking away 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:23.479 or are we 00:11:23.479 --> 00:11:24.219 walking towards 00:11:24.219 --> 00:11:24.479 him? 00:11:32.739 --> 00:11:33.219 Second 00:11:33.219 --> 00:11:33.619 thing is 00:11:33.619 --> 00:11:34.559 that John 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:34.979 goes on 00:11:34.979 --> 00:11:35.399 to say 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:38.259 the 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:38.639 kingdom 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:39.519 of heaven 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.859 has come 00:11:40.859 --> 00:11:41.119 near. 00:11:45.299 --> 00:11:45.939 I'm not 00:11:45.939 --> 00:11:46.459 sure that we 00:11:46.459 --> 00:11:47.159 really recognise 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:47.959 that in our 00:11:47.959 --> 00:11:48.619 daily lives. 00:11:50.099 --> 00:11:51.379 That we 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:52.539 live in 00:11:52.539 --> 00:11:53.079 that time 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:53.759 in history, 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:56.339 perhaps this 00:11:56.339 --> 00:11:57.159 becomes eclipsed 00:11:57.159 --> 00:11:57.639 by the fact 00:11:57.639 --> 00:11:58.339 that some 00:11:58.339 --> 00:11:59.159 2,000 years 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:00.199 has passed 00:12:00.199 --> 00:12:02.000 since Jesus' 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:02.899 earthly ministry 00:12:02.899 --> 00:12:03.399 and the words 00:12:03.399 --> 00:12:03.799 of John the 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:04.099 Baptist, 00:12:04.339 --> 00:12:06.120 but we 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:06.579 tend to 00:12:06.579 --> 00:12:08.519 lose sight 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:08.759 of the 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:09.279 fact that 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:09.899 our time 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:10.379 on earth 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:11.399 in history 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:12.519 is actually 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:13.259 really, 00:12:13.399 --> 00:12:13.899 really short. 00:12:15.359 --> 00:12:16.099 But that 00:12:16.099 --> 00:12:16.399 has been 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:17.719 preceded by 00:12:17.719 --> 00:12:18.120 Jesus' 00:12:18.479 --> 00:12:19.979 time on 00:12:19.979 --> 00:12:20.379 earth, 00:12:20.539 --> 00:12:20.799 by his 00:12:20.799 --> 00:12:21.059 life, 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:21.479 his death 00:12:21.479 --> 00:12:21.740 and his 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:22.179 resurrection. 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:23.479 And our 00:12:23.479 --> 00:12:25.519 time here 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:26.139 in this 00:12:26.139 --> 00:12:27.099 space is 00:12:27.099 --> 00:12:27.959 preceded by 00:12:27.959 --> 00:12:28.439 that which 00:12:28.439 --> 00:12:28.699 he has 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:29.359 already done. 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:31.200 and therefore 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:34.379 the kingdom 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:34.940 of heaven 00:12:34.940 --> 00:12:36.500 is a 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.000 continual 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:37.720 reality that 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:38.320 shines over 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:38.879 every single 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:39.360 day of our 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:39.779 lives here, 00:12:39.820 --> 00:12:40.159 but we just 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:40.720 don't wake 00:12:40.720 --> 00:12:41.220 up to it. 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:43.480 The kingdom 00:12:43.480 --> 00:12:43.899 of heaven 00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:44.399 is here. 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:46.800 So much 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:48.460 of what is 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:48.899 happening in 00:12:48.899 --> 00:12:49.340 our lives 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:49.860 spiritually, 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:51.259 because it's 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:51.639 invisible, 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:52.300 we don't 00:12:52.300 --> 00:12:53.259 necessarily see 00:12:53.259 --> 00:12:53.639 it, we 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.300 don't perhaps 00:12:54.300 --> 00:12:55.379 connect with 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:55.940 it, but it's 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:56.380 there and 00:12:56.380 --> 00:12:56.740 we need 00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:57.760 to be 00:12:57.760 --> 00:12:58.100 aware. 00:12:58.300 --> 00:12:58.480 And I 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:58.920 would suggest 00:12:58.920 --> 00:12:59.380 that being 00:12:59.380 --> 00:12:59.920 ready, being 00:12:59.920 --> 00:13:01.300 prepared, is 00:13:01.300 --> 00:13:02.120 about knowing 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:03.200 that God 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:04.060 is active, 00:13:04.420 --> 00:13:05.660 even when we 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:06.500 can't see how 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:07.240 he is being 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:07.620 active. 00:13:09.060 --> 00:13:09.680 Let me read 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:11.980 to you a 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:12.720 true story 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:16.740 that it 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.920 goes back 00:13:17.920 --> 00:13:19.620 to 1990, 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:21.620 before the 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:22.180 start of the 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:22.640 Bosnian 00:13:22.640 --> 00:13:23.120 War. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:24.779 Malcock 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:25.980 family lived 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:26.919 next to a 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:28.539 small lake 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:29.120 in the 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.179 northwestern 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:31.039 village of 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:31.539 Jezero. 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.659 One day 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:34.720 in 1990, 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:36.220 Smejo 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:37.159 Malcock 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:37.940 returned from 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:38.960 a trip to 00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:39.679 Austria with 00:13:39.679 --> 00:13:40.299 an unusual 00:13:40.299 --> 00:13:41.139 gift for his 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:42.080 teenage sons, 00:13:43.060 --> 00:13:43.620 David and 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:44.279 Katib. 00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:45.399 It was an 00:13:45.399 --> 00:13:47.080 aquarium with 00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:48.200 two goldfish. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:51.159 Two years 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.799 passed before 00:13:52.799 --> 00:13:53.839 Bosnian-Serb 00:13:53.839 --> 00:13:54.839 forces advanced 00:13:54.839 --> 00:13:55.459 on Jezero. 00:13:56.219 --> 00:13:56.819 The women 00:13:56.819 --> 00:13:57.240 and children 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:57.959 fled and the 00:13:57.959 --> 00:13:58.579 men stayed 00:13:58.579 --> 00:13:59.039 back to 00:13:59.039 --> 00:14:00.000 resist the 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.399 attacking 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:01.000 soldiers. 00:14:02.219 --> 00:14:02.559 Smejo 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:03.279 Malcock was 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:03.620 killed. 00:14:04.599 --> 00:14:05.059 When his 00:14:05.059 --> 00:14:05.419 wife, 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:05.879 Fahima, 00:14:06.319 --> 00:14:06.719 sneaked 00:14:06.719 --> 00:14:07.299 back into 00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:07.939 the destroyed 00:14:07.939 --> 00:14:08.579 village to 00:14:08.579 --> 00:14:09.039 bury her 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:09.719 husband and 00:14:09.719 --> 00:14:10.439 rescue what 00:14:10.439 --> 00:14:11.120 remained of 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:11.759 her belongings, 00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:12.859 she took 00:14:12.859 --> 00:14:13.899 pity on the 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:14.599 fish that 00:14:14.599 --> 00:14:15.019 was still 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:15.579 there in 00:14:15.579 --> 00:14:16.159 the aquarium. 00:14:17.339 --> 00:14:17.959 She let 00:14:17.959 --> 00:14:18.299 them out 00:14:18.299 --> 00:14:18.679 into the 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:19.459 nearby lake, 00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:19.959 saying to 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:20.319 herself, 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:20.980 this way, 00:14:21.640 --> 00:14:22.140 they might 00:14:22.140 --> 00:14:22.540 be more 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:23.200 fortunate than 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:23.600 us. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.400 Fast forward 00:14:27.400 --> 00:14:28.540 to 1995. 00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:30.860 Fahima 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:31.360 Malcock 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:32.080 returned with 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.000 her sons to 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:33.480 Jezero. 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:34.980 Nothing but 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:36.860 ruins remained 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:37.660 of their home 00:14:37.660 --> 00:14:37.980 and their 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:38.360 village. 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:40.980 Through misty 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:41.620 eyes, she 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:42.400 looked towards 00:14:42.400 --> 00:14:42.900 the lake. 00:14:44.280 --> 00:14:44.700 Glimpsing 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:45.740 something strange, 00:14:45.880 --> 00:14:46.380 she walked 00:14:46.380 --> 00:14:47.020 over to the 00:14:47.020 --> 00:14:47.280 shore. 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:50.100 The whole 00:14:50.100 --> 00:14:50.860 lake was 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.740 shining from 00:14:51.740 --> 00:14:53.459 thousands of 00:14:53.459 --> 00:14:54.259 golden fish 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.079 in it, she 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:55.399 said. 00:14:56.980 --> 00:14:57.939 It made me 00:14:57.939 --> 00:14:58.659 immediately think 00:14:58.659 --> 00:14:59.279 of my husband. 00:14:59.839 --> 00:15:00.319 This was 00:15:00.319 --> 00:15:01.000 something he 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:01.679 left me that 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.159 I'd never 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:02.879 hoped for. 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:05.899 During the 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:07.339 years of 00:15:07.339 --> 00:15:08.279 killing all 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:08.819 around the 00:15:08.819 --> 00:15:10.699 lake, life 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:11.600 underwater had 00:15:11.600 --> 00:15:12.159 flourished. 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:14.639 After their 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.179 return, 00:15:15.959 --> 00:15:16.220 Fahima 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:16.860 Malcock and 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.360 her sons 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:18.320 started caring 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:18.920 for and 00:15:18.920 --> 00:15:19.639 selling the 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:20.180 goldfish. 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:23.960 By 1998, 00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:25.759 homes, stores 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:26.379 and coffee 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.560 shops all 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.019 over the 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:29.000 region featured 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.420 aquariums 00:15:30.420 --> 00:15:31.899 containing fish 00:15:31.899 --> 00:15:32.800 from Jezero. 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:35.340 The Malcock 00:15:35.340 --> 00:15:36.779 house, rebuilt 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:37.560 on its original 00:15:37.560 --> 00:15:38.360 site, was one 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:38.860 of the biggest 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.519 in the village, 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:40.840 with two new 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:41.639 cars parked 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:42.820 in front, and 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:43.340 the family 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:44.220 saying that 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:44.840 they have enough 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:45.980 money to quit 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:46.639 worrying about 00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:47.180 the future. 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:50.240 David 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.080 Malcock said 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.500 it was a 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:53.240 kind of special 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.700 gift from 00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:55.340 our father. 00:15:58.840 --> 00:15:59.500 All the 00:15:59.500 --> 00:16:00.220 while, it 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:00.800 seemed that 00:16:00.800 --> 00:16:01.160 there was 00:16:01.160 --> 00:16:01.740 just war, 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.360 chaos and 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:03.240 destruction in 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:03.980 all directions. 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:06.379 Things were 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:06.700 happening 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:07.660 underneath the 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:08.139 surface. 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:10.680 And our 00:16:10.680 --> 00:16:11.460 focus can be 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:12.120 so much on 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:12.620 what is going 00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:13.080 wrong with 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:13.460 the world 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:14.980 and what 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:15.620 might be 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:16.879 uncertainties 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:18.019 and within 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:18.500 our own 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.759 lives, tragedies 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.460 even. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:25.860 Let's not 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:26.600 lose sight 00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:27.779 of those 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:28.320 words of 00:16:28.320 --> 00:16:28.740 promise. 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.539 The kingdom 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.320 of heaven 00:16:31.320 --> 00:16:32.080 is at 00:16:32.080 --> 00:16:32.519 hand. 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:33.899 It is 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:34.279 near. 00:16:35.419 --> 00:16:36.580 Far, far 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.299 nearer than 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:37.840 we tend 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:38.840 to 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:39.399 realise. 00:16:41.280 --> 00:16:41.780 And the 00:16:41.780 --> 00:16:42.620 invitation to 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:43.480 be ready 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.019 to meet 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:44.580 with Jesus, 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.440 to encounter 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:45.820 him and 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:46.220 his Holy 00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:46.980 Spirit in 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:47.480 our daily 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:48.160 lives, I 00:16:48.160 --> 00:16:48.780 would suggest, 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:49.460 is an 00:16:49.460 --> 00:16:50.100 invitation 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:53.240 to draw 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:53.899 closer and 00:16:53.899 --> 00:16:54.360 closer to 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:55.000 that truth, 00:16:55.879 --> 00:16:56.420 to ask 00:16:56.420 --> 00:16:57.220 God daily 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.639 to connect 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.480 us even 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.000 deeper to 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.480 the things 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:00.800 that we 00:17:00.800 --> 00:17:01.620 cannot see, 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:03.560 to open 00:17:03.560 --> 00:17:04.480 our spiritual 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:05.220 eyes and 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:05.799 ears and 00:17:05.799 --> 00:17:06.480 hearts and 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:06.980 minds. 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:08.099 to what 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:08.399 God is 00:17:08.399 --> 00:17:08.679 doing. 00:17:11.339 --> 00:17:12.240 So repent, 00:17:12.399 --> 00:17:12.799 says John, 00:17:13.159 --> 00:17:14.000 turn around, 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:15.439 come near. 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:20.419 Because the 00:17:20.419 --> 00:17:20.839 kingdom of 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:22.319 heaven is 00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:22.599 near. 00:17:25.139 --> 00:17:25.879 It's about 00:17:25.879 --> 00:17:26.539 nurturing a 00:17:26.539 --> 00:17:26.879 sense of 00:17:26.879 --> 00:17:27.720 expectation. 00:17:29.079 --> 00:17:29.720 Not a 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:30.019 sense of 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:31.000 expectation and 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:31.639 excitement that 00:17:31.639 --> 00:17:32.220 you're going to 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.299 suddenly encounter 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:34.159 a chunk of 00:17:34.159 --> 00:17:34.819 rock that has 00:17:34.819 --> 00:17:36.359 entered our 00:17:36.359 --> 00:17:37.079 planet from 00:17:37.079 --> 00:17:37.720 another planet 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:39.480 but that 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:39.839 sense of 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.700 expectation that 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:41.019 in our 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:42.120 daily lives 00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:42.940 we can 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:43.940 meet with 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:44.980 the creator 00:17:44.980 --> 00:17:46.799 and sustainer 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:47.700 of the 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:48.319 universe. 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:52.740 The thing 00:17:52.740 --> 00:17:53.980 is, is our 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:54.880 dispositions, our 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:55.740 life experiences 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.180 or whatever, 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.839 lead us perhaps 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:58.660 not to have such 00:17:58.660 --> 00:17:59.100 a heightened 00:17:59.100 --> 00:17:59.640 sense of 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:00.519 expectation. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:01.860 There's a story 00:18:01.860 --> 00:18:02.799 of two sons, 00:18:02.880 --> 00:18:03.240 they were twin 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.980 brothers and 00:18:04.980 --> 00:18:06.259 one was an 00:18:06.259 --> 00:18:06.880 optimist and 00:18:06.880 --> 00:18:07.319 the other was 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.319 a pessimist 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:09.360 by disposition. 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:11.420 There's an 00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:12.039 experiment, 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.279 the parents 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.960 decided to 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.819 carry out 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:16.019 an experiment 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.599 one particular 00:18:16.599 --> 00:18:17.079 Christmas. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:18.640 They bought 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:19.279 them both a 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:19.839 new bike 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:22.720 but they 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:24.220 decided that 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:24.539 they would 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:25.299 hide one 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:26.319 bike away 00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:27.140 and wrap 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:27.460 the other 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:28.000 one up 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:28.980 and so 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.900 they gave 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:31.619 the pessimist 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:33.299 the bike 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:34.079 on the day. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:35.880 He opened 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:36.420 it up, 00:18:36.940 --> 00:18:37.339 opened up 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:37.900 this box, 00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:39.460 saw the 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.160 bike inside, 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.039 pulled the 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.740 box around 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.759 from it and 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.160 took it out of 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:44.400 the box and 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:44.660 said, oh 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:45.160 thank you, 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:46.279 thanks, 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:47.599 this looks 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:47.960 great. 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.440 It looks like 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:50.700 it's probably 00:18:50.700 --> 00:18:51.160 going to rain 00:18:51.160 --> 00:18:51.420 though. 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:53.180 I probably 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:53.680 won't be able 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:54.180 to ride this 00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:55.940 today and 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:56.700 I'm not 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.019 sure I 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:57.500 might fall 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:57.820 off. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.019 I'm a 00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.299 little bit 00:18:59.299 --> 00:18:59.900 nervous about 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:02.340 this but 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:02.840 I'm sure 00:19:02.840 --> 00:19:03.759 everything will 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.660 be okay but 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:06.980 I kind of 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:09.000 might not be 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.480 very good at 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:10.400 riding this and 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:11.120 I'm a little bit 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:11.740 nervous about 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:12.320 this but 00:19:12.320 --> 00:19:14.279 hopefully I 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:14.700 won't fall 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:15.420 off and so 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:15.980 it went on. 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:18.500 His brother, 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.320 the optimist, 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:20.320 had an 00:19:20.320 --> 00:19:21.080 identical looking 00:19:21.080 --> 00:19:21.519 box, he 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:22.080 opened it up 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:22.980 and inside 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:23.640 there was just 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.080 a load of 00:19:24.080 --> 00:19:24.519 straw. 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:26.640 And he 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:27.140 pulled out 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:27.660 the straw, 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:28.059 there was 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.519 no bike 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:29.019 in sight. 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:30.380 Immediately 00:19:30.380 --> 00:19:31.100 shot out of 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:31.900 the room and 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:32.440 he was running 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:33.100 around in the 00:19:33.100 --> 00:19:33.860 garden looking 00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:34.860 in all directions. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:35.799 His parents 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:36.559 thought, what on 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:37.120 earth has 00:19:37.120 --> 00:19:37.559 happened to him? 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:38.180 He looked so 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:38.680 excited. 00:19:40.120 --> 00:19:40.680 Eventually they 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.059 managed to 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:41.259 catch him, 00:19:41.360 --> 00:19:41.860 called him 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:42.380 back in and 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:42.740 said, what 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:44.080 are you 00:19:44.080 --> 00:19:44.360 doing? 00:19:44.820 --> 00:19:45.240 He said, I 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:45.759 just know 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.160 there's a 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:46.900 pony out here 00:19:46.900 --> 00:19:47.299 somewhere. 00:19:52.340 --> 00:19:52.920 We're all 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:54.039 different and 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:55.879 I'll leave 00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:56.159 you to 00:19:56.159 --> 00:19:57.180 decide which 00:19:57.180 --> 00:19:58.319 personality 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:58.879 type, which 00:19:58.879 --> 00:19:59.700 disposition you 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:00.299 come into. 00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:03.059 But regardless 00:20:03.059 --> 00:20:03.680 of what our 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.519 natural disposition 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:06.339 may be, no 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:06.859 matter how we 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:07.220 may have been 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.819 shaped and 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:08.579 formed by the 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:09.379 experiences that 00:20:09.379 --> 00:20:10.079 life has brought 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:12.039 us, the same 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.680 gospel invites us 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:15.099 to shift that 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:15.720 perspective. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.180 And that can 00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:18.019 be hard work, 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:20.000 but we are 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:20.460 called to be 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:22.960 expectant, to 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:23.599 know that the 00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:24.319 kingdom of God 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:25.099 is indeed at 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.440 hand. 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:30.619 So, we're 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:31.039 called to 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:31.680 repent, to 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.599 turn around, to 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.139 walk in the 00:20:33.139 --> 00:20:35.319 direction of the 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:35.879 one who's come 00:20:35.879 --> 00:20:37.639 to us, from 00:20:37.639 --> 00:20:38.480 outside of this 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:39.460 world into this 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:39.740 world. 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:41.879 We're called to 00:20:41.879 --> 00:20:42.480 live like the 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.879 kingdom is near, 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.420 that it's at 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:45.000 hand to be 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:45.579 expectant. 00:20:45.579 --> 00:20:49.099 But John 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:52.299 says, prepare 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.019 the way for 00:20:53.019 --> 00:20:55.119 the Lord, make 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:56.859 straight paths 00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:57.679 for him. 00:21:01.419 --> 00:21:02.159 What might 00:21:02.159 --> 00:21:02.679 that mean? 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:07.799 I want to 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:10.240 suggest that it 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:11.699 simply means we 00:21:11.699 --> 00:21:12.019 pray. 00:21:13.179 --> 00:21:14.099 And we pray. 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:15.759 And we 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:16.119 pray. 00:21:17.379 --> 00:21:18.240 That we pray 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.240 without ceasing. 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:21.219 To make 00:21:21.219 --> 00:21:22.179 straight paths 00:21:22.179 --> 00:21:22.719 for him 00:21:22.719 --> 00:21:25.000 means praying 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.879 not just as an 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:27.119 isolated activity, 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.000 something that we 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.719 do if we come 00:21:28.719 --> 00:21:29.599 to church, or 00:21:29.599 --> 00:21:31.619 as a one 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:32.199 point in the 00:21:32.199 --> 00:21:32.959 day when we 00:21:32.959 --> 00:21:34.519 put time aside 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.579 to spend time 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.159 in prayer, as 00:21:36.159 --> 00:21:36.759 vital and as 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.679 important as all 00:21:37.679 --> 00:21:38.219 of those things 00:21:38.219 --> 00:21:38.519 are. 00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:40.000 But that we 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.699 seek that 00:21:40.699 --> 00:21:41.599 continual 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:42.679 connection through 00:21:42.679 --> 00:21:43.439 practicing the 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:43.980 presence of 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:44.340 God and 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:44.799 knowing the 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:45.299 presence of 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:46.220 God throughout 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:47.519 our day. 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:51.279 To make 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:52.180 straight paths 00:21:52.180 --> 00:21:52.740 for him. 00:21:55.900 --> 00:21:56.720 To pray. 00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:59.080 To know that 00:21:59.080 --> 00:22:01.019 we are not 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:01.680 just connecting 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:02.539 with somebody 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:03.180 from another 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:06.279 planet, but 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.820 with the 00:22:06.820 --> 00:22:08.720 author of the 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.600 whole universe. 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:14.039 watchman knee 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:16.419 said this 00:22:16.419 --> 00:22:17.259 about prayer. 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.799 Our prayers 00:22:20.799 --> 00:22:22.219 lay the track 00:22:22.219 --> 00:22:23.639 down on which 00:22:23.639 --> 00:22:24.719 God's power 00:22:24.719 --> 00:22:26.359 can come. 00:22:28.419 --> 00:22:29.719 Like a mighty 00:22:29.719 --> 00:22:30.539 locomotive, 00:22:31.379 --> 00:22:32.359 his power is 00:22:32.359 --> 00:22:33.339 irresistible, 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:33.399 people. 00:22:35.179 --> 00:22:35.980 But it 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.859 cannot reach 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:38.799 us without 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.319 rails. 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:44.639 Let's be 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:44.980 clear. 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:47.439 All that 00:22:47.439 --> 00:22:47.899 God does 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:48.599 for us is 00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:48.919 God's 00:22:48.919 --> 00:22:49.339 initiative. 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:50.859 It's in 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:51.419 his power, 00:22:51.559 --> 00:22:51.779 it's in 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:52.379 his sovereignty. 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:52.879 It's not 00:22:52.879 --> 00:22:53.579 about us 00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:54.659 manipulating 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:55.679 him. 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:58.919 But 00:22:58.919 --> 00:23:00.959 neither is 00:23:00.959 --> 00:23:01.759 our relationship 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:02.539 with God a 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.379 passive thing 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:05.940 where we 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.599 have nothing 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.079 to do. 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.960 The invitation 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.720 to follow 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.200 Jesus, 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:13.539 the invitation 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:14.259 to repent 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:14.980 and to live 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:15.539 like the 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.079 kingdom is 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:16.359 near, 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.940 to make 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:18.759 straight paths 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:19.299 for him, 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:21.440 is that 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:22.660 invitation to 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.140 lay down 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:23.940 those tracks 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:25.920 on which 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.559 God's power 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.180 can come. 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:31.019 So let's 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:31.660 do that now 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:31.980 as we 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.259 pray. 00:23:33.360 --> 00:23:33.660 Let's 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.140 pray together. 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:43.500 Lord, 00:23:43.540 --> 00:23:43.740 as we 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.100 think of 00:23:44.100 --> 00:23:44.759 these words 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.680 of John 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.140 the Baptist, 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.480 firstly we 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:47.920 hear the 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:48.519 words that 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:48.880 call us 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:49.500 to repentance, 00:23:50.360 --> 00:23:50.900 to turn 00:23:50.900 --> 00:23:51.360 around. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:53.779 We say 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.180 to you 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:54.519 that we 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.320 are sorry 00:23:55.320 --> 00:23:57.040 for when 00:23:57.040 --> 00:23:57.400 we have 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.120 walked away 00:23:58.120 --> 00:23:58.740 from you 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.340 rather than 00:23:59.340 --> 00:24:00.180 walked towards 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:00.480 you. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:04.519 forgive us 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:06.000 for our 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.960 words and 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.740 our actions 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.299 and our 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.039 inactions 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:15.299 for when 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:15.559 we have 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.039 not lived 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:16.480 the lives 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:16.779 that you 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.039 would have 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:17.500 us live. 00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:20.660 Lord, 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:21.220 we thank 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.579 you that 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:22.180 that call 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:22.759 to repent 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.079 is an 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.620 invitation 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:24.299 that you 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:24.720 call us 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.339 back to 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:25.599 you, 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:26.799 to walk 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:27.640 towards you, 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:28.460 that we 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.020 may know 00:24:29.020 --> 00:24:29.460 that we 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:30.160 are forgiven 00:24:30.160 --> 00:24:31.220 and that 00:24:31.220 --> 00:24:31.560 we are 00:24:31.560 --> 00:24:32.060 restored. 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:34.340 So Lord, 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.000 help us in 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.580 our daily 00:24:35.580 --> 00:24:36.180 lives to 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.800 live in 00:24:36.800 --> 00:24:37.500 that sense 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.780 of expectation 00:24:38.780 --> 00:24:39.700 knowing that 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.500 your kingdom 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.680 is near, 00:24:42.520 --> 00:24:43.680 that heaven 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:44.180 is at 00:24:44.180 --> 00:24:46.120 hand in 00:24:46.120 --> 00:24:46.700 ways that 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.160 we may 00:24:47.160 --> 00:24:48.420 not see 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:49.300 straight away. 00:24:50.880 --> 00:24:51.660 Help us 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:52.140 to live in 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:52.660 a way that 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.860 is expectant 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:55.019 and hopeful. 00:24:56.959 --> 00:24:57.439 Lord, 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.279 when we 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:59.439 are prone 00:24:59.439 --> 00:25:00.299 to think 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:01.039 negatively 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.899 or 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:03.859 despairingly, 00:25:03.979 --> 00:25:05.059 break through 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:05.939 those barriers 00:25:05.939 --> 00:25:07.199 and enable 00:25:07.199 --> 00:25:07.959 us to live 00:25:07.959 --> 00:25:08.699 with a sense 00:25:08.699 --> 00:25:09.479 of hope 00:25:09.479 --> 00:25:11.039 and expectation. 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:15.359 Lord, 00:25:15.459 --> 00:25:15.899 help us 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:16.419 to make 00:25:16.419 --> 00:25:17.419 straight paths 00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:17.879 for you. 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:20.419 Help us 00:25:20.419 --> 00:25:21.059 to connect 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:21.599 with you 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:22.439 every day. 00:25:22.440 --> 00:25:24.259 that your 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:24.940 gospel of 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:25.279 hope, 00:25:25.580 --> 00:25:25.980 the good 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.460 news, 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:27.940 all that 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.279 you would 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:28.920 have for 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:29.519 your people 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:31.840 may come 00:25:31.840 --> 00:25:32.380 to us 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:32.880 and come 00:25:32.880 --> 00:25:33.580 through us 00:25:33.580 --> 00:25:34.000 into the 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.380 lives of 00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:34.759 others. 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:39.220 Lord, 00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:39.799 fill us 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.660 afresh with 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:41.240 your Holy 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:42.220 Spirit now 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:44.240 and as we 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:44.740 come to 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.740 share communion 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:46.340 together 00:25:46.340 --> 00:25:48.160 and in 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:49.019 the time 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.620 to come. 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:52.940 in 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:53.220 Jesus 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.559 name 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:53.820 we 00:25:53.820 --> 00:25:54.160 pray. 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:56.080 Amen.