WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:01.419 Good morning, church. 00:00:02.580 --> 00:00:04.919 Would you turn with me to Matthew chapter 5? 00:00:06.060 --> 00:00:07.339 Matthew chapter 5. 00:00:09.099 --> 00:00:11.560 As we continue our series in the Sermon on the Mount, 00:00:11.820 --> 00:00:16.320 we're looking at Matthew 5, verses 21 through 26. 00:00:18.100 --> 00:00:20.660 Let me pray for us, and then I'll read our passage. 00:00:25.039 --> 00:00:25.960 Father in heaven, 00:00:25.960 --> 00:00:34.520 we have just sung a prayer of how great we need you. 00:00:37.560 --> 00:00:41.539 Lord, we acknowledge that even knowing you 00:00:41.539 --> 00:00:43.679 and hearing your word 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:46.700 is something that we don't have the capacity 00:00:46.700 --> 00:00:48.420 in and of ourselves to do, 00:00:49.420 --> 00:00:54.260 that you must grant us in your grace. 00:00:54.259 --> 00:00:54.939 Faith. 00:00:56.739 --> 00:00:57.780 And ears to hear. 00:00:58.199 --> 00:00:59.119 And hearts to receive. 00:01:00.159 --> 00:01:01.780 So we pray that you do that now. 00:01:03.420 --> 00:01:05.480 Do that because you're faithful to your promise. 00:01:06.739 --> 00:01:08.980 Do that because your character is consistent 00:01:08.980 --> 00:01:11.159 with what we see in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:14.659 That you are good in all your ways. 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:17.280 We pray this in his mighty name. 00:01:17.700 --> 00:01:17.920 Amen. 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:23.359 All right, Matthew 5, 21 through 26. 00:01:23.460 --> 00:01:24.180 Jesus says this, 00:01:24.859 --> 00:01:27.359 You've heard that it was said to those of old, 00:01:28.219 --> 00:01:29.040 you shall not murder, 00:01:29.879 --> 00:01:32.140 and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 00:01:33.460 --> 00:01:35.020 But I say to you 00:01:35.020 --> 00:01:38.420 that everyone who is angry with his brother 00:01:38.420 --> 00:01:39.939 will be liable to judgment. 00:01:41.099 --> 00:01:42.740 Whoever insults his brother 00:01:42.740 --> 00:01:44.579 will be liable to the council. 00:01:44.579 --> 00:01:46.560 And whoever says, 00:01:46.939 --> 00:01:47.439 You fool, 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:50.179 will be liable to the hell of fire. 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:54.340 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, 00:01:55.179 --> 00:01:56.420 and there remember that your brother 00:01:56.420 --> 00:01:57.599 has something against you, 00:01:58.480 --> 00:01:59.599 leave your gift there 00:01:59.599 --> 00:02:00.879 before the altar 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:01.939 and go. 00:02:03.259 --> 00:02:05.700 First, be reconciled to your brother, 00:02:06.319 --> 00:02:07.400 and then come 00:02:07.400 --> 00:02:08.719 and offer your gift. 00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:12.639 Come to terms quickly with your accuser 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:14.939 while you are going with him to court, 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:18.240 lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, 00:02:18.900 --> 00:02:20.120 and the judge to the guard, 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:21.860 and you be put in prison. 00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:24.860 Truly I say to you, 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:26.879 you will never get out 00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:29.719 until you have paid the last penny. 00:02:32.180 --> 00:02:34.060 So remember where we are 00:02:34.060 --> 00:02:35.240 in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:38.700 Now, Jesus has just made the stunning claim 00:02:38.700 --> 00:02:40.680 that he has come 00:02:40.680 --> 00:02:43.180 not to abolish the law, 00:02:43.300 --> 00:02:44.280 but to fulfill it 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:46.560 and to inaugurate the kingdom of God. 00:02:47.420 --> 00:02:49.219 And Jesus has said to his followers 00:02:49.219 --> 00:02:53.060 that participating in this kingdom 00:02:53.060 --> 00:02:56.840 will mean living out a righteousness 00:02:56.840 --> 00:02:59.740 that exceeds even the righteousness 00:02:59.740 --> 00:03:00.820 of the Pharisees. 00:03:00.819 --> 00:03:04.599 What an incredible claim. 00:03:06.639 --> 00:03:07.479 The Pharisees 00:03:07.479 --> 00:03:11.079 were the extra, super, holy people. 00:03:12.299 --> 00:03:14.139 They were serious about religion. 00:03:14.259 --> 00:03:16.379 They were serious about dotting their I's 00:03:16.379 --> 00:03:17.599 and crossing their T's. 00:03:17.680 --> 00:03:18.680 How could anyone 00:03:18.680 --> 00:03:21.159 have a righteousness greater than theirs? 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:24.159 But you see, 00:03:24.219 --> 00:03:25.699 the righteousness of the Pharisees 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:26.780 was wide, 00:03:27.459 --> 00:03:28.740 but it wasn't deep. 00:03:28.740 --> 00:03:31.320 They covered everything 00:03:31.320 --> 00:03:32.480 with a religious rule 00:03:32.480 --> 00:03:33.740 or a pious principle, 00:03:33.980 --> 00:03:35.620 but it didn't penetrate to the heart. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:37.300 They had all the right words, 00:03:37.460 --> 00:03:38.760 all the right external actions, 00:03:38.900 --> 00:03:40.200 but it didn't go deep. 00:03:41.760 --> 00:03:43.360 And Jesus says to his followers 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:44.659 and to us, 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:47.240 I'm calling you 00:03:47.240 --> 00:03:49.040 to a greater righteousness than that, 00:03:49.760 --> 00:03:52.080 a righteousness that's deeper, 00:03:53.379 --> 00:03:55.200 a righteousness that goes down 00:03:55.200 --> 00:03:57.280 through your whole person, 00:03:57.280 --> 00:03:58.580 a whole life, 00:03:58.939 --> 00:04:01.259 a whole heart righteousness. 00:04:02.759 --> 00:04:04.219 This isn't going to be 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:07.199 like adding more religious stickers 00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:08.659 to the outside of a shirt 00:04:08.659 --> 00:04:09.840 to make it look nice. 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:12.719 This is going to be 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:15.479 like dyeing the whole fabric, 00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:17.019 changing the whole color 00:04:17.019 --> 00:04:19.060 through and through 00:04:19.060 --> 00:04:21.439 from the inside to the outside. 00:04:21.439 --> 00:04:28.100 And isn't that what we're really longing for? 00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:31.540 That whole life, 00:04:31.779 --> 00:04:34.379 whole heart righteousness. 00:04:35.600 --> 00:04:37.019 Isn't that what we're longing for 00:04:37.019 --> 00:04:37.560 in ourselves, 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:39.360 in our leaders, 00:04:40.220 --> 00:04:41.300 in our relationships? 00:04:41.720 --> 00:04:43.939 Not just external rectitude 00:04:43.939 --> 00:04:44.920 or propriety, 00:04:44.920 --> 00:04:48.640 but whole heart character. 00:04:51.900 --> 00:04:53.140 And this greater righteousness 00:04:53.140 --> 00:04:54.960 is what Jesus begins to explain 00:04:54.960 --> 00:04:55.580 in our passage. 00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:56.060 In fact, 00:04:56.360 --> 00:04:57.400 that's going to be the theme 00:04:57.400 --> 00:04:58.560 of the rest of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:01.139 But in the rest of chapter 5, 00:05:01.280 --> 00:05:02.740 if you scan over that chapter, 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:04.180 you see that he gives us 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:06.379 six illustrations or examples 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:07.700 of what he means, 00:05:07.800 --> 00:05:08.620 of the sort of life 00:05:08.620 --> 00:05:09.759 he's calling us to live. 00:05:09.759 --> 00:05:12.120 And the first illustration 00:05:12.120 --> 00:05:13.219 or example of this 00:05:13.219 --> 00:05:15.139 whole life righteousness 00:05:15.139 --> 00:05:18.459 has to do with anger, 00:05:19.159 --> 00:05:20.500 with contempt. 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:25.379 Let's look again at verses 21 and 22. 00:05:25.480 --> 00:05:26.659 You've heard that it was said 00:05:26.659 --> 00:05:27.759 to those of old, 00:05:28.139 --> 00:05:28.879 you shall not murder, 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:30.279 and whoever murders 00:05:30.279 --> 00:05:31.319 will be liable to judgment. 00:05:31.719 --> 00:05:33.199 But I say to you 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.259 that everyone who is angry 00:05:35.259 --> 00:05:35.920 with his brother 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:37.060 will be liable to judgment. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:39.000 Whoever insults his brother 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:40.399 will be liable to the council. 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:42.620 And whoever says you fool 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:44.120 will be liable 00:05:44.120 --> 00:05:45.480 to the hell of fire. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:49.160 So if we're going to live 00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:50.579 into this greater righteousness, 00:05:50.959 --> 00:05:51.939 here's the first point. 00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:54.920 That you must confront your anger 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:57.019 and not excuse it. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:05:59.420 Confront your anger. 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:01.139 Don't excuse it. 00:06:01.899 --> 00:06:02.939 Jesus begins by quoting 00:06:02.939 --> 00:06:03.939 the sixth commandment. 00:06:04.279 --> 00:06:05.220 You shall not murder. 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:07.360 And it would be easy, 00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:07.779 wouldn't it, 00:06:07.800 --> 00:06:08.980 to look at your life 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:10.720 to look at my life 00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:11.620 and say, 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:12.100 well, 00:06:12.319 --> 00:06:14.020 I haven't murdered anyone 00:06:14.020 --> 00:06:15.740 recently, 00:06:15.980 --> 00:06:17.480 so I guess I'm good. 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:20.200 I guess I'm living the life 00:06:20.200 --> 00:06:21.280 God intends me to live. 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:21.900 Don't murder. 00:06:22.400 --> 00:06:22.860 Check. 00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:24.640 Righteousness achieved. 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:29.300 But is that all 00:06:29.300 --> 00:06:30.480 God intended 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:32.319 in this commandment? 00:06:32.319 --> 00:06:36.219 Jesus helps us to see 00:06:36.219 --> 00:06:36.939 otherwise. 00:06:37.980 --> 00:06:39.079 You have heard it said, 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:40.959 but I say to you. 00:06:42.459 --> 00:06:43.839 What stunning words. 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:46.339 Jesus has come 00:06:46.339 --> 00:06:48.600 with utter authority 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:49.379 over the law 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:50.899 to interpret it 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:52.959 and apply it perfectly. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:55.060 You see, 00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:56.100 every other human being 00:06:56.100 --> 00:06:58.300 is rightly under God's law. 00:06:58.300 --> 00:07:01.079 Jesus is not. 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:02.780 He stands 00:07:02.780 --> 00:07:04.540 over God's law. 00:07:05.800 --> 00:07:06.920 You have heard it said, 00:07:07.520 --> 00:07:08.600 but I say to you. 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:11.040 How could that be? 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:13.639 How could he be 00:07:13.639 --> 00:07:14.840 over God's law? 00:07:15.100 --> 00:07:15.400 Well, friends, 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:16.319 there's only one 00:07:16.319 --> 00:07:18.240 who is over God's law. 00:07:19.280 --> 00:07:20.340 There's only one 00:07:20.340 --> 00:07:21.860 who commands God's law, 00:07:21.860 --> 00:07:24.060 and that one 00:07:24.060 --> 00:07:24.920 is God himself. 00:07:26.800 --> 00:07:27.080 You see, 00:07:27.160 --> 00:07:28.060 Jesus is not just 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:28.759 a new Moses 00:07:28.759 --> 00:07:30.520 delivering a fresh law 00:07:30.520 --> 00:07:31.340 from God. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:33.280 Jesus is God 00:07:33.280 --> 00:07:35.100 in the flesh 00:07:35.100 --> 00:07:36.540 before our eyes 00:07:36.540 --> 00:07:37.560 explaining 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:38.620 and applying 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:39.759 and delivering 00:07:39.759 --> 00:07:41.379 God's law 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.500 in its purest form 00:07:42.500 --> 00:07:43.319 and interpretation. 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:47.620 And he's telling us here 00:07:47.620 --> 00:07:48.280 that merely 00:07:48.280 --> 00:07:49.639 avoiding murder 00:07:49.639 --> 00:07:52.459 isn't the sort 00:07:52.459 --> 00:07:53.000 of righteousness 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:53.879 God intends 00:07:53.879 --> 00:07:54.439 for us 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:55.219 as image bearers. 00:07:55.300 --> 00:07:56.539 It goes so much deeper. 00:07:57.479 --> 00:07:57.819 It's about 00:07:57.819 --> 00:07:59.139 our whole regard, 00:07:59.300 --> 00:08:00.479 our whole disposition 00:08:00.479 --> 00:08:01.800 to our brother 00:08:01.800 --> 00:08:02.519 or sister, 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:03.500 to our neighbor. 00:08:04.899 --> 00:08:05.259 Okay, 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:05.860 you haven't 00:08:05.860 --> 00:08:07.039 taken their life. 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:07.839 That's good. 00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:10.680 But do you 00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:11.339 harbor anger 00:08:11.339 --> 00:08:12.000 against them? 00:08:13.419 --> 00:08:14.740 Do you insult them? 00:08:15.819 --> 00:08:16.539 Do you hold them 00:08:16.539 --> 00:08:17.159 in contempt? 00:08:19.639 --> 00:08:20.860 Are you willing 00:08:20.860 --> 00:08:21.680 to confront 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:23.219 not just murder 00:08:23.219 --> 00:08:25.680 but even your anger? 00:08:30.279 --> 00:08:31.099 It's easier 00:08:31.099 --> 00:08:31.939 to excuse it, 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:32.439 isn't it? 00:08:33.139 --> 00:08:33.620 In fact, 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:34.100 we're very good 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:34.759 at excusing 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:35.519 our anger. 00:08:36.539 --> 00:08:37.299 We might begin 00:08:37.299 --> 00:08:38.580 by remembering rightly 00:08:38.580 --> 00:08:40.559 that anger itself 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:42.059 isn't necessarily bad. 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:43.059 In fact, 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:44.360 God himself 00:08:44.360 --> 00:08:45.480 expresses anger 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:46.000 at sin. 00:08:47.100 --> 00:08:47.700 So yes, 00:08:47.779 --> 00:08:48.500 there is 00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:49.299 righteous anger. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:50.919 And yes, 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:51.460 we too 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:52.460 can share 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:53.480 God's proper 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:54.120 opposition 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:55.120 to sin and wrong. 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:55.740 We can, 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:56.840 as the Apostle Paul 00:08:56.840 --> 00:08:57.740 says in Ephesians, 00:08:58.059 --> 00:08:58.720 be angry 00:08:58.720 --> 00:09:00.120 and sin not. 00:09:00.600 --> 00:09:01.059 Yes! 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:05.779 But look at our hearts. 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:09.299 Is it not true 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:11.519 that our anger 00:09:11.519 --> 00:09:13.259 is much too often 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:13.899 directed 00:09:13.899 --> 00:09:16.519 not at wrongdoing 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:19.199 but at the wrongdoer? 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:22.679 If we truly 00:09:22.679 --> 00:09:23.480 shared the heart 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:24.059 of God, 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:25.220 we would be 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:25.720 opposed 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:26.819 to wrongdoing 00:09:26.819 --> 00:09:28.720 but have hearts 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:29.620 of mercy 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:31.659 toward wrongdoers. 00:09:33.439 --> 00:09:34.220 In fact, 00:09:34.319 --> 00:09:35.299 part of our opposition 00:09:35.299 --> 00:09:36.459 to wrongdoing 00:09:36.459 --> 00:09:38.240 would be for the sake 00:09:38.240 --> 00:09:39.899 of the wrongdoers, 00:09:40.699 --> 00:09:41.460 longing for their 00:09:41.460 --> 00:09:41.920 repentance 00:09:41.920 --> 00:09:43.080 and healing 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:44.500 and restoration. 00:09:46.920 --> 00:09:47.740 But sadly, 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.259 the anger 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:49.180 in our own hearts 00:09:49.180 --> 00:09:50.340 is not so. 00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:53.259 Anger too quickly 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:53.940 becomes 00:09:53.940 --> 00:09:55.759 almost immediately 00:09:55.759 --> 00:09:57.060 animosity 00:09:57.060 --> 00:09:58.340 and contempt 00:09:58.340 --> 00:10:00.040 toward those 00:10:00.040 --> 00:10:00.860 who have wronged us 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:01.840 or hurt us 00:10:01.840 --> 00:10:03.240 or disappointed us, 00:10:04.259 --> 00:10:04.720 toward those 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:05.120 who have stood 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.700 in our way 00:10:05.700 --> 00:10:06.400 or made our life 00:10:06.400 --> 00:10:06.840 difficult. 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:11.300 So that's one way 00:10:11.300 --> 00:10:12.080 we try to excuse 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:12.519 our anger 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:13.080 by saying, 00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:13.340 well, 00:10:13.420 --> 00:10:13.820 all anger 00:10:13.820 --> 00:10:14.460 isn't bad. 00:10:15.280 --> 00:10:16.000 It's very hard 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:16.620 to excuse 00:10:16.620 --> 00:10:17.060 our anger 00:10:17.060 --> 00:10:17.540 that way. 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:18.759 How else do we 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:19.460 try to excuse 00:10:19.460 --> 00:10:20.080 our anger 00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:21.060 and contempt? 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:22.160 Well, 00:10:22.160 --> 00:10:23.320 we try by comparison, 00:10:23.540 --> 00:10:23.840 don't we? 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:24.500 We tell ourselves, 00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:24.639 well, 00:10:24.660 --> 00:10:25.259 we're not as bad 00:10:25.259 --> 00:10:25.920 as so-and-so. 00:10:26.700 --> 00:10:28.420 This is just a trifle 00:10:28.420 --> 00:10:29.019 compared to what 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:29.820 they're guilty of. 00:10:30.879 --> 00:10:31.980 Or we tell ourselves 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:32.420 that, well, 00:10:32.440 --> 00:10:33.639 our situation's different. 00:10:34.040 --> 00:10:34.840 Ours is the exception 00:10:34.840 --> 00:10:35.320 to the rule. 00:10:35.320 --> 00:10:36.320 If you only knew 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:37.260 how terrible 00:10:37.260 --> 00:10:38.280 so-and-so treated me, 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:40.240 you would realize 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:41.480 how justified I am 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:42.400 in my anger of them 00:10:42.400 --> 00:10:43.860 and my hatred of them. 00:10:48.520 --> 00:10:49.160 But friends, 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:50.180 rather than excuse 00:10:50.180 --> 00:10:50.720 our anger, 00:10:52.100 --> 00:10:53.260 Jesus invites us 00:10:53.260 --> 00:10:55.440 to take a look at it, 00:10:56.200 --> 00:10:58.180 to confront it, 00:10:59.280 --> 00:11:00.500 to acknowledge it, 00:11:00.920 --> 00:11:02.100 to bring it out 00:11:02.100 --> 00:11:02.740 into the open, 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:05.180 to see it 00:11:05.180 --> 00:11:05.899 for what it is. 00:11:08.379 --> 00:11:09.620 First thing we see here 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:12.159 is we see that 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:14.240 anger grows. 00:11:15.419 --> 00:11:16.440 Look at how anger 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:17.299 grows. 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:19.240 We get angry 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:19.779 with a brother 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:20.940 or sister in Christ. 00:11:21.060 --> 00:11:21.639 They've hurt us. 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:22.680 They've disappointed us. 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:23.659 They've wronged us. 00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:24.639 But the anger 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:25.379 doesn't stay there. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:25.840 It grows. 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:26.899 Notice the progression 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:27.860 of verse 22. 00:11:28.060 --> 00:11:28.779 The animosity 00:11:28.779 --> 00:11:29.519 in the heart 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:30.919 becomes an insult 00:11:30.919 --> 00:11:31.579 in the mouth. 00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:33.279 It bubbles up. 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:34.240 It blurts out. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:36.459 The Greek there says, 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:37.139 you say raka 00:11:37.139 --> 00:11:38.019 to your brother, 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:38.759 right, 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:39.360 which is sort of 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:41.299 this term of derision 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:42.299 that just sort of 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:42.839 comes out. 00:11:44.319 --> 00:11:45.059 We might even 00:11:45.059 --> 00:11:45.879 surprise ourselves 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:46.379 at what comes 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:47.019 bubbling up. 00:11:48.679 --> 00:11:49.419 But it doesn't 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:50.219 even stop there. 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:51.779 From anger 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:53.219 to insult 00:11:53.219 --> 00:11:55.759 into a settled 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:56.799 contempt. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.980 In our eyes, 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:00.100 as our anger grows, 00:12:00.700 --> 00:12:01.220 that person 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:01.779 has become 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:03.100 nothing but a fool. 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:05.420 Not worthy 00:12:05.420 --> 00:12:06.220 of our attention. 00:12:07.180 --> 00:12:08.039 Not worthy 00:12:08.039 --> 00:12:09.019 of God's attention. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:11.220 Nothing to do 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:11.680 with them. 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:12.820 They've become 00:12:12.820 --> 00:12:15.000 worthless to us. 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:19.259 You can see now 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:20.240 why the apostle John 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:20.740 says, 00:12:21.820 --> 00:12:22.920 everyone who hates 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:23.519 his brother 00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:25.420 is a murderer. 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:28.259 1 John 3, 15. 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:30.860 In your mind, 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:32.320 in your heart, 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:34.100 you have consigned 00:12:34.100 --> 00:12:34.820 them to death. 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:37.740 This is how 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:38.460 anger grows. 00:12:40.500 --> 00:12:41.539 But Jesus also 00:12:41.539 --> 00:12:42.240 shows us here 00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:43.320 where anger 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:44.120 goes. 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.019 What does it 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:45.659 lead to? 00:12:46.740 --> 00:12:47.420 And here Jesus 00:12:47.420 --> 00:12:48.639 is again very clear. 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:49.779 Anger and contempt, 00:12:49.879 --> 00:12:50.399 these things are not 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:51.300 mere trifles. 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:52.220 Rather, 00:12:52.740 --> 00:12:53.360 they make us 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:54.060 liable 00:12:54.060 --> 00:12:55.539 to God's judgment. 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:58.340 Confronting our anger 00:12:58.340 --> 00:12:59.120 means realizing 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:00.000 that it's far more 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.720 serious and more grave 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:02.920 than we'd like to admit. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:05.180 It's not a thing 00:13:05.180 --> 00:13:06.580 to be played with. 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:07.860 Too often, 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:08.720 we kind of nurse 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:09.540 animosity 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:11.060 in our hearts, 00:13:11.180 --> 00:13:11.840 thinking that no one 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:12.340 sees, 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:13.340 thinking that it 00:13:13.340 --> 00:13:14.180 does no harm. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:16.960 But God sees, 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:19.379 and His judgment 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:20.500 is just. 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:23.580 One commentator 00:13:23.580 --> 00:13:25.179 translates the end 00:13:25.179 --> 00:13:25.860 of verse 22 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:27.600 like this, 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:30.259 the man who tells 00:13:30.259 --> 00:13:30.740 his brother 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:31.620 that he is doomed 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.080 to hell 00:13:32.080 --> 00:13:34.120 is in danger 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:35.059 of hell himself. 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:39.080 Friends, 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:39.940 Jesus doesn't put it 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:40.700 this way lightly. 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:43.980 He wants us to see 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:44.820 the seriousness 00:13:44.820 --> 00:13:46.340 of our sinful contempt. 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:48.620 Anger is like a fire 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:49.259 that grows. 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:50.240 It starts small 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:51.220 but left unaddressed. 00:13:51.340 --> 00:13:51.879 It turns into 00:13:51.879 --> 00:13:53.639 a massive blaze, 00:13:53.779 --> 00:13:54.620 and suddenly we're 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:55.840 thinking and saying 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:57.080 and believing things 00:13:57.080 --> 00:13:58.639 that put us 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.320 at odds 00:13:59.320 --> 00:14:00.740 not just with that person 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:01.740 but with God Himself. 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:06.879 So we must confront 00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:07.379 our anger, 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:09.159 not excuse it. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:12.960 But Jesus 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.879 doesn't just want us 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:15.860 to see how dangerous 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:16.600 anger can be. 00:14:17.680 --> 00:14:18.879 The greater righteousness 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:20.159 that Jesus is calling us 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.159 to doesn't merely 00:14:21.159 --> 00:14:21.820 stop there. 00:14:21.919 --> 00:14:22.440 It's not as if 00:14:22.440 --> 00:14:23.360 Jesus is simply saying, 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:24.560 well, yes, 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:25.379 you should avoid murder 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:26.379 but I'm going to add to that, 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.680 you should avoid hatred too. 00:14:29.300 --> 00:14:29.639 You see, 00:14:29.680 --> 00:14:30.300 it's not just about 00:14:30.300 --> 00:14:31.560 not doing something. 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:33.039 There's a positive response 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:33.480 we're to take. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:33.980 Yes, 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:35.440 we can respond to anger 00:14:35.440 --> 00:14:37.180 destructively. 00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:38.960 We see that in verse 21 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:41.580 and 22. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.940 It grows like a fire 00:14:42.940 --> 00:14:43.759 into contempt and hatred 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:44.799 but we can respond 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:46.139 to anger constructively 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:46.620 as well. 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:49.240 The greater righteousness, 00:14:49.439 --> 00:14:50.419 the kingdom righteousness 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.000 of Jesus 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:51.879 isn't merely about 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.879 anger management. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:53.139 No, 00:14:53.179 --> 00:14:53.539 it's actually 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:55.220 something radically different. 00:14:57.220 --> 00:14:58.580 So how do we respond 00:14:58.580 --> 00:14:59.879 to growing animosity 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:00.480 in the heart 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:01.500 toward a brother or sister? 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:03.840 If there's a destructive pattern, 00:15:03.939 --> 00:15:05.439 what's the constructive approach? 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:07.700 Well, 00:15:07.799 --> 00:15:09.139 Jesus lays it out for us 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.559 in verses 23 through 26. 00:15:11.559 --> 00:15:13.799 Rather than letting anger grow, 00:15:13.959 --> 00:15:14.439 he says, 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:14.919 go 00:15:14.919 --> 00:15:17.399 and be reconciled. 00:15:18.719 --> 00:15:19.919 Repair the relationship. 00:15:20.439 --> 00:15:20.919 Pursue 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:22.079 eager 00:15:22.079 --> 00:15:23.219 reconciliation. 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:26.159 So if the first point 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:26.719 of our passage 00:15:26.719 --> 00:15:27.319 is that you must 00:15:27.319 --> 00:15:28.379 confront your anger, 00:15:28.479 --> 00:15:29.099 the second point 00:15:29.099 --> 00:15:29.819 is you must 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:30.979 pursue 00:15:30.979 --> 00:15:32.259 your accuser 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:33.919 and be reconciled. 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:36.279 Let's read again 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.459 verses 23 through 26. 00:15:37.579 --> 00:15:38.139 So if you're offering 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:38.959 your gift at the altar 00:15:38.959 --> 00:15:39.299 and there, 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:40.199 remember that your brother 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:41.259 has something against you. 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:42.600 Leave your gift there 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.340 before the altar 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:43.919 and go. 00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:46.120 First be reconciled 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:46.519 to your brother 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:47.159 and then come 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:47.939 and offer your gift. 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:49.679 Come to terms quickly 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:50.519 with your accuser 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:51.100 while you're going 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:51.819 with him to court 00:15:51.819 --> 00:15:53.480 lest your accuser 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:54.460 hand you over to the judge 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:55.419 and the judge to the guard 00:15:55.419 --> 00:15:56.460 and you be put in prison. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:58.200 Truly I say to you, 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:00.439 you'll never get out 00:16:00.439 --> 00:16:01.939 until you've paid 00:16:01.939 --> 00:16:03.279 the last penny. 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:05.679 Eager 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.740 reconciliation. 00:16:07.080 --> 00:16:07.639 That's what Jesus 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.500 is calling us to. 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.679 Leave your gift 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:10.179 at the altar 00:16:10.179 --> 00:16:10.980 and go. 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:13.159 In other words, 00:16:14.220 --> 00:16:15.759 even external acts 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.379 of worship, 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:18.399 even those external acts 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:20.360 prescribed by God, 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:21.539 those external acts 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:22.460 that are good 00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.480 for our souls, 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:25.000 those are not 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:25.879 more important 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:27.139 or urgent 00:16:27.139 --> 00:16:28.100 than pursuing 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:28.799 reconciliation. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.460 So rather than letting 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.220 wrongs 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:34.019 and hurts 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:35.179 and disappointments 00:16:35.179 --> 00:16:36.639 grow into anger 00:16:36.639 --> 00:16:37.480 and animosity 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:38.279 and contempt, 00:16:38.420 --> 00:16:39.000 Jesus says, 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:39.759 go. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:42.259 Go deal with the wrong. 00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:44.320 Go deal with the broken 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:45.000 relationship 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:46.779 before it grows 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:48.659 and consumes 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:49.480 both you 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:50.500 and them. 00:16:53.940 --> 00:16:55.180 Verses 23 and 24 00:16:55.180 --> 00:16:56.980 don't just make the point 00:16:56.980 --> 00:16:57.560 that we ought to be 00:16:57.560 --> 00:16:58.680 urgent about this. 00:16:58.779 --> 00:16:59.460 Leave your gift 00:16:59.460 --> 00:16:59.840 at the altar 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:00.200 and go. 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:01.220 But they also tell us 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:02.420 that there's no 00:17:02.420 --> 00:17:03.620 substitute for this. 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:05.420 You see, 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.180 we often think 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:07.240 that if we do 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:07.779 some good things 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:08.279 over here, 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.200 it'll make up 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:09.759 for the bad things 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.160 over there, 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:10.400 right? 00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:10.819 We think, 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:11.039 well, 00:17:11.080 --> 00:17:12.059 if I say a harsh word 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:12.680 or if I wrong 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:13.220 a Christian brother 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:13.759 or sister over here, 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:13.880 well, 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:14.640 I can make it up 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.080 to God 00:17:15.080 --> 00:17:16.140 by serving more 00:17:16.140 --> 00:17:16.720 or reading more 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.420 or praying more. 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:21.500 But those extra acts, 00:17:21.820 --> 00:17:22.740 as good as they may be 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.300 in themselves, 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.460 aren't going to change 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:24.960 the fact 00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:26.480 that the relationship 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.600 needs to be repaired. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.360 Reconciliation needs 00:17:31.360 --> 00:17:32.539 to happen. 00:17:34.660 --> 00:17:35.920 You need to admit 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:36.960 where you were wrong 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:38.720 and ask for forgiveness. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.440 Of course, 00:17:42.440 --> 00:17:43.039 in this passage, 00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:43.940 it sort of sounds easy, 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:44.340 doesn't it? 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.800 Go and be reconciled, 00:17:45.840 --> 00:17:46.620 then come on back. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:49.120 And you know, 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:49.840 the truth is, 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:51.220 if we are eager 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:52.940 to do the work 00:17:52.940 --> 00:17:53.720 of reconciliation 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:55.500 early and often, 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.340 it is much easier. 00:17:59.360 --> 00:18:00.300 It's much easier 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:01.800 to sort of stamp out 00:18:01.800 --> 00:18:02.680 a couple coals 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.380 that spit out 00:18:03.380 --> 00:18:04.039 of the fireplace, 00:18:04.340 --> 00:18:04.580 right? 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.420 Than to stop 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:08.920 a blaze 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:09.700 in the whole house. 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:13.580 It's when we let 00:18:13.580 --> 00:18:14.400 these things grow 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:14.960 and fester 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:15.580 that they become 00:18:15.580 --> 00:18:16.360 so much harder 00:18:16.360 --> 00:18:17.140 to untangle 00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:17.840 and address. 00:18:18.700 --> 00:18:20.140 And that will often happen. 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:23.320 So the truth is, 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.640 the process of reconciliation 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:27.000 may take time 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:28.520 and effort 00:18:28.520 --> 00:18:29.960 and help. 00:18:31.540 --> 00:18:32.680 It may take the help 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:33.640 of a mutual friend. 00:18:35.520 --> 00:18:36.720 It may necessitate 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.200 the help 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:37.840 of an older, 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:39.060 trustworthy Christian, 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:40.520 like an elder 00:18:40.520 --> 00:18:41.280 or a pastor 00:18:41.280 --> 00:18:43.020 or maybe a small group leader. 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:46.480 and you know, 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:46.819 sadly, 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:48.279 in this fallen world, 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:50.079 the truth is, 00:18:50.139 --> 00:18:51.099 not every relationship 00:18:51.099 --> 00:18:52.359 will be reconciled. 00:18:54.160 --> 00:18:55.359 We may go 00:18:55.359 --> 00:18:56.139 as far 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:56.980 as we can 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:59.359 but find 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.279 that the other person 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:01.940 simply doesn't want 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:02.960 to be reconciled. 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:05.539 what do we do then? 00:19:08.420 --> 00:19:08.819 Well, 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.220 friends, 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:11.240 we forgive 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.539 the other person. 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:14.480 We pray 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.079 for their good. 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:17.279 We entrust them 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.180 to the Lord's care. 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:20.120 We vow 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:21.140 not to speak evil 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:22.039 of them to others. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.220 We tend 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:24.900 our own heart 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:25.539 from the seeds 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.039 of bitterness 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:27.480 through ongoing prayer 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:28.600 and forgiveness. 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:31.219 And then, 00:19:31.459 --> 00:19:32.879 if the opportunity 00:19:32.879 --> 00:19:33.759 does arise 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:34.719 in God's grace, 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.719 in God's timing, 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:38.019 then we will be ready 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:38.899 to complete 00:19:38.899 --> 00:19:39.659 the reconciliation 00:19:39.659 --> 00:19:41.119 when the time comes. 00:19:44.839 --> 00:19:45.419 Of course, 00:19:45.459 --> 00:19:45.859 one of the things 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:46.659 that makes reconciliation 00:19:46.659 --> 00:19:47.359 hard 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:49.480 is that it's rarely 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.759 ever a one-way street, 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:51.119 is it? 00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:53.079 Often, 00:19:53.219 --> 00:19:53.679 there has been 00:19:53.679 --> 00:19:54.379 mutual hurt, 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:55.480 mutual disappointment, 00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.679 mutual wrongs, 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.799 mutual animosity. 00:19:58.599 --> 00:20:00.139 And our hearts 00:20:00.139 --> 00:20:01.240 can often recoil 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:02.299 at this call 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:03.639 to eager reconciliation 00:20:03.639 --> 00:20:05.679 because we think 00:20:05.679 --> 00:20:06.559 that the other person 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.599 has more to apologize 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.619 for than we do. 00:20:11.219 --> 00:20:12.439 And you know what? 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:15.419 That may be true. 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:18.319 Perhaps they did 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.079 have a bigger part 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:19.980 to play in the wrong. 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:23.079 But still, 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:24.399 you must own 00:20:24.399 --> 00:20:24.980 your part. 00:20:28.599 --> 00:20:29.779 You must obey 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:30.319 your Lord 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:32.039 regardless of what 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:32.619 the other person 00:20:32.619 --> 00:20:33.500 has done or not done. 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:36.039 Consider the illustration 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:36.939 that Jesus uses 00:20:36.939 --> 00:20:37.899 to close this section. 00:20:38.719 --> 00:20:39.299 On the one hand, 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.319 it's another illustration 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:41.480 that encourages us 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:42.339 to be eager 00:20:42.339 --> 00:20:42.980 in our pursuit 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.679 of reconciliation. 00:20:44.079 --> 00:20:44.740 Jesus is saying, 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:45.359 look, 00:20:45.419 --> 00:20:46.559 you wouldn't let a lawsuit 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:47.639 get all the way to court, 00:20:47.699 --> 00:20:48.779 all the way to conviction 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.619 if you could help it, 00:20:49.659 --> 00:20:49.839 right? 00:20:49.919 --> 00:20:50.099 No, 00:20:50.179 --> 00:20:51.259 you'd be eager 00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:51.740 to settle 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.579 and find a solution 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.939 before you're standing 00:20:53.939 --> 00:20:54.759 in front of the judge. 00:20:55.319 --> 00:20:56.219 Better to work hard 00:20:56.219 --> 00:20:56.740 at a settlement 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:57.519 out of court 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.259 than to end up 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:59.059 in debtor's prison. 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:00.440 In the same way, 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:01.059 Jesus is saying, 00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:02.059 be eager to pursue 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:02.660 reconciliation 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:03.359 with your brother 00:21:03.359 --> 00:21:03.839 or sister. 00:21:05.140 --> 00:21:05.539 But you know, 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.240 it's more than 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:07.079 just an illustration 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.880 encouraging us 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:08.519 to be eager 00:21:08.519 --> 00:21:09.460 and quick to reconcile. 00:21:11.099 --> 00:21:12.299 It's also a reminder 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:15.359 that we're all debtors 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:17.599 of one sort or another. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:21.299 So if you owe anything, 00:21:22.900 --> 00:21:24.339 even the smallest amount, 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:26.119 pay it. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:30.199 Perhaps in a broken relationship, 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:31.179 you think you didn't have 00:21:31.179 --> 00:21:32.099 the greater part to play, 00:21:32.159 --> 00:21:32.619 but friend, 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:34.480 figuring out 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.819 who has the greater share 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.439 of the blame 00:21:36.439 --> 00:21:38.059 shouldn't be your concern. 00:21:40.179 --> 00:21:41.359 Do you owe something? 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.299 Then make it right. 00:21:45.199 --> 00:21:46.659 Did you say a harsh word? 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.000 Did you give a cold shoulder? 00:21:49.859 --> 00:21:51.240 Did you fail to give credit 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:51.740 when due? 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:54.579 Did you offend or ignore? 00:21:56.160 --> 00:21:57.319 Then make it right. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:01.160 Perhaps in your view, 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:02.359 they did ten times 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:02.880 the offense, 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:03.740 but that, friend, 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:05.039 is between them and God. 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:07.940 You must obey 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:09.599 what God is calling you to do. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:11.799 Settle quickly 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.859 before you get to court. 00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:15.299 Everything you owe, 00:22:15.400 --> 00:22:16.380 you will have to pay. 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:17.859 So pay it. 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.200 Don't make the mistake 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.620 of holding on to your debt, 00:22:21.619 --> 00:22:22.479 because you think 00:22:22.479 --> 00:22:23.599 the other person owes more. 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:25.319 What will happen in that case? 00:22:25.739 --> 00:22:26.559 You will still be 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.299 the one in prison. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.939 Your soul will still be locked 00:22:30.939 --> 00:22:32.279 behind the bars of anger 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.039 and animosity. 00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:35.239 You will still owe a debt 00:22:35.239 --> 00:22:36.379 to them and to God. 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:39.159 So settle quickly, 00:22:39.959 --> 00:22:41.659 no matter what you owe, 00:22:42.939 --> 00:22:43.839 no matter how big 00:22:43.839 --> 00:22:45.059 or small in comparison. 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:46.059 don't delay. 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:47.220 Don't delay. 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:52.720 So here 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:55.220 is the greater righteousness 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.480 to which Jesus 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:57.339 is calling us, 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:58.240 his first 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.440 sort of example 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:01.159 of this greater righteousness. 00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:02.159 It means not just 00:23:02.159 --> 00:23:03.359 avoiding murder, 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.319 but addressing 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:05.399 the anger and contempt 00:23:05.399 --> 00:23:06.119 in our hearts 00:23:06.119 --> 00:23:07.960 through concrete practices 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:08.839 of reconciliation. 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:09.059 reconciliation. 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:13.939 But where, 00:23:14.099 --> 00:23:14.439 oh where, 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:15.539 do we get the strength 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.259 for this? 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:19.059 If we're going to 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:19.599 confront anger 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:20.399 in our own hearts 00:23:20.399 --> 00:23:21.419 and not excuse it, 00:23:21.919 --> 00:23:22.500 if we're going to 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.679 pursue our accusers 00:23:23.679 --> 00:23:24.639 and not avoid them, 00:23:25.639 --> 00:23:26.679 how will we get 00:23:26.679 --> 00:23:28.019 the power to do that? 00:23:30.379 --> 00:23:31.139 Because if you think 00:23:31.139 --> 00:23:31.459 about it, 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:31.980 it's easy 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:33.179 on some level 00:23:33.179 --> 00:23:33.699 to practice 00:23:33.699 --> 00:23:34.299 the righteousness 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:35.259 of the Pharisees. 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:37.460 I'm guessing 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:37.960 few of us 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:38.400 have literally 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:39.119 committed murder 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:39.660 in this room. 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:42.960 Most people 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:43.940 can meet that mark 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.940 in their own strength. 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:47.819 But if we're really 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.379 going to live 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:48.799 the way God 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.779 intends us to live, 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:51.119 it's going to take 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:52.140 strength from outside 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:52.640 of us. 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.420 And this is where 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:56.400 we need to zoom out 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:57.420 from the Sermon on the Mount 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:59.240 and put this passage 00:23:59.240 --> 00:24:00.039 in the context 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:01.140 of the whole gospel. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.119 Because in order 00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:04.200 to live the Sermon 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:04.779 on the Mount, 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:07.180 you need to look 00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:08.299 to your Savior, 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.900 not to yourself. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.180 Specifically, 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:15.119 you need to look 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:15.660 at what Jesus 00:24:15.660 --> 00:24:17.099 has done for you. 00:24:18.379 --> 00:24:19.339 That's the only thing 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:19.960 that will really 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:21.319 enable us to turn 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:22.319 from anger and hatred 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.420 and pursue reconciliation. 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:25.160 That's the only thing 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:26.299 that will really enable us 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.440 to settle quickly 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:28.500 with our accusers, 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:30.000 even if we owe 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:30.900 so much less 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:31.500 in comparison, 00:24:31.640 --> 00:24:32.000 we think. 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:33.299 Because before 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.400 the cross of Christ, 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.079 we realize 00:24:35.079 --> 00:24:35.759 that there is 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.519 no comparison. 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.519 At the cross, 00:24:38.619 --> 00:24:39.659 we see that our debt 00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.740 was infinite. 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.439 That the Son of God 00:24:43.439 --> 00:24:44.480 left heaven 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:46.339 to pursue reconciliation 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:47.279 with me, 00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:47.980 his enemy. 00:24:49.939 --> 00:24:51.240 And he paid the debt 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:52.240 that I owed. 00:24:53.619 --> 00:24:54.460 My debt 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.539 was paid 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.279 by another. 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:59.639 So now, 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:00.139 the debts 00:25:00.139 --> 00:25:01.019 that others owe me? 00:25:02.859 --> 00:25:04.099 How could I possibly 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:04.599 treat them 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:05.279 with contempt? 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.660 Have they hurt me? 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.339 Have they wronged me? 00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:08.799 Yes, 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.059 but there is a Savior 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:10.799 who covered 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.859 my every wrong, 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:13.000 who mended 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.059 my every hurt, 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:14.759 who took 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.559 my place 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.139 in love 00:25:16.139 --> 00:25:17.480 so that I could 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.480 walk out 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.559 of the prison 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:20.279 of my sin 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:20.740 and judgment 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.920 free of charge. 00:25:21.920 --> 00:25:24.240 How could I 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:24.840 not now 00:25:24.840 --> 00:25:25.480 treat others 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:26.140 with the mercy 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:26.740 and patience 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.880 that I have received? 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:32.480 But you know, 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.000 in the gospel, 00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:34.140 we receive not just 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:34.880 this sort of new 00:25:34.880 --> 00:25:35.420 status, 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.960 this new freedom 00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:37.560 from our debt 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:38.039 of sin 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:39.200 that is life-changing. 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:41.080 We receive not just 00:25:41.080 --> 00:25:41.779 a new status, 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:42.460 but we receive 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.200 a new heart. 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:46.240 Through faith 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.880 in Christ, 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:48.120 the Holy Spirit 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:49.000 gives us 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:50.400 a new disposition. 00:25:52.559 --> 00:25:53.839 Our old disposition, 00:25:54.059 --> 00:25:54.720 what does it want? 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:55.880 It wants 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:57.460 only my rights. 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:01.220 But the new disposition 00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:02.660 wants something greater. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:05.160 It longs 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.519 for God's glory. 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.200 It longs 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:09.839 for the beauty 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.599 of the Savior 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:11.859 to be magnified. 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:15.039 And what will display 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.200 the glory of Christ 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:16.920 more 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:18.960 than the radical 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:20.059 act of forgiveness, 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:22.000 of reconciliation. 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:26.000 And this new disposition 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:26.559 that loves 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:28.880 not just God's glory, 00:26:30.080 --> 00:26:30.980 but it also 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:32.500 has a genuine love 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:34.019 for our fellow 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.880 brother and sister 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:35.539 in Christ. 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.259 The Holy Spirit 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:38.880 enables us 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:40.120 to see past 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:40.920 the wrongs 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:41.799 someone has done, 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.180 past the hurt 00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:43.920 they caused, 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.120 so that we might 00:26:45.120 --> 00:26:45.799 see them 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:47.019 in their humanity. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:51.379 That even though 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:52.079 they are a sinner, 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:52.639 even though 00:26:52.639 --> 00:26:53.079 they may have 00:26:53.079 --> 00:26:53.899 sinned against me, 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:55.039 I can still view 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:56.220 them as a creature 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:58.359 made in God's image. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.519 And if a Christian, 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.819 then a child of God, 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:04.159 and yes, 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:04.659 a brother, 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:06.000 a sister in Christ, 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:07.879 we can love them 00:27:07.879 --> 00:27:09.059 in this new disposition 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:10.279 we have through the Spirit. 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:12.159 For Jesus' sake 00:27:12.159 --> 00:27:14.220 and for their own sake. 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.539 So in Christ, 00:27:18.679 --> 00:27:19.839 we are given a new status 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:21.579 and a new heart, 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:24.139 but also a new hope. 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:27.600 there is a day coming 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.360 when every wrong 00:27:28.360 --> 00:27:29.140 will be made right, 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:31.320 when every broken 00:27:31.320 --> 00:27:31.920 relationship 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.620 will be healed, 00:27:33.580 --> 00:27:34.560 when every hurt 00:27:34.560 --> 00:27:35.200 will be mended, 00:27:35.360 --> 00:27:36.040 when every tear 00:27:36.040 --> 00:27:36.980 will be wiped away, 00:27:37.060 --> 00:27:38.020 when every loss 00:27:38.020 --> 00:27:39.620 will be returned. 00:27:41.040 --> 00:27:42.060 And because of 00:27:42.060 --> 00:27:42.740 the resurrection 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.759 of Christ, 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:45.860 this hope 00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:47.020 is not some wish 00:27:47.020 --> 00:27:48.080 or some dream. 00:27:48.600 --> 00:27:49.700 It is as solid 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:50.460 and secure 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:51.480 as an anchor 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:53.280 rooted to the ocean floor. 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:56.039 In the hope 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:56.920 of the gospel, 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:57.559 you and I 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.879 are completely safe, 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:00.480 completely secure. 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:03.319 You need not fear. 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:06.079 Will it be costly 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:07.200 to pursue reconciliation? 00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.940 Will it be hard work? 00:28:09.279 --> 00:28:10.519 Will it require sacrifice 00:28:10.519 --> 00:28:11.660 and time and energy? 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:12.259 Of course. 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:15.940 But you have nothing to fear. 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:18.579 Your future is secure. 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.940 The end of your road 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.759 is determined. 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.680 Your destination 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.900 has already been won. 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:25.180 He's gone to prepare 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:26.060 a place for you. 00:28:28.900 --> 00:28:30.500 There's no need 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.759 to hold 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:33.220 so tightly 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:35.360 to your rights, 00:28:36.080 --> 00:28:37.940 to your wrongs. 00:28:40.120 --> 00:28:41.720 Why would you sit 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:43.140 in the prison 00:28:43.140 --> 00:28:43.940 of anger 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.880 and bitterness 00:28:44.880 --> 00:28:46.100 all the days 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:46.920 of your life 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:48.880 when the doors 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:49.539 of heaven 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:50.300 have been flung 00:28:50.300 --> 00:28:51.160 open for you? 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.700 Why demand payment 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:55.259 from those 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.259 who wronged you 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:58.500 when the treasures 00:28:58.500 --> 00:28:58.960 of heaven 00:28:58.960 --> 00:28:59.700 have been opened 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:00.279 for you? 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:04.480 Even the great losses 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.240 of this life, 00:29:05.360 --> 00:29:06.180 the deep hurts, 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:07.100 are nothing 00:29:07.100 --> 00:29:08.800 compared to what God 00:29:08.800 --> 00:29:09.960 has prepared for you. 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:13.279 So open your hands. 00:29:14.600 --> 00:29:15.460 Settle quickly 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.600 with your accuser. 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.900 Live in light 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.860 of the hope 00:29:19.860 --> 00:29:21.039 you have. 00:29:21.860 --> 00:29:23.299 Christ is risen. 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:26.660 Christ has reconciled 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.539 you to God. 00:29:28.340 --> 00:29:29.299 You will enjoy 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:30.100 his peace 00:29:30.100 --> 00:29:31.819 now and forevermore. 00:29:31.819 --> 00:29:34.099 so let go 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:34.720 of your anger. 00:29:36.059 --> 00:29:36.460 Go. 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:38.679 Be reconciled. 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:41.720 And then Jesus says, 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:43.159 come and live. 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:47.539 Because, friends, 00:29:47.619 --> 00:29:48.599 this truly is 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:50.099 the way of life. 00:29:51.939 --> 00:29:53.399 The way of greater 00:29:53.399 --> 00:29:54.359 righteousness 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:55.419 that only the gospel 00:29:55.419 --> 00:29:56.019 brings. 00:29:56.819 --> 00:29:58.139 This is the way 00:29:58.139 --> 00:29:59.339 of salt and light. 00:30:01.819 --> 00:30:02.779 Henry Nouwen 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:03.319 once wrote, 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.460 and we'll close with this, 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:04.899 he said, 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:06.659 so much of our energy 00:30:06.659 --> 00:30:07.939 and time and money 00:30:07.939 --> 00:30:09.399 goes into maintaining 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:10.319 our distance 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:11.119 from one another. 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:13.519 Many, if not most, 00:30:13.559 --> 00:30:14.240 of the resources 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:14.839 of the world 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:15.419 are used 00:30:15.419 --> 00:30:16.700 to defend ourselves 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:17.539 against one another, 00:30:17.919 --> 00:30:18.599 to maintain 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:19.779 or increase our power 00:30:19.779 --> 00:30:21.240 and to safeguard 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:23.000 our own privileged position. 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.299 Imagine. 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:29.159 Imagine all that effort 00:30:29.159 --> 00:30:29.939 being put 00:30:29.939 --> 00:30:31.119 into the service 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:32.059 of peace 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:33.479 and reconciliation. 00:30:35.319 --> 00:30:36.259 Would there be 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.879 any poverty? 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.479 Would there be 00:30:39.479 --> 00:30:40.439 crimes and wars? 00:30:42.619 --> 00:30:43.639 Just imagine 00:30:43.639 --> 00:30:44.479 that there's no longer 00:30:44.479 --> 00:30:45.500 fear among people, 00:30:45.599 --> 00:30:47.019 no longer rivalry, 00:30:47.739 --> 00:30:48.479 hostility, 00:30:49.419 --> 00:30:49.739 bitterness, 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:51.219 or revenge. 00:30:52.139 --> 00:30:52.799 We say, 00:30:53.119 --> 00:30:54.339 I can't imagine. 00:30:55.699 --> 00:30:56.979 But God says, 00:30:57.579 --> 00:30:59.139 that's what I imagine. 00:30:59.140 --> 00:31:01.100 a whole world 00:31:01.100 --> 00:31:02.860 not only created, 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.780 but living 00:31:04.780 --> 00:31:06.620 in my image. 00:31:07.780 --> 00:31:08.840 Let's pray. 00:31:14.280 --> 00:31:15.140 Father, 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:17.540 by your spirit, 00:31:18.340 --> 00:31:20.140 make us a people 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:22.220 who turn away 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:23.360 from our animosity 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:24.120 and contempt 00:31:24.119 --> 00:31:26.239 and who pursue 00:31:26.239 --> 00:31:27.159 your way 00:31:27.159 --> 00:31:28.319 of peace 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.359 and reconciliation. 00:31:31.559 --> 00:31:32.619 We know 00:31:32.619 --> 00:31:33.839 all too well 00:31:33.839 --> 00:31:35.239 how hard this is, 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:37.839 but you have not 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:38.500 left us 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.299 to do it alone. 00:31:41.259 --> 00:31:42.679 You have canceled 00:31:42.679 --> 00:31:43.519 the debt we owe 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.159 at the cross. 00:31:44.259 --> 00:31:44.899 Now make us 00:31:44.899 --> 00:31:45.879 those who are eager 00:31:45.879 --> 00:31:47.019 to cancel debts 00:31:47.019 --> 00:31:48.139 and be reconciled, 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:49.899 eager to admit 00:31:49.899 --> 00:31:50.919 where we have been wrong 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:51.940 and to seek forgiveness. 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:55.480 And would our life 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.120 as a church 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:57.340 and our life together 00:31:57.340 --> 00:32:00.019 be a sign 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:01.320 of that coming day 00:32:01.320 --> 00:32:04.759 when your peace 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.240 will reign 00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:06.259 over all the earth. 00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:08.600 In Jesus' name 00:32:08.600 --> 00:32:09.220 we pray, 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.800 our reconciler, 00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:11.920 our redeemer. 00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:13.220 Amen.