WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.679 We'll do three things, Lord willing. Spend about five minutes getting to know some verses of the Bible a bit better. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:17.679 Maybe five to ten minutes of general scene setting. And then probably about 15 or 20 minutes. 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:42.039 Seeing how it is that in verses 19 to 23 we might meet the Lord Jesus. And how meeting him in those verses might shed light upon the blessing that Reuben's installation as elder pastor here is could be, should be, will be. 00:00:42.039 --> 00:00:54.479 So verses 19 to 23. Just a few minutes getting to know them. Are they up there? Good. I'm glad they're not. 00:00:56.019 --> 00:01:03.820 On the evening I'm going to read to you a line and then ask you a question which you can answer quietly inside your own head. 00:01:04.819 --> 00:01:10.379 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week. What time of day? 00:01:12.040 --> 00:01:19.800 What day of the week? On the evening of that day, the first day of the week. 00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:27.000 The doors being locked. What were locked? The doors being locked. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:34.200 What was done to the doors? Where the disciples were. Which doors? 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:38.680 For fear of the Jews. Why did they lock those doors? 00:01:40.079 --> 00:01:43.180 Was it morning or evening? What day of the week was it? 00:01:43.340 --> 00:01:47.340 What was locked? Where were they locked? Why were they locked? 00:01:47.340 --> 00:01:53.420 Someone, Jesus, came and stood among them. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:54.900 Who came and stood among them? 00:01:55.859 --> 00:01:57.480 What did Jesus come and do? 00:01:58.740 --> 00:02:01.300 It's the evening of the first day of the week. 00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:06.040 And the doors are locked where the disciples are for fear of the Jews. 00:02:06.340 --> 00:02:08.500 And Jesus came and stood among them. 00:02:08.500 --> 00:02:12.199 And he said to them, peace be with you. 00:02:12.960 --> 00:02:14.960 Who said to them, peace be with you? 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:17.639 What did Jesus say to them? 00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:24.740 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and side. 00:02:25.580 --> 00:02:27.939 When did he show them his hands and side? 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.860 When he had said this, peace be with you, what did he show them? 00:02:32.860 --> 00:02:39.600 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 00:02:39.760 --> 00:02:41.300 How did the disciples feel? 00:02:43.180 --> 00:02:45.760 When they saw the Lord, how did the disciples feel? 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:48.240 What made the disciples feel glad? 00:02:49.100 --> 00:02:50.380 When they saw the Lord. 00:02:52.020 --> 00:02:54.900 And Jesus said to them again, peace be with you. 00:02:55.960 --> 00:02:58.680 Someone said to them again, peace be with you. 00:02:59.040 --> 00:02:59.760 Who was that? 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:02.460 Jesus said something to them again. 00:03:02.460 --> 00:03:04.159 What did he say to them again? 00:03:04.980 --> 00:03:06.120 Peace be with you. 00:03:07.420 --> 00:03:11.640 As the Father has sent me, even so I'm sending you. 00:03:11.819 --> 00:03:12.900 Who sent Jesus? 00:03:14.439 --> 00:03:15.379 The Father. 00:03:16.460 --> 00:03:18.920 And like the Father sent Jesus, then what? 00:03:20.020 --> 00:03:21.460 Jesus sends the disciples. 00:03:22.100 --> 00:03:23.700 How does Jesus send the disciples? 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:25.879 As the Father sent him. 00:03:27.319 --> 00:03:30.780 And when he had said this, he breathed on them. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:33.219 When did he breathe on them? 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:39.139 After he'd said, as the Father sent me, even so I send you. 00:03:39.139 --> 00:03:43.679 What did he do when he'd said that? 00:03:44.679 --> 00:03:46.059 He breathed on them. 00:03:47.059 --> 00:03:50.299 And he said to them, receive the Holy Spirit. 00:03:50.799 --> 00:03:51.519 Receive who? 00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:53.079 What? 00:03:53.399 --> 00:03:54.319 The Holy Spirit? 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:59.299 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. 00:03:59.840 --> 00:04:01.900 If you forgive the sins of whom? 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:05.620 If you what the sins? 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:10.780 If you do forgive the sins of any, then what? 00:04:11.860 --> 00:04:13.200 They are forgiven them. 00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:17.300 If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. 00:04:17.639 --> 00:04:19.120 When is forgiveness withheld? 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:21.180 When they withhold it. 00:04:21.620 --> 00:04:23.939 If they withhold it, then what? 00:04:24.439 --> 00:04:25.240 It's withheld. 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:29.460 Is the Father in those verses? 00:04:31.960 --> 00:04:35.240 As the Father sent me, even so I send you. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:37.579 Is the Son in those verses? 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:39.259 All over them. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:42.019 Is the Spirit in those verses? 00:04:42.680 --> 00:04:47.019 He breathed on them and said, receive the Holy Spirit. 00:04:47.019 --> 00:04:52.199 What verbs go with Jesus in those verses? 00:04:53.419 --> 00:04:58.839 He came, he stood, he said, he showed, he said, he breathed, he said. 00:04:59.740 --> 00:05:01.539 How did the disciples feel? 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:04.180 Afraid and glad. 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:06.979 Oh, and Jesus offers them peace as well. 00:05:09.279 --> 00:05:11.599 Do you feel like you know those verses a little bit better? 00:05:12.979 --> 00:05:16.779 The Lord Jesus, oh look, what day of the week is it? 00:05:17.799 --> 00:05:18.939 It's the first day of the week. 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:20.199 What time of day is it? 00:05:20.359 --> 00:05:22.120 I mean, now, healing. 00:05:23.240 --> 00:05:25.079 It's the evening of the first day of the week. 00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:26.459 Doors aren't locked. 00:05:26.779 --> 00:05:27.939 Is the Lord Jesus here? 00:05:29.219 --> 00:05:30.859 He is here by his Spirit. 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:33.659 He's here to speak to us through his word. 00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:34.680 Brilliant. 00:05:35.339 --> 00:05:39.120 Then let's talk to him using this word. 00:05:39.479 --> 00:05:40.859 Let's speak to the Lord Jesus. 00:05:42.379 --> 00:05:45.339 Lord Jesus, on the evening of that day, 00:05:45.339 --> 00:05:48.500 your resurrection day, the first day of the week, 00:05:48.899 --> 00:05:51.319 the doors were locked where the disciples were 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:53.159 because they were afraid of the Jews. 00:05:53.639 --> 00:05:58.179 And Lord Jesus, you came and stood among them. 00:05:59.339 --> 00:06:01.539 And Lord Jesus, you said to them, 00:06:01.899 --> 00:06:02.859 peace be with you. 00:06:04.059 --> 00:06:05.379 And when you'd said this, 00:06:05.679 --> 00:06:09.500 you showed them your hands and your side. 00:06:09.500 --> 00:06:12.579 They were glad when they saw you. 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:14.920 And you said to them again, 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.639 peace be with you. 00:06:17.680 --> 00:06:18.360 You said to them, 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:20.139 as the Father has sent me, 00:06:20.459 --> 00:06:22.060 even so I'm sending you. 00:06:22.920 --> 00:06:24.439 And when you'd said this, 00:06:24.800 --> 00:06:26.339 you breathed on them 00:06:26.339 --> 00:06:29.240 and said to them, 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:30.879 receive the Holy Spirit. 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:32.279 You told them, 00:06:32.620 --> 00:06:34.120 if you forgive the sins of any, 00:06:34.220 --> 00:06:35.139 they are forgiven them. 00:06:35.139 --> 00:06:37.319 If you withhold forgiveness from any, 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:38.459 it is withheld. 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:40.379 And Lord Jesus, 00:06:40.539 --> 00:06:42.039 you are here by your Spirit. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:44.639 You are here to speak to us through your word. 00:06:44.839 --> 00:06:45.919 And we thank you. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:52.680 If the Lord Jesus said to you now, 00:06:53.839 --> 00:06:56.259 if he struck me down, 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.699 so that was the end of the sermon, 00:06:58.360 --> 00:06:59.839 all the lights went out 00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:00.719 and it was the end of the sermon, 00:07:00.919 --> 00:07:02.259 or he said to you now, 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:03.579 that's it. 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:05.860 You've had chapter 20, 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:07.099 verses 19 to 23. 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:09.139 You are meant to go into the week 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:11.699 nourished by something from those verses. 00:07:12.560 --> 00:07:13.420 What are you going to take? 00:07:14.180 --> 00:07:15.560 Let me give you 30 seconds. 00:07:16.699 --> 00:07:17.420 What are you going to take 00:07:17.420 --> 00:07:19.000 from those verses into this week? 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:19.060 Amen. 00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:42.860 So you've got yourself another pastor. 00:07:43.539 --> 00:07:46.079 What difference is that actually going to make 00:07:46.079 --> 00:07:48.819 to the price of potatoes 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:50.539 or your life? 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:53.399 How is having Ruben 00:07:53.399 --> 00:07:55.339 as one of the pastors here 00:07:55.339 --> 00:07:58.360 really going to change things for you? 00:07:58.680 --> 00:08:00.279 And can't you think of other things 00:08:00.279 --> 00:08:02.279 that would actually change your life a bit more? 00:08:02.979 --> 00:08:05.219 Like if you discovered a million pounds 00:08:05.219 --> 00:08:06.039 in your bank account, 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:08.099 if you actually met her 00:08:08.099 --> 00:08:09.539 or met him, 00:08:10.099 --> 00:08:12.139 if things changed at work, 00:08:12.399 --> 00:08:13.979 if things changed with health, 00:08:14.119 --> 00:08:15.179 you can think a lot of things 00:08:15.179 --> 00:08:16.079 that would make more difference 00:08:16.079 --> 00:08:16.779 to your life than, 00:08:17.099 --> 00:08:17.559 bless you, 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:18.519 having Ruben 00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:20.119 as another pastor here. 00:08:20.839 --> 00:08:22.059 All sorts of things. 00:08:22.599 --> 00:08:24.739 Now that would change my life, 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:25.759 you might be thinking. 00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:27.560 I've got nothing against Ruben, 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:29.819 but is it really going to make 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:32.960 much difference actually to me? 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:38.240 And even if it were going to make a difference, 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:38.939 how? 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:42.559 Now we're getting closer to John 20. 00:08:44.399 --> 00:08:47.799 Because having Ruben here as an elder, 00:08:48.159 --> 00:08:48.840 as a pastor, 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:53.500 would mean you get a little bit more of Jesus. 00:08:53.500 --> 00:08:58.399 Every believer is a Christ-bearer. 00:08:58.759 --> 00:09:01.580 Every believer carries the Lord Jesus with them 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:02.940 wherever they go by the Spirit. 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:06.740 So we meet Jesus every time we meet another believer. 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.279 But what if we could meet believers 00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:11.559 who had a lot of Jesus about them? 00:09:12.539 --> 00:09:13.679 That's what we want 00:09:13.679 --> 00:09:15.399 when we appoint an elder. 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:17.500 Somebody who's got higher than average 00:09:18.179 --> 00:09:20.399 like Jesus-ness to them. 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:23.559 Somebody who carries a bit more of the Lord Jesus 00:09:23.559 --> 00:09:25.480 with them than average. 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:28.579 Jesus appointed 12 apostles 00:09:28.579 --> 00:09:32.959 so that they might be with him. 00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:36.179 Now they saw the boldness of Peter and John 00:09:36.179 --> 00:09:40.699 and they recognised that they had been with Jesus. 00:09:41.939 --> 00:09:44.340 Paul says we're always carrying in our body 00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:45.439 the death of Jesus 00:09:45.439 --> 00:09:47.179 so that the life of Jesus 00:09:47.179 --> 00:09:49.600 may also be manifested in our bodies. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:53.519 Paul said we think like Jesus. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:54.899 We've got the mind of Christ. 00:09:55.200 --> 00:09:57.220 Paul said we feel like Jesus. 00:09:57.360 --> 00:09:59.040 I yearn for you with the bowels, 00:09:59.139 --> 00:10:01.500 the heart, the guts of Jesus. 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:05.800 He said we smell like Jesus. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:07.519 We are the aroma of Christ. 00:10:08.820 --> 00:10:11.279 Every believer carries around with them 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:13.980 the presence, the smell of the Lord Jesus. 00:10:13.980 --> 00:10:18.480 But elders, pastors are meant to be unusually smelly people. 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:21.100 Smelly with the Lord Jesus 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:23.039 so that when they come into the room, 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:24.279 when they come into your life, 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:25.639 when they minister to you, 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:27.639 you meet something of the wisdom 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:30.259 and the compassion of the Lord Jesus. 00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:34.500 Last three Sunday mornings, 00:10:34.580 --> 00:10:35.799 you've been looking at John's Gospel. 00:10:35.799 --> 00:10:37.259 I didn't hear this morning's. 00:10:37.299 --> 00:10:38.740 I have listened to the previous two, 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:39.360 loved them. 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:41.460 It's all about the Lord Jesus. 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:42.799 He is life. 00:10:43.779 --> 00:10:45.000 And last week, John the Baptist, 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:46.860 not me, him. 00:10:47.779 --> 00:10:48.120 Ditto. 00:10:48.819 --> 00:10:50.740 Not Reuben, the Lord Jesus. 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:53.080 We want to carry Jesus, 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:54.060 channel Jesus, 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:55.399 communicate Jesus, 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:58.180 be close to him and filled by him, 00:10:58.560 --> 00:11:00.399 bring his wisdom and love 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:02.240 and holiness and grace to people. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:06.019 Be ambassadors, representatives, embodiments. 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:08.080 And elders and pastors 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:12.519 are meant to be particularly intense versions of that. 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:16.279 So not being a scholar or academic, 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:18.480 Jesus didn't read many books, did he? 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:21.399 Not being charming or smooth, 00:11:21.659 --> 00:11:24.019 Jesus wasn't particularly charming or smooth. 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:26.899 Not being an activist and charging around 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:28.620 and having plans for everything, 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:29.740 Jesus didn't. 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:32.680 Not being an organizer of movements 00:11:32.680 --> 00:11:34.240 or a builder of institutions, 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:35.360 Jesus wasn't. 00:11:35.639 --> 00:11:37.399 Not cleverness or competence 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:39.279 or charm or busyness, 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.100 not those things. 00:11:41.460 --> 00:11:45.860 What you're getting is Reuben Hunter. 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:48.240 You're meant to be getting 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:50.060 more of the Lord Jesus 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:52.060 in the particular form 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:54.500 of Reuben Hunter. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:57.159 The words Reuben Hunter, 00:11:57.659 --> 00:11:58.120 to me, 00:11:58.519 --> 00:11:59.019 mean 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:02.139 my friend of many years, 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:03.480 a dear, 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:05.340 dear brother 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:07.399 whom I deeply love, 00:12:07.980 --> 00:12:09.279 profoundly respect, 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:11.600 I'm immensely grateful to 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:14.019 and immensely grateful for. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:16.120 Reuben Hunter. 00:12:17.159 --> 00:12:18.240 That's what you're getting. 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:19.519 But actually, 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:21.259 Reuben means, 00:12:21.620 --> 00:12:21.899 see, 00:12:22.680 --> 00:12:23.399 a son. 00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:25.659 So you're not getting an expert, 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:26.820 you're not getting an executive, 00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:27.899 that sort of thing. 00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:29.800 You're getting a son 00:12:29.800 --> 00:12:32.100 of our Heavenly Father. 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:32.980 That's to say, 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:33.779 a brother. 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:35.519 You're getting a brother. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:36.320 Hopefully, 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:38.320 a more mature than most, 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:39.080 brother. 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:41.020 A kinder than most, 00:12:41.180 --> 00:12:41.440 brother. 00:12:41.820 --> 00:12:42.520 But see, 00:12:42.700 --> 00:12:43.240 a son, 00:12:43.540 --> 00:12:43.820 Reuben. 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:46.020 And you're getting a hunter. 00:12:47.140 --> 00:12:48.520 One of my favorite stories 00:12:48.520 --> 00:12:49.580 from the Desert Fathers 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:51.520 is about Macedonius. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:54.899 A certain captain of soldiers 00:12:54.899 --> 00:12:56.059 who took a great delight 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:56.539 in hunting 00:12:56.539 --> 00:12:57.779 once came in search 00:12:57.779 --> 00:12:58.740 of wild animals 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:00.399 to the desolate mountain 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:01.500 where Macedonius, 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.120 the hermit, 00:13:02.259 --> 00:13:02.579 dwelt. 00:13:03.139 --> 00:13:04.579 He was prepared for the chase, 00:13:04.659 --> 00:13:05.539 having brought with him 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:06.319 men and dogs. 00:13:07.500 --> 00:13:08.699 As he went over the mountain, 00:13:08.799 --> 00:13:10.399 he saw far off a man. 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:11.720 Being surprised 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:12.539 that anyone should be 00:13:12.539 --> 00:13:13.699 in a place so desolate, 00:13:13.699 --> 00:13:15.360 he asked who it might be. 00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:16.539 One told him 00:13:16.539 --> 00:13:18.419 that it was the hermit Macedonius. 00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:19.759 The captain, 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:21.120 who was a pious man, 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:22.259 leapt from his horse 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:23.720 and ran to meet the hermit. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:25.179 When he came to him, 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:25.600 he asked, 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:26.700 what are you doing 00:13:26.700 --> 00:13:28.620 in such a barren place as this? 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:30.720 The hermit in his turn asked, 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:31.360 and you, 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:32.720 what have you come here to do? 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:34.919 The captain answered him, 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:37.080 I have come to hunt. 00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:39.120 Then said Macedonius, 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:43.220 I also am a hunter. 00:13:43.740 --> 00:13:47.039 I am hunting for my God. 00:13:47.480 --> 00:13:49.639 I yearn to capture him. 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:52.519 My desire is to enjoy him. 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:56.159 I shall not cease from this my hunting. 00:13:57.360 --> 00:13:58.980 Reuben Hunter, 00:13:59.519 --> 00:13:59.819 see, 00:14:00.199 --> 00:14:00.799 a son 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:02.179 in pursuit 00:14:02.179 --> 00:14:03.500 of God, 00:14:03.699 --> 00:14:05.379 who is particularly, 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:06.779 intensely 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:08.740 carrying the Lord Jesus. 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:10.559 That's what you're getting. 00:14:12.199 --> 00:14:13.980 But carrying the Lord Jesus, 00:14:14.299 --> 00:14:15.779 what would that look like? 00:14:15.779 --> 00:14:17.519 When Jesus arrives 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.740 in John chapter 20, 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:20.299 verses 19 to 23, 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:21.699 then you get 00:14:21.699 --> 00:14:22.839 his presence 00:14:22.839 --> 00:14:23.879 and his peace 00:14:23.879 --> 00:14:25.000 and his wounds 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:26.279 and his intimacy 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.439 and his breath 00:14:27.439 --> 00:14:28.279 all over you 00:14:28.279 --> 00:14:29.419 and good news 00:14:29.419 --> 00:14:29.959 of forgiveness. 00:14:30.459 --> 00:14:31.360 That's what you get. 00:14:31.799 --> 00:14:32.399 And so if 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:33.980 Reuben arrives 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:35.579 carrying the Lord Jesus 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:36.199 with him, 00:14:36.319 --> 00:14:36.939 and of course 00:14:36.939 --> 00:14:37.579 all of us 00:14:37.579 --> 00:14:38.079 as believers 00:14:38.079 --> 00:14:38.860 one to another, 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.199 if Reuben arrives 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:41.600 carrying the Lord Jesus 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.079 with him, 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:43.159 these are the sorts 00:14:43.159 --> 00:14:44.299 of things you'll get. 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.240 Jesus came 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:47.240 and stood among them. 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:48.399 Here are some 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:49.480 fearful disciples 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:51.179 and Christ comes 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:52.579 to where they are 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:54.159 and joins them there. 00:14:54.679 --> 00:14:57.319 Here is a broken world 00:14:57.319 --> 00:14:58.959 and the Son of God 00:14:58.959 --> 00:15:00.539 comes into that world 00:15:00.539 --> 00:15:01.659 as Emmanuel, 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:03.600 God with us. 00:15:04.439 --> 00:15:05.319 And Jesus has 00:15:05.319 --> 00:15:07.039 a very present way 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:08.860 of being present. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:11.159 You know how you 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:13.120 and I can be here 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:14.219 but not here. 00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:15.120 Halfway through 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:15.659 a conversation, 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:16.799 sorry I was somewhere 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:18.299 completely else. 00:15:21.819 --> 00:15:23.519 We absent ourselves 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:24.699 but not the Lord Jesus. 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:27.159 Look at his attentiveness. 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.699 There's not much about it 00:15:29.699 --> 00:15:30.959 but look at his eye contact. 00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:32.879 There's lots about it. 00:15:32.959 --> 00:15:33.959 Look at his touch. 00:15:35.039 --> 00:15:36.480 He's there with the person 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:37.439 who's in front of him 00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:38.079 right now. 00:15:38.299 --> 00:15:38.879 There is something 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:40.840 very real and personal 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:43.120 and direct and serious 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:45.379 when you're with Jesus 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:48.120 and so with those 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.340 who carry Jesus. 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:51.100 Of course, 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:52.460 you might be behind 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:53.679 some sorts of locked doors. 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:54.439 There might be members 00:15:54.439 --> 00:15:55.220 of the congregation 00:15:55.220 --> 00:15:57.320 who are like behind 00:15:57.320 --> 00:15:58.019 locked doors. 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:58.299 Of course, 00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:59.379 we're afraid of stuff. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:15:59.899 Of course, 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:01.559 we don't want to let people in. 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:03.879 How are you denying access 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:05.539 to Christ? 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:07.519 What are you afraid of? 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:08.860 Think of somebody else 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.679 in your life 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:12.500 who's got locked doors. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.980 Think of how the Lord Jesus 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:15.919 might come 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:17.500 and stand 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.480 even though you thought 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:20.480 you locked him out 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:22.519 and then maybe 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:23.259 it'll be Reuben. 00:16:24.199 --> 00:16:25.039 Maybe it'll be Reuben 00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:26.099 who comes and stands 00:16:26.099 --> 00:16:27.000 even though it's behind 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:27.740 locked doors. 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:29.559 Maybe it'll be patience 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.459 or prayerfulness 00:16:30.459 --> 00:16:31.579 or empathy 00:16:31.579 --> 00:16:33.000 or understanding you 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:34.200 or knowing that he stands 00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:34.879 like you 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:36.519 in need of God's mercy. 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.779 Maybe it'll be gentleness. 00:16:38.919 --> 00:16:39.500 Who knows 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.379 what it'll be 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:41.980 but if he is a real 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:43.120 Christ bearer, 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.980 if he is carrying Christ 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.580 like the Christ of John 20, 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:48.179 then he will get behind 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:49.039 locked doors 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:50.799 and be really present 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:51.759 to you 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:54.240 because, 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:56.259 blessed be his name, 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:58.039 Jesus is present. 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:00.059 Let's be quiet. 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:09.319 Lord Jesus, 00:17:09.460 --> 00:17:10.720 it's the fact 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.660 that you're with us 00:17:11.660 --> 00:17:13.019 behind locked doors, 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.019 that's 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:16.079 the marvel, 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:16.660 the wonder, 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:17.359 the delight. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.160 We thank you. 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.660 Jesus brings his peace. 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:27.460 He told his disciples 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:29.019 that it was his peace 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:29.839 he would give them. 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.119 I mean, 00:17:30.160 --> 00:17:30.759 that's back in 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:32.079 chapters 14 to 16. 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:33.279 His peace 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:34.119 that he would give them. 00:17:34.619 --> 00:17:34.879 His, 00:17:35.419 --> 00:17:36.220 it's okay. 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:38.740 Jesus had peace 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:40.279 during his busy days. 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.659 It's okay. 00:17:42.500 --> 00:17:43.299 He had peace 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:44.559 in the middle of storms. 00:17:45.399 --> 00:17:46.099 It's okay. 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:47.759 He had peace 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.339 in the face 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:49.879 of vicious opposition, 00:17:50.359 --> 00:17:51.419 fickle crowds, 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:53.139 disloyal disciples. 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:54.879 It's okay. 00:17:56.119 --> 00:17:57.579 He has a peace 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:58.699 which comes 00:17:58.699 --> 00:18:00.379 from clinging on 00:18:00.379 --> 00:18:01.199 to nothing, 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:02.860 holding loosely 00:18:02.860 --> 00:18:04.840 to and letting go 00:18:04.840 --> 00:18:05.480 of everything. 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:06.860 He let go of sleep 00:18:06.860 --> 00:18:07.519 and food 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.240 and possessions 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:09.140 and favour 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:10.500 and even life. 00:18:11.360 --> 00:18:11.620 Why? 00:18:12.180 --> 00:18:13.319 Because he rested 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:14.860 in the Father's 00:18:14.860 --> 00:18:15.779 yes. 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:18.019 It's Easter day, 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:18.720 this story, 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:19.880 and Easter, 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:20.799 the resurrection, 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:22.840 is God's almighty 00:18:22.840 --> 00:18:23.860 yes 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:26.640 over the Lord Jesus, 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:27.819 over his 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:29.039 crucified son. 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:30.279 That's why he's raised 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:31.099 for our justification. 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.099 Raised for our justification 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:33.659 means if we're joined 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:34.079 to Jesus, 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:35.659 God speaks an almighty 00:18:35.659 --> 00:18:37.200 Easter day yes 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:38.399 over us, 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:38.960 too. 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:40.920 It's okay 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:42.559 because God says 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.159 a big, 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:44.819 loud yes. 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:47.279 Put those two together 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:48.599 and see how Jesus 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:49.839 speaks peace. 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:52.420 It is the okay 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:54.440 of clinging on 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:55.140 to nothing 00:18:55.140 --> 00:18:57.420 because you're 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:57.900 resting 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:59.779 in the Father's 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.840 yes. 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:03.920 So when Jesus 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:05.039 gives us 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:06.080 his peace, 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.380 it's like he's 00:19:07.380 --> 00:19:07.880 sending 00:19:07.880 --> 00:19:09.160 waves 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:10.320 over us 00:19:10.320 --> 00:19:10.980 of, 00:19:11.620 --> 00:19:12.600 in me the Father 00:19:12.600 --> 00:19:13.860 speaks his almighty 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:14.480 yes 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.320 over you. 00:19:15.480 --> 00:19:16.460 That's what it's like 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.080 to be 00:19:17.080 --> 00:19:17.900 in Jesus' 00:19:18.080 --> 00:19:18.420 presence 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:19.080 and to hear 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:19.980 Jesus' word. 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:21.000 It's like hearing 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.900 the Father's 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:22.339 yes 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:23.480 over you. 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:24.900 And Jesus, 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.360 when he gives 00:19:25.360 --> 00:19:25.839 his peace, 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:26.579 it's like he's 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:27.579 sending waves 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:27.860 of, 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:29.039 it's okay. 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:31.000 You can let go 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.940 of your fear, 00:19:32.360 --> 00:19:33.620 your self-protection, 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.779 your clinging 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:36.279 and all that stuff. 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:39.099 Forgive the word, 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:40.200 but I've got a new 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:41.220 ambition from the 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:41.980 last couple of weeks 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:42.759 when I came across 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:43.480 this sentence 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.460 of John Updikes. 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:45.279 He says, 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.160 I like old men, 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:46.899 they can be 00:19:46.899 --> 00:19:47.799 wonderful bastards 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.500 because they have 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.559 nothing to lose. 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:50.619 The only people 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.579 who can be themselves 00:19:51.579 --> 00:19:52.319 are babies 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.519 and old bastards. 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:55.160 And the reason 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:55.660 is this, 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.460 because they've got 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:59.139 nothing to lose. 00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:01.420 They're not afraid 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:02.619 of any no 00:20:02.619 --> 00:20:04.160 that you can speak 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:04.759 over them 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:05.519 and they're not 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:06.759 afraid of any no 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.700 that you can speak 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.180 over them 00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:09.200 because they've got 00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:10.660 God's loud yes 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:11.579 in Jesus 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:13.099 ringing in their ears 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:14.740 and ringing in their hearts. 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:18.839 cheerful serenity, 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.119 ease of soul, 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.099 peace be with you, 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:24.779 cling to nothing, 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:26.279 it's okay, 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:29.259 the Father says yes. 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:31.599 And when a good pastor 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:33.000 brings Jesus 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:34.399 into our lives, 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:36.019 he brings the peace, 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:37.599 the it's okay, 00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:39.460 the Father says yes 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:41.200 into our lives. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:43.539 But it's not his peace, 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:45.779 it's Jesus' peace. 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.819 Let's be quiet. 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:54.420 Lord Jesus, 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:55.920 it's your peace 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:57.879 that's our delight 00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:59.680 that we marvel at. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:02.440 Thank you. 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:06.940 Jesus brings his wounds. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.460 What does he do? 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.640 He shows them his hands 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:09.440 and his side. 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:10.759 He brings his wounds. 00:21:11.900 --> 00:21:12.660 Now we know 00:21:12.660 --> 00:21:13.620 that Jesus' wounds 00:21:13.620 --> 00:21:15.220 are like no other. 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:16.720 Jesus' death 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:19.080 and only his death 00:21:19.080 --> 00:21:21.620 deals with our sin. 00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:23.939 but we also know 00:21:23.939 --> 00:21:25.079 that there's meant 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:25.959 to be something 00:21:25.959 --> 00:21:27.379 of Jesus' cross 00:21:27.379 --> 00:21:29.039 in our lives. 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:29.879 Even though 00:21:29.879 --> 00:21:31.479 it's Jesus' cross 00:21:31.479 --> 00:21:32.599 that deals with sin 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:33.239 totally, 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:33.879 completely, 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.779 once for all, 00:21:34.879 --> 00:21:35.379 sufficiently, 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.439 we can't do it, 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:37.899 we never could. 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:39.459 And yet, 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.539 we're to take up 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:41.739 our cross daily. 00:21:42.139 --> 00:21:43.419 We're to carry in our body 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:44.619 the death of Jesus. 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.019 We're to have fellowship 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:47.259 with him in his sufferings 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:48.399 and be conformed to him 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.079 in his death. 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:50.439 And so, 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.500 the pattern 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:53.619 of the unrepeatable, 00:21:53.919 --> 00:21:54.379 unique, 00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:55.859 totally sufficient, 00:21:56.199 --> 00:21:57.179 once for all, 00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:58.299 deal with sin, 00:21:58.500 --> 00:21:59.339 death of Jesus 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:01.319 gets played out 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.460 in our 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:05.279 not trying to save 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.079 our own lives, 00:22:06.220 --> 00:22:07.079 keep ourselves, 00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.980 giving up, 00:22:10.279 --> 00:22:11.039 laying out 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:12.319 of life. 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:14.179 In our lives, 00:22:14.439 --> 00:22:15.359 including the lives 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:15.980 of pastors, 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:17.879 that will take the form 00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:19.640 of poverty of spirit 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:21.440 and sacrificial service. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:23.380 When a pastor 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.700 shows you 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:26.200 his hands and side, 00:22:26.320 --> 00:22:26.880 his wounds, 00:22:27.320 --> 00:22:28.260 when any believer 00:22:28.260 --> 00:22:29.640 shows you their hands 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.160 and side, 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:30.760 their wounds, 00:22:31.060 --> 00:22:32.140 they are showing you 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:33.620 their poverty of spirit, 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:34.480 that's to say, 00:22:34.560 --> 00:22:35.520 their fragility 00:22:35.520 --> 00:22:36.700 and their dependence, 00:22:37.080 --> 00:22:38.280 and they're showing you 00:22:38.280 --> 00:22:39.680 their laying out 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.320 of their lives 00:22:40.320 --> 00:22:41.000 to be a blessing 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.640 to others. 00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:42.520 That's what they're 00:22:42.520 --> 00:22:43.040 showing you. 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:44.779 So Reuben's not 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:45.319 coming along 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:47.019 claiming to be strong 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.539 or superior, 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:50.500 he's actually qualified 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:52.559 by being weak 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.859 and knowing it. 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:54.180 I mean, 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:54.799 there's a load of us 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:55.259 who are weak 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.539 but don't realize it, 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:57.460 but those of us 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:57.960 who are weak 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:59.180 and know it, 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.720 they're the ones 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:01.599 who are going to be 00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:03.879 bringing the presence 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:05.259 of Jesus to others. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.659 Wounds of brokenness 00:23:06.659 --> 00:23:07.279 in ourselves, 00:23:07.879 --> 00:23:08.720 wounds of blessing 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.659 to others. 00:23:09.660 --> 00:23:11.400 God, 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:13.360 Reuben had a floor exam 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.600 at Presbytery 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.960 a couple of weeks ago 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:17.320 where he has to stand up 00:23:17.320 --> 00:23:18.600 and answer various questions 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:20.519 and he tells me 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.580 that in answer 00:23:21.580 --> 00:23:22.200 to one of them, 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:23.160 he had a complete 00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:23.880 mental blank. 00:23:24.320 --> 00:23:25.259 It was a pretty simple 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:25.980 question, wasn't it? 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:28.480 And he just went blank. 00:23:29.340 --> 00:23:30.420 And when I heard that, 00:23:30.580 --> 00:23:31.140 I thought, 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.340 hallelujah, 00:23:32.880 --> 00:23:34.100 thank you, Lord, 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.400 God be praised. 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.320 That's brilliant. 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:38.519 God blessed Reuben 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:40.480 with the mental blank 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.559 because, 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.420 and now I'm going to use 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.700 some words that Reuben used 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:45.500 when he was telling me 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:45.960 about this. 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:46.920 It means that 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:48.019 as he starts here 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.099 at IPC Ealing, 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:51.400 he comes onto the stage, 00:23:51.480 --> 00:23:52.000 his words, 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:53.379 with a limp, 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:55.500 not a swagger. 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:57.759 Wounds. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.000 Wonderful. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.619 It's the Isaiah 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:01.220 who says, 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:02.000 woe is me 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:03.339 for I am lost 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:04.579 who's cleansed 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:05.579 and takes the message. 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:06.839 It's the woman 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:08.279 who's forgiven much 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:09.680 who loves much. 00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:10.559 It's the Peter 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.539 who denies Jesus 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.379 three times 00:24:12.379 --> 00:24:14.519 and loves Jesus 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:16.079 who feeds the sheep. 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:19.519 The foundational disposition 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.599 for the kingdom 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:22.859 is I'm frail, 00:24:23.119 --> 00:24:24.240 I'm dependent, 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:26.299 I'm not strong. 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.720 What we want 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.700 in a pastor 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.859 is somebody 00:24:30.859 --> 00:24:31.779 who's weak and flawed. 00:24:31.879 --> 00:24:32.019 I mean, 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.000 we better not want anything 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:34.059 other than weak and flawed 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.920 because weak and flawed 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:36.460 is all that's on offer. 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:38.000 What we want in a pastor 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:38.940 is somebody who's weak 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.680 and flawed 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:41.380 but who is not trying 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.740 to hide that weakness 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:44.140 or pretend that he's better 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.960 than he is. 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:46.539 He's been forgiven 00:24:46.539 --> 00:24:47.539 by the Lord Jesus, 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:49.200 he loves the Lord Jesus 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:50.740 and therefore he carries 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:52.319 the presence of the Lord Jesus 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:52.940 with him. 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:54.460 Wounds. 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:57.240 Let's be quiet. 00:24:57.240 --> 00:25:05.079 Lord Jesus, 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.019 we're glad that Reuben 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:07.920 knows his weakness 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.400 but really, 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:09.740 really, 00:25:09.859 --> 00:25:10.079 really, 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.599 really, 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:13.079 it's your hands, 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.859 your side, 00:25:15.420 --> 00:25:16.579 your wounds 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:19.140 which are healing 00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:21.039 and life for us 00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:22.599 and we thank you. 00:25:22.599 --> 00:25:29.139 Jesus comes with a mission 00:25:29.139 --> 00:25:30.379 from the Father 00:25:30.379 --> 00:25:31.679 with whom he's intimate 00:25:31.679 --> 00:25:34.119 as the Father sends me 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:35.619 so I send you. 00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:36.359 In a way, 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:37.599 the Macedonia story 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:39.019 does that for us 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:40.480 but just listen 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.439 to one or two phrases 00:25:41.439 --> 00:25:42.359 from John's Gospel 00:25:42.359 --> 00:25:43.319 which over the next, 00:25:43.619 --> 00:25:44.779 is it 10, 15 years 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.259 you'll be preaching 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.099 John's Gospel, Paul? 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:50.119 Do not make my Father's house 00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:51.199 a house of trade. 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:53.680 The Father loves the Son 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.860 and has given all things 00:25:54.860 --> 00:25:55.740 into his hand. 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.920 The Son can do nothing 00:25:57.920 --> 00:25:58.759 of his own accord 00:25:58.759 --> 00:25:59.720 but only what he sees 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.860 the Father doing. 00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:02.660 For whatever the Father does, 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:04.200 that the Son does likewise. 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:06.319 For the Father loves the Son 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:07.000 and shows him 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.819 all that he's doing. 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:10.059 The living Father sent me 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:10.779 and I live 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.740 because of the Father. 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.960 I speak just as the Father 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:14.700 taught me 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.980 and he who sent me 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.620 is with me. 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:18.160 He has not left me alone 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.160 for I always do 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.220 the things that are pleasing 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:20.779 to him. 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:22.620 The Father knows me 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:23.680 and I know the Father. 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.980 The Father is in me 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:26.019 and I am in the Father. 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:27.220 I've not spoken 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:28.240 on my own authority 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:29.960 but the Father who sent me 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.180 has himself given me 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:31.900 a commandment. 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.100 And on it goes. 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:33.840 The relationship 00:26:33.840 --> 00:26:34.880 between the mission, 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.059 the being sent, 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:36.900 of Jesus 00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:37.960 and his intimacy 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.759 with the Father 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:40.980 is so, so close. 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:42.900 Now lots of us 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:44.400 spend our time, 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.240 our lives, 00:26:45.340 --> 00:26:45.860 I'm afraid, 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.340 trying to impress 00:26:47.339 --> 00:26:49.539 our earthly Father, 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:51.240 dead or alive 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:52.539 and seeking 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:54.019 his affirmation. 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:55.379 Others of us 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:56.399 are cherished 00:26:56.399 --> 00:26:57.139 by our fathers 00:26:57.139 --> 00:26:57.980 and we just want 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.259 to remain in his love. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.839 Others of us 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.839 hate our fathers 00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:03.119 and want to defeat them 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:04.599 and get revenge on them. 00:27:04.899 --> 00:27:05.459 Others of us 00:27:05.459 --> 00:27:06.679 just wish we knew 00:27:06.679 --> 00:27:07.799 our fathers. 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:09.240 With Jesus, 00:27:09.639 --> 00:27:10.259 the relationship 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:11.099 to the Father 00:27:11.099 --> 00:27:12.299 is perfect 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:14.339 and it forms 00:27:14.339 --> 00:27:15.139 and patterns 00:27:15.139 --> 00:27:16.799 all the service 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:17.940 of his disciples 00:27:17.940 --> 00:27:19.059 and therefore 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:20.279 of pastors. 00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:22.879 As any of us 00:27:22.879 --> 00:27:23.740 to each other 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.940 and as Reuben 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:26.319 carries Jesus, 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.879 smells of Jesus, 00:27:28.339 --> 00:27:29.139 does the work 00:27:29.139 --> 00:27:29.779 of Jesus, 00:27:30.299 --> 00:27:31.539 it's to be characterized 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.799 by intimacy 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:34.279 with the Father 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:35.599 in Christ. 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:39.180 Let's be quiet. 00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:44.980 Oh, Lord Jesus, 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:46.240 your intimacy 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.139 with the Father 00:27:47.139 --> 00:27:49.899 and how that plays out 00:27:49.899 --> 00:27:51.059 in the way 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:51.720 you're sent 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:53.139 and how you behave 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.819 as sent. 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:56.079 Really, really, 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:56.799 we want this 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.839 for ourselves. 00:27:58.440 --> 00:27:59.220 But our wonder, 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:00.019 our marvel 00:28:00.019 --> 00:28:02.240 is that you have it. 00:28:04.419 --> 00:28:05.339 You say 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:06.000 what the Father 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.759 gives you to say, 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:07.740 you do what you see 00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.680 the Father doing. 00:28:09.619 --> 00:28:10.680 He delights in you, 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:11.720 you're always pleasing 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.200 to him 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:12.779 and he's always 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.299 with you 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.700 and we thank you. 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.779 Breath, 00:28:19.160 --> 00:28:19.600 spirit, 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:21.180 just as in the garden 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.440 God breathes 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:23.600 into Adam's nostrils 00:28:23.600 --> 00:28:24.799 and he becomes 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:26.140 a living soul, 00:28:26.600 --> 00:28:27.180 so here 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:28.620 Jesus breathes 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.259 onto 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:29.960 or into 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:30.860 his disciples. 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:32.259 I still wonder 00:28:32.259 --> 00:28:33.360 whether he goes 00:28:33.360 --> 00:28:36.559 or whether he goes 00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:39.859 or whether he goes 00:28:39.859 --> 00:28:42.879 we don't know. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.359 But he actually did. 00:28:44.659 --> 00:28:44.759 I mean, 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.579 it's not just a story, 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:45.960 is it? 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:47.019 It did happen. 00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.179 There were those 00:28:48.179 --> 00:28:48.599 disciples 00:28:48.599 --> 00:28:49.960 and Jesus breathed 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.539 on them 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:51.639 and as he did so, 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:51.919 he said, 00:28:52.139 --> 00:28:53.359 receive the Holy Spirit. 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.599 He breathed on them. 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.559 You know, 00:28:56.899 --> 00:28:57.399 it's like 00:28:57.399 --> 00:28:58.619 Aslan's breath 00:28:58.619 --> 00:28:59.399 and they come 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:00.840 into existence. 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:02.240 Aslan's breath 00:29:02.240 --> 00:29:03.259 and the statues 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:04.500 come alive again. 00:29:04.860 --> 00:29:05.759 Aslan's breath 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:07.480 and the servants 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.820 are transported 00:29:08.820 --> 00:29:10.080 to where they need to go. 00:29:10.080 --> 00:29:10.980 The breath 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:12.780 of the Lord Jesus. 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:14.780 What breath is that? 00:29:15.300 --> 00:29:15.660 Well, 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.120 obviously, 00:29:16.280 --> 00:29:16.680 the Spirit. 00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:17.940 The Father 00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:18.860 breathes out 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:19.360 the Spirit 00:29:19.360 --> 00:29:20.160 and when Jesus 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:20.980 breathes in, 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:21.320 ha, 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.040 he's filled 00:29:22.039 --> 00:29:22.659 with the Spirit 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:23.960 which means that 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.339 the Father's out breath 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:26.700 is Jesus' in breath 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:28.000 which means that 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:29.759 when Jesus breathes out, 00:29:29.859 --> 00:29:31.139 what's he breathing out? 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:32.079 He's breathing out 00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:32.579 the Spirit 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:33.659 and therefore, 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:35.299 when we breathe in, 00:29:35.359 --> 00:29:36.539 what are we breathing in? 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:37.359 The Spirit. 00:29:38.119 --> 00:29:39.399 That's how it's to be. 00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:41.420 When we were at Oak Hill, 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:42.779 there wasn't a module 00:29:42.779 --> 00:29:44.759 on how to breathe 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.819 but really, 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.940 there should be 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:48.960 and it's like this. 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:51.859 I breathe in Jesus. 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.940 as he breathes 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:54.639 his Spirit 00:29:54.639 --> 00:29:55.859 into me. 00:29:56.720 --> 00:29:58.519 I breathe out 00:29:58.519 --> 00:29:59.119 Jesus 00:29:59.119 --> 00:30:00.559 as I lay out 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:01.299 my life 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:02.940 in trustful love. 00:30:03.859 --> 00:30:05.119 Breathing in 00:30:05.119 --> 00:30:06.200 as Jesus 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:07.220 breathes on us. 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:08.899 Laying out 00:30:08.899 --> 00:30:09.460 our life, 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:10.440 breathing out. 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.299 We're to carry 00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:13.559 and to breathe 00:30:13.559 --> 00:30:14.200 Jesus 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:15.240 by his Spirit. 00:30:16.359 --> 00:30:17.139 Let's be quiet. 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:27.720 Last one. 00:30:28.420 --> 00:30:28.779 You don't need 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:29.319 to do your thing. 00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:31.720 Gospel authority. 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:33.639 Jesus, 00:30:33.960 --> 00:30:35.099 as the Son of Man, 00:30:35.420 --> 00:30:36.159 has authority 00:30:36.159 --> 00:30:36.559 on earth 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.460 to forgive sins 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:39.180 and then 00:30:39.180 --> 00:30:40.339 to dismiss sins, 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:41.220 to release us 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:42.059 from sins. 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:43.980 He has that power 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.519 in himself 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.339 because of his death 00:30:45.339 --> 00:30:45.940 and resurrection. 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.779 So as we 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.799 carry around 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:49.700 the Lord Jesus, 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:51.920 as we breathe 00:30:51.920 --> 00:30:52.500 his Spirit, 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:53.740 spread his aroma, 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.940 speak his word 00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:56.039 and offer his peace, 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.400 we are bringing 00:30:57.400 --> 00:30:58.559 his forgiveness 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.100 with us. 00:30:59.160 --> 00:31:00.220 It's like we've got 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:02.900 anti-venom serum 00:31:02.900 --> 00:31:03.920 or debt 00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:05.299 cancellation notice 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:06.840 about our person 00:31:06.840 --> 00:31:08.460 ready to hand over. 00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:09.240 Ours, 00:31:09.380 --> 00:31:09.840 it's true, 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:10.640 is conditional. 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:11.720 So effectively, 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:12.820 as believers 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:13.579 and as pastors, 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.539 we are saying, 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:18.099 if you relate 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:18.980 to the Lord Jesus 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:20.119 in a posture 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:21.759 of turning away 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:23.079 and saying yes, 00:31:23.879 --> 00:31:25.379 then your sins 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:26.299 will be dismissed. 00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:29.079 If you don't, 00:31:29.439 --> 00:31:30.159 they won't. 00:31:30.839 --> 00:31:32.079 Ours is a conditional 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:32.919 announcement 00:31:32.919 --> 00:31:34.480 whereas Jesus is 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:36.139 an absolute one. 00:31:37.159 --> 00:31:38.099 We're ambassadors. 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:39.799 We have the right 00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:41.740 to bestow honours 00:31:41.740 --> 00:31:42.859 and to provide 00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:43.599 sanctuary 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:44.620 and to grant 00:31:44.620 --> 00:31:45.279 citizenship, 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.720 but we do so 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:48.380 on behalf of the king 00:31:48.380 --> 00:31:50.620 with his authority. 00:31:54.559 --> 00:31:55.620 All the ways 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:56.980 that Reuben 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:57.900 will make 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.039 a good difference 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:00.740 relate to him 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:02.019 carrying Jesus, 00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.380 being a bit 00:32:03.380 --> 00:32:04.000 of Jesus. 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.420 And one of them 00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:06.980 is he carries 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:08.099 and announces 00:32:08.099 --> 00:32:08.900 the forgiveness 00:32:08.900 --> 00:32:10.319 that Jesus does. 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.680 But it's his forgiveness. 00:32:13.059 --> 00:32:14.339 Blessed be his name. 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:17.140 You hear that, 00:32:17.220 --> 00:32:17.519 don't you? 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:18.799 Please hear that. 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.599 The presence, 00:32:20.859 --> 00:32:22.059 it's his presence. 00:32:22.859 --> 00:32:23.440 The peace, 00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.559 his peace. 00:32:24.839 --> 00:32:25.440 The wounds, 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.640 his wounds. 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:28.279 The intimacy mission, 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:30.140 his intimacy mission. 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:31.440 The breath spirit, 00:32:31.880 --> 00:32:32.880 his breath spirit. 00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:33.960 The authoritative 00:32:33.960 --> 00:32:34.740 announcement 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:35.920 of forgiveness, 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:37.599 his authoritative 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:38.079 announcement 00:32:38.079 --> 00:32:39.079 of forgiveness. 00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:40.740 Blessed be his name. 00:32:40.740 --> 00:32:41.559 his name. 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:44.660 Six wonderful things 00:32:44.660 --> 00:32:46.000 about the Lord Jesus 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:47.799 and therefore 00:32:47.799 --> 00:32:49.339 six wonderful things 00:32:49.339 --> 00:32:50.059 about those 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.460 who smell like him, 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:53.000 who breathe him, 00:32:53.400 --> 00:32:55.559 who speak with his words, 00:32:56.380 --> 00:32:57.680 who carry him around. 00:32:59.339 --> 00:33:00.339 No wonder, therefore, 00:33:00.460 --> 00:33:01.019 the sentence 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:02.039 we didn't look at, 00:33:02.420 --> 00:33:03.380 the central sentence 00:33:03.380 --> 00:33:04.099 when it says, 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:06.160 the disciples were glad 00:33:06.160 --> 00:33:08.019 when they saw the Lord. 00:33:08.019 --> 00:33:09.240 To the degree 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:10.279 that Reuben 00:33:10.279 --> 00:33:11.579 carries the Lord Jesus 00:33:11.579 --> 00:33:12.579 around with him, 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:13.839 you will be glad, 00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:14.460 and to the degree 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:15.359 that you want Jesus, 00:33:15.859 --> 00:33:17.019 you will be glad 00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:18.660 when you see Reuben. 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.920 He will bring 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:21.480 these things with him. 00:33:22.139 --> 00:33:23.019 This is what makes 00:33:23.019 --> 00:33:24.079 the Lord Jesus great. 00:33:24.619 --> 00:33:25.500 This is what we're 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:26.799 all called to. 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:28.220 This is Reuben's 00:33:28.220 --> 00:33:29.019 very special 00:33:29.619 --> 00:33:30.259 privilege 00:33:30.259 --> 00:33:31.619 and calling 00:33:31.619 --> 00:33:33.420 and God's gift 00:33:33.420 --> 00:33:34.160 to the church 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:35.139 in Reuben. 00:33:35.140 --> 00:33:36.820 But back to last 00:33:36.820 --> 00:33:37.600 Sunday morning, 00:33:38.080 --> 00:33:39.200 the three-word summary, 00:33:40.360 --> 00:33:40.900 not me, 00:33:41.380 --> 00:33:41.660 him, 00:33:42.120 --> 00:33:42.900 not Reuben, 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:43.900 Christ. 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:46.080 He's here now 00:33:46.080 --> 00:33:46.860 by the Spirit. 00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:47.700 You believe that? 00:33:48.380 --> 00:33:49.200 He's present. 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:51.180 He offers his peace. 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:53.080 He shows us his wounds. 00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:55.600 He sends us on his mission 00:33:55.600 --> 00:33:57.800 in intimate relationship 00:33:57.800 --> 00:33:58.520 with the Father. 00:33:58.980 --> 00:34:00.759 He breathes on us 00:34:00.759 --> 00:34:02.500 and he announces 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:03.460 the dismissal 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:04.600 of our sins 00:34:04.600 --> 00:34:05.660 and gives us 00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:06.299 that message 00:34:06.299 --> 00:34:07.259 for others. 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.659 That's Jesus. 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:11.119 Blessed be his name. 00:34:12.220 --> 00:34:12.800 Let's pray.