WEBVTT 00:00:00.700 --> 00:00:02.100 Friends, would you please be seated? 00:00:04.600 --> 00:00:06.080 Again, I just want to welcome you. 00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:07.960 My name is Hillary, if we haven't met. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:10.380 And I would love to meet you downstairs. 00:00:10.640 --> 00:00:12.419 ! Lisa and I will be down there after the service. 00:00:12.519 --> 00:00:13.280 We'll have coffee. 00:00:13.540 --> 00:00:15.000 If you're new, we'd love to meet you. 00:00:15.880 --> 00:00:19.699 Our head pastor, Pastor Thomas, is away for a couple weeks. 00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:22.859 And I checked in with him last night. 00:00:23.019 --> 00:00:24.580 And he's doing great. 00:00:24.859 --> 00:00:26.039 He's feeling really refreshed. 00:00:26.240 --> 00:00:27.320 And he's praying for us. 00:00:27.320 --> 00:00:30.199 And sends his greetings and his prayers. 00:00:31.719 --> 00:00:38.460 So these last couple weeks, we've been looking at chapter 13 of Matthew's gospel. 00:00:38.759 --> 00:00:40.939 Which is a collection of several parables. 00:00:41.740 --> 00:00:49.400 And all of these parables are coming in response to this question of why are people rejecting Jesus' message? 00:00:50.719 --> 00:00:54.219 Even John the Baptist, Jesus' forerunner. 00:00:54.219 --> 00:01:00.600 And the one who baptized him, probably one of Jesus' best friends, asked Jesus, 00:01:01.100 --> 00:01:03.379 Are you the one who is to come? 00:01:04.439 --> 00:01:06.260 Or should we expect somebody else? 00:01:07.920 --> 00:01:10.819 And John's question is one that most people were probably asking. 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:19.599 And it reveals the simple fact that the kingdom of heaven and Jesus as the Messiah were not what people expected. 00:01:21.280 --> 00:01:28.159 So after the Sermon on the Mount, after all these healings and exorcisms that Matthew's been talking about, 00:01:29.179 --> 00:01:30.339 Jesus tries another way. 00:01:31.639 --> 00:01:32.759 He tells stories. 00:01:32.760 --> 00:01:36.340 I was talking to a friend this week who said, 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:42.260 Whenever I want my kids to pay attention to me, I start by saying, once upon a time. 00:01:42.660 --> 00:01:44.460 And they immediately, they clue in. 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:46.980 Because we love stories. 00:01:47.780 --> 00:01:50.980 And Jesus uses a similar phrase with each of these parables. 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:53.900 Designed to get people to lock in and pay attention. 00:01:54.080 --> 00:01:56.460 He says, the kingdom of heaven is like. 00:01:57.339 --> 00:02:00.319 So again, this idea of the kingdom of heaven to Jesus' listeners, 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:02.739 People would have been like, oh, tell me what it's like. 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:03.599 They want to know. 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:07.119 So this morning, we're going to dig into that question. 00:02:07.959 --> 00:02:09.340 What's the kingdom of heaven like? 00:02:10.539 --> 00:02:12.319 We'll look at it in two parts. 00:02:13.479 --> 00:02:16.419 First, what does this parable tell us about the kingdom of heaven? 00:02:16.419 --> 00:02:20.180 And second, what does it mean for us? 00:02:21.459 --> 00:02:22.359 Let's pray. 00:02:22.360 --> 00:02:27.360 Lord, thank you for your great love and your mercy. 00:02:28.480 --> 00:02:30.180 That you have lavished on us. 00:02:30.300 --> 00:02:32.220 That is more than we can possibly imagine. 00:02:34.820 --> 00:02:37.700 So Lord, from that place of being rooted in your love, 00:02:38.260 --> 00:02:40.420 Would we have ears to hear and eyes to see? 00:02:41.800 --> 00:02:43.740 Would we listen well to you this morning? 00:02:44.960 --> 00:02:46.300 Thank you for your word. 00:02:47.740 --> 00:02:49.100 Would you nourish us with it? 00:02:49.099 --> 00:02:53.239 In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 00:02:54.239 --> 00:02:54.500 Amen. 00:02:57.019 --> 00:03:00.319 First, what does this parable tell us about the kingdom of heaven? 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:05.740 So let's take a look at how Jesus' original audience 00:03:05.740 --> 00:03:07.379 Would have understood this parable. 00:03:07.740 --> 00:03:08.740 Or heard this parable. 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:11.280 Like all of Jesus' parables, 00:03:11.799 --> 00:03:14.979 This agrarian scene was something immediately compelling 00:03:14.979 --> 00:03:16.979 And relatable to Jesus' listeners. 00:03:16.979 --> 00:03:20.039 He always used these commonplace things 00:03:20.039 --> 00:03:21.679 That people were really familiar with. 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:25.859 But even though these things were really common, 00:03:26.179 --> 00:03:27.620 Even though people were used to, 00:03:27.780 --> 00:03:29.780 They would immediately be able to have a visual image 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:31.539 When he was talking about these things. 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:34.319 Jesus also chose language that signaled 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:36.839 Spiritually significant realities 00:03:36.839 --> 00:03:38.759 To his Jewish audience. 00:03:39.479 --> 00:03:41.759 And that would have kind of served as a signpost 00:03:41.759 --> 00:03:43.879 To say, hey, there's something else going on here. 00:03:44.579 --> 00:03:46.039 Pause and think about this. 00:03:46.039 --> 00:03:49.959 So the choice of seed, of a sower, of an enemy, 00:03:51.299 --> 00:03:52.019 A harvest. 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:55.079 These were also spiritually significant realities. 00:03:56.299 --> 00:03:58.180 So we'll start by looking at these things, 00:03:58.239 --> 00:04:00.000 At these figures in this parable, 00:04:00.280 --> 00:04:02.599 Along with Jesus' explanation to the disciples. 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:05.759 First, the sower goes out 00:04:05.759 --> 00:04:08.599 And he sows good seed in his field. 00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:11.479 Jesus clearly identifies himself 00:04:11.479 --> 00:04:12.959 As the sower in this parable. 00:04:12.960 --> 00:04:16.300 But he uses this language with his disciples 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:17.840 Of the son of man. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:20.340 And that would have triggered something 00:04:20.340 --> 00:04:21.240 For his disciples. 00:04:22.060 --> 00:04:26.060 Because it points directly to Daniel 7, 13 and 14. 00:04:26.420 --> 00:04:28.259 Where the prophet Daniel writes, 00:04:29.220 --> 00:04:30.920 In my vision at night, 00:04:31.060 --> 00:04:31.879 I looked. 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:35.819 And there before me was one like a son of man. 00:04:36.340 --> 00:04:37.960 Coming with the clouds of heaven. 00:04:37.959 --> 00:04:41.359 He goes on to describe the son of man 00:04:41.359 --> 00:04:43.279 As being given all authority, 00:04:44.060 --> 00:04:44.419 Glory, 00:04:45.099 --> 00:04:46.259 And sovereign power. 00:04:46.879 --> 00:04:49.319 All nations and peoples of every language 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:50.180 Worshipped him. 00:04:50.939 --> 00:04:53.279 His dominion is an everlasting dominion 00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:54.719 That will not pass away. 00:04:55.299 --> 00:04:56.699 And his kingdom is one 00:04:56.699 --> 00:04:58.639 That will never be destroyed. 00:04:58.639 --> 00:05:01.399 So Jesus calling himself 00:05:01.399 --> 00:05:02.319 The son of man 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:03.919 Is very significant. 00:05:04.699 --> 00:05:05.740 He's telling us 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:07.599 The kingdom that he's inaugurating 00:05:07.599 --> 00:05:09.099 Is the same kingdom 00:05:09.099 --> 00:05:11.459 That Daniel describes in his prophecy. 00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:14.919 Secondly, the field. 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:18.000 Jesus' field is the world. 00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:20.219 Now this was small 00:05:20.219 --> 00:05:21.800 When Jesus was ministering. 00:05:21.919 --> 00:05:24.719 The size about the size of New Jersey. 00:05:24.919 --> 00:05:25.719 Not very big. 00:05:25.720 --> 00:05:27.680 But it expanded. 00:05:28.140 --> 00:05:30.020 Especially at the end of Matthew's gospel. 00:05:30.580 --> 00:05:32.340 He told his followers to go out 00:05:32.340 --> 00:05:34.200 And preach the gospel 00:05:34.200 --> 00:05:36.980 To all nations. 00:05:38.260 --> 00:05:38.860 And again, 00:05:38.980 --> 00:05:40.760 Jesus is setting up his sovereignty 00:05:40.760 --> 00:05:42.220 And his rule. 00:05:42.660 --> 00:05:43.120 He's saying, 00:05:43.300 --> 00:05:45.120 The kingdom of heaven is my kingdom. 00:05:47.660 --> 00:05:49.880 Third, the sower sows good seed. 00:05:51.080 --> 00:05:53.680 This image of seed in the Bible 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:55.759 Stands for the word of God. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:05:57.540 And the word of God 00:05:57.540 --> 00:05:59.360 Can be different things. 00:05:59.699 --> 00:06:00.540 It can be the scriptures. 00:06:00.900 --> 00:06:01.620 The holy scriptures. 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:03.420 It can be word that's spoken. 00:06:03.540 --> 00:06:05.519 But it can also be a person. 00:06:05.879 --> 00:06:07.900 Remember, it says in the book of John 00:06:07.900 --> 00:06:09.199 In John's prologue, 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:10.160 John chapter 1 00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:12.160 The word was with God. 00:06:12.220 --> 00:06:13.079 The word is Jesus. 00:06:14.860 --> 00:06:17.060 So when Jesus talks about this seed. 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:17.980 Sowing this seed. 00:06:18.079 --> 00:06:19.840 He's bringing other people into this. 00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:21.799 People that have received 00:06:21.799 --> 00:06:23.159 And believed his message. 00:06:23.419 --> 00:06:25.819 Who are hearing and obeying. 00:06:27.359 --> 00:06:29.099 The parable of the sower 00:06:29.099 --> 00:06:31.199 Comes just before this one. 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:33.339 It identifies these as people 00:06:33.339 --> 00:06:35.259 Who bear crops for the kingdom. 00:06:37.419 --> 00:06:39.199 But like a lot of Jesus' parables, 00:06:39.339 --> 00:06:39.899 There's a catch. 00:06:40.359 --> 00:06:41.959 There's something that's going to make us think. 00:06:42.359 --> 00:06:43.379 Probably multiple things. 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:44.639 Hopefully multiple things. 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:49.319 The enemy or the devil sows weeds. 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:53.800 So this is definitely 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:55.800 A very culturally specific thing. 00:06:56.279 --> 00:06:57.939 But the idea of an enemy 00:06:57.939 --> 00:06:59.839 Sowing weeds in someone's field 00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:01.419 Was not uncommon 00:07:01.419 --> 00:07:02.979 In this time period. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:05.459 And we don't know how often it happened. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:07.159 But we do know there were Roman laws 00:07:07.159 --> 00:07:08.839 That addressed what to do 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:09.839 If this happens. 00:07:10.079 --> 00:07:11.039 Like what are the consequences? 00:07:11.259 --> 00:07:12.139 What are the repercussions? 00:07:12.139 --> 00:07:14.959 And it could have been a way 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.159 If you sowed weeds 00:07:16.159 --> 00:07:17.120 In your neighbor's field 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:17.819 It could have been a way 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:19.060 To sabotage competition. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:20.399 To drive up prices. 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:22.539 To get back at somebody. 00:07:22.659 --> 00:07:23.680 A dispute with your neighbor. 00:07:23.979 --> 00:07:24.819 Something like that. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:27.539 Well here with the enemy, 00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:28.240 The devil, 00:07:28.379 --> 00:07:29.899 It's all about sabotage. 00:07:30.680 --> 00:07:31.740 But it's really important 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:32.779 To notice the order. 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:37.180 The enemy comes after the good seed. 00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:39.060 And that's because 00:07:39.060 --> 00:07:40.379 All the enemy can do 00:07:40.379 --> 00:07:41.639 Is corrupt 00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:43.159 And manipulate 00:07:43.159 --> 00:07:44.099 And twist 00:07:44.099 --> 00:07:45.120 What is good. 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:47.279 The enemy can't create. 00:07:48.719 --> 00:07:50.439 He's someone who entangles. 00:07:52.919 --> 00:07:53.979 Who destroys. 00:07:54.639 --> 00:07:55.659 Jesus says of him, 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:57.279 The thief comes to steal 00:07:57.279 --> 00:07:58.000 And kill 00:07:58.000 --> 00:07:58.899 And destroy. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:00.740 I have come 00:08:00.740 --> 00:08:02.560 That they might have life. 00:08:03.099 --> 00:08:04.699 And have it to the full. 00:08:06.719 --> 00:08:08.439 And I also want to note here 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:09.360 That in this parable 00:08:09.360 --> 00:08:10.639 There's not a confrontation 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:12.480 Between the enemy 00:08:12.480 --> 00:08:14.259 And the sower 00:08:14.259 --> 00:08:15.560 Between the person 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:16.639 That owns the field. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:18.439 And why is that? 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:20.379 Because Satan and Jesus 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:21.879 Are not inverses. 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:24.400 Jesus is the one 00:08:24.400 --> 00:08:25.939 With all the authority. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:27.759 There's no competition. 00:08:29.259 --> 00:08:30.199 Satan does this 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:31.139 Under cover of darkness. 00:08:31.780 --> 00:08:32.899 He has no power 00:08:32.899 --> 00:08:34.720 Compared to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:36.899 He's a defeated foe. 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:39.060 And also notice 00:08:39.060 --> 00:08:40.220 That in this parable 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:41.980 The enemy does not cause 00:08:41.980 --> 00:08:43.899 Any kind of lasting harm 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:45.060 To the weed. 00:08:47.540 --> 00:08:48.899 So let's talk a little bit 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:49.860 About the weeds 00:08:49.860 --> 00:08:51.540 That Jesus is mentioning. 00:08:52.540 --> 00:08:54.300 So he uses this word 00:08:54.300 --> 00:08:54.920 Darnell. 00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:56.840 And Darnell was a specific 00:08:56.840 --> 00:08:58.040 Type of weed 00:08:58.040 --> 00:09:00.300 That was kind of a wheat imposter. 00:09:00.580 --> 00:09:01.420 That's probably the best way 00:09:01.420 --> 00:09:01.879 To say it. 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:03.639 It looked a lot like wheat. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.439 Especially in the early 00:09:05.439 --> 00:09:06.480 Stages of growth. 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:09.720 And you really couldn't tell 00:09:09.720 --> 00:09:10.659 Until both plants 00:09:10.659 --> 00:09:11.559 Were pretty mature 00:09:11.559 --> 00:09:13.279 If you had Darnell 00:09:13.279 --> 00:09:14.399 Or wheat. 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:16.379 And by that time 00:09:16.379 --> 00:09:18.279 The roots were enmeshed 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:18.960 With one another. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:21.480 And so you couldn't harvest 00:09:21.480 --> 00:09:22.299 You couldn't start 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:23.340 Pulling out the weeds 00:09:23.340 --> 00:09:24.220 Without potentially 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:25.179 Harming the wheat. 00:09:25.580 --> 00:09:26.659 So you had to wait 00:09:26.659 --> 00:09:27.500 Until the harvest. 00:09:27.500 --> 00:09:30.799 And if you didn't know 00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:31.519 What you were doing 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:32.500 You shouldn't try 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:33.379 To separate them. 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:36.019 And if you didn't 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:36.720 Separate them 00:09:36.720 --> 00:09:37.799 You just harvest them 00:09:37.799 --> 00:09:38.259 All together 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:39.639 Then the flower 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:40.559 Would be contaminated. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:42.519 Because Darnell heads 00:09:42.519 --> 00:09:43.799 It's just like 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:44.139 You know 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:45.659 They're like wheat heads 00:09:45.659 --> 00:09:46.480 Darnell heads 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:47.000 Are poisonous. 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:48.179 So if you just say 00:09:48.179 --> 00:09:48.840 Like oh it's not 00:09:48.840 --> 00:09:49.399 That big a deal 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:50.379 I'm just going to 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:51.100 Mix it all together 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:52.039 It could actually 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:52.840 Really harm people. 00:09:53.139 --> 00:09:53.620 It could actually 00:09:53.620 --> 00:09:54.340 Cause blindness. 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:56.780 But the point is 00:09:56.780 --> 00:09:57.480 It was possible 00:09:57.480 --> 00:09:58.620 To separate the good 00:09:58.620 --> 00:09:59.240 From the bad. 00:09:59.420 --> 00:10:00.620 To protect the wheat 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:02.440 Even if there was Darnell. 00:10:04.080 --> 00:10:05.300 So when Jesus says 00:10:05.300 --> 00:10:06.540 These weeds are people 00:10:06.540 --> 00:10:07.600 Of the evil one. 00:10:08.740 --> 00:10:09.840 Maybe these are people 00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:11.040 Who are overtly evil. 00:10:12.040 --> 00:10:13.740 But they could also be people 00:10:13.740 --> 00:10:15.440 Who seem okay. 00:10:16.360 --> 00:10:16.840 Externally. 00:10:16.940 --> 00:10:17.759 Just like the Darnell 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:18.560 Seems okay. 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:19.360 At first. 00:10:20.100 --> 00:10:21.320 People who are religious. 00:10:21.900 --> 00:10:22.340 Religious. 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:24.820 People who may have 00:10:24.820 --> 00:10:26.019 External trappings 00:10:26.019 --> 00:10:27.019 Of faith. 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:28.960 Maybe they use 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:29.740 Religious language. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:30.980 They do religious activities. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:34.280 But the big difference 00:10:34.280 --> 00:10:35.519 Is that they don't have 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:36.860 An actual relationship 00:10:36.860 --> 00:10:38.639 With the living God. 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:40.139 They have not been 00:10:40.139 --> 00:10:40.940 Transformed. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:43.300 These are people 00:10:43.300 --> 00:10:44.680 Who are sitting in darkness 00:10:44.680 --> 00:10:46.120 But who have the 00:10:46.120 --> 00:10:47.980 Appearance of light. 00:10:47.980 --> 00:10:52.060 And then lastly 00:10:52.060 --> 00:10:52.800 The harvest 00:10:52.800 --> 00:10:54.519 And the harvesters 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:55.200 Or the angels. 00:10:56.460 --> 00:10:57.200 So again 00:10:57.200 --> 00:10:58.320 Like the son of man 00:10:58.320 --> 00:10:59.379 The sower and the seed 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.180 These were words 00:11:00.180 --> 00:11:01.100 That triggered meaning 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:02.460 For people embedded 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:03.379 In Jewish scripture. 00:11:04.519 --> 00:11:05.960 Harvest is all over 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:07.600 The Old Testament prophets 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:08.720 As a sign of judgment. 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:11.060 And angels were seen 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:12.120 As carrying out 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:13.360 God's divine purposes. 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:14.399 They were his messengers 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:15.220 And his agents. 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:18.440 So now that we've been 00:11:18.440 --> 00:11:19.700 Through the figures 00:11:19.700 --> 00:11:20.340 In this parable 00:11:20.340 --> 00:11:21.000 Let's connect 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:21.820 All these threads 00:11:21.820 --> 00:11:23.379 And see what they tell us 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:24.360 About the kingdom of heaven. 00:11:25.920 --> 00:11:26.600 So first 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:27.560 The kingdom of heaven 00:11:27.560 --> 00:11:28.920 Is everlasting. 00:11:29.680 --> 00:11:30.660 It's ruled by 00:11:30.660 --> 00:11:31.360 A sovereign 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:32.960 Powerful ruler. 00:11:34.460 --> 00:11:35.720 Jesus is that ruler. 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:36.779 He is 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.940 The kingdom of heaven. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:40.580 Secondly 00:11:40.580 --> 00:11:41.580 The kingdom of heaven 00:11:41.580 --> 00:11:42.960 Comes in two parts. 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:44.700 There's the inauguration. 00:11:45.540 --> 00:11:46.800 The planting of the seed. 00:11:47.460 --> 00:11:48.200 The inbreaking 00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:48.860 Of the kingdom 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:49.660 That began 00:11:49.660 --> 00:11:50.920 With Jesus' incarnation. 00:11:52.180 --> 00:11:53.700 And that has already happened. 00:11:54.780 --> 00:11:55.300 But then there's 00:11:55.300 --> 00:11:56.240 The consummation 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:57.700 Of the kingdom to come. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:11:59.259 The end of the age 00:11:59.259 --> 00:12:00.139 That he talks about. 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:03.240 And here's a huge point 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.060 In this parable. 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:06.740 The inbreaking kingdom 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:08.500 Exists in a world 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.740 Inhabited by evil. 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:12.680 And this was another twist. 00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:14.139 Something that Jesus 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:14.919 Was trying to help 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:16.120 His listeners understand. 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.019 This combination 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:20.680 Of the inbreaking kingdom 00:12:20.680 --> 00:12:21.759 And then the consummation 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:22.220 Of the kingdom 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:23.240 At the end of the age. 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:24.740 Sometimes we call this 00:12:24.740 --> 00:12:25.340 The already 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:26.340 But not yet. 00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:28.120 This wasn't something 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:29.259 People expected to hear. 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:31.019 They just expected 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:32.080 The end of the age. 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:34.019 Sort of a one and done scenario. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:35.919 They expected the kingdom 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:36.399 Of heaven 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.700 To be immediately pure. 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:39.600 For evil to be obliterated. 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:40.799 Peace to reign. 00:12:41.580 --> 00:12:42.399 And if that wasn't 00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:43.360 Immediately happening 00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:45.019 People were questioning. 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:46.519 Well is this 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.200 The kingdom of heaven? 00:12:47.279 --> 00:12:47.899 He says it is 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:48.560 But it doesn't look 00:12:48.560 --> 00:12:49.580 Like we thought it would. 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:51.980 And so that's why 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:52.799 There was a lot of rejection 00:12:52.799 --> 00:12:54.680 Of Jesus' message happening. 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:57.360 And Jesus is using 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.279 This parable to say 00:12:58.279 --> 00:12:59.519 Hey that's gonna happen. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:01.399 It will eventually. 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.460 But not yet. 00:13:05.340 --> 00:13:06.519 Now we don't have time 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.500 To get into this fully. 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:08.759 But I do want to 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:09.580 Briefly touch 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:11.580 On two main responses 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:12.659 To God's judgment. 00:13:12.659 --> 00:13:13.740 Because it does come up 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:14.399 In this parable. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:16.039 And it's a hard thing 00:13:16.039 --> 00:13:17.139 To hear. 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.740 Especially read out loud. 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:19.200 Right? 00:13:19.960 --> 00:13:20.740 They'll be burned. 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.460 They'll be weeping 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:23.240 And gnashing of teeth. 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:24.439 That's an image 00:13:24.439 --> 00:13:25.659 That can evoke a lot of fear. 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:27.500 And so let's just talk 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:28.439 About it for a little bit. 00:13:29.740 --> 00:13:30.620 So here's the thing. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:31.759 For Jesus' listeners 00:13:31.759 --> 00:13:33.500 Most of whom were 00:13:33.500 --> 00:13:35.000 Under oppressive Roman rule. 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:36.840 Divine judgment 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:38.019 Was really good news. 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:40.759 And I think that's true 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:41.620 For anyone 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:43.039 Who's been abused. 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:45.100 Who's been traumatized. 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.559 Treated unjustly. 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:49.179 A victim. 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:51.740 So imagine how 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:53.259 A concentration camp survivor. 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:55.279 Or someone whose entire family 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.779 Has been killed in a genocide. 00:13:56.779 --> 00:13:58.120 Feels when they think 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.100 About divine judgment. 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:02.480 They're begging for it. 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:03.500 Right? 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:07.779 And there's another group 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:08.820 Who feels really uncomfortable 00:14:08.820 --> 00:14:09.759 With this language. 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:12.259 That hears the phrase 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:13.580 About the weeds being burned 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.159 And thinks 00:14:14.159 --> 00:14:16.700 How could God be loving? 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:19.500 And banish someone forever? 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.419 And whichever of these 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:24.799 Two camps you tend towards 00:14:24.799 --> 00:14:25.399 I mean I think 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:26.860 It's one of those things 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:29.200 That we all kind of wrestle with. 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:32.000 I want to suggest 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:33.320 That this whole time 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:34.300 Between the already 00:14:34.300 --> 00:14:35.860 And the not yet 00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:38.100 Is to give the weeds 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.019 A chance 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:40.279 To become wheat. 00:14:41.340 --> 00:14:42.580 To give those 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:43.620 That the enemy 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:45.259 Has corrupted by evil 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:46.720 The chance to turn 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:48.279 From wickedness. 00:14:49.659 --> 00:14:50.700 Peter writes 00:14:50.700 --> 00:14:52.180 In 2 Peter 3.9 00:14:52.180 --> 00:14:53.779 The Lord is patient 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:54.519 With you 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:56.139 Not wanting anyone 00:14:56.139 --> 00:14:57.019 To perish 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:58.460 But everyone 00:14:58.460 --> 00:15:00.080 To come to repentance. 00:15:02.779 --> 00:15:03.759 And here's the really 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.439 Important takeaway 00:15:04.439 --> 00:15:05.460 For all of us. 00:15:06.460 --> 00:15:06.659 Y'all 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:07.460 Everyone 00:15:07.460 --> 00:15:08.939 Starts as a weed 00:15:08.939 --> 00:15:10.759 As people of the enemy. 00:15:11.699 --> 00:15:12.720 Paul uses this phrase 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.720 Children of wrath. 00:15:13.799 --> 00:15:14.100 He says 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:15.080 You were once 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:16.559 Children of wrath. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:18.179 But the sower 00:15:18.179 --> 00:15:20.220 Is on a rescue mission. 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:22.080 He came to get us 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.559 To transfer us 00:15:23.559 --> 00:15:24.120 From the kingdom 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:24.720 Of the enemy 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:25.440 To the kingdom 00:15:25.440 --> 00:15:26.160 Of Jesus 00:15:26.160 --> 00:15:27.800 To transform us 00:15:27.800 --> 00:15:28.879 From weeds to wheat. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:31.379 But there will come 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:31.899 A day 00:15:31.899 --> 00:15:32.840 When those who 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:34.019 Persist in evil 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:35.180 And who reject 00:15:35.180 --> 00:15:35.940 That invitation 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:37.000 From the Lord Jesus 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:38.240 Will receive 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:39.040 God's justice. 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:41.860 And so to answer 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:42.500 That question 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:43.139 To come back 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:43.740 To that question 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.340 Of how could 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:45.100 A loving God 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:46.240 Banish someone forever? 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.379 The answer is 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:49.100 He doesn't. 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:50.980 C.S. Lewis 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:51.639 Says it better 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:52.580 Than I ever could 00:15:52.580 --> 00:15:53.600 In the great divorce. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:54.259 He says 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:55.580 There are only 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.799 Two kinds of people 00:15:56.799 --> 00:15:57.460 In the end. 00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:59.039 There are those 00:15:59.039 --> 00:15:59.980 Who say to God 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:01.939 Thy will be done 00:16:01.939 --> 00:16:03.840 And there are those 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:05.019 To whom God says 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:05.620 In the end 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:07.639 Thy will be done. 00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:10.179 All that are in hell 00:16:10.179 --> 00:16:10.779 Choose it. 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:13.199 Without that self-choice 00:16:13.199 --> 00:16:14.439 There could be no hell. 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:16.659 No soul 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:17.720 That seriously 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.680 And constantly 00:16:18.680 --> 00:16:19.740 Desires joy 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:21.100 Will ever miss it. 00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.240 Those who seek 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:23.759 Find 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:26.500 To those who knock 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:27.680 It is opened. 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:32.120 What does this mean 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:32.920 For us then? 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:35.120 And for Jesus' listeners? 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:38.879 Three main takeaways here. 00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:42.560 This is not the time 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:43.180 For judgments 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:44.840 But judgment 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:45.660 Will come. 00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:47.459 Friends 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:48.399 We will not be 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:48.899 The ones 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:49.740 Who do the judging. 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:52.480 We need to be 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:53.319 Really careful 00:16:53.319 --> 00:16:54.539 About assuming 00:16:54.539 --> 00:16:55.240 Who the wheat 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.039 And the weeds are. 00:16:58.199 --> 00:16:59.259 Those we might expect 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.240 To be part of the kingdom 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:00.980 Might not be. 00:17:01.980 --> 00:17:02.819 And those who are 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:03.519 Unexpected 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:04.940 Might be. 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:06.779 This was true 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.659 In Jesus' day. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:08.940 There were a lot 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.420 Of people 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:10.740 Unexpected 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:11.599 That were part 00:17:11.599 --> 00:17:12.059 Of the kingdom. 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.480 Take who Jesus 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.559 First revealed himself 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.579 To as the Messiah. 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:18.819 A Samaritan woman. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.720 An outcast 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:21.099 Among outcasts. 00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:24.120 Who did he count 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:24.960 Among his followers? 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.920 He counted tax collectors. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.259 Religious zealots 00:17:30.259 --> 00:17:31.160 Who hated Rome. 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:33.640 Women who had 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:34.400 No status 00:17:34.400 --> 00:17:35.200 In society. 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:37.299 People who were 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:38.120 Poverty stricken. 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:38.799 People who were 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.380 Wealthy. 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:41.560 People who 00:17:41.560 --> 00:17:42.520 Had been healed 00:17:42.520 --> 00:17:43.240 From leprosy. 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:43.940 Delivered 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:44.820 From demons. 00:17:45.560 --> 00:17:46.460 Raised from the dead. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.400 People that would 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.080 Have been considered 00:17:50.080 --> 00:17:50.600 Weak 00:17:50.600 --> 00:17:52.480 And despised 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:53.420 And unlovable. 00:17:56.300 --> 00:17:57.020 That were 00:17:57.020 --> 00:17:57.640 Unexpected. 00:17:59.080 --> 00:18:00.300 And most often 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:01.160 Jesus' biggest 00:18:01.160 --> 00:18:01.840 Opponents 00:18:01.840 --> 00:18:03.540 Were externally 00:18:03.540 --> 00:18:04.260 Religious. 00:18:05.880 --> 00:18:06.760 Even among 00:18:06.760 --> 00:18:07.680 The twelve apostles 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.539 There was someone 00:18:08.539 --> 00:18:09.120 False. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.200 Judas Iscariot 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.560 Who betrayed 00:18:12.560 --> 00:18:12.980 Jesus 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:13.860 To the Romans 00:18:13.860 --> 00:18:14.480 To the 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:16.019 To the Jews 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:18.000 And turned him 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:18.799 Over to be crucified. 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:22.720 Jesus doesn't care 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.340 A wit 00:18:23.340 --> 00:18:24.519 About externals. 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.759 He cares 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.539 About the heart. 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:28.620 About people 00:18:28.620 --> 00:18:29.539 Who drop everything 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:29.960 And go 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:30.480 When he says 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.220 Follow me. 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:34.259 And the same 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:34.660 Is true 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:35.339 For us. 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.039 We tend 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.740 To assume 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:39.460 That people 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.100 Like us 00:18:40.100 --> 00:18:40.620 Are righteous. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:43.839 But I think 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:44.299 It would be good 00:18:44.299 --> 00:18:44.960 For all of us 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:45.960 To ask ourselves 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:46.519 This question. 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.259 How often 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:48.519 Do we make 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:48.940 An effort 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.779 To spend time 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:50.220 With people 00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:50.740 Who are really 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.660 Different than we are? 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:55.880 Elizabeth Oldfield 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:57.420 Is a British author 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.360 Who just wrote 00:18:58.360 --> 00:18:58.860 A book called 00:18:58.860 --> 00:18:59.620 Fully Alive. 00:18:59.619 --> 00:19:00.779 She also has 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.519 A podcast 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.659 Where 00:19:02.659 --> 00:19:04.000 It's a podcast 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:04.759 Called The Sacred 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:06.539 And she hosts 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.099 People that are 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:07.939 Kind of all over 00:19:07.939 --> 00:19:08.479 The map 00:19:08.479 --> 00:19:09.500 Belief wise 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:10.939 And she calls 00:19:10.939 --> 00:19:11.539 People that are 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:12.359 Different than us 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.679 She really exhorts 00:19:13.679 --> 00:19:14.619 People in her book 00:19:14.619 --> 00:19:16.599 To hang out 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.299 With other people 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:17.739 That are 00:19:17.739 --> 00:19:18.679 She uses the term 00:19:18.679 --> 00:19:19.679 NLMs 00:19:19.679 --> 00:19:21.139 Not like me's 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:25.239 And she says 00:19:25.239 --> 00:19:25.679 The goal 00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:26.379 Is an agreement 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:27.699 But understanding 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:30.039 And something 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:31.039 I really appreciate 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.360 About her approach 00:19:32.360 --> 00:19:33.259 Is that 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:34.019 When you listen 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.900 To these conversations 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:36.059 On her podcast 00:19:36.059 --> 00:19:37.620 There's a way 00:19:37.620 --> 00:19:38.420 That it sharpens 00:19:38.420 --> 00:19:39.200 Discernment 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:41.860 What's truly evil 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:43.440 And what's a 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.240 Difference of opinion 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:46.240 What's true fruit 00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:47.200 And what's 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:48.299 External posturing 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:51.539 And figuring this out 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:52.559 Takes a lot of 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:53.160 Patience 00:19:53.160 --> 00:19:55.200 A lot of humility 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.580 And a lot of courage 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:59.460 And frankly 00:19:59.460 --> 00:19:59.759 Y'all 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.740 It's not our job 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:02.579 Christians are 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.159 To be out 00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:03.899 In the world 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:05.539 In God's field 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:06.439 With whomever 00:20:06.439 --> 00:20:07.339 God has placed 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:08.000 Us next to 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.939 To love them 00:20:09.939 --> 00:20:10.559 To be in 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.759 Relationship with them 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.799 To help the weeds 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:14.619 Become wheat 00:20:14.619 --> 00:20:16.019 So remember 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.079 What Jesus says 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:17.740 To the servants 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:18.619 When they say 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:19.319 Well do you want us 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:20.399 To pull up these weeds 00:20:20.399 --> 00:20:22.839 He says no 00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:23.699 Because you could 00:20:23.699 --> 00:20:24.539 Harm the wheat 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:26.619 When we start 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:27.319 Trying to sort 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:27.740 People 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.259 We can cause 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:29.920 A lot of harm 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:31.659 We have to 00:20:31.659 --> 00:20:32.180 Trust the Lord 00:20:32.180 --> 00:20:32.720 With that 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:36.659 Secondly 00:20:36.659 --> 00:20:37.740 Suffering and evil 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:39.119 Shouldn't surprise us 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:41.200 In this time 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:42.500 Between the already 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.700 And the not yet 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:46.139 We live in this world 00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:47.319 That's still inhabited 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:47.960 By evil 00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:50.519 And that's a hard 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:50.960 Thing 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:52.220 To reconcile 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:52.960 The evil 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.799 In the suffering 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.340 In the world 00:20:54.340 --> 00:20:55.059 With the promise 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:55.819 Of God's kingdom 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:57.360 Or even with 00:20:57.360 --> 00:20:58.180 God's power 00:20:58.180 --> 00:20:59.100 And his love 00:20:59.100 --> 00:21:02.160 Let's come back 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:02.980 To John the Baptist 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:03.759 Question at the 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.340 Beginning of the 00:21:04.340 --> 00:21:04.759 Sermon 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:06.100 Are you the one 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:06.920 Who is to come 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:08.440 Or should we 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.140 Look for another 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:12.460 So John didn't 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.240 Get to ask that 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:14.140 To Jesus directly 00:21:14.140 --> 00:21:15.740 He sent some 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.440 Of his followers 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:17.720 And that was 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.360 Because he was 00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:19.180 Sitting in prison 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:20.680 He had been 00:21:20.680 --> 00:21:21.680 Unjustly thrown 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.180 In jail 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.820 By Herod 00:21:23.820 --> 00:21:26.740 And immediately 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.840 After this chapter 00:21:27.840 --> 00:21:28.820 Of Matthew's 00:21:28.820 --> 00:21:29.259 Gospel 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.840 Herod orders 00:21:30.840 --> 00:21:31.920 John's beheading 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:33.200 In the middle 00:21:33.200 --> 00:21:33.759 Of a drunken 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.259 Party 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:38.860 And John's 00:21:38.860 --> 00:21:39.420 Experience 00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:40.440 The story 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:41.560 Of John's 00:21:41.560 --> 00:21:42.000 Life 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:43.660 Is not uncommon 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.500 When you look 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:44.880 At saints 00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:45.660 Throughout history 00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:47.380 When you look 00:21:47.380 --> 00:21:48.880 At the 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:49.880 Apostles 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:50.780 All of them 00:21:50.780 --> 00:21:51.660 Except for the 00:21:51.660 --> 00:21:52.380 Apostle John 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:52.900 Were martyred 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:53.660 For their faith 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:55.860 And it would 00:21:55.860 --> 00:21:56.640 Seem like 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:57.280 If you're just 00:21:57.280 --> 00:21:57.780 Looking at the 00:21:57.780 --> 00:21:58.660 Physical reality 00:21:58.660 --> 00:22:00.340 That evil wins 00:22:00.340 --> 00:22:00.980 Doesn't it 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:04.140 But let's think 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:04.840 About the passage 00:22:04.840 --> 00:22:05.860 That Tom just 00:22:05.860 --> 00:22:06.440 Read for us 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:06.920 In Romans 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:08.040 Because it shows 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.399 This is something 00:22:08.399 --> 00:22:08.839 Different 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:11.639 Instead of being 00:22:11.639 --> 00:22:12.240 Hopeless 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:13.139 The decay 00:22:13.139 --> 00:22:14.139 And the evil 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:15.339 And the pain 00:22:15.339 --> 00:22:16.500 Are birth 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:16.980 Pangs 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:19.259 I remember 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:19.680 When I was 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:20.059 Pregnant 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:20.779 I did a lot 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:21.960 Of pregnant 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.339 Lady 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:23.420 Diligent pregnant 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.019 Lady sort 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.480 Of reading 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.139 And listening 00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:25.980 To things 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:27.460 And one of 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:27.799 The things 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.180 That stuck 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.519 With me 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.740 Was they 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:30.460 Encouraged 00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:31.839 You in labor 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:33.299 To cry out 00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:34.460 To moan 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:35.639 To groan 00:22:35.640 --> 00:22:36.420 It can help 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:36.720 You 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.340 And it might 00:22:38.340 --> 00:22:39.040 Sound strange 00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:40.000 Why is this 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:40.900 Because it's 00:22:40.900 --> 00:22:41.500 An expression 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.700 It's a release 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:43.900 Of the big 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:44.420 Intense 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:45.120 Difficult work 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:45.600 Your body 00:22:45.600 --> 00:22:46.180 Is doing 00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:48.360 And that's 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:48.940 True for the 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:49.720 Spiritual groaning 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.040 Too 00:22:50.040 --> 00:22:50.720 It's okay 00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:51.420 To groan 00:22:51.420 --> 00:22:52.700 In fact 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:53.360 It'll help 00:22:53.360 --> 00:22:56.080 It's honest 00:22:56.080 --> 00:22:57.520 It's saying 00:22:57.520 --> 00:22:58.140 This isn't 00:22:58.140 --> 00:22:58.540 Okay 00:22:58.540 --> 00:23:00.340 I don't think 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:00.940 This is what 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.600 I don't think 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:02.160 This is what 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:02.480 The Lord 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.220 Created the world 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.700 To be 00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:06.480 Jesus groaned 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:07.600 And the 00:23:07.600 --> 00:23:08.039 Greek word 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.680 For groaning 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.100 Here 00:23:09.100 --> 00:23:09.920 Is one 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.340 That Mark 00:23:10.340 --> 00:23:10.680 Uses 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:11.059 In his 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:11.519 Gospel 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:12.039 In chapter 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:12.640 7 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.640 Verse 34 00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:15.600 And Jesus 00:23:15.600 --> 00:23:16.059 Is about 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:16.620 To heal 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:17.500 A man 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:17.940 Who can't 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:18.180 Hear 00:23:18.180 --> 00:23:19.519 And just 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:19.960 Before he 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:20.259 He heals 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:20.460 Him 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:21.220 He groans 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:22.340 As he prays 00:23:22.340 --> 00:23:22.620 And it's 00:23:22.620 --> 00:23:23.080 The same 00:23:23.080 --> 00:23:23.480 Word that 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:24.259 Paul uses 00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:26.559 It's this 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.100 Groaning 00:23:27.100 --> 00:23:28.059 That expresses 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:28.819 A longing 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:29.519 For things 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.100 To be made 00:23:30.100 --> 00:23:30.460 Right 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:32.259 It's an 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.740 Ake 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:33.779 At the 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.120 Pain 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:34.339 And the 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:34.819 Brokenness 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.319 Surrounding 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.680 Us 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:37.160 But it's 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:37.640 Not a 00:23:37.640 --> 00:23:37.980 Groaning 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.240 That's 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:38.720 Hopeless 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.920 Because it 00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:40.700 Recognizes 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.099 That this 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:41.420 Isn't 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:42.039 The end 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:44.420 Paul and 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.099 Jesus both 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:45.599 Use this 00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:46.259 Incredibly 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:46.859 Hopeful 00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:47.420 Beautiful 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:47.900 Language 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.740 To describe 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:49.220 What those 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:49.680 Who belong 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:50.279 To God 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.059 Have to 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:51.539 Look forward 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:51.839 To 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:54.359 Paul writes 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:56.099 I consider 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:56.979 That our 00:23:56.979 --> 00:23:57.419 Present 00:23:57.419 --> 00:23:58.019 Sufferings 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.719 Are not 00:23:58.719 --> 00:23:59.139 Worth 00:23:59.139 --> 00:24:00.000 Comparing 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.000 To the 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:01.579 Glory that 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:01.839 Will be 00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:02.259 Revealed 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:02.779 In us 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:04.639 Jesus 00:24:04.639 --> 00:24:04.979 Says 00:24:04.979 --> 00:24:05.519 The righteous 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.379 Will shine 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:06.819 Like the 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.139 Sun 00:24:07.139 --> 00:24:07.779 In my 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.259 Father's 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:08.619 House 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:12.659 I would 00:24:12.659 --> 00:24:13.179 Encourage you 00:24:13.179 --> 00:24:13.639 This week 00:24:13.639 --> 00:24:14.079 To spend 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:14.279 A little 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:14.559 Time 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:14.799 If you 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.099 Have a 00:24:15.099 --> 00:24:15.379 Book of 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:15.659 Common 00:24:15.659 --> 00:24:16.000 Prayer 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:16.639 To look 00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:16.919 Up the 00:24:16.919 --> 00:24:17.379 Anglican 00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:17.839 Funeral 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.379 Liturgy 00:24:18.379 --> 00:24:19.479 It might 00:24:19.479 --> 00:24:19.719 Be one 00:24:19.719 --> 00:24:19.939 Of my 00:24:19.939 --> 00:24:20.259 Favorite 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:20.779 Liturgies 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.019 In the 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:21.319 Book of 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:21.579 Common 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:21.879 Prayer 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:22.640 Because at 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:23.160 Its heart 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:24.060 It's a 00:24:24.060 --> 00:24:24.520 Resurrection 00:24:24.520 --> 00:24:25.220 Service 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.280 It's 00:24:26.280 --> 00:24:27.140 Recognizing 00:24:27.140 --> 00:24:27.760 In the 00:24:27.760 --> 00:24:28.300 Face of 00:24:28.300 --> 00:24:28.600 Death 00:24:28.600 --> 00:24:28.920 That we 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.380 Have this 00:24:29.380 --> 00:24:29.780 Hope 00:24:29.780 --> 00:24:31.740 So listen 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.140 To these 00:24:32.140 --> 00:24:32.760 Words that 00:24:32.760 --> 00:24:33.220 Are said 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:33.540 As the 00:24:33.540 --> 00:24:34.120 Body is 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:34.480 Taken 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:34.760 Out of 00:24:34.760 --> 00:24:34.900 The 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:35.340 Church 00:24:35.340 --> 00:24:36.360 This is 00:24:36.360 --> 00:24:36.520 The 00:24:36.520 --> 00:24:36.860 Prayer 00:24:36.860 --> 00:24:38.560 Christ 00:24:38.560 --> 00:24:39.380 Is risen 00:24:39.380 --> 00:24:40.120 From the 00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:40.520 Dead 00:24:40.520 --> 00:24:41.320 Trampling 00:24:41.320 --> 00:24:41.660 Down 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:41.980 Death 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.180 By 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:42.600 Death 00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:43.360 And 00:24:43.360 --> 00:24:43.660 Giving 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:44.220 Life 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:44.480 To 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:44.740 Those 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:44.860 In 00:24:44.860 --> 00:24:44.980 The 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.340 Tomb 00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:46.220 The 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:46.560 Son 00:24:46.560 --> 00:24:46.720 Of 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.500 Righteousness 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:47.780 Is 00:24:47.780 --> 00:24:48.580 Gloriously 00:24:48.580 --> 00:24:49.080 Risen 00:24:49.080 --> 00:24:49.800 Giving 00:24:49.800 --> 00:24:50.220 Light 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:50.400 To 00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:50.660 Those 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:50.860 Who 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:51.380 Sat 00:24:51.380 --> 00:24:51.640 In 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:52.040 Darkness 00:24:52.040 --> 00:24:52.340 And 00:24:52.340 --> 00:24:52.420 In 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:52.560 The 00:24:52.560 --> 00:24:52.880 Shadow 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:53.100 Of 00:24:53.100 --> 00:24:53.480 Death 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.460 The 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:54.760 Lord 00:24:54.760 --> 00:24:54.980 Will 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:55.360 Guide 00:24:55.360 --> 00:24:55.560 Our 00:24:55.560 --> 00:24:55.940 Feet 00:24:55.940 --> 00:24:56.260 Into 00:24:56.260 --> 00:24:56.440 The 00:24:56.440 --> 00:24:56.620 Way 00:24:56.620 --> 00:24:56.800 Of 00:24:56.800 --> 00:24:57.180 Peace 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:57.900 Having 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:58.360 Taken 00:24:58.360 --> 00:24:58.640 Away 00:24:58.640 --> 00:24:58.860 The 00:24:58.860 --> 00:24:59.220 Sin 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.440 Of 00:24:59.440 --> 00:24:59.560 The 00:24:59.560 --> 00:24:59.980 World 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:01.240 Christ 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:01.460 Will 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:01.840 Open 00:25:01.840 --> 00:25:02.060 The 00:25:02.060 --> 00:25:02.420 Kingdom 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:02.740 Of 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.100 Heaven 00:25:03.100 --> 00:25:03.320 To 00:25:03.320 --> 00:25:03.640 All 00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:03.820 Who 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:04.120 Believe 00:25:04.120 --> 00:25:04.240 In 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:04.420 His 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:04.740 Name 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.120 Saying 00:25:05.120 --> 00:25:05.760 Come 00:25:05.760 --> 00:25:06.380 Oh 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:06.800 Blessed 00:25:06.800 --> 00:25:06.960 Of 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.140 My 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:07.600 Father 00:25:07.600 --> 00:25:09.100 Inherit 00:25:09.100 --> 00:25:09.280 The 00:25:09.280 --> 00:25:09.580 Kingdom 00:25:09.580 --> 00:25:10.200 Prepared 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.420 For 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:10.700 You 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:12.860 Inherit 00:25:12.860 --> 00:25:13.020 The 00:25:13.020 --> 00:25:13.240 Kingdom 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:13.700 Prepared 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:13.920 For 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.140 You 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:15.420 Paul 00:25:15.420 --> 00:25:15.720 Says 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:15.720 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:15.960 We're 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:16.480 Heirs 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:17.280 That 00:25:17.280 --> 00:25:17.460 Means 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:17.760 One 00:25:17.760 --> 00:25:17.920 Day 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:18.100 We 00:25:18.099 --> 00:25:18.299 Will 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:18.959 Inherit 00:25:18.959 --> 00:25:19.219 This 00:25:19.219 --> 00:25:19.539 Kingdom 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:21.819 And 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:21.980 This 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:22.259 Leads 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:22.399 To 00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:22.539 Our 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:22.819 Last 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.139 Point 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:23.480 How 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:23.619 Do 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:23.759 We 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.139 Know 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:24.959 That 00:25:24.959 --> 00:25:25.079 The 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.719 Inheritance 00:25:25.719 --> 00:25:25.879 Is 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:26.259 Coming 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:28.799 Because 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.019 The 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.240 Holy 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.679 Spirit 00:25:29.679 --> 00:25:30.419 Is 00:25:30.419 --> 00:25:30.559 Our 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:30.859 Down 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.339 Payment 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.819 To 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:33.399 Deposit 00:25:33.399 --> 00:25:34.939 Paul 00:25:34.939 --> 00:25:35.279 Uses 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:35.439 The 00:25:35.439 --> 00:25:36.000 First 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.619 Fruits 00:25:36.619 --> 00:25:37.359 To 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:37.819 Describe 00:25:37.819 --> 00:25:38.039 The 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:38.539 Spirit's 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:38.959 Presence 00:25:38.959 --> 00:25:39.159 In 00:25:39.159 --> 00:25:39.279 The 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.519 Life 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:39.639 Of 00:25:39.639 --> 00:25:40.079 Believers 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:42.079 The 00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:42.319 Spirit 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.199 Anticipates 00:25:43.199 --> 00:25:43.399 And 00:25:43.399 --> 00:25:43.959 Guarantees 00:25:43.959 --> 00:25:44.220 What's 00:25:44.220 --> 00:25:44.599 Coming 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.319 The 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:45.639 Spirit 00:25:45.639 --> 00:25:46.059 Bridges 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:46.259 The 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:46.659 Gap 00:25:46.659 --> 00:25:47.099 Between 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:47.279 The 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:47.659 Already 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:48.339 And 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:48.439 The 00:25:48.439 --> 00:25:48.659 Not 00:25:48.659 --> 00:25:48.980 Yet 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:51.059 And 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:51.379 Friends 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:51.659 This 00:25:51.659 --> 00:25:52.139 Spirit 00:25:52.139 --> 00:25:52.899 Is 00:25:52.899 --> 00:25:53.079 The 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:53.319 One 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:53.519 Who 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.000 Opens 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.220 Our 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.559 Eyes 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:54.740 To 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:54.879 The 00:25:54.879 --> 00:25:55.359 Power 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:55.619 Of 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.139 God 00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:56.819 That's 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.199 Available 00:25:57.199 --> 00:25:57.519 To 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:57.959 All 00:25:57.959 --> 00:25:58.599 Who 00:25:58.599 --> 00:25:59.099 Believe 00:25:59.099 --> 00:26:05.539 So 00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:05.699 Where 00:26:05.699 --> 00:26:05.839 Does 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.019 This 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.219 Leave 00:26:06.219 --> 00:26:06.399 All 00:26:06.399 --> 00:26:06.519 Of 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:06.699 Us 00:26:06.699 --> 00:26:06.899 This 00:26:06.899 --> 00:26:07.199 Morning 00:26:07.199 --> 00:26:11.139 First 00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:11.319 If 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:11.439 You're 00:26:11.439 --> 00:26:11.679 Not 00:26:11.679 --> 00:26:11.980 Sure 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.179 What 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:12.279 You 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:12.719 Believe 00:26:12.719 --> 00:26:14.199 And 00:26:14.199 --> 00:26:14.339 If 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:14.579 You've 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:14.919 Struggled 00:26:14.919 --> 00:26:15.099 With 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:15.299 Some 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:15.419 Of 00:26:15.419 --> 00:26:15.559 These 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.000 Questions 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.299 We've 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:16.839 Mentioned 00:26:16.839 --> 00:26:18.339 That 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:18.480 Is 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:18.879 Okay 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:19.619 It's 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:19.839 Okay 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:19.980 To 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:20.199 Ask 00:26:20.199 --> 00:26:20.419 These 00:26:20.419 --> 00:26:20.899 Questions 00:26:20.899 --> 00:26:22.059 About 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:22.319 God 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:22.439 Are 00:26:22.439 --> 00:26:22.519 You 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:22.879 Loving 00:26:22.879 --> 00:26:23.879 What 00:26:23.879 --> 00:26:23.980 Does 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.139 This 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:24.500 Mean 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:27.179 See 00:26:27.179 --> 00:26:27.299 If 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:27.359 You 00:26:27.359 --> 00:26:27.500 Can 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:27.719 Find 00:26:27.719 --> 00:26:27.839 A 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.079 Quiet 00:26:28.079 --> 00:26:28.439 Place 00:26:28.439 --> 00:26:28.619 To 00:26:28.619 --> 00:26:28.839 Sit 00:26:28.839 --> 00:26:28.980 And 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.179 Ask 00:26:29.179 --> 00:26:29.359 The 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:29.619 Lord 00:26:29.619 --> 00:26:30.119 Those 00:26:30.119 --> 00:26:30.519 Questions 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:30.799 This 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.119 Week 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:32.819 Ask 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:32.959 Him 00:26:32.959 --> 00:26:33.119 To 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:33.359 Speak 00:26:33.359 --> 00:26:33.559 To 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:33.779 You 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:36.259 And 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:36.619 Remember 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:37.079 Christ 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:37.299 Will 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:37.619 Open 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:37.839 The 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:38.119 Kingdom 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:38.339 Of 00:26:38.339 --> 00:26:38.619 Heaven 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:38.859 To 00:26:38.859 --> 00:26:39.139 All 00:26:39.139 --> 00:26:39.339 Who 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:39.639 Believe 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:39.799 In 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.000 His 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.339 Name 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:42.119 Saying 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:42.579 Come 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:42.839 Oh 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:43.220 Blessed 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:43.379 Of 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:43.539 My 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:43.980 Father 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:44.240 And 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:44.740 Inherit 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:44.899 The 00:26:44.899 --> 00:26:45.139 Kingdom 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:45.599 Prepared 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:45.839 For 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.099 You 00:26:46.099 --> 00:26:48.459 The 00:26:48.459 --> 00:26:48.799 Lord 00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:49.779 Longs 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.079 For 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:50.220 You 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:50.359 To 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:50.559 Come 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:50.959 Home 00:26:50.959 --> 00:26:51.220 He 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:51.659 Loves 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:51.839 You 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:52.019 He 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.379 Loves 00:26:52.379 --> 00:26:52.519 You 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:52.699 He 00:26:52.699 --> 00:26:53.019 Loves 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:53.299 You 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:54.119 He's 00:26:54.119 --> 00:26:54.439 Holding 00:26:54.439 --> 00:26:54.659 His 00:26:54.659 --> 00:26:54.939 Hand 00:26:54.939 --> 00:26:55.119 Out 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:55.279 To 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:55.419 You 00:26:55.419 --> 00:26:55.659 Will 00:26:55.659 --> 00:26:55.839 You 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:56.119 Take 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:56.479 It 00:26:56.479 --> 00:27:00.539 And 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:00.699 If 00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:00.839 You're 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.419 Suffering 00:27:01.419 --> 00:27:04.259 Or 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.379 If 00:27:04.379 --> 00:27:04.500 You're 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:04.759 Looking 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:04.919 At 00:27:04.919 --> 00:27:05.039 The 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:05.259 State 00:27:05.259 --> 00:27:05.379 Of 00:27:05.379 --> 00:27:05.479 The 00:27:05.479 --> 00:27:05.719 World 00:27:05.719 --> 00:27:05.939 And 00:27:05.939 --> 00:27:06.479 Groaning 00:27:06.479 --> 00:27:07.039 And 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.459 Longing 00:27:07.459 --> 00:27:07.679 For 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.299 Renewal 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:09.439 If 00:27:09.439 --> 00:27:09.599 You're 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:10.119 Grieving 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:13.159 Beloved 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:13.539 Know 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:13.899 That 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:14.059 You 00:27:14.059 --> 00:27:14.259 Have 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:14.459 A 00:27:14.459 --> 00:27:14.739 Savior 00:27:14.739 --> 00:27:15.079 Who 00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:15.779 Groans 00:27:15.779 --> 00:27:16.239 And 00:27:16.239 --> 00:27:16.559 Grieves 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:16.799 With 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:17.079 You 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:19.959 And 00:27:19.959 --> 00:27:20.199 Know 00:27:20.199 --> 00:27:20.459 That 00:27:20.459 --> 00:27:20.899 Evil 00:27:20.899 --> 00:27:21.979 And 00:27:21.979 --> 00:27:22.359 Grief 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:22.599 And 00:27:22.599 --> 00:27:23.079 Decay 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:23.339 And 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:23.879 Sadness 00:27:23.879 --> 00:27:24.159 Will 00:27:24.159 --> 00:27:24.479 Not 00:27:24.479 --> 00:27:24.939 Have 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:25.440 The 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:25.759 Final 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.200 Word 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:27.680 Jesus 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:28.140 Christ 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:28.360 The 00:27:28.360 --> 00:27:28.660 Savior 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.360 Will 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:29.500 Have 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:29.620 The 00:27:29.620 --> 00:27:29.880 Final 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.259 Word 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.360 And 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:31.640 One 00:27:31.640 --> 00:27:31.980 Day 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.920 He 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.140 Will 00:27:33.140 --> 00:27:33.580 Bring 00:27:33.580 --> 00:27:33.880 You 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.299 Into 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:34.559 His 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.059 Father's 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:35.380 House 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:35.620 Where 00:27:35.620 --> 00:27:35.820 You 00:27:35.820 --> 00:27:36.000 Will 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:36.460 Shine 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:36.680 Like 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:36.860 The 00:27:36.860 --> 00:27:37.019 Son 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:37.180 In 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.539 Glory 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:39.000 Reigning 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.200 With 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:39.360 The 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:39.539 Lord 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:39.799 Jesus 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:40.240 Christ 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:40.660 Forever 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:45.140 Let's 00:27:45.140 --> 00:27:45.420 Pray 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:51.900 Lord 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:52.120 Would 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:52.259 You 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.860 Expand 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:53.059 Our 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:53.539 Hearts 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:55.639 To 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:55.759 Be 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:55.759 Be 00:27:55.740 --> 00:27:55.779 Be 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:55.920 To 00:27:55.920 --> 00:27:56.359 Receive 00:27:56.359 --> 00:27:56.680 More 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:56.879 Of 00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:57.119 You 00:27:57.119 --> 00:27:59.700 Lord 00:27:59.700 --> 00:27:59.980 Pour 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.200 Your 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:00.519 Spirit 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:00.740 Out 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:00.899 On 00:28:00.899 --> 00:28:01.299 Us 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:02.980 Thank 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:03.099 You 00:28:03.099 --> 00:28:03.240 For 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:03.379 The 00:28:03.379 --> 00:28:03.579 Gift 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:03.720 Of 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:03.859 Your 00:28:03.859 --> 00:28:04.319 Spirit 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:05.619 Thank 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:05.720 You 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:05.879 That 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.019 You 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.159 Are 00:28:06.159 --> 00:28:06.700 Mighty 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.139 And 00:28:07.139 --> 00:28:07.579 Strong 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:07.799 To 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:08.139 Save 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.440 All 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:08.619 Who 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:08.879 Cry 00:28:08.879 --> 00:28:09.119 Out 00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:09.299 To 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:09.579 You 00:28:09.579 --> 00:28:12.059 Lord 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.240 I 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.539 Pray 00:28:12.539 --> 00:28:12.799 That 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.099 Those 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:13.220 Who 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:13.319 Are 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:13.599 Sitting 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:13.599 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:13.779 In 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:14.119 Darkness 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.119 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.399 Would 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:14.700 Come 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.000 Into 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:15.200 Your 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:15.639 Glorious 00:28:15.639 --> 00:28:16.099 Light 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:16.579 As 00:28:16.579 --> 00:28:16.700 You 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:16.940 Call 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:17.220 Them 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:17.259 ! 00:28:18.399 --> 00:28:18.399 00:28:18.399 --> 00:28:18.619 Pray 00:28:18.619 --> 00:28:18.799 For 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:18.920 The 00:28:18.920 --> 00:28:19.240 Broken 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:19.240 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:19.799 Hearted 00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:20.460 And 00:28:23.700 --> 00:28:23.700 00:28:23.700 --> 00:28:24.039 Place 00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:24.200 That 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:24.339 They 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:24.480 Would 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:24.899 Feel 00:28:24.899 --> 00:28:25.119 You 00:28:25.119 --> 00:28:25.299 That 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:25.440 They 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:25.579 Would 00:28:25.579 --> 00:28:25.899 Know 00:28:25.899 --> 00:28:26.279 You 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:28.059 That 00:28:28.059 --> 00:28:28.180 You 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:28.319 Would 00:28:28.319 --> 00:28:28.839 Sustain 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:29.240 Them 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:31.000 And 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:31.240 Lord 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.519 As 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.339 A 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:33.000 Community 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:34.059 Will 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:34.259 We 00:28:34.259 --> 00:28:34.379 Be 00:28:34.379 --> 00:28:34.839 Those 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:35.119 Who 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:35.420 Bring 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:35.659 This 00:28:35.659 --> 00:28:36.159 Truth 00:28:36.159 --> 00:28:37.220 To 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:37.440 A 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:37.799 World 00:28:37.799 --> 00:28:38.119 That 00:28:38.119 --> 00:28:38.259 Is 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:38.639 Needy 00:28:38.639 --> 00:28:40.180 And 00:28:40.180 --> 00:28:40.500 Broken 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:43.140 and desperately in need of healing. 00:28:44.359 --> 00:28:46.380 We pray that you would flood this city 00:28:46.380 --> 00:28:48.319 with your grace, your mercy, and your healing. 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:51.720 Give us your imagination 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:57.880 and give us a willingness to go when you call us, 00:28:58.339 --> 00:29:01.059 when you say, follow me, to follow. 00:29:02.339 --> 00:29:05.079 Thank you that you are good and that we can trust you. 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:08.519 And we pray these things in the name of the Father 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:11.220 and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:12.400 Amen.