WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.240 We'll be in Luke 6 at page 862 of the Church Bibles. 00:00:07.320 --> 00:00:15.120 A number of years ago, I read a really moving account of a couple that adopted two little 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:21.660 ! Russian boys from an orphanage out there. And the way they tell the story, it's incredibly 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:27.660 moving. But they describe at the start about how their first visit, the orphanage was overcrowded 00:00:27.660 --> 00:00:35.560 and filthy. And there was this awful smell in the air. And I guess if you were to imagine 00:00:35.560 --> 00:00:41.899 what an orphanage would be like, those things are no real surprise. The thing that they said 00:00:41.899 --> 00:00:49.480 though that surprised them was the silence. All of these little children, the whole place 00:00:49.480 --> 00:00:57.019 was absolutely jam-packed and there was not a peep of noise. It was so unnatural. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:01:03.500 The reality is if no one ever comes when you cry, why would you bother? You learn pretty 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:11.859 quickly that it's a waste of time. Physically and emotionally, these boys had an awful life. 00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:19.120 The most moving part of the book, however, for me was when they told the story of how they 00:01:19.120 --> 00:01:25.079 brought the boys home for the first time. And they went in and they cleaned them up and 00:01:25.079 --> 00:01:30.319 dressed them in nice new clothes and brought them out. And they went to get into the car to take them 00:01:30.319 --> 00:01:39.200 to the airport. And as the car drove away from the orphanage, the boys fell apart, started screaming, 00:01:39.879 --> 00:01:45.739 trying to get out the door. They wanted to go back to the orphanage. 00:01:45.739 --> 00:01:55.979 There was a whole new life available to them. There was a whole vast array of opportunities open before them. 00:01:56.500 --> 00:02:06.640 But because it was unknown, it was too much for them. It was frightening and it terrified them and they wanted to go back. 00:02:06.640 --> 00:02:14.699 They wanted what was familiar, even if it was awful. They wanted that rather than stepping into the unknown. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:18.679 We have our own versions of the same thing. 00:02:20.839 --> 00:02:29.739 Maybe we're in a rut and we're unhappy, but we won't step out of the rut because the rut is familiar and we know it and we know how to operate in that system. 00:02:30.639 --> 00:02:34.139 And the thought of stepping out of it into any alternative, 00:02:35.939 --> 00:02:37.719 well, we're fearful of the unknown. 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:44.219 And this can especially be the case when it comes to following the Lord Jesus. 00:02:46.800 --> 00:02:50.939 Perhaps we have experienced the struggles that our sin brings in life. 00:02:51.979 --> 00:02:54.280 We know that we don't have all the answers. 00:02:55.199 --> 00:02:57.300 We know that we aren't in control of our life. 00:02:57.460 --> 00:03:00.159 Our appetites seem to always get the better of us. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:01.680 We know that we need help. 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:09.099 We may even believe that Jesus is God's son and that we can be reconciled to God through his death and resurrection. 00:03:11.640 --> 00:03:17.120 Perhaps we even know intellectually that that would be the answer to many of our problems. 00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:25.200 But we won't take the step to put our faith in him because we're scared of what that will mean for our lives. 00:03:25.199 --> 00:03:28.899 That's what Jesus requires of us. 00:03:29.060 --> 00:03:32.859 It is that we let go of the control that we want to have of our lives. 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:40.599 It's like we say we take our hands off the steering wheel of our lives and we allow him into the driver's seat so he can take it wherever it goes. 00:03:41.119 --> 00:03:43.139 And that's too much for us. 00:03:44.219 --> 00:03:45.539 And so we don't take the step. 00:03:47.359 --> 00:03:50.439 And it's not just in coming into the Christian faith. 00:03:50.439 --> 00:03:55.780 Many of us profess faith in Christ but we still kind of keep him at arm's length. 00:03:56.439 --> 00:03:58.780 We fit him in around the rest of our lives. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:02.840 We look back or hold on to our old life because it's familiar. 00:04:04.139 --> 00:04:05.539 Sure it was destructive. 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:07.800 We know that it wasn't the right way to live. 00:04:07.900 --> 00:04:12.099 We know that it didn't honor God and it was rebellious in the world that he has created. 00:04:12.939 --> 00:04:15.300 But our old life is familiar. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:18.000 We knew how to operate back there. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:22.639 And we aren't sure if we give ourselves fully to Christ. 00:04:23.139 --> 00:04:27.560 If we surrender every single corner of our lives to him. 00:04:28.240 --> 00:04:30.920 Well will that actually do us any good? 00:04:33.079 --> 00:04:36.720 The truth is we're afraid to be truly Christian. 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:42.379 So what do we need in these situations? 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:46.060 What do we need when that is the case? 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:50.899 What do those newly adopted boys need when fear took hold in their hearts? 00:04:51.019 --> 00:04:55.220 They needed to know that they were being given a new life. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:05:00.220 They needed to know that they were in the hands of parents who would protect them. 00:05:00.899 --> 00:05:08.100 And they needed to know that those parents would care for them no matter what lay ahead in their lives. 00:05:08.100 --> 00:05:13.820 And that is what is happening in our section of Luke 6 this evening. 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:24.260 For two weeks if you've been here on these Sunday evenings we've seen the reluctance of the religious establishment of the day to accept that Jesus is God's King who is bringing in his kingdom. 00:05:24.259 --> 00:05:32.860 The old religious order, old Israel has rejected Jesus and the new era of joy and blessing that he has brought in. 00:05:33.539 --> 00:05:41.560 And this evening as we come to verse 12 in Luke chapter 6 Jesus shows us what he will do about this. 00:05:42.659 --> 00:05:46.279 And what this new thing will mean for those who follow him. 00:05:46.279 --> 00:05:51.459 I have come to do a new thing, you remember, new wine, old wineskins, all that kind of thing. 00:05:51.679 --> 00:05:54.219 I've come to bring the kingdom of joy and blessing. 00:05:55.419 --> 00:06:01.099 And there's this group that keep resisting, that keep trying to trip him up, that keep trying to resist him. 00:06:02.599 --> 00:06:04.779 And he says, well, here's what's going to happen. 00:06:05.539 --> 00:06:08.199 And it starts first of all, point number one, with renewal. 00:06:09.519 --> 00:06:09.959 Renewal. 00:06:10.699 --> 00:06:12.119 He chooses his new people. 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:13.759 Verse 12. 00:06:42.120 --> 00:06:44.720 Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 00:06:47.300 --> 00:06:51.120 Now these men aren't simply a dozen of Jesus' closest friends. 00:06:51.220 --> 00:06:56.959 Nor, as verse 17 tells us, are they the only people who were following Jesus at this early stage. 00:06:57.040 --> 00:06:57.180 No. 00:06:57.180 --> 00:07:03.639 Out of this large crowd, men and women, who had resolved that they are going to follow Jesus, 00:07:03.759 --> 00:07:06.639 he chooses these 12 to be apostles. 00:07:07.959 --> 00:07:09.759 Apostle means sent one. 00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:14.839 That is, one who has been sent with the authority to speak and act for someone else. 00:07:15.039 --> 00:07:16.159 Like an ambassador. 00:07:16.779 --> 00:07:19.399 The authority to speak and act on behalf of their country. 00:07:19.539 --> 00:07:20.379 That kind of thing. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:25.659 But the fact that there are 12 is key to what Jesus is doing here. 00:07:26.339 --> 00:07:30.699 Some people have pointed out that there are differences in the list of names across the gospel writers. 00:07:31.060 --> 00:07:34.779 But that is because the number is more important than the names. 00:07:34.779 --> 00:07:44.159 By ordaining 12, Jesus is making a really emphatic statement that he is establishing a new people of God. 00:07:44.799 --> 00:07:52.839 In fact, the emphasis that Luke puts on Jesus' prayer, that is his wholehearted dependence on the Father before he makes this choice, 00:07:53.119 --> 00:07:54.939 makes clear that this is God's work. 00:07:55.239 --> 00:07:57.839 It is God establishing a new Israel. 00:07:57.839 --> 00:08:03.119 So just as the old Israel was founded on 12 sons of Jacob, 12 tribes, 00:08:03.539 --> 00:08:08.699 here the new Israel, the new people of God in Christ, will be founded on these 12 apostles. 00:08:10.099 --> 00:08:12.859 There is, of course, continuity between old and new. 00:08:12.979 --> 00:08:17.239 And the New Testament church is often referred to in the language of Old Testament Israel. 00:08:17.620 --> 00:08:20.120 Think of the 12 tribes of Israel. 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:22.120 He uses that language in Luke 22. 00:08:22.899 --> 00:08:25.659 Peter talks about a holy nation and a royal priesthood. 00:08:25.660 --> 00:08:27.660 Those are Old Testament categories. 00:08:28.660 --> 00:08:35.240 But there is also discontinuity with the broken, stiff-necked old Israel. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:39.960 And these men will be the founders of the new people of God. 00:08:40.420 --> 00:08:41.899 This is a foundational moment. 00:08:43.180 --> 00:08:45.820 The last words we heard last time, if you look at verse 11, 00:08:46.200 --> 00:08:48.840 they were the Pharisees plotting to get rid of Jesus. 00:08:49.279 --> 00:08:53.519 And these men are going to carry on his mission after his death. 00:08:53.519 --> 00:09:01.799 The church in every generation stands on the shoulders of these men. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:06.220 Every gospel-preaching church in the world is built on this foundation. 00:09:06.699 --> 00:09:10.059 The International Presbyterian Church, you and me here this evening, 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:15.600 we are here because Christ chose this group and built his church on their ministry. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:18.639 So it's really important. 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:22.980 We're reading the Gospels and we see the opposition of the old Israel. 00:09:23.540 --> 00:09:26.680 We recognize that that does not bring about the end of God's plan. 00:09:27.240 --> 00:09:28.940 Jesus here is bringing renewal. 00:09:29.820 --> 00:09:33.340 So he calls forth a new Israel, the church that will triumph in history 00:09:33.340 --> 00:09:36.600 as the gospel spreads to every corner of the earth. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:39.940 But, as we said at the start, 00:09:40.700 --> 00:09:44.180 leaving the rotten orphanage for the promise of a new life 00:09:44.180 --> 00:09:45.980 was distressing for those boys. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:52.580 And being called to the new life that these men have been given here 00:09:52.580 --> 00:09:53.980 would have been equally unsettling. 00:09:55.100 --> 00:09:57.620 I can imagine that as Jesus called them to him, 00:09:57.700 --> 00:09:59.600 as he called them together and he said, 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:01.440 you're going to be my apostles, 00:10:02.540 --> 00:10:04.320 that there was more than a little bit of uncertainty. 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:08.420 Is he sure he's picked the right people? 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:12.440 I imagine that there was fear. 00:10:13.020 --> 00:10:15.879 I imagine as they looked into the future with all of the unknown 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:18.420 that was ahead of them, that they were fearful. 00:10:18.780 --> 00:10:19.820 So what do they need? 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:24.480 Well, first of all, they need to be reminded exactly who it is 00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:25.540 that is calling them. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:26.560 That's our second point. 00:10:26.640 --> 00:10:29.660 If he starts with renewal, he then moves to reminder. 00:10:30.300 --> 00:10:32.580 Reminder, he shows his power. 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:36.460 So in verses 12 to 16, we see again the humanity of Jesus. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:38.780 He's laboring in prayer with his father. 00:10:39.060 --> 00:10:40.180 He's choosing the 12. 00:10:40.280 --> 00:10:45.440 But in 17 to 19, we see the compassion and power of the great king 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:47.020 as he moves among the people. 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:47.660 Verse 18, 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:51.200 And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:54.000 And all the crowd sought to touch him, 00:10:54.300 --> 00:10:57.720 for power came out of him and healed them all. 00:10:57.720 --> 00:11:02.100 Since the start of chapter 5, this is a familiar picture. 00:11:02.940 --> 00:11:06.360 We've consistently seen Jesus demonstrate his power and authority. 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:10.379 From the beginning of chapter 5, there was calling, cleansing, healing, 00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:12.680 forgiving, providing, healing. 00:11:13.960 --> 00:11:16.920 The Son of Man is unmistakably in the midst of these people. 00:11:16.919 --> 00:11:21.339 But he has just called and commissioned this group of 12 men 00:11:21.339 --> 00:11:23.299 to be the foundation of the new people of God. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:27.579 And so what he's doing here is he moves among the vast crowds, 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:31.039 continuing to show compassion and to heal the broken and the sick. 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:33.579 He gives them a tangible reminder, 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:37.620 a very tangible reminder of who it is that has called them to be apostles. 00:11:37.620 --> 00:11:43.460 The one who has chosen them is the one with the power to push back the powers of darkness. 00:11:45.580 --> 00:11:49.120 The one who has chosen them has all authority in heaven and on earth, 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:50.299 and he can be trusted. 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:53.720 He's calling them to do something radical, 00:11:54.240 --> 00:11:56.779 and he's giving them a demonstration of his power 00:11:56.779 --> 00:11:59.740 so that they can know that he will be with them. 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:03.960 Again, I think this is very important, 00:12:03.960 --> 00:12:07.580 because we feel the weakness of the church in our day. 00:12:09.420 --> 00:12:10.980 We can easily ask the question, 00:12:11.100 --> 00:12:13.259 is God's plan really on track? 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:15.240 He has promised that he will disciple the nations, 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:17.000 that the gospel will advance, 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:19.340 that the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:20.440 as the waters cover the sea. 00:12:20.700 --> 00:12:22.340 Well, we're not really seeing that. 00:12:23.280 --> 00:12:25.019 Is his plan really on track 00:12:25.019 --> 00:12:26.900 when we live in a nation 00:12:26.900 --> 00:12:30.280 that treats the weakest in society the way we do? 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:33.420 Is he really building his church 00:12:33.419 --> 00:12:36.519 where the state church embraces all kinds of things 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:38.120 that are contrary to his word? 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:44.919 Well, if we belong to the people of God through faith in Christ, 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:49.519 we belong to the one who has all power and authority, 00:12:50.099 --> 00:12:51.139 and he can be trusted. 00:12:53.299 --> 00:12:55.139 There are circumstances in our lives 00:12:55.139 --> 00:12:57.199 where I think we wonder whether the Lord knows 00:12:57.199 --> 00:13:00.480 or whether the Lord cares about what is happening to us. 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:03.259 And if you were to push us 00:13:03.259 --> 00:13:04.740 and we were to be dead honest, 00:13:05.320 --> 00:13:06.220 we would say, 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:09.240 I don't really think I can trust the Lord with this situation. 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:12.480 The reason that I know that's the case 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:15.000 is because we so often take matters into our own hands. 00:13:15.820 --> 00:13:17.060 When things are difficult, 00:13:17.940 --> 00:13:19.659 when opposition comes our way, 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:22.399 when we don't get what we want in life, 00:13:22.440 --> 00:13:25.240 so often we try and manipulate the situation 00:13:25.240 --> 00:13:26.080 so that we do. 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:30.759 And what does that say except that we don't trust the Lord? 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:34.580 When our mental health is deteriorating, 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:36.840 when our bodies are breaking, 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:39.220 when our lives are in turmoil, 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.019 and we wonder, 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:43.940 is this maybe a bit beyond him? 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:46.840 Now, of course, if we were asked that question, 00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:47.399 we would say, 00:13:47.480 --> 00:13:48.860 no, of course, God is almighty. 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:49.539 He's sovereign. 00:13:49.539 --> 00:13:53.679 But in our heart of hearts, 00:13:54.539 --> 00:13:55.299 we wonder, 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:57.339 is our situation beyond him 00:13:57.339 --> 00:13:58.759 or has he forgotten us? 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.559 Well, look again. 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:02.000 Verse 18, 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:05.199 those who were troubled with unclean spirits, 00:14:06.459 --> 00:14:08.279 those who were emotionally tormented, 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:11.620 all the crowd, 00:14:12.959 --> 00:14:14.379 power came out from him, 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.779 healed them all. 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:21.799 Do you need this reminder this evening? 00:14:23.839 --> 00:14:25.000 You know, don't you, 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:26.459 that the Jesus of the Gospels 00:14:26.459 --> 00:14:28.559 is the same Jesus 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:32.459 who is exalted to the Father's right hand in heaven, 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:35.279 and he is the same Jesus 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:37.799 who is present with us here 00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:39.259 by his Holy Spirit. 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:44.759 This Jesus is building his church. 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:48.399 He has compassion on his people. 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:52.339 He has the power to change your life. 00:14:54.339 --> 00:14:56.079 So whatever is going on, 00:14:57.339 --> 00:14:58.360 here's the reminder 00:14:58.360 --> 00:15:01.279 that you need to trust him. 00:15:01.959 --> 00:15:02.799 You can trust him. 00:15:05.919 --> 00:15:07.879 So Christ is making all things new 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:09.099 through his church, 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.919 and he is the son of man 00:15:10.919 --> 00:15:12.899 who has the power to carry out this plan. 00:15:14.099 --> 00:15:15.740 But Jesus doesn't stop there. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:18.220 He doesn't just remind his apostles of his power. 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:20.180 He also offers reassurance 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:23.019 for the life that they have chosen. 00:15:23.259 --> 00:15:24.139 That's our third point, 00:15:24.200 --> 00:15:25.320 and that's the main thrust 00:15:25.320 --> 00:15:26.200 of what we're looking at. 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:27.820 He starts with renewal. 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:29.360 He moves to reminder. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:30.740 And then thirdly, 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:31.659 we have reassurance. 00:15:31.799 --> 00:15:33.500 He makes his promise. 00:15:34.840 --> 00:15:35.960 Luke's Beatitudes here, 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:40.639 when we come to verse 20, 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:44.519 they seem to be more specific 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:46.360 to the immediate context than Matthew. 00:15:46.539 --> 00:15:47.240 So Matthew says, 00:15:47.539 --> 00:15:48.500 blessed are the poor in spirit, 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:51.080 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:52.939 It's a general truth, 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:54.220 but these statements here 00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:55.799 are addressed to this group 00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:57.399 that are standing right in front of Jesus. 00:15:57.559 --> 00:15:58.220 So verse 20, 00:15:58.799 --> 00:16:01.539 blessed are you who are poor, 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:04.279 for yours is the kingdom of God. 00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:06.639 These men and women 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:08.299 have left everything to follow Jesus. 00:16:08.740 --> 00:16:09.819 We saw in chapter 5 00:16:09.819 --> 00:16:10.860 how some of these apostles 00:16:10.860 --> 00:16:12.019 literally walked away 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:13.419 from their family fishing business 00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:15.259 to follow Jesus in faith. 00:16:16.339 --> 00:16:17.419 And what he does here 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.139 is assure them 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.199 that they've made the right call. 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:23.139 You don't think that there were times 00:16:23.139 --> 00:16:24.899 when the radical nature 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:26.079 of the call on their lives 00:16:26.079 --> 00:16:27.000 that Jesus gives, 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:28.120 there weren't times 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:28.759 when they went, 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:30.379 you know, 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:31.659 the fishing business 00:16:31.659 --> 00:16:33.959 was pretty tidy. 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:36.919 It's a fair bit easier than this. 00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:38.980 We knew what we were doing back there. 00:16:40.959 --> 00:16:41.759 Jesus says, 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.539 you are poor 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:43.559 because you have left 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.600 everything to follow me. 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:46.699 And I want to reassure you 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.539 that you possess 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:48.399 the kingdom of God 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:49.000 as a result. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.120 He'll move to reassurance 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:53.259 about the future 00:16:53.259 --> 00:16:54.079 with his next breath, 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.139 but he starts with the fact 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.179 that even in the midst 00:16:56.179 --> 00:16:56.919 of their struggles, 00:16:57.039 --> 00:16:58.519 they are full citizens 00:16:58.519 --> 00:16:59.600 of the kingdom of God. 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:02.939 Again, 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.119 do you need to hear that this evening? 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:06.799 The sacrifices 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:07.539 that you have made 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.379 to follow Jesus, 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.899 whatever they have cost you 00:17:10.899 --> 00:17:12.119 in material terms 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:13.200 are worth it 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:14.660 because you have gained 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:15.660 the kingdom of God 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:17.420 which is beyond price. 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:22.079 Some people preach this 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:22.940 as an exhortation 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:24.000 to material poverty. 00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:26.019 Only the poor receive the kingdom, 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:28.139 but it's actually a reassurance 00:17:28.139 --> 00:17:28.960 that the cost 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:30.180 of following Jesus 00:17:30.180 --> 00:17:31.079 is worth it. 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:32.119 It's worth it. 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:35.019 He calls us to take up 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:36.119 our cross and follow him. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.419 He calls us, yes, 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.539 to give up everything, 00:17:39.319 --> 00:17:40.740 to lay all that we have 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:41.379 at his feet. 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:43.099 All that I have is yours, 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:43.779 Lord Jesus. 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:44.960 My time, 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:45.879 my money, 00:17:46.199 --> 00:17:46.859 my family, 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:47.859 my life, 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.639 my health, 00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:49.599 everything. 00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:51.000 It is yours. 00:17:51.419 --> 00:17:52.539 Do with it what you will. 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:55.539 And whatever that costs us 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:56.579 in material terms, 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:57.559 he says here, 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:59.379 you can gladly let it go 00:17:59.379 --> 00:18:00.639 because you have been given 00:18:00.639 --> 00:18:02.299 one thing that ultimately matters 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:03.839 and that is the kingdom of God 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:05.259 and you cannot lose that 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.159 and it is worth 00:18:06.159 --> 00:18:07.799 far more than anything 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:09.639 that you can have here. 00:18:11.220 --> 00:18:12.779 It is a great reassurance. 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:16.379 And it is a great reassurance 00:18:16.379 --> 00:18:17.920 that actually liberates us 00:18:17.920 --> 00:18:18.839 to sit loose 00:18:18.839 --> 00:18:19.940 to whatever we have 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:21.039 in material terms, 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:22.839 to live with open hands 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:23.920 and to be generous. 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:24.879 We're going to get to more 00:18:24.879 --> 00:18:25.839 of that next week, 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:26.599 Lord willing. 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:28.579 Here's the thing. 00:18:29.379 --> 00:18:30.759 Life is gained 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.899 in God's kingdom 00:18:31.899 --> 00:18:33.059 by giving it away. 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:38.920 Blessed are you 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:40.000 who are poor 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:42.859 for yours is the kingdom of God. 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:45.960 But this reassurance 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:47.000 isn't just in the present. 00:18:47.099 --> 00:18:48.140 It reaches forward as well. 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:48.980 Look at verse 21. 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:49.700 Blessed are you 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:50.819 who are hungry now 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:52.980 for you shall be satisfied. 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:53.799 Blessed are you 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:55.119 who weep now 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.240 for you shall laugh. 00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:57.119 Blessed are you 00:18:57.119 --> 00:18:58.039 when people hate you 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:59.400 and when they exclude you 00:18:59.400 --> 00:19:00.559 and revile you 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:02.259 and spurn your name as evil 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.559 on account of the Son of Man. 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:07.220 You're hungry now 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:08.480 because you've considered 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:09.180 following me 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:10.180 to be of greater value 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:10.600 and worth 00:19:10.600 --> 00:19:11.580 than your basic needs. 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:14.700 You're weeping now 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:15.539 because you have heeded 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.580 the call to follow me 00:19:16.580 --> 00:19:18.320 and life as a follower 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:20.240 of Jesus is cross-shaped 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:21.660 so it inevitably 00:19:21.660 --> 00:19:22.940 is marked by hardship 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:23.580 and grief. 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:25.779 You are hated, 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:27.120 you are rejected, 00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.460 you are repulsive 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.460 to some people 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.600 and your good name 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:31.279 is maligned 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.860 all because you have chosen 00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:34.120 to leave everything 00:19:34.120 --> 00:19:34.960 to follow me 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:36.660 and I want to reassure you 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:38.200 that you are not just 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:38.860 blessed now 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:39.539 because of this. 00:19:39.620 --> 00:19:40.360 It's not just 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:41.120 that you're a citizen 00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:42.259 of the kingdom of God 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:43.799 but a day is coming 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:44.480 when your hunger 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:45.640 will turn to satisfaction. 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.519 A day is coming 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.559 when your tears 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:49.420 will become tears 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:50.000 of laughter 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:51.360 and all the hatred 00:19:51.360 --> 00:19:52.500 that people have directed 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:52.860 at you 00:19:52.860 --> 00:19:53.440 will give way 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.160 to vindication 00:19:54.160 --> 00:19:56.559 and you will rejoice. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:20:01.740 Do you hear this? 00:20:03.059 --> 00:20:04.059 Are you hungry 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:05.559 because you lost everything 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.639 when you came to Christ? 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:08.940 I know that's true 00:20:08.940 --> 00:20:09.720 for some of us. 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:13.799 Are things tight for you 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:16.259 because obedience to Christ 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:17.740 caused you to lose your job? 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.519 Do you have little 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:23.519 available to you 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.379 because you've chosen 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.400 to be so generous 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:25.940 to others 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.600 for the sake 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:27.300 of the gospel? 00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:30.160 God sees it 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:33.200 and a day is coming 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:35.740 when you will be satisfied. 00:20:37.880 --> 00:20:38.360 Weeping 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:39.720 verse 21 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:41.920 weeping over our sin 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:44.260 weeping over the sins 00:20:44.260 --> 00:20:45.020 of our nation 00:20:45.020 --> 00:20:47.820 weeping for the unborn 00:20:47.820 --> 00:20:48.720 and the trafficked 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:50.920 weeping over the lost 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:52.759 weeping over those 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.840 members of our family 00:20:53.840 --> 00:20:55.620 who face nothing 00:20:55.620 --> 00:20:56.700 but a lost eternity 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:59.080 weeping because of disease 00:20:59.080 --> 00:20:59.900 in our world 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:00.560 and divorce 00:21:00.560 --> 00:21:01.440 and death 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.380 and all of these 00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:03.420 awful things 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:05.220 there have been times 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:05.920 in my life 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:06.980 when I've wondered 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.279 if I would ever laugh again. 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:12.400 God sees it all 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:15.880 and a day is coming 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:18.420 when all of that sorrow 00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:19.759 will turn to joy. 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:24.060 One author has said 00:21:24.060 --> 00:21:24.519 the people 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:26.039 who laugh loudest 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.539 and longest 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.700 will be the ones 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:29.220 who suffered most 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:30.200 for their faith. 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:33.100 Eternity 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:34.420 will be full 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.880 of the laughter 00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:36.980 and joy 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:38.700 of Christian martyrs. 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.220 Opposition 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.779 22 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:47.660 when people hate you 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:49.360 and when they exclude you 00:21:49.360 --> 00:21:50.840 and revile you 00:21:50.840 --> 00:21:52.220 and spurn your name 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.600 as evil 00:21:52.600 --> 00:21:53.759 on account of the Son of Man. 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:57.900 When you are maligned 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.220 for your Christian faith 00:21:59.220 --> 00:22:03.100 you took a stand 00:22:03.100 --> 00:22:05.240 because God's word 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.380 required you 00:22:06.380 --> 00:22:07.500 to take a stand 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.860 and 00:22:08.860 --> 00:22:12.300 it destroyed your reputation. 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:15.099 It torpedoed you 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:15.759 professionally. 00:22:17.899 --> 00:22:19.159 However personal 00:22:19.159 --> 00:22:20.759 however nasty 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:22.379 however destructive 00:22:22.379 --> 00:22:23.619 that gets 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.659 Jesus says 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:25.299 rejoice. 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:30.419 Really rejoice 00:22:30.419 --> 00:22:30.919 actually 00:22:30.919 --> 00:22:31.720 verse 23 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.839 leap for joy 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:34.339 kind of rejoicing. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:36.500 You have to be a very strange person 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.440 to act like this. 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:40.460 People turning on you 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.880 people sullying your name 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:43.319 people telling the world 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:44.200 through social media 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:45.319 that you aren't just annoying 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:46.519 but you're actually wicked. 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:48.880 Who rejoices at that? 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:52.019 We were all told 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:52.720 from childhood 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.559 sticks and stones 00:22:53.559 --> 00:22:54.440 may break my bones 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.720 but names will never hurt me. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.140 That's nonsense 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:58.700 and we all know that. 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.700 We all remember 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.380 things that people 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:02.220 have said to us 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:03.420 many years ago 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.620 that have stayed with us. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:07.340 I certainly feel that way. 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:07.900 I can't remember 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:08.980 there's loads of 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.860 punches on the nose 00:23:09.859 --> 00:23:10.899 I don't remember at all. 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:13.799 That's why it's so big. 00:23:17.479 --> 00:23:18.879 But it's true isn't it? 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.479 Sticks and stones 00:23:20.479 --> 00:23:21.619 could break our bones 00:23:21.619 --> 00:23:22.379 but names 00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:25.259 particularly when it's lies 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:27.019 particularly when we've done 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.119 the right thing 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:33.279 devastates us. 00:23:33.939 --> 00:23:34.759 So how do you rejoice? 00:23:34.879 --> 00:23:35.339 Well you're either 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:36.279 a sociopath 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:38.700 where you know 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:39.819 that God sees it all 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:54.059 and he is keeping score. 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:58.639 and one day 00:23:58.639 --> 00:24:01.220 it will end 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:04.339 and you will receive 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:05.940 a heavenly reward 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:07.819 that you couldn't ever 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.519 imagine 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:09.500 when you were going 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.159 through it all. 00:24:10.159 --> 00:24:10.879 When you were going 00:24:10.879 --> 00:24:11.399 through it all. 00:24:11.500 --> 00:24:12.019 After all 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:13.799 if you're reviled 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:15.500 for following Jesus 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:17.399 for being obedient 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:18.359 to his word 00:24:18.359 --> 00:24:19.960 you're on the right track 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.960 because as it was 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:21.440 for him 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:23.180 so it is 00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:24.180 for his followers 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:25.779 and all of that 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.340 opposition 00:24:26.340 --> 00:24:27.860 is on the clock 00:24:27.860 --> 00:24:29.480 and one day 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:31.420 it will all cease. 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:34.980 So 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:36.720 we're reassured 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:38.840 we're reassured 00:24:38.840 --> 00:24:39.440 in the present 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.220 we're reassured 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:40.880 about the future 00:24:40.880 --> 00:24:42.160 but we're also reassured 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:43.240 about those who have not 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.200 made the sacrifices 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:44.980 that we've made. 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:46.220 This often plays out 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:46.980 again if we're honest 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:47.640 this plays out 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.240 in our minds. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:50.019 I can get it 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:51.279 that the future 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:52.259 is going to be great 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:52.960 but 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:55.079 is it possible 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:56.000 that it could be great 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.559 now 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.880 as well as in the future? 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:00.140 Is it possible 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:01.200 to have the good life 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:01.680 now 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.799 and the good life 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.120 then? 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:06.079 Well Jesus is clear 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.819 verse 24 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.880 but woe to you 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.559 who are rich 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.460 for you have received 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.279 your consolation. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:11.539 Woe to you 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.539 who are full now 00:25:12.539 --> 00:25:13.500 for you shall be hungry. 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:14.240 Woe to you 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:15.140 who laugh now 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:15.960 for you shall mourn 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:16.400 and weep. 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.380 Woe to you 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:18.120 when all people 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:19.220 speak well of you 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.900 for so their fathers 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:22.880 did to the false prophets. 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:24.980 The sense of the word 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.599 woe here 00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:26.200 is like 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:27.539 alas 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.140 or 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:29.480 how awful 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:31.519 how awful 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:33.720 to you 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.759 who are full now. 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:37.839 Jesus is pointing here 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:38.620 to those 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:39.480 who have chosen 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:41.140 present comfort 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:42.259 and prosperity 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:44.220 who have chosen 00:25:44.220 --> 00:25:44.920 the good life 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:45.380 according 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:46.940 to this world 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.700 over the kingdom 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.200 of God. 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:51.559 And it's a reassurance 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.240 to the disciples 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.079 because as they 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:54.759 look at those 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.660 who haven't chosen 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:56.440 to follow Christ 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.100 but whose lives 00:25:57.100 --> 00:25:57.900 seem much better 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:58.579 than theirs 00:25:58.579 --> 00:26:01.079 they don't go hungry. 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.920 They don't weep 00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.700 over the brokenness 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.200 of the world 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.860 because they never 00:26:04.860 --> 00:26:05.700 have to experience 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:06.279 any of it. 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.039 And they're always laughing 00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:09.399 and they're always 00:26:09.399 --> 00:26:10.119 having people 00:26:10.119 --> 00:26:10.579 tell them 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.519 how great they are. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.440 And we hear that. 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:18.200 We hear that description 00:26:18.200 --> 00:26:18.639 and we think 00:26:18.639 --> 00:26:19.500 oh that would be nice. 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.759 But Jesus says 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.940 no 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.960 actually 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:25.579 it would be tragic. 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:28.539 And reassuring 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.460 these disciples 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:30.519 there is a warning 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.019 for those 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.420 who think 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:31.839 that that is 00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:32.480 the right path 00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:32.920 for life. 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:33.440 he says 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:34.960 how awful 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:36.120 it would be 00:26:36.120 --> 00:26:37.160 to live that way 00:26:37.160 --> 00:26:37.759 because it is 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:39.060 the worst trade 00:26:39.060 --> 00:26:40.560 that you can possibly make 00:26:40.560 --> 00:26:41.480 because it is so 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:42.560 short sighted. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.320 The fleeting pleasures 00:26:44.320 --> 00:26:45.380 that this life offers 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:46.580 even in their most 00:26:46.580 --> 00:26:47.740 extravagant forms 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.940 are precisely that. 00:26:49.340 --> 00:26:50.140 They're fleeting. 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.560 So 00:26:53.560 --> 00:26:55.620 you better enjoy 00:26:55.620 --> 00:26:57.240 whatever it is now 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.259 because the pleasure 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.480 in the moment 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.480 is all there is. 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:03.800 But know 00:27:03.800 --> 00:27:04.480 that the hunger 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:06.060 and the weeping 00:27:06.060 --> 00:27:07.820 they are coming. 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:10.240 That's what Jesus says. 00:27:11.580 --> 00:27:12.440 Not only that 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:13.340 I think worst of all 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:14.480 the sense of profound 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:15.820 regret over rejecting 00:27:15.820 --> 00:27:16.980 Jesus' offer of life 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.380 in him 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:18.080 the life that is 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:18.700 truly life 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:20.060 that will haunt you 00:27:20.060 --> 00:27:20.640 for eternity 00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:22.779 which is a very long time. 00:27:24.380 --> 00:27:25.640 How awful indeed. 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:30.920 I suppose the obvious 00:27:30.920 --> 00:27:31.519 thing to say is 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:32.340 so don't go there. 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:34.440 Don't go there. 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.920 Choose Christ instead. 00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:37.759 Put your faith 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.460 in Christ. 00:27:38.620 --> 00:27:39.300 Give your life 00:27:39.300 --> 00:27:39.980 up to him 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:40.880 and you will receive 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:41.380 the kingdom 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:42.519 and you will receive 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.680 the blessing of new life 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.539 that changes 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:45.680 your present experience 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:46.759 because it reassures you 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:47.700 about a glorious future. 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.960 It changes your 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:50.320 present experience 00:27:50.320 --> 00:27:52.360 because it assures you 00:27:52.360 --> 00:27:54.259 of a glorious future. 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:58.480 Well in their fear 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.160 and uncertainty 00:27:59.160 --> 00:28:00.039 those little boys 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:00.640 needed to know 00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:01.720 that they had a new life 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:03.379 that they were in safe hands 00:28:03.379 --> 00:28:04.500 and that their future 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.660 was secure 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:07.220 and Jesus shows us here 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:08.619 that it is the same for us. 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:11.140 If you've put your faith in him 00:28:11.140 --> 00:28:11.940 he has called you 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:13.019 into his new people. 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:14.400 We have received the kingdom. 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:15.299 We are citizens 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:16.480 of God's kingdom 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.259 now. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:20.759 and he has the power 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.680 to care for us 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:26.039 and we can live with joy 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:26.519 in the midst 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.640 of all of the trials 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:28.640 because our future 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.759 is secure 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:30.879 and that future 00:28:30.879 --> 00:28:32.279 will be 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:34.000 unimaginably wonderful. 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:36.000 Let's pray.