WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.880 What would joy be worth to you? 00:00:17.280 --> 00:00:23.000 What would you be willing to endure for the sake of true joy? 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:40.579 A deep-seated, genuine, heartfelt, overflowing, overwhelming, never-ending, never-fading, all-consuming joy. 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:53.939 Would the confident expectation of a joy like that help you to endure the hardships of this life? 00:00:55.259 --> 00:01:03.420 Would the promise of that kind of joy comfort you as you grieve the death of your loved ones? 00:01:04.859 --> 00:01:09.140 Would it give you hope to go on in the daily grind of life? 00:01:09.140 --> 00:01:23.460 Would it give you peace in the face of stresses at work, stresses at home, stresses about your health or your lack of health? 00:01:23.920 --> 00:01:29.500 Would it give you strength when you feel like the people around you hate you without cause? 00:01:29.500 --> 00:01:43.819 Would it sustain you if you felt like your whole life of following Jesus was just getting too hard or too long or too different, 00:01:44.140 --> 00:01:47.180 making you feel too different from the people around you? 00:01:47.180 --> 00:01:56.280 Our gospel passage this morning is taken from a long section in John's gospel. 00:01:56.860 --> 00:02:01.960 It stretches from the end of chapter 13 to the end of chapter 17. 00:02:02.500 --> 00:02:04.300 And the setting is the upper room. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:12.240 It is the night of Jesus' betrayal, the night before his crucifixion. 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:22.560 And he spends much of this final evening caring for his closest disciples, preparing them for what is about to happen. 00:02:23.760 --> 00:02:34.620 And towards the end of the whole conversation, he tells them clearly the reason, tells them his purpose in this conversation. 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:45.500 If you have your pew Bibles at hand, you can open them to page 936 once again, or in your own Bibles, John chapter 16. 00:02:45.500 --> 00:02:53.280 So he tells them what he's up to in this final evening. 00:02:53.379 --> 00:02:56.060 He says in chapter 16, verse 1, 00:02:57.500 --> 00:03:01.659 These things I've spoken to you that you should not be made to stumble. 00:03:03.139 --> 00:03:07.639 And at the end of chapter 16, verse 33, he says, 00:03:07.719 --> 00:03:12.099 These things I've spoken to you that in me you may have peace. 00:03:12.099 --> 00:03:15.680 So he doesn't want them to stumble. 00:03:16.239 --> 00:03:18.699 And he wants to provide them with peace. 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:27.819 And one of the main things that he wants them to understand in order that these things would happen is that he is about to leave them. 00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:29.299 He is leaving them. 00:03:29.519 --> 00:03:31.639 Right at the beginning, he says so. 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:35.979 In chapter 13, in verse 33, he says, 00:03:35.979 --> 00:03:51.599 It's a recurring theme throughout the conversation. 00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:52.879 He's repeatedly telling them, 00:03:53.459 --> 00:03:54.539 I'm about to leave you. 00:03:55.199 --> 00:03:56.439 I'm about to leave you. 00:03:57.039 --> 00:04:00.799 And then in our passage that George read for us, 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:03.860 He repeats the point again. 00:04:03.860 --> 00:04:06.219 But he says it almost in the form of a riddle, 00:04:06.980 --> 00:04:09.200 a cryptic way of speaking, 00:04:10.160 --> 00:04:14.480 perhaps to see if they really understood what he's been telling them. 00:04:15.540 --> 00:04:17.180 And actually, from their response, 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:21.780 it becomes painfully obvious that they haven't at all understood what he's been telling them. 00:04:22.660 --> 00:04:25.759 He says in 16 and verse 16, 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:30.279 A little while, and you will not see me. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:33.860 And again a little while, and you will see me. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:35.719 Because I go to the Father. 00:04:36.800 --> 00:04:38.860 Then some of his disciples said among themselves, 00:04:38.980 --> 00:04:40.279 What is this that he says to us, 00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:41.920 A little while, and you will not see me. 00:04:42.219 --> 00:04:44.279 And again a little while, and you will see me. 00:04:44.659 --> 00:04:46.019 And because I go to the Father. 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:48.639 They said, therefore, what is this that he says, 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:49.259 A little while? 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:51.120 We do not know what he's saying. 00:04:52.099 --> 00:04:54.779 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask him, 00:04:54.800 --> 00:04:55.480 and he said to them, 00:04:55.759 --> 00:04:59.579 Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said? 00:05:00.319 --> 00:05:02.079 A little while, and you will not see me. 00:05:02.139 --> 00:05:04.599 And again a little while, and you will see me. 00:05:06.500 --> 00:05:09.879 The repetition over and over again, 00:05:09.899 --> 00:05:10.939 A little while, a little while. 00:05:11.199 --> 00:05:16.519 It allows us to enter in to the disciples' bewilderment 00:05:16.519 --> 00:05:20.620 as they spin in a circle, as it were. 00:05:20.779 --> 00:05:21.439 A little while. 00:05:21.519 --> 00:05:22.039 What's he saying? 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:22.519 A little while. 00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:24.039 We go around with them. 00:05:24.040 --> 00:05:30.360 And it sets us up for Jesus' bold and strong 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:33.020 and clear declaration in verse 20. 00:05:34.120 --> 00:05:35.560 But just before we look at that, 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:37.040 he begins that by saying, 00:05:37.160 --> 00:05:39.800 Most assuredly, I say to you. 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:41.400 And many of you know, 00:05:41.439 --> 00:05:44.360 when he says at the beginning of something in your Bible, 00:05:44.360 --> 00:05:46.580 in your Bible, most assuredly, I say to you, 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:48.939 or truly, truly, I say to you, 00:05:49.660 --> 00:05:52.540 he's saying, peel back your ears. 00:05:52.980 --> 00:05:53.920 Peel back your eyes. 00:05:54.280 --> 00:05:55.080 Dig out your ears. 00:05:56.520 --> 00:05:57.180 Heads up. 00:05:57.960 --> 00:06:00.240 Everything he says is important. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:01.900 He says himself in chapter 5, 00:06:01.899 --> 00:06:03.339 Thanks, brother. 00:06:03.339 --> 00:06:07.879 That his words are the very words of God. 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:17.079 But when he says that, he's underlining it 00:06:17.079 --> 00:06:22.620 and putting it in bold and highlighting it. 00:06:23.779 --> 00:06:24.419 Caps. 00:06:25.639 --> 00:06:26.439 Heads up. 00:06:26.439 --> 00:06:27.980 So what does he say? 00:06:28.480 --> 00:06:29.920 Most assuredly, I say to you, 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:32.620 you will weep and lament, 00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:35.100 but the world will rejoice. 00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:37.779 And you will be sorrowful, 00:06:38.300 --> 00:06:41.180 but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 00:06:41.180 --> 00:06:45.280 So the heart of what he's saying 00:06:45.280 --> 00:06:47.360 is there's a strong contrast 00:06:47.360 --> 00:06:50.220 between what the disciples 00:06:50.220 --> 00:06:52.560 are about to experience, 00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:53.680 the followers of Jesus, 00:06:53.980 --> 00:06:54.740 and the world. 00:06:55.319 --> 00:06:56.220 On the one hand, 00:06:56.280 --> 00:06:58.139 it's not going to go very well for them. 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:00.079 You will weep. 00:07:00.960 --> 00:07:01.879 They will rejoice. 00:07:02.680 --> 00:07:04.199 You will mourn. 00:07:05.019 --> 00:07:06.139 They will rejoice. 00:07:06.300 --> 00:07:07.280 You will grieve. 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:08.500 You will be sorrowful. 00:07:08.920 --> 00:07:09.879 You will lament. 00:07:09.879 --> 00:07:11.800 They will rejoice. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:15.959 The hour of darkness was coming. 00:07:16.540 --> 00:07:18.639 Jesus was about to be betrayed, 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:21.759 arrested, crucified, 00:07:22.680 --> 00:07:25.319 dead, and buried. 00:07:25.560 --> 00:07:27.439 It was to be the darkest time 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:29.899 that the disciples had ever known. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:32.079 And the enemies of Jesus, 00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:34.819 who had hated him for years 00:07:34.819 --> 00:07:36.819 and plotted against him, 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:38.879 seemed to finally have triumphed. 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:40.779 And as it were, 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:43.439 they are celebrating their victory, 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:45.319 toasting one another with champagne. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:48.959 And the disciples were shattered 00:07:48.959 --> 00:07:50.699 and scattered 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:53.240 and running for their lives. 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:54.339 They were weeping, 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:57.079 crying, mourning, lamenting. 00:07:57.079 --> 00:08:01.419 But, Jesus says, 00:08:01.919 --> 00:08:02.699 but, 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:06.899 your grief will turn to joy. 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:08.879 A little while, 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:10.699 he says to them, 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:11.439 a little while, 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:12.659 a little while. 00:08:13.779 --> 00:08:15.199 And after a little while, 00:08:15.279 --> 00:08:15.839 your grief 00:08:15.839 --> 00:08:17.099 will turn 00:08:17.099 --> 00:08:18.259 to joy. 00:08:18.259 --> 00:08:21.420 And he goes on to compare 00:08:21.420 --> 00:08:22.779 their experience 00:08:22.779 --> 00:08:23.740 to the experience 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:24.699 of a woman in labor. 00:08:25.899 --> 00:08:27.120 The woman in labor 00:08:27.120 --> 00:08:28.360 has intense 00:08:28.360 --> 00:08:30.539 pain 00:08:30.539 --> 00:08:31.959 and grief 00:08:31.959 --> 00:08:33.399 when the hour of delivery 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.279 comes. 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:35.000 For many women, 00:08:35.100 --> 00:08:35.939 it is physically, 00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:36.340 at least, 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:37.299 the most difficult 00:08:37.299 --> 00:08:39.439 and painful experience 00:08:39.439 --> 00:08:41.580 of their life. 00:08:41.580 --> 00:08:42.800 And yet, 00:08:42.900 --> 00:08:43.720 astonishingly, 00:08:43.780 --> 00:08:44.639 if all goes well, 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:46.500 and we're not speaking here 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:47.100 of those 00:08:47.100 --> 00:08:49.300 exceptionally difficult times 00:08:49.300 --> 00:08:50.379 when all does not go well, 00:08:50.660 --> 00:08:52.180 but if all goes well, 00:08:52.680 --> 00:08:53.300 amazingly, 00:08:53.460 --> 00:08:54.520 the pain of labor 00:08:54.520 --> 00:08:55.960 is instantly 00:08:55.960 --> 00:08:56.580 overcome, 00:08:57.840 --> 00:08:58.400 overwhelmed 00:08:58.400 --> 00:08:59.759 and drowned out 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:01.220 by the joy 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:02.920 of the new baby 00:09:02.920 --> 00:09:03.780 that has been born 00:09:03.780 --> 00:09:04.440 into the world. 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:06.580 Actually, 00:09:06.860 --> 00:09:07.920 just as an aside, 00:09:08.020 --> 00:09:08.820 some of you may question 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:09.380 whether Jesus 00:09:09.380 --> 00:09:10.380 has overstated 00:09:10.380 --> 00:09:11.120 the point here 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:12.000 when he says, 00:09:12.860 --> 00:09:13.480 she no longer 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:14.320 remembers 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:15.720 the anguish. 00:09:16.640 --> 00:09:17.120 Probably, 00:09:17.240 --> 00:09:17.700 many of you 00:09:17.700 --> 00:09:18.660 who have had 00:09:18.660 --> 00:09:19.300 babies 00:09:19.300 --> 00:09:20.220 would have no trouble 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:20.820 remembering 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:21.940 the anguish 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:22.740 if you wanted to, 00:09:22.780 --> 00:09:23.660 if you called it to mind. 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:25.140 But this doesn't need 00:09:25.140 --> 00:09:25.960 to cause us to stumble 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:26.660 because the word 00:09:26.660 --> 00:09:28.160 that many English 00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:28.760 translations 00:09:28.760 --> 00:09:30.660 put as remember 00:09:30.660 --> 00:09:31.560 could just as well 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:31.860 be 00:09:31.860 --> 00:09:33.620 to think of, 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:35.519 to set your mind on, 00:09:35.580 --> 00:09:36.620 to call to mind. 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:39.200 And that is 00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:40.299 a better representation, 00:09:40.580 --> 00:09:41.039 I would put to you, 00:09:41.100 --> 00:09:42.480 of what Jesus is saying. 00:09:42.659 --> 00:09:43.340 When the baby 00:09:43.340 --> 00:09:44.139 has been born, 00:09:45.139 --> 00:09:45.720 the mother 00:09:45.720 --> 00:09:47.480 is no longer 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:48.179 thinking about 00:09:48.179 --> 00:09:49.440 the pain of labor. 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:51.039 She no longer 00:09:51.039 --> 00:09:52.279 is setting her mind 00:09:52.279 --> 00:09:53.500 on those things 00:09:53.500 --> 00:09:54.340 and keeping them in mind, 00:09:54.419 --> 00:09:55.340 but she's entirely 00:09:55.340 --> 00:09:56.019 focused 00:09:56.019 --> 00:09:57.240 on the baby, 00:09:57.600 --> 00:09:58.560 on the joy 00:09:58.560 --> 00:09:59.879 and the delight 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:02.039 in the new little boy 00:10:02.039 --> 00:10:03.060 or the new little girl 00:10:03.059 --> 00:10:03.759 that's been born. 00:10:05.299 --> 00:10:05.759 And so like 00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:06.739 the laboring mother, 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:08.019 Jesus says, 00:10:08.219 --> 00:10:09.179 you will have grief 00:10:09.179 --> 00:10:10.439 now. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:12.500 I am being taken 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:13.639 away from you. 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:16.519 But also like her, 00:10:16.619 --> 00:10:17.699 the grief will only be 00:10:17.699 --> 00:10:18.659 for a short time 00:10:18.659 --> 00:10:20.759 and then 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:22.000 it will be 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:22.639 swallowed up 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:23.159 with joy. 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:27.439 He returns 00:10:27.439 --> 00:10:28.279 to the disciples 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:30.359 in verse 22 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:32.480 and in this verse 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:33.620 he draws together 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:34.399 all that he's been 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:35.240 saying so far. 00:10:35.379 --> 00:10:36.960 So look with me 00:10:36.960 --> 00:10:38.300 at it. 00:10:39.800 --> 00:10:40.240 Therefore, 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:42.320 you now have sorrow, 00:10:43.060 --> 00:10:44.860 but I will see you again 00:10:44.860 --> 00:10:46.440 and your heart 00:10:46.440 --> 00:10:47.019 will rejoice 00:10:47.019 --> 00:10:49.139 and your joy 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:50.659 no one will take 00:10:50.659 --> 00:10:51.180 from you. 00:10:53.060 --> 00:10:53.820 We see, 00:10:54.019 --> 00:10:55.800 we see here 00:10:55.799 --> 00:10:57.120 the source 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:58.779 of the joy 00:10:58.779 --> 00:10:59.599 that he's been 00:10:59.599 --> 00:11:00.859 talking to them about. 00:11:00.859 --> 00:11:02.099 It's in coming 00:11:02.099 --> 00:11:04.199 face to face 00:11:04.199 --> 00:11:05.779 with the risen 00:11:05.779 --> 00:11:06.620 Lord. 00:11:07.759 --> 00:11:08.799 The joy 00:11:08.799 --> 00:11:09.620 that he's been 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:10.919 telling them about 00:11:10.919 --> 00:11:11.859 is found 00:11:11.859 --> 00:11:12.579 in meeting 00:11:12.579 --> 00:11:13.179 Jesus, 00:11:13.339 --> 00:11:14.000 the resurrected 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:14.519 Jesus, 00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:16.059 face to face. 00:11:17.099 --> 00:11:18.159 Earlier he said, 00:11:18.579 --> 00:11:20.759 in a little while 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:22.079 you will see me 00:11:22.079 --> 00:11:22.419 again. 00:11:22.419 --> 00:11:25.439 now he changes 00:11:25.439 --> 00:11:26.360 it ever so slightly 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:26.959 and he says, 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:29.139 in a little while 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:30.699 I will see you again. 00:11:32.459 --> 00:11:33.459 And by doing this 00:11:33.459 --> 00:11:33.939 what he does 00:11:33.939 --> 00:11:34.360 is he 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:35.519 he completes 00:11:35.519 --> 00:11:36.299 the picture 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:37.899 of 00:11:37.899 --> 00:11:39.339 of an 00:11:39.339 --> 00:11:40.199 intimate 00:11:40.199 --> 00:11:42.139 face to face 00:11:42.139 --> 00:11:43.339 reunion. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:45.059 It's not as though 00:11:45.059 --> 00:11:45.740 it's true 00:11:45.740 --> 00:11:46.439 when he says 00:11:46.439 --> 00:11:48.019 you will see me again. 00:11:48.419 --> 00:11:49.199 But it's not 00:11:49.199 --> 00:11:51.620 it's not as though 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:52.419 when you go 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:53.179 to a concert 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:54.419 and you're 00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:55.240 in your place 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:56.399 in row 00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:57.659 ZZ 00:11:57.659 --> 00:11:58.899 seat 19 00:11:58.899 --> 00:12:00.060 and you see 00:12:00.060 --> 00:12:00.779 the singer 00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:02.080 as small 00:12:02.080 --> 00:12:02.779 as an ant 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:03.700 on the stage. 00:12:04.799 --> 00:12:05.100 It's not 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:05.740 and it's not 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.259 like 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:07.460 when 00:12:07.460 --> 00:12:08.840 Bill Clinton 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:09.440 was here 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:10.519 a few weeks 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:10.860 or a couple 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:11.399 of months ago 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:12.019 and you might have 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:12.460 seen him 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:13.620 being hustled 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:14.460 through a crowd 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.080 and surrounded 00:12:15.080 --> 00:12:15.759 by burly 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:17.000 bodyguards 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:17.379 and you caught 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:17.879 a glimpse 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:18.820 of his elbow 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:20.019 or something. 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:20.539 It's not like 00:12:20.539 --> 00:12:21.000 that at all. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:22.139 You will see him. 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:23.440 He says 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:24.340 you will see me 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:24.919 yes 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:27.500 but 00:12:27.500 --> 00:12:29.360 I will see you. 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:31.539 It will be 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:32.419 an experience 00:12:32.419 --> 00:12:33.600 of face to face 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.080 reunion 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:35.259 of true fellowship. 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:37.639 You will see me again. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.919 I will see you 00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:40.639 again. 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:42.779 This is the source 00:12:42.779 --> 00:12:43.860 of the disciples joy. 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:46.379 And we also see 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:46.899 the depth 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.679 of their joy. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.639 He says 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:50.779 I will see you again 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:52.600 and your heart 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:53.419 will rejoice. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:55.439 Your heart 00:12:55.439 --> 00:12:56.080 will rejoice. 00:12:56.080 --> 00:12:57.399 You will have joy 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:59.120 at the very center 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:00.500 of your being. 00:13:02.100 --> 00:13:03.379 It will be joy 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:04.039 like the mother 00:13:04.039 --> 00:13:05.159 of the newborn 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:06.299 baby. 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:07.879 A joy 00:13:07.879 --> 00:13:09.179 that is so strong 00:13:09.179 --> 00:13:10.480 and so powerful 00:13:10.480 --> 00:13:12.439 and so overwhelming 00:13:12.440 --> 00:13:14.000 that 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:15.440 in her case 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:16.080 the agony 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:16.720 of labor 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:18.120 is all but forgotten. 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:19.380 Completely 00:13:19.380 --> 00:13:21.120 drowned out 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:23.100 by the joy 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:23.840 of something 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:24.560 far greater. 00:13:25.020 --> 00:13:25.840 This is the kind 00:13:25.840 --> 00:13:26.340 of joy 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:27.700 that Jesus promises 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:29.180 to those who will see him 00:13:29.180 --> 00:13:30.780 face to face. 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:33.559 I will see you again 00:13:33.559 --> 00:13:35.559 and your heart 00:13:35.559 --> 00:13:36.379 will rejoice 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:38.879 and your joy 00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:40.519 no one 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:41.179 will take 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:41.779 from you. 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:43.860 The joy 00:13:43.860 --> 00:13:44.720 that he promises 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.799 is secure. 00:13:46.959 --> 00:13:47.860 No one 00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:48.939 will take 00:13:48.939 --> 00:13:49.639 it from you. 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:51.860 When 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:53.759 Jesus was 00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:54.360 crucified 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:55.500 the world 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:56.299 rejoiced. 00:13:56.919 --> 00:13:57.759 But when he 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:58.480 rose from the dead 00:13:58.480 --> 00:13:58.720 again 00:13:58.720 --> 00:13:59.480 that world 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.480 that was opposed 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:00.980 to him 00:14:00.980 --> 00:14:01.879 and hostile 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:02.259 to him 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.360 didn't cease 00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:04.060 to exist. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.660 It still 00:14:05.660 --> 00:14:06.360 is hostile. 00:14:06.940 --> 00:14:07.560 It still 00:14:07.560 --> 00:14:08.100 threatens. 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.000 It still 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:10.860 is opposed 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:11.580 to him 00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:12.500 and those 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:12.899 who name 00:14:12.899 --> 00:14:13.500 his name. 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:15.200 And Jesus 00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:16.139 warns his disciples 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:17.220 that there will be 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.800 those who try 00:14:18.800 --> 00:14:19.340 to take 00:14:19.340 --> 00:14:20.340 their joy 00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:20.759 away. 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:21.920 But they're doomed 00:14:21.920 --> 00:14:22.639 to failure. 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:24.060 They cannot succeed. 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:25.680 The joy 00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:26.540 that comes 00:14:26.540 --> 00:14:27.200 with seeing 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:28.139 the risen Lord 00:14:28.139 --> 00:14:30.340 is a joy 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:32.080 that is 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.500 secure. 00:14:33.939 --> 00:14:34.779 The overwhelming 00:14:34.779 --> 00:14:35.819 joy that drives 00:14:35.819 --> 00:14:36.460 out weeping 00:14:36.460 --> 00:14:37.220 and mourning 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:37.939 and lamenting. 00:14:38.580 --> 00:14:39.259 No one 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:40.500 can take 00:14:40.500 --> 00:14:41.259 away from you. 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:44.319 And so 00:14:44.319 --> 00:14:44.819 what about 00:14:44.819 --> 00:14:45.699 us? 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:47.379 What about 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:48.419 those of us 00:14:48.419 --> 00:14:49.340 here this morning? 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:50.720 How does 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:51.179 this relate 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:51.720 to us? 00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:53.960 Brothers 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:55.519 and sisters, 00:14:55.960 --> 00:14:57.879 the experience 00:14:57.879 --> 00:14:58.920 of the disciples 00:14:58.920 --> 00:15:00.600 that first 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:01.900 Easter weekend 00:15:01.900 --> 00:15:02.820 is in 00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:04.360 a capsule 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:05.379 form. 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:07.139 The same 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:07.660 experience 00:15:07.660 --> 00:15:08.400 of all true 00:15:08.400 --> 00:15:09.320 followers of Jesus 00:15:09.320 --> 00:15:10.340 in every age. 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:13.220 We do not 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:14.379 see our Lord 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:16.220 face to face. 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:18.460 It is true 00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:19.259 that he has 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:20.160 been taken away. 00:15:20.560 --> 00:15:21.139 He has 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:21.879 left us. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:23.519 Now, 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:24.620 it is also 00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:25.120 true that 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:25.700 when he left 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:26.259 he did not 00:15:26.259 --> 00:15:26.740 leave us 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:27.379 orphans. 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.559 When he ascended 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:30.159 to the Father 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:31.080 he poured out 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.600 the Holy Spirit 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:34.320 upon us 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:35.220 to come 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:35.840 and to live 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:36.679 within us 00:15:36.679 --> 00:15:37.860 and to fill us 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.439 and to give us 00:15:38.439 --> 00:15:39.600 power and strength 00:15:39.600 --> 00:15:40.519 in this life. 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:41.159 And in fact, 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:42.120 Jesus even said 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.259 it is to your 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:43.759 advantage 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:45.220 that I go away 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:45.940 so that I can 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:46.919 send the Holy Spirit 00:15:46.919 --> 00:15:47.419 to you. 00:15:47.419 --> 00:15:49.500 And so, 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:50.559 it is true 00:15:50.559 --> 00:15:52.219 that for us 00:15:52.219 --> 00:15:52.759 today 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:54.199 we are even 00:15:54.199 --> 00:15:54.839 in a greater 00:15:54.839 --> 00:15:56.519 situation 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.259 than the disciples 00:15:57.259 --> 00:15:58.339 that lived with him 00:15:58.339 --> 00:15:59.179 and walked with him 00:15:59.179 --> 00:15:59.860 and talked with him 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:00.759 during his earthly 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:01.219 ministry. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.299 All these things 00:16:02.299 --> 00:16:02.620 are true 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:04.019 and I don't want 00:16:04.019 --> 00:16:04.620 to say anything 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:06.379 to minimize 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:07.240 or diminish 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.599 the wonder 00:16:08.599 --> 00:16:09.099 of the gift 00:16:09.099 --> 00:16:10.059 of the Holy Spirit 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:11.179 and his power 00:16:11.179 --> 00:16:11.699 and the joy. 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:12.139 And in fact, 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:13.519 he is the foretaste, 00:16:13.959 --> 00:16:14.799 the deposit, 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:16.059 the down payment 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:17.959 of the joy 00:16:17.959 --> 00:16:19.819 that will one day 00:16:19.819 --> 00:16:20.879 be ours 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.579 in fullness. 00:16:21.859 --> 00:16:22.500 But nevertheless, 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:23.599 the hope 00:16:23.599 --> 00:16:24.459 of the Christian 00:16:24.459 --> 00:16:25.899 remains 00:16:25.899 --> 00:16:28.299 future-oriented. 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.579 One day, 00:16:30.459 --> 00:16:31.179 we will come 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.379 face-to-face 00:16:32.379 --> 00:16:34.000 with the risen 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:34.679 Lord Jesus. 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:37.299 That is the Christian's 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:37.639 hope. 00:16:37.979 --> 00:16:38.919 We will stand 00:16:38.919 --> 00:16:39.899 before the Lord 00:16:39.899 --> 00:16:41.879 face-to-face 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.679 in glory. 00:16:42.679 --> 00:16:44.759 And this is not 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.599 only our hope 00:16:45.599 --> 00:16:46.979 and our joy 00:16:46.979 --> 00:16:49.759 and our longing 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.500 and expectation, 00:16:50.779 --> 00:16:51.399 but it's even 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:52.639 the desire 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.759 of the Lord himself. 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:57.339 As Jesus prayed, 00:16:58.339 --> 00:16:58.699 Father, 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:00.539 I desire 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:01.579 that they also, 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:03.159 whom you have 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:03.699 given me, 00:17:04.659 --> 00:17:05.460 may be with me 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.319 where I am 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.879 to see my glory. 00:17:07.879 --> 00:17:08.000 Amen. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.799 And so in the 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:15.220 meantime, 00:17:15.560 --> 00:17:16.380 the world does 00:17:16.380 --> 00:17:17.299 seem to be on top 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.980 at times, 00:17:19.080 --> 00:17:19.560 doesn't it? 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:22.840 Those who are 00:17:22.840 --> 00:17:24.500 hostile to Jesus 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.539 continue to threaten. 00:17:27.320 --> 00:17:28.480 And now that he 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:29.200 has departed, 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:30.560 that unwanted 00:17:30.560 --> 00:17:31.900 attention that was 00:17:31.900 --> 00:17:32.920 focused on him 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.039 has now been 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:34.840 redirected 00:17:34.840 --> 00:17:36.360 to his followers, 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.500 to his people. 00:17:37.600 --> 00:17:38.140 It began 00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:39.380 right away 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:40.220 in the days 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:40.860 of the disciples. 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.679 And Jesus 00:17:41.679 --> 00:17:42.299 told them 00:17:42.299 --> 00:17:42.939 in this 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:44.839 upper room 00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:46.039 preparation, 00:17:46.879 --> 00:17:47.639 he warned them, 00:17:47.679 --> 00:17:48.059 he said, 00:17:48.399 --> 00:17:49.719 if the world 00:17:49.719 --> 00:17:50.439 hates you, 00:17:51.159 --> 00:17:52.000 you know 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.579 that it hated 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.279 me before 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:54.079 it hated you. 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:55.379 And they will 00:17:55.379 --> 00:17:56.019 put you out 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:56.679 of the synagogue. 00:17:57.639 --> 00:17:57.879 Yes, 00:17:57.959 --> 00:17:58.479 the time is 00:17:58.479 --> 00:17:58.879 coming that 00:17:58.879 --> 00:17:59.659 whoever kills 00:17:59.659 --> 00:18:00.679 you will 00:18:00.679 --> 00:18:01.139 think that 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:01.619 he offers 00:18:01.619 --> 00:18:02.799 God service. 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:05.119 In the world, 00:18:05.659 --> 00:18:06.159 you will 00:18:06.159 --> 00:18:07.199 have tribulation, 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:09.000 but be of 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:09.539 good cheer. 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.879 I have 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:11.559 overcome the 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:11.899 world. 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:15.680 And so 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:16.159 for the 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:16.659 early 00:18:16.659 --> 00:18:17.279 disciples, 00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:18.960 and also 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.680 for us, 00:18:20.399 --> 00:18:21.339 these sufferings 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.420 are just 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:23.159 for a little 00:18:23.159 --> 00:18:23.579 while. 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:24.799 For a little 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.159 while. 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:25.859 Like the 00:18:25.859 --> 00:18:26.639 pains of the 00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:27.259 laboring woman, 00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:28.579 they are soon 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:29.440 to be replaced 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.920 with joy. 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.079 And this is 00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:32.899 the constant 00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:34.279 biblical pattern. 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:34.319 pattern. 00:18:34.420 --> 00:18:35.039 We sometimes 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:36.240 long for 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:36.980 the glory 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:39.000 now without 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.180 going through 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:40.839 the suffering, 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:41.440 but all 00:18:41.440 --> 00:18:41.839 through the 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:42.160 scriptures, 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:42.700 that's the 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.000 pattern. 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.480 It was true 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.119 for Joseph. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:45.440 He had to 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.639 be a slave, 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.599 and he had 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.480 to suffer in 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.660 prison before 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:50.660 he was exalted 00:18:50.660 --> 00:18:51.319 in Egypt. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.339 And David 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:54.539 had to be 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:55.299 hunted like 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:55.960 an animal, 00:18:56.359 --> 00:18:56.779 running for 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.440 his life from 00:18:57.440 --> 00:18:58.359 Saul before 00:18:58.359 --> 00:18:59.359 he took the 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.539 crown and 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:01.119 the throne. 00:19:01.119 --> 00:19:02.279 And Jesus 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:03.039 wandered 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.659 homeless and 00:19:04.659 --> 00:19:05.339 had to endure 00:19:05.339 --> 00:19:06.139 the cross 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:07.759 before he 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.299 came to 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:08.699 glory. 00:19:09.059 --> 00:19:09.879 And that is 00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:10.759 the experience 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:12.159 of all of 00:19:12.159 --> 00:19:12.759 his people. 00:19:14.639 --> 00:19:15.379 Suffering 00:19:15.379 --> 00:19:16.539 comes before 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.039 glory. 00:19:18.439 --> 00:19:19.479 So we do 00:19:19.479 --> 00:19:19.919 not lose 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:21.299 heart, as 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:22.199 Paul says, 00:19:22.659 --> 00:19:23.979 because this 00:19:23.979 --> 00:19:24.719 slight, 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.339 momentary 00:19:26.339 --> 00:19:27.579 affliction is 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.319 preparing for 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.259 us an eternal 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:29.859 weight of 00:19:29.859 --> 00:19:30.979 glory beyond 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:32.039 all comparison, 00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:33.279 as we look 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:33.799 not to the 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.200 things that 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:34.700 are seen, 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.200 but to the 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:35.640 things that 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:36.339 are unseen. 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:37.360 For the 00:19:37.360 --> 00:19:37.740 things that 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.339 are seen 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:39.640 are transient, 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:40.799 but the 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:41.200 things that 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:41.880 are unseen 00:19:41.880 --> 00:19:43.680 are eternal. 00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:45.160 So, 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:45.599 Christian, 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:47.400 do not be 00:19:47.400 --> 00:19:48.299 surprised by 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.000 trials. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:51.099 Do not be 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:52.079 discouraged by 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:52.759 hardship, 00:19:53.380 --> 00:19:54.480 or heart 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:54.839 ache, 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.860 or suffering. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:57.579 Don't be 00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:58.279 surprised when 00:19:58.279 --> 00:19:58.620 the world 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.279 hates you. 00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:00.639 It hated 00:20:00.639 --> 00:20:01.779 him before 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.200 it hated 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:02.619 you. 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:04.299 But instead, 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:04.920 set your 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:06.539 minds on 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.220 the hope 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:08.279 that he 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:09.059 gives us, 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:10.039 on the hope 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:10.339 that we've 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:10.680 been given 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.339 of seeing 00:20:11.339 --> 00:20:11.980 the Lord 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:13.839 face to 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:14.420 face. 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:15.539 Let your 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:16.500 minds often 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:17.859 return to 00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:18.500 this thought. 00:20:19.859 --> 00:20:20.519 Keep them 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.200 before you, 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:22.220 especially, 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.759 especially when 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:24.440 the way becomes 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:24.960 difficult. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:25.160 world. 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:26.860 Set your 00:20:26.860 --> 00:20:28.559 minds on 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.180 the hope 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:29.880 of glory, 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:30.279 and let 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:30.920 this promise 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:31.600 be a source 00:20:31.600 --> 00:20:32.240 of strength 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:32.819 to you. 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.380 You have 00:20:34.380 --> 00:20:35.400 sorrow now, 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:37.059 but I 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:37.640 will see 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:38.220 you again, 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.840 and your 00:20:39.840 --> 00:20:40.420 hearts will 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:40.880 rejoice, 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.420 and no 00:20:42.420 --> 00:20:43.660 one will 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.180 take your 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:44.819 joy from 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:45.079 you. 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:45.220 God. 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:48.559 Finally, 00:20:48.679 --> 00:20:49.220 I close 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:50.679 with a 00:20:50.679 --> 00:20:52.439 word to 00:20:52.439 --> 00:20:52.899 those who 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:53.259 do not 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.720 yet name 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.819 Jesus as 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:56.419 Lord and 00:20:56.419 --> 00:20:56.799 Savior. 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:59.279 These are 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:01.319 very great 00:21:01.319 --> 00:21:01.960 and precious 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:03.679 promises that 00:21:03.679 --> 00:21:04.199 we've been 00:21:04.199 --> 00:21:05.119 hearing this 00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:05.500 morning. 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.819 Jesus offers 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:09.579 true joy, 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:09.659 joy, 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:12.579 a deep 00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:13.319 inner joy, 00:21:13.419 --> 00:21:14.159 a joy of 00:21:14.159 --> 00:21:14.799 the heart, 00:21:15.679 --> 00:21:16.899 a joy that 00:21:16.899 --> 00:21:18.099 will one 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:19.019 day overcome 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:20.220 all sorrow 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:20.879 and all 00:21:20.879 --> 00:21:21.539 heartache, 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:23.019 and all 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:23.419 that this 00:21:23.419 --> 00:21:24.839 world can 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:25.679 throw at 00:21:25.679 --> 00:21:25.980 you. 00:21:27.899 --> 00:21:28.839 Like the 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.399 sorrow of 00:21:29.399 --> 00:21:29.839 the woman 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:30.500 in labor, 00:21:30.639 --> 00:21:31.179 it will be 00:21:31.179 --> 00:21:31.699 forgotten 00:21:31.699 --> 00:21:34.079 when the 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.639 baby is 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:35.019 born. 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.879 The joy 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.379 that Jesus 00:21:37.379 --> 00:21:38.099 offers is 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:38.559 permanent, 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.720 and it's 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:40.339 personal, 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:41.919 and it's 00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:42.419 secure. 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:44.119 No one 00:21:44.119 --> 00:21:44.579 can ever 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.000 take it 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:45.500 from you. 00:21:46.159 --> 00:21:46.659 And what 00:21:46.659 --> 00:21:47.019 can the 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:47.879 world offer 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:49.839 to compete 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:50.480 with this? 00:21:52.200 --> 00:21:52.759 What 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:54.480 superficial 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.039 pleasures 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:55.579 can the 00:21:55.579 --> 00:21:56.559 world entice 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:57.179 you with? 00:21:58.099 --> 00:21:58.819 What 00:21:58.819 --> 00:21:59.940 fleeting 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:00.559 pleasures 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:01.200 can it 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:01.759 produce? 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:04.740 Where do 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.779 you seek 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.240 joy? 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:06.299 joy? 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:08.920 Come to 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.420 Christ, 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:11.440 turn to 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:11.819 him, 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.519 and become 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:14.180 an heir 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:15.259 of this 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:16.220 great joy. 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:19.099 You need 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:19.579 to know for 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.400 certain that 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:21.039 the way will 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:21.900 at times 00:22:21.900 --> 00:22:23.039 be hard. 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:23.980 This joy 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:24.559 comes at a 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:24.980 cost. 00:22:25.680 --> 00:22:26.299 The world 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.000 was hostile 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:28.559 to him, 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:29.279 and it still 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:29.640 is, 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:31.180 and it will 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:31.640 hate you 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:31.920 too. 00:22:32.360 --> 00:22:33.740 you will 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.480 have sorrow, 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:36.220 but your 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:37.160 sorrow will 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:38.220 turn into 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:38.660 joy. 00:22:39.380 --> 00:22:40.680 Amen.