WEBVTT 00:00:00.220 --> 00:00:04.240 Well, good evening again. It's a privilege to speak once again. 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:12.419 We are partway through a series in Luke, where we've been looking at the parables on the Sunday evenings. 00:00:12.599 --> 00:00:15.660 And tonight I would like to deal with Luke chapter 15. 00:00:16.420 --> 00:00:22.800 Now, we're not just going to deal with one parable, or even two, but all three that Alistair has read to us tonight. 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:26.379 And I'm hoping in the time that is available that we will get through them. 00:00:27.140 --> 00:00:30.039 Now, a quick recap of what a parable is. 00:00:31.320 --> 00:00:38.100 I think if you've been through Sunday school, we might have recited to the kids that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:44.960 Now, Roy Zuck in his book, Basic Bible Interpretations, he puts it like this. 00:00:45.439 --> 00:00:49.560 He said it's a true-to-life story to illustrate or illuminate truth. 00:00:49.560 --> 00:01:02.800 In other words, a short picture message that can help us to understand, that we can relate to and understand in order to grasp a truth that God intended us to comprehend. 00:01:02.799 --> 00:01:16.439 Now, I have a headed section on Luke chapter 15, Repentance, Restoration and Rejoicing, which helpfully starts with the letter R. 00:01:17.099 --> 00:01:20.060 And I'm hoping that's something that you'll be able to remember. 00:01:20.060 --> 00:01:28.100 Now, the three R's once used to refer to reading, writing and arithmetic in the 19th and 20th century. 00:01:28.240 --> 00:01:30.820 That was the kind of curriculum for education. 00:01:31.159 --> 00:01:38.020 I think as we've gotten to the 20th century, the three R's might stand for, I guess for us, if somebody was to ask you what the three R's are, 00:01:38.079 --> 00:01:40.599 then you might say that it's reduce, reuse or recycle. 00:01:40.599 --> 00:01:49.099 Either way, the helpful letter of R will help us remember the key points. 00:01:49.199 --> 00:01:53.219 Whether that was the agenda for education or the agenda for living sustainably, 00:01:53.359 --> 00:02:01.199 I'm hoping tonight that these three R's you will be able to take away and it will help you remember the message that is contained within Luke 15, 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:05.439 which is repentance, restoration and rejoicing. 00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:13.680 It's one of the most important truths, and I think it's largely forgotten and ignored probably by the majority today. 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:22.219 How good it is then when we come to the word of God that we have the confidence that what is said in Scripture is truth. 00:02:23.120 --> 00:02:23.840 And it's true. 00:02:24.099 --> 00:02:28.099 And it's as relevant for us today as it was when the Lord spoke it. 00:02:28.099 --> 00:02:37.180 So the big idea in Luke 15 is this, that it is something or someone that is lost and is found, 00:02:37.780 --> 00:02:42.379 and the celebration and the joy for those involved that comes afterwards. 00:02:43.359 --> 00:02:48.759 When we talk about the word lost, we're referring to someone or something that is not in its rightful place. 00:02:48.979 --> 00:02:54.340 It's not with the person to whom it belongs, and therefore it is of no use to the owner. 00:02:54.340 --> 00:03:00.360 We know this, if you take a £10 note and you lose it, it is of no use to us when we're at the supermarket checkout. 00:03:00.960 --> 00:03:06.879 Or a train ticket, when we lose it, it's of no use to us when we go to board the train. 00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:11.900 We should note, however, though, that the value, it still has a value, right? 00:03:11.960 --> 00:03:17.800 So the £10 note still has a value, the train ticket still has a value for the proposed journey. 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:23.460 As we move on to this idea of being found, we are thinking of the opposite. 00:03:23.460 --> 00:03:30.960 We're thinking of something being back in its rightful place, back with its owner, back in service, right? 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:33.500 Fulfilling its purpose, reconciled, restored. 00:03:33.939 --> 00:03:38.800 I'm sure there's many other things that you're thinking as I go through a list like that of what it means to be found. 00:03:39.740 --> 00:03:43.400 Restoration is a magnificent concept. 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:51.100 We often think about, and probably you watch programmes of houses and furniture and things that are restored. 00:03:51.099 --> 00:04:01.719 Maybe in a modern way, when your phone's software has gone a bit skewiff, a bit wonky, you might restore it back to its factory settings. 00:04:02.620 --> 00:04:09.340 So you take it back to where it started from and it's in a state now that can be of use and it has a value to the owner. 00:04:11.019 --> 00:04:16.180 Similarly, this is the same with us and God. 00:04:16.180 --> 00:04:25.439 You see, man was created by God and in his image and we were created to belong to him and to have a relationship or have a friendship with him. 00:04:26.220 --> 00:04:29.139 We'll see over these three parables what it means to God. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:35.280 And I think if you've kept your Bibles open, you'll see this phrase repeated, for a sinner who repents. 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:45.519 When they're found, when they're restored, when they're reconciled, when they are, we use a word that we use in a Christian context often as a word saved. 00:04:45.959 --> 00:04:49.039 When they are saved and we'll see what the outcome of that is. 00:04:50.139 --> 00:04:59.559 Now, just to put into a bit of context, the teaching ministry of the Lord in Luke chapter 14 seems to have attracted despised tax collectors and sinners. 00:04:59.560 --> 00:05:02.620 People who were outwardly sinners. 00:05:03.560 --> 00:05:06.620 We see that when we get to chapter 19 with Zacchaeus. 00:05:07.100 --> 00:05:13.420 Somebody who was despised and he lived outwardly different from the Jews of that day. 00:05:14.420 --> 00:05:17.779 Even though Jesus' message was clear, right? 00:05:18.180 --> 00:05:22.779 The way that he taught, the way that he preached, the way that he went out of business, it reproved their sin. 00:05:22.779 --> 00:05:28.479 Even though that was the case, many of them acknowledged that he was right. 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:31.679 And they took sides with Christ against themselves. 00:05:32.379 --> 00:05:34.979 In true repentance, they acknowledge him as their Lord. 00:05:36.419 --> 00:05:44.199 And we find that whenever that happens, Jesus is willing and he gravitates towards them. 00:05:44.539 --> 00:05:49.019 And he bestows spiritual help and blessing upon them who act in this way. 00:05:49.019 --> 00:05:57.079 The difference is the Pharisees and the scribes resented this fact that Jesus fraternised with people who were avowedly sinners. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:06:05.799 And they did not show the grace and the humility that they should have shown to these people. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:08.139 And they resented Jesus for doing so. 00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:15.199 In fact, at the beginning of our passage, Alistair read that they hurled this charge at him. 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:19.399 That he came to eat, he received sinners and eats with them. 00:06:21.079 --> 00:06:25.439 And they meant that as a kind of a slight against him, as a bit of a slur. 00:06:25.539 --> 00:06:32.139 But in actual fact, this was the fulfilment for the very purpose that the Lord Jesus came into the world. 00:06:32.319 --> 00:06:36.599 We read that elsewhere in scripture, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 00:06:37.680 --> 00:06:38.959 You see, God seeks out sinners. 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:45.479 You see that right the way at the beginning of the book of Genesis, when God sought out Adam and Eve in the garden. 00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:49.339 Right through to the words that we have quoted probably today about the Lord Jesus. 00:06:49.479 --> 00:06:51.159 In fact, I'm sure that Colin said that this morning. 00:06:51.599 --> 00:06:55.819 The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. 00:06:57.099 --> 00:07:00.139 Whereas the Jews, they kind of operated in a different way. 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:08.199 They operated and they worked on their obedience to the law and modern personal purity to try and gain favour with God. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:15.419 And they were angry with Jesus and his actions for acting in this way. 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:18.680 I wonder if you can remember back to the beginning of July. 00:07:18.779 --> 00:07:20.479 On the 3rd of July, I spoke on the Good Samaritan. 00:07:22.159 --> 00:07:26.379 The Pharisees had totally forgotten that they were not able to gain favour with God in this way. 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:36.480 And so the Lord Jesus goes on to then speak these three parables to illustrate the truth of repentance and restoration and rejoicing. 00:07:37.719 --> 00:07:40.839 The first of these parables is a parable about the lost sheep. 00:07:41.219 --> 00:07:45.600 It's a clear picture story to the men and women in that day that they would easily have related to. 00:07:45.699 --> 00:07:50.699 Now, I think probably for us in Edinburgh, it's probably somewhat removed, right? 00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:54.759 For us city dwellers, we don't tend to keep these kind of animals in our flats and our houses. 00:07:54.759 --> 00:08:01.279 So it's probably maybe slightly removed, but I'm sure that you can get the picture as to what the Lord is speaking about here. 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:06.819 This is a picture of these publicans and sinners who had become separated from the flock. 00:08:07.459 --> 00:08:10.060 The people who the Pharisees and the scribes despised. 00:08:10.560 --> 00:08:12.759 They were looked down on and they had become outcasts. 00:08:13.719 --> 00:08:18.620 As it was clear from their lives, right, that they lived in a very sinful way. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:27.620 As the story progresses, we read the question about the man to whom the sheep belonged, right? 00:08:27.660 --> 00:08:30.079 And it's written as a rhetorical question. 00:08:30.220 --> 00:08:32.580 And I think this is a key thing to note. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:38.519 It's written as a question as this, that as if there was no doubt that the shepherd to whom they, 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:41.539 or the one whom the sheep was lost, there's no doubt that he would go out 00:08:41.539 --> 00:08:46.059 and he would seek the lost sheep until he finds it. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:51.339 You see, this sheep has been lost in its own foolishness. 00:08:54.360 --> 00:08:58.719 I don't know if you've seen sheep, but quite often if you're driving in the countryside, 00:08:59.279 --> 00:09:03.620 a sheep will have found a little gap in a fence and in its own wisdom it'll have gone through 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:05.699 and it gets itself lost. 00:09:05.799 --> 00:09:08.819 It's lost in its own wisdom and its own recklessness. 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:12.300 In Isaiah we read the words, all have sinned and gone astray. 00:09:12.400 --> 00:09:14.600 We have turned, every one of us, to our own way. 00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:18.760 But the shepherd knows the value of the sheep. 00:09:18.860 --> 00:09:21.680 Just like, as I mentioned, with the tempo note and the rail ticket, 00:09:22.400 --> 00:09:27.700 the sheep still has a value and the shepherd has a deep care for and an interest in its well-being. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:30.740 And so he sets out to look for the sheep. 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:34.120 Now, I've already mentioned this in a Sunday school context. 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:38.960 For those who have grown up in the Christian circles and gone to Sunday schools, 00:09:39.340 --> 00:09:43.200 you remember your Sunday school teacher would have really dramatised this type of story. 00:09:43.440 --> 00:09:45.200 And, you know, maybe we can do that tonight. 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:49.120 When we think about the shepherd who would have went out to look for the sheep 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:52.500 and it would have been a long, hard journey, maybe even into the night, 00:09:52.820 --> 00:09:55.200 across hills and mountains. 00:09:55.200 --> 00:09:59.800 And depending on how theatrical your Sunday school teacher might have been, 00:10:00.240 --> 00:10:02.200 you might have mentioned the fact that, you know, 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:04.660 it faced the danger of meeting a lion or a bear, 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:11.180 which is not outside the imagination of, you know, 00:10:11.200 --> 00:10:12.879 what we can think about what happened to that sheep. 00:10:13.700 --> 00:10:17.180 The sheep itself, and I think we can appreciate this, 00:10:17.180 --> 00:10:20.460 the sheep itself would have been hungry and thirsty. 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:22.280 It would have been distressed and in danger. 00:10:22.279 --> 00:10:26.220 And that is the point of a shepherd looking after a flock of sheep. 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:27.500 It keeps it safe. 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:31.720 We often quote Psalm 23, but it keeps it safe. 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:32.759 It looks after it. 00:10:32.819 --> 00:10:34.699 It leads it where it can get food and water. 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:41.559 The sheep, on its own folly, has gotten itself into this position. 00:10:42.439 --> 00:10:45.139 Not able in its own strength, not in its own wisdom, 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:48.899 to be able to return itself or make its own way back home. 00:10:48.899 --> 00:10:52.620 So the shepherd seeks until he finds it. 00:10:53.279 --> 00:10:56.179 And he lovingly lifts the sheep and he puts it on his shoulders 00:10:56.179 --> 00:10:57.959 and he carries it home. 00:10:58.939 --> 00:11:01.120 Now, as we've been through these parables, 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:07.559 we have lifted out some of the picture language 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:10.399 that the Lord is trying to present. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:14.460 And in this story, it's a beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus right here. 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:19.639 That he would search for lost sinners and carry them home. 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:23.340 Not on our own might or our strength or by our own understanding or our wisdom, 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:26.200 but by his love and his grace. 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:28.060 And upon reaching home, 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:31.960 the shepherd calls his friends and his neighbours and he rejoices. 00:11:32.920 --> 00:11:34.639 Now, this is not some kind of cheap party 00:11:34.639 --> 00:11:37.259 where we go to forget our worries and our woes. 00:11:37.259 --> 00:11:39.580 But this is a deep satisfaction. 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:44.179 That the sheep that was lost is now back in its rightful place. 00:11:44.299 --> 00:11:47.500 It is now restored to the one to whom it belongs. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:51.500 Jesus makes it clear that this speaks of the joy that is found in heaven 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:54.240 over one sinner who repents. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:57.759 Actually, Scripture says that there is more joy 00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:59.899 over one sinner who repents. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.620 Who realises that they are wrong 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:04.240 and that by repenting agrees with God 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:06.559 over their sin and the way that they live. 00:12:06.559 --> 00:12:09.059 And also the way to be right with God. 00:12:09.859 --> 00:12:12.259 Not by our works or wisdom, 00:12:12.459 --> 00:12:14.899 but by the saving power of the Lord Jesus. 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:18.139 The Lord Jesus refers to himself in another place in Scripture 00:12:18.139 --> 00:12:19.559 of the good shepherd. 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:21.019 As far as he's concerned, 00:12:21.979 --> 00:12:29.139 the journey of the shepherd includes his descent into this earth, 00:12:29.799 --> 00:12:30.739 his public ministry, 00:12:31.479 --> 00:12:32.459 his rejection, 00:12:32.739 --> 00:12:33.219 his suffering, 00:12:33.359 --> 00:12:33.799 his death. 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:35.859 And how true... 00:12:35.859 --> 00:12:39.240 This might be an old one for some people in the audience. 00:12:39.339 --> 00:12:40.639 I'm sure most of you will know it. 00:12:40.699 --> 00:12:42.519 But how true is the lines from the hymn, 00:12:42.599 --> 00:12:43.120 the 99. 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:45.199 We don't sing it anymore, 00:12:45.319 --> 00:12:46.219 but it says this, 00:12:46.579 --> 00:12:48.179 But none of the ransomed ever knew 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:49.799 how deep were the waters crossed, 00:12:50.319 --> 00:12:52.759 nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed through, 00:12:52.859 --> 00:12:54.939 ere he found his sheep that was lost. 00:12:54.940 --> 00:12:58.240 I think the lesson is clear. 00:12:58.560 --> 00:12:59.240 There is joy, 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:02.580 and this is one of the key points of Luke 15 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:03.780 that we often gloss over, 00:13:03.880 --> 00:13:07.620 but there is joy in heaven over one sinner who depends. 00:13:09.520 --> 00:13:12.560 But there's a small section just at the end of that in verse 7. 00:13:13.660 --> 00:13:17.960 There is no joy over the 99 sheep or the sinners 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:20.640 who are not convicted of their lost condition. 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:24.980 That verse doesn't actually mean that there are some people 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.639 for whom need no repentance. 00:13:27.699 --> 00:13:29.580 For we understand well in other places 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:31.779 that all of us are sinners 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:35.179 and that we all must repent in order to be saved. 00:13:36.580 --> 00:13:38.759 The verse instead describes those, 00:13:39.080 --> 00:13:40.299 as far as they see themselves, 00:13:40.439 --> 00:13:41.879 who need no repentance. 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:45.700 That kind of leads us on to verse 8, 00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:48.759 which is the next parable that the Lord speaks about. 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:50.480 And it's similar to the first. 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:53.480 We find a story that the hearers would have known well. 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:56.379 And I've done a little bit of research. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:58.559 I don't think it particularly matters, 00:13:58.700 --> 00:14:01.740 but this coin would have been belonged to as part of a set. 00:14:02.580 --> 00:14:05.019 It appears in the Jewish tradition 00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:08.220 that as part of an engagement arrangement 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:09.819 or a wedding necklace, 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:12.840 there would have been a necklace 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:18.019 or some kind of headband 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:19.759 that would have had 10 coins in it. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:25.080 And the person to whom it belongs loses one. 00:14:25.180 --> 00:14:27.700 Now, as I was preparing for this, 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:28.740 I was remembering a story 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:30.700 a good number of years ago, 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:32.680 probably back in 2005, 00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:34.399 when my sister, 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:36.160 yeah, 2005, 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:39.439 we were going through my cousin's baptism 00:14:39.439 --> 00:14:40.519 in East Ayrshire, 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.799 and she'd taken off a ring 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:43.219 and she'd popped it in her hat 00:14:43.219 --> 00:14:44.279 with other bits and pieces 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:46.179 and she had moisturised her hands 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:47.339 on the journey, 00:14:47.579 --> 00:14:49.379 as I'm sure some of you guys will know. 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:51.019 And then when she'd finished, 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:52.120 she'd popped her hat back on 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:55.019 and we'd gone into the hall in Galveston. 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:57.519 And only when she was sitting in the seat 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:58.819 did she realise that she had 00:14:58.819 --> 00:15:00.319 lost her engagement ring. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.299 And I'm sure that you can all 00:15:01.299 --> 00:15:04.000 just imagine the panic 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:05.460 and the distress that ensued. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:07.139 Well, it's similarly 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:09.980 as part of this story as well. 00:15:11.320 --> 00:15:12.120 Palestinian houses 00:15:12.120 --> 00:15:13.279 would have been fairly dark, 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:14.759 not like what we have today 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:16.299 with electric lights 00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:17.740 and smooth walls 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.960 and level floors 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.360 and all such like. 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:20.759 It would have been 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:23.740 a completely different house. 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:26.159 And the same rhetorical question 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:27.320 is asked, 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.580 who wouldn't do this? 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:29.879 If you had lost a coin, 00:15:30.059 --> 00:15:31.340 who wouldn't do this? 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:32.740 And Jesus, 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.820 in asking that question, 00:15:34.940 --> 00:15:36.440 Jesus is explaining 00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:37.840 the concern and the care 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:38.560 that he has 00:15:38.560 --> 00:15:40.039 for those who are lost. 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:42.360 And therefore, 00:15:42.680 --> 00:15:44.840 that he would then seek 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:45.879 those who were lost. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:46.820 Now remember, 00:15:46.919 --> 00:15:47.860 this is in the context 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:48.639 of the Pharisees 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:50.139 who are looking on angrily. 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.539 Jesus is explaining 00:15:51.539 --> 00:15:52.500 these parables to them. 00:15:53.700 --> 00:15:55.639 So the woman lights the lamp 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:56.500 and she searches 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:58.019 until she finds that lost coin. 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:59.399 And we can just imagine her joy, 00:15:59.919 --> 00:16:00.720 like my sister Gwen, 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:02.560 finding that in the street later. 00:16:02.680 --> 00:16:02.879 In fact, 00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:03.540 she actually found it 00:16:03.540 --> 00:16:04.820 in her hat that was on her head. 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:05.779 But she had searched 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:06.519 up and down the street 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.660 and it was only until 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:08.440 she took her hat off 00:16:08.440 --> 00:16:09.960 that she found this engagement ring. 00:16:10.040 --> 00:16:11.160 Well, similarly for the woman, 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:12.660 verse 8 says 00:16:12.660 --> 00:16:13.779 that she swept her house 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:15.279 and looked diligently. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:16.879 And this kind of gives us 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:18.139 an idea as to the value 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.519 and the worth of the coin. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:22.100 She searches really carefully 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.279 and I think that also 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:25.139 gives us the idea 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:26.200 of just how far 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:27.240 she was willing to go 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:28.960 and to the extent 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:30.259 and desire that she wanted 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.420 to find that coin 00:16:31.420 --> 00:16:32.420 that was lost. 00:16:33.800 --> 00:16:34.120 Now, 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:35.720 again, 00:16:35.800 --> 00:16:37.300 like the point 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:38.000 in the first parable, 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.680 she too calls her friends 00:16:39.680 --> 00:16:41.120 and her neighbours 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:42.000 and rejoices 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:43.259 once she has found that coin. 00:16:44.340 --> 00:16:44.500 Now, 00:16:44.540 --> 00:16:44.860 I think 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:46.779 in both of these stories 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.759 and both of these parables, 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:48.680 it's easy for us 00:16:48.680 --> 00:16:49.480 to take them granted 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:51.460 because I don't necessarily think 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:52.759 that we are that invested. 00:16:53.680 --> 00:16:54.740 Maybe in the second story 00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:56.100 for the women in here 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:56.620 that have lost 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.320 or maybe the men 00:16:57.320 --> 00:16:57.920 that have bought the ring 00:16:57.920 --> 00:16:58.620 but certainly 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.759 if you've lost your engagement ring, 00:16:59.800 --> 00:17:01.600 you might be a bit more invested. 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.740 But in terms of the sheep, 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:06.000 we might not be invested as much 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:07.140 because I don't suppose 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:08.680 there's any farmers in here tonight. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:13.000 But the people in them days, 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:13.860 the Pharisees described 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:14.680 and all of the people 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:15.680 that would have been gathered there 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:17.180 listening to the Lord Jesus 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.519 would have known the impact 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:19.980 of these stories 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:20.740 quite acutely. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:22.220 As lost, 00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:23.259 both of these items 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:24.819 have no value 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:26.660 to the owner 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:28.379 but they're not worthless 00:17:28.379 --> 00:17:29.960 as we mentioned previously. 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:32.720 But they're not useful, right? 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:33.500 To the owner, 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.220 there is dead. 00:17:35.139 --> 00:17:36.279 And Jesus was actually saying 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.859 that God searches out 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:38.859 for sinners 00:17:38.859 --> 00:17:41.019 who are in this condition. 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:44.579 No wonder that the Pharisees 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:45.139 and the scribes 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:46.299 are offended by this, right? 00:17:46.339 --> 00:17:46.980 There's no place 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:49.140 in their legalistic theology 00:17:49.140 --> 00:17:50.839 for a God like this. 00:17:51.120 --> 00:17:51.759 And as I mentioned 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.799 as we opened up, 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:55.860 God searches for sinners. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:57.500 We see that right away 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:58.779 from the beginning of our Bibles 00:17:58.779 --> 00:18:00.140 in Genesis chapter 3 00:18:00.140 --> 00:18:00.860 for Adam and Eve 00:18:00.860 --> 00:18:01.660 when they had sinned 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.599 and they had hidden themselves 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.160 from God. 00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:04.240 God comes out 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:05.259 and searches for them. 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.599 And in spite of their 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:08.880 supposed knowledge of scriptures, 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:10.240 the scribes and the Pharisees 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.620 forgot that God actually 00:18:11.620 --> 00:18:12.860 is like a father 00:18:12.860 --> 00:18:14.599 who pities his wayward children. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:18.000 Now there are a few joys 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:19.099 that match those, 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:20.500 that match the joy 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.359 of finding the lost 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:21.839 and bringing them 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:22.419 to the saviour. 00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:24.039 A quote from John Wesley 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:25.019 says this, 00:18:25.079 --> 00:18:25.459 that the church 00:18:25.459 --> 00:18:26.339 has nothing to do 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:29.059 but to see souls saved 00:18:29.059 --> 00:18:30.639 and therefore we should spend 00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:31.899 and be spent in this work. 00:18:32.939 --> 00:18:33.779 Now that brings me on 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:35.579 to the biggest section 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.579 in Luke chapter 15 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:38.639 verses 11 to 32 00:18:38.639 --> 00:18:40.319 where Jesus really elaborates 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.480 on the message 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.399 that he is communicating 00:18:42.400 --> 00:18:44.180 about the need for repentance 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:46.100 and the need for restoration 00:18:46.100 --> 00:18:47.340 and the joy 00:18:47.340 --> 00:18:49.040 and the rejoicing 00:18:49.040 --> 00:18:49.640 that this brings 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.660 to those involved. 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:51.759 I think quite often 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:54.040 when we look at these parables 00:18:54.040 --> 00:18:55.259 we quite often focus 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:56.920 on the repentance part. 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:59.600 We may focus a little bit 00:18:59.600 --> 00:19:00.360 on the restoration 00:19:00.360 --> 00:19:01.780 but I really think 00:19:01.780 --> 00:19:02.480 that quite often 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.519 we miss the fact 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:05.080 that there is real 00:19:05.080 --> 00:19:06.920 deep satisfaction and joy 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:08.120 over one sinner 00:19:08.120 --> 00:19:08.900 who repents. 00:19:10.100 --> 00:19:10.720 Now I'm sure, 00:19:11.340 --> 00:19:11.800 in fact Alice 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:12.619 had already mentioned this 00:19:12.619 --> 00:19:13.019 but I'm sure 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:14.159 if you've been around 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:14.879 in Christian circles 00:19:14.879 --> 00:19:15.759 you might have heard 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.799 this parable 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.579 being referred to 00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:18.220 as the parable 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.159 of the lost son 00:19:19.159 --> 00:19:20.799 or the parable 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.399 of the lost 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.519 of the two sons 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:24.440 but I think it could also 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.299 be called the parable 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:27.000 of the loving father. 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:28.700 I think it emphasises 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:30.240 as you look at it again 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:31.299 I think it emphasises 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:32.359 the graciousness 00:19:32.359 --> 00:19:33.440 of the father 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.319 more than it does 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:34.919 the sinfulness 00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:36.279 of the son. 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:39.139 But unlike the shepherd 00:19:39.140 --> 00:19:40.000 and the woman 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:41.680 the father 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.780 in this parable 00:19:42.780 --> 00:19:43.400 does not go out 00:19:43.400 --> 00:19:44.140 and seek the son 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:46.020 but it is instead 00:19:46.020 --> 00:19:47.180 the memory 00:19:47.180 --> 00:19:48.800 of the father's goodness 00:19:48.800 --> 00:19:49.780 that brought the son 00:19:49.780 --> 00:19:50.400 to repentance 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.380 and forgiveness. 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:53.500 Romans chapter 2 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.060 verse 4 00:19:54.060 --> 00:19:54.860 says this 00:19:54.859 --> 00:20:10.379 So let's have a look 00:20:10.379 --> 00:20:11.319 at some of the details 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:12.740 within this part 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:14.099 of the chapter. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.259 From the start 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:17.599 we see that the son 00:20:17.599 --> 00:20:18.679 did not understand 00:20:18.679 --> 00:20:19.279 the father. 00:20:19.859 --> 00:20:20.259 He did not want 00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:21.000 to work for the father 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:21.879 he did not want 00:20:21.879 --> 00:20:22.939 to live by his rules 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:24.259 and he didn't want 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:25.500 to, I don't think 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:27.460 this is pushing 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.120 it too far 00:20:28.120 --> 00:20:28.740 from the context 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:29.259 of his mourance 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:30.059 but I don't think 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:30.680 he actually wanted 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:31.700 the father to be alive 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:32.759 that's why he goes on 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:34.519 then and asks 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:37.059 for the portion 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:37.440 of goods 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.420 that would have 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:39.160 come to him 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:39.519 in the event 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.539 of his father's death. 00:20:42.140 --> 00:20:43.240 I think as sinners 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:45.140 we have all been 00:20:45.140 --> 00:20:46.360 in this situation 00:20:46.360 --> 00:20:47.340 at some point 00:20:47.340 --> 00:20:48.660 that we have 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:49.820 not wanted to live 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:50.980 in that environment. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:54.579 When the son 00:20:54.579 --> 00:20:55.400 comes and asks 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:55.980 for the portion 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:56.420 of goods 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:58.059 I think again 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:58.599 from a little bit 00:20:58.599 --> 00:20:59.559 of research 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:00.700 that this could 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:00.980 have been 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:03.200 allowed in kind 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:03.860 of Jewish law 00:21:03.860 --> 00:21:04.400 whether it was 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:05.079 common or not 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:05.599 it was certainly 00:21:05.599 --> 00:21:05.960 allowed. 00:21:06.380 --> 00:21:06.700 I don't know 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.319 at what point 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:08.160 in a father's life 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:08.559 that he would 00:21:08.559 --> 00:21:09.299 have accepted it 00:21:09.299 --> 00:21:09.920 but certainly 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:11.559 this would have 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:12.120 happened before 00:21:12.120 --> 00:21:12.559 so I don't think 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:13.420 this is too unusual. 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:15.860 Now in Jewish law 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:16.380 which is probably 00:21:16.380 --> 00:21:17.299 not similar today 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:19.339 but the elder son 00:21:19.339 --> 00:21:19.920 would have received 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.599 a bigger portion 00:21:20.599 --> 00:21:21.599 maybe even double 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:22.039 a portion 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.359 to the son 00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:24.279 or other sons 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:26.599 that his father 00:21:26.599 --> 00:21:27.519 would have given 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.299 his estate to. 00:21:28.519 --> 00:21:29.500 The father divides 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:29.980 the estate 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.859 and gives to the son 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:31.339 as we read 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:32.319 both sons actually 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.439 as we read in verse 12 00:21:33.439 --> 00:21:35.480 and then as you come down 00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:36.379 if you've still got 00:21:36.379 --> 00:21:37.039 your Bibles open 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:37.779 into verse 31 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:39.079 you'll see that 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:40.240 the father reminds him 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:41.039 of this when he says 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.819 all of this 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:42.519 that I have 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:44.059 belongs to that elder son 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:45.439 but we'll leave him there 00:21:45.439 --> 00:21:46.119 for the time being 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:47.899 and I just want to focus 00:21:47.899 --> 00:21:48.699 on the younger son 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:50.100 just now. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:51.519 See the younger son 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.460 imagined that 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.380 this would allow him 00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:54.580 to go and enjoy 00:21:54.580 --> 00:21:55.240 and live 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:57.160 as he wanted 00:21:57.160 --> 00:21:58.440 by his own rules 00:21:58.440 --> 00:22:00.299 and enjoy the freedom 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:01.380 and all that 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:02.120 that this would bring. 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:04.279 He kind of shunned 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:04.720 his father 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:05.539 and it shows 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.559 that his heart 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:08.279 was far away from him. 00:22:09.120 --> 00:22:10.259 He rejected the safety 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:12.640 and the joy 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:13.360 that that provided. 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.299 The son had the choice 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.579 once he had received 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:18.500 the portion of the goods 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.200 that were going to 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:19.879 befall him 00:22:19.879 --> 00:22:22.139 he had a choice to make 00:22:22.139 --> 00:22:23.960 but as he has 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.720 considered this 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.220 and I guess 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:26.039 through the story 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:26.779 you can see this 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.700 that the perspective 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:31.099 the son's perspective 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:31.639 of the father 00:22:31.639 --> 00:22:32.339 was skewed 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.059 and this is why 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:34.079 he acts in this way 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:35.079 he doesn't understand 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:35.599 his father 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.220 he wanted to live 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:37.180 separated from him. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.960 Now I think 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:39.940 we need to probably 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:40.819 understand some of 00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:41.519 the kind of cultural 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:44.919 differences of that day 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:47.259 and 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:49.680 I think when we start 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.420 to look at a bigger 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:51.100 picture in scripture 00:22:51.100 --> 00:22:51.740 you see this 00:22:51.740 --> 00:22:52.120 that 00:22:52.120 --> 00:22:54.140 they would have lived 00:22:54.140 --> 00:22:54.840 much more in 00:22:54.840 --> 00:22:55.620 familial settings 00:22:55.620 --> 00:22:56.380 so 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.400 they would have lived 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:58.700 in large family circles 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.340 and we only read 00:22:59.340 --> 00:23:00.180 about two sons here 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:00.900 but they would have lived 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:02.140 in large family circles 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:05.019 servants and workers 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:06.279 would have been part 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.460 of that domestic situation. 00:23:08.340 --> 00:23:09.360 I think in this day and age 00:23:09.360 --> 00:23:10.259 we're probably removed 00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:11.480 somewhat from that 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.480 kind of familial setting 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:14.720 we live in relative 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.220 affluence 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.039 we've got 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:17.740 social safety 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.839 and welfare 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:20.099 and if you look 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:20.680 even in Edinburgh 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.380 there's many homes 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:22.120 that are just occupied 00:23:22.120 --> 00:23:23.039 by single people 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:24.980 so we're a little bit 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.460 removed 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.220 but what we're not 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:26.819 removed from 00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:29.500 is children 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:30.120 who do not want 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:30.579 to live under 00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:31.319 the guidance 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.019 of their parents 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:33.519 nor are we removed 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:35.220 from people 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:35.980 who want to live 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:36.579 recklessly. 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.579 The son goes off 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:40.039 and he lives 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:40.940 as he wants 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.940 the word prodigal 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:43.000 means exactly that 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:43.920 it means wasteful 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:45.100 one who spends 00:23:45.100 --> 00:23:45.820 money wastefully 00:23:45.820 --> 00:23:47.019 who lives 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:49.019 recklessly extravagant 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:50.539 and 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.720 you know 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.660 similar today 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:53.799 we see people 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:54.980 living in that same way 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:55.840 who just want to live 00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:56.960 with reckless abandon 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:57.279 we 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.680 smiled as 00:23:58.680 --> 00:23:59.720 I was putting this 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:00.680 together with this quote 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.340 that probably 00:24:01.340 --> 00:24:02.840 many of us have used 00:24:02.840 --> 00:24:03.539 YOLO 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:06.620 you live as you want 00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:07.440 you live as you please 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.240 you only live once 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:08.500 so 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:10.519 let's go and do it. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.100 Well 00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:12.880 the younger son 00:24:12.880 --> 00:24:13.980 he ends up in a situation 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:15.480 that this extravagant 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:15.920 living 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:16.720 exhausts 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:18.299 the resources 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:18.960 that he has 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:21.279 and in addition to this 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.340 there's a depression 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:23.400 that comes over the land 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:24.500 and the fun 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:25.080 and the friends 00:24:25.080 --> 00:24:26.160 and all that he enjoyed 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:27.200 comes to an end 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:29.340 and evaporates 00:24:29.340 --> 00:24:29.779 right 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:30.779 times are tight 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.019 and he finds himself 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:32.759 forced to do 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:34.080 for a stranger 00:24:34.080 --> 00:24:35.140 what he wouldn't do 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.740 for his father 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:37.759 and that is to go to work 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.359 to live 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.640 and to work 00:24:39.640 --> 00:24:40.400 in that 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:41.420 way 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:44.039 I think this is 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:44.900 I think this scene 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:45.420 in the parable 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:46.140 is the Lord's way 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:47.000 of emphasising 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:47.619 what sin 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:48.599 really does 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.720 in the lives of those 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.980 who reject the father's will 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:53.480 sin promises freedom 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:55.500 but it brings slavery 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.799 it promises success 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.599 but it brings failure 00:24:57.599 --> 00:24:58.539 it promises happiness 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.500 but it brings misery 00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.339 it promises life 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:01.279 but we read that the wages 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.200 of sin is death 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:04.200 and for most of us 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.980 that know 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:07.720 who have repeated that 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.319 many times 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:09.340 we know that that is 00:25:09.340 --> 00:25:10.700 that word for separation 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:12.660 when God is left out 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.299 of our lives 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:15.059 enjoyment becomes 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:16.340 enslavement 00:25:16.340 --> 00:25:17.200 and we become slaves 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.860 to this world 00:25:17.860 --> 00:25:18.519 and the master 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.220 and its masters 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.080 instead of the one 00:25:20.080 --> 00:25:22.120 who created us 00:25:22.120 --> 00:25:23.980 the man finds himself 00:25:23.980 --> 00:25:24.700 in a pigsty 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:26.039 feeding pigs 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:26.720 and the Bible 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:27.680 and Alice has read this 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.539 but the Bible reminds us 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:29.400 that he would have 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.720 filled his belly 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.620 with what he was feeding 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:33.579 to the pigs 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.579 it tells us 00:25:34.579 --> 00:25:35.039 that the money 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:36.359 that he was receiving 00:25:36.359 --> 00:25:37.059 for this job 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:37.579 that he was doing 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.219 wasn't even enough 00:25:38.219 --> 00:25:39.059 to buy him food 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:40.799 and he is 00:25:40.799 --> 00:25:42.039 he's just brought low 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:43.379 and in his misery 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:45.059 his mind is taken back 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:45.879 to his father's home 00:25:45.879 --> 00:25:47.419 and as he thinks 00:25:47.419 --> 00:25:47.939 about home 00:25:47.939 --> 00:25:49.279 and about his father 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:50.359 he sees his father 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:51.159 in a new light 00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:53.000 he sees his father 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.259 as the father 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.319 always was 00:25:55.319 --> 00:25:56.959 and continues to be 00:25:56.959 --> 00:25:57.619 and we'll see that 00:25:57.619 --> 00:25:58.359 as we move on 00:25:58.359 --> 00:26:00.819 no longer just the guidance 00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.299 right 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.879 you can appreciate this 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:03.599 not just the guidance 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:04.319 and the rules 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.119 that are part and parcel 00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:06.619 of living at home 00:26:06.619 --> 00:26:07.759 but also the peace 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.899 and the joy 00:26:08.899 --> 00:26:09.539 and the stability 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:10.579 that that affords 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:13.240 and the better conditions 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:15.099 that he 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:16.659 as he's sitting there 00:26:16.659 --> 00:26:17.919 in the field 00:26:17.919 --> 00:26:18.799 feeding the pigs 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.259 he 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:20.339 it comes to mind 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:20.960 that even the 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:21.680 even his 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.680 even the servants 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:23.819 that work for his dad 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.500 have enough 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.319 to eat 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:26.680 and to live comfortably 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.960 they make enough money 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:29.259 for them to buy 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.319 food 00:26:30.319 --> 00:26:33.680 but as he's sitting there 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:36.180 he doesn't just pity himself 00:26:36.180 --> 00:26:37.640 feel sad 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.480 and then 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.680 go on his way 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.100 regardless 00:26:40.100 --> 00:26:40.980 as many of us do 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.480 when we are 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:42.920 in a kind of situation 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.420 like that 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:46.039 and I think this is 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:46.819 I think this is where 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:47.600 it gets to the kind of 00:26:47.600 --> 00:26:48.519 absolute thrust 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.960 of the message 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.920 that Jesus is teaching 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:52.880 he wanted them 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:53.700 to understand 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.640 what it is 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:56.059 to be truly repentant 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:58.240 in this parable 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:58.819 about the son 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.580 who sees his father 00:26:59.580 --> 00:27:00.319 in a new light 00:27:00.319 --> 00:27:01.980 it's in the right light 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:03.180 with clarity of mind 00:27:03.180 --> 00:27:04.519 and he agrees 00:27:04.519 --> 00:27:05.080 with himself 00:27:05.080 --> 00:27:06.420 in that 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.460 when he was sitting there 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:09.160 considering his father's home 00:27:09.160 --> 00:27:10.580 and all that was 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:11.480 all that he could enjoy 00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:12.259 in his father's home 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:13.460 he saw his father 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.080 in this 00:27:14.080 --> 00:27:14.920 in this 00:27:14.920 --> 00:27:16.140 in the right light 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:16.940 so it wasn't 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.880 it wasn't that his father 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.480 had changed 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:19.940 but just in his mind 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.819 he sees his father 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.840 in the right light 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:24.379 and he acknowledges 00:27:24.379 --> 00:27:24.919 and agrees 00:27:24.919 --> 00:27:25.659 within himself 00:27:25.659 --> 00:27:26.579 that the father's way 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:27.439 was best 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:30.639 the son is repentant 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:32.159 and what do I mean by that 00:27:32.159 --> 00:27:32.759 well it means that 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:34.000 he changes his mind 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.799 about his father 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:36.539 and not only does he 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.299 change his mind 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:38.199 but he goes on 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:39.199 to show that 00:27:39.199 --> 00:27:40.439 in his response 00:27:40.439 --> 00:27:43.539 a complete change 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:43.740 right 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:44.740 had he just stopped here 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:46.220 he would only have 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:47.000 he would only have 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.859 experienced regret 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:48.480 and remorse 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:50.399 but true repentance 00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:51.459 true repentance 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.660 involves 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:53.400 not just the will 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:56.220 but it involves 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.620 the will 00:27:56.620 --> 00:27:57.460 as well as just 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:57.799 the mind 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.420 and the emotions 00:27:58.420 --> 00:28:00.380 the son resolves 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:01.259 and I think this is part 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:01.460 of it 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.500 the son resolves 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:03.539 and he says this 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:03.759 he says 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.500 I will arise 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.380 and I will go 00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:06.160 and I will say 00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:07.799 and this is what 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:08.579 our response 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.720 needs to be 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:11.319 verse 18 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:11.940 he says this 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:12.660 I will arise 00:28:12.660 --> 00:28:13.960 and I will go 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:14.799 to my father 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.640 and I will say to him 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:15.940 father 00:28:15.940 --> 00:28:17.299 I have sinned 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:17.900 against heaven 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:19.880 and before you 00:28:19.880 --> 00:28:22.860 see the young man 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.820 he just can't remain 00:28:23.820 --> 00:28:25.360 he cannot remain 00:28:25.360 --> 00:28:26.360 this is what he's saying 00:28:26.360 --> 00:28:26.640 to himself 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:27.420 I can't remain 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:28.520 here as I am 00:28:28.520 --> 00:28:29.300 in this condition 00:28:29.300 --> 00:28:30.360 he recognises 00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:31.900 that he has wronged 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:32.280 his father 00:28:32.280 --> 00:28:33.900 and he has failed 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.620 to live up to the 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:35.360 standards of his son 00:28:35.360 --> 00:28:37.520 and he is truly sorry 00:28:37.520 --> 00:28:40.160 he changes his mind 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:41.240 not only about himself 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:43.080 and about his situation 00:28:43.080 --> 00:28:44.760 but he admits 00:28:44.760 --> 00:28:45.320 that he's a sinner 00:28:45.320 --> 00:28:46.080 when he goes back 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:46.460 he says 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.500 father I have sinned 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.259 against heaven 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.640 and before you 00:28:49.640 --> 00:28:52.940 in that 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:54.380 and I never finished 00:28:54.380 --> 00:28:55.000 the rest of the verse 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:55.660 but in that 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:57.460 he recognises 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:58.319 and I think this is key 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:58.720 for us 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.559 he recognises 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:00.100 that his father 00:29:00.100 --> 00:29:01.180 was a generous man 00:29:01.180 --> 00:29:02.680 and that service 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.120 at home 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:05.680 is far better 00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:06.160 than freedom 00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:07.019 in the far country 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:09.880 you see 00:29:09.880 --> 00:29:10.519 for us 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.500 I think it's God's goodness 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.720 not just man's badness 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:13.819 that leads us 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:14.420 to repentance 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.960 you know 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.480 if the young man 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.120 had only thought 00:29:17.120 --> 00:29:17.740 about himself 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:19.560 about his hunger 00:29:19.560 --> 00:29:20.720 about his loneliness 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:22.080 about his homesickness 00:29:22.080 --> 00:29:23.720 he would have despaired 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.940 there's no hope 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:25.740 in that situation 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:28.140 but his painful circumstances 00:29:28.140 --> 00:29:29.860 helps him see his father 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:30.860 in a new way 00:29:30.860 --> 00:29:31.620 and this 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.720 this is what brought 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.380 about him hope 00:29:33.380 --> 00:29:35.100 if the father was good 00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:36.140 so good to servants 00:29:36.140 --> 00:29:37.660 then maybe he would be 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.700 willing to forgive a son 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:40.620 and this 00:29:40.620 --> 00:29:41.759 this is the part 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.180 of the story 00:29:42.180 --> 00:29:43.200 that brings joy 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:43.800 to your heart 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:44.599 as the man 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:45.200 as the young man 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:45.899 approaches home 00:29:45.899 --> 00:29:47.220 his father sees him 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:48.139 in the distance 00:29:48.139 --> 00:29:50.859 and I got a text 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.279 this morning 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:52.240 just to remind me 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:52.879 that the father 00:29:52.879 --> 00:29:53.759 runs 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:54.819 and greets him 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:56.000 and kisses him 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.819 and brings him home 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:58.759 and he asks 00:29:58.759 --> 00:29:59.539 for the best 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.240 to be done 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:00.980 for his son 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:03.339 we see that the son 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:03.759 didn't even get 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.680 to finish his confession 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:06.379 and yet the father 00:30:06.379 --> 00:30:06.859 is ready 00:30:06.859 --> 00:30:07.720 to act 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:08.500 and receive him 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:09.019 with joy 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:10.139 in fact 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:10.539 it's this 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:11.659 in the same text 00:30:11.659 --> 00:30:12.099 a good friend 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:12.519 that texted him 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:12.859 this morning 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.699 just to encourage me 00:30:13.699 --> 00:30:15.439 he had quoted 00:30:15.439 --> 00:30:16.959 a line 00:30:16.959 --> 00:30:17.559 that my grandfather 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:18.059 used 00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:19.859 and I'm sure 00:30:19.859 --> 00:30:20.539 there's a few lines 00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:21.039 that will come out 00:30:21.039 --> 00:30:22.019 but one of the lines 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.539 that my grandfather 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.099 used 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:23.719 he said this 00:30:23.719 --> 00:30:23.959 he said 00:30:23.959 --> 00:30:24.659 he kissed him 00:30:24.659 --> 00:30:25.679 when he still 00:30:25.679 --> 00:30:26.299 had the smell 00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:26.839 of pigs 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.639 upon him 00:30:27.639 --> 00:30:29.599 now 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:30.779 you know 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.159 when we think 00:30:31.159 --> 00:30:31.599 about us 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:32.599 God receives us 00:30:32.599 --> 00:30:33.779 as repentant sinners 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:36.179 not as polished Pharisees 00:30:36.179 --> 00:30:37.759 but as repentant sinners 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:38.679 in the condition 00:30:38.679 --> 00:30:39.219 that we 00:30:39.219 --> 00:30:41.039 repent to God 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:42.639 now the son 00:30:42.639 --> 00:30:43.240 did not deserve 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:43.899 this 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:44.920 given the way 00:30:44.920 --> 00:30:45.279 that he had 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:45.940 spurned his father 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.799 he disrespected him 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:48.299 he disappeared 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:48.879 from him 00:30:48.879 --> 00:30:50.680 and yet we see 00:30:50.680 --> 00:30:51.119 the goodness 00:30:51.119 --> 00:30:52.519 and the kindness 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.319 in the fact 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:53.819 that the father 00:30:53.819 --> 00:30:54.500 still loved 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.779 the wayward son 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:57.519 and he too 00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:58.440 like the first two 00:30:58.440 --> 00:30:59.659 in the first two parables 00:30:59.659 --> 00:31:00.599 he too is filled 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:01.659 with joy 00:31:01.659 --> 00:31:02.339 and he invites 00:31:02.339 --> 00:31:02.899 his family 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:03.460 and his friends 00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:04.059 to rejoice 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:04.940 and to celebrate 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:05.359 with him 00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:06.039 for he says this 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.099 for my son 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:07.859 was dead 00:31:07.859 --> 00:31:09.519 and is alive again 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:10.399 he was lost 00:31:10.399 --> 00:31:11.899 and is found 00:31:11.899 --> 00:31:15.659 now 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:16.539 the Pharisees 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:17.539 listening to this 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:19.559 and I asked you 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:20.139 earlier on 00:31:20.139 --> 00:31:20.720 just to park 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.379 the older brother 00:31:21.379 --> 00:31:22.279 but the Pharisees 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:22.759 that were listening 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:23.099 to this 00:31:23.099 --> 00:31:23.639 are shown 00:31:23.639 --> 00:31:24.639 as the older brother 00:31:24.639 --> 00:31:27.180 they claim 00:31:27.180 --> 00:31:28.119 to have served God 00:31:28.119 --> 00:31:29.899 all this time 00:31:29.899 --> 00:31:30.920 but in reality 00:31:30.920 --> 00:31:31.539 their hearts 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.220 are far 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:33.000 from the father 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:34.259 note 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:35.019 you'll see that 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.619 in the verse there 00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:36.539 that the older son 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:37.659 actually wants 00:31:37.659 --> 00:31:38.019 the same 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:38.739 as the younger son 00:31:38.739 --> 00:31:40.359 as he asks 00:31:40.359 --> 00:31:40.719 he says 00:31:40.719 --> 00:31:41.359 you never give me 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:42.019 a fatted calf 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:42.879 so I could go off 00:31:42.879 --> 00:31:43.859 and enjoy it 00:31:43.859 --> 00:31:44.599 with my friends 00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:45.799 and not with his father 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:48.199 and that is why 00:31:48.199 --> 00:31:49.159 Jesus' parable 00:31:49.159 --> 00:31:49.979 is fully understood 00:31:49.979 --> 00:31:50.619 when we see 00:31:50.619 --> 00:31:52.279 that each one of us 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:53.579 are in this parable 00:31:53.579 --> 00:31:54.059 somewhere 00:31:54.059 --> 00:31:55.379 now for the majority 00:31:55.379 --> 00:31:55.819 of us 00:31:55.819 --> 00:31:56.239 it would have been 00:31:56.239 --> 00:31:57.939 in this prodigal son 00:31:57.939 --> 00:31:59.039 but there might be 00:31:59.039 --> 00:31:59.679 some of us 00:31:59.679 --> 00:32:00.599 who are 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:01.699 who are sitting here 00:32:01.699 --> 00:32:05.599 like a Pharisee 00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:07.980 just not 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:08.959 considering the fact 00:32:08.959 --> 00:32:09.799 that there are people 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:11.659 Jesus came to seek 00:32:11.659 --> 00:32:12.079 and to save 00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:12.699 that were lost 00:32:12.699 --> 00:32:13.539 the Pharisees 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:14.259 were annoyed 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:14.740 at the fact 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.740 that the Lord Jesus 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.419 was eaten 00:32:16.419 --> 00:32:17.279 that he was received 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:17.639 as sinners 00:32:17.639 --> 00:32:18.559 and eaten with them 00:32:18.559 --> 00:32:19.240 and that is the 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:20.059 extent 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:21.059 that the Lord Jesus 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:22.279 tells these three parables 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:23.480 and there might be 00:32:23.480 --> 00:32:24.759 some of us 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.379 that sometimes 00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:26.199 act in this way 00:32:26.199 --> 00:32:27.399 that we are just 00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.119 a little bit annoyed 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:29.399 that there are people 00:32:29.399 --> 00:32:29.919 who live 00:32:29.919 --> 00:32:31.419 an outwardly sinful life 00:32:31.419 --> 00:32:31.839 and yet 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.559 God 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.159 is willing 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:34.519 as the loving father 00:32:34.519 --> 00:32:35.079 in this story 00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:36.259 to receive them 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:36.660 when they are 00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:37.619 truly repentant 00:32:37.619 --> 00:32:38.920 but we can see 00:32:38.920 --> 00:32:39.339 ourselves 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:40.440 all of us 00:32:40.440 --> 00:32:41.059 in this room today 00:32:41.059 --> 00:32:41.940 can see ourselves 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:43.220 in this parable 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:44.099 none of us 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:44.460 have been living 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.539 as we should 00:32:45.539 --> 00:32:46.119 and that is why 00:32:46.119 --> 00:32:46.900 the Bible says 00:32:46.900 --> 00:32:47.980 and reminds us 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:49.200 that we've all sinned 00:32:49.200 --> 00:32:49.980 and we've fallen short 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:50.920 of the standard 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:51.879 that God expects 00:32:51.879 --> 00:32:53.700 we've already quoted 00:32:53.700 --> 00:32:54.160 Isaiah 00:32:54.160 --> 00:32:55.759 that all we like sheep 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.420 have gone astray 00:32:56.420 --> 00:32:58.019 and we read elsewhere 00:32:58.019 --> 00:32:58.420 in scripture 00:32:58.420 --> 00:32:59.099 that there's a way 00:32:59.099 --> 00:33:00.139 that seems right to man 00:33:00.139 --> 00:33:01.660 but the end thereof 00:33:01.660 --> 00:33:03.259 is destruction 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:05.480 so what does that 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:06.079 mean for us today 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:06.319 then 00:33:06.319 --> 00:33:07.539 how do we 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:08.920 take this passage 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:09.799 and how are we 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:10.680 to apply it 00:33:10.680 --> 00:33:12.519 do these three R's 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:13.160 that I've mentioned 00:33:13.160 --> 00:33:14.640 resonate with us 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:17.579 the Bible tells us 00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:18.019 that God 00:33:18.019 --> 00:33:19.000 is the same 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.660 yesterday 00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:21.220 and today 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:22.480 and forever 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:23.579 and so 00:33:23.579 --> 00:33:24.700 we come to learn 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:25.379 that these principles 00:33:25.379 --> 00:33:25.960 are indeed 00:33:25.960 --> 00:33:27.079 relevant for us 00:33:27.079 --> 00:33:28.440 you see as sinners 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:30.160 we must repent 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:30.859 if we are to be 00:33:30.859 --> 00:33:31.259 accepted 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:32.339 by God 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:34.420 we must accept 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:35.240 that like sheep 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:36.339 we have disobeyed God 00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:37.019 and we have 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:39.000 become lost 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:39.539 in the folly 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:40.180 of our own wisdom 00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:41.299 like the coin 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:42.480 we are unable 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:43.420 to find ourselves 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:46.359 and you know 00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:47.099 the far country 00:33:47.099 --> 00:33:48.079 exists in our hearts 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:48.299 right 00:33:48.299 --> 00:33:48.879 for we are 00:33:48.879 --> 00:33:49.720 in a natural state 00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:50.680 we are far from God 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:51.519 Colossians 1 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:53.519 21 says this 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:54.160 and you 00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:55.920 who once were 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:56.740 alienated 00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:57.900 and hostile 00:33:57.900 --> 00:33:58.559 in mind 00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:59.920 doing evil deeds 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:01.960 repentance 00:34:01.960 --> 00:34:02.440 is about 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:03.320 changing our mind 00:34:03.320 --> 00:34:03.720 and seeing 00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:04.120 that the way 00:34:04.120 --> 00:34:04.800 that we live 00:34:04.800 --> 00:34:05.680 is an affront 00:34:05.680 --> 00:34:06.340 to our maker 00:34:06.340 --> 00:34:08.139 it's accepting 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.619 that by 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.700 that God's design 00:34:09.700 --> 00:34:10.619 and desire 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:11.380 for our lives 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:12.180 is the only way 00:34:12.180 --> 00:34:12.659 that we should 00:34:12.659 --> 00:34:13.159 have been living 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:16.220 but 00:34:16.220 --> 00:34:17.320 the point 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:18.280 one of the points 00:34:18.280 --> 00:34:18.619 in this 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.360 the three R's 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:20.420 repentance 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:21.460 restoration 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:22.700 but there is 00:34:22.700 --> 00:34:23.700 a piece in here 00:34:23.700 --> 00:34:24.440 that reminds us 00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:25.159 that we can be 00:34:25.159 --> 00:34:25.539 restored 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:26.340 we can be brought 00:34:26.340 --> 00:34:27.300 back into relationship 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:27.900 with God 00:34:27.900 --> 00:34:29.180 through the death 00:34:29.180 --> 00:34:30.000 and the resurrection 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:31.119 of his son 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:31.639 the Lord Jesus 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:33.400 he said 00:34:33.400 --> 00:34:34.000 I am the way 00:34:34.000 --> 00:34:34.960 that this can happen 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:35.220 he said 00:34:35.220 --> 00:34:35.860 I am the life 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:36.860 he came to give 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:38.880 he came to give us life 00:34:38.880 --> 00:34:39.740 John 10 10 00:34:39.740 --> 00:34:40.280 reminds us 00:34:40.280 --> 00:34:40.800 I am come 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:42.160 that they might have life 00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:43.340 and they might have it abundantly 00:34:43.340 --> 00:34:44.760 just following on 00:34:44.760 --> 00:34:45.320 for that verse 00:34:45.320 --> 00:34:45.840 that I quoted 00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:46.960 in Colossians 1 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:47.460 and 22 00:34:47.460 --> 00:34:49.280 it says this 00:34:49.280 --> 00:34:50.200 but now he has 00:34:50.200 --> 00:34:51.639 reconciled 00:34:51.639 --> 00:34:52.720 in his body of flesh 00:34:52.720 --> 00:34:53.460 by his death 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:55.039 in order to present us 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:55.440 holy 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:56.880 and blameless 00:34:56.880 --> 00:34:58.000 and above reproach 00:34:58.000 --> 00:34:58.619 before him 00:34:58.619 --> 00:35:00.159 like the clothes 00:35:00.159 --> 00:35:00.700 that the father 00:35:00.700 --> 00:35:01.539 presented to the son 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:02.059 to demonstrate 00:35:02.059 --> 00:35:03.099 that he was his son 00:35:03.099 --> 00:35:04.980 as restored people 00:35:04.980 --> 00:35:05.760 we are clothed 00:35:05.760 --> 00:35:06.720 in Jesus righteousness 00:35:06.720 --> 00:35:07.860 as we stand 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:08.519 before God 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:09.639 and our father 00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:10.340 sees us 00:35:10.340 --> 00:35:11.539 as righteous 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:12.500 as his son 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:13.280 Jesus 00:35:13.280 --> 00:35:16.260 and that brings us 00:35:16.260 --> 00:35:16.639 on to this 00:35:16.639 --> 00:35:18.579 the last R 00:35:18.579 --> 00:35:19.659 which is rejoicing 00:35:19.659 --> 00:35:21.300 you see 00:35:21.300 --> 00:35:22.019 joy is deep 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:22.820 satisfaction 00:35:22.820 --> 00:35:24.420 and delight 00:35:24.420 --> 00:35:25.600 both for the 00:35:25.600 --> 00:35:26.320 seeking saviour 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:27.140 and for the 00:35:27.140 --> 00:35:27.800 saved individual 00:35:27.800 --> 00:35:29.680 and this is what 00:35:29.680 --> 00:35:30.160 brings joy 00:35:30.160 --> 00:35:32.880 to the waiting 00:35:32.880 --> 00:35:33.280 father 00:35:33.280 --> 00:35:34.860 if you are repentant 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:35.860 and have been restored 00:35:35.860 --> 00:35:37.460 reconciled to God 00:35:37.460 --> 00:35:38.559 then this parable 00:35:38.559 --> 00:35:39.320 tells us 00:35:39.320 --> 00:35:40.500 that the joy 00:35:40.500 --> 00:35:41.740 that fills heaven 00:35:41.740 --> 00:35:43.120 and should fill our hearts 00:35:43.120 --> 00:35:44.840 the Christian life 00:35:44.840 --> 00:35:46.580 as we probably all know 00:35:46.580 --> 00:35:48.240 from what we think about 00:35:48.240 --> 00:35:50.539 on our prayer newsletters 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.180 from Brunsfield 00:35:51.179 --> 00:35:52.119 the Christian life 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.839 can be tough 00:35:52.839 --> 00:35:55.059 but as a true believer 00:35:55.059 --> 00:35:56.559 we experience that deep joy 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:58.219 when we are right with God 00:35:58.219 --> 00:35:59.879 so as I finish 00:35:59.879 --> 00:36:01.159 I want to encourage us 00:36:01.159 --> 00:36:01.719 not to forget 00:36:01.719 --> 00:36:02.919 about these three R's 00:36:02.919 --> 00:36:04.279 repentance 00:36:04.279 --> 00:36:05.339 restoration 00:36:05.339 --> 00:36:06.579 and rejoicing 00:36:06.579 --> 00:36:09.079 and if you have not found 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:09.819 that deep peace 00:36:09.819 --> 00:36:11.239 and joy 00:36:11.239 --> 00:36:12.259 that is afforded 00:36:12.259 --> 00:36:12.940 by the Lord Jesus 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:14.379 then I just ask 00:36:14.379 --> 00:36:14.919 that you consider 00:36:14.919 --> 00:36:15.500 this message 00:36:15.500 --> 00:36:18.079 that there is joy 00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:19.099 over one sinner 00:36:19.099 --> 00:36:20.519 who repents 00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:21.719 and the father 00:36:21.719 --> 00:36:22.440 is waiting 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:23.420 to forgive those 00:36:23.420 --> 00:36:24.440 who come to him 00:36:24.440 --> 00:36:27.639 now before I hand over 00:36:27.639 --> 00:36:28.579 to Alistair 00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:29.760 I just want to pray for us 00:36:29.760 --> 00:36:31.739 and I just want us 00:36:31.739 --> 00:36:32.599 to consider these 00:36:32.599 --> 00:36:33.500 three R's 00:36:33.500 --> 00:36:34.420 as we 00:36:34.420 --> 00:36:35.760 think about 00:36:35.760 --> 00:36:36.460 what's been said 00:36:36.460 --> 00:36:37.039 tonight 00:36:37.039 --> 00:36:39.159 our heavenly father 00:36:39.159 --> 00:36:39.380 we 00:36:39.380 --> 00:36:41.019 come before you 00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:42.059 we thank you 00:36:42.059 --> 00:36:42.340 that 00:36:42.340 --> 00:36:43.699 in your word 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:46.340 we find stories 00:36:46.340 --> 00:36:46.920 like this 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:48.519 simple stories 00:36:48.519 --> 00:36:49.320 that we can 00:36:49.320 --> 00:36:50.099 understand 00:36:50.099 --> 00:36:52.239 and that we can 00:36:52.239 --> 00:36:52.619 remember 00:36:52.619 --> 00:36:53.780 and that we can 00:36:53.780 --> 00:36:54.780 just see the truth 00:36:54.780 --> 00:36:57.099 that you have 00:36:57.099 --> 00:36:57.719 for us 00:36:57.719 --> 00:36:58.119 our father 00:36:58.119 --> 00:36:58.719 we thank you 00:36:58.719 --> 00:37:00.880 that this 00:37:00.880 --> 00:37:01.659 reminds us 00:37:01.659 --> 00:37:03.099 that you are 00:37:03.099 --> 00:37:03.800 a loving father 00:37:03.800 --> 00:37:06.000 and that you have 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:06.599 our interests 00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:07.300 at heart 00:37:07.300 --> 00:37:08.559 and our father 00:37:08.559 --> 00:37:09.960 even before 00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:10.719 the dawn of time 00:37:10.719 --> 00:37:11.599 you had 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.599 salvation's plan 00:37:12.599 --> 00:37:13.840 and that you are 00:37:13.840 --> 00:37:14.440 willing to send 00:37:14.440 --> 00:37:14.880 your son 00:37:14.880 --> 00:37:15.480 to come 00:37:15.480 --> 00:37:16.579 and to seek 00:37:16.579 --> 00:37:17.579 and to save 00:37:17.579 --> 00:37:18.559 that which was 00:37:18.559 --> 00:37:18.860 lost 00:37:18.860 --> 00:37:19.199 our father 00:37:19.199 --> 00:37:19.840 we thank you 00:37:19.840 --> 00:37:20.639 for our salvation 00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:21.299 for those 00:37:21.299 --> 00:37:22.519 who have come 00:37:22.519 --> 00:37:24.539 to put their 00:37:24.539 --> 00:37:25.579 trust and faith 00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:26.219 in the Lord Jesus 00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:26.659 our father 00:37:26.659 --> 00:37:27.340 we thank you 00:37:27.340 --> 00:37:29.360 that you are 00:37:29.360 --> 00:37:31.019 willing to 00:37:31.019 --> 00:37:31.539 accept 00:37:31.539 --> 00:37:32.799 and forgive us 00:37:32.799 --> 00:37:33.360 our father 00:37:33.360 --> 00:37:34.059 we just ask 00:37:34.059 --> 00:37:34.579 that as we have 00:37:34.579 --> 00:37:35.239 thought about this 00:37:35.239 --> 00:37:35.699 that we might 00:37:35.699 --> 00:37:36.219 just consider 00:37:36.219 --> 00:37:36.880 our lives 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:38.019 and our father 00:37:38.019 --> 00:37:38.739 that all of us 00:37:38.739 --> 00:37:39.259 might just be 00:37:39.259 --> 00:37:39.900 repentant 00:37:39.900 --> 00:37:41.019 and how we live 00:37:41.019 --> 00:37:42.500 that displeases you 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:43.639 and how that we 00:37:43.639 --> 00:37:44.440 are often far 00:37:44.440 --> 00:37:44.920 from you 00:37:44.920 --> 00:37:45.619 and our father 00:37:45.619 --> 00:37:46.239 we just ask 00:37:46.239 --> 00:37:46.780 that as we 00:37:46.780 --> 00:37:47.960 consider this 00:37:47.960 --> 00:37:48.280 tonight 00:37:48.280 --> 00:37:48.960 that your word 00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:49.440 would speak 00:37:49.440 --> 00:37:49.940 to us 00:37:49.940 --> 00:37:51.579 that might 00:37:51.579 --> 00:37:52.059 just ring 00:37:52.059 --> 00:37:53.340 in our hearts 00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:54.099 and our minds 00:37:54.099 --> 00:37:54.699 and our father 00:37:54.699 --> 00:37:55.280 we just pray 00:37:55.280 --> 00:37:56.619 that as we 00:37:56.619 --> 00:37:57.460 just consider 00:37:57.460 --> 00:37:57.980 this message 00:37:57.980 --> 00:37:58.360 tonight 00:37:58.360 --> 00:37:58.880 that you 00:37:58.880 --> 00:37:59.340 indeed 00:37:59.340 --> 00:37:59.860 will be 00:37:59.860 --> 00:38:00.780 glorified 00:38:00.780 --> 00:38:02.420 in sinners 00:38:02.420 --> 00:38:03.320 that seek you 00:38:03.320 --> 00:38:04.159 and that are 00:38:04.159 --> 00:38:04.460 saved 00:38:04.460 --> 00:38:05.019 and so our father 00:38:05.019 --> 00:38:05.579 we just commit 00:38:05.579 --> 00:38:06.400 this time to you 00:38:06.400 --> 00:38:06.800 we give you 00:38:06.800 --> 00:38:07.360 thanks for it 00:38:07.360 --> 00:38:07.860 and we do so 00:38:07.860 --> 00:38:08.099 in the name 00:38:08.099 --> 00:38:08.480 of our Lord 00:38:08.480 --> 00:38:08.740 Jesus 00:38:08.740 --> 00:38:09.880 Amen 00:38:09.880 --> 00:38:19.960 Good 00:38:19.960 --> 00:38:20.059 agen