WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:20.940 Turn with me to Luke 15. That's on page 874 of the Bible in the pew in front of you. 874. 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:27.219 Luke 15 contains one of the most famous passages in all the Bible. 00:00:27.219 --> 00:00:32.179 Now, it's one of Jesus' most well-known stories that he ever told. 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:36.960 In fact, there are actually three stories in Luke 15. 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:40.039 Three stories about lost things. 00:00:41.219 --> 00:00:48.719 A lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son or two, as we'll see. 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:52.700 And we're going to spend two weeks looking at these parables together. 00:00:52.700 --> 00:00:56.640 We could easily spend two months, but for now, two weeks. 00:00:57.240 --> 00:00:58.900 And I'm going to read the whole chapter. 00:00:59.520 --> 00:01:04.400 This morning, we'll look at part of it to focus on what we learn about God here. 00:01:04.659 --> 00:01:11.700 What we see about his heart and his character that's so awe-inspiring and encouraging to us. 00:01:12.520 --> 00:01:14.939 Luke 15 at verse 1. 00:01:14.939 --> 00:01:20.780 Now, the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 00:01:21.539 --> 00:01:24.679 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 00:01:25.179 --> 00:01:28.120 This man receives sinners and eats with them. 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:30.859 So he told them this parable. 00:01:31.959 --> 00:01:36.060 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, 00:01:36.599 --> 00:01:42.239 does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 00:01:42.239 --> 00:01:45.640 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 00:01:46.539 --> 00:01:50.159 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:53.699 Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. 00:01:54.679 --> 00:01:59.899 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents 00:01:59.899 --> 00:02:03.899 than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 00:02:03.900 --> 00:02:09.879 Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, 00:02:09.960 --> 00:02:14.420 does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 00:02:15.040 --> 00:02:18.960 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 00:02:19.319 --> 00:02:22.240 Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost. 00:02:23.240 --> 00:02:28.780 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. 00:02:28.780 --> 00:02:33.000 And he said, there was a man who had two sons. 00:02:33.939 --> 00:02:35.640 And the younger of them said to his father, 00:02:36.360 --> 00:02:38.960 Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me. 00:02:39.080 --> 00:02:41.199 And he divided his property between them. 00:02:42.259 --> 00:02:47.420 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country. 00:02:48.139 --> 00:02:50.920 And there he squandered his property in reckless living. 00:02:52.060 --> 00:02:57.180 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country and he began to be in need. 00:02:57.180 --> 00:03:03.879 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country who sent him into the fields to feed pigs. 00:03:04.379 --> 00:03:07.599 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate. 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:10.260 And no one gave him anything. 00:03:11.620 --> 00:03:13.480 But when he came to himself, he said, 00:03:13.879 --> 00:03:19.159 How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger? 00:03:19.960 --> 00:03:23.000 I will arise and go to my father and I will say to him, 00:03:23.400 --> 00:03:25.860 Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 00:03:25.860 --> 00:03:28.660 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:03:29.360 --> 00:03:31.440 Treat me as one of your hired servants. 00:03:32.660 --> 00:03:34.600 And he arose and came to his father. 00:03:34.740 --> 00:03:44.700 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:46.660 And the son said to him, 00:03:46.659 --> 00:03:49.740 Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 00:03:50.159 --> 00:03:52.139 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:03:52.259 --> 00:03:53.960 But the father said to his servants, 00:03:54.400 --> 00:03:56.500 Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him. 00:03:56.719 --> 00:03:59.180 And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 00:03:59.479 --> 00:04:01.139 And bring the fattened calf and kill it. 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:02.300 And let us eat and celebrate. 00:04:02.800 --> 00:04:05.419 For this my son was dead and is alive again. 00:04:05.659 --> 00:04:07.379 He was lost and is found. 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:09.019 And they began to celebrate. 00:04:09.020 --> 00:04:16.500 Now his older son was in the field and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 00:04:17.540 --> 00:04:20.000 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:21.920 And he said to him, 00:04:22.379 --> 00:04:27.379 Your brother has come and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound. 00:04:28.660 --> 00:04:31.000 But he was angry and refused to go in. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:33.899 His father came out and entreated him. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:35.459 But he answered his father, 00:04:36.259 --> 00:04:39.939 Look, these many years I have served you and I never disobeyed your command. 00:04:40.540 --> 00:04:44.600 Yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends. 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:47.639 But when this son of yours came, 00:04:48.259 --> 00:04:50.639 Who has devoured your property with prostitutes, 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:53.439 You killed the fattened calf for him. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:55.920 And he said to him, 00:04:56.019 --> 00:04:58.019 Son, you are always with me. 00:04:58.360 --> 00:05:00.079 And all that is mine is yours. 00:05:00.079 --> 00:05:03.459 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad. 00:05:03.759 --> 00:05:06.139 For this your brother was dead and is alive. 00:05:06.740 --> 00:05:09.139 He was lost and is found. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:12.419 Thus far, God's holy word. 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:13.779 Let's pray. 00:05:18.039 --> 00:05:19.919 Father, we give you thanks for your word. 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:23.000 We love these stories. 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:27.579 We need you to write their truth on our hearts. 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:30.279 That we might know more of who you are. 00:05:31.259 --> 00:05:32.879 That we might understand ourselves. 00:05:34.620 --> 00:05:37.779 That we might see your love fresh this morning. 00:05:38.039 --> 00:05:41.419 Holy Spirit, come and speak through your word. 00:05:42.139 --> 00:05:42.879 In Jesus' name. 00:05:43.560 --> 00:05:43.819 Amen. 00:05:43.819 --> 00:06:00.100 Treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team gave over 16 years of their lives to the search for the Atosha with no reward at all. 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:03.620 The Atosha was a Spanish galleon. 00:06:03.620 --> 00:06:10.600 A really big ship that was loaded with treasure, gold and silver and priceless gems. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:18.120 Returning to Spain when it crashed in 1622 between Cuba and Florida. 00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:22.939 It sank 55 feet below sea level. 00:06:23.579 --> 00:06:27.699 And for over 350 years, no one could find it at all. 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:37.500 Until, in 1985, Fisher's son Kane radioed up to headquarters with the exciting news. 00:06:37.800 --> 00:06:40.800 In year 17, they'd found it. 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:43.759 But the ship was there after all. 00:06:44.579 --> 00:06:49.180 Took them a lot longer to find their treasure than it did for our kids this morning, thankfully. 00:06:51.060 --> 00:06:54.259 But this is what drove the treasure hunters, right? 00:06:54.500 --> 00:06:56.379 This is the moment they'd been waiting for. 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.819 What their hearts loved. 00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:00.360 What they gave their lives to. 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:06.620 Over 5,000 days with nothing to show. 00:07:06.620 --> 00:07:10.459 And then, the day they lived for. 00:07:12.459 --> 00:07:17.459 When pile after pile of precious jewels came up from the wreckage of the Atosha, 00:07:18.420 --> 00:07:23.800 buried deep at the bottom of the ocean, the hall cleared $400 million. 00:07:25.699 --> 00:07:30.800 You can imagine the treasure hunters were excited, or more. 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:37.540 Surrounded by wreckage, but finding great treasure there. 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:43.080 That's the context in which Jesus tells these stories, isn't it? 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:51.560 Luke tells us that Jesus is surrounded by wreckage that he deems to be precious treasure. 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:58.199 And so, he tells us, because some people don't like what he's surrounded by, 00:07:58.420 --> 00:08:01.720 about God's nature as a treasure hunter. 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:07.120 Look back at how the stage is set for these stories in the first two verses. 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:12.680 The first group around Jesus is the wreckage. 00:08:14.340 --> 00:08:15.500 What are they doing? 00:08:16.340 --> 00:08:19.899 They are eagerly listening to Jesus. 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:23.120 These tax collectors and sinners. 00:08:23.979 --> 00:08:27.759 Social, religious, moral outcasts. 00:08:27.859 --> 00:08:30.479 People who have failed on life. 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:34.720 Been pushed out of life by others. 00:08:35.620 --> 00:08:38.699 They draw near to be with Jesus. 00:08:38.899 --> 00:08:41.279 To hear what he has to say. 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:44.079 It made me ask myself this week, 00:08:44.179 --> 00:08:46.980 are those the kinds of people drawn to me? 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:51.899 Over and over, we're told how they are drawn to Jesus. 00:08:52.139 --> 00:08:54.039 How they love to be with him. 00:08:54.340 --> 00:08:55.980 And he with them. 00:08:57.840 --> 00:09:01.920 But the religious leaders find this reality appalling, don't they? 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:06.639 We're told they are grumbling at Jesus. 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:09.279 About who his friends are. 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:13.320 About who gets his time and attention. 00:09:13.320 --> 00:09:19.320 And so here is Jesus' chance to set the record straight. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:23.720 To clarify that he's above this riffraff. 00:09:24.280 --> 00:09:28.640 That he's actually a quite respectable person and religious leader. 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:32.520 But these lowlifes, they just won't leave him alone, you know? 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:37.259 Instead, Jesus doubles down. 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:41.679 And explains the heart of God for the left out. 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:44.759 For finding lost things. 00:09:45.159 --> 00:09:48.819 Essentially saying, you need to understand this. 00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:53.620 I'm here with them because this is the passion of God's heart. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:55.779 It's not an accident. 00:09:55.779 --> 00:10:02.659 He'll especially challenge these religious leaders that they're missing the heart of God. 00:10:03.839 --> 00:10:05.459 Most of that we'll look at next week. 00:10:07.079 --> 00:10:13.279 Jesus tells the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin to establish a pattern. 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:16.339 A pattern we've all experienced at some point. 00:10:16.819 --> 00:10:20.419 The joy of finding something we had lost. 00:10:20.819 --> 00:10:21.000 Right? 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:24.940 In each story, the same thing happens. 00:10:25.139 --> 00:10:26.240 Something is lost. 00:10:27.440 --> 00:10:33.200 A search for that lost thing immediately commences passionately, diligently. 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:36.360 The lost thing is found. 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:42.159 And an appropriate party comes upon the finding. 00:10:42.299 --> 00:10:42.879 Rejoicing. 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:44.220 Celebration. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:45.820 Shared with friends. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:47.059 In both cases. 00:10:47.059 --> 00:10:56.099 And again, in both cases, Jesus clarifies that the point is actually about God's heart. 00:10:56.419 --> 00:10:56.619 Right? 00:10:57.219 --> 00:10:59.439 Verse 7, the end of the sheep story. 00:10:59.839 --> 00:11:05.619 Just so I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 00:11:05.619 --> 00:11:08.000 99 righteous persons who need no repentance. 00:11:08.459 --> 00:11:10.299 Verse 10, the end of the coin story. 00:11:10.299 --> 00:11:17.579 Just so I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. 00:11:17.899 --> 00:11:19.159 That's Jesus' point. 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:21.559 What makes heaven's heart leap? 00:11:22.819 --> 00:11:25.779 For what occasions does God throw parties? 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:31.299 God rejoices in the finding of lost things. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:32.299 That's his heart. 00:11:32.599 --> 00:11:37.679 Like those treasure hunters who live to uncover treasure in the wreckage. 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:42.219 God celebrates finding lost sinners. 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:48.739 In fact, more than he celebrates 99 upright people. 00:11:48.979 --> 00:11:52.759 Good kids who think they don't need God. 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:59.219 And here's where this would have been especially difficult for the religious leaders to follow. 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:03.120 Of course, the Pharisees knew God was forgiving, right? 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:04.639 They taught that. 00:12:04.700 --> 00:12:09.240 All the rabbinic teaching at the time said, God forgives repentant sinners. 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:18.740 The problem is what there was no evidence of in the teaching then was this God who seeks out sinners 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:23.399 so passionately as these stories demonstrate. 00:12:23.879 --> 00:12:27.720 Seeking after these lost people as a treasure hunting God. 00:12:27.860 --> 00:12:28.840 It wasn't there. 00:12:29.060 --> 00:12:31.200 But that's what's in both of these parables, right? 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:37.340 The shepherd leaves the 99 to go look for the lost sheep. 00:12:37.680 --> 00:12:40.259 Thou hast here thy 90 and 9. 00:12:40.420 --> 00:12:42.240 Are they not enough for thee? 00:12:42.400 --> 00:12:43.740 Jesus says, no. 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:52.340 He's not satisfied until he can rescue the lost sheep, throw it over his shoulders and bring it home. 00:12:52.340 --> 00:13:11.980 Jesus, are you really saying that's the way God goes after lost people like these tax collectors and sinners? 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:15.740 I mean, are we hearing you right? 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:17.860 That's what makes him happy? 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:19.340 It's what makes him rejoice? 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:28.300 The heartfelt repentance of a lost cause rather than the dutiful obedience of a self-sufficient churchgoer? 00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.519 That's what he celebrates? 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:37.000 Another question for our hearts that we'll talk more about next week. 00:13:37.059 --> 00:13:38.259 Is that what I celebrate? 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:43.579 Do my kids know I celebrate I'm sorry, Dad? 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:47.699 More than straight A's and home runs and blue ribbons? 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:51.779 But we've heard Jesus say it before, haven't we? 00:13:52.500 --> 00:13:55.259 He came not for the healthy, but for the sick. 00:13:55.419 --> 00:13:57.579 He came to seek and save the lost. 00:13:57.580 --> 00:14:01.180 He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:11.440 The heart of heaven is for the least, the lost, the littlest, the lonely, and the left out. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:15.440 God is so passionate about these people. 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:20.300 He delights in them so much that he even kind of has a soft spot for the left-handed and the libertarian. 00:14:22.320 --> 00:14:23.080 Not really. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:29.340 But it's so important that we remember his heart. 00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:34.160 For the least, the lost, the littlest, the lonely, the left out. 00:14:34.340 --> 00:14:39.879 I don't have enough time in this sermon or room on this screen to read you all the Old Testament passages 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:47.360 describing God's character as one who cares for the brokenhearted, the downtrodden, the oppressed. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:54.180 His desire to rescue all those from all nations who are dying apart from him. 00:14:55.379 --> 00:15:00.120 So don't miss what he says about what brings joy to his heart. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:05.120 He tells the older brother at the end of the whole chapter, verse 32, 00:15:06.039 --> 00:15:08.600 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad. 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:09.039 Why? 00:15:10.300 --> 00:15:12.820 This your brother was dead and is alive. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:15.480 He was lost and is found. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:18.300 The Greek word translated, it was fitting. 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:21.960 It really pushes towards necessity. 00:15:22.899 --> 00:15:25.220 We must celebrate. 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:29.940 You have to throw a party because the dead is alive. 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:32.159 The lost is found. 00:15:32.300 --> 00:15:33.620 We have to celebrate. 00:15:33.620 --> 00:15:40.519 But then the third parable raises the stakes just a little bit more than that, doesn't it? 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.620 In a number of ways. 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:45.960 Now, it's a son who is lost. 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:51.139 A son way more precious than a sheep or a coin. 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:52.860 Now there's a son lost. 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:56.279 And the man has how many sons? 00:15:57.179 --> 00:15:58.220 Two sons. 00:15:58.220 --> 00:16:06.660 Not a hundred sheep or ten coins, but only two and there's one lost. 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:14.980 And now the son hasn't accidentally wandered off or been dropped on the floor somewhere. 00:16:15.660 --> 00:16:21.580 He is intentionally, willfully lost. 00:16:21.580 --> 00:16:24.680 And this is where Jesus wants to push us. 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:31.160 Because he wants me to see not just God's heart towards sinners, towards lost people. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:36.960 But more importantly, God's heart toward lost will. 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:40.620 Toward me and you personally. 00:16:41.920 --> 00:16:46.280 Let's see how Jesus depicts this more extreme lostness. 00:16:46.940 --> 00:16:47.960 Verse 12. 00:16:47.960 --> 00:16:55.220 The younger son comes to his father and demands his one-third share of the inheritance. 00:16:56.060 --> 00:17:00.480 I don't want you managing what's coming to me eventually, Dad. 00:17:01.160 --> 00:17:03.259 I want to determine my own way. 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:05.620 I want to set my own priorities. 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:08.200 I want to enjoy my own life. 00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:17.559 Most Americans in our culture of rugged individualism have experienced those feelings at some point in their life. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:23.100 Whether towards God or another authority in our lives. 00:17:23.840 --> 00:17:26.319 I want to determine my own path. 00:17:27.120 --> 00:17:29.700 Regardless of what God's word says. 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:35.299 Regardless of what church leaders or friends God has put in my life say. 00:17:36.100 --> 00:17:39.319 Only I know what it's like to be me. 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:41.420 I'll do it myself. 00:17:41.420 --> 00:17:45.860 I've heard those words, but we've said them too. 00:17:47.320 --> 00:17:50.180 In fact, the younger son leaves town. 00:17:50.600 --> 00:17:56.640 In effect, revealing that he wants the father's things more than he wants the father himself. 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:59.920 He's essentially gone so far as to say, 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:06.200 Dad, I wish you were dead so I could have now what's coming to me then on that day. 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:10.480 And in fact, since you're not dead yet, 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:15.580 I want to take those things and enjoy them as far away from you as possible. 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:16.799 I've got to get out of town. 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:24.680 Now that may sound to you as disrespectful and unthinkable as it should. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:32.519 It would have been worse in Jesus' day to imagine those things being said to the head of the family. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:36.279 But have you ever wanted God's blessing? 00:18:37.579 --> 00:18:38.799 God's forgiveness? 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.619 God's provision? 00:18:42.879 --> 00:18:46.299 More than you really wanted God himself? 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:53.700 See, at the heart of this younger brother, this prodigal son we call him, 00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:59.299 he finds the father's provision inadequate, doesn't he? 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:04.480 He runs off to enjoy reckless living in the far country, 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:07.359 certain that it's going to fulfill him, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:11.960 hoping for something better than what he's got at home. 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:16.799 Maybe you've believed that lie before, as I have. 00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:21.379 That lie that adequate provision, that fullness, 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:26.240 that true life is found somewhere apart from God. 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:32.279 The lie is that the father's house is the place of inadequate provision, 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:37.380 and the far country is the place of extravagant provision. 00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:42.259 And so we long for a different spouse, 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:44.440 a different car, 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.799 a different body, 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:50.140 a different income level, 00:19:50.140 --> 00:19:53.600 a different experience or situation 00:19:53.600 --> 00:19:56.680 that's where we will find life. 00:19:58.820 --> 00:20:03.100 Or sometimes it's just looking at the brokenness around us 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:05.800 that we're experiencing and thinking, 00:20:06.020 --> 00:20:06.960 I can do better. 00:20:08.540 --> 00:20:10.000 I can find better. 00:20:11.100 --> 00:20:12.860 I can make a better life. 00:20:13.080 --> 00:20:17.020 I mean, is this how God cares for people who follow him and love him? 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:19.359 I can do better. 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:23.740 And you may not even leave church, 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:28.819 but God begins to feel far, far away. 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:34.879 You been any of those places in your heart or life? 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:40.839 Maybe the far country is not too far off from us, huh? 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:47.500 I don't know what it is that would help you see yourself here in the lost sun. 00:20:48.439 --> 00:20:50.339 Maybe it's thinking back to your college years. 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:53.039 It's usually a reliable go-to if you need some help. 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:55.480 But maybe it's not quite so far. 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:59.779 Maybe you don't have to think back that much. 00:20:59.879 --> 00:21:04.419 Maybe it's imagining someone reading your internet history from the last month. 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:09.339 Reading a transcript of your thought life from last week. 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:14.259 Maybe it's remembering what you said to your parents last night. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:20.459 Or remembering what you were longing for the last time you just let yourself go 00:21:20.459 --> 00:21:24.059 and honestly complain about what you were really feeling. 00:21:27.159 --> 00:21:30.519 But all of us have been here, haven't we? 00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:36.500 And all of us continue to be tempted by the greener grass of the far country. 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:42.880 There's something better out there for me than what I have here at home with the Father. 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:45.359 And it's so important to see that. 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:52.200 Because it's that extreme, intentional, willful lostness, 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:56.140 separate from the Father, away from Him at any cost, 00:21:56.700 --> 00:22:03.359 that highlights for us the extravagant love of the Father in this story. 00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:09.319 See, the one bright side of the far country is that in the end, 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:13.339 it leaves you empty and longing for home. 00:22:14.459 --> 00:22:18.039 Takes a while sometimes, but it always does that. 00:22:18.419 --> 00:22:21.779 We're deceived when we think that our better tomorrow 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:25.419 is apart from the Father and His provision and His direction. 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:30.160 And the son learns this lesson face down in a pigsty in this story, doesn't he? 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:32.519 As low as he could get, 00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:36.440 feeding animals he wasn't allowed to touch or eat. 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:40.220 He's starving and longing to eat pig food. 00:22:42.080 --> 00:22:45.880 So desperate, at the end of himself and his own ideas, 00:22:46.300 --> 00:22:48.140 he heads home. 00:22:48.140 --> 00:22:53.860 By the way, are you still lying to yourself? 00:22:54.540 --> 00:22:57.320 Pretending pig food is steak? 00:22:59.060 --> 00:23:00.280 That you're really full? 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:03.000 Are you ready to come home? 00:23:05.040 --> 00:23:06.800 That's where this son got. 00:23:07.440 --> 00:23:09.900 By all accounts, even what he's asking for 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:13.180 as he comes to plead with his father is entirely unreasonable. 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:17.420 Let me work it off as a hired servant, right? 00:23:19.060 --> 00:23:20.539 The father should have disowned him. 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:23.060 Had nothing to do with him. 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:27.000 Even in this culture, had him beaten or killed for his rebellion, 00:23:27.320 --> 00:23:31.779 he had publicly scandalized his dad in front of everybody. 00:23:34.060 --> 00:23:38.920 But that's nothing compared to the way his dad is about to scandalize himself. 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:43.460 This may be my favorite image of God's love in the whole Bible. 00:23:43.840 --> 00:23:44.820 Verse 20. 00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:47.000 He arose and came to his father, 00:23:47.320 --> 00:23:49.640 but while he was still a long way off, 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:51.519 his father saw him 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:54.800 and felt compassion 00:23:54.800 --> 00:23:56.840 and ran 00:23:56.840 --> 00:23:59.360 and embraced him 00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:00.720 and kissed him. 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:02.039 He's piling on, isn't he? 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:05.160 And the son said to him, 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:06.560 here's the thing he's been rehearsing. 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:07.420 We've heard it once. 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:09.640 Father, I have sinned against heaven 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:10.880 and before you. 00:24:11.080 --> 00:24:13.220 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:24:13.519 --> 00:24:14.880 Make me as... 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:16.080 Nope, that's part of the speech. 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:16.880 We've already heard it. 00:24:16.920 --> 00:24:18.360 He doesn't even get that far. 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:21.120 I am no longer worthy to be called your son, 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.920 but... 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:23.620 But the father interrupts. 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:24.600 I won't hear it. 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:27.180 The father said to his servants, 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:29.420 bring quickly the best robe and put it on him. 00:24:29.860 --> 00:24:31.759 Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.539 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:35.160 Let us eat and celebrate. 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:38.019 For this my son was dead and is alive again. 00:24:38.259 --> 00:24:40.759 He was lost and is found. 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:42.660 Party time! 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:44.580 They begin to celebrate. 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:48.220 That's the father's response, isn't it? 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:50.420 Don't you love that? 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:54.300 God is not stewing off in a back room 00:24:54.300 --> 00:24:55.540 somewhere inside. 00:24:55.800 --> 00:24:57.220 He's waiting up late 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.480 on the lookout, 00:24:58.800 --> 00:24:59.660 on the porch, 00:25:00.080 --> 00:25:00.480 isn't he? 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:04.839 He's not standing far off 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:06.480 waiting to be impressed 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:08.880 by the renewed respect 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:10.039 and obedience 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.319 that better come 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:12.539 from this son 00:25:12.539 --> 00:25:14.599 if he thinks he's coming back around here. 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:17.460 No, he interrupts that idea, 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:20.180 ignores the son's plan 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:21.900 to earn his way back, 00:25:22.360 --> 00:25:24.019 to work off his debts. 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:29.500 God is not calmly walking out 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:32.139 to kind of evaluate the situation, 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:34.859 see what he thinks. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:38.720 He is thrilled out of his mind, 00:25:39.119 --> 00:25:40.180 beside himself. 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:42.299 He's hiking up his robes. 00:25:42.660 --> 00:25:44.299 You don't do that 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:46.420 if you're a man in this culture. 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:49.940 He is running another absolute no-no, 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:53.539 running towards this son 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:54.500 who's coming back 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:56.480 and then he touches him. 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.559 Where's he been? 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.720 This unclean son 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:03.240 covered with pig filth 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:06.160 and he embraces him, 00:26:06.660 --> 00:26:08.480 throws his arm around him 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.640 and kisses him. 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:11.039 It's unheard of. 00:26:11.620 --> 00:26:13.640 You couldn't possibly imagine it happening. 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:15.259 He brings the best robe. 00:26:15.340 --> 00:26:15.920 Whose is that? 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:16.900 It's his own. 00:26:16.900 --> 00:26:20.040 He's gone to put on a dirty pig feeder. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:21.360 Now you can't wear it anymore. 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:25.540 He brings the ring and shoes of sonship. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:29.400 He's so happy to have found his lost treasure 00:26:29.400 --> 00:26:32.540 that he sacrifices one of his most valuable possessions, 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:33.940 the fattened calf, 00:26:34.080 --> 00:26:36.100 and throws a party for the whole village 00:26:36.100 --> 00:26:37.120 to celebrate, right? 00:26:37.820 --> 00:26:40.180 That's how the father responds. 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:43.080 Has anybody ever responded to you like that? 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:46.860 Have you ever felt God responding like that? 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.380 Towards you? 00:26:48.840 --> 00:26:49.940 Some of you are like me 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:51.040 and you're thinking, 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:53.320 this father is crazy. 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.560 He's a fool. 00:26:55.600 --> 00:26:57.160 He's just gonna turn around 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:58.880 and run off again. 00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:00.940 Take advantage of your generosity. 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:03.700 Don't be naive, Dad. 00:27:04.800 --> 00:27:06.019 What an enabler. 00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:08.880 Good. 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:09.800 I hear ya. 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.900 There's a whole conversation 00:27:12.420 --> 00:27:13.900 with the elder brother next week 00:27:13.900 --> 00:27:15.759 that is just for helping us 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.860 with our hearts. 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.980 But those concerns 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:20.519 don't slow the father down, do they? 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:23.940 They don't stop him from loving. 00:27:24.840 --> 00:27:26.500 What Jesus wants us to hear 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.780 loud and clear 00:27:27.780 --> 00:27:30.440 is that the treasure hunting God 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:32.840 looks for willfully 00:27:32.840 --> 00:27:36.420 far country lost people too. 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:38.940 Those who have run away from him. 00:27:38.940 --> 00:27:41.039 He sent his only son 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.620 to make a wretch 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:43.880 his treasure. 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:46.220 He couldn't be more excited 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:47.840 to have you home. 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:55.639 Because some of you feel like 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:56.359 you've wrecked 00:27:56.359 --> 00:27:57.799 your life too deep. 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:01.079 Too far away from God. 00:28:02.679 --> 00:28:04.000 It's hard to even dream 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:06.000 of sneaking in the back door 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.480 to heaven 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:08.079 getting some of the scraps 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:09.339 off the father's table. 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:12.379 When I talk to you 00:28:12.379 --> 00:28:13.519 about the grace of God 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:15.879 you lower your head. 00:28:15.880 --> 00:28:18.360 I've seen it this week. 00:28:19.780 --> 00:28:20.900 It's hard to hear. 00:28:23.600 --> 00:28:24.780 You've gone too low. 00:28:25.740 --> 00:28:26.800 You've given up 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:28.320 that kind of hope. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.820 And you need to know 00:28:29.820 --> 00:28:31.420 from God's word this morning 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:33.480 that what drives God's heart 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:35.800 is searching the bottom 00:28:35.800 --> 00:28:36.480 of the ocean 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.880 for lost treasure. 00:28:38.380 --> 00:28:39.860 He shames himself 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:41.540 to honor you. 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:44.899 God doesn't have to keep 00:28:44.899 --> 00:28:46.099 his distance from you 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:47.680 because of your sin. 00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:48.920 It's the way it feels 00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:50.139 sometimes with other people. 00:28:50.460 --> 00:28:51.119 But your sin 00:28:51.119 --> 00:28:52.440 doesn't defile him. 00:28:52.899 --> 00:28:53.859 His righteousness 00:28:53.859 --> 00:28:55.319 purifies you. 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:57.220 He can throw his arms 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:57.799 around you 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:59.559 and it doesn't defile him. 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:02.299 You don't make him dirty. 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.539 He makes you clean. 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:05.539 He sacrifices 00:29:06.159 --> 00:29:07.599 to restore 00:29:07.599 --> 00:29:08.539 your sonship. 00:29:09.220 --> 00:29:10.759 To have you back home 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:12.579 in his family. 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:15.180 And no one made him do it. 00:29:16.879 --> 00:29:17.639 No one. 00:29:19.240 --> 00:29:20.799 He's not tolerating you. 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:23.899 He doesn't begrudgingly say 00:29:23.899 --> 00:29:25.480 sure you can 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:27.019 sleep on the sofa tonight 00:29:27.019 --> 00:29:28.159 as long as no one notices. 00:29:29.139 --> 00:29:30.720 Just come in the back door. 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.000 Maybe they won't know 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:32.460 you're here. 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.859 He's throwing 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:35.960 a party 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:37.079 for you. 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:38.059 For you 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:39.779 in all your mess. 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.539 Before you've cleaned up 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.720 he celebrates 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:43.720 your return 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:44.740 while you're still 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:46.140 covered in pig filth. 00:29:46.619 --> 00:29:47.779 That's how he loves you. 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:52.720 Maybe you've been 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.319 unfaithful 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:54.500 to your spouse 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.099 and the guilt 00:29:56.099 --> 00:29:57.420 is killing you. 00:29:59.299 --> 00:30:00.059 Maybe you've had 00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:00.539 an abortion 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:02.559 and the shame 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.799 is killing you. 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:06.259 Maybe you've been 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:07.559 divorced three times 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:09.480 and the pain 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:10.399 is killing you. 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:13.240 Maybe you've watched 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.339 a kid wander away 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:16.200 and the grief 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:17.319 is killing you. 00:30:18.180 --> 00:30:18.819 Maybe you've been 00:30:18.819 --> 00:30:19.799 gone from God 00:30:19.799 --> 00:30:21.139 for so long 00:30:21.139 --> 00:30:22.579 that you're sure 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:24.359 he's given up on you. 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:25.899 Maybe you're so low 00:30:25.899 --> 00:30:26.879 you've given up 00:30:26.879 --> 00:30:27.839 on yourself 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:29.500 you don't blame him. 00:30:30.659 --> 00:30:31.419 Listen to me. 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.939 There is a treasure 00:30:33.939 --> 00:30:35.339 hunting God 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:37.139 who is running 00:30:37.139 --> 00:30:38.879 out to meet you 00:30:38.879 --> 00:30:40.539 throwing his arms 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.179 around you 00:30:41.179 --> 00:30:42.619 sacrificing his 00:30:42.619 --> 00:30:43.379 most precious 00:30:43.379 --> 00:30:43.939 possession 00:30:43.939 --> 00:30:44.859 so that he can 00:30:44.859 --> 00:30:45.839 have you 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:47.119 as his own. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:48.879 That's how God 00:30:48.879 --> 00:30:49.859 feels about you. 00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:51.699 It may be free 00:30:51.699 --> 00:30:52.539 grace for us 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:53.000 but yes 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:53.839 it's costly 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:54.500 to him. 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.539 he sees his 00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:56.299 own son 00:30:56.299 --> 00:30:57.039 shamed 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:58.299 and slaughtered 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.200 on the cross 00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:00.059 so that he 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.059 can welcome 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:02.119 you in 00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:03.079 and so you 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:04.279 can be celebrated 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:05.539 as a son. 00:31:06.119 --> 00:31:06.920 That's how he 00:31:06.920 --> 00:31:07.839 feels about you. 00:31:08.140 --> 00:31:08.799 That's the heart 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:09.339 of God 00:31:09.339 --> 00:31:10.380 towards you. 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:11.480 He loves you 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.059 like that. 00:31:15.059 --> 00:31:16.059 When was that 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.420 moment 00:31:16.420 --> 00:31:17.339 where you knew 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.900 you'd blown it? 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:21.940 what is that sin 00:31:21.940 --> 00:31:22.600 no one else 00:31:22.600 --> 00:31:23.620 knows about 00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.259 that you're 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.940 so ashamed of? 00:31:27.860 --> 00:31:29.080 When do you see 00:31:29.080 --> 00:31:30.519 God look down 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.340 at your name 00:31:31.340 --> 00:31:32.700 and just finally 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.780 think that's enough? 00:31:35.360 --> 00:31:36.019 Takes a 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.880 marker 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:37.240 and just 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.660 a big black 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.160 X 00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:40.720 across your name 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:44.040 written off 00:31:44.040 --> 00:31:47.120 scratched out 00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:49.339 given up 00:31:49.339 --> 00:31:49.699 on 00:31:49.699 --> 00:31:53.719 you must be 00:31:53.719 --> 00:31:54.019 forgetting 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:54.599 who's drawing 00:31:54.599 --> 00:31:55.259 the X 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:57.179 and you need 00:31:57.179 --> 00:31:57.539 to remember 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.179 this morning 00:31:58.179 --> 00:31:59.579 God 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:01.500 is a 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:02.039 treasure 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:02.479 hunting 00:32:02.479 --> 00:32:02.939 God 00:32:02.939 --> 00:32:04.579 and when 00:32:04.579 --> 00:32:05.459 he draws 00:32:05.459 --> 00:32:06.259 a black 00:32:06.259 --> 00:32:06.739 X 00:32:06.739 --> 00:32:07.539 on your 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:07.959 name 00:32:07.959 --> 00:32:08.639 he is 00:32:08.639 --> 00:32:09.259 marking 00:32:09.259 --> 00:32:10.899 the location 00:32:10.899 --> 00:32:11.859 of his 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.379 treasure 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.619 he's not 00:32:13.619 --> 00:32:14.159 writing you 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:14.519 off 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.879 he's putting 00:32:15.879 --> 00:32:16.559 a target 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:17.200 on you 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:18.000 making you 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.779 the object 00:32:18.779 --> 00:32:19.700 of his 00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:20.240 affection 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:21.579 the treasure 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.559 that he has 00:32:22.559 --> 00:32:23.099 lost 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:23.899 that he will 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:25.139 not stop 00:32:25.139 --> 00:32:25.819 seeking 00:32:25.819 --> 00:32:26.480 until he 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.159 finds it 00:32:27.159 --> 00:32:29.339 Father 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:31.059 could that 00:32:31.059 --> 00:32:31.579 be true? 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:33.919 That you 00:32:33.919 --> 00:32:34.579 love us 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:35.139 like that? 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:37.919 That you 00:32:37.919 --> 00:32:38.299 don't just 00:32:38.299 --> 00:32:38.879 come after 00:32:38.879 --> 00:32:39.480 us 00:32:39.480 --> 00:32:40.779 in Jesus 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:41.720 once 00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:42.740 but that you 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:43.399 keep 00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:44.400 keep 00:32:44.400 --> 00:32:44.420 keep 00:32:44.420 --> 00:32:45.580 seeking 00:32:45.580 --> 00:32:46.680 after us 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:50.840 Father 00:32:50.840 --> 00:32:51.160 would we 00:32:51.160 --> 00:32:51.900 experience 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:53.180 your grace 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:55.840 again 00:32:55.840 --> 00:32:56.320 today? 00:32:57.780 --> 00:32:58.680 Grace that 00:32:58.680 --> 00:32:59.000 we could 00:32:59.000 --> 00:32:59.340 never 00:32:59.340 --> 00:32:59.960 deserve 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:01.980 grace we 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:02.440 could never 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:03.460 work for 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:07.019 love that 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:08.040 maybe we've 00:33:08.040 --> 00:33:08.640 never known 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:09.000 would we 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:10.060 all experience 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:11.099 that again 00:33:11.099 --> 00:33:11.779 today? 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.539 Or maybe 00:33:13.539 --> 00:33:14.200 for the first 00:33:14.200 --> 00:33:14.599 time? 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:17.039 And feel 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:17.480 your arms 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:18.079 thrown around 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:18.460 us? 00:33:19.139 --> 00:33:20.000 Your robe 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:21.179 covering us? 00:33:23.399 --> 00:33:23.720 May we 00:33:23.720 --> 00:33:24.480 feel walked 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:24.919 into the 00:33:24.919 --> 00:33:25.240 party 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:27.359 as a guest 00:33:27.359 --> 00:33:27.819 of honor 00:33:27.819 --> 00:33:29.639 to feel the 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:30.179 celebration 00:33:30.179 --> 00:33:30.720 of God 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:31.399 over us? 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:34.879 Would you 00:33:34.879 --> 00:33:35.519 do that work 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.240 by your 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:36.559 spirit? 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:38.399 Would you 00:33:38.400 --> 00:33:38.880 take cold 00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:39.360 hearts 00:33:39.360 --> 00:33:41.140 and warm 00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:42.140 them dead 00:33:42.140 --> 00:33:43.220 hearts 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:43.740 and bring 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.440 them life? 00:33:46.940 --> 00:33:47.340 Would you 00:33:47.340 --> 00:33:47.860 move towards 00:33:47.860 --> 00:33:48.740 lost 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:50.140 people 00:33:50.140 --> 00:33:51.980 and find 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.360 us 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:53.420 because you 00:33:53.420 --> 00:33:54.140 delight in 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:54.380 it? 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:57.000 We thank 00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:57.280 you that 00:33:57.280 --> 00:33:57.640 you're like 00:33:57.640 --> 00:33:57.880 that. 00:33:58.200 --> 00:33:58.840 We praise 00:33:58.840 --> 00:33:59.240 you for 00:33:59.240 --> 00:33:59.840 loving like 00:33:59.840 --> 00:34:00.120 that. 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:00.980 In Jesus 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:01.380 name. 00:34:02.140 --> 00:34:02.380 Amen. 00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:06.759 For more 00:34:06.759 --> 00:34:07.280 information 00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:08.079 visit us 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:08.980 online at 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:09.880 southwood.org 00:34:09.880 --> 00:34:39.860 Thank you.