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.

00:00:11.900 --> 00:00:16.519
 We're going to start reading at verse 13 and read down through verse 34.

00:00:16.660 --> 00:00:19.179
 And I have to say up front, I don't like this sermon.

00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:26.339
 Because every word points back at my own heart.

00:00:26.339 --> 00:00:30.800
 So, if you don't mind, I'm just going to preach to me.

00:00:30.899 --> 00:00:32.399
 And if you want to listen in, you're welcome.

00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:33.719
 Okay?

00:00:36.600 --> 00:00:39.420
 Let's read. Let me read. You can follow along.

00:00:40.820 --> 00:00:43.439
 Luke 12, beginning of verse 13.

00:00:46.359 --> 00:00:49.159
 Someone in the crowd said to him,

00:00:49.159 --> 00:00:54.280
 And teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

00:00:54.280 --> 00:00:56.980
 But he said to him,

00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:01.460
 Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?

00:01:02.820 --> 00:01:03.939
 And he said to them,

00:01:04.060 --> 00:01:09.379
 Take care and be on your guard against all covetousness,

00:01:09.879 --> 00:01:13.840
 for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

00:01:15.299 --> 00:01:17.340
 And he told him a parable, saying,

00:01:17.980 --> 00:01:21.200
 The land of a rich man produced plentifully.

00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:23.920
 And he thought to himself,

00:01:24.240 --> 00:01:25.579
 What shall I do?

00:01:26.240 --> 00:01:28.260
 For I have nowhere to store my crops.

00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:30.079
 And he said,

00:01:30.640 --> 00:01:31.760
 I'll do this.

00:01:32.379 --> 00:01:34.379
 I'll tear down my barns

00:01:34.379 --> 00:01:36.560
 and build larger ones.

00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:41.620
 And there I will store all my grain and my goods.

00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:44.560
 And I will say to my soul,

00:01:44.859 --> 00:01:45.240
 Soul,

00:01:46.219 --> 00:01:48.200
 You have ample goods laid up for many years.

00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:48.799
 Three years.

00:01:49.480 --> 00:01:53.280
 Relax, eat, drink, and be merry.

00:01:55.120 --> 00:01:56.480
 But God said to him,

00:01:57.140 --> 00:01:57.659
 Fool,

00:01:59.060 --> 00:02:02.820
 This night your soul is required of you.

00:02:03.460 --> 00:02:05.020
 And the things you have prepared,

00:02:05.879 --> 00:02:07.320
 Whose will they be?

00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:11.740
 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself

00:02:11.740 --> 00:02:14.620
 And is not rich towards God.

00:02:16.460 --> 00:02:18.240
 And he said to his disciples,

00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:21.080
 Therefore, I tell you,

00:02:21.960 --> 00:02:24.000
 Do not be anxious for your life,

00:02:24.320 --> 00:02:25.540
 What you will eat,

00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:27.379
 Nor about your body,

00:02:27.480 --> 00:02:28.480
 What you will put on.

00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.200
 For life is more than food,

00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:34.719
 And the body more than clothing.

00:02:35.480 --> 00:02:36.540
 Consider the ravens.

00:02:36.539 --> 00:02:38.919
 They neither sow nor reap.

00:02:39.780 --> 00:02:42.539
 They have neither storehouse nor barn.

00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:44.819
 And yet God feeds them.

00:02:45.259 --> 00:02:48.539
 Of how much more value are you than the birds?

00:02:49.979 --> 00:02:51.780
 And which of you, by being anxious,

00:02:51.919 --> 00:02:54.719
 Can add a single hour to his lifespan?

00:02:55.979 --> 00:02:59.799
 If you are not able to do as small a thing as that,

00:02:59.979 --> 00:03:02.799
 Why are you anxious about the rest?

00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:06.219
 Consider the lilies, how they grow.

00:03:06.960 --> 00:03:08.800
 They neither toil nor spin.

00:03:08.920 --> 00:03:09.980
 Yet I tell you,

00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:12.900
 Even Solomon, in all his glory,

00:03:13.719 --> 00:03:15.960
 Was not arrayed like one of these.

00:03:17.360 --> 00:03:19.420
 But if God so clothes the grass,

00:03:19.460 --> 00:03:21.120
 Which is alive in the field today,

00:03:21.220 --> 00:03:22.900
 And tomorrow is thrown into the oven,

00:03:23.340 --> 00:03:26.020
 How much more will he clothe you,

00:03:26.439 --> 00:03:27.660
 O you of little faith?

00:03:29.180 --> 00:03:32.380
 And do not seek what you are to eat,

00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:34.300
 And what you are to drink,

00:03:35.100 --> 00:03:36.260
 Nor be worried.

00:03:36.820 --> 00:03:38.460
 For all the nations of the world

00:03:38.460 --> 00:03:39.719
 Seek after these things.

00:03:39.860 --> 00:03:42.880
 And your father knows that you need them.

00:03:44.040 --> 00:03:46.760
 Instead, seek his kingdom,

00:03:47.380 --> 00:03:49.260
 And these things will be added to you.

00:03:50.420 --> 00:03:50.680
 He said,

00:03:50.760 --> 00:03:52.020
 Fear not, little flock,

00:03:52.780 --> 00:03:56.100
 For it is your father's good pleasure

00:03:56.100 --> 00:03:58.280
 To give you the kingdom.

00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:00.640
 Sell your possessions,

00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:02.799
 And give to the needy.

00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:05.239
 Provide yourselves with money bags

00:04:05.239 --> 00:04:06.859
 That do not grow old.

00:04:07.500 --> 00:04:09.319
 With a treasure in the heavens

00:04:09.319 --> 00:04:10.639
 That does not fail.

00:04:11.199 --> 00:04:13.779
 Where no thief approaches,

00:04:14.619 --> 00:04:16.180
 And no moth destroys.

00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:18.860
 For where your treasure is,

00:04:19.819 --> 00:04:21.579
 There will your heart be also.

00:04:21.579 --> 00:04:24.319
 Let's pray,

00:04:24.919 --> 00:04:26.319
 As we enter into a study,

00:04:27.279 --> 00:04:28.719
 Of this portion of God's word.

00:04:29.419 --> 00:04:29.759
 Father,

00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:29.819
 Father,

00:04:30.419 --> 00:04:34.019
 Yeah, these,

00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:35.899
 All these words,

00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:40.259
 Say so much,

00:04:40.819 --> 00:04:43.680
 About the nature of my own faith,

00:04:44.799 --> 00:04:46.219
 And the things that I treasure,

00:04:46.220 --> 00:04:48.760
 The fear,

00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:49.340
 And the worry,

00:04:49.420 --> 00:04:50.100
 And the anxiety,

00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:53.440
 The life that I try to build

00:04:53.440 --> 00:04:54.480
 On my own terms.

00:04:57.140 --> 00:04:57.840
 And Father,

00:04:57.980 --> 00:04:59.860
 I pray that for me,

00:05:01.200 --> 00:05:03.440
 But also for the rest of us,

00:05:04.040 --> 00:05:06.200
 That you would,

00:05:06.660 --> 00:05:08.920
 Not just show us our hearts,

00:05:09.400 --> 00:05:10.540
 And where we fail,

00:05:11.300 --> 00:05:12.520
 To focus on,

00:05:12.519 --> 00:05:14.199
 What is true,

00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:15.500
 And enduring.

00:05:17.599 --> 00:05:18.839
 Give us eyes to see,

00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:19.519
 What is real.

00:05:20.939 --> 00:05:22.359
 And give us a glimpse,

00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:24.079
 Maybe a new,

00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:25.019
 Fresh glimpse,

00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:26.959
 Of the treasures,

00:05:27.240 --> 00:05:27.799
 Of heaven,

00:05:28.680 --> 00:05:30.299
 That are found in Jesus,

00:05:31.219 --> 00:05:33.180
 That we might turn our hearts,

00:05:33.180 --> 00:05:33.759
 Towards him.

00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:36.120
 This is going to require,

00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:37.000
 Your Holy Spirit.

00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:38.799
 So Holy Spirit,

00:05:38.899 --> 00:05:39.680
 Would you come,

00:05:40.099 --> 00:05:41.319
 And speak to us,

00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:43.120
 And would you,

00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:44.939
 Soften our hearts,

00:05:45.659 --> 00:05:46.300
 And implant,

00:05:46.579 --> 00:05:47.779
 Your word,

00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:50.339
 In the depth of our souls,

00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:51.439
 And cause it to grow,

00:05:51.519 --> 00:05:52.159
 And bear fruits.

00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:54.800
 And we pray in Jesus name.

00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:55.899
 Amen.

00:06:00.039 --> 00:06:01.519
 I don't know if you've ever been,

00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:02.560
 Involved,

00:06:03.159 --> 00:06:05.620
 With a family squabble,

00:06:06.219 --> 00:06:07.659
 Over inheritance money.

00:06:08.860 --> 00:06:09.300
 Fortunately,

00:06:09.459 --> 00:06:10.219
 I have not,

00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:11.800
 But I had a very good friend,

00:06:12.640 --> 00:06:13.900
 Back in Atlanta,

00:06:13.900 --> 00:06:14.800
 Who was,

00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:15.980
 In such a family,

00:06:15.980 --> 00:06:17.520
 Who had sisters,

00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:18.840
 That they were all,

00:06:19.380 --> 00:06:20.100
 Close,

00:06:20.600 --> 00:06:21.980
 They had good relationships,

00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:23.240
 Up until,

00:06:23.760 --> 00:06:26.400
 The death of their last parent,

00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:29.860
 And everything fell apart,

00:06:30.380 --> 00:06:32.080
 Over the estate.

00:06:32.079 --> 00:06:36.339
 And there's something about money,

00:06:36.339 --> 00:06:38.539
 That does this to us,

00:06:38.539 --> 00:06:39.120
 And we see,

00:06:39.300 --> 00:06:39.439
 I mean,

00:06:39.479 --> 00:06:40.459
 The example here,

00:06:40.579 --> 00:06:41.060
 You've got,

00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:42.099
 Jesus,

00:06:42.479 --> 00:06:43.879
 Who's been teaching,

00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:44.439
 And,

00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:45.680
 Obviously,

00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:47.659
 He is a wise prophet,

00:06:47.879 --> 00:06:48.139
 And so,

00:06:48.219 --> 00:06:50.060
 Somebody wants to take advantage,

00:06:50.459 --> 00:06:52.579
 And to elicit Jesus support,

00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:53.939
 For him,

00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:56.439
 In the midst of his family squabble,

00:06:56.439 --> 00:06:58.300
 And so,

00:06:58.500 --> 00:06:59.740
 He comes to Jesus,

00:06:59.860 --> 00:07:00.019
 And says,

00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:00.319
 Hey,

00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:00.980
 Jesus,

00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:03.139
 Make my brother,

00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:04.639
 Share the inheritance,

00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:05.980
 I mean,

00:07:06.019 --> 00:07:06.500
 Obviously,

00:07:06.500 --> 00:07:07.899
 This was probably the younger,

00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:08.920
 Of the two brothers,

00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:11.040
 Because the oldest son,

00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:12.339
 Got twice,

00:07:12.779 --> 00:07:13.540
 The share,

00:07:13.720 --> 00:07:14.339
 Of the inheritance,

00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:16.259
 And sometimes,

00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:19.180
 They weren't as free,

00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:20.319
 To share it all,

00:07:21.939 --> 00:07:22.360
 And so,

00:07:22.539 --> 00:07:22.719
 Yeah,

00:07:22.800 --> 00:07:23.399
 There are laws,

00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:24.779
 Governing all of this,

00:07:25.259 --> 00:07:25.560
 But,

00:07:25.639 --> 00:07:25.839
 You know,

00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:26.920
 The laws don't govern,

00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:28.240
 Every scenario,

00:07:29.159 --> 00:07:29.519
 So,

00:07:29.659 --> 00:07:31.659
 This guy's trying to elicit Jesus,

00:07:32.199 --> 00:07:33.560
 For his help,

00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:35.279
 But what Jesus does here,

00:07:35.459 --> 00:07:36.719
 Is basically says,

00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:37.579
 No way,

00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:39.039
 I'm getting into that,

00:07:40.159 --> 00:07:41.399
 Because this points us,

00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:43.800
 To a much bigger issue,

00:07:45.219 --> 00:07:45.459
 And so,

00:07:45.459 --> 00:07:47.120
 He takes the occasion,

00:07:48.279 --> 00:07:50.159
 Of this squabble,

00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:52.500
 To now teach,

00:07:52.959 --> 00:07:53.819
 The crowds,

00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:55.060
 Who are following,

00:07:55.060 --> 00:07:55.899
 Him,

00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:58.740
 And what he's talking about here,

00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:00.639
 And it's the theme,

00:08:00.719 --> 00:08:02.359
 That runs all through this section,

00:08:03.479 --> 00:08:04.719
 Is that of treasure,

00:08:05.339 --> 00:08:07.240
 What do we treasure,

00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:09.500
 What kind of treasure,

00:08:09.799 --> 00:08:10.799
 Are we pursuing,

00:08:11.679 --> 00:08:13.259
 What treasure,

00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:16.599
 Does our hearts long for,

00:08:17.519 --> 00:08:19.139
 What are we living for,

00:08:20.139 --> 00:08:21.019
 And so,

00:08:21.899 --> 00:08:23.019
 It comes out,

00:08:23.099 --> 00:08:24.259
 In two different ways,

00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:26.139
 We see,

00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:26.860
 He's going to deal,

00:08:26.939 --> 00:08:27.459
 At the beginning,

00:08:27.860 --> 00:08:28.399
 With,

00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:29.879
 Those who are working,

00:08:30.079 --> 00:08:30.839
 Feverishly,

00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:31.839
 To build,

00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:33.039
 Their treasure,

00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:34.360
 To build,

00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:35.120
 A life,

00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:36.100
 Around their treasure,

00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:36.980
 But then you have,

00:08:37.080 --> 00:08:38.100
 Kind of the flip side,

00:08:38.139 --> 00:08:38.759
 Of the coin,

00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:39.659
 You know,

00:08:39.700 --> 00:08:40.659
 Those are the haves,

00:08:40.800 --> 00:08:41.360
 But then you've got,

00:08:41.440 --> 00:08:42.440
 The have nots,

00:08:43.019 --> 00:08:44.580
 Who live in fear,

00:08:44.700 --> 00:08:45.560
 And anxiety,

00:08:46.560 --> 00:08:47.080
 Over,

00:08:47.920 --> 00:08:49.060
 Either the lack,

00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:49.820
 Of treasure,

00:08:50.379 --> 00:08:51.100
 That they think,

00:08:51.180 --> 00:08:51.680
 They need,

00:08:51.879 --> 00:08:52.560
 Or want,

00:08:53.180 --> 00:08:54.500
 Or the threat,

00:08:54.759 --> 00:08:55.540
 To that treasure,

00:08:55.539 --> 00:08:59.319
 But it's all the same issue,

00:09:00.339 --> 00:09:00.719
 And so,

00:09:00.819 --> 00:09:02.059
 Where we look for,

00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:03.500
 And find treasure,

00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:05.919
 Will determine,

00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:07.579
 So much,

00:09:08.399 --> 00:09:09.779
 About how we live,

00:09:09.839 --> 00:09:10.959
 Our whole lives,

00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:12.879
 What we fear,

00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:14.639
 Or whom we fear,

00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:17.579
 And how much we fear,

00:09:19.199 --> 00:09:20.620
 So let's look at,

00:09:21.259 --> 00:09:22.620
 As Jesus begins to deal,

00:09:22.620 --> 00:09:23.620
 We'll look at,

00:09:24.139 --> 00:09:26.299
 Two aspects of this problem,

00:09:26.419 --> 00:09:27.179
 And the first one,

00:09:27.419 --> 00:09:29.600
 Is a problem of eschatology,

00:09:30.360 --> 00:09:31.960
 I'll explain in a minute,

00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:34.080
 What eschatology is,

00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:36.519
 It's a nice big theological word,

00:09:36.740 --> 00:09:39.560
 That some of you,

00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:40.419
 May not have heard of,

00:09:42.179 --> 00:09:42.860
 But he's first,

00:09:43.060 --> 00:09:44.759
 Jesus is first addressing,

00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:45.960
 These crowds,

00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:47.180
 Over the issue,

00:09:47.659 --> 00:09:49.600
 Of building a life,

00:09:49.779 --> 00:09:51.259
 Based all on,

00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:52.139
 Their,

00:09:52.139 --> 00:09:53.019
 Their wealth,

00:09:53.360 --> 00:09:54.220
 And their possessions,

00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:56.039
 So,

00:09:56.220 --> 00:09:57.500
 And he uses this parable,

00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:58.939
 The parable is this,

00:09:59.639 --> 00:09:59.939
 You know,

00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:01.379
 We call it the parable,

00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:02.100
 The rich fool,

00:10:02.319 --> 00:10:03.819
 He has a bumper crop,

00:10:03.899 --> 00:10:04.399
 One year,

00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:06.080
 And notice also,

00:10:06.299 --> 00:10:07.279
 In this parable,

00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:09.220
 The way Jesus is teaching it here,

00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:10.279
 He said,

00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:12.000
 The bumper crop just happened,

00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:14.699
 It was not because,

00:10:14.860 --> 00:10:16.960
 Of the smart farming methods,

00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:18.679
 That the rich man was using,

00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:21.220
 This is just one of those,

00:10:21.220 --> 00:10:22.180
 Years,

00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:25.200
 Over which he had no control,

00:10:25.920 --> 00:10:27.200
 That produced,

00:10:27.960 --> 00:10:29.200
 A huge,

00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:30.399
 Crop,

00:10:30.680 --> 00:10:32.019
 And he doesn't now know,

00:10:32.019 --> 00:10:33.340
 What to do with it,

00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:35.379
 He's got storage barns,

00:10:35.379 --> 00:10:36.779
 But they're not big enough,

00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:39.580
 And so instead of,

00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:41.019
 Tearing,

00:10:41.180 --> 00:10:41.360
 You know,

00:10:41.399 --> 00:10:43.279
 Instead of just building more barns,

00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:43.820
 He decides,

00:10:43.820 --> 00:10:44.120
 All right,

00:10:44.140 --> 00:10:45.379
 I'm just going to tear these down,

00:10:45.760 --> 00:10:47.980
 I'm going to build bigger ones,

00:10:48.600 --> 00:10:50.000
 But the barns,

00:10:50.400 --> 00:10:52.300
 Are not just for the crop,

00:10:53.580 --> 00:10:54.100
 You'll notice,

00:10:54.220 --> 00:10:55.700
 He wants bigger barns,

00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:57.280
 To store not only the crop,

00:10:57.620 --> 00:10:58.260
 But also,

00:10:58.820 --> 00:10:59.580
 His possessions,

00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:01.860
 So,

00:11:02.780 --> 00:11:04.660
 Storing the crop like this,

00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:06.560
 Sounds like,

00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:07.340
 You know,

00:11:07.340 --> 00:11:08.519
 Good,

00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:09.300
 Economic,

00:11:10.160 --> 00:11:10.780
 Smart,

00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:12.120
 You know,

00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:13.080
 Agribusiness,

00:11:13.580 --> 00:11:16.320
 But there was a problem,

00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.700
 What he did was all legal,

00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:21.180
 And again,

00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:22.280
 It was probably what,

00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:23.139
 You know,

00:11:23.259 --> 00:11:23.480
 The,

00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:27.300
 The agriculture department,

00:11:27.300 --> 00:11:28.519
 Of his state,

00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:29.300
 Would recommend,

00:11:30.300 --> 00:11:32.840
 But it had some disastrous effects,

00:11:32.840 --> 00:11:35.460
 Because if he,

00:11:35.460 --> 00:11:37.420
 Just stored all this crop,

00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:41.360
 It would take a huge amount of grain,

00:11:41.460 --> 00:11:42.360
 Off the market,

00:11:44.360 --> 00:11:46.620
 Prices would rise,

00:11:48.259 --> 00:11:49.259
 And all of a sudden,

00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:51.160
 This bumper crop that he had stored,

00:11:51.300 --> 00:11:54.420
 Was now worth so much more,

00:11:55.280 --> 00:11:56.060
 Pretty smart,

00:11:57.560 --> 00:11:58.060
 Except,

00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:00.400
 All of the peasants,

00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:02.759
 The non-land owners,

00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:05.160
 Would pay the price,

00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:07.500
 They would suffer,

00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:10.639
 Because of his ingenuity,

00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:13.379
 So,

00:12:13.540 --> 00:12:15.180
 Now,

00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:17.060
 He's got his barns,

00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:18.360
 He said,

00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.540
 Let's relax,

00:12:20.379 --> 00:12:21.259
 Be satisfied,

00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:23.860
 Enjoy the wealth,

00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.620
 Enjoy the security,

00:12:26.420 --> 00:12:27.680
 Enjoy this knife,

00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:29.420
 Wall of protection,

00:12:29.420 --> 00:12:31.400
 That I've built around myself,

00:12:31.399 --> 00:12:33.079
 Not knowing,

00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:34.159
 Not knowing,

00:12:34.579 --> 00:12:35.679
 That that very night,

00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:38.019
 His life,

00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:39.000
 Would come to an end,

00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:42.720
 Security,

00:12:43.019 --> 00:12:44.819
 That he thought he had,

00:12:45.819 --> 00:12:47.259
 In the end,

00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:49.679
 Proved vain,

00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:52.839
 All of that work,

00:12:53.839 --> 00:12:55.859
 All that he had tried to build up,

00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:58.299
 To give him that kind of protection,

00:12:59.859 --> 00:13:02.159
 In many ways,

00:13:02.219 --> 00:13:04.279
 It was all wasted,

00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:06.939
 But it was a pretty amazing,

00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:08.679
 It's a pretty strong statement,

00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.679
 Where God comes to him,

00:13:11.399 --> 00:13:12.179
 And says,

00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:12.839
 Fool,

00:13:13.939 --> 00:13:14.379
 You,

00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:15.779
 Fool,

00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:19.240
 Because what he did,

00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.600
 He failed,

00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:21.860
 To see,

00:13:22.279 --> 00:13:23.659
 Something critical,

00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:24.740
 And this is where,

00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:25.959
 His eschatology,

00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:27.259
 Comes in,

00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:28.279
 Because eschatology,

00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:29.779
 Is kind of,

00:13:29.959 --> 00:13:31.220
 It's a theological term,

00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:32.000
 For the study,

00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:33.480
 Of what's to come,

00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.519
 Kind of the future,

00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:37.360
 When you see people,

00:13:37.460 --> 00:13:38.879
 Predicting the end of the world,

00:13:39.080 --> 00:13:39.279
 You know,

00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:40.379
 You know they've been studying,

00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:41.860
 Their eschatology,

00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.340
 But this guy,

00:13:43.460 --> 00:13:44.759
 We all live with,

00:13:44.899 --> 00:13:46.279
 A sense of eschatology,

00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:48.200
 What is this life mean,

00:13:48.300 --> 00:13:49.779
 But where is it all going,

00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:51.320
 What's coming,

00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:54.639
 And that eschatology,

00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:56.920
 Shapes this life,

00:13:57.920 --> 00:13:58.759
 Well his,

00:13:58.940 --> 00:14:00.180
 Was very erroneous,

00:14:00.179 --> 00:14:01.339
 Because,

00:14:01.839 --> 00:14:02.779
 His life,

00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:03.699
 And again,

00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:05.559
 The connection here,

00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:06.299
 With his wealth,

00:14:06.359 --> 00:14:07.179
 And his goods,

00:14:08.359 --> 00:14:08.759
 It was,

00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:10.019
 Those goods supplied,

00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:10.379
 Much,

00:14:10.500 --> 00:14:11.459
 Much more to him,

00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:12.219
 Than just,

00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:13.099
 A nice,

00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.339
 Comfortable existence,

00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.379
 It was his life,

00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:18.179
 It was who he was,

00:14:18.899 --> 00:14:20.000
 His identity,

00:14:20.319 --> 00:14:21.079
 His security,

00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:21.759
 Is,

00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:22.839
 All of this,

00:14:22.839 --> 00:14:23.759
 Was built,

00:14:24.099 --> 00:14:24.559
 On,

00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:26.299
 His wealth,

00:14:26.539 --> 00:14:27.439
 What he owned,

00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:29.039
 What he possessed,

00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:31.159
 And what he could accumulate,

00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:34.339
 And so,

00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:35.860
 But his life,

00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:37.980
 Was totally focused,

00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:39.500
 On the here,

00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:41.019
 And the now,

00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:42.939
 Which is why,

00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:44.719
 He focused so much,

00:14:45.099 --> 00:14:46.159
 On current,

00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:46.939
 Present,

00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:48.639
 Strategies,

00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:50.559
 To build security,

00:14:51.059 --> 00:14:51.919
 To build comfort,

00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:53.899
 To give him all that he needed,

00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:56.639
 To satisfy his soul,

00:14:56.639 --> 00:15:00.600
 So we could describe this,

00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:01.539
 I describe it,

00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:03.679
 And even Paul Tripp,

00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.100
 In his,

00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:05.399
 You saw the quote,

00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:06.259
 Before worship,

00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:07.120
 From his book,

00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:07.960
 Sex and Money,

00:15:08.439 --> 00:15:09.600
 He describes this,

00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:11.480
 As a small kingdom view,

00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:14.860
 And a small kingdom view,

00:15:14.980 --> 00:15:16.039
 Is a view of life,

00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:17.580
 That is just here and now,

00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.500
 It's just me,

00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:20.919
 And it's just,

00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:23.120
 What I'm going to experience,

00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:24.360
 In my few years,

00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:25.360
 Of this life,

00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:28.019
 It doesn't really go beyond that,

00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:29.919
 We may be believers,

00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:31.240
 We may be Christians,

00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:32.100
 We may think,

00:15:32.200 --> 00:15:32.300
 Yeah,

00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:33.159
 I'm going to die,

00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:33.480
 Yeah,

00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.659
 I'm going to see God,

00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:35.419
 At some point,

00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:37.240
 Or I'm going to deal with heaven,

00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:37.940
 Or whatever,

00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:39.560
 But it's still,

00:15:39.680 --> 00:15:41.680
 It's kind of this distant thought,

00:15:41.779 --> 00:15:43.200
 That doesn't enter in,

00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.440
 To where we are,

00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.240
 And how we live,

00:15:47.940 --> 00:15:50.659
 And so our ultimate values then,

00:15:50.659 --> 00:15:54.959
 Because we have such a small kingdom view,

00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:56.719
 Is my identity,

00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:57.480
 Success,

00:15:58.179 --> 00:15:58.679
 Comfort,

00:15:58.819 --> 00:15:59.339
 Security,

00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:01.019
 All of that,

00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:04.259
 Is in what I can see,

00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:06.539
 What I can feel,

00:16:07.699 --> 00:16:11.519
 What I can tangibly account for,

00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:14.860
 So,

00:16:15.059 --> 00:16:15.799
 Really,

00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:16.519
 We could say,

00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:18.360
 We could put it a little more strongly,

00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:21.679
 His wealth became his savior,

00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:26.559
 Wealth was giving him,

00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:28.919
 All that he needed,

00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:32.240
 It was giving him his life,

00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:34.639
 It was giving him everything,

00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:36.299
 So,

00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.279
 Let me just ask this,

00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.199
 How does money,

00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:41.340
 I mean it is kind of a strong statement,

00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:43.420
 But how does money become our savior,

00:16:44.660 --> 00:16:45.300
 Well,

00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:47.340
 There are all kinds of ways,

00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:49.020
 Money,

00:16:49.580 --> 00:16:51.259
 Gives me status,

00:16:52.160 --> 00:16:54.780
 It says I'm something,

00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:55.660
 Money,

00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:57.180
 Allows me,

00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:58.980
 To have a nice home,

00:16:59.340 --> 00:17:00.720
 Down in South Huntsville,

00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:02.440
 And I don't have to live,

00:17:02.640 --> 00:17:03.740
 In a trailer park,

00:17:05.340 --> 00:17:08.059
 In fact,

00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.619
 If I did live in a trailer park,

00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:11.179
 You'd probably laugh at me,

00:17:11.679 --> 00:17:15.019
 But there is a status,

00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:17.919
 Of either living there,

00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:20.159
 Or where I'm able to live,

00:17:21.159 --> 00:17:23.159
 In my nice,

00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.279
 Comfortable,

00:17:24.899 --> 00:17:25.359
 Quiet,

00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:26.379
 Secure,

00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:29.139
 Low crime neighborhood,

00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:32.179
 Money,

00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:32.639
 Wealth,

00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:33.440
 Gives me,

00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:34.720
 A status,

00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:37.319
 It gives me,

00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:38.279
 The freedom,

00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:41.600
 To plant myself,

00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:43.819
 In the most advantageous,

00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:44.759
 Places,

00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:46.380
 It gives me respect,

00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:48.799
 It's in a community,

00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:49.559
 Like ours,

00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:50.960
 It is the wealthy,

00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:51.980
 It is the people,

00:17:51.980 --> 00:17:53.120
 With wealth,

00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.420
 And because of the wealth,

00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:55.440
 They have power,

00:17:55.860 --> 00:17:56.759
 They are the ones,

00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:58.860
 That are put on boards,

00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.799
 They are the ones,

00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:01.640
 That are leaders,

00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.440
 In our community,

00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.799
 They are the ones,

00:18:03.900 --> 00:18:04.820
 That we look up to,

00:18:05.820 --> 00:18:09.820
 Money gives me privilege,

00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:13.660
 I don't have to drive,

00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:14.620
 An old,

00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.440
 Beat up,

00:18:15.840 --> 00:18:16.900
 1995,

00:18:17.840 --> 00:18:18.100
 BMW,

00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:19.340
 Not a BMW,

00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:20.480
 A Mazda,

00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:25.720
 Some of you drive BMWs,

00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.080
 I know,

00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:29.279
 Up until just two years ago,

00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:32.599
 I drove an old Mazda B3000 pickup,

00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:35.480
 And it was great,

00:18:35.679 --> 00:18:36.779
 Particularly being a pastor,

00:18:36.879 --> 00:18:38.439
 Because it had oversized tires,

00:18:38.679 --> 00:18:40.399
 It had a big brush guard,

00:18:40.399 --> 00:18:41.159
 On the front,

00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:43.259
 And a tree shaped dent,

00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:46.339
 On the back tailgate,

00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:47.939
 Which happened because,

00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:49.299
 I left the parking brake off,

00:18:49.639 --> 00:18:50.000
 One day,

00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:52.279
 And it rolled down my driveway,

00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:54.039
 Yeah,

00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:57.159
 Well,

00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.299
 One day I was out driving,

00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:59.559
 And I heard a car commercial,

00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:02.000
 And this car commercial,

00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:02.559
 On the radio,

00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.159
 Is basically,

00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:05.559
 The pitch line was,

00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:07.159
 Your car,

00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.639
 Says a lot about you,

00:19:09.579 --> 00:19:12.119
 The car you drive,

00:19:12.259 --> 00:19:13.279
 Says a lot about you,

00:19:13.359 --> 00:19:14.379
 And so I started thinking,

00:19:15.659 --> 00:19:18.000
 What does my truck say,

00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:19.240
 About me?

00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:23.259
 See,

00:19:23.339 --> 00:19:24.400
 Now I don't have to drive,

00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.980
 That old pickup truck anymore,

00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:29.640
 I have the privilege,

00:19:30.519 --> 00:19:32.039
 Of driving something nice,

00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.799
 It's not a BMW,

00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:37.200
 It's not,

00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:38.599
 The old pickup,

00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:43.319
 My whole identity,

00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.759
 To some degree,

00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:47.019
 Gets tied up with money,

00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:50.339
 How much I have in my bank,

00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:52.660
 What I can buy,

00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.160
 See,

00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:54.940
 I don't have to buy,

00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:56.160
 My bicycles at Walmart,

00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:59.619
 I can go to the bike shop,

00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:01.779
 And get good ones,

00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:07.279
 Money gives us,

00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:08.660
 The privilege of doing that,

00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:10.700
 And there's something about,

00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.759
 Being able to ride,

00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.639
 A nice bike down the greenway,

00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:15.000
 Rather than a Walmart bike,

00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:18.660
 That's what money does,

00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:21.559
 So money becomes our savior,

00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:23.119
 Our identity,

00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:24.000
 Our status,

00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:25.099
 Our respect,

00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:26.299
 Our privilege,

00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.900
 All of these things,

00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:29.299
 Instead of,

00:20:30.079 --> 00:20:31.960
 Looking beyond this life,

00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:33.259
 And seeing that these are only,

00:20:33.380 --> 00:20:34.420
 Just temporary things,

00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:36.880
 We put great weight,

00:20:37.160 --> 00:20:38.039
 On that,

00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:40.500
 To be who we are,

00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:44.359
 And so what we are able to buy,

00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.400
 We then use,

00:20:46.660 --> 00:20:47.920
 To make a stamp,

00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:49.039
 Or a statement,

00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:50.880
 About this is who I am,

00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.559
 And so because,

00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:56.240
 We believe these things,

00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:59.519
 We become consumed,

00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:02.319
 Consumers,

00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:04.500
 But we become consumed,

00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:06.880
 With gathering,

00:21:06.880 --> 00:21:07.940
 Those things,

00:21:08.020 --> 00:21:08.660
 That give us,

00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:10.480
 And create this identity,

00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:14.100
 And when we are consumed,

00:21:14.100 --> 00:21:14.700
 This way,

00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:15.920
 I mean we can't,

00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:17.180
 Be generous,

00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.500
 We can't be,

00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:20.600
 Giving of our stuff,

00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:22.140
 Because if this is what,

00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:23.720
 My security is based on,

00:21:24.040 --> 00:21:24.740
 And if this is where,

00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:26.380
 My identity rests,

00:21:26.560 --> 00:21:27.960
 I can't give it away,

00:21:28.800 --> 00:21:30.840
 Because that,

00:21:31.160 --> 00:21:32.060
 Puts me under threat,

00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:36.839
 And all the while,

00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:39.539
 We move,

00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:41.579
 Closer to death,

00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:46.799
 And there's no stopping it,

00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:49.000
 Doesn't matter how much,

00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.579
 You accumulate,

00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:50.799
 You're not going to slow it down,

00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:55.319
 We have prepared,

00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:56.399
 Too often,

00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:57.319
 Only,

00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.839
 For a temporal,

00:21:59.399 --> 00:22:00.079
 Existence,

00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:02.480
 With no thought,

00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.879
 To what's to come,

00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:09.019
 And to,

00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.519
 Very sadly,

00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:12.919
 Use a very old cliche,

00:22:14.199 --> 00:22:14.799
 You can't,

00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.659
 Take it,

00:22:16.179 --> 00:22:16.659
 With you,

00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:21.599
 So the savior,

00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:22.419
 We have chosen,

00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.419
 Unfortunately,

00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:26.419
 Is inadequate,

00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:30.580
 So how does,

00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.580
 Our eschatology,

00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:33.120
 Shape our life,

00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:33.700
 In the present,

00:22:33.860 --> 00:22:34.080
 Well,

00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:37.120
 If this is all there is,

00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:38.500
 Then this is,

00:22:38.580 --> 00:22:39.720
 What we live for,

00:22:39.920 --> 00:22:40.420
 This is,

00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:41.900
 You know,

00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.279
 This is what consumes us,

00:22:43.320 --> 00:22:43.900
 And this is for,

00:22:44.060 --> 00:22:45.039
 Not just non-believers,

00:22:45.160 --> 00:22:46.039
 This is for believers,

00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:47.460
 And non-believers alike,

00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:50.559
 Such a view,

00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.160
 Simply,

00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:53.279
 Fails,

00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:54.660
 To take into account,

00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:57.539
 All that there is,

00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:01.059
 Because if we did take that into account,

00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:03.340
 If we knew where we were going,

00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.579
 We would prepare,

00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.980
 A whole lot differently,

00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:07.600
 When I lived in,

00:23:07.600 --> 00:23:08.440
 Eastern Europe,

00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:10.059
 I learned,

00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.039
 Quickly,

00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:12.180
 Especially traveling,

00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:13.980
 Between countries,

00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:14.920
 And a lot of the countries,

00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.980
 That I traveled to,

00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:16.539
 Were,

00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:16.799
 Well,

00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:18.079
 Most of them,

00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:20.059
 Were former communist countries,

00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:21.759
 They were poor,

00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:23.180
 Broken down,

00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:25.559
 In so many ways,

00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:26.700
 But see,

00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:28.099
 I'm an American,

00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:30.099
 And Americans,

00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.539
 I had to learn,

00:23:31.899 --> 00:23:32.519
 To travel,

00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:34.619
 Contrary to the way Americans travel,

00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:36.220
 And that was to travel really light,

00:23:37.899 --> 00:23:39.119
 In other words,

00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:41.200
 Not take a change of clothes,

00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:41.920
 For every day,

00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:42.799
 You take,

00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.279
 Maybe clothes enough,

00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:45.579
 Last for a week,

00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:47.799
 But they may be the same clothes,

00:23:48.419 --> 00:23:49.480
 Because that's the way,

00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.259
 The Eastern Europeans,

00:23:50.439 --> 00:23:51.559
 A lot of them lived,

00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.019
 And two,

00:23:53.159 --> 00:23:54.299
 I had to go one place,

00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:55.179
 When I was in Ukraine,

00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:56.919
 That was on the ninth floor,

00:23:57.199 --> 00:23:58.699
 Of one of the old comic condos,

00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:00.139
 And the elevator was broken,

00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.579
 And the people that came,

00:24:02.659 --> 00:24:04.079
 And picked me up from the train station,

00:24:04.179 --> 00:24:05.779
 Have the tiny little car,

00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.919
 That barely ran,

00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.679
 Or they didn't have a car at all,

00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.920
 You'd have to get in,

00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.299
 Another tiny little car,

00:24:12.400 --> 00:24:14.200
 That was supposedly a taxi,

00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:17.420
 With these monster suitcases,

00:24:18.420 --> 00:24:21.100
 So you learn,

00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:23.539
 I knew where I was going,

00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:26.920
 I knew where I was going to be,

00:24:28.080 --> 00:24:29.200
 And so I prepared,

00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:35.620
 Sometimes we're preparing in the wrong ways,

00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:39.500
 We're packing our great big suitcases,

00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:41.639
 Heading to a place,

00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:44.039
 Where we're going to have to leave them at the door,

00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:49.500
 So what does your life consist of?

00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:53.259
 On what are you hoping,

00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:54.979
 To give you meaning,

00:24:55.239 --> 00:24:55.719
 Identity,

00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:56.299
 Security,

00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:58.359
 What are we using,

00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:01.299
 To give us,

00:25:01.959 --> 00:25:03.459
 A sense of value,

00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:08.880
 Too many of us,

00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:10.319
 And again,

00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.519
 Myself included,

00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:16.480
 Have chosen a different savior,

00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:17.860
 On a functional level,

00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:21.600
 That really get us nowhere,

00:25:24.420 --> 00:25:26.480
 But there's a flip side of this,

00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:29.340
 It's not just our eschatology,

00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.220
 But there's also,

00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.279
 Jesus brings out,

00:25:31.340 --> 00:25:32.920
 There's a problem of theology,

00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:35.720
 And that is,

00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:36.700
 There's a problem,

00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:38.400
 With our understanding,

00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:40.940
 Of who God is,

00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:44.259
 Because Jesus now turns,

00:25:44.360 --> 00:25:44.920
 And it's interesting,

00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:46.220
 He makes a turn here,

00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:49.539
 And it's an important thing,

00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:51.220
 Because he's shifting,

00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:52.940
 From talking to the crowds,

00:25:53.180 --> 00:25:54.360
 Who are surrounding him,

00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:54.759
 And it's,

00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:56.420
 Luke very specifically says,

00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:58.740
 Now he says to his disciples,

00:25:59.299 --> 00:26:00.420
 Because some of the things,

00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:02.019
 He's going to say to the disciples,

00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:04.100
 Only apply to the disciples,

00:26:04.880 --> 00:26:07.259
 But he's dealing with them,

00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:08.440
 With the same issue,

00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:09.539
 That he's just done,

00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:10.980
 With the bigger crowd,

00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:13.400
 Because unbelievers,

00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:14.600
 And believers alike,

00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:15.360
 Are going to struggle,

00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:16.120
 With greed,

00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:17.480
 And covetousness,

00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:20.039
 But it might show up,

00:26:20.080 --> 00:26:21.000
 In a different way,

00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:23.320
 Where before,

00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.140
 He's talking about,

00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.019
 Those who actively,

00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:26.680
 Were building their own kingdoms,

00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:28.620
 On the basis of their possessions,

00:26:28.820 --> 00:26:29.259
 And wealth,

00:26:29.560 --> 00:26:29.900
 Here,

00:26:30.060 --> 00:26:31.320
 Now he's dealing with those,

00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:32.120
 Who are anxious,

00:26:33.060 --> 00:26:34.340
 And fearful,

00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:35.759
 Because,

00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:37.720
 Maybe their kingdom,

00:26:37.840 --> 00:26:38.740
 Is threatened,

00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.400
 Or,

00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.220
 Because,

00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:43.519
 They don't have,

00:26:44.279 --> 00:26:45.220
 What they think,

00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:46.480
 They need to have,

00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:48.860
 So,

00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.320
 The illustrations that he gives,

00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.460
 He gives two,

00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.660
 But they're basically the same,

00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:55.400
 And in these illustrations,

00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:56.440
 He's working from,

00:26:56.540 --> 00:26:58.100
 Using an illogical argument,

00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.380
 That moves from the lesser,

00:27:00.280 --> 00:27:01.100
 To the greater,

00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:02.460
 And so if he,

00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:04.880
 If he shows so much care,

00:27:04.880 --> 00:27:05.580
 And concern,

00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:07.140
 For things of little value,

00:27:07.280 --> 00:27:08.280
 What is he going to do,

00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:09.940
 For those of great value?

00:27:11.280 --> 00:27:12.180
 And the first one,

00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:12.940
 Is the ravens,

00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:14.840
 The ravens,

00:27:16.300 --> 00:27:16.700
 I don't know,

00:27:16.800 --> 00:27:18.180
 Y'all know what ravens are,

00:27:19.320 --> 00:27:21.060
 Ravens are not clean,

00:27:21.580 --> 00:27:23.180
 Pretty birds,

00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:25.140
 They're scavengers,

00:27:25.400 --> 00:27:26.600
 They are filthy,

00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:28.060
 They are unclean,

00:27:29.040 --> 00:27:30.120
 They are birds,

00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:31.840
 That nobody's going to want,

00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:32.500
 Or avoid,

00:27:32.580 --> 00:27:33.440
 They're going to avoid,

00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:35.780
 But yet,

00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:36.980
 What Jesus says,

00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:38.420
 God provides for them,

00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:41.300
 They don't sow,

00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:42.640
 They don't reap,

00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:44.040
 They don't store,

00:27:45.040 --> 00:27:47.519
 But these ugly,

00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.300
 Nasty,

00:27:48.300 --> 00:27:49.680
 Things,

00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:53.519
 God provides,

00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:54.640
 God provides,

00:27:54.640 --> 00:27:56.640
 Regularly,

00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:58.940
 He provides,

00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:01.480
 And if he thinks,

00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:04.220
 They are enough,

00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.140
 Value,

00:28:06.140 --> 00:28:07.920
 To provide that much floor,

00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:10.019
 What's he going to do,

00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:10.960
 With you,

00:28:12.840 --> 00:28:13.460
 You,

00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:15.320
 His own children,

00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:18.220
 And then he goes,

00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.220
 And uses the illustration,

00:28:19.359 --> 00:28:19.879
 Of the lilies,

00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.480
 And he's referring,

00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.599
 To these wildflowers,

00:28:22.659 --> 00:28:23.579
 And if you've ever been,

00:28:23.579 --> 00:28:24.819
 To the Middle East,

00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:26.259
 Especially in,

00:28:26.419 --> 00:28:27.539
 In April,

00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:31.920
 It is an incredible thing,

00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.399
 Because there's about,

00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:34.879
 A two or three week period,

00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:37.000
 In Palestine,

00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:38.399
 Where,

00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:38.819
 You know,

00:28:38.879 --> 00:28:39.920
 The rains have come,

00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:42.379
 The spring is now arriving,

00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:44.299
 And now you've got,

00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.599
 All these hills,

00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:48.000
 Are all covered,

00:28:48.659 --> 00:28:49.920
 With green,

00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:50.879
 Yellow,

00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:52.579
 All these colors,

00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:53.960
 The grass is up,

00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:56.079
 The flowers are everywhere,

00:28:56.079 --> 00:28:58.879
 And it is incredible,

00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:01.460
 For about two weeks,

00:29:01.579 --> 00:29:02.079
 Three weeks,

00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:04.059
 If that long,

00:29:04.919 --> 00:29:05.980
 Because soon,

00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.939
 The dry wind,

00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:08.639
 From off of the desert,

00:29:09.679 --> 00:29:10.279
 Is going to,

00:29:10.679 --> 00:29:11.980
 Dry everything out,

00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:14.699
 And then all of that grass,

00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:15.539
 Is just going to be,

00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:17.240
 Good for throwing in the furnace,

00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.220
 And being burned,

00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.980
 But Jesus refers to these flowers,

00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:23.579
 These beautiful,

00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:24.220
 Little,

00:29:24.659 --> 00:29:25.119
 Delicate,

00:29:25.119 --> 00:29:26.699
 Yellow flowers,

00:29:26.879 --> 00:29:27.679
 And they are,

00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:29.459
 Absolutely beautiful,

00:29:30.219 --> 00:29:32.199
 And he said,

00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.579
 Solomon himself,

00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:35.819
 The one,

00:29:35.979 --> 00:29:36.679
 That people,

00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:37.919
 Would come to,

00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:39.359
 From all over the world,

00:29:39.479 --> 00:29:40.859
 Just to see and behold,

00:29:40.939 --> 00:29:41.539
 His glory,

00:29:41.919 --> 00:29:42.839
 If Solomon,

00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:47.379
 Solomon has to take a back seat,

00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:49.419
 To the beauty,

00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.399
 Of these little flowers,

00:29:50.479 --> 00:29:51.379
 And these little flowers,

00:29:51.459 --> 00:29:52.219
 Are only there,

00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.500
 For a few days,

00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:55.220
 And if God chose,

00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:56.819
 If he cared enough for them,

00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:57.799
 To clothe them,

00:29:57.839 --> 00:29:58.599
 With that kind of,

00:29:58.599 --> 00:29:59.519
 Brilliance,

00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.880
 And beauty,

00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:03.460
 For such a brief moment,

00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:06.319
 Aren't you,

00:30:07.319 --> 00:30:08.640
 More valuable,

00:30:10.259 --> 00:30:11.660
 Than little flowers?

00:30:11.660 --> 00:30:18.200
 The issue here,

00:30:18.200 --> 00:30:20.540
 Is that we have,

00:30:20.540 --> 00:30:21.320
 A major problem,

00:30:21.320 --> 00:30:22.220
 With our theology,

00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:26.300
 Because we have,

00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:28.140
 A very erroneous,

00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:29.300
 View,

00:30:30.300 --> 00:30:32.120
 Of who God is,

00:30:33.120 --> 00:30:34.000
 And we're saying this,

00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:35.060
 On a functional,

00:30:35.560 --> 00:30:36.019
 Level,

00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.680
 Not up here,

00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.120
 I mean,

00:30:38.119 --> 00:30:39.179
 We know the right answers,

00:30:39.239 --> 00:30:39.779
 Up here,

00:30:39.939 --> 00:30:41.319
 But how we live,

00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.039
 Our lives,

00:30:42.139 --> 00:30:43.039
 We live as if,

00:30:43.239 --> 00:30:44.319
 The answers we have,

00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:45.099
 Mean nothing,

00:30:46.099 --> 00:30:49.739
 So when we fear,

00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:50.539
 Over whether,

00:30:50.639 --> 00:30:51.659
 We're going to have enough,

00:30:51.739 --> 00:30:52.639
 Or we fear,

00:30:52.739 --> 00:30:54.479
 When our stuff is threatened,

00:30:55.439 --> 00:30:56.759
 What are we saying,

00:30:56.839 --> 00:30:57.599
 About God?

00:30:59.199 --> 00:30:59.719
 Well,

00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.619
 We're saying plenty,

00:31:02.199 --> 00:31:02.439
 We're,

00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:03.739
 We are saying,

00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.899
 That he's uninvolved,

00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:07.180
 That God is just,

00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:08.140
 Out here,

00:31:08.300 --> 00:31:09.280
 In the distance,

00:31:09.640 --> 00:31:10.280
 Somewhere,

00:31:10.820 --> 00:31:11.660
 Out here,

00:31:11.860 --> 00:31:13.019
 And we're much more like,

00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.740
 Theists,

00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:15.920
 Where God has just,

00:31:16.160 --> 00:31:17.120
 Put things into motion,

00:31:17.280 --> 00:31:18.019
 And he's kind of,

00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.360
 Packed up,

00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:20.240
 And moved out,

00:31:21.240 --> 00:31:23.060
 At best,

00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:24.259
 Watching from a distance,

00:31:25.120 --> 00:31:28.200
 We think,

00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:29.340
 That God,

00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:30.800
 Does not care,

00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:33.080
 God,

00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:34.120
 If you did care,

00:31:34.119 --> 00:31:35.619
 You would be,

00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:36.579
 Providing better,

00:31:37.719 --> 00:31:40.239
 We think,

00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:41.199
 He will not intervene,

00:31:42.659 --> 00:31:44.559
 We think,

00:31:44.639 --> 00:31:45.859
 He does not hold us,

00:31:46.659 --> 00:31:47.519
 In high value,

00:31:48.399 --> 00:31:51.859
 Or maybe,

00:31:51.979 --> 00:31:52.299
 We think,

00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:53.419
 We've been so bad,

00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.379
 That God is now,

00:31:55.719 --> 00:31:57.039
 Making us pay,

00:31:58.399 --> 00:32:00.159
 For all the bad,

00:32:00.239 --> 00:32:00.899
 That we've done,

00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:04.240
 I remember,

00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:05.140
 I was in seminary,

00:32:05.600 --> 00:32:06.740
 Going through,

00:32:06.820 --> 00:32:07.100
 A real,

00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:08.600
 Financial crisis,

00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:09.060
 And,

00:32:09.800 --> 00:32:10.660
 In those days,

00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:11.860
 Financial crises,

00:32:11.860 --> 00:32:12.440
 Were pretty,

00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:14.200
 Regular occurrences,

00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:17.160
 But I'd gotten to a place,

00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:17.980
 Where it was just,

00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:18.559
 Getting bad,

00:32:18.640 --> 00:32:19.160
 And I didn't know,

00:32:19.160 --> 00:32:19.900
 What to do,

00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.880
 And I remember,

00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:22.380
 Driving down the road,

00:32:22.680 --> 00:32:23.480
 In some ways,

00:32:23.860 --> 00:32:24.299
 Making,

00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.600
 Trying to make a bargain,

00:32:25.900 --> 00:32:26.759
 With God,

00:32:26.860 --> 00:32:28.000
 To take off the pressure,

00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:29.539
 It says,

00:32:29.640 --> 00:32:30.080
 Alright God,

00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:31.200
 What do I need to do?

00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:31.840
 What have I been,

00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:32.860
 Been doing wrong?

00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.340
 Do I need to do,

00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:35.100
 This more?

00:32:35.180 --> 00:32:35.700
 Do I need to,

00:32:35.840 --> 00:32:36.740
 Start giving,

00:32:37.240 --> 00:32:38.160
 To the church more?

00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:39.220
 Do I need to,

00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:40.720
 Do this more?

00:32:41.680 --> 00:32:42.740
 What do I need to do?

00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:48.100
 That's how we think,

00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:48.819
 God operates,

00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:52.980
 Or we finally,

00:32:53.079 --> 00:32:53.900
 Just think we're,

00:32:53.900 --> 00:32:54.420
 Alone,

00:32:55.420 --> 00:32:56.839
 And we gotta,

00:32:56.839 --> 00:32:57.720
 Fend for ourselves,

00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:00.019
 There is nobody,

00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:00.839
 There,

00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:00.899
 Fear,

00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:07.639
 And so,

00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.799
 If this is,

00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.679
 What we think,

00:33:09.699 --> 00:33:10.399
 About God,

00:33:11.759 --> 00:33:13.859
 Fear is going,

00:33:13.939 --> 00:33:14.599
 To be characteristic,

00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:17.939
 It's gonna be characteristic,

00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:19.159
 Of our experiences,

00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:20.519
 Because we have no security,

00:33:20.899 --> 00:33:21.919
 We have no sense,

00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:24.480
 Of having anyone,

00:33:24.659 --> 00:33:25.819
 Watching over us,

00:33:25.919 --> 00:33:27.439
 It's all up to us,

00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:29.960
 We are basically,

00:33:30.180 --> 00:33:31.140
 On a functional level,

00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:31.940
 Orphans,

00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:36.480
 And all we have is us,

00:33:37.340 --> 00:33:39.299
 And fear,

00:33:39.580 --> 00:33:40.880
 Then drives us,

00:33:41.400 --> 00:33:42.900
 To a very self-centered,

00:33:43.160 --> 00:33:44.279
 Self-protective,

00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:46.539
 Existence,

00:33:47.120 --> 00:33:51.220
 But the funny thing is there,

00:33:51.320 --> 00:33:52.519
 Jesus says,

00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:52.880
 You know,

00:33:52.980 --> 00:33:54.200
 All your fears,

00:33:54.340 --> 00:33:55.100
 All your anxiety,

00:33:55.099 --> 00:33:55.919
 You're not gonna add,

00:33:55.919 --> 00:33:56.799
 One more hour,

00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:57.699
 To your life,

00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:59.699
 He could have said,

00:33:59.779 --> 00:34:00.079
 Actually,

00:34:00.119 --> 00:34:00.740
 It's gonna take,

00:34:00.759 --> 00:34:01.559
 A lot more than that,

00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:02.339
 Off your life,

00:34:03.039 --> 00:34:06.759
 So why are we so,

00:34:06.759 --> 00:34:07.719
 Anxious,

00:34:08.779 --> 00:34:10.819
 And then he brings,

00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.339
 The cure,

00:34:12.799 --> 00:34:14.579
 And he straightens,

00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:15.559
 Our theology,

00:34:16.279 --> 00:34:18.480
 And it's in verse 32,

00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:20.139
 I love this,

00:34:21.159 --> 00:34:21.659
 He says,

00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:22.519
 Fear not,

00:34:22.799 --> 00:34:23.739
 Little flock,

00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:27.019
 For it is your father's,

00:34:27.019 --> 00:34:28.319
 Good pleasure,

00:34:28.319 --> 00:34:29.359
 To give you,

00:34:29.659 --> 00:34:30.219
 The kingdom,

00:34:31.359 --> 00:34:34.439
 I wanna break that,

00:34:34.439 --> 00:34:35.579
 Phrase down,

00:34:35.819 --> 00:34:36.559
 Just a bit,

00:34:37.239 --> 00:34:37.679
 He said,

00:34:37.859 --> 00:34:38.439
 Fear not,

00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:39.459
 Little flock,

00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.419
 That phrase,

00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:41.339
 Little flock,

00:34:41.399 --> 00:34:42.159
 Is a very,

00:34:42.159 --> 00:34:43.419
 Affectionate,

00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:44.539
 Term,

00:34:45.419 --> 00:34:46.739
 It's very endearing,

00:34:47.139 --> 00:34:47.899
 You have this,

00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:48.759
 Shepherd,

00:34:49.159 --> 00:34:49.819
 Who sees,

00:34:49.939 --> 00:34:50.559
 It's more like,

00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:51.299
 A flock of,

00:34:51.359 --> 00:34:52.119
 Not just a flock,

00:34:52.199 --> 00:34:53.139
 Of adult sheep,

00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:54.039
 But he's looking at,

00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:55.539
 A flock of little lambs,

00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:56.259
 You know,

00:34:56.420 --> 00:34:56.440
 And,

00:34:56.639 --> 00:34:58.900
 Little lambs are,

00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:00.859
 Just downright cute,

00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:04.299
 And you wanna cuddle with them,

00:35:04.379 --> 00:35:05.799
 You wanna play with them,

00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:06.859
 You wanna hold them,

00:35:06.940 --> 00:35:07.059
 And,

00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:08.879
 He says,

00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:11.359
 Dear little flock,

00:35:12.219 --> 00:35:14.199
 That's the way,

00:35:14.239 --> 00:35:15.339
 He's looking at us,

00:35:15.340 --> 00:35:18.079
 And he goes on,

00:35:18.079 --> 00:35:18.340
 And he says,

00:35:18.500 --> 00:35:20.220
 It is your fathers,

00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:22.180
 Your father,

00:35:23.620 --> 00:35:26.440
 This is not a distant relative,

00:35:27.000 --> 00:35:30.519
 This is not somebody that's out there somewhere,

00:35:30.840 --> 00:35:32.660
 Who does not engage,

00:35:32.740 --> 00:35:34.039
 This is your father,

00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:39.619
 And Jesus has already been talking about,

00:35:39.739 --> 00:35:40.900
 Particularly in chapter 11,

00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:41.800
 That theme of,

00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:42.960
 The father,

00:35:44.139 --> 00:35:45.259
 If you know,

00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:46.199
 Who are evil,

00:35:46.300 --> 00:35:47.519
 Know how to give good gifts,

00:35:47.539 --> 00:35:48.440
 To your children,

00:35:48.440 --> 00:35:50.279
 How much more,

00:35:50.639 --> 00:35:52.320
 Will your father in heaven,

00:35:53.199 --> 00:35:54.599
 Give his spirit,

00:35:56.039 --> 00:36:00.259
 This is your father,

00:36:00.260 --> 00:36:04.100
 But then he goes on,

00:36:04.160 --> 00:36:04.440
 And he says,

00:36:04.720 --> 00:36:05.820
 It is your father's,

00:36:05.820 --> 00:36:06.940
 Good,

00:36:07.760 --> 00:36:08.460
 Pleasure,

00:36:09.600 --> 00:36:13.080
 Is that the way we see God?

00:36:15.080 --> 00:36:16.320
 Or do we see him,

00:36:16.520 --> 00:36:17.600
 As some kind of,

00:36:18.220 --> 00:36:18.940
 Grinch,

00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:21.700
 That just kind of answers,

00:36:21.860 --> 00:36:22.640
 Our prayers,

00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:23.740
 With little,

00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:26.440
 Tastes of things,

00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:28.300
 Just gives us little bits here,

00:36:28.400 --> 00:36:29.160
 Little bits there,

00:36:29.159 --> 00:36:30.960
 Very begrudgingly,

00:36:31.739 --> 00:36:32.839
 Gives us things,

00:36:33.139 --> 00:36:34.759
 That's not what Jesus says,

00:36:34.819 --> 00:36:35.920
 It's your father,

00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:39.099
 Christmas for me is,

00:36:39.299 --> 00:36:40.480
 And I may have shared this with you,

00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:43.920
 Is one of the most frustrating times of the year,

00:36:44.779 --> 00:36:46.799
 Because I have four children,

00:36:48.299 --> 00:36:49.000
 Now I've got,

00:36:49.500 --> 00:36:52.199
 Four daughters and sons-in-laws,

00:36:53.480 --> 00:36:55.480
 I got nine grandchildren,

00:36:57.000 --> 00:36:58.619
 Christmas is getting expensive,

00:36:59.159 --> 00:37:03.159
 Because,

00:37:03.579 --> 00:37:05.500
 I love my grandkids,

00:37:06.639 --> 00:37:07.960
 And I love my kids,

00:37:08.920 --> 00:37:10.599
 I want to,

00:37:11.219 --> 00:37:12.859
 Give them,

00:37:13.739 --> 00:37:16.039
 Really good things,

00:37:16.739 --> 00:37:18.719
 And what's frustrating is,

00:37:19.179 --> 00:37:20.659
 I don't have that kind of budget,

00:37:21.699 --> 00:37:24.659
 But that's the heart,

00:37:25.539 --> 00:37:26.619
 Of an evil father,

00:37:26.619 --> 00:37:31.139
 Our heavenly father,

00:37:31.139 --> 00:37:32.900
 Isn't limited by budget,

00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:36.699
 And if,

00:37:36.839 --> 00:37:38.019
 Me being evil,

00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:39.159
 Know how to give good gifts,

00:37:39.199 --> 00:37:39.819
 To my children,

00:37:40.940 --> 00:37:42.380
 How much more,

00:37:43.039 --> 00:37:47.920
 It's his good pleasure,

00:37:48.159 --> 00:37:48.859
 To give us,

00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:50.319
 And then what is he going to give us,

00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:51.319
 That last phrase,

00:37:51.320 --> 00:37:53.640
 It's his good pleasure,

00:37:53.640 --> 00:37:54.880
 To give us,

00:37:55.600 --> 00:37:56.180
 The kingdom,

00:37:56.800 --> 00:38:00.059
 Not just little pieces,

00:38:01.059 --> 00:38:03.800
 He's given us everything,

00:38:03.800 --> 00:38:08.200
 Like Paul says in Ephesians 1,

00:38:08.199 --> 00:38:09.759
 Blessed,

00:38:09.759 --> 00:38:11.119
 Blessed be the God and Father,

00:38:11.199 --> 00:38:12.379
 Of our Lord Jesus Christ,

00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:15.039
 Who has blessed us,

00:38:15.039 --> 00:38:17.079
 With every spiritual blessing,

00:38:17.259 --> 00:38:18.299
 In the heavenly places,

00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:19.359
 In Christ,

00:38:19.879 --> 00:38:20.759
 In other words,

00:38:22.039 --> 00:38:23.000
 He's given it all,

00:38:24.000 --> 00:38:25.699
 He didn't hold back,

00:38:26.199 --> 00:38:27.679
 One thing,

00:38:28.619 --> 00:38:29.500
 One crumb,

00:38:29.500 --> 00:38:31.920
 He's given it all,

00:38:31.920 --> 00:38:38.940
 So if that's all true,

00:38:39.760 --> 00:38:41.280
 Which it is,

00:38:42.719 --> 00:38:45.860
 Why do I fear?

00:38:52.440 --> 00:38:53.659
 So what's the cure?

00:38:55.039 --> 00:38:56.179
 For greed,

00:38:57.019 --> 00:38:58.340
 For covetousness,

00:38:58.340 --> 00:39:01.820
 Jesus goes on to say,

00:39:01.940 --> 00:39:02.120
 Well,

00:39:02.260 --> 00:39:03.600
 It's generosity,

00:39:04.600 --> 00:39:07.539
 Because if this is true,

00:39:07.720 --> 00:39:08.620
 About your father,

00:39:09.120 --> 00:39:09.740
 And it is,

00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:11.260
 And if he has given us,

00:39:11.360 --> 00:39:12.079
 This much,

00:39:12.200 --> 00:39:13.000
 And he has,

00:39:15.000 --> 00:39:15.240
 Then,

00:39:15.680 --> 00:39:17.440
 We can be free,

00:39:18.120 --> 00:39:20.240
 To give whatever,

00:39:20.240 --> 00:39:21.640
 We have,

00:39:21.960 --> 00:39:22.320
 Away,

00:39:23.400 --> 00:39:25.120
 Because it doesn't,

00:39:25.120 --> 00:39:27.519
 Detract from the bottom line,

00:39:28.340 --> 00:39:30.780
 It adds to it,

00:39:31.660 --> 00:39:31.720
 It adds to it,

00:39:31.720 --> 00:39:36.300
 Actually,

00:39:36.400 --> 00:39:37.820
 When God calls us to give,

00:39:38.420 --> 00:39:39.480
 Sometimes we think,

00:39:39.559 --> 00:39:39.620
 Oh,

00:39:39.640 --> 00:39:40.760
 That's just a burden,

00:39:40.760 --> 00:39:41.900
 That we have to bear,

00:39:42.079 --> 00:39:43.579
 So God's work can happen,

00:39:44.000 --> 00:39:44.180
 No,

00:39:44.300 --> 00:39:45.079
 What he's doing,

00:39:45.180 --> 00:39:46.079
 Is giving us,

00:39:46.220 --> 00:39:46.820
 A gift,

00:39:46.880 --> 00:39:48.100
 That is a safeguard,

00:39:48.519 --> 00:39:49.440
 And a protection,

00:39:49.720 --> 00:39:50.920
 Around our hearts,

00:39:50.920 --> 00:39:53.260
 Because our giving,

00:39:53.400 --> 00:39:54.780
 When we give stuff away,

00:39:54.900 --> 00:39:55.500
 It is saying,

00:39:55.680 --> 00:39:57.340
 I don't put my security here,

00:39:57.440 --> 00:39:59.180
 I don't put my trust here,

00:39:59.300 --> 00:40:01.500
 This is not the source of my identity,

00:40:01.639 --> 00:40:03.300
 It's not the source of anything,

00:40:03.300 --> 00:40:04.460
 That gives me life,

00:40:04.460 --> 00:40:10.539
 My life has nothing to do with this,

00:40:10.539 --> 00:40:13.519
 My life is full,

00:40:13.519 --> 00:40:14.800
 Apart from this,

00:40:17.099 --> 00:40:18.820
 And so to guard our hearts,

00:40:18.900 --> 00:40:19.699
 To protect us,

00:40:19.880 --> 00:40:21.139
 He calls us to give,

00:40:22.019 --> 00:40:24.599
 To give out of,

00:40:24.719 --> 00:40:25.759
 All that he is,

00:40:25.920 --> 00:40:26.880
 For us,

00:40:27.880 --> 00:40:32.699
 So the question really is,

00:40:32.820 --> 00:40:33.559
 At the end,

00:40:35.059 --> 00:40:37.159
 What do you treasure?

00:40:37.159 --> 00:40:41.920
 What do you love?

00:40:44.519 --> 00:40:45.779
 What do you love the most?

00:40:46.719 --> 00:40:48.440
 What are you giving your life for?

00:40:48.539 --> 00:40:50.420
 What are you working hardest to gain?

00:40:54.960 --> 00:40:56.579
 What we treasure in this life,

00:40:57.480 --> 00:41:00.559
 What we pursue in this life,

00:41:01.119 --> 00:41:03.559
 Is a pretty good indication,

00:41:03.839 --> 00:41:06.199
 Of what our hearts truly treasure.

00:41:07.159 --> 00:41:10.179
 And see,

00:41:10.239 --> 00:41:11.639
 This is the thing about being Christian,

00:41:12.199 --> 00:41:14.679
 For those of you who are,

00:41:14.859 --> 00:41:16.519
 Not in Christ,

00:41:17.239 --> 00:41:18.739
 Who are maybe considering,

00:41:19.739 --> 00:41:20.259
 Christ,

00:41:21.859 --> 00:41:22.539
 I mean really,

00:41:23.559 --> 00:41:25.519
 What you possess,

00:41:25.679 --> 00:41:26.359
 What you own,

00:41:26.420 --> 00:41:27.920
 Is all that you have,

00:41:28.119 --> 00:41:29.619
 And I would recommend to you,

00:41:30.399 --> 00:41:30.839
 I mean if,

00:41:30.960 --> 00:41:31.940
 If you're going to stay there,

00:41:32.019 --> 00:41:33.579
 Then you need to work hard,

00:41:34.519 --> 00:41:36.879
 And gather up your goods,

00:41:36.880 --> 00:41:38.019
 But it's not going to do you,

00:41:38.079 --> 00:41:38.740
 One bit of good,

00:41:38.880 --> 00:41:39.500
 In the end,

00:41:40.019 --> 00:41:42.480
 Because there is a day,

00:41:42.559 --> 00:41:43.079
 We will die,

00:41:43.180 --> 00:41:43.880
 There is a day,

00:41:43.980 --> 00:41:44.680
 We will meet,

00:41:45.099 --> 00:41:45.740
 The judge,

00:41:46.660 --> 00:41:49.280
 In all that we've acquired,

00:41:49.900 --> 00:41:53.539
 Will belong to somebody else,

00:41:53.960 --> 00:41:55.920
 Who will then pass it along,

00:41:55.980 --> 00:41:56.780
 To somebody else,

00:41:56.780 --> 00:42:00.920
 You will die one day,

00:42:00.920 --> 00:42:01.940
 And all your work,

00:42:01.980 --> 00:42:02.780
 Is going to be in vain,

00:42:03.260 --> 00:42:06.260
 If money is your savior,

00:42:07.800 --> 00:42:12.820
 But there's another option,

00:42:12.820 --> 00:42:16.660
 We can turn to the one,

00:42:17.380 --> 00:42:18.480
 Who is adequate,

00:42:19.160 --> 00:42:21.000
 We can turn to the one,

00:42:21.100 --> 00:42:22.600
 Who is a real treasure,

00:42:23.059 --> 00:42:24.059
 To the one,

00:42:24.220 --> 00:42:25.380
 Who has given himself,

00:42:25.920 --> 00:42:26.840
 For us,

00:42:26.960 --> 00:42:27.640
 So that we,

00:42:27.800 --> 00:42:28.880
 Can have it all,

00:42:30.960 --> 00:42:31.960
 There is one,

00:42:32.019 --> 00:42:33.180
 Who has given us life,

00:42:33.880 --> 00:42:37.940
 Through his death,

00:42:37.940 --> 00:42:42.019
 And he now,

00:42:42.019 --> 00:42:43.280
 Invites us,

00:42:43.920 --> 00:42:44.420
 To come,

00:42:45.940 --> 00:42:49.200
 Come and treasure,

00:42:50.240 --> 00:42:51.400
 The only savior,

00:42:52.179 --> 00:42:53.780
 That is adequate at all,

00:42:54.780 --> 00:42:56.780
 To satisfy our hearts,

00:42:57.780 --> 00:43:01.500
 And to give us real pleasure,

00:43:01.500 --> 00:43:04.219
 You know,

00:43:04.239 --> 00:43:04.840
 That's why we,

00:43:04.920 --> 00:43:06.079
 We come to this table,

00:43:07.840 --> 00:43:09.659
 And here,

00:43:10.199 --> 00:43:12.019
 We have,

00:43:12.860 --> 00:43:13.559
 An example,

00:43:15.119 --> 00:43:15.840
 Clearly,

00:43:17.219 --> 00:43:18.639
 Of our father's,

00:43:18.860 --> 00:43:20.239
 Good pleasure,

00:43:20.880 --> 00:43:22.460
 You think,

00:43:22.639 --> 00:43:23.679
 He doesn't care,

00:43:24.880 --> 00:43:26.599
 You think he's holding back,

00:43:28.460 --> 00:43:30.800
 What Paul says in Romans 8,

00:43:30.800 --> 00:43:31.519
 32,

00:43:31.820 --> 00:43:32.000
 It says,

00:43:32.080 --> 00:43:34.080
 He who did not spare,

00:43:34.260 --> 00:43:35.460
 His own son,

00:43:36.880 --> 00:43:39.060
 But gave him up for us all,

00:43:40.080 --> 00:43:41.860
 How will he not now,

00:43:42.120 --> 00:43:43.160
 With him,

00:43:44.300 --> 00:43:46.880
 Freely give us all things,

00:43:48.960 --> 00:43:50.940
 So what our father,

00:43:51.260 --> 00:43:52.180
 His good pleasure,

00:43:52.400 --> 00:43:53.320
 Has given us,

00:43:53.539 --> 00:43:54.560
 Is Christ,

00:43:55.560 --> 00:43:58.660
 He has given us a savior,

00:43:58.659 --> 00:44:01.019
 Who went to his death,

00:44:01.019 --> 00:44:01.859
 So that we,

00:44:02.000 --> 00:44:02.879
 Can be forgiven,

00:44:03.039 --> 00:44:03.920
 And have life,

00:44:04.500 --> 00:44:06.319
 He has given us the keys,

00:44:06.779 --> 00:44:09.359
 To the eternal kingdom,

00:44:09.940 --> 00:44:11.719
 Where we will enjoy,

00:44:11.859 --> 00:44:13.059
 All that is his,

00:44:14.940 --> 00:44:18.440
 If you're hungry,

00:44:19.440 --> 00:44:20.940
 If you're tired,

00:44:20.940 --> 00:44:21.940
 Of worshiping,

00:44:21.940 --> 00:44:22.619
 These cheap,

00:44:23.779 --> 00:44:25.039
 Inadequate saviors,

00:44:25.039 --> 00:44:27.519
 Come,

00:44:27.840 --> 00:44:28.599
 To this table,

00:44:29.320 --> 00:44:31.099
 This table,

00:44:31.239 --> 00:44:31.759
 Is for those,

00:44:31.840 --> 00:44:32.219
 Who say,

00:44:32.579 --> 00:44:33.440
 I need Jesus,

00:44:33.759 --> 00:44:35.099
 I long for Jesus,

00:44:35.880 --> 00:44:39.800
 Now if that's not you,

00:44:41.139 --> 00:44:42.460
 Then I would just encourage you,

00:44:42.619 --> 00:44:44.900
 To sit in your seat,

00:44:45.860 --> 00:44:47.179
 And as the others come,

00:44:47.440 --> 00:44:49.320
 To contemplate your life,

00:44:49.980 --> 00:44:50.800
 Contemplate,

00:44:50.800 --> 00:44:52.660
 What you treasure most,

00:44:53.480 --> 00:44:55.460
 And whether it is going to be,

00:44:55.460 --> 00:44:56.519
 Adequate for you,

00:44:57.519 --> 00:45:01.700
 And then turn to Jesus,

00:45:01.840 --> 00:45:02.500
 In repentance,

00:45:04.500 --> 00:45:05.680
 But for those of you,

00:45:05.740 --> 00:45:06.440
 Who believe,

00:45:06.980 --> 00:45:09.039
 Who trust Jesus,

00:45:09.920 --> 00:45:11.440
 Come to the table,

00:45:12.440 --> 00:45:16.039
 For the night he was betrayed,

00:45:16.039 --> 00:45:20.539
 Jesus took bread,

00:45:22.800 --> 00:45:24.320
 And after he'd given thanks,

00:45:24.420 --> 00:45:25.000
 He broke it,

00:45:25.039 --> 00:45:26.259
 And gave it to his disciples,

00:45:26.400 --> 00:45:26.619
 Saying,

00:45:27.000 --> 00:45:28.400
 This is my body,

00:45:28.960 --> 00:45:30.059
 Which is for you,

00:45:31.619 --> 00:45:32.320
 Eat this,

00:45:33.019 --> 00:45:34.500
 In remembrance of me,

00:45:37.159 --> 00:45:38.320
 And in the same way,

00:45:38.400 --> 00:45:39.219
 He took the cup,

00:45:39.460 --> 00:45:40.179
 After supper,

00:45:40.320 --> 00:45:40.519
 Saying,

00:45:40.619 --> 00:45:41.159
 This cup,

00:45:41.360 --> 00:45:42.320
 Is the new covenant,

00:45:42.500 --> 00:45:43.099
 In my blood,

00:45:43.179 --> 00:45:44.320
 Which is shed for many,

00:45:44.420 --> 00:45:45.659
 For the forgiveness of sins,

00:45:45.659 --> 00:45:47.099
 Do this as often,

00:45:47.099 --> 00:45:48.000
 As you drink it,

00:45:48.079 --> 00:45:49.940
 In remembrance of me,

00:45:51.460 --> 00:45:52.239
 For as often,

00:45:52.379 --> 00:45:53.420
 As you eat of this bread,

00:45:53.519 --> 00:45:54.519
 You drink of this cup,

00:45:54.899 --> 00:45:56.920
 You proclaim the Lord's death,

00:45:57.219 --> 00:45:58.239
 Until he comes,

00:45:59.279 --> 00:46:00.920
 This is the gift,

00:46:01.579 --> 00:46:03.279
 Of our pleasing father,

00:46:04.679 --> 00:46:06.279
 A gift of life for you,

00:46:07.379 --> 00:46:08.460
 So the host team,

00:46:08.519 --> 00:46:09.399
 Is going to,

00:46:09.879 --> 00:46:11.319
 Usher you down,

00:46:11.460 --> 00:46:12.460
 To the various stations,

00:46:12.579 --> 00:46:13.179
 In the front,

00:46:13.519 --> 00:46:15.079
 And then also in the back,

00:46:15.659 --> 00:46:17.159
 Come,

00:46:18.279 --> 00:46:19.940
 To the feast of grace,

00:46:20.460 --> 00:46:21.599
 That we find in Jesus,

00:46:21.779 --> 00:46:22.940
 Let me pray for us,

00:46:23.579 --> 00:46:24.759
 Father would you,

00:46:25.299 --> 00:46:27.039
 Make these little tastes,

00:46:27.819 --> 00:46:28.980
 Of food,

00:46:30.319 --> 00:46:31.559
 A little taste of bread,

00:46:31.739 --> 00:46:33.000
 A little taste of juice,

00:46:34.000 --> 00:46:35.000
 Would you turn it into,

00:46:35.079 --> 00:46:36.079
 A feast of grace,

00:46:37.339 --> 00:46:38.940
 That we might taste,

00:46:38.940 --> 00:46:42.320
 Your goodness for us,

00:46:42.320 --> 00:46:45.920
 And let it wipe out,

00:46:46.220 --> 00:46:46.760
 The fears,

00:46:47.980 --> 00:46:49.440
 Or our need to run,

00:46:49.599 --> 00:46:50.440
 Anywhere else,

00:46:51.440 --> 00:46:53.139
 Feed us we pray,

00:46:53.220 --> 00:46:53.980
 In Jesus name,

00:46:54.240 --> 00:46:54.460
 Amen,

00:46:54.460 --> 00:46:59.659
 For more information,

00:47:00.059 --> 00:47:00.960
 Visit us online,

00:47:01.220 --> 00:47:02.260
 At southwood.org,

00:47:02.260 --> 00:47:02.860
 Amen,

00:47:02.860 --> 00:47:03.380
 Amen,

00:47:03.380 --> 00:47:04.680
 Father would you,

00:47:04.680 --> 00:47:17.520
 O

00:47:17.520 --> 00:47:18.060
,