WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:24.219 Well, this morning, well, really this week, because this morning is Father's Day, as I started working on a Father's Day sermon. 00:00:24.219 --> 00:00:30.119 The first passage that came to mind was the passage of Eli and his two sons. 00:00:31.379 --> 00:00:42.219 And assuming you're a little familiar with it, I think there's a lot of very important lessons that we as fathers can learn from that passage. 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:45.179 And I'd encourage you to be familiar with it. 00:00:45.519 --> 00:00:50.460 The problem was I had a hard time figuring out how I was going to end it positively. 00:00:50.460 --> 00:00:59.539 Okay, and so just as a reminder, look at these couple verses from 1 Samuel chapter 2, starting in verse 22. 00:01:00.460 --> 00:01:00.840 It says, 00:01:00.840 --> 00:01:06.799 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, 00:01:07.280 --> 00:01:11.120 and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 00:01:11.540 --> 00:01:12.380 And he said to them, 00:01:12.719 --> 00:01:17.280 Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. 00:01:17.719 --> 00:01:22.100 No, my sons, it's not a good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. 00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:26.159 If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him. 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:30.519 But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him? 00:01:31.420 --> 00:01:37.700 But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. 00:01:38.599 --> 00:01:42.679 And if you remember, in the next chapter, that's exactly what happens. 00:01:43.379 --> 00:01:47.879 Both of Eli's sons are put to death, and the Ark of the Covenant is actually captured. 00:01:48.259 --> 00:01:53.719 And if you remember, when Eli hears it, he falls backwards in his chair and breaks his neck. 00:01:53.719 --> 00:01:57.859 And I thought, ending with, Happy Father's Day, don't lean back in any chairs. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:00.939 This didn't seem like it was a good option. 00:02:02.140 --> 00:02:05.819 But the truth is, this last phrase in this verse, 00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:12.699 that they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death, 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:15.939 really captured my attention. 00:02:16.659 --> 00:02:20.240 And if you think about it, it's a very terrifying verse. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:23.520 And I've come to decide this week, after thinking about it, 00:02:23.719 --> 00:02:26.740 it probably embodies my greatest fear. 00:02:27.920 --> 00:02:30.420 Which is that, at some point in the future, 00:02:30.939 --> 00:02:33.939 my children would turn their backs on God, 00:02:34.100 --> 00:02:35.480 and jettison their faith, 00:02:36.100 --> 00:02:38.500 and be enemies of God, apart from his grace. 00:02:40.140 --> 00:02:41.040 And honestly, 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:44.080 I would like to, at this point in life, 00:02:44.260 --> 00:02:46.020 with my children grown, 00:02:46.160 --> 00:02:47.920 adults, walking with the Lord, 00:02:47.919 --> 00:02:49.839 be able to say, wow, I dodged that bullet. 00:02:51.099 --> 00:02:52.119 But we all know, 00:02:52.699 --> 00:02:54.879 that's not necessarily the truth, is it? 00:02:55.479 --> 00:02:57.619 How many people have you known in your life, 00:02:57.719 --> 00:03:00.439 that have seemed to be walking with the Lord, 00:03:00.539 --> 00:03:01.319 for years, 00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:02.579 or for decades, 00:03:02.739 --> 00:03:03.979 or for a lifetime, 00:03:04.819 --> 00:03:05.719 only to then, 00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:07.519 suddenly one day wake up and say, 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:08.739 I've never really believed, 00:03:09.319 --> 00:03:11.139 and walk away from their faith. 00:03:11.139 --> 00:03:12.959 And so, 00:03:13.099 --> 00:03:14.099 pondering these things, 00:03:14.239 --> 00:03:15.399 and thinking about it, 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:17.699 led me to a very familiar passage, 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:20.500 which will be our passage this morning. 00:03:20.979 --> 00:03:23.959 And it's the story of the prodigal son. 00:03:24.719 --> 00:03:26.379 It's found in Luke 15, 00:03:26.899 --> 00:03:28.799 verses 11 through 32. 00:03:29.959 --> 00:03:30.799 Luke 15, 00:03:31.119 --> 00:03:32.779 verses 11 through 32. 00:03:33.839 --> 00:03:35.159 And just as a reminder, 00:03:35.939 --> 00:03:37.539 the story of the prodigal son, 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:40.159 is a parable that Jesus told. 00:03:41.019 --> 00:03:42.719 And just a simple definition, 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:43.979 that's easy to remember, 00:03:44.060 --> 00:03:45.199 of what a parable is, 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:47.419 is it's an earthly story, 00:03:47.419 --> 00:03:48.759 with a heavenly meaning. 00:03:49.639 --> 00:03:51.139 And Jesus told many parables, 00:03:51.479 --> 00:03:52.319 most of them, 00:03:52.639 --> 00:03:54.199 he has one main point, 00:03:54.299 --> 00:03:55.560 that he's trying to make, 00:03:55.579 --> 00:03:57.159 and you really have to be careful, 00:03:57.159 --> 00:03:58.879 to not overanalyze them, 00:03:58.879 --> 00:03:59.899 or you can end up, 00:03:59.979 --> 00:04:01.219 in some interesting places. 00:04:02.219 --> 00:04:03.159 But the parable, 00:04:03.500 --> 00:04:04.599 of the prodigal son, 00:04:04.599 --> 00:04:07.979 is such a rich and deep parable. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:09.979 Many commentators call it, 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:11.799 the crown of all parables. 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:13.699 That there's depths, 00:04:13.799 --> 00:04:15.280 that we could mine for weeks, 00:04:15.379 --> 00:04:16.060 or months, 00:04:16.600 --> 00:04:18.420 and never exhaust the limits, 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:19.439 of this one parable. 00:04:20.480 --> 00:04:21.779 And every time I read it, 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:22.800 I can honestly say, 00:04:22.899 --> 00:04:23.879 I am challenged. 00:04:24.540 --> 00:04:25.600 I'm encouraged. 00:04:26.060 --> 00:04:27.000 In some way, 00:04:27.100 --> 00:04:28.879 it impacts me in a new way. 00:04:29.620 --> 00:04:30.360 And so this morning, 00:04:30.439 --> 00:04:31.219 as we look at this, 00:04:31.339 --> 00:04:32.139 as fathers, 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:33.120 or mothers, 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:33.980 grandparents, 00:04:33.980 --> 00:04:36.040 or even just as children, 00:04:36.040 --> 00:04:37.160 of our Heavenly Father, 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:38.080 I hope, 00:04:38.400 --> 00:04:40.640 we will be transformed by it. 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:42.700 Before we get a little further, 00:04:42.819 --> 00:04:44.080 would you just join me in prayer? 00:04:45.200 --> 00:04:45.600 Father, 00:04:45.660 --> 00:04:46.840 we come to you this morning, 00:04:46.900 --> 00:04:48.140 and we ask that your spirit, 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:49.160 would be upon us. 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:51.080 That you would open our hearts, 00:04:51.140 --> 00:04:52.439 and minds to hear your word. 00:04:53.220 --> 00:04:54.360 That you would lead, 00:04:54.960 --> 00:04:55.920 and that you would speak. 00:04:56.439 --> 00:04:57.600 That we would listen, 00:04:58.259 --> 00:04:59.300 and that we would receive, 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:00.439 the truth of your word. 00:05:01.200 --> 00:05:02.240 And that it would use, 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:04.420 you would use it to transform us, 00:05:05.220 --> 00:05:05.980 into a greater, 00:05:06.259 --> 00:05:08.139 more clear reflection of your son. 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:09.439 Father, 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:11.340 we thank you for the privilege of your word. 00:05:12.040 --> 00:05:13.800 Help us not to take it for granted. 00:05:14.960 --> 00:05:16.360 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:05:16.780 --> 00:05:17.040 Amen. 00:05:18.680 --> 00:05:19.720 So let's begin, 00:05:19.800 --> 00:05:21.939 and we'll just look at this section by section, 00:05:22.379 --> 00:05:25.680 and talk about seven things that we see, 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:28.379 as we look at the father's heart, 00:05:28.379 --> 00:05:29.899 the father's heart, 00:05:30.060 --> 00:05:32.199 in the parable of the prodigal son. 00:05:32.819 --> 00:05:34.319 So starting in Luke 15, 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:36.439 with verses 11 and 12. 00:05:36.860 --> 00:05:38.519 Luke 15, 11 and 12. 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:39.779 It says, 00:05:40.399 --> 00:05:41.219 And he said, 00:05:41.579 --> 00:05:42.399 there was a man, 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:43.300 and that's Jesus. 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:44.259 Jesus said, 00:05:44.519 --> 00:05:46.379 there was a man who had two sons. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:49.139 And the younger of them said to his father, 00:05:49.719 --> 00:05:51.500 Father, give me the share of property 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:52.719 that is coming to me. 00:05:53.259 --> 00:05:55.819 And he divided his property between them. 00:05:55.819 --> 00:05:58.699 Now, it's a very simple opening, 00:05:58.699 --> 00:06:02.079 and if we were to just read it and keep going, 00:06:02.159 --> 00:06:03.560 we wouldn't stop to consider 00:06:03.560 --> 00:06:06.560 the impact this had on the original audience. 00:06:06.920 --> 00:06:08.959 In the culture where Jesus was speaking, 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:12.860 this would not just so easily flow by, okay? 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:15.259 And so it would be a riveting, 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:20.060 almost abhorrent thing for them to hear 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:22.039 the younger son deal this way. 00:06:22.100 --> 00:06:24.480 So let me give you just a brief translation 00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:27.200 to help you hear it more accurately. 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:29.480 It's basically like the younger son 00:06:29.480 --> 00:06:30.960 came to his father and said, 00:06:31.400 --> 00:06:34.620 I am so sick and tired of being around you. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:37.700 I can't wait another day for you to die. 00:06:38.080 --> 00:06:39.500 I have to get out of here. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:41.120 Would you just give me 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:42.080 what you're going to give me 00:06:42.080 --> 00:06:44.140 whenever you die and let me leave? 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:47.240 You see, it's a lot more weighty. 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:49.200 And the original audience 00:06:49.200 --> 00:06:50.900 would have been struck by that. 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:52.799 They would have been shocked 00:06:52.799 --> 00:06:55.519 at hearing the younger son's audacity 00:06:55.519 --> 00:06:57.599 in how he approached his father. 00:06:58.679 --> 00:07:01.439 And what I think is interesting for us to see 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:03.699 as we look at the father's heart in this 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:08.039 is that the father just very simply says, 00:07:08.579 --> 00:07:11.339 and he divided it and gave it to him, right? 00:07:11.739 --> 00:07:14.259 The father doesn't take any efforts 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:17.620 to try and force external obedience on the son. 00:07:17.620 --> 00:07:20.420 He could have used guilt or shame. 00:07:20.879 --> 00:07:21.939 He could have just said, 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:25.040 no, I'm not going to do it, right? 00:07:25.199 --> 00:07:26.079 But he doesn't. 00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:29.939 Notice that the father lets the son 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:32.100 have what he so wickedly asked for, 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:35.160 that he deals gently and graciously with his sin. 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:36.379 And I think it's important 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:38.740 because I believe what it shows us here 00:07:38.740 --> 00:07:41.199 is that the father is most concerned 00:07:41.199 --> 00:07:42.540 about his son's heart. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:45.259 The father is most concerned 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:46.579 about his son's heart. 00:07:46.579 --> 00:07:49.000 He's not content to push 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:51.339 for merely external obedience. 00:07:52.500 --> 00:07:56.899 He's not willing to just get some comfort right now 00:07:56.899 --> 00:07:59.620 and avoid the awkwardness of the moment 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:00.399 by saying no. 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:02.339 He wants his son's heart. 00:08:03.039 --> 00:08:04.819 And so in pursuing that, 00:08:05.139 --> 00:08:07.379 he's willing to deal gently and graciously 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:10.259 with the sinful request of his son. 00:08:11.560 --> 00:08:13.620 Now, honestly, in parenting, 00:08:14.299 --> 00:08:16.339 isn't this one of the greatest challenges? 00:08:16.579 --> 00:08:19.959 Trying to discern in each situation 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:23.019 how we can pursue our child's heart. 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:25.479 I know if any of you are like me, 00:08:25.539 --> 00:08:26.899 it's just so much easier 00:08:26.899 --> 00:08:28.939 to parent out of response 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:30.659 to the inconvenience 00:08:30.659 --> 00:08:32.600 or to the frustration 00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:34.679 or to the embarrassment 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:35.799 of whatever's happening 00:08:35.799 --> 00:08:37.579 and try to address that 00:08:37.579 --> 00:08:39.960 and just need to get this fixed now. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:42.139 But that's not what we see 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:43.920 in the father in this parable. 00:08:44.440 --> 00:08:45.879 We see him focused in 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:48.280 on pursuing his son's heart. 00:08:49.060 --> 00:08:51.680 Let's look at verses 13 through 19. 00:08:52.780 --> 00:08:53.400 It says, 00:08:53.399 --> 00:08:55.019 Not many days later, 00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:57.860 the younger son gathered all he had 00:08:57.860 --> 00:09:00.120 and took a journey to a far country. 00:09:00.759 --> 00:09:03.179 And there he squandered his property 00:09:03.179 --> 00:09:04.159 in reckless living. 00:09:05.019 --> 00:09:06.299 And when he'd spent everything, 00:09:06.419 --> 00:09:08.360 a severe famine arose in that country 00:09:08.360 --> 00:09:10.120 and he began to be in need. 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:12.519 So he went and hired himself out 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:14.220 to one of the citizens of that country 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:15.959 who sent him into his fields 00:09:15.959 --> 00:09:16.919 to feed pigs. 00:09:17.419 --> 00:09:19.159 And he was longing to be fed 00:09:19.159 --> 00:09:20.740 with the pods that the pigs ate 00:09:20.740 --> 00:09:22.560 and no one gave him anything. 00:09:23.399 --> 00:09:24.560 So stop for a second 00:09:24.560 --> 00:09:25.480 and just think, okay? 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:27.299 Almost immediately, 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:28.799 the son gathers his stuff, 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:31.100 goes off to a faraway country. 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:32.240 We don't know where. 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:32.960 It doesn't matter. 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:33.580 It's a parable. 00:09:33.860 --> 00:09:34.460 The point is, 00:09:34.500 --> 00:09:35.720 he wants to get as far away 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:36.879 from his father as he can. 00:09:37.659 --> 00:09:38.399 And then we see 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:40.960 that God lets him continue 00:09:40.960 --> 00:09:42.799 in this sinful living, right? 00:09:42.840 --> 00:09:43.919 He wastes everything 00:09:43.919 --> 00:09:44.720 that he's gotten. 00:09:45.100 --> 00:09:47.419 It's just all immediately thrown away. 00:09:48.240 --> 00:09:49.840 And then God sends a famine. 00:09:49.840 --> 00:09:51.180 So he has nothing 00:09:51.180 --> 00:09:53.160 and then everyone else is struggling. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:55.259 And all his new friends are gone. 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:56.960 Suddenly he's not sure what to do. 00:09:57.019 --> 00:09:58.360 He's in this far off place. 00:09:58.720 --> 00:10:01.940 So he hires himself out to feed pigs. 00:10:02.639 --> 00:10:03.540 And if you don't know, 00:10:04.040 --> 00:10:06.780 pigs are like one of the lowest options 00:10:06.780 --> 00:10:09.379 in the biblical world, right? 00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:11.080 The audience, when they hear pigs, 00:10:11.139 --> 00:10:12.180 they're like, ooh, pigs. 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:13.040 Okay? 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:14.920 And if it's not bad enough 00:10:14.920 --> 00:10:15.920 to be a pig feeder, 00:10:16.300 --> 00:10:17.519 which that's just nasty 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:18.559 because pigs are nasty, 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:21.159 he wants to eat pig food. 00:10:21.559 --> 00:10:22.159 I mean, that's like, 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:24.100 Jesus takes it another rung down. 00:10:24.199 --> 00:10:25.360 This guy is low. 00:10:25.500 --> 00:10:26.340 I mean, it's bad. 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:27.439 It's bad news. 00:10:27.860 --> 00:10:28.000 Okay? 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:29.919 But notice in verse 17 00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:31.639 as it continues what happens. 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:34.279 But when he came to himself, 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:35.399 he said, 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:38.159 How many of my father's hired servants 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:39.879 have more than enough bread? 00:10:40.559 --> 00:10:42.000 But I perish here with hunger. 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:44.519 I will arise and go to my father. 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:45.460 I will say to him, 00:10:45.679 --> 00:10:47.279 Father, I have sinned against heaven 00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:48.139 and before you. 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:49.779 I'm no longer worthy 00:10:49.779 --> 00:10:51.059 to be called your son. 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:53.819 Treat me as one of your hired servants. 00:10:55.199 --> 00:10:56.039 Isn't it interesting? 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:57.480 All of these things happen. 00:10:57.480 --> 00:10:59.340 And then suddenly, 00:10:59.639 --> 00:11:01.639 the Holy Spirit brings to mind 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:03.420 the fact that his father 00:11:03.420 --> 00:11:05.399 had modeled godly character. 00:11:06.560 --> 00:11:08.580 He comes to the awareness 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:10.120 of the fact that his father 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:11.539 had dealt graciously 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:12.720 with his servants. 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:14.700 He'd cared for them. 00:11:14.980 --> 00:11:16.379 He'd given them an abundance. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:18.460 He was suddenly, 00:11:19.060 --> 00:11:20.740 the son is suddenly aware 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:22.600 of the kind of character 00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:23.519 his father had. 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:26.919 And from wanting to be 00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:28.340 as far away as possible, 00:11:28.939 --> 00:11:30.079 he suddenly realizes 00:11:30.079 --> 00:11:31.759 there's no place else 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:33.120 he would rather be. 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:35.600 He's even willing to be a servant 00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:36.799 in his father's house 00:11:36.799 --> 00:11:38.939 because of the kind of man 00:11:38.939 --> 00:11:39.899 his father is. 00:11:42.059 --> 00:11:43.019 Isn't it interesting 00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:44.139 the change that happens? 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:46.799 And it made me think 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:48.399 as I was studying this, 00:11:49.100 --> 00:11:50.159 am I doing that? 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:51.559 Am I being faithful 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:53.659 to model the kind 00:11:53.659 --> 00:11:54.859 of godly character 00:11:54.859 --> 00:11:56.199 that we see 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:57.019 was modeled 00:11:57.019 --> 00:11:58.039 by the father here? 00:11:58.479 --> 00:12:00.239 Am I laying a foundation 00:12:00.239 --> 00:12:02.439 in my children's life 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:04.699 that whatever happens 00:12:04.699 --> 00:12:05.479 in the future, 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:06.679 it would be something 00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:08.719 the Holy Spirit could use 00:12:08.719 --> 00:12:10.379 to bring to remembrance, 00:12:10.819 --> 00:12:12.359 to stir in their hearts, 00:12:12.719 --> 00:12:13.599 make them aware 00:12:13.599 --> 00:12:15.779 of their sin against God, 00:12:16.219 --> 00:12:17.699 call them to consider 00:12:17.699 --> 00:12:18.659 coming back. 00:12:19.219 --> 00:12:20.079 Is that the kind 00:12:20.079 --> 00:12:21.319 of character I've modeled? 00:12:22.559 --> 00:12:24.359 I think even just considering 00:12:24.359 --> 00:12:25.699 laying a foundation 00:12:25.699 --> 00:12:26.319 in their lives 00:12:26.319 --> 00:12:27.039 so that they know 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:28.239 no matter how far 00:12:28.239 --> 00:12:29.219 they've gone, 00:12:30.179 --> 00:12:31.279 that they can always 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:31.979 come home. 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:34.599 Are we being 00:12:34.599 --> 00:12:35.879 that kind of father? 00:12:38.079 --> 00:12:39.679 Let's look at Luke 15, 00:12:40.239 --> 00:12:41.519 starting with the beginning 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:42.339 of verse 20. 00:12:43.199 --> 00:12:43.719 It says, 00:12:44.239 --> 00:12:45.079 And he arose 00:12:45.079 --> 00:12:46.859 and came to his father, 00:12:46.859 --> 00:12:48.859 but while he was still 00:12:48.859 --> 00:12:49.839 a long way off, 00:12:50.119 --> 00:12:51.439 his father saw him. 00:12:52.359 --> 00:12:53.659 The third thing we see 00:12:53.659 --> 00:12:54.739 is that the father 00:12:54.739 --> 00:12:56.299 never gives up hope. 00:12:57.479 --> 00:12:58.459 In this parable, 00:12:58.779 --> 00:13:00.199 we get the feeling, 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:01.599 as Jesus tells this, 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.639 that the father's 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.779 constantly looking. 00:13:04.039 --> 00:13:05.239 There's an expectation. 00:13:05.739 --> 00:13:06.579 He's expecting 00:13:06.579 --> 00:13:07.899 his son's return. 00:13:08.599 --> 00:13:09.519 It doesn't catch him 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:10.199 off guard. 00:13:10.559 --> 00:13:11.739 He has this anticipation, 00:13:12.099 --> 00:13:12.559 this hope, 00:13:12.839 --> 00:13:13.439 this faith 00:13:13.439 --> 00:13:14.899 that he's clung to. 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:17.759 And the truth is, 00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:19.699 sometimes holding on 00:13:19.699 --> 00:13:20.740 to faith when things 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:22.740 are hard over any length 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:24.379 of time is terribly 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:25.000 challenging. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:26.340 Whether it's an ongoing 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:27.340 physical illness 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:28.220 or whether it's 00:13:28.220 --> 00:13:29.419 relational problems 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:30.799 with our family, 00:13:30.980 --> 00:13:31.819 our spouse, 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:33.220 it's hard to hold on 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:34.340 to hope as days 00:13:34.340 --> 00:13:35.480 and months go by. 00:13:35.639 --> 00:13:36.759 And we see here 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:38.139 that kind of character 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:38.759 in this father, 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:40.340 he never gives up hope. 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:43.100 And the most powerful 00:13:43.100 --> 00:13:43.899 example of that 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:44.940 in my own life 00:13:44.940 --> 00:13:45.740 wasn't actually 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.460 from a father. 00:13:46.700 --> 00:13:47.940 It was from a grandmother. 00:13:48.360 --> 00:13:49.480 Not my grandmother. 00:13:49.860 --> 00:13:50.660 But a woman named 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:51.540 Vera Griffin. 00:13:52.540 --> 00:13:53.060 Miss Vera 00:13:53.060 --> 00:13:55.139 was a godly woman. 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:56.120 She loved Jesus. 00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:58.320 And she had five children 00:13:58.320 --> 00:13:59.680 that were unbelievers. 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:01.000 And she prayed 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:02.639 for more than 40 years 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:03.980 for them to know Christ. 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.820 And whenever you were 00:14:05.820 --> 00:14:06.400 with her, 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.740 you always could get 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.580 that sense that 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:10.280 it wasn't something 00:14:10.280 --> 00:14:11.600 she hoped would happen 00:14:11.600 --> 00:14:12.540 in the sense of 00:14:12.540 --> 00:14:13.400 wishful thinking. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:15.220 There was an assurance there. 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:16.180 And she prayed 00:14:16.180 --> 00:14:17.560 and she was committed to it. 00:14:18.020 --> 00:14:18.879 And what's interesting 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:19.639 is she prayed 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:20.340 for her children 00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:21.560 and then she eventually 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:22.259 prayed for her 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:23.560 unbelieving grandchildren. 00:14:24.520 --> 00:14:25.520 And it was for more 00:14:25.520 --> 00:14:26.259 than 40 years 00:14:26.259 --> 00:14:27.220 until one day 00:14:27.220 --> 00:14:28.320 her grandson, 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:29.680 who would eventually 00:14:29.680 --> 00:14:31.060 become a good friend of mine, 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:32.200 was invited 00:14:32.200 --> 00:14:33.720 to a Young Life meeting. 00:14:34.180 --> 00:14:34.960 Young Life's kind of 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:36.040 like a Christian club 00:14:36.040 --> 00:14:36.780 if you're not familiar 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:37.159 with it, 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:38.839 like Campus Crusade 00:14:38.839 --> 00:14:40.500 or InterVarsity. 00:14:40.860 --> 00:14:41.220 Anyway, 00:14:41.339 --> 00:14:41.919 he was invited 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:42.819 to go to a meeting 00:14:42.819 --> 00:14:43.779 and he didn't really 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:44.259 want to go 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.500 but they kept inviting him 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.100 so he decided 00:14:46.100 --> 00:14:47.339 to go to this one meeting. 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:49.179 And at this one meeting 00:14:49.179 --> 00:14:52.000 they were doing a drawing 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.519 for one person 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:54.740 to get a free week 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:55.639 at Young Life camp 00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:56.199 that summer. 00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:57.539 And everybody else 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:58.059 wanted it. 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:58.860 He didn't want it 00:14:58.860 --> 00:15:00.039 but they made him 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:00.879 turn his name in 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:01.559 and guess what? 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:03.159 He was the one 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.759 that got it. 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:05.360 And everyone else 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:06.100 was so depressed 00:15:06.100 --> 00:15:06.560 and he was like, 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:07.000 I don't know 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:08.000 if I really want to go 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:08.899 but he thought, 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:09.240 you know, 00:15:09.300 --> 00:15:09.980 it'll be fun. 00:15:10.060 --> 00:15:11.240 There'll probably be girls there. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:12.180 They might as well go. 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:13.440 And he went 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:14.759 and at that camp 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:15.840 Jesus radically 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:17.040 changed his life. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.399 And then from that 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.680 it began to work 00:15:20.680 --> 00:15:21.700 throughout his family. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:23.340 His parents came to Christ. 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:24.960 The other siblings 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:25.879 came to Christ. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:27.279 The other grandchildren 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.399 came to Christ. 00:15:28.680 --> 00:15:29.639 And after more than 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:30.860 40 years of prayer 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:33.080 this Vera saw her family 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:34.460 come to know Christ. 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:35.660 And as far as I know 00:15:35.660 --> 00:15:36.560 all of their great 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:37.639 grandchildren that I know 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:38.940 are walking with Christ. 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:40.740 Are we committed 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:42.940 to that kind of hope 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:43.980 in the lives 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:45.019 of those around us? 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:46.580 Whether it's our children 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:48.740 whether it's our family members 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.560 a spouse 00:15:49.560 --> 00:15:51.080 the people that we work with 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.840 are we prayerfully committed 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.840 to pursue them 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:55.019 trusting that God 00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:55.820 will be faithful? 00:15:56.780 --> 00:15:58.040 Let's look at the next part 00:15:58.040 --> 00:15:58.780 of verse 20. 00:15:59.780 --> 00:16:01.259 He arose and came to his father 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:02.399 but while he was still 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.279 a long way off 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.659 his father saw him 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:06.159 and felt compassion. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.439 Notice the father's heart 00:16:08.439 --> 00:16:09.759 is full of compassion. 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:11.740 It's the immediate response. 00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:13.259 He's not only been hoping 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:14.679 but then when he finally 00:16:14.679 --> 00:16:15.759 sees his son 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.620 a long way off 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:18.039 the immediate response 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:18.819 is compassion 00:16:18.819 --> 00:16:20.279 flows out of him. 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.919 Now if it was me 00:16:21.919 --> 00:16:22.980 it would be so easy 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:23.980 to be bitter 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:24.740 to be hurt 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:25.919 to be spending 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:26.720 all the time 00:16:26.720 --> 00:16:27.480 while he was gone 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:27.939 thinking about 00:16:27.939 --> 00:16:29.319 how could you do this to me? 00:16:29.320 --> 00:16:30.260 I'd be tempted 00:16:30.260 --> 00:16:31.120 to be critical 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:32.340 or ridicule 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:33.620 or find some way 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.140 to be negative 00:16:34.140 --> 00:16:35.879 but this father's heart 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:37.300 is full of compassion 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:39.640 and that compassion 00:16:39.640 --> 00:16:40.840 compels him 00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:42.000 to do the unthinkable. 00:16:42.400 --> 00:16:43.360 Look at the next part 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:44.220 of verse 20. 00:16:44.920 --> 00:16:45.680 But while he was still 00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:46.379 a long way off 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.460 his father saw him 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:48.680 and felt compassion 00:16:48.680 --> 00:16:49.860 and ran 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.260 and embraced him 00:16:51.260 --> 00:16:52.360 and kissed him. 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:54.740 Now I said in the beginning 00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:55.540 that the audience 00:16:55.540 --> 00:16:56.440 was shocked 00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:58.320 at how the younger son 00:16:58.320 --> 00:16:59.000 had acted 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:00.300 but that probably 00:17:00.300 --> 00:17:01.460 pales in comparison 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:02.440 to what happens here 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:03.460 as Jesus is telling 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:04.039 the parable 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:05.779 because it was not 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.620 dignified 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:08.720 for men like this father 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:10.080 to go running 00:17:10.080 --> 00:17:10.940 passionately 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:12.279 with reckless abandon 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:13.200 around town. 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:13.980 Okay? 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:15.920 But have in mind 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:16.720 the picture 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.480 of what's happened. 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:19.000 The father's been hopeful 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:19.740 he's been waiting 00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:20.519 he's been looking 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:21.559 he's been longing 00:17:21.559 --> 00:17:23.759 and finally he sees it. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.480 Finally 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.840 he sees his son 00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:27.299 on the horizon 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:27.919 whether that's 00:17:27.919 --> 00:17:28.740 the edge of town 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.259 or the edge 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.139 of their street 00:17:30.139 --> 00:17:30.939 coming up past 00:17:30.939 --> 00:17:32.000 the nosy neighbors 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:32.799 we don't know 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:33.459 it's a parable 00:17:33.459 --> 00:17:34.480 but he sees him 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.639 and he knows 00:17:35.639 --> 00:17:37.279 the kind of ridicule 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:38.740 that son is going 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:39.379 to face 00:17:39.379 --> 00:17:41.199 from his shameful 00:17:41.199 --> 00:17:41.699 actions 00:17:41.699 --> 00:17:42.579 from what's happened 00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:43.599 the townsfolk 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.500 have been gossiping 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:44.919 about him 00:17:44.919 --> 00:17:45.720 this whole time 00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:46.559 he knows 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.519 the kind of attention 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:48.079 that he's going 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:48.659 to receive 00:17:48.659 --> 00:17:49.539 as he's walking 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.339 that distance 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:51.059 to the house. 00:17:51.899 --> 00:17:52.179 And so 00:17:52.179 --> 00:17:52.919 the father 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:53.859 does the unthinkable. 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:55.579 He hikes up his robes 00:17:55.579 --> 00:17:56.679 and goes running 00:17:56.679 --> 00:17:57.659 full speed 00:17:57.659 --> 00:17:58.699 whether it's down 00:17:58.699 --> 00:17:59.159 the street 00:17:59.159 --> 00:18:00.299 or through the town 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:01.639 all of his 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:02.759 reckless abandon 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:04.259 pursuing his son. 00:18:05.139 --> 00:18:05.379 And now 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:05.859 imagine 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:07.199 if this was at your house 00:18:07.199 --> 00:18:07.459 okay 00:18:07.459 --> 00:18:08.240 and you're sitting 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:09.139 out on your porch 00:18:09.139 --> 00:18:10.079 and you look down 00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:10.459 the street 00:18:10.459 --> 00:18:11.399 you see kind of 00:18:11.399 --> 00:18:12.479 homeless guy 00:18:12.479 --> 00:18:13.279 walking there 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.839 he's coming 00:18:13.839 --> 00:18:14.639 you're kind of 00:18:14.639 --> 00:18:15.119 intrigued 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:15.699 hey what's up 00:18:15.699 --> 00:18:16.219 with that guy 00:18:16.219 --> 00:18:16.659 who's he 00:18:16.659 --> 00:18:17.639 why is he in our town 00:18:17.639 --> 00:18:18.839 and all of a sudden 00:18:18.839 --> 00:18:19.759 a businessman 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:20.919 goes running by you 00:18:20.919 --> 00:18:21.819 in his boxers 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:23.679 right 00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:24.860 your attention 00:18:24.860 --> 00:18:25.940 immediately is like 00:18:25.940 --> 00:18:26.620 I don't care about 00:18:26.620 --> 00:18:27.200 that guy anymore 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:28.799 what is with this man 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.820 right 00:18:29.820 --> 00:18:31.820 and we see that 00:18:31.820 --> 00:18:32.840 and it's intentional 00:18:32.840 --> 00:18:34.519 that the father 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.880 is taking 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:36.960 the shame 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:37.620 he's willingly 00:18:37.620 --> 00:18:38.600 taking the shame 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:39.519 his son deserves 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.620 all of the attention 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:41.279 is immediately 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:42.420 torn from his son 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:43.840 and placed on him 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.240 they see him running 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:47.060 just like a madman 00:18:47.060 --> 00:18:47.700 and now 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.420 you know 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:49.340 they would be almost 00:18:49.340 --> 00:18:50.600 as aghast 00:18:50.600 --> 00:18:52.279 at this father's action 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:52.660 now 00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.700 as they were 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.299 at the sons 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:55.000 in the beginning 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.619 now maybe 00:18:56.619 --> 00:18:57.480 there's this moment 00:18:57.480 --> 00:18:58.399 of comprehension 00:18:58.399 --> 00:18:59.460 where the audience 00:18:59.460 --> 00:19:00.240 puts two and two 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:00.539 together 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:00.960 oh 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:01.440 okay 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.500 he's realized 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.639 that's his son 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.279 and he's gonna 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.039 go give it to him 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.920 he's gonna let him know 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:07.200 he's gonna draw him back 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:08.379 snap the whip 00:19:08.379 --> 00:19:09.599 and get him back in line 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:11.119 but then what happens 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:12.119 he runs up 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.259 and sweeps him up 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:13.879 in his arms 00:19:13.879 --> 00:19:14.839 embraces him 00:19:14.839 --> 00:19:15.720 kisses him 00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:16.700 now the audience 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:17.519 is enraged 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:17.980 what 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:19.220 what is happening 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:20.579 this is unreasonable 00:19:20.579 --> 00:19:22.460 this is not appropriate 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.579 for you to treat 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.579 this shameful 00:19:24.579 --> 00:19:26.039 wicked son 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:27.079 in such a way 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:30.680 but isn't that 00:19:30.680 --> 00:19:31.620 the heart of our father 00:19:31.620 --> 00:19:34.279 willingly taking 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:34.799 the shame 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:35.500 that we deserve 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:37.140 taking the attention 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:37.779 that we deserve 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:38.620 taking the guilt 00:19:38.620 --> 00:19:39.380 that is ours 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:40.620 and we see that 00:19:40.620 --> 00:19:41.980 happen here as well 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:43.680 it makes me ask 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.180 the question 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:45.779 am I like that 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:46.480 with my children 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:48.980 how do I deal 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:49.599 with this sin 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:50.299 in their lives 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:50.640 am I 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:51.259 am I 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.380 inclined 00:19:52.380 --> 00:19:53.660 to put more guilt 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:54.259 and shame 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:55.160 on them 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:57.700 is that how I respond 00:19:57.700 --> 00:19:58.339 to the people 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:58.960 in my life 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.900 when they wrong me 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:01.480 am I piling it on 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:02.480 or am I seeking 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.680 to take their shame 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.860 and to lead them 00:20:04.860 --> 00:20:05.579 to Christ 00:20:05.579 --> 00:20:08.079 how do I respond 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:09.620 am I doing 00:20:09.620 --> 00:20:10.819 all that I can 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:11.700 to help 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:12.640 alleviate 00:20:12.640 --> 00:20:13.279 their guilt 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:13.839 and shame 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:14.360 at the foot 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:15.000 of the cross 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.519 or am I 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.200 making much 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:17.819 of them 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:21.039 starting 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:22.359 in verse 21 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:24.279 and the son 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:25.059 said to him 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:26.400 father I have 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:27.039 sinned against 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:27.460 heaven 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.559 and before you 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.579 I am no longer 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.339 worthy to be 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.200 called your son 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:32.420 but the father 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:33.000 said to his 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:33.359 servants 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:34.420 bring quickly 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:35.759 the best robe 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.740 and put it on him 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.500 put a ring 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.039 on his hand 00:20:38.039 --> 00:20:38.779 and shoes 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:39.519 on his feet 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.339 and bring the 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.119 fattened calf 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:41.819 and kill it 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.819 let us eat 00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:43.579 and celebrate 00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.960 for this my son 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.599 was dead 00:20:45.599 --> 00:20:46.500 and is alive 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:46.740 again 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.699 he was lost 00:20:47.699 --> 00:20:48.579 and is found 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:49.759 and they began 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:51.019 to celebrate 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:53.980 the sixth thing 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:54.379 we see 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:54.939 the father 00:20:54.939 --> 00:20:56.399 forgives freely 00:20:56.399 --> 00:20:57.740 and fully 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:59.839 how glorious 00:20:59.839 --> 00:21:00.879 how beautiful 00:21:00.879 --> 00:21:01.980 the embrace 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.839 the kiss 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:04.879 the confession 00:21:04.879 --> 00:21:06.439 but nothing more 00:21:06.439 --> 00:21:07.299 need be said 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.779 the father 00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:09.480 just lets 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.419 the forgiveness 00:21:10.419 --> 00:21:11.740 flow out of him 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.539 over his son 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.940 there is no question 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:15.000 about reconciliation 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.119 as he calls 00:21:16.119 --> 00:21:17.240 for the best robe 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:18.099 as he calls 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:18.740 for a ring 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:19.740 he is making 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.480 very clear 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.000 to his son 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:22.039 our relationship 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:22.920 is restored 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:24.319 we are reconciled 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:25.599 everything is forgiven 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.500 and not just 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.099 to his son 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:27.920 but to everyone 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:28.819 that is watching 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:30.119 it becomes evident 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.000 to what 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.200 the father's 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:32.920 forgiveness 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.839 has done 00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:37.159 dads are you 00:21:37.159 --> 00:21:37.740 that way 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:39.440 are you lavish 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:41.039 in your forgiveness 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:42.779 are you stingy 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.559 in your forgiveness 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:46.059 when you deal 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:47.420 with your children's 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:47.740 sin 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.980 are we inclined 00:21:48.980 --> 00:21:50.100 to make such 00:21:50.100 --> 00:21:50.759 a big deal 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:51.580 of their sin 00:21:51.580 --> 00:21:52.460 that they walk 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.240 away feeling like 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.180 no one else 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:54.779 has ever been 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:55.320 as terrible 00:21:55.320 --> 00:21:56.100 as I am 00:21:56.100 --> 00:21:57.680 or do they walk 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:58.480 away knowing 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.440 that it is 00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:00.100 this sin 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:00.840 that we all 00:22:00.840 --> 00:22:01.940 struggle with 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:03.259 that we labor 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:03.660 under 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:04.500 and it's this 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.140 very sin 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:06.019 that causes us 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.559 to need 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:07.240 Christ 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:09.940 do you go 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:10.879 above and beyond 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.619 to communicate 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:12.480 to your children 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:14.019 that your relationship 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.960 is restored 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:16.000 assure them 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.720 of your love 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.079 your devotion 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.319 your delight 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:23.619 verses 25 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.319 through 32 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:27.779 now his older son 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:28.460 was in the field 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.900 and as he came 00:22:29.900 --> 00:22:30.379 and drew near 00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:30.839 to the house 00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:31.599 he heard music 00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:32.139 and dancing 00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:33.099 and he called 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:34.180 one of the servants 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:35.440 and asked 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:37.160 what these things 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:37.519 mean 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:39.140 and he said 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:40.160 your brother 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:40.740 has come 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.380 and your father 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:41.980 has killed 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:42.920 the fattened calf 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:44.180 because he's received 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.660 him back 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.740 safe and sound 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:47.880 but he was angry 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:48.480 and refused 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:49.059 to go in 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:50.840 his father 00:22:50.840 --> 00:22:51.519 came out 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:53.080 and entreated him 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:54.320 but he answered 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:54.799 his father 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:55.660 look 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:57.160 these many years 00:22:57.160 --> 00:22:58.100 I have served you 00:22:58.100 --> 00:22:58.880 I've never 00:22:58.880 --> 00:22:59.980 disobeyed your command 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:01.120 yet you never 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:02.580 gave me a young goat 00:23:02.580 --> 00:23:03.580 that I might celebrate 00:23:03.580 --> 00:23:04.400 with my friends 00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:06.000 but when this son 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:06.500 of yours 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:07.060 came 00:23:07.060 --> 00:23:08.340 who has devoured 00:23:08.340 --> 00:23:09.060 your property 00:23:09.060 --> 00:23:09.980 with prostitutes 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.920 you killed 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.740 the fattened calf 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.380 for him 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:14.280 and the father 00:23:14.280 --> 00:23:15.100 said to him 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:16.140 son 00:23:16.140 --> 00:23:18.259 you are always 00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:18.980 with me 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:20.360 and all that 00:23:20.360 --> 00:23:21.019 is mine 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.840 is yours 00:23:21.840 --> 00:23:23.280 it was fitting 00:23:23.280 --> 00:23:24.019 to celebrate 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:24.900 and be glad 00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:26.240 for this your brother 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:26.840 was dead 00:23:26.840 --> 00:23:27.500 and is alive 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:28.640 he was lost 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:30.000 and is found 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:32.619 we see the parable 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:34.420 end where it began 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.599 the father's 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:37.019 constantly pursuing 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:37.660 the hearts 00:23:37.660 --> 00:23:38.460 of his children 00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:40.619 this time 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:42.180 the older son 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:43.680 but still pursuing 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:43.880 him 00:23:43.880 --> 00:23:45.380 going after his heart 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:47.700 I'd like to think 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.299 that there gets 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:49.160 to be a stage 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:49.619 in life 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.839 when we as parents 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:51.759 or grandparents 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:53.619 can stop pursuing 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.099 the hearts 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:54.720 of our children 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.660 but that day 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.779 just never comes 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:58.559 it's a never ending 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:59.200 job 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.619 and it's a challenging 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:01.099 job 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:03.000 it's frustrating 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.680 at times 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:04.440 it's hurtful 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:05.119 at times 00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:06.599 it's discouraging 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:08.920 but even as we see 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:09.599 in the father 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:09.980 here 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.859 we're called 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:11.839 to be continually 00:24:11.839 --> 00:24:12.639 pursuing 00:24:12.639 --> 00:24:13.480 the hearts 00:24:13.480 --> 00:24:14.259 of our children 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:16.079 and aren't we 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:16.420 thankful 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.660 that that's exactly 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.879 what God 00:24:18.879 --> 00:24:19.639 does with us 00:24:19.639 --> 00:24:20.859 right 00:24:20.859 --> 00:24:22.220 how often 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:22.920 in your life 00:24:22.920 --> 00:24:23.680 has God 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:24.980 pursued your heart 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:26.119 how often 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:26.879 has he showed 00:24:26.879 --> 00:24:27.659 you his love 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:28.479 has he taken 00:24:28.479 --> 00:24:29.299 your shame 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.519 he's constantly 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.219 loving us 00:24:31.219 --> 00:24:32.019 calling us 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.019 chasing us 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:33.979 inviting us 00:24:33.979 --> 00:24:34.699 into deeper 00:24:34.699 --> 00:24:35.439 intimacy 00:24:35.439 --> 00:24:37.519 even with all 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:38.319 of our constant 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:39.179 silliness 00:24:39.179 --> 00:24:40.619 our fickleness 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.699 our laziness 00:24:41.699 --> 00:24:43.139 our rebellion 00:24:43.139 --> 00:24:45.339 we turn from him 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:46.519 and he calls us back 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.639 he pursues us 00:24:47.639 --> 00:24:49.279 constantly seeking 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.299 our hearts 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:54.279 do you notice 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:56.019 how this parable 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.619 ends 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:58.660 the parable 00:24:58.660 --> 00:24:59.200 ends 00:24:59.200 --> 00:25:00.299 so abruptly 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:00.799 right 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:02.759 if it was 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.420 a Disney film 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:03.740 it would have 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:04.200 ended after 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.799 the first son 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.279 coming home 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:05.700 and the party 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.059 starting 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.379 right 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:07.240 everything was 00:25:07.240 --> 00:25:07.680 good 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.399 everything was 00:25:08.399 --> 00:25:08.759 great 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.339 Jesus could have 00:25:09.339 --> 00:25:09.799 just stopped 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.160 there 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:10.559 and we would 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:10.819 have felt 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:11.200 good 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:12.440 but Jesus 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.119 the master 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:13.899 storyteller 00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:14.579 leans in 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:15.019 further 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:16.879 and challenges 00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:17.299 us 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:18.339 with the response 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:18.960 of this older 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:19.460 son 00:25:19.460 --> 00:25:21.059 so that we're 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:21.880 all left 00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:23.019 somewhere in the 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.440 parable 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.559 with the same 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.220 question 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:27.120 what will you 00:25:27.120 --> 00:25:27.480 do 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:29.400 what will 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.700 you allow 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:32.059 to keep 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.400 you 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:33.539 from greater 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.120 intimacy 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:34.539 with the 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:34.840 father 00:25:34.840 --> 00:25:37.600 what will it 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:37.740 be 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.380 will it be 00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:39.759 some sin 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.519 in your life 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:42.259 will it be 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.319 pursuing worldly 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:43.319 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:43.840 things 00:25:43.840 --> 00:25:44.740 and letting 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.720 that take 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:46.380 you further 00:25:46.380 --> 00:25:47.340 and further 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.419 from him 00:25:48.419 --> 00:25:50.539 or maybe 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.679 maybe it's 00:25:51.679 --> 00:25:52.919 just a contentment 00:25:52.919 --> 00:25:54.240 with a shallow 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:56.019 empty acquaintance 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.759 with him 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.559 you're content 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:58.639 with just enough 00:25:58.639 --> 00:25:59.240 religion 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:00.539 to know 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.639 about him 00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:03.480 but not really 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.399 know his heart 00:26:04.399 --> 00:26:09.099 the final question 00:26:09.099 --> 00:26:10.079 that we're left 00:26:10.079 --> 00:26:11.339 with this morning 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:12.299 as the audience 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.319 was at that point 00:26:13.319 --> 00:26:14.500 is what will 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.139 you do 00:26:15.140 --> 00:26:17.259 will you 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:17.920 stay 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:18.860 where you 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.220 are 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:21.220 or 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:22.640 will you 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:23.240 let him 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.020 sweep you 00:26:24.020 --> 00:26:24.360 up 00:26:24.360 --> 00:26:25.480 in his 00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:26.120 embrace 00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:28.320 as we 00:26:28.320 --> 00:26:29.400 come to 00:26:29.400 --> 00:26:29.720 the end 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:29.940 of the 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:30.280 service 00:26:30.280 --> 00:26:30.620 let me 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:30.940 just 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:32.340 encourage 00:26:32.340 --> 00:26:32.680 you 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:33.640 to take 00:26:33.640 --> 00:26:34.000 time 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:34.360 today 00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:34.920 and reflect 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.400 on this 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.120 to consider 00:26:36.120 --> 00:26:37.120 how 00:26:37.120 --> 00:26:38.120 God 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:38.720 is working 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:39.060 in your 00:26:39.060 --> 00:26:39.320 life 00:26:39.320 --> 00:26:39.759 whether it's 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.380 as a father 00:26:40.380 --> 00:26:41.200 a mother 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.800 whether it's 00:26:41.800 --> 00:26:42.100 with your 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:42.580 children 00:26:42.580 --> 00:26:43.040 your 00:26:43.040 --> 00:26:43.680 grandchildren 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:44.420 with a 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:45.000 spouse 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.559 with the 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:45.799 people 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.039 that you're 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:46.400 working 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:46.680 with 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.440 how are 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:47.680 these 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:48.140 things 00:26:48.140 --> 00:26:48.960 impacted 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:49.720 by these 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:50.059 seven 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:50.500 truths 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:50.799 that we 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:51.200 see 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:51.660 in the 00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:52.000 father 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:55.180 I would 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:55.680 pray 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.099 that 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:56.819 we 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:57.059 would 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:57.359 be 00:26:57.359 --> 00:26:58.200 encouraged 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:59.240 by 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:00.460 recognizing 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:02.059 how we've 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:02.319 been the 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:02.740 recipient 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.240 of this 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:03.619 kind of 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:03.940 love 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:05.059 but 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:06.500 if by chance 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.099 this morning 00:27:07.099 --> 00:27:08.099 you have 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:08.460 not 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.299 experienced 00:27:09.299 --> 00:27:09.900 that time 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:10.160 in your 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:10.400 life 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:10.559 where 00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:11.319 you have 00:27:11.319 --> 00:27:11.920 been aware 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:13.019 of your 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.620 separation 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:14.180 from God 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:14.380 where 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:15.080 you have 00:27:15.080 --> 00:27:15.800 recognized 00:27:15.800 --> 00:27:16.560 how distant 00:27:16.560 --> 00:27:16.940 you are 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.259 from him 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.700 how you 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:17.860 have 00:27:17.860 --> 00:27:18.240 treated 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:18.640 him 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.279 if you've 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.820 recognized 00:27:19.820 --> 00:27:20.460 your sin 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:20.779 and your 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.080 guilt 00:27:21.080 --> 00:27:21.420 if that 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:21.779 hasn't 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.340 happened 00:27:22.340 --> 00:27:23.039 in your 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:23.400 life 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:23.940 let me 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.320 encourage 00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:24.480 you 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.120 that today 00:27:25.120 --> 00:27:25.860 can be 00:27:25.860 --> 00:27:26.320 the day 00:27:26.320 --> 00:27:27.000 today 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:27.420 can be 00:27:27.420 --> 00:27:27.900 the day 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:28.400 where you 00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:29.039 decide 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:30.279 that you're 00:27:30.279 --> 00:27:30.519 going to 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:30.820 head 00:27:30.820 --> 00:27:31.720 towards the 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.080 father 00:27:32.080 --> 00:27:32.800 and you'll 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:33.259 find 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:33.960 that he 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.539 will run 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.240 and embrace 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:35.460 you 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:36.200 sweep 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:36.580 you up 00:27:36.580 --> 00:27:36.900 in his 00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:37.320 arms 00:27:37.319 --> 00:27:38.179 and you'll 00:27:38.179 --> 00:27:38.480 find 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:39.119 forgiveness 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:40.639 freely 00:27:40.639 --> 00:27:41.319 flowing 00:27:41.319 --> 00:27:42.359 into your 00:27:42.359 --> 00:27:42.740 life 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.559 if you'd 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:43.939 like to 00:27:43.939 --> 00:27:44.559 know more 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:45.179 about starting 00:27:45.179 --> 00:27:45.779 a relationship 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:46.279 with Jesus 00:27:46.279 --> 00:27:46.960 I would 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.419 love to 00:27:47.419 --> 00:27:47.839 talk with 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.159 you after 00:27:48.159 --> 00:27:48.879 the service 00:27:48.879 --> 00:27:50.379 if by chance 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:51.000 you're watching 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:51.740 on our live 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.099 stream 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:52.759 and you 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.460 have not 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:54.039 had a 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:54.539 relationship 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.259 with Christ 00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:56.279 I would 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.679 love to 00:27:56.679 --> 00:27:57.099 talk with 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:57.200 you 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:57.480 please 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.000 feel free 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.939 to send 00:27:58.939 --> 00:27:59.259 us an 00:27:59.259 --> 00:27:59.619 email 00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:00.480 you can 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:00.859 find our 00:28:00.859 --> 00:28:01.240 contact 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:01.799 information 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:02.200 on our 00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:02.700 website 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:03.200 it's 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:05.019 nbccolumbus.org 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.319 we'd love 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:06.779 to talk 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:07.119 to you 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:07.659 we'd love 00:28:07.659 --> 00:28:08.259 to introduce 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:08.699 you to 00:28:08.699 --> 00:28:09.119 the love 00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:09.679 of Christ 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:10.439 and let 00:28:10.439 --> 00:28:11.459 you experience 00:28:11.459 --> 00:28:12.099 this same 00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:12.639 kind of 00:28:12.639 --> 00:28:13.259 relationship 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:14.119 with our 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.519 father 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:16.419 I hope 00:28:16.419 --> 00:28:16.719 that you 00:28:16.719 --> 00:28:17.279 will consider 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:17.679 that 00:28:17.679 --> 00:28:18.639 would you 00:28:18.639 --> 00:28:19.059 pray with 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:19.579 me 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.979 father 00:28:20.979 --> 00:28:21.500 we thank 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:21.839 you as 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:22.339 we come 00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:22.959 today 00:28:22.959 --> 00:28:25.339 encouraged 00:28:25.339 --> 00:28:26.799 by the 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:27.179 love that 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:27.779 we see 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.539 in this 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:28.939 father 00:28:28.939 --> 00:28:31.339 encouraged 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:31.899 because we 00:28:31.899 --> 00:28:32.259 know 00:28:32.259 --> 00:28:32.959 that it 00:28:32.959 --> 00:28:33.239 is a 00:28:33.239 --> 00:28:33.719 reflection 00:28:33.719 --> 00:28:34.319 of you 00:28:34.319 --> 00:28:36.639 Lord 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:37.060 thank you 00:28:37.060 --> 00:28:37.720 for pursuing 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:38.020 our 00:28:38.020 --> 00:28:38.500 hearts 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.780 thank you 00:28:39.780 --> 00:28:40.520 for not 00:28:40.520 --> 00:28:41.340 being content 00:28:41.340 --> 00:28:42.200 with external 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:42.840 obedience 00:28:42.840 --> 00:28:43.880 but desiring 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:44.420 for us 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:44.860 to know 00:28:44.860 --> 00:28:45.100 you 00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:45.960 intimately 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:48.140 father 00:28:48.140 --> 00:28:48.540 we thank 00:28:48.540 --> 00:28:48.800 you for 00:28:48.800 --> 00:28:49.259 your word 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.580 that we 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:50.100 might know 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:50.900 your character 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.480 that we 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.000 might know 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.540 who you 00:28:52.540 --> 00:28:52.920 are 00:28:52.920 --> 00:28:53.220 that we 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:53.620 would know 00:28:53.620 --> 00:28:54.420 your heart 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.300 Lord 00:28:55.300 --> 00:28:55.759 we ask 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.040 that you 00:28:56.040 --> 00:28:56.680 would use 00:28:56.680 --> 00:28:57.060 that 00:28:57.060 --> 00:28:57.920 your spirit 00:28:57.920 --> 00:28:58.560 would use 00:28:58.560 --> 00:28:59.120 your word 00:28:59.120 --> 00:28:59.440 in our 00:28:59.440 --> 00:28:59.880 lives 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:01.100 to continually 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:01.780 convict 00:29:01.779 --> 00:29:02.160 us of 00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:02.559 sin 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.160 and 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:03.759 continually 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.480 call us 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:04.740 back 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.220 to you 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.940 father 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:07.420 we pray 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:07.819 that you 00:29:07.819 --> 00:29:08.000 would 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:08.740 continue 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.139 the work 00:29:09.139 --> 00:29:09.379 that you 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:09.740 are doing 00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:10.180 in us 00:29:10.180 --> 00:29:10.799 that we 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:11.279 might be 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:11.899 a reflection 00:29:11.899 --> 00:29:12.579 of Christ 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.000 and how 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.500 we love 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:13.759 you 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.319 and how 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:14.660 we love 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.019 others 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:15.700 that we 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.359 would seek 00:29:16.359 --> 00:29:16.740 to be 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.259 quick to 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:17.740 forgive 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:18.940 that we 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:19.759 would seek 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.279 to find 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:20.720 ways 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.460 to lead 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:22.119 everyone 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:22.500 that you 00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:22.859 place 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.139 in our 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:23.559 lives 00:29:23.559 --> 00:29:24.259 at least 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.899 one step 00:29:24.899 --> 00:29:25.559 closer to 00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:26.000 Christ 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:26.940 that they 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.579 would find 00:29:27.579 --> 00:29:28.279 the forgiveness 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:28.680 that we 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:29.099 found 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:29.779 that they 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:30.240 would know 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.879 the joy 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.500 and delight 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.080 of having 00:29:32.080 --> 00:29:32.760 their shame 00:29:32.760 --> 00:29:33.460 covered 00:29:33.460 --> 00:29:33.880 with the 00:29:33.880 --> 00:29:34.280 righteousness 00:29:34.280 --> 00:29:35.040 of Christ 00:29:35.040 --> 00:29:36.480 father help 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:36.880 us to be 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:37.360 your hands 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:37.820 and feet 00:29:37.820 --> 00:29:38.860 to be a 00:29:38.860 --> 00:29:39.280 light in 00:29:39.280 --> 00:29:39.780 the darkness 00:29:39.780 --> 00:29:41.020 help us 00:29:41.020 --> 00:29:41.300 to be 00:29:41.300 --> 00:29:41.740 fathers 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.100 like 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:43.040 you 00:29:43.040 --> 00:29:45.200 help us 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:45.480 to be 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:45.940 people 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:46.500 like you 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.820 and help 00:29:47.820 --> 00:29:48.140 us to 00:29:48.140 --> 00:29:48.540 delight 00:29:48.540 --> 00:29:49.100 in being 00:29:49.100 --> 00:29:49.320 your 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:49.720 children 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:51.520 in Jesus 00:29:51.520 --> 00:29:52.060 name we 00:29:52.060 --> 00:29:52.380 pray 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:53.540 amen 00:29:53.540 --> 00:29:55.380 god bless 00:29:55.380 --> 00:29:55.840 you guys 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:56.280 and have 00:29:56.280 --> 00:29:56.660 a happy 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:57.200 father's 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:57.440 day 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:02.040 miracle 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.040 --> 00:30:02.040 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:32.019 Thank you.