WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.179 Well, good morning again, church. 00:00:08.620 --> 00:00:15.380 Our sermon passage today is Luke chapter 21, starting in verse 5. 00:00:15.460 --> 00:00:17.379 That's page 827 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:17.920 --> 00:00:19.519 Let me invite you to turn there with me. 00:00:21.679 --> 00:00:25.420 Luke 21, page 827. 00:00:25.420 --> 00:00:32.460 This winter and spring, we're walking passage by passage through the last third of the Gospel of Luke. 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:37.640 And in our text today, Jesus is going to teach us about the future. 00:00:39.480 --> 00:00:46.960 Now, if you think about it, we spend a lot of time living now in light of what's to come, don't we? 00:00:48.180 --> 00:00:55.280 You know, for example, we go to school now because in the future we want to get a job. 00:00:55.859 --> 00:01:02.060 Or we maybe save and invest our income now because in the future we want to retire. 00:01:03.420 --> 00:01:04.740 Or we draft a will. 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:12.859 Or we do the hard work of repairing broken relationships now because in the future we want our loved ones to remember us well. 00:01:14.320 --> 00:01:20.219 But what if there was a way to live now in light of our ultimate future? 00:01:20.219 --> 00:01:27.980 In other words, how should we live now spiritually in light of God's future, our ultimate horizon? 00:01:29.819 --> 00:01:32.640 That's what Jesus is going to teach us in Luke 21. 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:36.659 So let me pray and then I'll read this passage for us. 00:01:36.659 --> 00:01:38.539 Let's pray together. 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:46.840 Father, it's right for us to pause before coming to your word and to pray for illumination. 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:54.159 To pray that you by your spirit would give light to our finite minds, to our weak minds. 00:01:54.159 --> 00:02:10.199 Father, help us above all to know you better through your son Jesus and your unending love as we consider this text. 00:02:10.199 --> 00:02:13.859 It's in his name, the name above all names that we pray. 00:02:14.359 --> 00:02:14.619 Amen. 00:02:16.219 --> 00:02:16.839 All right. 00:02:16.919 --> 00:02:19.099 Luke 21, verses 5 through 38. 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:20.679 Let me read this long text for us. 00:02:20.680 --> 00:02:28.400 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he, that is Jesus said, 00:02:28.819 --> 00:02:35.319 As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down. 00:02:36.140 --> 00:02:38.439 And they asked him, Teacher, when will these things be? 00:02:38.760 --> 00:02:41.360 And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place? 00:02:42.420 --> 00:02:44.600 And he said, See that you are not led astray. 00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:49.219 For many will come in my name, saying, I am he, and the time is at hand. 00:02:49.680 --> 00:02:50.819 Do not go after them. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:54.180 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified. 00:02:54.740 --> 00:02:58.400 For these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once. 00:02:59.459 --> 00:03:02.900 Then he said to them, Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom. 00:03:03.079 --> 00:03:06.599 There will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and pestilences. 00:03:07.120 --> 00:03:09.319 And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:13.359 But before all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, 00:03:13.360 --> 00:03:16.060 delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, 00:03:16.200 --> 00:03:19.100 and you will be brought before kings and governors for my namesake. 00:03:19.960 --> 00:03:22.720 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 00:03:23.940 --> 00:03:27.140 Settle it, therefore, in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 00:03:27.700 --> 00:03:29.760 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, 00:03:30.300 --> 00:03:33.360 which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 00:03:34.740 --> 00:03:38.580 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, 00:03:38.580 --> 00:03:40.180 and some of you they will put to death. 00:03:41.080 --> 00:03:43.260 You will be hated by all for my namesake, 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:45.980 but not a hair of your head will perish. 00:03:46.740 --> 00:03:49.140 By your endurance, you will gain your lives. 00:03:51.140 --> 00:03:53.520 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, 00:03:53.960 --> 00:03:55.880 then know that its desolation has come near. 00:03:56.640 --> 00:03:58.740 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, 00:03:58.860 --> 00:04:00.740 and let those who are inside the city depart, 00:04:00.840 --> 00:04:02.900 and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 00:04:03.140 --> 00:04:06.300 for these are days of vengeance to fulfill all that is written. 00:04:06.300 --> 00:04:10.420 Alas, for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days, 00:04:11.080 --> 00:04:14.660 for there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people, 00:04:15.040 --> 00:04:18.920 that will fall by the edge of the sword and be like captive among all nations, 00:04:19.400 --> 00:04:22.240 and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, 00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:25.139 until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 00:04:25.139 --> 00:04:30.219 And there will be signs in sun, moon, and stars, 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:33.219 and on the earth distress of nations and perplexity, 00:04:33.319 --> 00:04:35.319 because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 00:04:35.919 --> 00:04:39.199 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. 00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:42.259 For the powers of the heavens will be shaken, 00:04:42.759 --> 00:04:47.240 and then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:50.180 Now when these things begin to take place, 00:04:50.939 --> 00:04:52.319 straighten up and raise your heads, 00:04:52.939 --> 00:04:54.620 because your redemption is drawing near. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:57.759 And he told them a parable. 00:04:58.660 --> 00:05:00.800 Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 00:05:01.960 --> 00:05:03.259 As soon as they come out in leaf, 00:05:03.439 --> 00:05:05.900 you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 00:05:06.400 --> 00:05:08.800 So also when you see these things taking place, 00:05:08.860 --> 00:05:10.360 you know that the kingdom of God is near. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:12.139 Truly I say to you, 00:05:12.660 --> 00:05:15.639 this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 00:05:15.639 --> 00:05:17.620 Heaven and earth will pass away, 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:19.899 but my words will not pass away. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:22.079 But watch yourselves, 00:05:22.839 --> 00:05:24.479 lest your hearts be weighed down 00:05:24.479 --> 00:05:26.279 with dissipation and drunkenness 00:05:26.279 --> 00:05:27.979 and cares of this life. 00:05:28.699 --> 00:05:32.079 And that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 00:05:33.139 --> 00:05:36.500 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 00:05:37.219 --> 00:05:39.519 But stay awake at all times, 00:05:40.099 --> 00:05:43.759 praying that you may have strength to escape all these things 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:44.800 that are going to take place. 00:05:45.639 --> 00:05:47.139 And to stand before the Son of Man. 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:50.560 And every day he was teaching in the temple. 00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:53.339 But at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 00:05:53.959 --> 00:05:54.899 And early in the morning, 00:05:54.959 --> 00:05:57.240 all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:00.099 Well, 00:06:00.360 --> 00:06:04.240 it's easy in a long and intricate passage like this 00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:05.959 to lose the forest for the trees, 00:06:06.519 --> 00:06:07.719 to major on the minors, 00:06:07.800 --> 00:06:09.379 and to miss the main things 00:06:09.379 --> 00:06:10.959 that Jesus wants us to know. 00:06:10.959 --> 00:06:15.159 So, in order to try to keep our focus on the main things, 00:06:15.479 --> 00:06:18.620 I want us to see that Jesus here talks about two events, 00:06:19.259 --> 00:06:20.299 one encouragement, 00:06:20.539 --> 00:06:21.399 and one warning. 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:23.019 He gives us two events, 00:06:23.180 --> 00:06:23.759 one encouragement, 00:06:23.899 --> 00:06:24.740 and one warning 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:26.079 as we seek to live now 00:06:26.079 --> 00:06:27.740 in light of God's future. 00:06:28.479 --> 00:06:29.299 So, first, 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:30.659 what's the first event? 00:06:30.919 --> 00:06:32.839 Well, the first event that Jesus talks about here 00:06:32.839 --> 00:06:34.500 is right in the opening of the passage. 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:36.599 The destruction of Jerusalem in the temple. 00:06:36.600 --> 00:06:38.180 Look again at verses five and six. 00:06:38.760 --> 00:06:40.180 And while some were speaking of the temple, 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:42.640 how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:43.300 Jesus said, 00:06:43.900 --> 00:06:45.060 as for these things that you see, 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:45.840 the days will come 00:06:45.840 --> 00:06:46.939 when there will not be left here 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:48.560 one stone upon another 00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:50.340 that will not be thrown down. 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:53.260 Now, when Jesus spoke those words 00:06:53.260 --> 00:06:54.939 around 33 AD, 00:06:55.600 --> 00:06:57.780 they may have struck some of his listeners 00:06:57.780 --> 00:06:59.360 as hard to believe. 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.980 You see, the temple complex in Jerusalem 00:07:02.980 --> 00:07:05.280 in Jesus' day was massive. 00:07:05.279 --> 00:07:07.579 For the past 50 years, 00:07:07.699 --> 00:07:08.719 beginning with Herod the Great, 00:07:08.959 --> 00:07:09.839 the temple complex 00:07:09.839 --> 00:07:11.719 had been under constant construction 00:07:11.719 --> 00:07:13.839 and enlargement and beautification. 00:07:14.599 --> 00:07:15.659 The whole structure, 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:16.519 the temple itself 00:07:16.519 --> 00:07:17.979 and all the courts surrounding it, 00:07:18.219 --> 00:07:20.059 was about 35 acres. 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:22.919 That's the size of about 12 football fields. 00:07:23.679 --> 00:07:24.819 Imagine going to church 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:27.179 in a space that's the size of 12 football fields. 00:07:27.399 --> 00:07:27.799 It's giant. 00:07:28.879 --> 00:07:30.719 Some of the stones used in the walls 00:07:30.719 --> 00:07:31.819 around the complex, 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:33.019 archaeologists have discovered, 00:07:33.019 --> 00:07:34.979 are 42 feet long, 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:36.259 11 feet high, 00:07:36.359 --> 00:07:37.439 and 14 feet deep. 00:07:37.519 --> 00:07:38.159 That's like the size 00:07:38.159 --> 00:07:39.579 of one of our children's ministry classrooms 00:07:39.579 --> 00:07:40.039 next door. 00:07:40.159 --> 00:07:40.839 Just like one stone. 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:41.500 The whole thing. 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:44.519 Some of the columns in the portico, 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:45.259 this sort of entryway, 00:07:45.719 --> 00:07:46.560 were so thick 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:48.359 that according to the Jewish historian Josephus, 00:07:48.579 --> 00:07:49.620 it took three men 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:50.680 with outstretched arms 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:52.500 to reach around one of the columns. 00:07:54.399 --> 00:07:55.279 And the sanctuary, 00:07:55.539 --> 00:07:56.439 the temple itself, 00:07:56.519 --> 00:07:57.579 in the center of all this, 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:00.139 was 165 feet high 00:08:00.139 --> 00:08:01.459 and it was covered 00:08:01.459 --> 00:08:02.219 in such an array 00:08:02.219 --> 00:08:03.599 of gold and silver, 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:04.680 crimson and purple, 00:08:05.399 --> 00:08:06.219 that people said 00:08:06.219 --> 00:08:08.300 it looked like a snow-clad mountain 00:08:08.300 --> 00:08:10.419 radiating the morning sun. 00:08:12.519 --> 00:08:13.779 The Roman historian, 00:08:13.919 --> 00:08:14.339 Tacitus, 00:08:14.439 --> 00:08:15.019 would later call 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.039 the Jerusalem temple 00:08:16.039 --> 00:08:18.479 immensely opulent. 00:08:20.060 --> 00:08:20.680 In fact, 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:21.959 the magnitude of the temple mount 00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:23.259 and the stones used to construct it 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:24.159 exceed in size 00:08:24.159 --> 00:08:25.439 any other known temple 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:26.180 in the ancient world. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:28.979 And yet, 00:08:29.099 --> 00:08:29.680 Jesus says, 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:31.579 not one stone 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:33.360 will be left upon another. 00:08:36.079 --> 00:08:37.139 And what we know 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:38.899 is that in 70 AD, 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:41.039 what Jesus said 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:42.519 would come to pass. 00:08:44.620 --> 00:08:46.159 War broke out with the Romans 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:47.960 in about 66 AD 00:08:47.960 --> 00:08:49.500 and four years later, 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:50.079 Titus, 00:08:50.579 --> 00:08:51.980 the son of the emperor of Aspation, 00:08:52.100 --> 00:08:53.939 would finally topple Jerusalem 00:08:53.939 --> 00:08:55.279 and burn it 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:56.199 along with the temple 00:08:56.199 --> 00:08:57.120 to the ground. 00:08:57.580 --> 00:09:01.160 In verses 20 through 24, 00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:02.200 Jesus describes 00:09:02.200 --> 00:09:03.160 that coming event 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:04.060 of AD 70, 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:06.520 Jerusalem surrounded by armies, 00:09:07.160 --> 00:09:07.860 people falling 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:08.940 by the edge of the sword, 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:10.460 being led captive 00:09:10.460 --> 00:09:11.480 among all nations. 00:09:12.660 --> 00:09:13.180 And today, 00:09:13.280 --> 00:09:14.540 you can actually go to Rome 00:09:14.540 --> 00:09:16.180 and you can still see 00:09:16.180 --> 00:09:16.620 what's called 00:09:16.620 --> 00:09:17.960 the Arch of Titus, 00:09:18.300 --> 00:09:19.580 a giant monument 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:20.920 erected by the Romans 00:09:20.920 --> 00:09:21.720 to recall 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:23.800 the triumphal procession 00:09:23.800 --> 00:09:24.520 of Titus 00:09:24.520 --> 00:09:25.400 into Rome. 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:27.519 and what's depicted there 00:09:27.519 --> 00:09:28.620 are prisoners 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:29.740 captured from the fall 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:30.319 of Jerusalem 00:09:30.319 --> 00:09:31.120 being led back 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:32.139 to Rome in chains. 00:09:35.620 --> 00:09:36.639 So what are we to learn 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.439 from this event 00:09:37.439 --> 00:09:38.840 that Jesus spoke of 00:09:38.840 --> 00:09:40.279 and that came to pass 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:41.100 just as he said? 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:43.939 Well, the first thing 00:09:43.939 --> 00:09:44.559 we learn about 00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:45.840 is the reliability 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:46.980 of Jesus. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:49.560 Of course, 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:50.159 it's been tempting 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:51.180 for some to believe 00:09:51.180 --> 00:09:52.639 that the gospel writers 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:53.879 simply put these words 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:54.759 into the mouth of Jesus 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:55.620 after the fact. 00:09:56.840 --> 00:09:57.420 But you know, 00:09:57.460 --> 00:09:58.279 when we compare 00:09:58.279 --> 00:09:59.360 Jesus' words 00:09:59.360 --> 00:09:59.960 with the words 00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:00.659 of the Old Testament 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:01.220 prophets, 00:10:01.980 --> 00:10:03.560 we see that Jesus 00:10:03.560 --> 00:10:04.200 was predicting 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:04.800 the downfall 00:10:04.800 --> 00:10:05.320 of Jerusalem 00:10:05.320 --> 00:10:05.960 in language 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:06.779 very much 00:10:06.779 --> 00:10:07.779 like those prophets 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:08.279 of old. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:10.959 And given the fact 00:10:10.959 --> 00:10:11.839 that many scholars 00:10:11.839 --> 00:10:12.559 date the gospel 00:10:12.559 --> 00:10:12.959 of Mark 00:10:12.959 --> 00:10:15.899 before 70 A.D., 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:16.799 that is before 00:10:16.799 --> 00:10:17.919 the fall of Jerusalem, 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:20.500 the picture that we get 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:22.240 is not one of later writers 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:23.059 sort of putting words 00:10:23.059 --> 00:10:23.939 into the mouth of Jesus, 00:10:24.079 --> 00:10:24.919 but later writers 00:10:24.919 --> 00:10:26.600 unpacking the words 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:27.519 that Jesus taught. 00:10:29.839 --> 00:10:30.360 Jesus, 00:10:30.720 --> 00:10:31.899 knowing how God 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:32.419 had dealt 00:10:32.419 --> 00:10:33.100 with his people 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:34.139 in previous times, 00:10:34.240 --> 00:10:35.819 knew that the Jerusalem 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:36.840 of his time 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:37.600 was headed 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:39.140 for a similar fate. 00:10:42.060 --> 00:10:43.040 And so the words 00:10:43.040 --> 00:10:43.440 of Jesus 00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:44.320 are reliable. 00:10:44.840 --> 00:10:45.680 Look down at verses 00:10:45.680 --> 00:10:47.060 29 through 33. 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:49.200 And Jesus told them 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:49.600 a parable, 00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:50.460 look at the fig tree 00:10:50.460 --> 00:10:51.280 and all the trees. 00:10:51.780 --> 00:10:52.660 Soon as they come out 00:10:52.660 --> 00:10:53.020 and leave, 00:10:53.100 --> 00:10:53.920 you see for yourselves 00:10:53.920 --> 00:10:54.820 and know that the summer 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:55.540 is already near. 00:10:56.200 --> 00:10:57.160 So also when you see 00:10:57.160 --> 00:10:58.180 these things taking place, 00:10:58.240 --> 00:10:58.920 you know that the kingdom 00:10:58.920 --> 00:10:59.780 of God is near. 00:11:00.520 --> 00:11:01.360 Truly I say to you, 00:11:01.420 --> 00:11:02.060 this generation 00:11:02.060 --> 00:11:03.300 will not pass away 00:11:03.300 --> 00:11:05.100 until all has taken place. 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:06.540 heaven and earth 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:07.580 will pass away, 00:11:07.920 --> 00:11:08.960 but my words 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:10.240 will not pass away. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:12.960 Now, 00:11:13.060 --> 00:11:13.620 verse 32 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:14.540 is a tricky verse. 00:11:15.519 --> 00:11:16.580 What does Jesus mean 00:11:16.580 --> 00:11:17.240 when he says 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:18.060 this generation 00:11:18.060 --> 00:11:19.080 will not pass away 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:20.920 until all has taken place? 00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:23.180 Well, 00:11:23.200 --> 00:11:23.980 I think the best way 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:24.960 to understand it 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:25.560 is that Jesus 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:26.700 is referring here 00:11:26.700 --> 00:11:27.779 to the fall of Jerusalem. 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.740 And that becomes clear 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:31.440 when you compare Luke 21 00:11:31.440 --> 00:11:33.460 to Mark 13. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.220 Mark 13 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:35.160 is Mark's account 00:11:35.160 --> 00:11:36.139 of that same speech 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:36.639 of Jesus, 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:38.500 which Luke probably drew upon 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:39.300 in his own research 00:11:39.300 --> 00:11:40.440 and writing of his gospel. 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:41.840 And in Mark 13, 00:11:41.899 --> 00:11:42.320 if you go back 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:42.759 and read that, 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:44.100 you see that all these things 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:44.920 that will take place 00:11:44.920 --> 00:11:45.920 in Jesus' generation 00:11:45.920 --> 00:11:46.600 is a reference 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:47.519 to the fall of Jerusalem. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:48.820 And so Jesus 00:11:48.820 --> 00:11:50.060 is telling his disciples 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:52.160 that Jerusalem will fall. 00:11:52.320 --> 00:11:53.040 All of that 00:11:53.040 --> 00:11:53.960 is going to happen 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:55.320 within their lifetime. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:11:58.700 And it does. 00:11:58.700 --> 00:12:02.220 But then Jesus 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:03.060 goes on to say, 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:04.400 heaven and earth 00:12:04.400 --> 00:12:05.440 will pass away, 00:12:05.560 --> 00:12:07.040 but my words 00:12:07.040 --> 00:12:08.580 will not pass away. 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:11.379 Now that's 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:12.740 an astounding statement, 00:12:12.740 --> 00:12:13.200 is it not? 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:13.820 Sometimes I think 00:12:13.820 --> 00:12:14.580 we get so caught up 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:15.360 with verse 32, 00:12:15.640 --> 00:12:17.000 we miss what Jesus says 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:17.740 in verse 33. 00:12:19.040 --> 00:12:19.800 Heaven and earth 00:12:19.800 --> 00:12:20.500 will pass away, 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:21.080 but my words 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:22.140 will not pass away. 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:24.720 Jesus says 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:25.580 his words 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:27.019 are more permanent, 00:12:27.439 --> 00:12:28.500 more lasting 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:30.319 than the creation itself. 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:35.159 Now there's only one person 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:36.559 who ought to say 00:12:36.559 --> 00:12:37.159 such a thing. 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:39.419 And that person 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:40.519 is God himself. 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:43.620 So do you see 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:44.620 what Jesus is claiming 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.500 for himself here? 00:12:46.740 --> 00:12:48.100 A claim to be identical 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:49.980 with the one true God of Israel, 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:51.100 the creator and sustainer 00:12:51.100 --> 00:12:51.919 of all things. 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:54.819 whose words 00:12:54.819 --> 00:12:55.879 will not pass away. 00:12:57.740 --> 00:12:58.980 So the fall of Jerusalem 00:12:58.980 --> 00:12:59.679 in AD 70 00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:00.659 is one more piece 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:01.139 of evidence 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:02.120 that Jesus is 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:03.500 who he says he is 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:04.220 and his words 00:13:04.220 --> 00:13:05.120 can be trusted, 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.960 they can be relied upon, 00:13:07.399 --> 00:13:08.220 even if heaven 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:09.439 and earth pass away. 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:14.059 But the fall of Jerusalem 00:13:14.059 --> 00:13:14.480 points us 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:15.519 not just to the reliability 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:16.259 of Jesus, 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:18.240 but also to the reality 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:18.840 of judgment. 00:13:20.659 --> 00:13:21.899 Notice in verses 20 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:22.519 through 24 00:13:22.519 --> 00:13:23.600 that the fall of Jerusalem 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:24.319 is described 00:13:24.319 --> 00:13:25.600 not just as a day 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:26.159 of distress 00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:27.279 and desolation, 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:27.980 but also, 00:13:28.079 --> 00:13:28.500 Jesus says, 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:29.399 a day of vengeance 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:30.860 to fulfill all that is written 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:32.340 and as a day of wrath. 00:13:34.579 --> 00:13:35.459 Those are phrases 00:13:35.459 --> 00:13:36.120 that are used 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:37.899 for God's just judgment. 00:13:37.899 --> 00:13:41.500 you see, 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:42.959 what God is looking for 00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:45.500 from us humans, 00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:47.360 from us image bearers, 00:13:47.699 --> 00:13:49.319 isn't large stones 00:13:49.319 --> 00:13:51.079 and opulent buildings. 00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:53.800 What God is looking for 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:54.759 isn't massive, 00:13:54.900 --> 00:13:56.280 outward religious show. 00:13:56.820 --> 00:13:57.820 If that's what God 00:13:57.820 --> 00:13:58.440 is looking for, 00:13:58.520 --> 00:13:59.720 then Herod's extravagant 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.520 temple project 00:14:00.520 --> 00:14:01.560 should be what we all 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:02.259 strive for. 00:14:03.060 --> 00:14:03.440 And yet, 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.280 when Jesus entered 00:14:04.280 --> 00:14:04.780 the temple, 00:14:05.780 --> 00:14:07.000 he said it had been 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:08.139 made a den of robbers. 00:14:09.800 --> 00:14:10.040 You see, 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:10.980 the prophets of Israel 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:12.560 again and again 00:14:12.560 --> 00:14:13.800 warned the people 00:14:13.800 --> 00:14:15.800 that it's not outward show 00:14:15.800 --> 00:14:17.100 that God desires, 00:14:17.100 --> 00:14:18.420 but a contrite 00:14:18.420 --> 00:14:19.759 and humble heart. 00:14:20.899 --> 00:14:23.320 God looks at the heart. 00:14:24.680 --> 00:14:26.159 And the great tragedy 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:27.360 of the first century 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:29.759 is that God's own people 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:31.680 had become heart of heart, 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.800 even to the point 00:14:33.800 --> 00:14:34.800 of rejecting 00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:35.940 their own Messiah 00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:37.659 in the person of Jesus. 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:42.600 So the fall of Jerusalem, 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:44.759 this unique event in history 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:46.040 that we've seen fulfilled 00:14:46.039 --> 00:14:47.480 when God disciplined 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:48.379 his own people, 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:50.759 this event presses to us 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.039 a question as well. 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.339 What are you relying on? 00:14:58.339 --> 00:15:00.019 Is it the work of your hands? 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:02.559 Vast religious, 00:15:02.959 --> 00:15:03.879 spiritual works? 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:06.879 But friends, 00:15:06.959 --> 00:15:08.159 our piety can be 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:10.219 as massively opulent 00:15:10.219 --> 00:15:11.740 as the Jerusalem temple. 00:15:13.819 --> 00:15:15.059 God looks at the heart. 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:18.459 And what God looks for 00:15:18.459 --> 00:15:21.059 is humility before his word 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:23.379 and trust in his son. 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:27.279 And this brings us 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.339 to the second event 00:15:28.339 --> 00:15:29.579 that Jesus describes. 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:32.120 In verses 25 through 28, 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:33.819 Jesus speaks about 00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:35.919 the coming of the son of man 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:37.240 in glory. 00:15:37.819 --> 00:15:39.099 Now having just described 00:15:39.099 --> 00:15:40.059 the terrible judgment 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:41.179 that will fall on Jerusalem 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:42.539 within a generation's time, 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:44.620 Jesus lifts our gaze 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:46.539 to an even greater reckoning 00:15:46.539 --> 00:15:47.860 to come further off. 00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.919 And on that coming day, 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:50.360 Jesus says, 00:15:50.419 --> 00:15:51.799 it won't be stones that fall, 00:15:52.299 --> 00:15:54.039 but the sun, moon, and stars. 00:15:55.219 --> 00:15:56.279 And it won't be 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:58.000 a single city in distress, 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:59.279 but the whole world. 00:16:01.959 --> 00:16:02.939 The language here 00:16:02.939 --> 00:16:04.279 is what biblical scholars call 00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:06.299 apocalyptic language. 00:16:06.299 --> 00:16:08.139 That is, 00:16:08.219 --> 00:16:10.799 it's heavily figurative language 00:16:10.799 --> 00:16:12.099 to describe 00:16:12.099 --> 00:16:13.620 the indescribable. 00:16:15.719 --> 00:16:16.620 After all, 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:18.919 when the creator 00:16:18.919 --> 00:16:20.479 enters creation 00:16:20.479 --> 00:16:21.799 to bring his world 00:16:21.799 --> 00:16:22.519 to account, 00:16:23.219 --> 00:16:24.419 what language 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:25.139 would you use? 00:16:27.139 --> 00:16:28.000 When heaven comes 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:28.799 to earth in fullness, 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.799 when the glory of God 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.500 covers the earth 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:31.099 like the waters 00:16:31.099 --> 00:16:31.759 cover the sea, 00:16:31.959 --> 00:16:33.000 when every human heart 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:33.639 is laid bare 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:34.259 before the one 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:34.899 who made us, 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.600 how shall we describe it? 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.919 Words are hard to find. 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:44.840 I think verses 25 and 26 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:46.439 do a pretty good job. 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.319 But even though 00:16:50.319 --> 00:16:51.100 we have a hard time 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:52.120 putting it in words, 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.879 is this not what 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.120 our hearts long for? 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:58.799 Deep down, 00:16:58.879 --> 00:16:59.679 isn't there something 00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:00.559 in our gut 00:17:00.559 --> 00:17:02.799 that longs for this? 00:17:02.939 --> 00:17:03.720 After all, 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:04.900 the world 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:06.339 is not how it's 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:07.079 supposed to be, 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:07.539 is it? 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:09.000 There's evil 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.920 and injustice 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:10.860 and suffering 00:17:10.860 --> 00:17:11.660 and death. 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.579 And if there is a God, 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:14.799 shouldn't God come 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:16.140 and put it to an end? 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.360 Shouldn't God come 00:17:17.360 --> 00:17:18.319 and make things right? 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:21.860 And the Bible's answer 00:17:21.860 --> 00:17:22.940 to that longing, 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:23.860 that question, 00:17:24.860 --> 00:17:25.940 is yes. 00:17:25.940 --> 00:17:29.340 the good and holy 00:17:29.340 --> 00:17:30.360 creator will not 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:31.559 allow his creation 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:32.220 to suffer 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.120 under sin 00:17:33.120 --> 00:17:33.680 and evil 00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:34.279 and injustice 00:17:34.279 --> 00:17:34.799 forever, 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:36.299 but God will come 00:17:36.299 --> 00:17:37.660 and will make things 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:37.980 right. 00:17:38.400 --> 00:17:39.880 There is hope 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:40.840 for the world. 00:17:43.340 --> 00:17:45.100 But at the same time, 00:17:45.580 --> 00:17:48.420 doesn't that provoke 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:49.299 another question? 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:52.619 if there is hope 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:53.220 for the world, 00:17:53.819 --> 00:17:55.659 if God will come 00:17:55.659 --> 00:17:56.279 and put an end 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.319 to evil and wrong, 00:17:58.680 --> 00:18:00.180 what hope is there 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:00.700 for me? 00:18:03.919 --> 00:18:05.220 Because in my heart, 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:07.200 I see evil 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:07.879 and wrong. 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:10.399 I see selfishness 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.200 and greed 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.839 and lust 00:18:12.839 --> 00:18:13.839 and impatience, 00:18:13.899 --> 00:18:14.539 all the things 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:15.059 that are wrong 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:15.680 with the world, 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:16.880 I see in myself. 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:20.720 So how could I stand 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:22.080 when God comes? 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.700 There might be hope 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.180 for the world, 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:26.799 but what hope 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.500 is there for me? 00:18:28.620 --> 00:18:29.140 What hope 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:29.680 is there for you? 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:34.100 Our only hope 00:18:34.100 --> 00:18:34.940 when God comes 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.180 to make the world right 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:38.740 is that he will come 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:39.420 in the person 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.299 of his son. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:43.299 Jesus calls himself 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:44.440 the son of man 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:44.900 here. 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:47.200 It's a reference 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:48.720 to Daniel chapter 7. 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:50.580 In Daniel 7, 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:52.380 Daniel describes 00:18:52.380 --> 00:18:53.700 the triumph of God 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.980 over evil in the world 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:56.080 and the rescue 00:18:56.080 --> 00:18:56.720 of his people 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.779 and God does that 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.380 in and through 00:18:58.380 --> 00:18:59.380 one Daniel calls 00:18:59.380 --> 00:19:00.259 a son of man, 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:02.720 which Jewish interpreters 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.320 for ages 00:19:03.320 --> 00:19:04.560 identified as 00:19:04.560 --> 00:19:05.440 the coming Messiah, 00:19:05.560 --> 00:19:06.080 the one who would 00:19:06.080 --> 00:19:07.340 represent God's people 00:19:07.340 --> 00:19:08.480 and the one who would 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:09.580 rescue God's people. 00:19:10.860 --> 00:19:12.539 When God comes, 00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:14.060 he comes in the person 00:19:14.060 --> 00:19:15.299 of his son. 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:19.279 Now, the return of Jesus 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:19.940 is a bit hard 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:21.080 to wrap our minds around. 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:22.720 If you're here 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.860 and you're exploring 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:24.799 Christianity for the 00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:25.400 first time, 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:26.720 that idea probably 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.620 seems a little weird. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:28.720 I get it. 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:32.140 But I want us to see 00:19:32.140 --> 00:19:33.640 that the bodily return 00:19:33.640 --> 00:19:36.380 of Jesus means this. 00:19:36.380 --> 00:19:38.900 The bodily return 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:39.760 of Jesus means 00:19:39.760 --> 00:19:40.580 that the one 00:19:40.580 --> 00:19:41.820 who took flesh 00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:43.360 and who lived 00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:44.020 the life 00:19:44.020 --> 00:19:45.540 that we should have 00:19:45.540 --> 00:19:46.560 lived in perfect 00:19:46.560 --> 00:19:47.000 obedience 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:48.120 and the one 00:19:48.120 --> 00:19:49.040 who died the death 00:19:49.040 --> 00:19:50.200 that we deserve to die 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.080 because of our sin. 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:51.720 In other words, 00:19:51.760 --> 00:19:52.820 the one who took hold 00:19:52.820 --> 00:19:54.260 of us in and through 00:19:54.260 --> 00:19:55.040 his incarnation 00:19:55.040 --> 00:19:55.620 and death 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.280 and resurrection, 00:19:56.840 --> 00:19:57.680 that one 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:59.460 has not 00:19:59.460 --> 00:20:00.440 let us 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:00.980 go. 00:20:00.980 --> 00:20:03.539 He will return 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.660 in the same body 00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:05.440 in glory 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:06.559 to show us 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.319 that his love 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:07.700 for us 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.640 is still the same. 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:10.660 He hasn't left 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:11.779 our humanity behind 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:13.339 but he holds it still. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.140 When God comes, 00:20:15.380 --> 00:20:16.640 he comes in the person 00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:17.420 of his son 00:20:17.420 --> 00:20:18.539 and that means 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.299 there's hope 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:21.059 not just for the world 00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:22.599 but also for sinners 00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:23.700 like me 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:24.680 and like you. 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:28.720 You see, 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:29.440 at the end of the day, 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:31.640 when we meet God, 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:34.220 we can meet God 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.000 clothed in 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:36.200 our own works 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:38.080 or we can meet God 00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:38.980 clothed 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.680 in the works 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:40.360 of his son. 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:42.620 And if we choose 00:20:42.620 --> 00:20:43.160 to meet God 00:20:43.160 --> 00:20:44.380 relying on our own works, 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.600 then like the stones 00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:46.120 of the temple 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:46.840 long ago, 00:20:47.320 --> 00:20:48.500 we will not stand. 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.680 But if we choose 00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:52.320 to meet God 00:20:52.320 --> 00:20:53.740 relying on his son 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.259 and depending solely 00:20:55.259 --> 00:20:55.859 on him 00:20:55.859 --> 00:20:56.819 and not ourselves, 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:57.519 trusting that 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.720 his death 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.359 paid the price 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:00.539 for my sins 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.980 and that his resurrection 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.819 means the renewing 00:21:02.819 --> 00:21:03.759 of my life, 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:04.880 if we depend solely 00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:05.839 on the son, 00:21:05.900 --> 00:21:06.740 then that day 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.220 will be, 00:21:07.339 --> 00:21:08.460 as verse 28 says, 00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:10.460 a day of redemption. 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.880 That is a day 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:14.200 of liberation, 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:15.299 of freedom, 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:18.299 a day of release 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.299 and joy. 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.620 So where will you stand? 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:28.039 C.S. Lewis puts it this way 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:29.339 talking about the second coming. 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:29.839 He says, 00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:31.279 when the author walks 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:32.220 onto the stage, 00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:33.700 the play is over. 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:37.039 God is going to invade, 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:37.460 all right, 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.299 but what is the good 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.120 of saying you're on 00:21:39.120 --> 00:21:39.920 his side then 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:41.680 when you see the whole 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.579 natural universe 00:21:42.579 --> 00:21:43.339 melting away 00:21:43.339 --> 00:21:44.000 like a dream 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:45.019 and something else, 00:21:45.640 --> 00:21:46.440 something that never 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:47.359 entered your head 00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:48.000 to conceive 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:49.259 comes crashing in. 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:51.200 Something so beautiful 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:51.980 to some of us 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.720 and so terrible 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.200 to others 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.059 that none of us 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:55.819 will have any choice left. 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.980 For this time, 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:59.160 it will be God 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:00.360 without disguise. 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:02.420 Something so overwhelming 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.500 that it will strike 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:05.240 either irresistible love 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.980 or irresistible horror 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:08.259 into every creature. 00:22:09.360 --> 00:22:11.180 It will be too late then 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:12.680 to choose your side. 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:15.480 There is no use saying 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:17.099 you choose to lie down 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.740 when it has become impossible 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.859 to stand up. 00:22:21.160 --> 00:22:22.420 That will not be the time 00:22:22.420 --> 00:22:22.900 for choosing. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:23.880 It will be the time 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:25.019 when we discover 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.980 which side we really 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.620 have chosen, 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:27.980 whether we realized 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.880 it before or not. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:31.220 Now, today, 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.740 this moment 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.660 is our chance 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.799 to choose the right side. 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:37.240 God is holding back 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.620 to give us that chance. 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.720 It will not last forever. 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.519 We must take it 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.880 or leave it. 00:22:43.880 --> 00:22:46.560 now, 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:47.720 today, 00:22:48.040 --> 00:22:49.120 this moment. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.980 All this talk 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:53.720 about the future 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:54.680 is meant to teach us 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:55.580 how to live now. 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:59.100 In great love, 00:22:59.520 --> 00:23:00.440 God has provided 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:01.580 a way for us 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:03.420 to experience mercy 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.500 in the face 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:05.600 of His just judgment, 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:07.800 mercy in the person 00:23:07.800 --> 00:23:08.980 of His Son, 00:23:09.520 --> 00:23:10.460 freely offered 00:23:10.460 --> 00:23:11.860 to all who believe. 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:15.000 You see, 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:15.660 even the fall 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:16.160 of Jerusalem 00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:17.660 wasn't actually the end. 00:23:18.340 --> 00:23:19.460 There was still mercy. 00:23:19.780 --> 00:23:20.680 There was still time. 00:23:20.760 --> 00:23:21.240 Did you notice 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.380 the end of verse 24? 00:23:22.820 --> 00:23:24.020 Jerusalem will be trampled 00:23:24.020 --> 00:23:25.340 underfoot by the Gentiles 00:23:25.340 --> 00:23:26.620 until the times 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:27.500 of the Gentiles 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:28.200 are fulfilled. 00:23:29.280 --> 00:23:30.500 The times 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:31.720 of the Gentiles. 00:23:32.620 --> 00:23:33.680 That's the time 00:23:33.680 --> 00:23:34.600 we live in now. 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:36.440 Between the fall 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:36.980 of Jerusalem 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.920 and the return 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:38.500 of Christ, 00:23:38.860 --> 00:23:40.060 when all nations 00:23:40.060 --> 00:23:41.100 are being invited 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:42.519 to enter into 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:44.039 Israel's salvation. 00:23:45.879 --> 00:23:46.839 Israel's salvation 00:23:46.839 --> 00:23:47.740 which was purchased 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:49.039 through Israel's Messiah, 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:49.559 Jesus, 00:23:49.959 --> 00:23:51.199 the forgiveness of sins 00:23:51.199 --> 00:23:52.099 and the newness 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:53.019 of eternal life 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.119 to enter into 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:56.039 God's covenant favor. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:58.199 Now is the time 00:23:58.199 --> 00:23:58.859 when the nations, 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.679 when the Gentiles 00:23:59.679 --> 00:24:00.839 are being invited 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:01.759 to come in 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.519 to what God 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.459 has promised 00:24:03.459 --> 00:24:04.079 His people. 00:24:05.839 --> 00:24:06.119 You see, 00:24:06.199 --> 00:24:06.939 God hasn't given up 00:24:06.939 --> 00:24:07.480 on His people. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:08.159 His promises 00:24:08.159 --> 00:24:08.980 stand firm. 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:09.779 The nations 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:10.640 are streaming in 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:11.860 and we can take hold 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.480 of those promises 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:14.360 now and have assurance 00:24:14.360 --> 00:24:15.420 of God's mercy 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:16.640 when God comes 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:17.259 in glory. 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:22.099 And in light 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.579 of that day, 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:24.019 Jesus gives His disciples 00:24:24.019 --> 00:24:25.099 an encouragement 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:26.440 and a warning. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.720 As we live now, 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:30.279 in light of His coming again, 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:31.720 Jesus wants to encourage us 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:32.660 and He wants to give us 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.059 a warning. 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.559 The encouragement 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:35.480 is found in verses 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:36.319 8 through 19. 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:38.779 And that encouragement 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.319 is, 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:42.240 don't be afraid. 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:45.480 When many people 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.299 come in my name, 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:47.379 Jesus says in verse 8, 00:24:47.639 --> 00:24:48.319 saying that the end 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.019 is at hand, 00:24:49.439 --> 00:24:50.240 don't be afraid. 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:52.119 And don't run after them. 00:24:52.879 --> 00:24:53.779 Predictions about 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.740 the end times 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.819 are foolishness, 00:24:55.879 --> 00:24:56.460 Jesus says. 00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:57.799 In Mark 13, 00:24:57.879 --> 00:24:58.259 He says, 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.059 listen, 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:00.779 only the Father 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:02.019 knows when I'm coming back, 00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:03.119 not even me. 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:05.399 If Jesus doesn't know 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:05.899 when the Father 00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:06.519 is going to send Him 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:07.059 to come back, 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.559 trust me, 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:08.500 nobody else knows. 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:10.359 That's how this works. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:12.599 So don't be afraid. 00:25:12.739 --> 00:25:13.659 Don't chase after. 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.879 Don't freak out. 00:25:16.179 --> 00:25:17.139 When you hear about 00:25:17.139 --> 00:25:18.179 wars and tumults, 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.179 political turmoil, 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:20.219 natural disasters, 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:22.500 even cosmological oddities, 00:25:22.619 --> 00:25:23.459 which is what are described 00:25:23.459 --> 00:25:24.539 in verses 9 through 11, 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:25.379 Jesus says, 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.479 don't be afraid. 00:25:27.359 --> 00:25:28.219 These things are going 00:25:28.219 --> 00:25:29.039 to happen between 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:30.439 His first and second coming. 00:25:30.919 --> 00:25:32.479 Don't lose your mind. 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:34.699 They're not a sign 00:25:34.699 --> 00:25:35.579 that the world is ending 00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:36.239 all at once. 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:37.679 Don't be afraid. 00:25:39.739 --> 00:25:41.359 Then in verses 12 through 15, 00:25:41.459 --> 00:25:42.579 Jesus says that there will be 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:43.759 persecution that comes. 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:46.159 That as His followers, 00:25:46.399 --> 00:25:47.619 we will be at times 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.359 handed over 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.459 both to religious 00:25:49.459 --> 00:25:51.139 and political authorities 00:25:51.139 --> 00:25:52.099 for Jesus' sake. 00:25:53.459 --> 00:25:54.419 Jesus doesn't promise 00:25:54.419 --> 00:25:55.099 His disciples 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:56.919 an easy road of discipleship. 00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:00.179 And in the book of Acts, 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:01.319 we see that this was true 00:26:01.319 --> 00:26:02.239 from the very beginning 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:02.839 of the church 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.880 being brought before 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.859 religious and political 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.440 authorities. 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.279 In Acts, 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:07.380 we see Peter and John 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:07.839 and Stephen 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:09.140 before the Sanhedrin. 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:10.259 We see James 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:11.519 before Herod Agrippa I. 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:12.720 We see Paul 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.980 before Galio and Felix 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:15.359 and Agrippa and Festus. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:18.819 And this is true 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:20.120 not just in the generation 00:26:20.120 --> 00:26:21.259 before the fall of Jerusalem, 00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:23.539 but in every generation since. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.240 And yet here too, 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.660 Jesus encourages us, 00:26:29.120 --> 00:26:31.319 don't be afraid. 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:35.500 Don't anxiously meditate 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:37.140 on how you'll respond 00:26:37.140 --> 00:26:38.339 if you find yourself 00:26:38.339 --> 00:26:39.259 put on trial. 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:41.099 No, Jesus says, 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.220 in that moment, 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:44.000 I will give you words 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:44.859 and wisdom. 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:46.279 I'll give you a mouth 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.299 and a mind. 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:50.740 What a wonderful promise 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:52.519 that Jesus Himself 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:53.799 will be near to us 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:55.140 when we face persecution 00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:56.440 or trial or questioning. 00:26:58.340 --> 00:26:59.480 Now this isn't an excuse 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.640 to be totally unprepared. 00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:01.700 Peter will write 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:02.560 in his first letter, 00:27:02.940 --> 00:27:03.380 in your hearts, 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:04.100 honor Christ, 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:05.120 the Lord is holy, 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.280 always being prepared 00:27:06.280 --> 00:27:07.100 to make a defense 00:27:07.100 --> 00:27:08.200 to anyone who asks you 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:08.680 for a reason 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.700 for the hope that is in you. 00:27:10.300 --> 00:27:11.420 So it's a good thing 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.200 to think about 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:12.900 every once in a while 00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:13.820 how you might articulate 00:27:13.820 --> 00:27:14.720 the hope that we have 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.200 in Christ. 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:17.040 But what Jesus is saying here 00:27:17.040 --> 00:27:18.060 is that in the moment 00:27:18.060 --> 00:27:18.900 of our defense, 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:21.640 when your co-worker 00:27:21.640 --> 00:27:22.580 puts you on the spot, 00:27:23.320 --> 00:27:24.200 when your neighbor 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:25.060 asks a question, 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:26.580 when your roommate 00:27:26.580 --> 00:27:27.280 cracks a joke 00:27:27.280 --> 00:27:28.140 about your faith, 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:30.480 or something more serious 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.000 happens, 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:33.300 in that moment, 00:27:34.100 --> 00:27:35.040 don't be afraid 00:27:35.040 --> 00:27:37.700 because Jesus is with you 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.759 through the presence 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:39.440 and power 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:40.440 of the Holy Spirit. 00:27:40.860 --> 00:27:41.259 In fact, 00:27:41.340 --> 00:27:42.759 Jesus says in verse 13 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:45.420 that this is your opportunity, 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:48.460 your opportunity 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.320 to bear witness, 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.140 your opportunity 00:27:50.140 --> 00:27:51.000 to bear witness 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.120 to the gospel. 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:54.880 What is the gospel? 00:27:56.080 --> 00:27:57.060 The good news 00:27:57.060 --> 00:27:58.120 that there is a God 00:27:58.120 --> 00:27:58.940 who made us 00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.800 and who loves us 00:27:59.800 --> 00:28:00.480 and who is holy, 00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:01.300 just, and good. 00:28:02.100 --> 00:28:03.420 But that rather than loving 00:28:03.420 --> 00:28:04.360 and worshiping God, 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:05.080 we've put ourselves 00:28:05.080 --> 00:28:05.640 in the center 00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:06.560 and have done things 00:28:06.560 --> 00:28:07.160 our own way 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:08.060 and we've made a mess 00:28:08.060 --> 00:28:08.600 of the world 00:28:08.600 --> 00:28:10.200 and we deserve God's judgment. 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:11.880 But God, 00:28:12.040 --> 00:28:13.140 in great mercy, 00:28:13.140 --> 00:28:14.360 sent his Son 00:28:14.360 --> 00:28:15.560 in the flesh 00:28:15.560 --> 00:28:16.860 to live and to die 00:28:16.860 --> 00:28:17.580 in our place 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:18.600 so that we might be 00:28:18.600 --> 00:28:19.740 reconciled to him. 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:21.700 God poured out 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:23.160 his immense love 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:24.079 for his Son 00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:25.799 for all who believe 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.819 and now everyone 00:28:26.819 --> 00:28:27.720 who calls upon 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:28.720 the name of the Lord Jesus 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:29.579 will be saved, 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:30.740 our sins forgiven, 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:31.700 our relationship 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.599 with God restored, 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:33.900 our lives empowered 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.880 through the Holy Spirit 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:36.039 for service and purpose 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:37.059 and mission and love. 00:28:37.380 --> 00:28:38.279 Don't be afraid. 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.640 This is your opportunity. 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:44.980 In verses 16 through 18, 00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:46.500 Jesus says, 00:28:46.600 --> 00:28:47.640 concluding his encouragement, 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.880 he says that not just 00:28:49.880 --> 00:28:50.680 will there be trial 00:28:50.680 --> 00:28:51.420 and persecution 00:28:51.420 --> 00:28:53.060 with authorities, 00:28:53.860 --> 00:28:55.400 but even closer to home, 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:56.540 he says, 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:58.560 there'll be betrayal 00:28:58.560 --> 00:29:00.040 and hatred 00:29:00.040 --> 00:29:02.240 and even for some of you, 00:29:02.280 --> 00:29:02.580 death. 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:05.100 And yet, 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.680 even in that most 00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:08.360 painful situation, 00:29:08.359 --> 00:29:11.319 we need not be afraid. 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:14.819 Not a hair of your head 00:29:14.819 --> 00:29:15.899 will perish. 00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:19.459 You see, 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:20.539 the one who knows 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.339 what it's like 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:22.279 to be betrayed 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:23.079 by a friend 00:29:23.079 --> 00:29:25.159 and the one who knows 00:29:25.159 --> 00:29:25.779 what it's like 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:26.419 to be hated 00:29:26.419 --> 00:29:27.459 by his own people 00:29:27.459 --> 00:29:28.819 and the one 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:30.039 who was put to death, 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:30.919 Jesus, 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:33.159 promises us 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:35.039 that because 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:36.019 he was betrayed 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:37.339 and because 00:29:37.339 --> 00:29:38.159 he was hated, 00:29:38.359 --> 00:29:39.079 and because 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.119 he was put to death. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.359 Now, 00:29:41.459 --> 00:29:42.719 none of those things 00:29:42.719 --> 00:29:43.759 can destroy us. 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:46.019 Betrayal cannot 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.659 separate us 00:29:46.659 --> 00:29:47.419 from the love of God, 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:47.779 can it? 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.519 Hatred cannot 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.159 separate us 00:29:50.159 --> 00:29:51.019 from the love of God. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.319 Not even death 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:53.059 can separate us 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:53.799 from the love of God 00:29:53.799 --> 00:29:54.479 in Christ Jesus, 00:29:54.619 --> 00:29:55.019 our Lord. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.719 So hold on 00:29:56.719 --> 00:29:58.359 and don't be afraid. 00:29:59.819 --> 00:30:00.839 What awaits you 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:01.719 as you endure, 00:30:02.319 --> 00:30:02.799 Jesus says 00:30:02.799 --> 00:30:03.639 in verse 19, 00:30:03.640 --> 00:30:04.840 is life. 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:06.960 Eternal, 00:30:07.520 --> 00:30:08.100 abundant 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:09.560 life. 00:30:10.280 --> 00:30:11.759 That is your end, 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:13.100 brother and sister. 00:30:13.780 --> 00:30:14.340 Life. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.240 So don't be afraid. 00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:20.400 There's the encouragement. 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:22.800 But Jesus also 00:30:22.800 --> 00:30:23.580 gives us a warning. 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:26.360 He ends in verses 00:30:26.360 --> 00:30:27.780 34 through 36, 00:30:28.360 --> 00:30:29.100 warning us 00:30:29.099 --> 00:30:30.859 to stay awake. 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.699 Watch yourselves. 00:30:33.839 --> 00:30:34.059 You see, 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.740 if there's a danger 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:35.459 that we will face 00:30:35.459 --> 00:30:36.139 many fears, 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.539 there's the equal danger 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:38.619 that we will give in 00:30:38.619 --> 00:30:39.939 to many distractions. 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:43.059 Watch yourselves, 00:30:43.139 --> 00:30:43.559 Jesus says 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:44.379 in verse 34, 00:30:44.740 --> 00:30:45.679 lest your hearts 00:30:45.679 --> 00:30:46.659 be weighed down 00:30:46.659 --> 00:30:47.699 with dissipation 00:30:47.699 --> 00:30:48.519 and drunkenness 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:49.740 in the cares 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.480 of this life. 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:52.759 There are two kinds 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:53.379 of distractions 00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:54.419 that Jesus points to. 00:30:54.939 --> 00:30:55.579 Two distractions 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.259 that can weigh down 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:56.719 our hearts 00:30:56.720 --> 00:30:57.299 and cause us 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:58.059 to be unprepared 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:58.960 for the king's return. 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:00.220 The first is 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:00.860 dissipation 00:31:00.860 --> 00:31:01.680 and drunkenness. 00:31:02.640 --> 00:31:03.519 Simply losing 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.079 ourselves 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:04.759 in the temporary 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:05.740 pleasures of the world. 00:31:06.920 --> 00:31:07.819 Even abusing 00:31:07.819 --> 00:31:08.299 the pleasures 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:08.819 of this world. 00:31:08.940 --> 00:31:09.860 Taking good things 00:31:09.860 --> 00:31:10.759 like sex and drink 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.620 and giving ourselves 00:31:11.620 --> 00:31:12.440 over to them. 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:13.640 Wake up, 00:31:13.860 --> 00:31:14.539 Jesus says. 00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:16.940 Don't let the 00:31:16.940 --> 00:31:17.900 temporary pleasures 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:18.740 of this life 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:20.259 capture your heart 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:21.120 and make you 00:31:21.120 --> 00:31:21.779 unprepared 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:22.640 for what's to come. 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.079 After all, 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.700 what's to come 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:28.180 is more thrilling, 00:31:28.900 --> 00:31:30.279 more enlivening, 00:31:30.600 --> 00:31:31.940 more joy-giving 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:33.539 than any pleasure 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:34.580 this world holds. 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:36.660 The pleasures 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:37.539 of this life 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:38.680 are simply echoes, 00:31:39.120 --> 00:31:40.500 simply signposts 00:31:40.500 --> 00:31:41.240 to the joy 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:42.100 that awaits us 00:31:42.100 --> 00:31:43.519 when God comes again 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.880 to make things right. 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:46.519 So stay awake. 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:50.620 But there's a less 00:31:50.620 --> 00:31:51.660 obvious distraction. 00:31:53.620 --> 00:31:54.400 There's sort of 00:31:54.400 --> 00:31:55.980 a respectable distraction. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:56.880 And that's what 00:31:56.880 --> 00:31:57.599 Jesus calls 00:31:57.599 --> 00:31:59.180 the cares of this life. 00:31:59.500 --> 00:32:00.980 That is the everyday 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:02.240 responsibilities 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:03.059 like work 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:03.860 and family 00:32:03.860 --> 00:32:04.480 and marriage 00:32:04.480 --> 00:32:05.400 and running errands 00:32:05.400 --> 00:32:06.120 and paying bills 00:32:06.120 --> 00:32:07.160 and finishing reports. 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:09.140 We can get so caught up 00:32:09.140 --> 00:32:10.220 in the flow 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:11.279 of responsibilities 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.700 that we forget 00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:14.059 the larger story 00:32:14.059 --> 00:32:14.960 that we're a part of. 00:32:14.960 --> 00:32:18.759 your life is more 00:32:18.759 --> 00:32:20.000 than the abundance 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:21.400 of your possessions, 00:32:21.600 --> 00:32:22.420 Jesus once said. 00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:24.860 Your life is more 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:25.579 than the sum 00:32:25.579 --> 00:32:27.360 of daily activities. 00:32:28.360 --> 00:32:29.519 Don't let 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.960 the grind of life 00:32:30.960 --> 00:32:32.220 distract you 00:32:32.220 --> 00:32:32.900 from the fact 00:32:32.900 --> 00:32:34.039 that you are 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:34.600 a player 00:32:34.600 --> 00:32:35.880 in the great drama 00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:37.160 of God's redemption. 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:39.420 Stay awake. 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:41.480 the diapers 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:42.300 you change, 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:43.480 the projects 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:44.259 you manage, 00:32:44.580 --> 00:32:45.259 the hours 00:32:45.259 --> 00:32:46.039 you clock in 00:32:46.039 --> 00:32:47.160 from nine to five, 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:48.539 these things, 00:32:48.680 --> 00:32:49.580 if you are in Christ, 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:50.980 don't define you. 00:32:52.320 --> 00:32:53.200 Don't let them 00:32:53.200 --> 00:32:53.960 weigh you down 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:55.320 and distract you. 00:32:56.320 --> 00:32:57.320 Stay awake. 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:58.759 You're a child 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.380 of the King 00:32:59.380 --> 00:33:00.320 and the King 00:33:00.320 --> 00:33:00.820 is coming 00:33:00.820 --> 00:33:01.740 to make this world 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.500 His home again 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.700 and you will reign 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.500 with Him forever. 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:08.400 Don't let that day 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:09.200 come upon you 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:10.180 like a trap, 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:10.920 Jesus says. 00:33:12.759 --> 00:33:13.900 But how do we do that? 00:33:15.180 --> 00:33:16.279 How do we stay awake 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:18.019 amidst distractions 00:33:18.019 --> 00:33:18.980 that weigh us down? 00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:21.740 Did you see the answer 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:22.660 in verse 36? 00:33:24.099 --> 00:33:24.539 Prayer. 00:33:26.160 --> 00:33:27.279 Now you might be thinking, 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.579 I usually fall asleep 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.140 when I pray. 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:30.420 How is that the answer 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.140 to stay awake? 00:33:34.500 --> 00:33:35.400 What a small view 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.640 of prayer we have 00:33:36.640 --> 00:33:37.619 as a people of God. 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:41.180 Prayer is the gift 00:33:41.180 --> 00:33:42.519 God gives us 00:33:42.519 --> 00:33:43.859 to recenter 00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:44.640 our hearts 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:45.940 and lives on Him 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:47.599 and on what really matters 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:49.180 and on who we really are 00:33:49.180 --> 00:33:50.559 and on where this story 00:33:50.559 --> 00:33:51.480 is really going. 00:33:53.460 --> 00:33:54.940 Prayer is the future 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.900 come crashing 00:33:55.900 --> 00:33:56.900 into the present 00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:58.039 because prayer 00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:59.680 is communion with God 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:00.339 in Christ 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:01.299 by the Holy Spirit. 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:02.880 That's where you're headed, 00:34:03.059 --> 00:34:03.319 church. 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:04.859 communion with God 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:05.500 in Christ 00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:06.700 by the Holy Spirit 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:08.219 and when you are in prayer 00:34:08.219 --> 00:34:09.719 it comes crashing 00:34:09.719 --> 00:34:10.739 into the now. 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:13.480 Prayer is pouring out 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:14.420 our hearts to God. 00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:16.179 Prayer is asking God 00:34:16.179 --> 00:34:17.139 for all we need. 00:34:17.840 --> 00:34:19.219 Prayer is resting silently 00:34:19.219 --> 00:34:20.299 in the presence of God. 00:34:20.819 --> 00:34:21.699 Prayer is wrestling 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.860 with God through trial. 00:34:23.279 --> 00:34:25.099 Prayer is staying awake 00:34:25.099 --> 00:34:27.739 so that we might stand 00:34:27.739 --> 00:34:29.400 before the Son of Man. 00:34:29.400 --> 00:34:33.119 and then that day 00:34:33.119 --> 00:34:33.940 won't come upon us 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:34.519 like a trap. 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:37.380 But as verse 29 says, 00:34:37.440 --> 00:34:38.519 it will come upon us 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:39.539 like the turning 00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.240 of the seasons, 00:34:41.160 --> 00:34:42.160 the welcome 00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:43.220 bursting forth 00:34:43.220 --> 00:34:43.740 of summer 00:34:43.740 --> 00:34:44.400 when the cold 00:34:44.400 --> 00:34:45.139 of sin and death 00:34:45.139 --> 00:34:45.780 are put away 00:34:45.780 --> 00:34:46.700 and creation 00:34:46.700 --> 00:34:47.320 is released 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:48.220 from its bondage 00:34:48.220 --> 00:34:48.740 to decay 00:34:48.740 --> 00:34:50.380 and God is all in all. 00:34:51.700 --> 00:34:53.079 May we meet that day 00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:54.300 like the dawning 00:34:54.300 --> 00:34:55.480 of the summer. 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:58.000 Brothers and sisters, 00:34:58.159 --> 00:34:58.920 stay awake 00:34:58.920 --> 00:35:00.440 and don't be afraid. 00:35:01.360 --> 00:35:02.240 Live now 00:35:02.240 --> 00:35:03.860 in light of God's future 00:35:03.860 --> 00:35:05.380 because the kingdom 00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:06.139 is near 00:35:06.139 --> 00:35:07.260 and the King 00:35:07.260 --> 00:35:08.099 is coming. 00:35:09.940 --> 00:35:10.820 Let's pray. 00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:21.619 Lord Jesus, 00:35:21.780 --> 00:35:22.260 thank you 00:35:22.260 --> 00:35:25.880 for telling us 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:26.400 the truth 00:35:26.400 --> 00:35:27.540 about where 00:35:27.540 --> 00:35:28.660 history is headed. 00:35:31.540 --> 00:35:32.060 Thank you 00:35:32.060 --> 00:35:32.740 for telling us 00:35:32.740 --> 00:35:33.720 about your own return. 00:35:36.280 --> 00:35:36.680 God, 00:35:36.740 --> 00:35:37.440 some of us here 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:39.500 may not feel like 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:39.880 we're ready 00:35:39.880 --> 00:35:40.540 for that day. 00:35:42.320 --> 00:35:43.620 I pray that even now 00:35:43.620 --> 00:35:44.660 in the quiet 00:35:44.660 --> 00:35:45.700 of these few moments 00:35:45.700 --> 00:35:47.600 we would not 00:35:47.600 --> 00:35:48.440 let distractions 00:35:48.440 --> 00:35:49.360 point us away 00:35:49.360 --> 00:35:50.540 from the ultimate truth 00:35:50.540 --> 00:35:51.420 of where we stand 00:35:51.420 --> 00:35:51.860 with you. 00:35:52.260 --> 00:35:56.520 God, 00:35:56.560 --> 00:35:57.060 and if we are 00:35:57.060 --> 00:35:57.640 standing 00:35:57.640 --> 00:36:00.940 in our own efforts 00:36:00.940 --> 00:36:01.960 in our own works 00:36:01.960 --> 00:36:04.560 even in our own 00:36:04.560 --> 00:36:05.220 helplessness, 00:36:05.280 --> 00:36:05.460 God, 00:36:05.500 --> 00:36:05.960 I pray 00:36:05.960 --> 00:36:07.920 that today 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:08.740 would be the day 00:36:08.740 --> 00:36:10.700 when we move 00:36:10.700 --> 00:36:11.200 our hearts 00:36:11.200 --> 00:36:11.760 from relying 00:36:11.760 --> 00:36:12.620 on ourselves 00:36:12.620 --> 00:36:14.520 to relying 00:36:14.520 --> 00:36:15.260 on Jesus 00:36:15.260 --> 00:36:16.780 our loving 00:36:16.780 --> 00:36:17.300 Savior 00:36:17.300 --> 00:36:19.480 who says 00:36:19.480 --> 00:36:20.040 come to me 00:36:20.040 --> 00:36:20.440 all you 00:36:20.440 --> 00:36:21.020 who are weary 00:36:21.020 --> 00:36:21.840 and heavy laden 00:36:21.840 --> 00:36:22.460 and I will give 00:36:22.460 --> 00:36:23.140 you rest. 00:36:26.539 --> 00:36:27.019 Jesus, 00:36:27.140 --> 00:36:27.940 you're the good shepherd 00:36:27.940 --> 00:36:29.079 and no one 00:36:29.079 --> 00:36:29.920 can pluck us 00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:30.840 out of your hand. 00:36:31.860 --> 00:36:32.960 So would our hearts 00:36:32.960 --> 00:36:33.559 be renewed 00:36:33.559 --> 00:36:34.180 in faith 00:36:34.180 --> 00:36:34.680 this morning 00:36:34.680 --> 00:36:35.500 by your Spirit 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:38.539 to not be afraid 00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:42.059 and to not fall asleep. 00:36:43.719 --> 00:36:44.599 Keep us awake 00:36:44.599 --> 00:36:45.139 to the mission 00:36:45.139 --> 00:36:45.699 that you have 00:36:45.699 --> 00:36:46.039 for us, 00:36:46.099 --> 00:36:46.320 God. 00:36:47.699 --> 00:36:48.559 Keep us alert 00:36:48.559 --> 00:36:49.159 to the movements 00:36:49.159 --> 00:36:49.779 of your Spirit 00:36:49.779 --> 00:36:50.719 throughout this week. 00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:53.279 Keep us attentive 00:36:53.279 --> 00:36:53.860 to the way 00:36:53.860 --> 00:36:54.519 in which you are 00:36:54.519 --> 00:36:55.079 calling us 00:36:55.079 --> 00:36:56.099 to be your ambassadors 00:36:56.099 --> 00:36:57.139 and your people 00:36:57.139 --> 00:36:57.659 in the world 00:36:57.659 --> 00:36:58.239 to be salt 00:36:58.239 --> 00:36:58.639 and light. 00:36:58.639 --> 00:37:01.900 O God, 00:37:01.980 --> 00:37:02.619 send us out 00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:03.699 with a fresh filling 00:37:03.699 --> 00:37:04.400 of your Spirit 00:37:04.400 --> 00:37:04.980 we pray 00:37:04.980 --> 00:37:08.079 in Jesus' name. 00:37:08.639 --> 00:37:09.019 Amen. 00:37:11.420 --> 00:37:12.019 Well, friends, 00:37:12.059 --> 00:37:12.619 let's stand 00:37:12.619 --> 00:37:13.019 and let's pray. 00:37:13.019 --> 00:37:13.079 Let's pray. 00:37:13.079 --> 00:37:13.119 Let's pray. 00:37:13.119 --> 00:37:13.219 Let's pray.