WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.660 And if you've got a Bible, turn with me to the Gospel of Luke. And I want us to really walk through the early chapters of Luke and get to Simeon and Anna tonight. 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:18.379 You've got to choose by this page 856. 00:00:18.379 --> 00:00:24.599 And lastly the theme was naming and tonight the theme is waiting. 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:34.039 I mean you can call me a little bit dense if you like. I've been a minister for a long time and a teacher of the Bible for a longer time than that. 00:00:34.039 --> 00:00:46.060 And what I've begun to learn is that people learn more, don't they, from observing others and observing models than they do from my sermons. 00:00:46.060 --> 00:00:50.740 Where did I learn to do ministry? 00:00:51.820 --> 00:00:55.859 Well from models actually, from people I saw doing it. 00:00:55.940 --> 00:00:58.840 We know that in life, don't we, those of us who've played sport. 00:00:59.900 --> 00:01:04.520 And you've had the kind of laborious explanation of some skill in sport. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:09.219 And you understand that you can't really work out what the guy is doing. 00:01:09.760 --> 00:01:13.340 And then he says, oh it's just like dot dot dot who plays the game. 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:14.900 And then you can see it, you see the model. 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:21.660 And so you learn more from observing models than you do in the classroom. 00:01:22.540 --> 00:01:23.840 That's been my experience. 00:01:24.700 --> 00:01:25.860 And I'm sure it's yours. 00:01:26.020 --> 00:01:27.380 It happens particularly in preaching, isn't it? 00:01:27.400 --> 00:01:29.800 People can go to courses on preaching and countless books. 00:01:29.900 --> 00:01:33.880 But you can normally tell who has been their minister. 00:01:34.160 --> 00:01:35.840 People used to say what Christchurch does. 00:01:35.880 --> 00:01:36.560 They don't say it anymore. 00:01:36.660 --> 00:01:38.860 He used to do the kind of Levy claw. 00:01:39.080 --> 00:01:40.600 And his hand would go like that. 00:01:40.599 --> 00:01:46.819 And because he'd sat and listened to me for years, he was kind of more influenced by hearing me than by books. 00:01:46.899 --> 00:01:48.719 Thankfully, that has changed, hasn't it? 00:01:49.239 --> 00:01:50.399 Don't we hear you say amen? 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:54.479 But we're more influenced by models than listening to theories. 00:01:54.480 --> 00:02:02.260 And so where can we find a model for living life today as Christian people? 00:02:03.120 --> 00:02:04.060 In the times we live. 00:02:05.320 --> 00:02:06.780 But I want to show you two models. 00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:07.340 I'm sorry. 00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:09.700 So let's look at Luke 1 verse 1. 00:02:09.780 --> 00:02:15.740 Here is Luke and he is writing for his patron, a man named Theophilus. 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:18.360 And he says, let me read to you from Luke chapter 1 and verse 1. 00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:26.860 He says, inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us. 00:02:27.200 --> 00:02:28.219 And so just see that. 00:02:28.740 --> 00:02:32.020 Many people had written about the Lord Jesus. 00:02:33.480 --> 00:02:36.939 What has happened in the Lord Jesus is a fulfilment. 00:02:37.379 --> 00:02:40.160 Has been fulfilled, has been accomplished amongst us. 00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:41.219 Verse 2. 00:02:41.500 --> 00:02:48.659 Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered to us. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:52.639 So can you see Luke's source is there in verse 2. 00:02:52.859 --> 00:02:54.419 It is an eyewitness account. 00:02:54.859 --> 00:02:56.060 Therefore, verse 3. 00:02:56.060 --> 00:03:01.900 It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, 00:03:02.319 --> 00:03:06.219 to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus. 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:09.560 So he gives us his research method. 00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:18.159 He says, I want you to know that I've investigated everything carefully in order that I could write down for you and order the account. 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:21.599 So when you read Luke's gospel, you will see that there's order in it. 00:03:21.819 --> 00:03:22.939 It's not random. 00:03:24.420 --> 00:03:26.080 Now look at the fourth verse. 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:31.539 And let me read it to you in the order that he wrote it in the original language. 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:34.139 He writes this. 00:03:34.139 --> 00:03:41.099 So that you, so that in order, sorry, let me read it to you in the order that he wrote it. 00:03:41.479 --> 00:03:48.299 So you may know the things which you've been taught certainty. 00:03:49.099 --> 00:03:50.060 That's what it is literally. 00:03:51.079 --> 00:03:55.819 So you may know the things which you've been taught certainty. 00:03:55.819 --> 00:04:01.239 And the last word in verse 4 should be certainty. 00:04:02.340 --> 00:04:07.859 That's what he wants Theophilus, his patron, the person who is funding him, 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:11.859 about all things to know in this orderly account. 00:04:12.659 --> 00:04:15.639 That's based on eyewitnesses and thoroughgoing research. 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:19.539 Luke wants Theophilus and so he wants you to be certain. 00:04:19.699 --> 00:04:20.399 Are you certain of what? 00:04:20.399 --> 00:04:23.899 What does Luke want you to be certain of tonight? 00:04:24.239 --> 00:04:27.339 Well he then proceeds, certainly, to give you the fullest account, 00:04:27.459 --> 00:04:30.299 the fullest story of the birth of Jesus Christ. 00:04:30.779 --> 00:04:35.199 He wants him to be certain of the facts of Jesus coming into the world. 00:04:35.579 --> 00:04:38.699 So let's take up the narrative in chapter 1 and verse 18. 00:04:40.019 --> 00:04:41.539 Chapter 1 and verse 18. 00:04:42.759 --> 00:04:45.859 Here is the kind of coming of John the Baptist. 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:47.859 The forerunner of Jesus. 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:51.480 And the angel says to Zechariah, his dad, 00:04:52.020 --> 00:04:53.379 Zechariah said to the angel, 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:55.520 How shall I know this? 00:04:56.660 --> 00:04:58.360 For I am an old man, 00:04:59.259 --> 00:05:01.080 and my wife is advanced in years. 00:05:02.280 --> 00:05:04.639 The angel said that he's going to have a child, Zechariah. 00:05:06.120 --> 00:05:09.000 And sure enough, Elizabeth, the mother, the wife of Zechariah, 00:05:09.379 --> 00:05:10.780 she becomes pregnant. 00:05:12.360 --> 00:05:13.980 In her sixth month of pregnancy, 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:17.100 the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, doesn't he? 00:05:17.100 --> 00:05:18.460 In verse 31. 00:05:19.720 --> 00:05:20.860 And he says to her, 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:24.640 Mary, behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, 00:05:24.960 --> 00:05:27.220 and you will give him the name Jesus. 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:29.680 And Mary says, 00:05:29.780 --> 00:05:30.840 Well how can this be? 00:05:30.980 --> 00:05:32.540 Because I am a virgin. 00:05:33.860 --> 00:05:34.640 Verse 35. 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:36.660 The angel answered her, 00:05:36.660 --> 00:05:38.920 The Holy Spirit will come upon you, 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:42.180 and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. 00:05:42.500 --> 00:05:45.140 Therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:47.420 the Son of God. 00:05:47.420 --> 00:05:51.939 And so we said this morning in the Apostles' Creed, 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:56.460 that we believe that our Lord Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. 00:05:57.900 --> 00:06:00.379 An early Christian leader called Ignatius, 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:02.040 said that Jesus, 00:06:02.040 --> 00:06:03.840 he is both made, 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:04.900 that is, 00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:05.819 he is of Mary, 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:08.340 and he is not made, 00:06:09.100 --> 00:06:09.680 that is, 00:06:09.700 --> 00:06:10.620 he is of the Holy Spirit. 00:06:11.540 --> 00:06:13.000 He is both of Mary, 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:15.139 and of God. 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:17.500 Matthew and Luke, 00:06:17.620 --> 00:06:19.879 and report fully the birth of Jesus. 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:22.360 Matthew and Luke, however, 00:06:22.439 --> 00:06:24.240 report that he is not the son of Joseph, 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:26.459 but he is the son of Mary. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:28.959 And so the Bible says before us, 00:06:28.959 --> 00:06:30.779 that the Lord Jesus is truly human. 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:32.980 He is born of Mary, 00:06:33.079 --> 00:06:34.779 but he is truly divine, 00:06:35.459 --> 00:06:37.100 so he is not tainted by sin. 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:40.500 He is born of God, 00:06:40.600 --> 00:06:43.100 so that he can bridge the gap between humanity, 00:06:43.820 --> 00:06:44.360 human beings, 00:06:44.660 --> 00:06:45.360 and God, 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:46.600 between God and man, 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:48.120 because he is truly God. 00:06:48.340 --> 00:06:49.140 Elephant verse 38. 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:52.100 Mary says, 00:06:53.720 --> 00:06:57.720 Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. 00:06:58.700 --> 00:07:01.620 Let it be to me according to your word. 00:07:02.700 --> 00:07:05.280 And the angel departed her. 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:08.680 I want you to notice her song, 00:07:08.760 --> 00:07:10.500 just go over a little bit, 00:07:10.540 --> 00:07:11.140 in chapter 1, 00:07:11.220 --> 00:07:12.600 verses 52 and 53. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:14.800 She praises God, 00:07:16.020 --> 00:07:16.820 and she says, 00:07:16.920 --> 00:07:19.080 He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, 00:07:19.280 --> 00:07:22.340 and God has exalted those of humble estate, 00:07:23.260 --> 00:07:24.120 those who are poor, 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:25.060 those who are humble. 00:07:25.400 --> 00:07:26.960 He has filled the hungry with good things, 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:28.540 the rich he sent away empty. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:30.840 He has helped his servant Israel, 00:07:31.160 --> 00:07:32.840 in remembrance of his mercy. 00:07:33.620 --> 00:07:34.680 He spoke to our fathers, 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:35.220 to Abraham, 00:07:35.360 --> 00:07:36.700 and to his offspring forever. 00:07:37.100 --> 00:07:38.760 So, 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:39.780 the birth of this child, 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:40.900 who is the Son of God, 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:42.100 the birth of this child, 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:43.960 who is conceived by the Holy Spirit, 00:07:44.260 --> 00:07:46.020 born of the Virgin Mary, 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:47.160 well, 00:07:49.080 --> 00:07:50.580 his account is marked by humility. 00:07:53.160 --> 00:07:54.740 If you come to chapter 2, 00:07:54.820 --> 00:07:57.140 you'll see that the Lord Jesus is born in a stable. 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:57.820 Look at chapter 2, 00:07:57.879 --> 00:07:58.480 verse 10. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:04.340 chapter 2, 00:08:04.340 --> 00:08:05.540 and the angel said to him, 00:08:05.580 --> 00:08:06.040 Fear not, 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:06.520 for behold, 00:08:06.580 --> 00:08:08.060 I bring you good news of great joy, 00:08:08.140 --> 00:08:10.300 that it's going to be for all people. 00:08:10.300 --> 00:08:13.840 It's going to be for all people. 00:08:19.520 --> 00:08:21.020 Mary praises God, 00:08:22.020 --> 00:08:25.480 because this coming of the Lord Jesus will be marked by humility. 00:08:25.480 --> 00:08:27.819 And then the angel comes, 00:08:27.900 --> 00:08:28.240 doesn't he, 00:08:28.439 --> 00:08:31.860 and he announces the birth to the shepherds. 00:08:32.080 --> 00:08:32.820 Shepherds were, 00:08:32.920 --> 00:08:33.220 what? 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:34.180 Lowly people. 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:35.120 Humble people. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:37.879 They were not people of status. 00:08:39.259 --> 00:08:40.100 The angel says, 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:40.639 let me read this again, 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:41.259 and the angel said to him, 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:41.620 Fear not, 00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:42.179 for behold, 00:08:42.240 --> 00:08:43.600 I bring you good news of great joy, 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:45.759 that it will be for all the people. 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:49.279 For unto you is born this day in the city of David, 00:08:49.360 --> 00:08:51.759 a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. 00:08:53.199 --> 00:08:54.159 Then go to chapter 2, 00:08:54.199 --> 00:08:54.840 verse 20. 00:08:57.460 --> 00:08:58.679 And the shepherds returned, 00:08:59.939 --> 00:09:01.259 glorifying and praising God, 00:09:01.319 --> 00:09:02.279 for all they'd heard and seen, 00:09:02.340 --> 00:09:03.179 as it had been told them. 00:09:04.600 --> 00:09:06.120 So another Christian, 00:09:06.220 --> 00:09:06.700 early Christian, 00:09:06.799 --> 00:09:07.500 Augustine said, 00:09:07.580 --> 00:09:08.700 I've read this to you many times, 00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:09.939 without ceasing to be, 00:09:09.940 --> 00:09:11.180 what he eternally was, 00:09:11.940 --> 00:09:13.840 he became what he eternally was not. 00:09:15.380 --> 00:09:16.740 Without ceasing to be, 00:09:16.820 --> 00:09:18.140 what he eternally was, 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:19.100 he became, 00:09:19.700 --> 00:09:21.380 what he eternally was not. 00:09:22.420 --> 00:09:24.000 God became flesh. 00:09:25.300 --> 00:09:26.820 And that is what Luke, 00:09:26.900 --> 00:09:29.000 wants you to have certainty about. 00:09:30.100 --> 00:09:32.220 Let's follow what happened to Jesus. 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:32.940 Verse 21, 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:33.900 on the eighth day, 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:35.180 he is circumcised. 00:09:36.420 --> 00:09:37.640 And then verse 22, 00:09:37.640 --> 00:09:39.020 on the fortieth day, 00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:40.699 he is brought for presentation, 00:09:41.019 --> 00:09:41.579 to Jerusalem. 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:43.079 The visit, 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:45.679 is timed by the law. 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:47.159 So first of all, 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:47.639 circumcision, 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:48.639 eight days, 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:50.220 that is supposedly the day, 00:09:50.620 --> 00:09:51.699 that vitamin K, 00:09:51.819 --> 00:09:52.960 the blood clotting agent, 00:09:53.899 --> 00:09:54.759 is at its maximum. 00:09:55.179 --> 00:09:56.419 It's a great day for circumcision. 00:09:57.699 --> 00:09:59.000 And so 40 days later, 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:01.019 he's presented at the temple. 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:02.059 There's nothing haphazard, 00:10:02.319 --> 00:10:04.079 in verses 21 and 22. 00:10:04.080 --> 00:10:06.920 It is following God's law. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:08.060 There's no chance encounter. 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:10.800 And so when he goes up to Jerusalem, 00:10:10.920 --> 00:10:11.480 verse 25, 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:12.540 he meets Simeon. 00:10:13.580 --> 00:10:14.300 Verse 25, 00:10:14.400 --> 00:10:15.660 there was a man in Jerusalem, 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:17.139 whose name was Simeon. 00:10:18.660 --> 00:10:20.139 And this man was righteous and devout, 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:20.860 and he was waiting, 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:22.560 for the consolation of Israel, 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:24.780 and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 00:10:26.060 --> 00:10:27.379 Because it had been revealed to him, 00:10:27.420 --> 00:10:28.020 by the Holy Spirit, 00:10:28.080 --> 00:10:29.700 that he would not see death, 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:31.020 before he saw, 00:10:31.640 --> 00:10:32.640 the Lord Christ. 00:10:34.400 --> 00:10:35.720 Simeon had a conviction, 00:10:36.160 --> 00:10:37.700 but though he was getting on in years, 00:10:37.800 --> 00:10:38.820 he would not die, 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:40.360 until he'd seen the Christ, 00:10:40.460 --> 00:10:40.940 the Messiah, 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:41.740 God's King, 00:10:42.160 --> 00:10:43.140 God's anointed one. 00:10:43.960 --> 00:10:45.259 And he sees him, 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.759 and so in verse 29, 00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:48.060 he says, 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:48.600 Lord, 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:51.340 now you are letting your servant, 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:52.360 depart in peace, 00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:54.400 according to your word. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:57.420 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 00:10:57.759 --> 00:10:58.520 that you prepared, 00:10:58.519 --> 00:10:59.720 in the presence of all peoples, 00:10:59.819 --> 00:11:00.840 a light for the Gentiles, 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:02.340 and for the glory, 00:11:02.939 --> 00:11:03.559 to your people, 00:11:04.159 --> 00:11:04.539 Israel. 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:09.340 Son of Mary, 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:11.139 Son of God, 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:13.319 the second person, 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:14.039 of the Trinity, 00:11:16.240 --> 00:11:18.079 40 days old, 00:11:19.299 --> 00:11:20.120 and Simeon says, 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:20.819 I've seen it. 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:23.360 I've seen salvation. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.600 I've seen him. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:28.100 But I want you to notice, 00:11:28.100 --> 00:11:29.159 that people were divided, 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:30.659 in response to this Lord Jesus. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:31.000 So again, 00:11:31.060 --> 00:11:31.860 look at verse 34. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.540 And Simeon blessed them, 00:11:34.560 --> 00:11:35.259 and he said to Mary, 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:35.700 his mum, 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:36.320 behold, 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:37.259 this child is appointed, 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:38.320 for the fall, 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.879 and rising of many in Israel. 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:42.759 And for a sign, 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:43.800 that is opposed. 00:11:44.820 --> 00:11:46.040 And a sword will pierce, 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:47.159 through your own soul, 00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:47.879 also. 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:50.300 Well, 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:51.399 because you will see, 00:11:51.399 --> 00:11:51.920 his suffering. 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:53.899 Do you see, 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:54.779 what Simeon is saying, 00:11:54.840 --> 00:11:55.160 about Jesus, 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.159 he will bring about division. 00:11:56.299 --> 00:11:56.759 There will be those, 00:11:56.839 --> 00:11:57.519 who follow him. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.379 There will be those, 00:11:59.500 --> 00:12:00.439 who recognize him. 00:12:01.339 --> 00:12:02.159 But there will be those, 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:03.319 who don't recognize him. 00:12:03.439 --> 00:12:04.139 And a sword, 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:05.839 will pierce your heart. 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:07.879 There will be, 00:12:07.939 --> 00:12:08.519 for those, 00:12:08.699 --> 00:12:09.319 from Christianity, 00:12:09.579 --> 00:12:10.219 they don't give it, 00:12:10.219 --> 00:12:11.100 a second thought. 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:12.419 They think it's unimportant. 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:14.219 And then there will be, 00:12:14.299 --> 00:12:14.620 those, 00:12:14.719 --> 00:12:15.360 from Christianity, 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:17.039 is of infinite importance. 00:12:18.139 --> 00:12:18.759 The only thing, 00:12:18.860 --> 00:12:19.740 as C.S. Lewis said, 00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:20.339 it cannot be, 00:12:20.480 --> 00:12:21.720 is moderately important. 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:24.100 And so notice, 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:24.580 a prophet, 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:26.420 an old man, 00:12:27.259 --> 00:12:28.800 a five week old baby, 00:12:29.700 --> 00:12:30.639 who's very fragile. 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:32.779 So there's another prophet, 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:33.200 that day, 00:12:33.300 --> 00:12:34.200 and her name is Anna, 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:35.320 verse 36. 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.660 And she is the daughter, 00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:38.240 of Phanuel, 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:39.680 of the tribe of Asher, 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:41.639 and she is very old. 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:44.320 I know that, 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:44.660 when you're, 00:12:44.660 --> 00:12:45.340 when you're, 00:12:45.340 --> 00:12:46.340 when you're young, 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:47.519 23 teens old, 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.000 doesn't it? 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.740 This lady, 00:12:49.920 --> 00:12:50.960 is very old though. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:52.759 We noticed in me, 00:12:52.800 --> 00:12:54.220 it says that she is 84. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:55.440 She was widowed, 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:57.000 after seven years of marriage. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:59.019 And she was devoted. 00:12:59.220 --> 00:13:00.240 She virtually lived, 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:00.820 at the temple. 00:13:01.160 --> 00:13:02.300 And she gives thanks to God, 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:03.379 and she praises God, 00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:03.879 for that child. 00:13:03.940 --> 00:13:04.639 Look at verse 38. 00:13:06.680 --> 00:13:07.440 And coming up, 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.180 at that very hour, 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:10.420 she began to give thanks, 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:10.899 to God, 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:11.820 and to speak to him, 00:13:11.960 --> 00:13:13.019 of all who were waiting, 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:13.920 for the redemption, 00:13:14.279 --> 00:13:14.700 of Jerusalem. 00:13:17.300 --> 00:13:17.899 Now I don't know, 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:18.220 whether you've, 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:18.940 picked that up, 00:13:18.940 --> 00:13:20.240 as I read it. 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:21.639 But one of the things, 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.000 that I think, 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:23.080 I've often missed, 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:23.700 in Luke's gospel, 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:24.039 is this. 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:24.659 The gospel, 00:13:24.940 --> 00:13:25.919 comes to the humble. 00:13:29.720 --> 00:13:30.639 Look at how Luke, 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:31.860 gives prominence to women. 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:34.279 Elizabeth, 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:35.860 Mary, 00:13:36.779 --> 00:13:37.080 Anna. 00:13:38.980 --> 00:13:39.720 And it's not as if, 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:40.700 he neglects the age, 00:13:40.840 --> 00:13:41.159 is it? 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:43.799 The age of Zachariah, 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.899 the age of Elizabeth, 00:13:45.899 --> 00:13:48.519 the age of Simeon, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.419 the age of Anna. 00:13:52.199 --> 00:13:52.939 All of these, 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:53.720 are involved, 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:54.600 in the coming of Christ. 00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:55.419 They're not past it. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:58.100 The gospel is going to come, 00:13:58.179 --> 00:13:58.720 this Christ, 00:13:58.819 --> 00:13:59.419 is going to come, 00:13:59.519 --> 00:14:00.259 and he's going to solve, 00:14:00.319 --> 00:14:01.059 the greatest problem, 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:01.919 of humankind, 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:03.000 and that is, 00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:04.299 our arrogant pride. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.899 But he will not, 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:06.319 do it, 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:07.179 in any way, 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:08.159 that pays concession, 00:14:08.299 --> 00:14:08.879 to our pride. 00:14:10.299 --> 00:14:11.199 He will do it, 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:11.720 in the way, 00:14:11.779 --> 00:14:12.399 of humility. 00:14:12.399 --> 00:14:16.039 And the people involved, 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:16.939 among them will be, 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:17.299 women, 00:14:19.059 --> 00:14:20.120 and aged people. 00:14:20.439 --> 00:14:20.899 Look at verses, 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:22.939 39 and 40. 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:25.059 And when they performed, 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:25.759 everything according, 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:26.539 to the law of the Lord, 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:27.620 they returned into Galilee, 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:28.879 to their own town of Nazareth. 00:14:29.340 --> 00:14:30.139 And the child grew, 00:14:30.299 --> 00:14:31.019 and became strong, 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:31.779 filled with wisdom, 00:14:31.959 --> 00:14:33.039 and the favour of God, 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:33.879 was upon him. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:37.360 Where is my model, 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:38.500 for living this week? 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.980 When I go out shopping, 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:42.800 this week, 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:44.039 when I go out, 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:45.039 for the works drinks, 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:48.180 when I'm confronted, 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:49.300 by all the kind of, 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:50.680 array of consumables, 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.180 there are. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:51.940 When I go online, 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.220 and just can't control myself, 00:14:53.320 --> 00:14:53.820 on Amazon. 00:14:54.060 --> 00:14:55.259 Where is my model? 00:14:55.420 --> 00:14:56.320 Who is my model? 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:58.980 My model is Simeon. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.539 And my model is Anna. 00:15:02.920 --> 00:15:04.000 They are a pattern, 00:15:04.180 --> 00:15:05.120 for living the Christian, 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:06.060 life today. 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:07.060 And I can't think of anyone, 00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:07.539 in the Bible, 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.920 who is more of a pattern, 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:09.940 for me living the Christian, 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:10.440 life today, 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.700 than Simeon or Anna. 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:13.040 Apart from the Lord Jesus, 00:15:13.180 --> 00:15:13.480 of course. 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.500 Here is our model. 00:15:15.500 --> 00:15:16.480 Here is our mentor. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.560 Here is our pattern, 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:18.060 for living. 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:19.680 This is my pattern, 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:20.080 for living. 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:21.920 It is Simeon and Anna. 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:22.820 Here they are, 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:23.920 in the city of God, 00:15:24.020 --> 00:15:24.560 in Jerusalem, 00:15:25.060 --> 00:15:25.700 in the shadow, 00:15:25.780 --> 00:15:26.300 of the temple. 00:15:28.300 --> 00:15:29.420 This huge, 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:31.320 religious infrastructure, 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.080 is in place. 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:33.759 All the pomp, 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.580 of Judaism, 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:35.620 the Sadducees, 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:36.480 the Pharisees, 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:37.700 the Sanhedrin. 00:15:37.700 --> 00:15:40.080 And here they are, 00:15:40.160 --> 00:15:41.259 two little people. 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:45.300 I don't know, 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.120 if you've ever been, 00:15:46.300 --> 00:15:47.140 to the Vatican, 00:15:48.520 --> 00:15:49.200 in Rome. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:52.060 It is an amazing thing. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:52.620 I went when I was, 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:52.759 about, 00:15:52.820 --> 00:15:53.600 I'm ten years old. 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.000 And, 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:56.480 what am I, 00:15:56.540 --> 00:15:56.920 I'm buying memories, 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:57.580 our church, 00:15:57.660 --> 00:15:59.040 and I'm quite a nasty split. 00:15:59.180 --> 00:15:59.440 And so, 00:15:59.500 --> 00:15:59.800 at that point, 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:00.300 we were meeting, 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.060 in a sixth form, 00:16:01.160 --> 00:16:01.700 common room. 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:02.259 And, 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:04.780 we were in a very big church, 00:16:04.860 --> 00:16:05.320 but there was, 00:16:05.500 --> 00:16:06.080 what I remember is, 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:06.940 deaf leopard, 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.680 and Iron Maiden posters, 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:09.480 on the wall. 00:16:10.040 --> 00:16:10.680 And it was, 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:11.600 grotty. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:12.180 It made, 00:16:12.560 --> 00:16:13.600 TVU Hall, 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:13.920 like, 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:14.440 palatia, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:14.920 you know. 00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:15.940 And then we went, 00:16:16.020 --> 00:16:16.600 to the Vatican. 00:16:18.700 --> 00:16:19.580 It was incredible. 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.060 You, 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:22.320 you feel so small. 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:24.400 You go to the Vatican, 00:16:24.520 --> 00:16:25.560 you see this vast, 00:16:26.080 --> 00:16:26.920 multinational, 00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:28.060 spiritual corporation, 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:28.340 and, 00:16:29.580 --> 00:16:30.320 we were in a, 00:16:30.460 --> 00:16:31.259 home common room, 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:32.200 in a place called, 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:33.179 Camra de Cairo, 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:35.059 in South Wales. 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:36.240 It's like we went, 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:37.000 to a corner shop. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:39.740 And Simeon and Anna, 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:40.299 they must have been, 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.259 overwhelmed by this. 00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:42.419 All the religious structure, 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.360 is in place. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:44.299 But, 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:45.679 Jesus is fragile. 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:49.639 My God is so weak. 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:51.939 So fragile. 00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:54.799 He's born out of wedlock. 00:16:54.919 --> 00:16:56.319 He's born in obscure Bethlehem. 00:16:56.399 --> 00:16:57.340 He's born in a stable, 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:59.179 in the back room of somewhere. 00:16:59.799 --> 00:17:01.159 He's placed in an animal's, 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:01.759 speeding trough. 00:17:01.839 --> 00:17:02.419 And he's barely, 00:17:02.579 --> 00:17:03.519 six weeks old. 00:17:04.139 --> 00:17:04.960 And he comes to the, 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.619 the city. 00:17:07.059 --> 00:17:08.579 And here's an old man, 00:17:08.639 --> 00:17:09.740 who's received a promise. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.759 And here's a very old woman, 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:13.099 about 84 years of age. 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:15.519 And they are very much, 00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:16.379 in the minority. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.639 Because they are looking, 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:20.079 and waiting for the Christ. 00:17:21.460 --> 00:17:22.700 The religious hierarchy, 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.399 is in place. 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:24.539 The elders are meeting. 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:26.359 And yet, 00:17:26.440 --> 00:17:27.920 they're all going through the motions, 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.519 without any sense, 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:30.639 of expectation. 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:33.119 Here is a nation, 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:33.960 the nation of Israel, 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.220 a nation of hope, 00:17:35.339 --> 00:17:36.759 but it's living in hopelessness. 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:38.940 Here are a people, 00:17:39.139 --> 00:17:39.299 who, 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:41.039 had all the promises of God, 00:17:41.139 --> 00:17:42.279 a people of expectation, 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:44.019 living without any expectation. 00:17:45.379 --> 00:17:46.500 And he comes to the world, 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.899 but the world doesn't recognize him. 00:17:47.900 --> 00:17:50.480 And it doesn't receive him. 00:17:51.840 --> 00:17:53.019 But Simeon and Anna, 00:17:53.320 --> 00:17:53.640 do. 00:17:55.060 --> 00:17:56.140 Because they are people, 00:17:56.300 --> 00:17:56.920 of hope, 00:17:57.120 --> 00:17:58.200 living with hope. 00:17:59.380 --> 00:18:00.140 Surrounded people, 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.280 by people with hope, 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:02.460 living in hopelessness. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.019 And I put it to you, 00:18:05.060 --> 00:18:06.700 that's precisely our situation today. 00:18:09.580 --> 00:18:10.660 I'm on a prayer's retreat, 00:18:10.820 --> 00:18:11.480 I'm two weeks. 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:11.880 I go, 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.300 Graham was there, 00:18:12.360 --> 00:18:12.800 Chris was there, 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:14.540 and Paul and Miles was there, 00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:15.660 and it was a good time, 00:18:15.860 --> 00:18:17.019 motions were passed. 00:18:17.900 --> 00:18:19.540 A debate was held, 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:22.660 candidates for the ministry, 00:18:22.800 --> 00:18:23.259 were interviewed, 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:23.960 and approved. 00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:25.980 People were elected, 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:26.640 to office, 00:18:26.780 --> 00:18:27.680 we had a new moderator, 00:18:27.860 --> 00:18:28.120 and a new, 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:28.640 well, 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.280 the same clerk. 00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:31.060 Reports were received, 00:18:31.780 --> 00:18:32.840 budgets were approved, 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:35.840 trustees were cancelled, 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.960 plans were made, 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.060 votes were cast. 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.120 It's all in place. 00:18:41.840 --> 00:18:42.400 I don't want to be, 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:43.280 too critical, 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:44.620 but I think it would be fair, 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:45.160 to say, 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:46.980 that there was, 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:49.180 little expectation, 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:50.200 of the coming of Christ. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.819 I say that, 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.860 on my own contributions, 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:54.660 that weekend too. 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:56.420 People, 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.559 living with hope, 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:00.120 well, 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:00.819 people with hope, 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:02.059 living as if there was no hope. 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.559 Simeon and Anna, 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:05.819 if they were here today, 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:07.700 they'd be a little quaint, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.380 quaint oddities, 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:10.880 oldies, 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:13.140 barely holding on to life. 00:19:13.140 --> 00:19:15.800 But they're waiting, 00:19:16.380 --> 00:19:16.780 waiting. 00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:20.080 And that is an authentic, 00:19:20.280 --> 00:19:21.220 that is authentic, 00:19:21.360 --> 00:19:22.100 Christian experience. 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:23.540 We are anticipatory people. 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:24.940 We are looking to the future. 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:28.700 God has promised me, 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:29.780 that in life, 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:31.280 I will have six experiences. 00:19:32.780 --> 00:19:33.940 I've only had two so far. 00:19:35.400 --> 00:19:35.900 First of all, 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:36.640 I was born. 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:40.400 By his grace, 00:19:40.500 --> 00:19:41.380 I was born again. 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:43.400 And so, 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:44.440 what are the other four to come? 00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:46.840 The other four are, 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:47.340 death, 00:19:48.520 --> 00:19:48.980 resurrection, 00:19:50.300 --> 00:19:50.620 judgment, 00:19:52.140 --> 00:19:53.520 and entering into the new heavens, 00:19:53.580 --> 00:19:54.100 and the new earth. 00:19:55.660 --> 00:19:57.220 And if you've had the two, 00:19:58.340 --> 00:19:59.759 and there are still four to come, 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:02.099 don't you think we should be like 00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:02.680 Simeon and Anna? 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:04.799 Living, 00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:05.920 in anticipation, 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:07.819 living with a future focused mindset, 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:08.900 will it be today? 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:10.960 Chapter 2, 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:12.000 verse 25. 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:15.019 Now there was an aged man in Jerusalem, 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:16.259 whose name was Simeon. 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:20.619 And this man was righteous and devout, 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:21.240 waiting, 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:24.440 waiting for the consolation of Israel. 00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:27.259 And the Holy Spirit was upon him. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.599 Verse 38. 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:31.440 Coming up at that very hour, 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:31.920 she, 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:32.259 Anna, 00:20:32.339 --> 00:20:33.500 began to give thanks to God. 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:36.640 And speak of him to all who were waiting 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:37.960 for the redemption of Jerusalem. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:43.779 If you were brought up in an Anglican church, 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:48.059 an Anglican church which used the Book of Common Prayer, 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.740 you would know these words, 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:50.000 wouldn't you? 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:50.839 The Necdoventus. 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:53.279 Let me read to you these words 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:55.299 that are repeated every week in the weekly service 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:56.359 from the Book of Common Prayer. 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:56.879 Lord, 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:58.920 now let your servants depart in peace 00:20:58.920 --> 00:21:00.080 according to your word. 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:03.279 For mine eyes have seen your salvation, 00:21:04.560 --> 00:21:06.620 which you prepared before the face of all people 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:09.220 to be a light to lighten the Gentiles 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:12.080 and to the glory of your people Israel. 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:15.059 A constant reminder 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:17.179 over generations, 00:21:17.179 --> 00:21:18.099 every week, 00:21:18.199 --> 00:21:19.319 that Simeon is our model 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:20.699 and Anna is our model. 00:21:21.099 --> 00:21:22.319 We are looking for the day. 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:23.419 It's a weekly reminder. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:25.920 It's a weekly reminder. 00:21:26.080 --> 00:21:28.259 Do not live for this day, 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:31.200 but live for the day which is coming. 00:21:33.080 --> 00:21:35.220 And allow our hope of that day 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:36.140 to spear us on. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.100 How are we to live? 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:39.019 Holy and godly lives 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.120 as we wait for the day. 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:42.320 How are we to live? 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:44.259 Just as we wait for the blessed hope, 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:45.700 saying no to ungodliness. 00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:48.039 Living holy and upright lives. 00:21:48.120 --> 00:21:49.259 That is how we are to live. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:52.480 So here is Charles Simeon. 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:55.759 Charles Simeon was an Anglican rector 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.200 in Cambridge, 00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:58.480 in Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:01.279 And he was there for 50 years. 00:22:01.400 --> 00:22:02.539 He still goes to his church's office 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:03.720 at King's College in Cambridge. 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:05.500 And Charles Simeon exercised 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:07.720 the most remarkable ministry for 15 years. 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:11.400 He saw many young men and women converted. 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:14.079 And one of those young men, 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:15.140 one of the students in Cambridge, 00:22:15.220 --> 00:22:16.140 was a brilliant linguist 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:17.140 by the name of Henry Martin. 00:22:17.140 --> 00:22:20.560 And Henry Martin had a wonderful career 00:22:20.560 --> 00:22:21.720 ahead of him as a linguist. 00:22:21.780 --> 00:22:22.880 But when he came to Christ, 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:24.020 he turned his back on that. 00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:26.200 And he went to India and Persia 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:27.280 to modern day Iran. 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:30.080 And he began to translate the scriptures 00:22:30.080 --> 00:22:31.020 into their language. 00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:32.900 And at the age of 31, 00:22:33.040 --> 00:22:34.280 Henry Martin went to Turkey. 00:22:35.080 --> 00:22:35.740 And he died. 00:22:37.020 --> 00:22:38.200 At the age of 31. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.520 Charles Simeon 00:22:41.520 --> 00:22:44.140 had placed in his drawing room 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:45.540 a portrait of Henry Martin, 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:46.320 his old curate. 00:22:48.100 --> 00:22:48.980 Henry Martin said, 00:22:49.060 --> 00:22:50.100 and Charles Simeon said, 00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:51.880 every day I would walk past 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:53.080 Henry Martin's portrait. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:54.680 I would stop. 00:22:55.800 --> 00:22:56.920 And I would look at the face 00:22:56.920 --> 00:22:58.100 of the painted Henry Martin 00:22:58.100 --> 00:22:59.300 and he would say to me, 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.400 be serious. 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.720 Be earnest. 00:23:02.580 --> 00:23:03.460 Don't trifle. 00:23:04.560 --> 00:23:05.560 I won't trifle. 00:23:06.560 --> 00:23:07.940 That's living for the day. 00:23:09.620 --> 00:23:10.759 Be serious. 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.780 Be earnest. 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:14.920 Don't trifle. 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:17.200 I won't trifle. 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.639 Simeon and Anna 00:23:19.639 --> 00:23:20.460 were expected 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:21.799 waiters for the day. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.220 And so Advent 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:24.859 has come as it 00:23:24.859 --> 00:23:25.940 with all its fun 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:28.019 and with all its joy. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.339 And we should be full of joy. 00:23:30.519 --> 00:23:31.359 But through it all, 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:32.180 the second Advent 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:33.019 is coming. 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:37.339 Frank Ratif 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:38.440 was a minister 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.799 in St. James's 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.359 Kenilworth 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:41.819 in South Africa. 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.799 And in 1993, 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:44.700 four men 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.480 broke into 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.279 St. James's 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:46.720 Kenilworth 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.660 in the evening service. 00:23:48.619 --> 00:23:49.500 They took with them 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.460 automatic weapons 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:51.980 and they killed 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.960 11 members 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.839 of the congregation 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.720 in Cape Town. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:57.099 There were 58 people 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:57.960 in that church family 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.379 wounded 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:59.160 as a result 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:00.119 of that breaking. 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:02.739 And Frank Ratif 00:24:02.739 --> 00:24:02.979 says, 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:03.659 as a result of that 00:24:03.659 --> 00:24:04.299 I formulated 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.359 my five minute rule. 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:07.699 And Frank Ratif's 00:24:07.699 --> 00:24:08.339 five minute rule, 00:24:08.419 --> 00:24:09.039 he was the minister 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:09.859 of that church, 00:24:09.939 --> 00:24:10.279 he said, 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.519 whatever is causing me 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:13.000 anxiety and worry 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:14.139 right now, 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:15.759 well I imagine 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.699 I was going to die 00:24:16.699 --> 00:24:17.299 and go to heaven 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:18.019 in five minutes. 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.259 Or the Lord Jesus 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:19.979 was to come again 00:24:19.979 --> 00:24:20.679 in five minutes. 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:22.479 He says, 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.359 how does that issue 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:24.059 look now 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:25.500 in the light of my death 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.899 or Jesus coming again? 00:24:28.939 --> 00:24:29.579 Frank Ratif 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:29.879 said, 00:24:29.880 --> 00:24:30.520 he formulated 00:24:30.520 --> 00:24:31.380 the five minute rule 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:33.080 not to live for now 00:24:33.080 --> 00:24:34.680 but to live in the light 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:35.460 of the imminence 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.040 of eternity. 00:24:37.820 --> 00:24:38.540 And that's how 00:24:38.540 --> 00:24:39.520 Simeon and Anna lived. 00:24:41.800 --> 00:24:43.000 Looking every day, 00:24:44.440 --> 00:24:45.620 I am a promise. 00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:47.800 84 years old 00:24:47.800 --> 00:24:48.940 but he did not lose 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:50.400 that sense of expectation. 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:51.200 What about you? 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.800 Will you live today 00:24:53.800 --> 00:24:55.340 by the five minute rule? 00:24:56.540 --> 00:24:57.060 He is coming. 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:59.419 And it could be 00:24:59.419 --> 00:25:00.259 at any moment. 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:03.919 And so does, 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:04.599 how does that 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:06.179 which is causing you 00:25:06.179 --> 00:25:07.480 so much anxiety 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.099 now, 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:08.980 how does that look 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.379 in the light 00:25:09.379 --> 00:25:10.079 of his return? 00:25:12.339 --> 00:25:13.039 Simeon and Anna, 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:14.419 our model, 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.679 our examples, 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.179 our pattern, 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:21.539 our mentors, 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:21.539 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:24.519 be serious, 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:26.660 be earnest, 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:28.620 don't trifle, 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.460 I won't trifle. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:31.900 Let's pray.