WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:25.320 Some words are the last words you want to hear. Back to school, flat battery, bedtime, or the ones that I've used quite a lot. Party? What party? The worst though are the words that come between friends growing apart. 00:00:26.500 --> 00:00:28.740 ! Words that bring separation. 00:00:28.739 --> 00:00:35.879 They can be so upsetting, can't they? So final. Goodbye. It's not you, it's me. 00:00:37.420 --> 00:00:43.780 Well surely in this passage this morning are the most awful separation words. 00:00:44.859 --> 00:00:50.519 The words of the bridegroom, the words of Jesus to some knocking at his door. 00:00:51.299 --> 00:00:52.780 Verse 12. 00:00:53.959 --> 00:00:56.119 I do not know you. 00:00:56.119 --> 00:01:04.439 Jesus warns those words that bring closure will be said one day. 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:07.459 Make sure you're not the one hearing them. 00:01:07.459 --> 00:01:15.119 This discussion in Matthew 24, 25, began in Matthew 24 in verse 3. 00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:26.180 As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately saying, tell us when will these things be and what will be the sign of the close of the age? 00:01:26.320 --> 00:01:31.080 When will the Lord Jesus return? What will happen at the end of the world? 00:01:31.939 --> 00:01:34.180 And this is part of Jesus' answer. 00:01:35.180 --> 00:01:37.800 This will be what will happen at the end of the age. 00:01:37.799 --> 00:01:41.459 This might not be how you see things now. 00:01:42.379 --> 00:01:43.379 But verse 1. 00:01:43.539 --> 00:01:46.579 The kingdom of heaven will be like this. 00:01:47.579 --> 00:01:49.939 This will be what happens in the future. 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:55.000 This story of ten virgins and a bridegroom. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:02:01.420 Jesus returns a moment of reckoning for everyone. 00:02:02.420 --> 00:02:04.540 And he will speak words. 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:08.120 Words of welcome or of separation. 00:02:08.979 --> 00:02:10.340 A legal verdict. 00:02:11.379 --> 00:02:16.300 But not just a kind of cold distribution of mercy or of grace. 00:02:17.300 --> 00:02:19.020 But a personal moment. 00:02:19.020 --> 00:02:24.980 The relational crossroads between you and Jesus. 00:02:26.260 --> 00:02:29.439 Jesus illustrates it with a social occasion. 00:02:29.980 --> 00:02:32.780 Of recognising and embracing. 00:02:33.540 --> 00:02:34.740 Or of distancing. 00:02:35.700 --> 00:02:37.860 Of familiarity and friendship. 00:02:38.439 --> 00:02:40.740 Or forgetting and forsaking. 00:02:41.800 --> 00:02:46.320 Of joyful welcome or a closure of a relationship. 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:50.319 And your experience of him then in that moment. 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:54.500 Closeness or estrangement. 00:02:55.259 --> 00:02:58.939 Will depend on how you see him and treat him today. 00:03:00.359 --> 00:03:02.299 Let's crack open this story. 00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:05.079 What will happen at the end of the age? 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:08.780 Firstly the kingdom of heaven will be a delight. 00:03:09.599 --> 00:03:11.919 The kingdom of heaven will be a delight. 00:03:11.919 --> 00:03:16.339 It will be like ten virgins who took their lamps. 00:03:16.559 --> 00:03:18.219 And went to meet the bridegroom. 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:19.060 Jesus says. 00:03:19.379 --> 00:03:20.679 It's a simple picture. 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:22.579 It's a delightful picture. 00:03:23.579 --> 00:03:26.019 It's great being invited to weddings isn't it? 00:03:26.039 --> 00:03:28.879 When you get the posh card in the post. 00:03:29.399 --> 00:03:30.799 And your names are on it. 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:32.719 It's done so well. 00:03:32.839 --> 00:03:34.619 And you feel really special don't you? 00:03:34.659 --> 00:03:35.639 You feel wanted. 00:03:35.799 --> 00:03:36.759 And when you get there. 00:03:36.899 --> 00:03:41.419 You look for your name on the reception table layout board thing. 00:03:41.419 --> 00:03:43.699 And oh I'm on table number two. 00:03:44.359 --> 00:03:45.759 I'm with the family. 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:46.939 How delightful. 00:03:47.699 --> 00:03:48.459 There's food. 00:03:48.639 --> 00:03:49.239 There's fun. 00:03:49.679 --> 00:03:50.500 There's friendship. 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:54.639 And it was even more so in Jesus' day. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:58.459 Weddings would have been the social highlights of the calendar. 00:03:59.239 --> 00:04:01.479 And it's this image Jesus chooses. 00:04:02.679 --> 00:04:08.839 Jesus' return will be a delightful grand social occasion. 00:04:08.840 --> 00:04:11.960 There will be individuals in heaven. 00:04:11.960 --> 00:04:14.400 With our personalities and characteristics. 00:04:14.819 --> 00:04:17.540 As there are individuals in church. 00:04:18.280 --> 00:04:20.379 We don't all think exactly the same. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:22.340 We don't all dress the same. 00:04:22.800 --> 00:04:24.439 Or act exactly the same. 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:25.800 That is a cult. 00:04:26.780 --> 00:04:28.000 We are individuals. 00:04:28.579 --> 00:04:31.360 And yet there is no individualism. 00:04:32.139 --> 00:04:32.660 In heaven. 00:04:32.660 --> 00:04:36.160 Jesus says heaven will be like a wedding. 00:04:36.840 --> 00:04:38.560 Not an internet cafe. 00:04:39.020 --> 00:04:40.660 With each of us in our own little booths. 00:04:41.700 --> 00:04:42.900 In our own worlds. 00:04:43.480 --> 00:04:46.860 Or a London tube train where no one makes eye contact. 00:04:47.900 --> 00:04:50.840 It will be the ultimate social occasion. 00:04:52.020 --> 00:04:55.440 Heaven will be a place of relationships blooming. 00:04:55.439 --> 00:04:57.540 A place of reception. 00:04:58.560 --> 00:04:59.800 Of being together. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:00.839 Of community. 00:05:02.120 --> 00:05:05.540 And these girls in the story have VIP invitations. 00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:06.680 Privileged. 00:05:07.100 --> 00:05:11.319 To light the way with their torches for the bridegroom. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:17.120 It's been said that loneliness is the ultimate poverty. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:19.600 And there is an epidemic. 00:05:19.879 --> 00:05:21.079 There is a disease. 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:22.759 In London especially. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:25.319 And the disease is loneliness. 00:05:25.879 --> 00:05:26.639 For so many. 00:05:27.839 --> 00:05:30.980 We often think that the problem is lack of community. 00:05:31.659 --> 00:05:33.939 Or lack of people in our lives. 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:37.120 But you can be surrounded with people and still feel lonely. 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:41.879 You can be surrounded with people and crave alone time. 00:05:43.420 --> 00:05:46.079 It's perhaps less about the absence of people. 00:05:46.199 --> 00:05:49.240 And more about the presence of sin in relationships. 00:05:49.860 --> 00:05:52.459 The presence of mistrust. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:54.120 Of pride. 00:05:54.599 --> 00:05:56.459 Of focus on self. 00:05:57.659 --> 00:06:01.279 And we need a friend who will love us. 00:06:01.920 --> 00:06:04.099 And accept us for who we are. 00:06:04.500 --> 00:06:06.680 And change us to make us right. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:09.079 Who will be the ultimate host. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:12.500 The ultimate maker of friends. 00:06:12.500 --> 00:06:15.459 And here is Jesus. 00:06:15.459 --> 00:06:15.660 And here is Jesus. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:17.980 Saying that in my kingdom. 00:06:18.199 --> 00:06:21.740 There is the delight that we all crave. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:23.720 Of true togetherness. 00:06:23.839 --> 00:06:25.279 Of real community. 00:06:25.779 --> 00:06:28.100 Of feasting and fellowshipping together. 00:06:28.660 --> 00:06:32.759 He is the orchestrator of the great gathering. 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:36.519 Bringing together people from all backgrounds. 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:38.539 And all nations and languages. 00:06:39.639 --> 00:06:43.000 It's the delight we get a taste of in church. 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:43.560 Isn't it? 00:06:44.120 --> 00:06:46.359 As we enjoy fellowship together. 00:06:46.359 --> 00:06:49.039 And that moment will come. 00:06:49.159 --> 00:06:49.959 Jesus says. 00:06:50.359 --> 00:06:51.979 In all of its delight. 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:52.140 God. 00:06:53.819 --> 00:06:56.200 Just look around you for a moment this morning. 00:06:56.340 --> 00:06:59.640 These are the people that you will spend eternity with. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:01.420 Does that sound good? 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:02.400 Don't answer that. 00:07:02.399 --> 00:07:06.979 But this wedding feast will not be like the parties. 00:07:06.979 --> 00:07:09.459 That we sometimes have to endure. 00:07:10.179 --> 00:07:10.739 Today. 00:07:11.859 --> 00:07:14.939 You can feel very lonely at a party. 00:07:14.939 --> 00:07:15.679 Can't you? 00:07:16.459 --> 00:07:18.379 But there will be no pretense. 00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:19.539 No grudges. 00:07:19.719 --> 00:07:20.739 Or hidden agendas. 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:22.799 All forgiven. 00:07:23.539 --> 00:07:25.079 And forgiving one another. 00:07:25.979 --> 00:07:27.899 That's what we have in the church. 00:07:28.019 --> 00:07:30.579 And it's a taste of this great wedding feast. 00:07:30.579 --> 00:07:32.579 Just pure friendship. 00:07:33.599 --> 00:07:34.620 With Jesus. 00:07:34.779 --> 00:07:35.379 The host. 00:07:35.519 --> 00:07:36.479 At the centre. 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:38.479 Bringing everyone together. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.439 This is the delight. 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:43.620 Of his return. 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:47.719 But whilst there is delight here. 00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:49.159 A problem comes. 00:07:49.439 --> 00:07:52.459 Because that delight seems a long way off. 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:53.139 Doesn't it? 00:07:53.799 --> 00:07:56.680 We don't feel that delight fully yet. 00:07:56.719 --> 00:07:57.740 All of the time. 00:07:57.740 --> 00:08:01.480 There is delight in the kingdom of heaven. 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:02.280 But secondly. 00:08:02.819 --> 00:08:04.980 The kingdom of heaven will be delayed. 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:07.840 The kingdom of heaven will be delayed. 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:09.259 Now in the story. 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:11.620 See what happens because of a delay. 00:08:12.600 --> 00:08:14.780 There are two sets of virgins aren't there? 00:08:15.259 --> 00:08:16.220 Young girls. 00:08:16.379 --> 00:08:18.319 And one set of girls. 00:08:18.699 --> 00:08:21.000 Takes no extra oil with them. 00:08:22.040 --> 00:08:22.759 They're thinking. 00:08:23.199 --> 00:08:24.600 It's going to happen. 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:26.120 Soon. 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:28.980 It won't be long until tonight. 00:08:29.079 --> 00:08:29.620 They say. 00:08:29.840 --> 00:08:31.800 We've only got to wait a couple of hours. 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:32.480 Till tonight. 00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:34.779 Then we'll be enjoying the delight. 00:08:35.060 --> 00:08:36.360 We'll be enjoying ourselves. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:38.060 But just look at verse 5. 00:08:39.539 --> 00:08:41.980 As the bridegroom was delayed. 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:45.200 They all became drowsy and slept. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:47.019 In their minds. 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:50.379 The wedding feast was due to start at 7.30. 00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:52.440 And they're looking at their watches. 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:53.879 And it's nine o'clock. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:56.019 And he hasn't turned up yet. 00:08:56.960 --> 00:08:58.700 No one knows where he is. 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:01.200 So they doze off into the night. 00:09:01.779 --> 00:09:04.639 The delay catches some of them off guard. 00:09:05.340 --> 00:09:08.240 Now notice it wasn't the fact that the bridegroom came. 00:09:08.299 --> 00:09:08.580 Was it? 00:09:08.620 --> 00:09:10.299 They were all expecting him to come. 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:13.159 But that he delayed in coming. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:17.399 The first set of virgins weren't expecting the delay. 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:19.460 They hadn't prepared for that. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:21.420 So they've run out of oil. 00:09:21.540 --> 00:09:22.340 They're not ready. 00:09:23.500 --> 00:09:25.060 This is the warning of the passage. 00:09:25.660 --> 00:09:28.400 It is be prepared for Jesus' return. 00:09:28.580 --> 00:09:29.000 Yes. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:32.740 But more so be prepared for the delay of his return. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:35.000 The disciples. 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:37.580 Matthew had to get their heads around that. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:39.440 Matthew as he writes this gospel. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:42.120 Is perhaps feeling that. 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:44.379 A few years after Jesus has ascended. 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:46.200 He said he would return. 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:47.600 But where is he? 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:49.820 Be delighted. 00:09:50.080 --> 00:09:50.460 Yes. 00:09:51.160 --> 00:09:54.600 But prepare yourself for the delay of my coming. 00:09:55.320 --> 00:09:59.160 And your delight in me will be tested by the delay. 00:10:00.660 --> 00:10:03.360 There's a great story of a husband and a wife. 00:10:03.780 --> 00:10:04.160 Who were. 00:10:05.040 --> 00:10:06.220 An American couple. 00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:08.620 Who were separated for 26 years. 00:10:09.780 --> 00:10:12.000 The husband was falsely in prison. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:15.820 For committing a crime he didn't commit. 00:10:16.259 --> 00:10:17.559 For 26 years. 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:20.159 Now many would have given up on the marriage. 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:20.799 Wouldn't they? 00:10:21.559 --> 00:10:24.360 But wonderfully both of them waited for the other. 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:27.299 On his arm in the jail. 00:10:27.399 --> 00:10:28.820 He had a tattoo done. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:34.299 Which listed the days until the moment he was reunited with his wife. 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:36.179 26 years. 00:10:36.740 --> 00:10:37.740 11 months. 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.019 4 days. 00:10:39.319 --> 00:10:40.339 20 hours. 00:10:40.839 --> 00:10:42.079 26 minutes. 00:10:42.539 --> 00:10:43.419 8 seconds. 00:10:45.179 --> 00:10:49.599 The separation for that couple only proved their love. 00:10:50.699 --> 00:10:52.019 As someone once said. 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:56.479 Homecoming means coming home to what is in your heart. 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:58.500 And what was in their heart. 00:10:58.659 --> 00:11:00.019 It was the other person. 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:03.179 And the separation confirmed that. 00:11:03.179 --> 00:11:08.939 The delay of reuniting showed what was truly in their hearts. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:12.759 He would say to her as she visited him in the prison. 00:11:12.919 --> 00:11:14.299 Just go somewhere else. 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.639 This is no kind of marriage for you. 00:11:16.819 --> 00:11:18.859 I'll give you a divorce if you want. 00:11:19.839 --> 00:11:21.719 But on his return she said. 00:11:21.799 --> 00:11:23.179 No I never gave up. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:26.399 All I ever wanted was for him to come home. 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:31.059 And so the delay tested their delight in one another. 00:11:31.059 --> 00:11:34.099 She didn't just want his money. 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:35.879 Or his things. 00:11:36.319 --> 00:11:37.419 Or his blessing. 00:11:37.819 --> 00:11:39.099 She wanted him. 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:43.059 As they parted she didn't bid him adieu. 00:11:43.699 --> 00:11:45.519 But bid him return. 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:48.959 The delay will test the virgins. 00:11:49.179 --> 00:11:51.639 The delay will expose their feelings. 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:54.419 Their hearts will be exposed. 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:58.620 And isn't it true that the longer the delay for something. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:01.159 The greater the surprise when it happens. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:05.159 You haven't heard from the dentist in a long time. 00:12:06.600 --> 00:12:08.879 Subconsciously you start to slacken off don't you. 00:12:08.919 --> 00:12:10.399 A few more sweets and biscuits. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:13.579 When something is postponed. 00:12:14.220 --> 00:12:16.860 We almost automatically think don't we. 00:12:16.959 --> 00:12:17.699 It's cancelled. 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:21.179 And these virgins are delayed. 00:12:22.079 --> 00:12:24.259 The bridegroom is more than fashionably late. 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:25.459 He's severely delayed. 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:28.100 The delay is unexpectedly long. 00:12:28.759 --> 00:12:30.579 And those who get caught napping. 00:12:30.699 --> 00:12:34.439 Are the ones who stop believing he was ever going to return. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:38.100 They thought Jesus' return was cancelled. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:40.820 And here we are. 00:12:40.920 --> 00:12:43.520 Two thousand years on from Jesus' ascension. 00:12:43.660 --> 00:12:44.980 He said he would return. 00:12:45.100 --> 00:12:46.380 But where is he? 00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:49.520 Perhaps a few hundred years ago. 00:12:49.640 --> 00:12:52.000 People were expecting it in this country. 00:12:52.920 --> 00:12:55.900 But the delay has been unexpectedly long. 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:57.960 And the longer the delay. 00:12:58.100 --> 00:12:59.240 The greater the surprise. 00:13:00.340 --> 00:13:02.820 And our delight will be tested by the delay. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:07.440 And the urgency has worn off for some of us. 00:13:08.160 --> 00:13:09.280 It's been postponed. 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:11.040 And so we think it's cancelled. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:13.140 He's been delayed. 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:15.560 And you've lost your patience. 00:13:16.400 --> 00:13:20.500 Perhaps you're thinking actually you know I can start a friendship with Jesus later. 00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:23.020 I can ask his forgiveness later. 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:24.800 Even on my deathbed. 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:25.740 I'll do it then. 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:27.600 I'll want him then. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:30.060 But you don't know that. 00:13:30.059 --> 00:13:33.599 You don't know if you'll have the capacity or the faith. 00:13:34.479 --> 00:13:36.239 You don't know when that will happen. 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:42.319 The story goes of the famous German World War I pirate pilot. 00:13:42.479 --> 00:13:44.000 They called him the Red Baron. 00:13:44.199 --> 00:13:47.619 Because he flew in a red aeroplane. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:54.000 And he shot down more aircraft than anyone on either side of the war in World War I. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:58.960 But in April 1918 he began chasing a Canadian plane. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:02.740 And in pursuit he strayed into enemy lines. 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:06.299 He dived too low into the enemy lines. 00:14:06.440 --> 00:14:11.899 And missed another allied pilot coming up on his tail to help his comrade. 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:15.919 Now we don't know what happened to the Red Baron exactly. 00:14:16.480 --> 00:14:20.819 But one report at the time said the Red Baron came to his end. 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:26.779 He had gone too long, too far and too low into enemy territory. 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:31.720 And maybe that's you this morning with Jesus. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:38.139 You've been going too long, too low and too far into enemy territory. 00:14:39.339 --> 00:14:43.379 And the delay today is showing what is in your heart. 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:46.899 It's showing where you really stand with him. 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:48.939 And you're being tested by the delay. 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:51.220 And you're playing with Jesus. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:56.660 You want to prolong the separation that is between you. 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:59.399 Hoping to make a last minute adjustment. 00:15:00.820 --> 00:15:03.860 But the longer the delay, the greater the surprise. 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:07.420 So why is all of this important? 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:09.240 The delight, the delay. 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:12.519 Thirdly, in the kingdom of heaven there will be a division. 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.320 There will be a division. 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:19.580 And if you look at the passage, Jesus has already alluded to what is going to happen. 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:21.300 Right from verse 2, hasn't he? 00:15:21.800 --> 00:15:24.160 He splits these virgins up. 00:15:24.259 --> 00:15:25.440 Five of them were wise. 00:15:25.900 --> 00:15:27.240 Five of them were foolish. 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:31.540 There are signs of division already in the story. 00:15:32.440 --> 00:15:36.560 But when the bridegroom returns unexpectedly after the delay. 00:15:36.700 --> 00:15:38.680 The division is made clear. 00:15:38.820 --> 00:15:39.879 And it's made public. 00:15:41.020 --> 00:15:44.320 There's a panic in verse 7 and 8. 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:48.960 One set of virgins get up, trim their lamps. 00:15:49.300 --> 00:15:51.320 And they're suddenly divided. 00:15:52.540 --> 00:15:55.820 There's pleading from one side of the room to the other. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:58.440 Some of the lamps are running on fumes. 00:15:58.580 --> 00:16:02.360 It's like batteries in a torch when they run out, isn't it? 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:05.379 And it's moments before they go out. 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:07.720 And they shout, give us some of your oil. 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:10.380 Give us some of your spare batteries. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:13.519 It's one of those slow motion moments. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:15.799 They're fumbling around. 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.939 They've had all this time to get ready. 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:20.659 And you know, I'm always doing this. 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:22.580 They've had all this time to get ready. 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:26.000 But the longer the delay, the more likely the surprise. 00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:28.820 And something crops up and you're late. 00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:31.460 They're messing around. 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:37.800 And in the meantime, those who are ready, it says, went in with him to the marriage feast. 00:16:37.920 --> 00:16:38.980 And the door was shut. 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:41.220 The others get back. 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:43.600 They speak to the bouncers on the door. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.320 They beg the bridegroom. 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:47.740 They give him a sob story about the lamps. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.460 They're locked out though. 00:16:51.420 --> 00:16:52.220 It's serious. 00:16:52.220 --> 00:16:55.120 Jesus' return. 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:58.300 Heaven will not be an all-inclusive party. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:03.580 He will not let all and sundry into his party, into his wedding feast. 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:05.400 And what kind of host does that? 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:09.039 No one wants gate crashes, do they? 00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:12.259 People who shouldn't be there. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:15.200 And they hear those words, 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:18.039 Truly I say to you, I do not know you. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:22.920 This is Jesus closing down the relationship. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:26.799 He's not saying, I never knew you. 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:29.839 He's not saying, we've never been introduced. 00:17:31.159 --> 00:17:32.839 He's saying, goodbye. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.839 It's over. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:39.579 This delay has shown who you really are. 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.180 Gate crashes. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:47.720 They have shown themselves to be charlatans with no real relationship to the host. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:50.799 And the host says, I don't know you. 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:54.599 Truly I don't know you, he says. 00:17:54.639 --> 00:17:56.619 It's a judicial statement. 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.480 It's a sentence. 00:17:59.819 --> 00:18:01.799 It's his verdict upon them. 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:06.359 Now they call him Lord, Lord, don't they? 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:08.819 They know the right things to say. 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:12.220 And perhaps they call themselves Christians even. 00:18:12.659 --> 00:18:14.000 Maybe they go to church. 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:15.680 But when it comes down to it, 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:18.279 they haven't got that relationship. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:23.600 Their actions don't match the privileges that they've received. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.860 They've been invited. 00:18:25.380 --> 00:18:26.799 They've got the golden ticket. 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:33.620 But they haven't invested in a life of waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:38.019 And once he comes, nobody else can sort them out. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:40.660 They ask for oil from the others. 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:44.819 But they can't get into the party on the back of others. 00:18:46.180 --> 00:18:47.599 Their family's faith. 00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:49.099 Or the pastor's faith. 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:51.180 Or anybody else can get them in. 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.779 Luther said, 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:56.559 there are two things that man must do alone. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:59.099 His believing and his dying. 00:19:00.299 --> 00:19:01.879 His believing and his dying. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:04.760 And it's our own responsibility. 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:08.900 And these foolish virgins haven't thought it through for themselves. 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:10.820 They were delighted at first. 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:13.860 But their delight is tested by the delay. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:15.640 And there is division. 00:19:16.580 --> 00:19:18.400 The party goes on without them. 00:19:20.340 --> 00:19:21.940 Jesus is saying here, isn't he? 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:25.340 I won't give you a kind of sign at the end. 00:19:25.560 --> 00:19:26.940 Or just before the end. 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:31.680 There will be no last minute turning over a new leaf. 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:36.160 Prompted by a warning sign from me just before I come back. 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:40.259 No, what I'm asking for is a life of constant readiness. 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:42.600 Of waiting for me. 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:46.539 That cannot be done with a last minute adjustment. 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:50.039 I don't know to believe this. 00:19:50.120 --> 00:19:54.680 But statistically, it's said that you're far less likely to become a Christian. 00:19:54.680 --> 00:19:57.440 To come to Christ after the age of 50. 00:19:58.700 --> 00:20:01.060 A man came to a minister once and said, 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:02.539 I want to become a Christian. 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:03.960 Why? 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:05.940 The minister replied, 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.960 I'm 50 tomorrow. 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:08.980 He said. 00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:11.740 So when the time comes, 00:20:11.820 --> 00:20:14.360 there will be those of us in this room now 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:15.900 who will be ready. 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:19.100 Having delight in the return of Jesus. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:20.580 Looking forward to it. 00:20:21.380 --> 00:20:24.240 Coming home to what's in your heart. 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:29.539 Is it a bad thing that Jesus delays his return? 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:32.860 That he isn't here in body now? 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.779 Whilst he is in spirit? 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:37.900 Well, yes and no. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:41.539 We want him to return and to return quickly. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.539 Jesus tells us to pray for that. 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:46.600 So that justice will be done in this world. 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:48.480 We long for that delight. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:52.019 Of that wedding feast of fellowship with him and one another. 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:55.519 But we know that when he does return, 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:56.819 there will be division. 00:20:57.819 --> 00:20:59.240 So at the same time, 00:20:59.339 --> 00:21:01.279 we are glad that he has delayed. 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:03.759 For the sake of our work colleagues. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:06.460 For the sake of our family who don't know him. 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:08.140 For our own sakes. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:10.019 We're glad that he's delayed. 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.980 And he still does. 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:17.039 His delay is not a sign of forgetfulness or of slackness. 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:18.960 But of mercy. 00:21:20.640 --> 00:21:22.039 There will be division. 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:25.360 One side of the room and a frenzy of panic. 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.380 And the other ready. 00:21:26.579 --> 00:21:27.380 And the question is, 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:29.200 which side of the room will you be on? 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:37.319 Perhaps there is something in your life that is causing you to lose patience. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:40.759 Waiting for Jesus' return. 00:21:41.120 --> 00:21:42.740 Or compromising in some way. 00:21:42.840 --> 00:21:43.880 We are all sinners. 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:46.600 We're not saying that we should be perfect. 00:21:47.160 --> 00:21:48.080 This side of heaven. 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:53.200 But perhaps we've stopped believing that he will ever return. 00:21:54.360 --> 00:21:57.360 Or perhaps we've been coming to church week after week. 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.140 Even for years. 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:59.920 And this morning your heart. 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.500 If you're honest. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:05.540 You know that you're not really living in relationship with Jesus. 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:10.340 Well Jesus comes to us, doesn't he? 00:22:10.880 --> 00:22:12.400 Before his return. 00:22:12.560 --> 00:22:14.000 He comes to us now. 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.820 In his word. 00:22:16.820 --> 00:22:17.600 And he says, 00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:19.980 If you're a gate crusher this morning. 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.840 It is not too late. 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:26.000 It is not too late to get to know me. 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:27.640 Before I return. 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:29.360 And to meet me today. 00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:31.500 So that when I do return. 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:34.440 You will become welcome at my marriage feast. 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:36.240 I long to welcome you. 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:39.660 And if we have come to know the Lord Jesus. 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:41.780 Patiently waiting for him. 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:43.279 Well we can be ready. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:45.399 To go in with him. 00:22:45.399 --> 00:22:49.200 Because that is the Christian life after all. 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:49.660 Isn't it? 00:22:50.099 --> 00:22:52.180 It is to long for his return. 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:53.299 To wait for him. 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:56.200 It is to tattoo on our arms. 00:22:56.920 --> 00:22:57.879 The years. 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:58.839 The months. 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.960 The days. 00:23:00.119 --> 00:23:02.440 The very moment of his return. 00:23:03.259 --> 00:23:04.639 To long for it. 00:23:04.640 --> 00:23:07.240 That is why the Bible ends with those words. 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:09.140 Come Lord Jesus. 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:12.280 And as we wait for his return. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:14.160 We have not bid him adieu. 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:16.340 But we have bid him return. 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:16.539 Amen. 00:23:18.659 --> 00:23:20.919 As he sat on the Mount of Olives. 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:23.399 The disciples came to him privately saying. 00:23:23.899 --> 00:23:25.599 Tell us when will these things be. 00:23:25.679 --> 00:23:28.039 And what will be the sign of the close of the age. 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:29.759 He replied. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:32.519 The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins. 00:23:32.679 --> 00:23:33.740 Who took their lamps. 00:23:33.879 --> 00:23:35.399 And went to meet the bridegroom. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.639 Five of them were wise. 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:39.159 And five of them were foolish. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.199 Watch therefore. 00:23:41.399 --> 00:23:43.059 For you know neither the day. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.899 Nor the hour. 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:45.780 Let's pray together.