WEBVTT 00:00:00.900 --> 00:00:08.700 My name is James, I'm one of the pastors here, and it is good to be with you here today on Good Friday at St. Paul's. 00:00:09.140 --> 00:00:18.199 Over the last few weeks of isolation, I've seen my kids miss out on spending time with their friends at school. 00:00:18.679 --> 00:00:23.039 And it's made me think about the influence that their friends have on them. 00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:30.339 So my oldest son, Isaac, he comes home saying different words that I've never heard before. 00:00:30.500 --> 00:00:32.659 His most recent one is, us. 00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:35.379 And I don't really understand it. 00:00:36.039 --> 00:00:40.659 I think it means good or great, but I'm still trying to figure that one out. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:45.159 It was a couple of months ago, he came home asking for a Rubik's Cube. 00:00:46.039 --> 00:00:52.359 So we got him a Rubik's Cube, and now I'm still trying to figure it out so I can teach Isaac how to do the Rubik's Cube. 00:00:53.039 --> 00:00:59.379 But the things that Isaac's friends love, Isaac begins to love. 00:00:59.820 --> 00:01:05.780 The way that they behave and speak, he begins to behave and speak. 00:01:06.599 --> 00:01:08.400 And this is the same for all of us. 00:01:09.299 --> 00:01:16.840 The story of our lives is marked by people that have shaped us and had influence on us. 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:22.480 I remember asking a friend back in the early 2000s what music I should buy. 00:01:22.620 --> 00:01:23.700 You know, Christmas was coming up. 00:01:23.740 --> 00:01:24.799 What albums should I get? 00:01:25.400 --> 00:01:28.560 And one of the bands, I still listen to them today. 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:31.939 They continue to influence the music that I listen to. 00:01:33.600 --> 00:01:36.159 Who are the people that have influenced you most? 00:01:36.219 --> 00:01:39.480 Who are the people that have shaped your life the most? 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:47.219 You might think of people that have had a negative impact upon you as well as positive. 00:01:48.359 --> 00:01:52.540 Some people may have tried to influence you away from following God, 00:01:52.659 --> 00:01:58.320 or some people might be influencing you to grow as a disciple following Jesus. 00:01:58.319 --> 00:02:04.099 The people that we love and are loved by shape our lives, 00:02:04.239 --> 00:02:06.939 and they mark the story of our lives. 00:02:08.219 --> 00:02:09.979 Today is Good Friday. 00:02:10.459 --> 00:02:13.900 It might not feel particularly good at the moment. 00:02:14.859 --> 00:02:20.060 Usually it can feel a little more special in this country because we have public holidays. 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:24.039 And our country stops for this weekend. 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:28.479 But at the moment, with the whole nation on lockdown, 00:02:28.939 --> 00:02:32.340 it doesn't feel particularly good at the moment. 00:02:33.120 --> 00:02:37.080 But today, as we step into the story of Easter, 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:42.259 we see Jesus, even as he is heading to the cross, 00:02:42.939 --> 00:02:44.599 shaping people's lives. 00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:50.699 And we see the good that Jesus brings us because of his death and resurrection. 00:02:51.579 --> 00:02:54.659 Today, as we step into this story of Easter, 00:02:55.340 --> 00:03:01.900 it is a good time for us to consider how much of our lives has been influenced and shaped by Jesus. 00:03:02.819 --> 00:03:05.319 How much have we allowed the story of Easter, 00:03:05.799 --> 00:03:08.680 Jesus' death and resurrection, be our story? 00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:13.939 Of death to ourself and life because of Jesus. 00:03:14.599 --> 00:03:17.979 So as we look at God's word today, let me pray for us. 00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:20.079 Dear Heavenly Father, 00:03:20.079 --> 00:03:28.900 I thank you indeed for this time to stop and reflect and reconsider all that you did for us 00:03:28.900 --> 00:03:32.500 in Jesus' death on the cross all those years ago. 00:03:32.900 --> 00:03:33.620 Heavenly Father, 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:38.859 it has shaped human history and it continues to shape our lives today. 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:41.879 Be with us as we look at your word, 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:51.319 that we would allow your story of Jesus' death and resurrection to be our story and to be shaped by it, Lord. 00:03:51.699 --> 00:03:52.120 Amen. 00:03:53.079 --> 00:03:55.659 We are in the book of Luke. 00:03:56.719 --> 00:03:59.000 And as was read for us, 00:03:59.139 --> 00:04:02.379 Jesus has been found guilty by Pilate. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:05.599 And he is on his way to be crucified. 00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:08.699 And as he is on his way, 00:04:08.759 --> 00:04:12.740 he is confronted by a group of women wailing for him. 00:04:13.079 --> 00:04:16.779 Have a look at verse 27 of chapter 23 with me. 00:04:16.779 --> 00:04:20.039 A large number of people followed him, 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:23.379 including women who mourned and wailed for him. 00:04:24.259 --> 00:04:25.859 Jesus turned and said to them, 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:27.599 daughters of Jerusalem, 00:04:28.539 --> 00:04:29.699 do not weep for me, 00:04:29.859 --> 00:04:32.379 weep for yourselves and for your children. 00:04:33.059 --> 00:04:34.879 For the time will come when you will say, 00:04:35.239 --> 00:04:36.899 blessed are the childless women, 00:04:37.259 --> 00:04:40.639 the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed. 00:04:40.639 --> 00:04:45.120 Even as Jesus is being led to his death, 00:04:45.459 --> 00:04:48.399 he is trying to warn people of the coming judgment. 00:04:49.539 --> 00:04:51.219 Things will be so bad, 00:04:51.860 --> 00:04:54.719 it would be better if you didn't have children. 00:04:55.419 --> 00:04:57.079 But for Jesus to say this, 00:04:57.159 --> 00:04:59.599 something drastic must be about to happen. 00:04:59.879 --> 00:05:03.560 Because it was considered a curse to not have children. 00:05:03.560 --> 00:05:08.519 So it is like Jesus saying that it would better be to be cursed 00:05:08.519 --> 00:05:13.939 than blessed because of the coming judgment upon Israel. 00:05:15.019 --> 00:05:18.699 Jesus had been warning people all throughout his ministry. 00:05:19.360 --> 00:05:22.060 If you don't turn and follow God, 00:05:22.399 --> 00:05:24.720 he won't allow you to continue forever. 00:05:25.740 --> 00:05:27.980 Judgment is coming. 00:05:29.120 --> 00:05:30.720 It's a sobering warning. 00:05:32.060 --> 00:05:32.800 Jesus is saying, 00:05:32.800 --> 00:05:34.379 I will die soon, 00:05:35.319 --> 00:05:39.020 but your pain will extend for a long time. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:41.079 Wail for yourselves. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:46.580 Because if God allows his righteous son to suffer crucifixion, 00:05:47.600 --> 00:05:51.160 what terrible fate must await the unrighteous Jerusalem 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:55.600 and those who cry out but crucify Jesus. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:58.900 Even as Jesus is being led away, 00:05:59.019 --> 00:06:01.240 his concern is not for himself, 00:06:01.240 --> 00:06:06.620 but he is trying to influence and to shape people with his last words 00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:08.879 to heed the coming danger. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:11.340 Jesus doesn't get anything out of this. 00:06:11.400 --> 00:06:12.819 He doesn't benefit from this. 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:14.220 He is still about to die. 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:17.259 His concern has been for the people. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:23.980 I think many people have underestimated the impact of the coronavirus. 00:06:23.980 --> 00:06:27.360 I think we all have done this initially, 00:06:27.860 --> 00:06:30.420 but people continue to not heed the warnings. 00:06:30.420 --> 00:06:38.000 I read about a pastor of a church in Florida in the United States over the last week 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:42.400 who continued to encourage his church to meet, 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:44.020 to pack people together, 00:06:44.020 --> 00:06:47.379 to continue to shake hands and continue to hug 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:49.280 because, as he said, 00:06:49.520 --> 00:06:51.259 they were not pansies. 00:06:51.259 --> 00:06:54.180 He didn't heed the warnings. 00:06:54.180 --> 00:06:54.360 He didn't heed the warnings. 00:06:55.259 --> 00:07:00.360 And he was arrested because he was breaking social distancing laws. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:05.500 How much worse could it have been if someone had been sick 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:08.639 and they didn't heed the warnings because of the virus? 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:12.879 Jesus calls on people to heed his warnings, 00:07:12.879 --> 00:07:15.800 but many people didn't. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:19.899 Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. 00:07:20.459 --> 00:07:23.819 It was God's judgment on a rebellious nation and this city. 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:28.560 Now, we don't know if these women heeded Jesus' warnings, 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:32.399 but the warning still stands for us today. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:37.920 Will we heed Jesus' warning of coming destruction and judgment? 00:07:38.199 --> 00:07:39.800 And will we follow the Lord? 00:07:39.800 --> 00:07:44.240 Jesus continues to seek to shape people's lives, 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:46.639 even as he is crucified. 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:49.879 Have a look at chapter 23, verse 33. 00:07:50.980 --> 00:07:53.240 When they came to the place called the skull, 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:54.939 they crucified him there, 00:07:55.520 --> 00:07:56.500 along with the criminals, 00:07:56.660 --> 00:07:59.300 one on his right, the other on his left. 00:08:00.400 --> 00:08:01.139 Jesus said, 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:03.340 Father, forgive them, 00:08:03.900 --> 00:08:06.139 for they do not know what they are doing. 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:09.860 It's not exactly clear who Jesus is praying for, 00:08:10.219 --> 00:08:12.120 but it's most appropriately understood 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:15.579 that Jesus is praying for all of those 00:08:15.579 --> 00:08:18.060 who are responsible for his death. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:19.659 The Jewish court, 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:20.779 the Jewish leaders, 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:21.680 for Pilate, 00:08:21.939 --> 00:08:22.919 for the crowd, 00:08:23.779 --> 00:08:26.319 but also for all sinners 00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:29.459 who are responsible for the need for a savior to come. 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:31.360 That includes us. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:35.940 Jesus and his self-giving love and forgiveness, 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:37.580 his cry of forgiveness, 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:41.159 is contrasted by the mocking cries of those around him. 00:08:41.340 --> 00:08:42.580 Have a look at verse 35. 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:45.320 The rulers even sneered at him. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:45.960 They said, 00:08:46.600 --> 00:08:47.620 he saved others. 00:08:48.080 --> 00:08:50.100 Let him save himself if he is the Messiah, 00:08:50.840 --> 00:08:51.720 the chosen one. 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:54.240 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. 00:08:54.600 --> 00:08:55.879 They offered him wine, vinegar, 00:08:55.879 --> 00:08:56.500 and said, 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:57.879 if you are the king of the Jews, 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:58.740 save yourself. 00:08:58.740 --> 00:09:00.799 In verse 39, 00:09:00.919 --> 00:09:02.799 one of the criminals who hung there 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:04.379 hurled insults at him. 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:05.759 Aren't you the Messiah? 00:09:06.539 --> 00:09:07.919 Save yourself and us. 00:09:09.759 --> 00:09:12.240 Even when Jesus is mocked 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:13.680 and beaten 00:09:13.680 --> 00:09:16.480 and hung on a cross to die, 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:18.779 he still has concern 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:20.100 for those who are killing him. 00:09:20.840 --> 00:09:22.960 He says that they do not know 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:24.100 what they are doing. 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:26.740 They knew that they were killing someone. 00:09:26.740 --> 00:09:28.659 They knew that they were doing that. 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:31.620 But they don't know what God is doing. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:33.580 They don't know that God is working 00:09:33.580 --> 00:09:35.460 at the death of his son 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:36.840 to see their forgiveness. 00:09:38.320 --> 00:09:40.360 Because forgiveness comes to those 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:41.519 who don't deserve it. 00:09:42.299 --> 00:09:44.279 Luke's use of the verbs here 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:45.500 paints a picture of people 00:09:45.500 --> 00:09:47.100 who do not deserve forgiveness. 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:48.940 The rulers sneered. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.980 The soldiers mocked. 00:09:51.139 --> 00:09:52.740 The criminal hurled insults. 00:09:52.740 --> 00:09:56.799 These are descriptions of horrible people 00:09:56.799 --> 00:09:59.159 acting in disgusting ways. 00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:02.200 And yet Jesus' prayer 00:10:02.200 --> 00:10:04.360 is also for us. 00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:05.759 Father, 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:08.539 forgive them for they don't know 00:10:08.539 --> 00:10:09.460 what they have done. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:12.060 They didn't know that they were killing 00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:13.340 the son of God. 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:15.120 And yet here and now, 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:17.500 we know the cost of our sin. 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:20.659 It meant that Jesus had to die. 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:23.820 And yet Jesus still prays for us 00:10:23.820 --> 00:10:26.120 who know the cost of our sin. 00:10:27.500 --> 00:10:29.019 But when we are shaped 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:32.740 by the generous and selfless forgiveness of Jesus, 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:35.500 our story changes too. 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:37.539 Over the last week, 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:41.159 I read a story about a mother from the US. 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:43.120 Her name is Mary Johnson. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:45.299 And her son, Loramium, 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:48.659 was killed in a gang-related incident. 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:51.600 He was only a young man 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:53.419 and he was killed. 00:10:53.659 --> 00:10:56.779 A 16-year-old confessed to the crime 00:10:56.779 --> 00:10:58.200 and he was sentenced to jail. 00:10:59.039 --> 00:11:01.580 Mary Johnson, at the time, 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:03.740 said that she forgave him. 00:11:04.419 --> 00:11:05.060 She said, 00:11:05.320 --> 00:11:06.279 the word says, 00:11:06.360 --> 00:11:07.460 the word the Bible says, 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:09.460 in order to be forgiven, 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:10.539 you must forgive. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:12.079 So I said, 00:11:12.199 --> 00:11:12.500 okay, 00:11:12.659 --> 00:11:13.819 I have to tell him. 00:11:14.699 --> 00:11:17.679 But I wanted him locked up and caged. 00:11:18.819 --> 00:11:19.519 So I said, 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:23.919 and so she stayed in emotional turmoil, 00:11:24.579 --> 00:11:27.439 wrestling with this desire to forgive, 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:29.939 but this desire for her son's murderer 00:11:29.939 --> 00:11:30.939 to be caged. 00:11:31.839 --> 00:11:33.839 But God worked on her heart 00:11:33.839 --> 00:11:35.399 over those 10 years. 00:11:35.539 --> 00:11:38.299 He slowly shaped Mary 00:11:38.299 --> 00:11:39.519 throughout this time 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:41.000 to forgive completely. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:43.399 She eventually met 00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:45.240 with her son's killer again 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:46.079 and said to him, 00:11:46.199 --> 00:11:46.339 look, 00:11:47.199 --> 00:11:48.639 I told you in court 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:49.699 that I forgave you. 00:11:50.699 --> 00:11:51.519 But today, 00:11:51.939 --> 00:11:53.879 from the bottom of my heart, 00:11:53.959 --> 00:11:55.039 I want you to know 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:56.279 that I forgive you. 00:11:57.559 --> 00:11:58.219 Mary said, 00:11:58.539 --> 00:12:00.000 he was like, 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:01.120 ma'am, 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:03.079 how can you do that? 00:12:04.219 --> 00:12:04.959 She said, 00:12:05.059 --> 00:12:07.059 because of who is in me. 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:10.179 Mary knew God's love 00:12:10.179 --> 00:12:11.219 and forgiveness 00:12:11.219 --> 00:12:13.379 and it shaped her story. 00:12:13.799 --> 00:12:15.299 It took 10 years. 00:12:16.359 --> 00:12:17.679 It took a lot of pain 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:20.399 and wrestling with God's forgiveness of her 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:21.719 so she could forgive, 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:23.739 but she was able to hold out 00:12:23.739 --> 00:12:26.639 that same love and forgiveness 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:30.000 even to her own son's murderer. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:33.740 Jesus is still seeking 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:35.639 to shape our lives, 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:37.600 to shape our tomorrow 00:12:37.600 --> 00:12:39.120 to know his forgiveness. 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:41.960 Are we people 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:43.500 who are quick to forgive? 00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:45.899 Are we people wrestling 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:46.899 with what it means 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.980 to forgive others 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:50.200 because we have been forgiven 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:51.580 so much ourselves? 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:54.379 Holding grudges 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:56.080 is not how God 00:12:56.080 --> 00:12:57.639 is shaping us to be. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:00.500 He is shaping us 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:01.039 to be people 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:02.179 to know his forgiveness 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:04.019 and to hold it out to others 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:04.960 so when they say, 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.679 how can you forgive me? 00:13:07.759 --> 00:13:08.519 We can say, 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:09.759 because of who is in me, 00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:12.299 because of who has forgiven me. 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:15.819 Jesus has been 00:13:15.819 --> 00:13:18.159 seeking to shape people's lives 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:20.179 even as he's headed to the cross, 00:13:20.340 --> 00:13:22.879 even as he's hanging on the cross 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:24.159 and we see him 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:25.460 continue to do that 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:26.679 with the criminal 00:13:26.679 --> 00:13:27.600 on the other side 00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:28.679 and the centurion 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:31.439 even without speaking to them. 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:34.019 After one of the criminals 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:35.399 mocked him, 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:37.080 the criminal on the other side 00:13:37.080 --> 00:13:38.259 spoke to him 00:13:38.259 --> 00:13:39.139 in verse 40 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:39.860 and said, 00:13:40.919 --> 00:13:42.600 don't you fear God 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:44.279 since you are 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:45.379 under the same sentence. 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:47.100 We are punished justly 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:48.379 for we are getting 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.539 what our deeds deserve, 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:51.039 but this man 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:52.620 has done nothing wrong. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:54.659 The other criminal 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:56.220 has been shaped 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:59.220 by seeing Jesus' character. 00:14:00.100 --> 00:14:00.939 He has seen him, 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:03.059 he's likely heard his trial 00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:05.240 or heard of his trial, 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:07.419 likely seen Pilate's declaration 00:14:07.419 --> 00:14:08.759 of Jesus' innocence 00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:10.980 and he understands 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:12.059 who he is 00:14:12.059 --> 00:14:13.960 and who Jesus is. 00:14:14.960 --> 00:14:16.399 Jesus is innocent, 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:18.240 but this criminal knows 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:20.120 how sinful he is 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.440 and what he deserves. 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:24.259 Jesus' reputation 00:14:24.259 --> 00:14:25.480 and character 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:27.759 influences this criminal 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:29.439 to come humbly to Jesus. 00:14:29.939 --> 00:14:30.679 Verse 42, 00:14:32.179 --> 00:14:32.740 he said, 00:14:32.939 --> 00:14:33.259 Jesus, 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:34.659 remember me 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:35.600 when you come 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:36.799 into your kingdom. 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:38.279 Remember me. 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:40.220 That's all he asks. 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:41.439 He doesn't shout 00:14:41.439 --> 00:14:42.279 like the other criminal, 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:43.879 save yourself and us. 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:45.000 He says, 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:46.419 remember me. 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:48.279 And Jesus says, 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:49.360 verse 43, 00:14:50.059 --> 00:14:51.259 truly I tell you, 00:14:51.319 --> 00:14:53.539 today you will be with me 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:54.299 in paradise. 00:14:55.299 --> 00:14:56.740 What a wonderful promise 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.919 for Jesus to give 00:14:57.919 --> 00:14:58.860 to this criminal. 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:01.339 He will have all his sin, 00:15:01.419 --> 00:15:02.559 his terrible decisions 00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:04.000 that led to him 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:04.879 being crucified, 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:06.720 which only he knows 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:07.259 too well. 00:15:07.419 --> 00:15:09.000 He will have all of that 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:09.740 forgiven 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:11.899 and he will be 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:12.799 in paradise. 00:15:13.560 --> 00:15:14.279 Can you imagine 00:15:14.279 --> 00:15:15.320 this man's joy 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.620 and elation, 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:18.340 even though dying, 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:20.659 to hear these words 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.820 from Jesus' lips? 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.860 This is who we want 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:25.799 to be as a church. 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.680 We want to be authentic 00:15:27.680 --> 00:15:29.639 like this criminal. 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.820 We want to be a church 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:33.120 who is cultivating 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:35.100 a heart of humility, 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:37.399 seeing our pride 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:38.019 weakened 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:39.139 through the journey 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:40.180 of our life, 00:15:41.580 --> 00:15:43.360 knowing who we are 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:44.460 just like the criminal 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.680 knew who he was 00:15:45.680 --> 00:15:46.620 and knowing 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:48.159 who Jesus is 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:49.360 and how dependent 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:50.460 we are on him. 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:52.200 How much better 00:15:52.200 --> 00:15:53.100 is it to know 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:53.940 how bad 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:55.440 our situation is 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:56.540 than to pretend 00:15:56.540 --> 00:15:57.200 that everything 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:57.840 is fine? 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.259 The story of Easter 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.460 is that it shapes 00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:03.220 how we view ourselves. 00:16:03.220 --> 00:16:05.560 Jesus' death 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:06.180 on the cross 00:16:06.180 --> 00:16:07.259 allows us 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.740 to all be that criminal, 00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:09.759 to both know 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.220 our low position 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:12.220 before Jesus, 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:14.899 but also to cry out, 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:15.840 remember me, 00:16:16.740 --> 00:16:17.980 to know me. 00:16:18.940 --> 00:16:19.980 And Jesus' promise 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:20.940 for us all 00:16:20.940 --> 00:16:22.639 is that we can be 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:23.240 with him 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:23.960 in paradise. 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:27.060 As Jesus was 00:16:27.060 --> 00:16:28.120 about to die, 00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:29.379 he called out 00:16:29.379 --> 00:16:30.320 with a loud voice, 00:16:31.300 --> 00:16:31.680 Father, 00:16:31.679 --> 00:16:33.799 into your hands 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:35.159 I commit my spirit. 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.139 When he had said this, 00:16:37.199 --> 00:16:38.299 he breathed his last. 00:16:39.319 --> 00:16:40.359 Even as Jesus 00:16:40.359 --> 00:16:41.199 is dying, 00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:42.000 he is shaping 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:42.559 the lives 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:43.719 of people around him. 00:16:44.099 --> 00:16:44.739 Verse 47, 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:45.539 the centurion, 00:16:46.279 --> 00:16:47.639 seeing what had happened, 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:49.279 praised God 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:49.879 and said, 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:50.679 surely 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:52.159 this was 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:53.079 a righteous man. 00:16:53.819 --> 00:16:54.639 The centurion, 00:16:54.739 --> 00:16:55.159 the soldier 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.199 responsible for 00:16:56.199 --> 00:16:56.919 ensuring that 00:16:56.919 --> 00:16:57.879 all of these criminals 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.439 died, 00:16:58.439 --> 00:16:59.240 who had likely 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:00.059 seen many, 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:01.059 many deaths, 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:02.859 he sees 00:17:02.859 --> 00:17:03.459 what happens 00:17:03.459 --> 00:17:04.359 to Jesus 00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:06.319 and it causes him 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:08.200 to praise God. 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:09.879 His death 00:17:09.879 --> 00:17:11.159 influences the centurion 00:17:11.159 --> 00:17:12.299 to see that Jesus 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:12.919 was innocent, 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:13.460 to declare 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:15.359 that he was righteous 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:16.899 and to praise God. 00:17:17.919 --> 00:17:18.819 This is a Roman 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:19.500 who is not just 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.740 praising a God, 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:21.500 he is not praising 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:23.339 a God of the pantheon 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.379 or all of the gods, 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:25.519 he is praising 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:27.259 the Jewish God, 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:29.399 the Christian God 00:17:29.400 --> 00:17:30.220 that Jesus 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:32.140 came to reveal. 00:17:33.400 --> 00:17:34.840 What a stunning moment 00:17:34.840 --> 00:17:35.500 that even when 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.380 Jesus breathes 00:17:36.380 --> 00:17:36.940 his last, 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:37.960 he is shaping 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:38.759 an enemy 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:40.060 to bring 00:17:40.060 --> 00:17:41.440 praise to God. 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:43.920 When we see 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:44.519 Jesus, 00:17:45.480 --> 00:17:46.460 the Son of God, 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:47.900 dying 00:17:47.900 --> 00:17:49.180 on the cross 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:49.740 for us, 00:17:49.780 --> 00:17:50.640 it leads us 00:17:50.640 --> 00:17:51.660 to praise God. 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:52.740 Oh God, 00:17:52.820 --> 00:17:53.720 how marvelous 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:54.740 it is 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:55.819 that you 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:56.859 have saved me. 00:17:58.079 --> 00:17:58.960 How good 00:17:58.960 --> 00:17:59.880 and lovely 00:17:59.880 --> 00:18:01.039 and kind 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:01.620 are you 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:02.519 that your Son 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:03.839 would die 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.779 for me. 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:06.940 Jesus 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:08.799 sought to shape 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:10.059 and influence 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.819 all the people 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:11.460 that he came 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:12.599 into contact with 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:13.819 to see that 00:18:13.819 --> 00:18:14.579 he was from 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.240 the Father 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:16.839 to follow him 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:18.259 with all of their heart. 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:19.660 And here, 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:20.839 in the lead up 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.440 to his death, 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:22.559 Jesus has been 00:18:22.559 --> 00:18:23.279 calling people 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:23.920 to heed 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:25.180 his warning 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:25.720 of judgment, 00:18:26.119 --> 00:18:27.180 to be forgiven 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:28.240 even though 00:18:28.240 --> 00:18:29.420 we don't deserve it. 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.799 He causes people 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:31.599 to understand 00:18:31.599 --> 00:18:32.240 their sin 00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:33.059 and see that 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:34.440 Jesus is the only 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:37.180 one who can save. 00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:38.839 And he leads 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:40.220 people to praise God. 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:42.240 Jesus, 00:18:43.139 --> 00:18:44.000 in his death 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:44.899 and resurrection 00:18:44.899 --> 00:18:46.660 from the cross, 00:18:46.879 --> 00:18:47.579 it shapes 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.519 our lives, 00:18:48.639 --> 00:18:49.019 it shapes 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:49.819 our yesterday 00:18:49.819 --> 00:18:50.680 and it shapes 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:52.059 our tomorrow. 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.259 the story 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:55.019 of Easter, 00:18:56.279 --> 00:18:56.940 the story 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:57.960 of Jesus, 00:18:58.960 --> 00:18:59.879 as it continues 00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:00.559 to be read 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:01.339 and told, 00:19:01.599 --> 00:19:02.240 it shapes 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:02.680 our lives 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.220 and this is why 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:03.799 we continue 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:04.519 to come back 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:04.839 to it 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.819 every year. 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.259 It is why 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:06.779 we continue 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.839 to celebrate it 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:09.399 in a season 00:19:09.399 --> 00:19:10.500 of crisis 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:11.420 or when 00:19:11.420 --> 00:19:12.160 everything around 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:12.940 us seems normal. 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:15.579 I am 00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:16.220 a product 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:17.039 of those 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.779 who I have 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:18.319 allowed to 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:19.019 influence me, 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.420 those who I have 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:21.079 allowed to speak 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.779 into my life 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.439 to change 00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:23.460 my story 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:24.379 and my direction. 00:19:25.659 --> 00:19:26.639 Who are you 00:19:26.639 --> 00:19:27.500 putting into 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.319 your life 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.619 to influence 00:19:29.619 --> 00:19:29.899 you, 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.500 to shape 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.079 you? 00:19:32.399 --> 00:19:33.519 Here at St. Paul's 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.579 we take our 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.480 youth away 00:19:35.480 --> 00:19:36.159 for a camp 00:19:36.159 --> 00:19:36.839 every year 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.359 at the start 00:19:37.359 --> 00:19:37.859 of the year. 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:38.859 One of my 00:19:38.859 --> 00:19:39.899 favorite parts 00:19:39.899 --> 00:19:40.559 of that camp 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.099 is seeing 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:41.879 the relationship 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:42.779 that builds 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:44.059 between older 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:44.919 brothers and younger 00:19:44.919 --> 00:19:45.699 brothers and older 00:19:45.699 --> 00:19:46.439 sisters and younger 00:19:46.439 --> 00:19:46.879 sisters. 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:48.700 I remember 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:49.760 Ko, one 00:19:49.760 --> 00:19:50.360 of our young 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:51.640 adults, he 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.660 loves reading 00:19:52.660 --> 00:19:53.140 the Bible 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:53.660 and he loves 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:54.500 memorizing it. 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.980 And I remember 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:57.160 seeing him 00:19:57.160 --> 00:19:58.660 sit with one 00:19:58.660 --> 00:19:59.680 of our younger 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.980 brothers, our 00:20:00.980 --> 00:20:01.600 younger guys, 00:20:01.800 --> 00:20:02.840 reading the Bible 00:20:02.840 --> 00:20:04.280 early in the 00:20:04.280 --> 00:20:04.600 morning. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:06.820 Not only are 00:20:06.820 --> 00:20:07.740 they being shaped 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.820 by God's word, 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:09.840 but there is an 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:10.780 older brother 00:20:10.780 --> 00:20:12.420 shaping a younger 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:13.740 brother, teaching 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:15.100 him to love 00:20:15.100 --> 00:20:16.260 godly disciplines. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:18.780 You might be 00:20:18.780 --> 00:20:19.440 finding that you're 00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:20.640 not spending time 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:21.680 with any people 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:22.540 because of social 00:20:22.540 --> 00:20:23.440 distancing and 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:24.680 isolation, but that 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.380 doesn't mean we're 00:20:25.380 --> 00:20:26.800 not being influenced 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.440 and shaped. 00:20:28.520 --> 00:20:29.360 In this time, we 00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:30.320 can be shaped by 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:31.020 what we watch on 00:20:31.020 --> 00:20:32.540 TV, those people 00:20:32.540 --> 00:20:34.700 in our house, but 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:36.000 we also have an 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:37.260 opportunity to build 00:20:37.260 --> 00:20:38.980 new disciplines, to 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.280 be saturated with 00:20:40.280 --> 00:20:41.540 God's word in the 00:20:41.540 --> 00:20:43.380 Bible, so that it 00:20:43.380 --> 00:20:44.480 can not just shape 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:46.400 what we read, but 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:47.240 our whole lives. 00:20:48.800 --> 00:20:50.660 Jesus enters into 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:52.000 the story of our 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:53.460 lives and he 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.060 shapes us. 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:56.060 There is a coming 00:20:56.060 --> 00:20:57.800 judgment, but his 00:20:57.800 --> 00:20:59.200 death brings 00:20:59.200 --> 00:21:01.280 forgiveness, and 00:21:01.280 --> 00:21:02.060 it shapes our lives 00:21:02.060 --> 00:21:02.840 to forgive others. 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.759 His righteousness 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:05.780 reveals our 00:21:05.780 --> 00:21:06.780 dependence, and 00:21:06.780 --> 00:21:08.100 his death brings 00:21:08.100 --> 00:21:09.500 us to praise God 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.240 for all he has 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:10.580 done. 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:14.399 God's 00:21:14.399 --> 00:21:15.240 to forgive us. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:15.559 And we 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.220 want to 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:17.460 enter the story of 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.579 my life and 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:19.919 change it and to 00:21:19.919 --> 00:21:20.500 shape it. 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:22.519 As Mary Johnson, 00:21:22.639 --> 00:21:23.259 the mother of the 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:23.960 son who was killed, 00:21:24.139 --> 00:21:25.480 shows, this is the 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.059 journey of our 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.460 lives. 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:29.759 That Jesus and his 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.879 death and resurrection 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:31.859 from the cross 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:33.759 continues to shape 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.539 our lives. 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:36.099 God's 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:37.440 maybe you are at 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:38.299 the start of this 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:38.680 journey. 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:40.659 Maybe today, just 00:21:40.659 --> 00:21:41.519 for the first time, 00:21:41.579 --> 00:21:42.420 you are realizing 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.839 that you need 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:45.139 Jesus' help. 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:47.279 If that is you, let 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:48.319 me encourage you to 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:48.940 do what the 00:21:48.940 --> 00:21:49.859 criminal on the 00:21:49.859 --> 00:21:51.299 cross does, to 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:52.799 cry out to 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.740 Jesus for help. 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:55.440 Because he 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:57.379 promises that he 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:58.839 will come to 00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.539 him in paradise, 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.339 and he promises 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:01.500 that for all who 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.460 believe in him, we 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:03.299 will be with him 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:04.079 for eternity. 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.379 If this is you at 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:07.039 the start of your 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:08.700 journey, Debbie is 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:09.359 going to share some 00:22:09.359 --> 00:22:10.220 details in a minute 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:11.279 in how you can 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:12.180 contact us. 00:22:12.399 --> 00:22:13.440 We would love to be 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:14.379 in contact with you, 00:22:14.639 --> 00:22:15.819 even if it is only 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.740 over the phone. 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.500 We would love to be 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:20.259 praying for you to 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.440 see you continually 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:23.200 shaped on this 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:24.099 journey of following 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:24.519 Jesus. 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.940 Or maybe you have 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:27.799 been on this 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:29.359 journey for many 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:29.879 years. 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:30.779 Maybe you have 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:31.659 been following Jesus 00:22:31.659 --> 00:22:32.539 for many years. 00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:34.379 Let me encourage 00:22:34.379 --> 00:22:35.339 you this Easter 00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:37.619 weekend, as we 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:39.379 stay inside, to 00:22:39.379 --> 00:22:41.119 find some time to 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:41.919 spend with Jesus. 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:44.019 To read over the 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.559 Easter account in 00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:47.039 Luke 23 and 24, 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:49.720 and ask Jesus, 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:51.399 what part of my 00:22:51.399 --> 00:22:53.539 life am I not 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:54.639 letting you into? 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:56.980 Jesus, what parts 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:57.839 of my life am I 00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:59.639 tightly holding on to 00:22:59.639 --> 00:22:59.839 you? 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:01.980 Jesus, how do you 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:03.039 need to be shaping 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:05.059 my life so that I 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:06.679 can forgive people, 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.859 so that I can know 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:10.019 fully who I am, so I 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:11.740 can understand who I 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.980 am and how dependent 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:15.339 upon you I am, so 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.959 that I can praise God 00:23:16.959 --> 00:23:17.980 for all that he is 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:19.759 doing in my life and 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.679 in the world today. 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.919 Please pray with me. 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:26.519 Dear Heavenly Father, we 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:27.400 thank you for your 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:28.560 goodness to us. 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:31.320 In that first 00:23:31.320 --> 00:23:34.360 Easter, where your 00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:37.300 son died on the 00:23:37.300 --> 00:23:38.440 cross, an innocent 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:40.820 man, God and man 00:23:40.820 --> 00:23:42.840 dying on the cross in 00:23:42.840 --> 00:23:43.500 our place. 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:45.380 Heavenly Father, as we 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.820 have seen, this shapes 00:23:46.820 --> 00:23:48.080 our lives. 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:49.039 Lord, thank you. 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:51.980 Thank you so much 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:53.039 that you do not leave 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:53.619 us to our own 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:55.339 devices, but that you 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.980 sent Jesus to shape 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:58.680 us so that we could 00:23:58.680 --> 00:24:00.139 have forgiveness. 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:01.980 Not only that, that we 00:24:01.980 --> 00:24:03.680 would be people like 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:06.420 Jesus, who love you, 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:07.680 who seek to forgive 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:08.220 others. 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:13.039 Lord, we ask that as 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:15.099 the world and life seems 00:24:15.099 --> 00:24:16.720 to be on hold, our 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:18.779 trust and our love, 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:21.139 for you would not be 00:24:21.139 --> 00:24:21.680 on hold. 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:25.319 Father, please continue 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:27.259 to grow us and shape 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:29.579 us, to know you and 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:31.500 to love you and to be 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.639 praising you more and 00:24:32.639 --> 00:24:33.379 more each day. 00:24:33.819 --> 00:24:35.259 This we ask in your 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:35.819 son's name. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:36.559 Amen.