1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:04,500 We’re following a series entitled Ultimate Questions. 2 00:00:04,500 –> 00:00:06,060 And we’re learning together 3 00:00:06,060 –> 00:00:09,360 that the questions that really matter in life 4 00:00:09,360 –> 00:00:11,620 are not the questions that you have for God, 5 00:00:11,620 –> 00:00:14,820 but the questions that God has for you. 6 00:00:14,820 –> 00:00:17,639 Now planning this series a number of months ago 7 00:00:17,639 –> 00:00:19,260 and knowing that today would be Mother’s Day, 8 00:00:19,260 –> 00:00:21,900 I was trying to think of what would be 9 00:00:21,900 –> 00:00:24,719 the best question, the most appropriate question 10 00:00:24,719 –> 00:00:27,420 of Jesus for us to think about together on Mother’s Day 11 00:00:27,440 –> 00:00:29,639 so I did what is the obvious thing 12 00:00:29,639 –> 00:00:31,379 and asked some mothers. 13 00:00:31,379 –> 00:00:33,299 In fact I did a kind of straw poll 14 00:00:33,299 –> 00:00:35,119 of a number of moms in the congregation, 15 00:00:35,119 –> 00:00:37,639 showed them a list of the questions of Jesus 16 00:00:37,639 –> 00:00:39,180 and said which one would you pick 17 00:00:39,180 –> 00:00:41,439 as being the most appropriate for Mother’s Day? 18 00:00:41,439 –> 00:00:43,740 Now I have to tell you I was very struck by the fact 19 00:00:43,740 –> 00:00:48,700 that I got an absolutely unanimous response. 20 00:00:48,700 –> 00:00:50,840 Out of our twelve choices 21 00:00:50,840 –> 00:00:53,560 everyone asked chose the same question 22 00:00:53,560 –> 00:00:54,599 and it’s the one therefore 23 00:00:54,599 –> 00:00:56,639 that we’re going to look at together today. 24 00:00:56,740 –> 00:00:59,060 They all said pastor on Mother’s Day 25 00:00:59,060 –> 00:01:03,720 you should speak on Jesus question about worry. 26 00:01:03,720 –> 00:01:06,000 So there you go, don’t blame me for it. 27 00:01:07,940 –> 00:01:09,980 Here’s what I want us to do. 28 00:01:09,980 –> 00:01:12,699 To describe first what worries us, 29 00:01:12,699 –> 00:01:15,660 what are the things that we worry about, 30 00:01:15,660 –> 00:01:18,459 second to discover the teaching of Jesus, 31 00:01:18,459 –> 00:01:21,699 what does Jesus have to say about the issue of worry 32 00:01:21,699 –> 00:01:24,500 and then to try and bring these two things together 33 00:01:24,500 –> 00:01:26,139 so that we can discover what it means 34 00:01:26,720 –> 00:01:30,419 to live with faith in a dangerous world? 35 00:01:31,320 –> 00:01:32,639 What do we worry about? 36 00:01:32,639 –> 00:01:35,000 Well earlier this week we asked some others 37 00:01:35,000 –> 00:01:39,459 to identify their top five worries 38 00:01:40,360 –> 00:01:43,220 and we had a number of very fascinating responses 39 00:01:43,220 –> 00:01:46,540 and I thought you might like to hear some of them. 40 00:01:46,540 –> 00:01:51,540 One mom writes, I worry about my children’s physical safety, 41 00:01:52,440 –> 00:01:55,540 about my children’s ongoing spiritual growth, 42 00:01:55,540 –> 00:01:58,059 that my children’s marriages may fail 43 00:01:58,059 –> 00:02:00,260 after all one in two do 44 00:02:00,260 –> 00:02:03,620 and I worry about my children’s hearts breaking 45 00:02:03,620 –> 00:02:05,820 for any reason. 46 00:02:05,820 –> 00:02:07,379 Another mom writes, 47 00:02:07,379 –> 00:02:09,500 I worry about my children’s salvation 48 00:02:09,500 –> 00:02:11,860 in their relationship with the Lord. 49 00:02:11,860 –> 00:02:14,539 I worry that we’ve done a good job 50 00:02:14,539 –> 00:02:17,300 in passing on our values and spiritual heritage 51 00:02:17,300 –> 00:02:18,919 to our children. 52 00:02:18,919 –> 00:02:21,220 I worry about maintaining a good relationship 53 00:02:21,220 –> 00:02:23,380 with our children as they grow into adults 54 00:02:23,399 –> 00:02:25,500 about finances for us and for them 55 00:02:25,500 –> 00:02:27,520 to have enough money for difficult times 56 00:02:27,520 –> 00:02:30,119 and the health and safety of my children. 57 00:02:31,020 –> 00:02:34,160 Another mom describes her worries this way, 58 00:02:34,160 –> 00:02:38,979 Have I readied my children to face the outside world 59 00:02:38,979 –> 00:02:41,100 or to face marriage? 60 00:02:41,100 –> 00:02:45,899 Have I taught them by example to be good wives and husbands? 61 00:02:45,899 –> 00:02:47,059 How important it is 62 00:02:47,059 –> 00:02:50,179 to understand their spouses needs, et cetera. 63 00:02:50,940 –> 00:02:52,899 Here’s another, 64 00:02:52,899 –> 00:02:56,699 I worry about raising a child in today’s world of violence. 65 00:02:56,699 –> 00:03:01,020 Fear that something or someone will hurt them. 66 00:03:01,020 –> 00:03:04,080 Fear that my children will make a wrong choice 67 00:03:04,080 –> 00:03:06,960 that will affect him or her for life. 68 00:03:08,080 –> 00:03:11,619 Fear of an incurable disease like AIDS or cancer. 69 00:03:11,619 –> 00:03:14,860 Fear that my child won’t be a secure, productive person 70 00:03:14,860 –> 00:03:17,059 who has honorable goals and values. 71 00:03:17,059 –> 00:03:18,860 Fear that my child won’t desire 72 00:03:18,860 –> 00:03:20,960 an authentic walk with the Lord. 73 00:03:21,880 –> 00:03:25,699 Here’s another one from a mom with two young daughters. 74 00:03:25,699 –> 00:03:28,899 I worry, she says, about them being hurt 75 00:03:28,899 –> 00:03:31,500 either emotionally or physically. 76 00:03:31,500 –> 00:03:35,220 About their general health, about their future, 77 00:03:35,220 –> 00:03:38,199 I worry about being a good mother, 78 00:03:39,639 –> 00:03:41,600 and about the influence of the world 79 00:03:41,600 –> 00:03:44,660 and our culture on my children. 80 00:03:44,660 –> 00:03:46,300 Finally, another mom writes, 81 00:03:46,300 –> 00:03:47,860 my worries now are a little different 82 00:03:47,880 –> 00:03:50,320 from when my children were at home and in school. 83 00:03:50,320 –> 00:03:53,119 And then she describes what they are now. 84 00:03:53,119 –> 00:03:55,639 I worry that my kids won’t embrace their faith 85 00:03:55,639 –> 00:03:58,520 and make it the highest priority of their lives. 86 00:03:58,520 –> 00:04:01,360 I worry that they’ll be safe and healthy, 87 00:04:01,360 –> 00:04:02,919 that they will make good choices 88 00:04:02,919 –> 00:04:05,000 in every area of their lives, 89 00:04:05,000 –> 00:04:08,119 that they will make family a priority 90 00:04:08,119 –> 00:04:10,559 and that they’ll call me every day 91 00:04:10,559 –> 00:04:14,979 and have me over to their houses at least once a week. 92 00:04:15,039 –> 00:04:19,700 Well, that’s quite an overwhelming list of worries actually. 93 00:04:19,700 –> 00:04:23,220 I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by them right now. 94 00:04:23,220 –> 00:04:25,179 They seem to be all around us. 95 00:04:25,179 –> 00:04:27,540 And sometimes that’s how it feels, isn’t it? 96 00:04:27,540 –> 00:04:29,820 So putting them together I spent a little bit of time 97 00:04:29,820 –> 00:04:32,220 just going through and trying to categorize them 98 00:04:32,220 –> 00:04:33,959 and say, what does this actually break down to? 99 00:04:33,959 –> 00:04:36,380 It was very, very clear 100 00:04:36,380 –> 00:04:39,500 that there are five primary areas of worry 101 00:04:39,500 –> 00:04:42,540 at least expressed in the strawpole that we took. 102 00:04:42,540 –> 00:04:43,980 Number one, quite clearly, 103 00:04:43,980 –> 00:04:45,540 was the issue of safety. 104 00:04:45,540 –> 00:04:48,000 Almost every mother who responded 105 00:04:48,000 –> 00:04:49,640 to our question mentioned this, 106 00:04:49,640 –> 00:04:52,239 driving carefully, staying safe, 107 00:04:52,239 –> 00:04:53,820 that they’ll be healthy and safe. 108 00:04:53,820 –> 00:04:56,059 I worry about my children’s physical safety, 109 00:04:56,059 –> 00:04:59,160 raising my child in a world of violence and so forth. 110 00:04:59,160 –> 00:05:02,119 Fear that someone will hurt him or her. 111 00:05:02,119 –> 00:05:04,299 Second, health. 112 00:05:04,299 –> 00:05:06,260 Physical health, emotional health. 113 00:05:06,260 –> 00:05:09,059 Friends, being in a healthy environment and so forth. 114 00:05:09,059 –> 00:05:11,179 Fear of an incurable disease, 115 00:05:11,179 –> 00:05:13,179 mental and physical well-being. 116 00:05:13,179 –> 00:05:15,700 I’m afraid of them being hurt emotionally. 117 00:05:15,700 –> 00:05:20,459 I worry that their hearts may be broken for any reason. 118 00:05:20,459 –> 00:05:22,059 Third, marriage. 119 00:05:22,059 –> 00:05:25,700 Again, almost everyone who responded touching on this, 120 00:05:25,700 –> 00:05:27,959 finding the right spouse in life, 121 00:05:27,959 –> 00:05:30,179 finding a loving and caring partner, 122 00:05:30,179 –> 00:05:32,540 that they make good choices in every area of their life. 123 00:05:32,540 –> 00:05:35,119 Worry that my children’s marriages may fail, 124 00:05:35,119 –> 00:05:37,640 after all, one in two do. 125 00:05:38,640 –> 00:05:41,320 Then fourthly, what I’ve called competence. 126 00:05:41,320 –> 00:05:45,640 That is, worry about whether I have really done a good job, 127 00:05:45,640 –> 00:05:47,579 and again, that was expressed in different ways, 128 00:05:47,579 –> 00:05:49,820 but it came through consistently. 129 00:05:49,820 –> 00:05:53,279 Have I readied my children to face the outside world 130 00:05:53,279 –> 00:05:55,119 or how to face marriage? 131 00:05:55,119 –> 00:05:58,079 Have we done a good job in passing on our values, 132 00:05:58,079 –> 00:06:00,359 spiritual heritage to our children? 133 00:06:00,359 –> 00:06:02,700 I worry about maintaining good relationships 134 00:06:02,700 –> 00:06:04,760 with our children as they grow into adults. 135 00:06:04,760 –> 00:06:08,320 I worry about being a good mother. 136 00:06:09,220 –> 00:06:11,799 And then fifthly, the issue of faith. 137 00:06:11,799 –> 00:06:14,160 Not all who answered our questions were Christians, 138 00:06:14,160 –> 00:06:16,040 but of those who were, 139 00:06:16,040 –> 00:06:19,299 this was clearly a major area of worry. 140 00:06:19,299 –> 00:06:21,320 That my kids won’t embrace the faith 141 00:06:21,320 –> 00:06:23,559 and make it the highest priority of their lives, 142 00:06:23,559 –> 00:06:26,839 that my child won’t desire an authentic walk with the Lord. 143 00:06:26,839 –> 00:06:29,320 I worry about my children’s salvation 144 00:06:29,320 –> 00:06:32,799 and their relationship with the Lord. 145 00:06:32,799 –> 00:06:35,260 So, I found this exercise to be helpful 146 00:06:35,260 –> 00:06:37,559 and enlightening in many ways, 147 00:06:37,600 –> 00:06:39,040 and I hope that you feel the same. 148 00:06:39,040 –> 00:06:40,260 I know that some of the moms 149 00:06:40,260 –> 00:06:43,059 will be digging their husbands in the ribs and saying, 150 00:06:43,059 –> 00:06:46,040 “‘See?, I’m not the only one.” 151 00:06:46,040 –> 00:06:47,600 Well, you’re right. 152 00:06:47,600 –> 00:06:51,679 You are not the only one and it is good to know that. 153 00:06:51,679 –> 00:06:53,519 These are the natural 154 00:06:53,519 –> 00:06:57,179 and therefore, the common worries of life. 155 00:06:57,179 –> 00:06:58,679 And it seems that they don’t change 156 00:06:58,679 –> 00:07:00,200 much over a lifetime, either. 157 00:07:00,200 –> 00:07:04,480 They, at once a mother, always a mother. 158 00:07:04,480 –> 00:07:07,320 We had a helpful response from a mother 159 00:07:07,320 –> 00:07:10,880 who is evidently, now, from what she writes, a grandmother 160 00:07:10,880 –> 00:07:13,359 and what struck me is that she writes 161 00:07:13,359 –> 00:07:15,959 about precisely the same things. 162 00:07:15,959 –> 00:07:16,799 She says, 163 00:07:16,799 –> 00:07:21,299 “‘I have always said that when the kids were young, 164 00:07:21,299 –> 00:07:23,880 “‘that’s when we had all the worries. 165 00:07:23,880 –> 00:07:25,959 “‘But I’m convinced now that the worries 166 00:07:25,959 –> 00:07:29,440 “‘became more intense as they got older. 167 00:07:29,440 –> 00:07:31,640 “‘I think now that they are all adults. 168 00:07:31,640 –> 00:07:33,559 “‘My main concern is that they are happy 169 00:07:33,559 –> 00:07:36,459 “‘and content and can handle all the stressful things 170 00:07:36,459 –> 00:07:40,660 “‘in the world today, especially bringing up their kids 171 00:07:40,660 –> 00:07:44,640 “‘in this age where there is so much to content 172 00:07:44,640 –> 00:07:48,959 “‘with drugs, alcohol, violence, crazy drivers, et cetera. 173 00:07:48,959 –> 00:07:51,119 “‘I sometimes worry too,’ she says at the end, 174 00:07:51,119 –> 00:07:54,600 “‘that I am a little overpowering at times, 175 00:07:54,600 –> 00:07:56,619 “‘and I try to keep my distance. 176 00:07:56,619 –> 00:07:59,239 “‘They know that I am here if they need my help 177 00:07:59,239 –> 00:08:01,660 or my input.’ 178 00:08:01,700 –> 00:08:05,200 “‘Well, there is nothing strange or unusual here, 179 00:08:05,200 –> 00:08:07,839 “‘nothing surprising, except perhaps the degree 180 00:08:07,839 –> 00:08:12,299 “‘to which we all face essentially the same struggles. 181 00:08:12,299 –> 00:08:15,920 “‘We bring vulnerable little children 182 00:08:15,920 –> 00:08:20,100 “‘into a dangerous world. 183 00:08:20,100 –> 00:08:23,899 “‘And when they’re young, you worry that your little boy, 184 00:08:23,899 –> 00:08:27,899 “‘now that he’s able to walk, might run out into the road 185 00:08:28,040 –> 00:08:29,420 “‘and be hit by a car. 186 00:08:30,679 –> 00:08:34,440 “‘Fifteen years later, you worry that your boy 187 00:08:34,440 –> 00:08:36,179 “‘might be the one driving the car 188 00:08:36,179 –> 00:08:39,500 “‘when a little one runs out into the road. 189 00:08:41,000 –> 00:08:43,640 “‘And none of use have been parents before. 190 00:08:43,640 –> 00:08:47,580 “‘We often feel that others must be doing 191 00:08:47,580 –> 00:08:50,700 “‘a better job than we are. 192 00:08:50,700 –> 00:08:52,479 “‘And we desperately hope that it will all come 193 00:08:52,479 –> 00:08:56,400 “‘right in the end, but sometimes we fear that it won’t.’ 194 00:08:57,260 –> 00:09:02,260 Now, worry is a hidden question that needs an open answer. 195 00:09:02,559 –> 00:09:05,599 I find that quite helpful as a way of thinking about it. 196 00:09:05,599 –> 00:09:09,320 Worry is a hidden question that needs an open answer. 197 00:09:09,320 –> 00:09:11,840 In other words, it thrives in the darkness, 198 00:09:11,840 –> 00:09:14,799 it multiplies in the fog of confusion. 199 00:09:14,799 –> 00:09:16,080 That’s why it’s helpful to say sometimes, 200 00:09:16,080 –> 00:09:17,859 “‘What are you really worried about?’ 201 00:09:17,859 –> 00:09:18,700 And sometimes a person will say, 202 00:09:18,700 –> 00:09:20,780 “‘Well, I’m not really sure, I know.’ 203 00:09:20,780 –> 00:09:22,820 But it’s important to identify it 204 00:09:22,820 –> 00:09:25,799 because worries thrive in the dark. 205 00:09:25,799 –> 00:09:28,000 They thrive in hiddenness. 206 00:09:28,000 –> 00:09:30,760 That is why of course what is usually increased 207 00:09:30,760 –> 00:09:35,020 during the nighttime when the anxious mind wanders 208 00:09:35,020 –> 00:09:38,640 and imagines all kinds of horrendous scenarios. 209 00:09:39,859 –> 00:09:42,840 And where he needs therefore to be exposed, 210 00:09:42,840 –> 00:09:46,219 it needs to be brought out into the open. 211 00:09:46,219 –> 00:09:48,859 The only way to overcome its dark power 212 00:09:48,859 –> 00:09:52,340 is to bring it out into the light. 213 00:09:52,340 –> 00:09:53,380 And that’s what we’re going to try 214 00:09:53,380 –> 00:09:55,500 and do together from the Scriptures this morning. 215 00:09:55,500 –> 00:09:57,619 Having described our worries, 216 00:09:57,619 –> 00:10:01,200 let’s look together at the teaching of Jesus 217 00:10:01,200 –> 00:10:03,559 so that we can bring our worries 218 00:10:03,559 –> 00:10:06,679 into the light of his truth. 219 00:10:06,679 –> 00:10:08,419 So I hope you’ll have your bibles open 220 00:10:08,419 –> 00:10:10,179 at Luke’s Gospel chapter 12. 221 00:10:10,179 –> 00:10:11,880 We’re looking especially at verse 25 222 00:10:11,880 –> 00:10:14,280 where Jesus asks a question. 223 00:10:15,359 –> 00:10:17,200 Who of you by worrying 224 00:10:18,539 –> 00:10:21,380 can add a single hour to his life? 225 00:10:22,359 –> 00:10:24,719 That’s the question. 226 00:10:24,799 –> 00:10:26,640 Who of you by worrying 227 00:10:28,039 –> 00:10:31,700 can add a single hour to his or to her life? 228 00:10:34,979 –> 00:10:36,320 Now, you’ll notice from verse 22 229 00:10:36,320 –> 00:10:38,419 that Jesus is speaking to his disciples. 230 00:10:38,419 –> 00:10:39,619 That’s important. 231 00:10:39,619 –> 00:10:41,859 It means that Jesus is teaching this 232 00:10:41,859 –> 00:10:44,140 to people who like many of us here 233 00:10:44,140 –> 00:10:46,159 confess that he is the Christ 234 00:10:46,159 –> 00:10:47,719 and are committed to following him 235 00:10:47,719 –> 00:10:50,280 in a living relationship of faith. 236 00:10:50,280 –> 00:10:52,460 And he says to folks like us, 237 00:10:52,520 –> 00:10:55,820 in verse 22, do not worry. 238 00:10:55,820 –> 00:10:57,940 Then he lists the worries that would’ve come 239 00:10:57,940 –> 00:11:01,380 top of the poll in Jesus’ own day. 240 00:11:01,380 –> 00:11:03,260 Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat, 241 00:11:03,260 –> 00:11:05,940 your body, what you will wear. 242 00:11:05,940 –> 00:11:07,960 Now, you see, if the disciples had done 243 00:11:07,960 –> 00:11:10,239 a straw poll in the time of Jesus 244 00:11:10,239 –> 00:11:11,859 and asked 20 or 50 mothers, 245 00:11:11,859 –> 00:11:14,859 you know, what are your top five worries, 246 00:11:14,859 –> 00:11:17,599 they would have got answers like this. 247 00:11:17,599 –> 00:11:21,280 Will I be able to put enough food on the table? 248 00:11:21,280 –> 00:11:25,520 Will I be able to keep my children clothed and warm? 249 00:11:25,520 –> 00:11:28,599 How will I be able to survive? 250 00:11:28,599 –> 00:11:30,280 Now you see, these things do not appear 251 00:11:30,280 –> 00:11:32,419 on our top list of worries because we live, 252 00:11:32,419 –> 00:11:34,840 we’re blessed to live in a very strong economy 253 00:11:34,840 –> 00:11:38,260 with wonderful health services. 254 00:11:38,260 –> 00:11:41,099 And so these things don’t appear on our list of worries. 255 00:11:41,099 –> 00:11:45,140 Jesus was speaking to the big worries of His time. 256 00:11:45,140 –> 00:11:47,159 And so it seems to me that what we need to do 257 00:11:47,159 –> 00:11:50,359 is to grasp what he was saying 258 00:11:50,359 –> 00:11:52,260 and understanding its principles, 259 00:11:52,260 –> 00:11:57,179 apply them to the top five worries of our time today. 260 00:11:58,580 –> 00:12:01,200 So then what is Jesus actually teaching us here? 261 00:12:01,200 –> 00:12:06,200 First, Jesus confronts you with your own inability. 262 00:12:08,659 –> 00:12:13,659 Jesus confronts you with your own inability. 263 00:12:14,000 –> 00:12:15,960 Now look at the power of this question. 264 00:12:16,840 –> 00:12:21,799 Who of you, by worrying, 265 00:12:23,219 –> 00:12:28,219 can add a single hour to his or her own life? 266 00:12:30,479 –> 00:12:34,820 Now one hour is a very little thing to add to a lifetime. 267 00:12:34,820 –> 00:12:37,539 Let’s think about it in proportion. 268 00:12:37,539 –> 00:12:39,880 Suppose a lifespan is 70 years. 269 00:12:39,880 –> 00:12:43,340 Let’s just take that number, a 70 year lifespan, 270 00:12:43,340 –> 00:12:47,039 and let’s assume 365 days in a year. 271 00:12:47,940 –> 00:12:50,320 That would mean that a 70 year lifespan 272 00:12:50,320 –> 00:12:55,299 would be 25,550 days. 273 00:12:55,299 –> 00:12:57,080 A lot of days. 274 00:12:57,080 –> 00:12:59,239 And with 24 hours in a day, 275 00:12:59,239 –> 00:13:01,900 that means that a 70 year lifespan 276 00:13:01,900 –> 00:13:04,299 would give to you a grand total 277 00:13:04,299 –> 00:13:09,299 of no less than 613,200 hours. 278 00:13:09,539 –> 00:13:14,539 Now suppose you were to add one hour to that. 279 00:13:16,359 –> 00:13:21,359 One hour added to 613,200 hours 280 00:13:22,440 –> 00:13:27,440 would be an increase of 0.00001%. 281 00:13:32,140 –> 00:13:34,239 If that’s your pay rise this year, 282 00:13:34,239 –> 00:13:39,239 it’s not very good, 0.0001%. 283 00:13:40,260 –> 00:13:45,260 Now you see, the point of Jesus’ question 284 00:13:47,320 –> 00:13:51,739 is that this adding one hour to your life 285 00:13:51,739 –> 00:13:56,020 would be such an infinitesimal thing 286 00:13:57,099 –> 00:13:59,559 that it is hardly even worth mentioning 287 00:14:00,780 –> 00:14:04,359 and, says Jesus, this tiny little thing, 288 00:14:04,359 –> 00:14:06,260 not 1% being added to your life, 289 00:14:06,299 –> 00:14:08,020 you can’t even do that. 290 00:14:10,520 –> 00:14:12,599 See, that’s the point he’s making in verse 26. 291 00:14:12,599 –> 00:14:13,460 Do you see it there? 292 00:14:13,460 –> 00:14:17,440 Since you cannot do this very little thing, 293 00:14:18,840 –> 00:14:21,780 why do you worry about the rest? 294 00:14:23,599 –> 00:14:27,219 See, Jesus is confronting us with our own inability. 295 00:14:27,219 –> 00:14:29,059 The length of a person’s life, he’s saying, 296 00:14:29,059 –> 00:14:30,820 is determined by God. 297 00:14:30,820 –> 00:14:32,960 It isn’t something you can control 298 00:14:32,960 –> 00:14:35,419 and no amount of worry on your part 299 00:14:35,419 –> 00:14:39,159 will make a crap of difference to it. 300 00:14:40,419 –> 00:14:42,559 Now let’s take Jesus’ question 301 00:14:42,559 –> 00:14:45,099 that clearly points up our inability 302 00:14:45,099 –> 00:14:48,119 and apply it to the particular areas 303 00:14:48,119 –> 00:14:50,619 of our identified worries today. 304 00:14:51,760 –> 00:14:54,299 And I want you again to try and hear these questions 305 00:14:54,299 –> 00:14:56,340 as if the risen Lord Jesus Christ 306 00:14:56,340 –> 00:14:59,460 were speaking them personally to you. 307 00:15:02,020 –> 00:15:03,539 Which of you by worrying 308 00:15:04,460 –> 00:15:07,700 can ensure that your child will not have an accident? 309 00:15:10,200 –> 00:15:13,820 Which of you by worrying can become the ideal parent? 310 00:15:16,559 –> 00:15:19,419 Which if you by worrying can bring eternal life 311 00:15:19,419 –> 00:15:21,820 to your son or your daughter’s soul? 312 00:15:24,260 –> 00:15:27,280 Which of you by worrying can determine 313 00:15:27,280 –> 00:15:30,419 the course of your son or daughter’s marriage? 314 00:15:31,580 –> 00:15:32,979 I mean after all, think about it. 315 00:15:33,539 –> 00:15:35,820 When a wedding takes place your son or your daughter 316 00:15:35,820 –> 00:15:38,039 if they do this stand in church 317 00:15:38,039 –> 00:15:40,460 on the day of their wedding and they take a vow, 318 00:15:41,479 –> 00:15:43,380 and what they say in this vow is I take you 319 00:15:43,380 –> 00:15:46,099 to be my husband, I take you to be my wife 320 00:15:46,099 –> 00:15:51,099 for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer. 321 00:15:51,219 –> 00:15:53,419 In sickness and in health. 322 00:15:54,539 –> 00:15:56,299 Why do they take that vow? 323 00:15:56,299 –> 00:16:00,640 They take that vow because they do not know 324 00:16:00,640 –> 00:16:02,320 what that experience will be, 325 00:16:02,320 –> 00:16:05,000 what their finances will be or what their health will be. 326 00:16:05,000 –> 00:16:08,640 If it’s beyond their control it’s certainly beyond yours. 327 00:16:11,940 –> 00:16:14,159 You see Jesus question clearly confronts us 328 00:16:14,159 –> 00:16:17,880 with our own inability and this is a very important lesson 329 00:16:19,080 –> 00:16:22,559 because of course the root of all worry 330 00:16:22,559 –> 00:16:25,780 is that part of us, a little part of us 331 00:16:25,780 –> 00:16:30,780 secretly feels that maybe we can control these things 332 00:16:31,400 –> 00:16:33,200 and that’s why we worry about them. 333 00:16:34,400 –> 00:16:36,979 Somewhere deep within us 334 00:16:38,260 –> 00:16:41,859 there is a little lurking voice that says 335 00:16:43,380 –> 00:16:48,380 if I can get this parenting business exactly right 336 00:16:48,400 –> 00:16:52,460 then I can be sure that all will be well with my kids 337 00:16:53,020 –> 00:16:55,919 And Jesus says, no, you can’t. 338 00:16:58,099 –> 00:16:59,179 A little voice that says, 339 00:16:59,179 –> 00:17:03,080 if I can get my children’s diet exactly right 340 00:17:03,080 –> 00:17:05,020 I will be sure that they’ll be healthy 341 00:17:05,020 –> 00:17:06,300 for the rest of their lives 342 00:17:06,300 –> 00:17:08,640 And Jesus says no you can’t. 343 00:17:10,619 –> 00:17:12,500 If I set right boundaries 344 00:17:12,500 –> 00:17:14,939 I can make sure that they’re safe 345 00:17:14,939 –> 00:17:16,680 And Jesus says, no, you can’t. 346 00:17:18,660 –> 00:17:21,500 If I teach and train and mentor them really well 347 00:17:21,619 –> 00:17:24,579 I can make sure that they will choose the right spouse 348 00:17:24,579 –> 00:17:26,040 No, you can’t. 349 00:17:28,119 –> 00:17:30,780 If I teach them the Bible and the gospel 350 00:17:30,780 –> 00:17:32,660 and bring them to church every Sunday 351 00:17:32,660 –> 00:17:35,619 then I can make sure that they will follow the right path 352 00:17:35,619 –> 00:17:36,680 No, you can’t. 353 00:17:38,260 –> 00:17:40,199 If I pray for them every day 354 00:17:40,199 –> 00:17:42,459 I can be sure of their eternal salvation 355 00:17:42,459 –> 00:17:43,540 No, you can’t. 356 00:17:45,239 –> 00:17:48,819 If I pool everything I have into being the perfect wife 357 00:17:48,819 –> 00:17:50,359 the perfect mother 358 00:17:50,359 –> 00:17:53,199 I can make sure that I will have a happy husband 359 00:17:53,199 –> 00:17:54,380 and healthy kids 360 00:17:55,380 –> 00:17:56,739 No, you can’t. 361 00:17:58,380 –> 00:18:02,060 Now, these are all good, wonderful, and right desires 362 00:18:02,060 –> 00:18:03,680 that should be within our hearts 363 00:18:03,680 –> 00:18:06,819 but none of them are under your control 364 00:18:08,800 –> 00:18:10,660 Jesus is saying, you need to know this 365 00:18:12,939 –> 00:18:15,420 Which of you, by worrying 366 00:18:16,260 –> 00:18:22,020 can add a single hour to his or her own life 367 00:18:23,619 –> 00:18:25,380 and since you can’t do this 368 00:18:27,199 –> 00:18:29,199 why do you worry about the rest? 369 00:18:33,540 –> 00:18:35,260 You see, that doesn’t feel very comfortable 370 00:18:35,260 –> 00:18:37,280 Actually it can be the beginning of hope 371 00:18:38,079 –> 00:18:43,160 Discovering your own inability can be the beginning of faith 372 00:18:44,040 –> 00:18:47,579 One reason why many people struggle to come to authentic faith 373 00:18:47,579 –> 00:18:49,160 is that somewhere deep within us 374 00:18:49,160 –> 00:18:52,040 we feel we really can do it ourselves 375 00:18:52,939 –> 00:18:54,900 and therefore we live at a distance from God 376 00:18:56,079 –> 00:19:01,060 But discovering your own inability can be the beginning of faith 377 00:19:01,780 –> 00:19:04,339 You find this, for example, in the Apostle Paul 378 00:19:04,560 –> 00:19:06,439 When he talks about his ministry 379 00:19:06,439 –> 00:19:10,020 and how overwhelming all his responsibilities are 380 00:19:10,060 –> 00:19:13,640 He says, who is sufficient for these things? 381 00:19:14,920 –> 00:19:16,739 And we might well say that of parenting 382 00:19:17,719 –> 00:19:20,800 Who can be the ideal parent, who can do all of this? 383 00:19:23,459 –> 00:19:25,680 But it was discovering his own inability 384 00:19:25,680 –> 00:19:28,560 that you see was the ground of his faith 385 00:19:28,739 –> 00:19:30,520 He then responds by saying, 386 00:19:30,959 –> 00:19:32,739 Who is sufficient for these things? 387 00:19:33,099 –> 00:19:36,959 Our sufficiency is of God 388 00:19:37,000 –> 00:19:39,680 So, have you discovered your own inability? 389 00:19:39,680 –> 00:19:42,020 Are you in the middle of discovering it right now? 390 00:19:44,020 –> 00:19:48,060 This could just be the first step in you 391 00:19:48,060 –> 00:19:52,640 coming to an really authentic faith 392 00:19:55,699 –> 00:19:57,280 Now here’s the second thing 393 00:19:57,280 –> 00:20:01,020 Not only does Jesus teach us, confront us 394 00:20:01,020 –> 00:20:02,939 with our own inability, but secondly, 395 00:20:03,640 –> 00:20:08,560 He warns you about where you set your heart 396 00:20:08,560 –> 00:20:11,280 Confronts you with your own inability 397 00:20:11,280 –> 00:20:15,439 He warns you about where you set your heart 398 00:20:15,439 –> 00:20:16,640 Look at verse 29 399 00:20:24,900 –> 00:20:26,920 Now, notice the parallel there 400 00:20:26,920 –> 00:20:28,660 Jesus is quite clearly saying 401 00:20:28,660 –> 00:20:31,000 that what you set your heart on 402 00:20:31,000 –> 00:20:33,000 and what you worry about 403 00:20:33,000 –> 00:20:34,979 will tend to be mirror images 404 00:20:34,979 –> 00:20:36,420 they will be the same thing 405 00:20:36,420 –> 00:20:39,140 Do not set your heart on what you eat and drink 406 00:20:39,140 –> 00:20:40,540 do not worry about it 407 00:20:40,540 –> 00:20:42,079 There is a clear relationship 408 00:20:42,079 –> 00:20:45,199 between what you set your heart on 409 00:20:45,199 –> 00:20:48,300 and what you worry about 410 00:20:48,300 –> 00:20:50,839 Now, of course that is the problem, isn’t it? 411 00:20:50,839 –> 00:20:54,520 with setting one’s heart on health and safety 412 00:20:54,520 –> 00:20:56,319 They’re not in my control 413 00:20:56,319 –> 00:20:58,260 they become, therefore 414 00:20:58,260 –> 00:21:00,500 the things that I worry about 415 00:21:01,479 –> 00:21:04,540 I find it very helpful to 416 00:21:04,540 –> 00:21:07,000 think about what it must have been like for 417 00:21:07,000 –> 00:21:10,959 Mary, the Mother of our Lord 418 00:21:10,959 –> 00:21:12,920 Will you think about this with me 419 00:21:12,920 –> 00:21:15,260 just for a few moments on this Mother’s Day 420 00:21:17,800 –> 00:21:21,300 The angel Gabriel comes to this young woman 421 00:21:21,300 –> 00:21:23,239 who is going to bear the savior of the world 422 00:21:23,239 –> 00:21:26,439 and give birth to him, bringing him into the world 423 00:21:26,439 –> 00:21:28,880 The angel Gabriel says, 424 00:21:28,979 –> 00:21:30,479 The angel Gabriel says, 425 00:21:30,479 –> 00:21:33,479 Mary you have found favor with God 426 00:21:33,479 –> 00:21:34,079 beautiful 427 00:21:36,079 –> 00:21:37,280 Mary meets up with Elizabeth 428 00:21:37,280 –> 00:21:39,140 who is also expecting a child 429 00:21:39,140 –> 00:21:40,699 Elizabeth is her cousin 430 00:21:40,699 –> 00:21:41,560 and Elizabeth says to her, 431 00:21:41,560 –> 00:21:45,479 Mary you are blessed among women 432 00:21:48,479 –> 00:21:52,000 No woman has ever been blessed in the birth of a child 433 00:21:52,000 –> 00:21:55,000 or in the privilege of motherhood more than Mary 434 00:21:55,699 –> 00:21:59,719 but reflecting on Mary’s story 435 00:21:59,719 –> 00:22:01,699 and experience reminds us 436 00:22:01,699 –> 00:22:02,500 that the greatest blessings 437 00:22:02,500 –> 00:22:06,819 always come with significant cost 438 00:22:06,819 –> 00:22:13,099 Luke records for us her first grasp of this 439 00:22:13,099 –> 00:22:16,479 remember the occasion when Mary and Joseph 440 00:22:16,479 –> 00:22:18,520 took the infant Jesus to the temple 441 00:22:18,520 –> 00:22:21,500 the infant Jesus is brought by the father and mother 442 00:22:21,500 –> 00:22:23,000 and in this case 443 00:22:23,000 –> 00:22:24,579 where he’s brought to the temple 444 00:22:24,579 –> 00:22:26,760 he is placed in the arms of an old man 445 00:22:26,760 –> 00:22:28,800 a prophet by the name of Simeon 446 00:22:28,800 –> 00:22:30,719 who pronounced words of blessing 447 00:22:30,719 –> 00:22:34,319 over our Lord in his infancy 448 00:22:34,319 –> 00:22:37,500 then Simeon passing the young Christ 449 00:22:37,500 –> 00:22:39,760 back to his mother Mary 450 00:22:39,760 –> 00:22:43,260 speaks directly to her 451 00:22:43,260 –> 00:22:44,920 he says this 452 00:22:44,920 –> 00:22:47,180 this child, he says to Mary 453 00:22:47,180 –> 00:22:49,319 is destined to cause the falling and rising 454 00:22:49,319 –> 00:22:50,439 of many in Israel 455 00:22:50,439 –> 00:22:52,880 and to be a sign that will be spoken against 456 00:22:52,880 –> 00:22:54,420 and the thoughts of many hearts 457 00:22:54,420 –> 00:22:57,020 will be revealed 458 00:22:57,020 –> 00:22:58,459 and then no doubt looking her 459 00:22:58,459 –> 00:22:59,920 directly in the eye 460 00:22:59,920 –> 00:23:03,479 the old man a prophet of God says this 461 00:23:03,479 –> 00:23:06,540 as he hands back the baby 462 00:23:06,540 –> 00:23:13,280 and a sword will pierce your soul too 463 00:23:13,280 –> 00:23:16,420 can you imagine that? 464 00:23:16,420 –> 00:23:26,180 and a sword will pierce your soul too 465 00:23:26,180 –> 00:23:27,660 now what must it have been 466 00:23:27,660 –> 00:23:31,140 for this woman 467 00:23:31,140 –> 00:23:35,800 to see the son she bore crucified 468 00:23:35,800 –> 00:23:37,000 what must she have endured 469 00:23:37,000 –> 00:23:39,420 when her son was despised 470 00:23:39,420 –> 00:23:43,959 and her son was rejected by men 471 00:23:44,079 –> 00:23:50,839 a sword will pierce your soul too 472 00:23:50,839 –> 00:23:53,839 now thinking about this over these last days 473 00:23:53,839 –> 00:23:55,859 has brought some new clarity to my own mind 474 00:23:55,859 –> 00:23:57,540 in a way that I’ve not seen this before 475 00:23:57,540 –> 00:24:02,119 that this is precisely the point of tension 476 00:24:02,119 –> 00:24:05,160 that all of us who are Christian parents face 477 00:24:05,160 –> 00:24:12,160 you see, we want our children to follow Christ 478 00:24:12,439 –> 00:24:16,900 we also want them to have pain free lives 479 00:24:16,900 –> 00:24:18,599 and these two things are always in tension 480 00:24:18,599 –> 00:24:25,599 cause there is no pain free following of Jesus 481 00:24:26,599 –> 00:24:28,520 if you want your son or your daughter 482 00:24:28,520 –> 00:24:30,660 to be a follower of Christ 483 00:24:30,660 –> 00:24:33,680 you cannot set your heart on them never being hurt 484 00:24:33,680 –> 00:24:35,619 never experiencing pain 485 00:24:35,619 –> 00:24:40,760 for if your son or daughter follows Christ 486 00:24:40,819 –> 00:24:44,699 a sword will pierce your soul too 487 00:24:44,699 –> 00:24:47,540 see this is the Christ 488 00:24:47,540 –> 00:24:51,140 who was crucified by the world 489 00:24:51,140 –> 00:24:53,000 this is the Christ who says to us 490 00:24:53,000 –> 00:24:54,839 and to our children 491 00:24:54,839 –> 00:24:56,640 if anyone will come after me 492 00:24:56,640 –> 00:24:59,680 he must deny himself and take up his cross 493 00:24:59,680 –> 00:25:00,520 and follow me 494 00:25:00,520 –> 00:25:07,520 there is no pain free following of Christ 495 00:25:08,180 –> 00:25:10,800 and the cost to the child 496 00:25:10,800 –> 00:25:14,400 and it will be experienced early on in life 497 00:25:14,400 –> 00:25:16,199 it will certainly be experienced in high school 498 00:25:16,199 –> 00:25:17,000 and all the rest of it 499 00:25:17,000 –> 00:25:22,439 the cost to the child will be shared by the mother 500 00:25:22,439 –> 00:25:25,739 a sword will pierce your soul too 501 00:25:25,739 –> 00:25:26,119 every parent 502 00:25:26,119 –> 00:25:29,000 who has seen the pressure 503 00:25:29,000 –> 00:25:29,800 on a believing child 504 00:25:29,800 –> 00:25:30,479 has felt this 505 00:25:30,479 –> 00:25:34,719 there is no pain free following of Jesus 506 00:25:34,719 –> 00:25:36,239 not in this world 507 00:25:36,900 –> 00:25:43,900 Mary, to bear the Christ 508 00:25:47,000 –> 00:25:52,920 means a sword will pierce your soul too 509 00:25:52,920 –> 00:25:56,020 but Mary hear this 510 00:25:56,020 –> 00:25:58,959 it will also make you blessed among women 511 00:25:58,959 –> 00:26:05,880 and I want to say to every mother today 512 00:26:05,959 –> 00:26:07,839 to bear a son or a daughter 513 00:26:07,839 –> 00:26:09,420 who will become a Christ follower 514 00:26:09,420 –> 00:26:14,060 will pierce your soul too 515 00:26:14,060 –> 00:26:15,619 but it will also mean that you 516 00:26:15,619 –> 00:26:17,579 will be wonderfully blessed 517 00:26:21,619 –> 00:26:22,939 Christ confronts you with your own 518 00:26:22,939 –> 00:26:25,380 inability 519 00:26:25,380 –> 00:26:26,500 that’s good because it can 520 00:26:26,500 –> 00:26:30,579 be the beginning of faith 521 00:26:30,579 –> 00:26:32,339 Christ warns you 522 00:26:32,339 –> 00:26:33,660 about where you set your heart 523 00:26:33,660 –> 00:26:34,979 there’s no pain-free following 524 00:26:34,979 –> 00:26:37,760 of Jesus for you or for your children 525 00:26:37,760 –> 00:26:41,180 there’s a sword in every blessing 526 00:26:41,180 –> 00:26:45,699 thirdly, and wonderfully 527 00:26:45,699 –> 00:26:50,380 Jesus invites you 528 00:26:50,380 –> 00:26:54,859 to trust your Heavenly Father 529 00:26:54,859 –> 00:26:56,540 notice how whenever Jesus speaks 530 00:26:56,540 –> 00:26:57,540 about worry 531 00:26:57,540 –> 00:26:59,339 the common worries of our lives 532 00:26:59,339 –> 00:27:00,880 He directs our attention 533 00:27:00,880 –> 00:27:02,219 to the Father 534 00:27:02,219 –> 00:27:03,540 who is in Heaven 535 00:27:04,420 –> 00:27:05,339 Verse 29 536 00:27:05,339 –> 00:27:06,920 Do not worry 537 00:27:06,920 –> 00:27:09,160 the pagan world runs after all these things 538 00:27:09,160 –> 00:27:12,000 but your Heavenly Father 539 00:27:12,000 –> 00:27:13,459 knows that you need them 540 00:27:13,459 –> 00:27:14,660 Verse 32 541 00:27:14,660 –> 00:27:16,900 Don’t be afraid little flock 542 00:27:16,900 –> 00:27:17,900 I love that phrase 543 00:27:17,900 –> 00:27:19,780 don’t be afraid little flock 544 00:27:19,780 –> 00:27:22,699 your Father has been pleased 545 00:27:22,699 –> 00:27:24,380 to give you the kingdom 546 00:27:24,380 –> 00:27:26,920 now you see where Jesus is going 547 00:27:26,920 –> 00:27:29,400 in his teaching on worry 548 00:27:29,400 –> 00:27:30,400 you know 549 00:27:30,400 –> 00:27:31,900 these things are not under your control 550 00:27:32,060 –> 00:27:34,459 be very careful about where you set your heart 551 00:27:34,459 –> 00:27:35,920 but now grasp this 552 00:27:35,920 –> 00:27:40,719 you have a Father in heaven 553 00:27:40,719 –> 00:27:42,219 and your heavenly Father 554 00:27:42,219 –> 00:27:44,479 cares for all of his children 555 00:27:44,479 –> 00:27:49,300 and he does so more than you ever can 556 00:27:49,300 –> 00:27:50,900 and his Faher is 557 00:27:50,900 –> 00:27:55,260 the shepherd of all the flock of God 558 00:27:55,260 –> 00:27:57,359 so now lets take this wonderful truth 559 00:27:57,359 –> 00:27:59,760 into our world of worry this morning 560 00:28:00,000 –> 00:28:03,560 if we worry about health and about safety 561 00:28:03,560 –> 00:28:04,060 listen 562 00:28:04,060 –> 00:28:06,579 God never promises a pain-free life 563 00:28:06,579 –> 00:28:08,939 he doesn’t say that you or your children 564 00:28:08,939 –> 00:28:10,520 will never have an accident 565 00:28:10,520 –> 00:28:12,239 that they will always have good health 566 00:28:12,239 –> 00:28:13,359 in fact he says 567 00:28:13,359 –> 00:28:14,579 I send you out 568 00:28:14,579 –> 00:28:16,020 as sheep among wolves 569 00:28:16,020 –> 00:28:18,140 but what he does say is this 570 00:28:18,140 –> 00:28:21,520 I am your shepherd 571 00:28:21,520 –> 00:28:24,900 and when you pass through the waters 572 00:28:24,900 –> 00:28:25,920 I will be with you 573 00:28:25,920 –> 00:28:28,079 and by extension we can say 574 00:28:28,079 –> 00:28:31,800 when your children pass through the waters 575 00:28:31,800 –> 00:28:32,459 he will be with them 576 00:28:32,459 –> 00:28:35,560 they will not overwhelm them 577 00:28:35,560 –> 00:28:37,579 they will not sweep over them 578 00:28:37,579 –> 00:28:39,380 and even though you walk through the valley 579 00:28:39,380 –> 00:28:40,640 of the shadow of death 580 00:28:40,640 –> 00:28:41,560 he says 581 00:28:41,560 –> 00:28:42,599 I will be with you 582 00:28:42,599 –> 00:28:45,699 and my rod and my staff 583 00:28:45,699 –> 00:28:48,839 they will comfort you 584 00:28:48,839 –> 00:28:52,540 here we are worrying about our kid’s choices 585 00:28:52,540 –> 00:28:55,619 but whether they’ll embrace faith 586 00:28:55,619 –> 00:28:57,239 whether we’ve done a good enough job 587 00:28:57,420 –> 00:28:58,640 to guide them 588 00:28:58,640 –> 00:29:02,619 as if everything depended on us 589 00:29:02,619 –> 00:29:08,300 but the Lord is their Shepherd, isn’t he? 590 00:29:08,300 –> 00:29:12,180 And is he not able to lead them in right paths? 591 00:29:12,180 –> 00:29:15,819 And if they were to become lost 592 00:29:15,819 –> 00:29:17,680 is he not the very one 593 00:29:17,680 –> 00:29:19,319 who is able to seek them 594 00:29:19,319 –> 00:29:20,199 and to find them 595 00:29:20,199 –> 00:29:20,900 and bring them back 596 00:29:20,900 –> 00:29:23,880 and does he not have more ways of doing that 597 00:29:23,880 –> 00:29:25,540 then you or I could concoct 598 00:29:25,540 –> 00:29:30,780 than a thousand sleepless nights of worry? 599 00:29:30,780 –> 00:29:33,540 When I was a little kid 600 00:29:33,540 –> 00:29:36,099 I had a little boat 601 00:29:36,099 –> 00:29:38,520 battery operated, little engine 602 00:29:38,520 –> 00:29:42,420 had an on and an off switch 603 00:29:42,420 –> 00:29:43,819 a lot of fun with this boat 604 00:29:43,819 –> 00:29:45,540 at a very large pond 605 00:29:45,540 –> 00:29:47,619 in a park that was fairly near to our home 606 00:29:47,619 –> 00:29:50,420 where I grew up in Edinburgh 607 00:29:50,420 –> 00:29:53,579 and I even remember very very vividly 608 00:29:53,619 –> 00:29:57,900 lying prostrate on my stomach 609 00:29:57,900 –> 00:30:01,900 holding this little boat in the water 610 00:30:01,900 –> 00:30:06,979 trying to point it in precisely the right direction 611 00:30:06,979 –> 00:30:09,739 before letting it go 612 00:30:09,739 –> 00:30:11,479 and then when I was satisfied 613 00:30:11,479 –> 00:30:13,300 I got it absolutely steady 614 00:30:13,300 –> 00:30:14,739 the rudder absolutely straight 615 00:30:14,739 –> 00:30:19,040 the little battery operated engine switched on 616 00:30:19,040 –> 00:30:21,560 to let it go, and then run all the way round 617 00:30:21,660 –> 00:30:25,280 the pond to try and retrieve it at the other side 618 00:30:25,280 –> 00:30:30,800 you know, it never once went precisely where I wanted it to go 619 00:30:33,760 –> 00:30:37,780 no matter how I tried to perfect the art 620 00:30:37,780 –> 00:30:40,819 of pointing it in the right direction 621 00:30:40,819 –> 00:30:44,579 there were other forces in play 622 00:30:46,859 –> 00:30:48,680 there was wind over the water 623 00:30:49,239 –> 00:30:52,199 and there were weeds underneath 624 00:30:53,640 –> 00:30:56,359 now here you are as a mother 625 00:30:56,520 –> 00:30:59,599 trying to point this little fellow 626 00:30:59,599 –> 00:31:03,079 in precisely the right direction 627 00:31:04,359 –> 00:31:08,119 you want to get it absolutely right 628 00:31:08,239 –> 00:31:10,000 because you know the moment is going to come 629 00:31:10,000 –> 00:31:13,319 when you’re going to have to let him go 630 00:31:14,319 –> 00:31:16,640 Isn’t it good to know 631 00:31:16,640 –> 00:31:21,400 that you can trust your heavenly Father!? 632 00:31:21,400 –> 00:31:22,800 Don’t you think that’s the best news 633 00:31:22,800 –> 00:31:25,479 in all of the world! 634 00:31:26,280 –> 00:31:28,319 There is one who holds the winds 635 00:31:28,319 –> 00:31:30,040 and the waves in his hand 636 00:31:30,040 –> 00:31:32,199 and is able to handle all these things 637 00:31:32,199 –> 00:31:33,500 and to get your kids 638 00:31:33,500 –> 00:31:34,479 out of the deep weeds 639 00:31:34,479 –> 00:31:37,939 into which they get themselves to 640 00:31:38,920 –> 00:31:43,680 Jesus invites you to trust 641 00:31:43,680 –> 00:31:47,119 your heavenly Father! 642 00:31:47,540 –> 00:31:48,699 Your Father doesn’t promise 643 00:31:48,699 –> 00:31:51,640 that the way will be easy 644 00:31:51,640 –> 00:31:52,699 But he does promise that 645 00:31:52,699 –> 00:31:54,020 he will be with you 646 00:31:54,020 –> 00:31:57,599 and with them all the way. 647 00:31:57,599 –> 00:32:00,040 You have a Father! 648 00:32:01,260 –> 00:32:02,099 So thinking about 649 00:32:02,099 –> 00:32:03,140 how to close this message 650 00:32:03,140 –> 00:32:05,060 My mind went back 651 00:32:05,060 –> 00:32:06,219 to a Sunday evening 652 00:32:06,219 –> 00:32:08,099 still vivid in my memory 653 00:32:08,099 –> 00:32:10,280 It’s now 25 years ago 654 00:32:10,280 –> 00:32:11,640 I was at Worthing’s Tabernacle 655 00:32:11,640 –> 00:32:12,699 in England at that time 656 00:32:12,699 –> 00:32:13,699 An Assistant Pastor 657 00:32:13,699 –> 00:32:14,699 to Tony Sargent 658 00:32:14,699 –> 00:32:15,699 The Senior Pastor 659 00:32:15,699 –> 00:32:16,699 who had had the opportunity 660 00:32:16,699 –> 00:32:18,339 to go out to China 661 00:32:18,339 –> 00:32:19,959 and had met at that time 662 00:32:19,959 –> 00:32:21,979 with Wang Mingdao 663 00:32:21,979 –> 00:32:22,979 A pastor 664 00:32:22,979 –> 00:32:24,420 who had been in prison 665 00:32:24,420 –> 00:32:29,239 for 25 years 666 00:32:29,239 –> 00:32:30,739 And Wang Mingdao 667 00:32:30,739 –> 00:32:31,739 Having been in prison 668 00:32:31,739 –> 00:32:32,739 for his faith 669 00:32:32,739 –> 00:32:33,739 and for his testimony 670 00:32:33,739 –> 00:32:34,739 to Jesus 671 00:32:34,739 –> 00:32:35,739 all of this time 672 00:32:35,739 –> 00:32:38,119 he spoke with Tony Sargent 673 00:32:38,119 –> 00:32:39,140 The Senior Pastor 674 00:32:39,140 –> 00:32:40,540 He had a little tape recorder 675 00:32:40,540 –> 00:32:41,540 to record his message 676 00:32:41,540 –> 00:32:43,219 And Tony asked him 677 00:32:43,219 –> 00:32:44,900 Do you have a message 678 00:32:44,900 –> 00:32:48,099 for Christian believers 679 00:32:48,099 –> 00:32:52,079 in the West? 680 00:32:52,079 –> 00:32:53,599 He was an old man at the time 681 00:32:53,599 –> 00:32:55,239 He had a rather thin 682 00:32:55,239 –> 00:32:59,699 and shaky voice 683 00:32:59,699 –> 00:33:00,699 When he was asked 684 00:33:00,699 –> 00:33:01,699 that simple question 685 00:33:01,699 –> 00:33:02,699 What did he want to say 686 00:33:02,699 –> 00:33:04,859 to believers in the West? 687 00:33:04,859 –> 00:33:09,199 He began ever so quietly to sing 688 00:33:09,199 –> 00:33:12,900 It wasn’t very good singing 689 00:33:12,900 –> 00:33:17,540 Like mine isn’t very good singing 690 00:33:17,540 –> 00:33:21,380 But it sounded like this 691 00:33:21,380 –> 00:33:25,459 All the way my saviour leads me 692 00:33:25,459 –> 00:33:30,819 What have I to ask beside? 693 00:33:31,000 –> 00:33:36,239 Can I doubt his tender mercy 694 00:33:36,239 –> 00:33:40,479 Who through life has been my guide? 695 00:33:40,479 –> 00:33:45,500 Heav’nly peace, Divinest comfort 696 00:33:45,500 –> 00:33:49,500 Here by faith in him to dwell 697 00:33:49,500 –> 00:33:54,400 For I know what’er befall me 698 00:33:54,400 –> 00:33:59,719 Jesus doeth all things well 699 00:34:00,680 –> 00:34:03,420 And then he continued 700 00:34:03,420 –> 00:34:06,260 All the way my Saviour leads me 701 00:34:06,260 –> 00:34:09,739 Cheers each winding path I tread 702 00:34:09,739 –> 00:34:12,600 Gives me Grace for every trial 703 00:34:12,600 –> 00:34:15,379 Feeds me with the living bread 704 00:34:15,379 –> 00:34:18,919 Though my weary steps may falter 705 00:34:18,919 –> 00:34:20,840 And my soul a thirst may be 706 00:34:20,840 –> 00:34:23,060 Gushing from the rock before me 707 00:34:23,060 –> 00:34:25,239 A spring of Joy I see 708 00:34:25,239 –> 00:34:28,020 All the way my Saviour leads me 709 00:34:28,080 –> 00:34:31,260 Oh the fullness of his love 710 00:34:31,260 –> 00:34:33,560 Perfect rest to me is promised 711 00:34:33,560 –> 00:34:37,060 In my father’s house above 712 00:34:37,060 –> 00:34:38,560 With my spirit clothed immortal 713 00:34:38,560 –> 00:34:40,820 Wings its flight to realms of day 714 00:34:40,820 –> 00:34:44,040 This my song through endless ages 715 00:34:44,040 –> 00:34:47,040 Jesus led me 716 00:34:47,040 –> 00:34:50,000 All the way 717 00:34:51,340 –> 00:34:54,100 And I have wondered this week about his mother 718 00:34:54,840 –> 00:34:57,540 A sword will pierce your soul too 719 00:34:59,939 –> 00:35:01,639 But to have a son like that 720 00:35:01,639 –> 00:35:03,000 That woman must be infinitely blessed 721 00:35:03,000 –> 00:35:05,000 Don’t you think? 722 00:35:07,399 –> 00:35:10,419 He confronts you with 723 00:35:10,419 –> 00:35:13,820 Your own inability 724 00:35:13,820 –> 00:35:17,320 He warns you about where you set your heart 725 00:35:19,419 –> 00:35:22,219 And he invites you to trust your Heavenly Father 726 00:35:22,580 –> 00:35:25,080 His promise is not that the way will be easy 727 00:35:25,080 –> 00:35:27,080 But that he will be with you all the way 728 00:35:27,080 –> 00:35:29,080 So are you ready to trust him? 729 00:35:29,080 –> 00:35:31,080 Some of us would be saying right now 730 00:35:32,959 –> 00:35:35,959 Wow! That would be a whole different way of living 731 00:35:37,219 –> 00:35:40,699 Well, you can begin it today 732 00:35:43,959 –> 00:35:46,000 I’m going to ask that you pray with me 733 00:35:46,000 –> 00:35:48,139 And to give you an opportunity 734 00:35:48,219 –> 00:35:50,719 To express faith in the Lord Jesus 735 00:35:50,719 –> 00:35:52,219 By making these words your own 736 00:35:52,219 –> 00:35:53,719 Will you bow with me 737 00:35:53,719 –> 00:35:55,199 In a moment of prayer together 738 00:35:57,360 –> 00:36:00,360 Lord Jesus Christ, we have heard your word 739 00:36:02,439 –> 00:36:05,439 And I see with clarity my own inability 740 00:36:06,919 –> 00:36:09,719 I worry because part of me thinks I am in control 741 00:36:09,719 –> 00:36:11,459 But I know that I am not 742 00:36:13,060 –> 00:36:16,540 And now I want to thank you that you are 743 00:36:16,540 –> 00:36:19,360 And that you invite me to trust you 744 00:36:20,780 –> 00:36:22,739 To walk with you 745 00:36:24,139 –> 00:36:26,820 Through all the pressures and difficulties of life 746 00:36:29,719 –> 00:36:32,719 Thank you that this relationship of trust 747 00:36:32,719 –> 00:36:34,060 In which I know you as father 748 00:36:34,060 –> 00:36:36,260 Is made possible through Jesus 749 00:36:36,260 –> 00:36:39,360 Who died for me and rose again 750 00:36:39,360 –> 00:36:42,479 By faith I turn to him now 751 00:36:42,560 –> 00:36:45,560 By faith I turn to him now 752 00:36:46,439 –> 00:36:49,439 Putting my trust in him 753 00:36:49,459 –> 00:36:52,580 To follow him and to walk this way 754 00:36:52,580 –> 00:36:55,580 That you have never promised will be easy 755 00:36:56,459 –> 00:36:59,459 But you have promised that you will walk it with me 756 00:37:01,120 –> 00:37:03,800 Lord,hear my prayer 757 00:37:03,800 –> 00:37:06,800 As I put my trust in you today 758 00:37:08,879 –> 00:37:11,879 Through Jesus Christ our Lord 759 00:37:12,479 –> 00:37:15,800 Amen