God's Unrelenting Invitation | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 07.26.2026

Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Meers, the executive pastor, and I'm Meers, the executive pastor, and I'm Meers, the executive pastor, and I'm glad you're joining us today. Whether glad you're joining us today. Whether glad you're joining us today. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or you're in the car, at the gym, or you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, let this settling in for a quiet moment, let this settling in for a quiet moment, let this be your time to draw closer to God. be your time to draw closer to God. be your time to draw closer to God. Today's our final sermon in the Holiday Today's our final sermon in the Holiday Today's our final sermon in the Holiday with Jesus series. And so, as we spend with Jesus series. And so, as we spend with Jesus series. And so, as we spend time thinking about Jesus in Jerusalem, time thinking about Jesus in Jerusalem, time thinking about Jesus in Jerusalem, we're going to talk about how even when we're going to talk about how even when we're going to talk about how even when we turn away, God's desire for a close we turn away, God's desire for a close we turn away, God's desire for a close relationship with us never fades. I hope relationship with us never fades. I hope relationship with us never fades. I hope to see you back next week to listen, to see you back next week to listen, to see you back next week to listen, learn, and grow together. >> Join with me in a word of prayer. >> Join with me in a word of prayer. Oh God, open us up today. Oh God, open us up today. Oh God, open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see, our Open our eyes that we might see, our Open our eyes that we might see, our ears that we might hear. ears that we might hear. ears that we might hear. Open our hearts that we might feel. And then, oh God, open our our hands And then, oh God, open our our hands that we might give and serve and love. that we might give and serve and love. that we might give and serve and love. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [clears throat] >> 2011, a woman was um >> 2011, a woman was um snowshoeing in uh Minnesota, and she snowshoeing in uh Minnesota, and she snowshoeing in uh Minnesota, and she came across a gray wolf that was caught came across a gray wolf that was caught came across a gray wolf that was caught in a uh foothold trap.

in a uh foothold trap. in a uh foothold trap. Gray wolves are um Gray wolves are um Gray wolves are um endangered species in um Minnesota, so endangered species in um Minnesota, so endangered species in um Minnesota, so she knew that it was not uh she knew that it was not uh she knew that it was not uh didn't belong appropriately to a didn't belong appropriately to a didn't belong appropriately to a trapper. And so, she uh decided that um trapper. And so, she uh decided that um trapper. And so, she uh decided that um she needed to set the wolf free from she needed to set the wolf free from she needed to set the wolf free from this foothold trap. She was a lover of this foothold trap. She was a lover of this foothold trap. She was a lover of animals, and um animals, and um animals, and um so, she took her snowshoe and tried to so, she took her snowshoe and tried to so, she took her snowshoe and tried to use it kind of as a screen to keep the use it kind of as a screen to keep the use it kind of as a screen to keep the wolf away as she was dealing with the wolf away as she was dealing with the wolf away as she was dealing with the the foothold trap to try and and set him the foothold trap to try and and set him the foothold trap to try and and set him free. He attacked her. free. He attacked her. free. He attacked her. And he uh broke her arm um And he uh broke her arm um And he uh broke her arm um and uh lunged for her neck, but got her and uh lunged for her neck, but got her and uh lunged for her neck, but got her shoulder at her collarbone, and um shoulder at her collarbone, and um shoulder at her collarbone, and um she was able to roll away and called the she was able to roll away and called the she was able to roll away and called the rangers who came and you know, to rescue rangers who came and you know, to rescue rangers who came and you know, to rescue both her and deal with the wolf. And as both her and deal with the wolf. And as both her and deal with the wolf. And as the rangers came she just kept saying to the rangers came she just kept saying to the rangers came she just kept saying to the wolf, I mean to the rangers, please the wolf, I mean to the rangers, please the wolf, I mean to the rangers, please don't hurt the wolf. He he he he didn't don't hurt the wolf. He he he he didn't don't hurt the wolf. He he he he didn't understand that I was trying to save understand that I was trying to save understand that I was trying to save him.

him. him. And he would just felt threatened and And he would just felt threatened and And he would just felt threatened and that's why he attacked me. that's why he attacked me. that's why he attacked me. Um, turns out Um, turns out Um, turns out that you know, she turned out to be that you know, she turned out to be that you know, she turned out to be okay. He okay. He okay. He the wolf the wolf the wolf they tested him for rabies. He did not they tested him for rabies. He did not they tested him for rabies. He did not have rabies and so they let him go and have rabies and so they let him go and have rabies and so they let him go and set him free in the wild. set him free in the wild. set him free in the wild. It's really [snorts] a It's really [snorts] a It's really [snorts] a um, um, um, an analogy, a beautiful one I think or an analogy, a beautiful one I think or an analogy, a beautiful one I think or or appropriate one for our scripture or appropriate one for our scripture or appropriate one for our scripture today today today as Jesus is just wanting to save as Jesus is just wanting to save as Jesus is just wanting to save Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. I just want to save them. I just want to save them. I just want to save them. Maybe saying to you and me, Maybe saying to you and me, Maybe saying to you and me, I just want to save you. I just want to save you. I just want to save you. But instead they turn on him because But instead they turn on him because But instead they turn on him because they felt threatened. So let's So let's look at the geography one more time. look at the geography one more time. look at the geography one more time. This is the last time you guys have to This is the last time you guys have to This is the last time you guys have to do the geography so you can feel good do the geography so you can feel good do the geography so you can feel good about that. I really enjoyed the little about that. I really enjoyed the little about that. I really enjoyed the little passport stamps on the front.

passport stamps on the front. passport stamps on the front. I wish I had they were really all all on I wish I had they were really all all on I wish I had they were really all all on my passport that way. my passport that way. my passport that way. So So So Jesus has left the come down from the Jesus has left the come down from the Jesus has left the come down from the Mount of Transfiguration. You see Mount Mount of Transfiguration. You see Mount Mount of Transfiguration. You see Mount Tabor on your map there and has been Tabor on your map there and has been Tabor on your map there and has been heading towards Jerusalem. heading towards Jerusalem. heading towards Jerusalem. And along the way he runs across some And along the way he runs across some And along the way he runs across some people who say down sort of on the path people who say down sort of on the path people who say down sort of on the path from Mount Tabor which is between is from Mount Tabor which is between is from Mount Tabor which is between is sort of a third of the way down and on sort of a third of the way down and on sort of a third of the way down and on your map. Um, and he's headed towards your map. Um, and he's headed towards your map. Um, and he's headed towards Jerusalem and along the way he Jerusalem and along the way he Jerusalem and along the way he he encounters some Pharisees who say, he encounters some Pharisees who say, he encounters some Pharisees who say, "Hey, we hear that when you get to "Hey, we hear that when you get to "Hey, we hear that when you get to Jerusalem, Herod is there and he wants Jerusalem, Herod is there and he wants Jerusalem, Herod is there and he wants to kill you." to kill you." to kill you." And they say he's and and Jesus says to And they say he's and and Jesus says to And they say he's and and Jesus says to them, "I know. I'm them, "I know. I'm them, "I know. I'm That's why I'm headed to Jerusalem." That's why I'm headed to Jerusalem." That's why I'm headed to Jerusalem." Because Because Because the prophets get killed in Jerusalem and the prophets get killed in Jerusalem and the prophets get killed in Jerusalem and I've I've come and I know that's what's I've I've come and I know that's what's I've I've come and I know that's what's ahead for me. He's been telling the ahead for me. He's been telling the ahead for me. He's been telling the disciples, he's been telling everyone disciples, he's been telling everyone disciples, he's been telling everyone that I'm going to Jerusalem, they're that I'm going to Jerusalem, they're that I'm going to Jerusalem, they're going to crucify me, the third day I'll going to crucify me, the third day I'll going to crucify me, the third day I'll be raised.

Some days later he is entering the city Some days later he is entering the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And as he is coming down the Mount of And as he is coming down the Mount of And as he is coming down the Mount of Olives, he stops halfway down. He Olives, he stops halfway down. He Olives, he stops halfway down. He There's just a place there where you There's just a place there where you There's just a place there where you could catch a glimpse of the city. could catch a glimpse of the city. could catch a glimpse of the city. And the scripture says And the scripture says And the scripture says he wept over the city. he wept over the city. he wept over the city. There's a if you ever get the chance to There's a if you ever get the chance to There's a if you ever get the chance to go to Israel go to Israel go to Israel and you walk down the Mount of Olives as and you walk down the Mount of Olives as and you walk down the Mount of Olives as many do as part of their pilgrimage, many do as part of their pilgrimage, many do as part of their pilgrimage, you will come across a little church you will come across a little church you will come across a little church called Dominus Flevit, which is uh it's called Dominus Flevit, which is uh it's called Dominus Flevit, which is uh it's a Franciscan church, it's a Latin church a Franciscan church, it's a Latin church a Franciscan church, it's a Latin church meaning the Lord wept. And it is in the meaning the Lord wept. And it is in the meaning the Lord wept. And it is in the shape of a it's a very small tiny church shape of a it's a very small tiny church shape of a it's a very small tiny church in the shape of an upside-down in the shape of an upside-down in the shape of an upside-down um teardrop. um teardrop. um teardrop. And you can look out there's a window And you can look out there's a window And you can look out there's a window that looks out on Jerusalem and it's that looks out on Jerusalem and it's that looks out on Jerusalem and it's just a beautiful vista of the city of just a beautiful vista of the city of just a beautiful vista of the city of Jerusalem and you can just imagine Jesus Jerusalem and you can just imagine Jesus Jerusalem and you can just imagine Jesus there falling on his knees and weeping there falling on his knees and weeping there falling on his knees and weeping over the city of Jerusalem. over the city of Jerusalem. over the city of Jerusalem. Why was he weeping?

Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? I I I I want us to understand that I I I I want us to understand that I I I I want us to understand that today. If if you today. If if you today. If if you I want to take a look at the scripture I want to take a look at the scripture I want to take a look at the scripture from Luke 13 again and see what we can from Luke 13 again and see what we can from Luke 13 again and see what we can understand. understand. understand. He says in verse 30 We're going to look He says in verse 30 We're going to look He says in verse 30 We're going to look just at verses 34 and 35. just at verses 34 and 35. just at verses 34 and 35. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. are sent to it. are sent to it. Jerusalem, the wolf. Jerusalem, the wolf. Jerusalem, the wolf. And then he says, And then he says, And then he says, "How often have I desired to gather your "How often have I desired to gather your "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. brood under her wings. brood under her wings. And you were not willing." And you were not willing." And you were not willing." Isn't that a beautiful picture? Isn't that a beautiful picture? Isn't that a beautiful picture? Of of just this Of of just this Of of just this You know, one of the neat things about You know, one of the neat things about You know, one of the neat things about being a pastor is you can spend you can being a pastor is you can spend you can being a pastor is you can spend you can waste a lot of time and count it as waste a lot of time and count it as waste a lot of time and count it as work. work. work. I spent about 2 hours I spent about 2 hours I spent about 2 hours this week just looking at videos of hens this week just looking at videos of hens this week just looking at videos of hens gathering till chicks under their wings.

gathering till chicks under their wings. gathering till chicks under their wings. It really they're just all over the It really they're just all over the It really they're just all over the place. There are more of those and they place. There are more of those and they place. There are more of those and they are so interesting and exciting they're are so interesting and exciting they're are so interesting and exciting they're just so beautiful. And you know, they just so beautiful. And you know, they just so beautiful. And you know, they don't really just gather them under the don't really just gather them under the don't really just gather them under the wings they sort of sit on them. And wings they sort of sit on them. And wings they sort of sit on them. And they're sitting there and then they're they're sitting there and then they're they're sitting there and then they're and then there what's why you see a and then there what's why you see a and then there what's why you see a little chick kind of poke poke the head little chick kind of poke poke the head little chick kind of poke poke the head out and then mom gets up and seems out and then mom gets up and seems out and then mom gets up and seems annoyed and sort of walks off and the annoyed and sort of walks off and the annoyed and sort of walks off and the chicks chicks chicks follow after her until she sits down follow after her until she sits down follow after her until she sits down again and they all crawl under. It's again and they all crawl under. It's again and they all crawl under. It's just so such a an interesting beautiful just so such a an interesting beautiful just so such a an interesting beautiful image of Jesus saying, "I just want to I image of Jesus saying, "I just want to I image of Jesus saying, "I just want to I just want to save you. I want to protect just want to save you. I want to protect just want to save you. I want to protect you. I love you so much. I'm taking care you. I love you so much. I'm taking care you. I love you so much. I'm taking care of you. of you. of you. But you would not. But you would not. But you would not. You wouldn't do it. You wouldn't do it. You wouldn't do it. And then he says, And then he says, And then he says, "See your house is left to you." "See your house is left to you." "See your house is left to you." Now, here's where it gets interesting. Now, here's where it gets interesting. Now, here's where it gets interesting. If you have a new international version If you have a new international version If you have a new international version of the Bible and you read this same of the Bible and you read this same of the Bible and you read this same verse, it says, verse, it says, verse, it says, "See your house is left to you "See your house is left to you "See your house is left to you desolate."

desolate." desolate." Your house is left to you desolate. Your house is left to you desolate. Your house is left to you desolate. Now, if if you go to the Greek Now, if if you go to the Greek Now, if if you go to the Greek New Testament, you'll see that the word New Testament, you'll see that the word New Testament, you'll see that the word desolate is not there. desolate is not there. desolate is not there. It's not. There'll be a little asterisk It's not. There'll be a little asterisk It's not. There'll be a little asterisk that says, "Many or some later that says, "Many or some later that says, "Many or some later manuscripts include the word desolate. manuscripts include the word desolate. manuscripts include the word desolate. Why would they add the word desolate? Why would they add the word desolate? Why would they add the word desolate? Well, the implication is that Well, the implication is that Well, the implication is that here's the situation. Luke the the here's the situation. Luke the the here's the situation. Luke the the Gospel of Luke was written many years Gospel of Luke was written many years Gospel of Luke was written many years after Jesus died and in fact was most after Jesus died and in fact was most after Jesus died and in fact was most scholars believe was written after the scholars believe was written after the scholars believe was written after the year 70 AD and in 70 AD the city of year 70 AD and in 70 AD the city of year 70 AD and in 70 AD the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. Completely ravaged, the temple was Completely ravaged, the temple was Completely ravaged, the temple was destroyed, destroyed, destroyed, the whole city destroyed. And so many the whole city destroyed. And so many the whole city destroyed. And so many think that this was Jesus saying, "Look, think that this was Jesus saying, "Look, think that this was Jesus saying, "Look, I'm abandoning you and I'm abandoning you and I'm abandoning you and you're going to be destroyed." you're going to be destroyed." you're going to be destroyed." Uh maybe.

Uh maybe. Uh maybe. The context may imply that. The context may imply that. The context may imply that. But that's not what the text says and I But that's not what the text says and I But that's not what the text says and I think I think he's trying to say think I think he's trying to say think I think he's trying to say something else. something else. something else. See, your house is left to you. See, your house is left to you. See, your house is left to you. In other words, I leave it up to you. In other words, I leave it up to you. In other words, I leave it up to you. I I wish I could gather you under my I I wish I could gather you under my I I wish I could gather you under my wings, wings, wings, but you would not and I can't make you but you would not and I can't make you but you would not and I can't make you do it. do it. do it. I can't make you come to me. I can't I can't make you come to me. I can't I can't make you come to me. I can't make you come under my wings. make you come under my wings. make you come under my wings. No, it's your life. It's your choice. No, it's your life. It's your choice. No, it's your life. It's your choice. I leave it to you. Here's what I the premise of today's Here's what I the premise of today's message. message. message. Uh Uh Uh Jesus is offering us a better way, a Jesus is offering us a better way, a Jesus is offering us a better way, a better way to live, better way to live, better way to live, a a a the way to live, the best way. the way to live, the best way. the way to live, the best way. And we take a lesser way. And we take a lesser way. And we take a lesser way. We we We we We we we choose a different way that we choose a different way that we choose a different way that that falls so far short of what Jesus is that falls so far short of what Jesus is that falls so far short of what Jesus is offering us.

offering us. offering us. In the spring of 1981, my wife was In the spring of 1981, my wife was In the spring of 1981, my wife was expecting our first child and expecting our first child and expecting our first child and I was serving as I was in seminary in I was serving as I was in seminary in I was serving as I was in seminary in Dallas and I was serving as the youth Dallas and I was serving as the youth Dallas and I was serving as the youth pastor at a church in Duncanville, pastor at a church in Duncanville, pastor at a church in Duncanville, Texas. And a Texas. And a Texas. And a wonderful, generous man in our church wonderful, generous man in our church wonderful, generous man in our church came to to me in my office one day and came to to me in my office one day and came to to me in my office one day and said, "You know, your wife is expecting, said, "You know, your wife is expecting, said, "You know, your wife is expecting, and you're you're not going to get to and you're you're not going to get to and you're you're not going to get to travel ever again once you have a baby." travel ever again once you have a baby." travel ever again once you have a baby." He didn't say that, but that's what he He didn't say that, but that's what he He didn't say that, but that's what he was thinking. And he said, was thinking. And he said, was thinking. And he said, "I'd like to send you and your wife to "I'd like to send you and your wife to "I'd like to send you and your wife to London." London." London." And for a little trip. And I was like, And for a little trip. And I was like, And for a little trip. And I was like, "Wow." He said, "You leave next week. "Wow." He said, "You leave next week. "Wow." He said, "You leave next week. I've already bought your tickets." I've already bought your tickets." I've already bought your tickets." And I thought, "Well, thanks for running And I thought, "Well, thanks for running And I thought, "Well, thanks for running my life for me." But um my life for me." But um my life for me." But um Uh so, we didn't have passports even. Uh so, we didn't have passports even. Uh so, we didn't have passports even. So, So, So, we were able to drive from we were able to drive from we were able to drive from from Dallas to Houston. And you In those from Dallas to Houston. And you In those from Dallas to Houston. And you In those days, you could walk your passport days, you could walk your passport days, you could walk your passport application through. There was a application through. There was a application through. There was a passport office in Houston. So, we I passport office in Houston. So, we I passport office in Houston. So, we I walked it through. We got our passports.

walked it through. We got our passports. walked it through. We got our passports. We got ready to go. We got ready to go. We got ready to go. Here's the thing. We were Here's the thing. We were Here's the thing. We were We were We were We were We were poor. We had no money. And I We were poor. We had no money. And I We were poor. We had no money. And I mean, going to London was mean, going to London was mean, going to London was really like a stretch. So, I had no really like a stretch. So, I had no really like a stretch. So, I had no credit card, and credit card, and credit card, and I had $140. I had $140. I had $140. So, we took $140, and we got on the So, we took $140, and we got on the So, we took $140, and we got on the plane to go to London. plane to go to London. plane to go to London. And my dad had given me this letter of And my dad had given me this letter of And my dad had given me this letter of credit from his bank. Like in case I credit from his bank. Like in case I credit from his bank. Like in case I like got I don't know, something like got I don't know, something like got I don't know, something happened, I guess I could go to a London happened, I guess I could go to a London happened, I guess I could go to a London bank and give it to them, and maybe bank and give it to them, and maybe bank and give it to them, and maybe something they could get me some money. something they could get me some money. something they could get me some money. But anyway, so But anyway, so But anyway, so Uh the the trip included Um Uh the the trip included Um Uh the the trip included Um the hotel at a at a hotel in the the hotel at a at a hotel in the the hotel at a at a hotel in the Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Circus. And it included one of those And it included one of those And it included one of those rail passes that you could ride around rail passes that you could ride around rail passes that you could ride around the city of London and other places. And the city of London and other places. And the city of London and other places. And it included a tour of Windsor Castle. it included a tour of Windsor Castle. it included a tour of Windsor Castle. Which is a ways out of London, I Which is a ways out of London, I Which is a ways out of London, I discovered later. discovered later. discovered later. Well, here's the thing. So, we had $140.

Well, here's the thing. So, we had $140. Well, here's the thing. So, we had $140. We really managed our money. We we We really managed our money. We we We really managed our money. We we did get one souvenir, a little Wedgwood did get one souvenir, a little Wedgwood did get one souvenir, a little Wedgwood plate that's about this big around, and plate that's about this big around, and plate that's about this big around, and we ate at Wimpy's every night. we ate at Wimpy's every night. we ate at Wimpy's every night. So, Wimpy's was the the hamburger place So, Wimpy's was the the hamburger place So, Wimpy's was the the hamburger place that's there, kind of like McDonald's. that's there, kind of like McDonald's. that's there, kind of like McDonald's. It was Wimpy's all the time, right? And It was Wimpy's all the time, right? And It was Wimpy's all the time, right? And we we just scrimped and scrimped and we we just scrimped and scrimped and we we just scrimped and scrimped and lived in that sort of that sort of way. lived in that sort of that sort of way. lived in that sort of that sort of way. So, it's time to check out, and I'm So, it's time to check out, and I'm So, it's time to check out, and I'm checking out of the hotel. checking out of the hotel. checking out of the hotel. And I look over and there's this big And I look over and there's this big And I look over and there's this big ballroom that's opened up in the hotel ballroom that's opened up in the hotel ballroom that's opened up in the hotel off to the side, and it's just full of off to the side, and it's just full of off to the side, and it's just full of people round tables and and stuff. And I people round tables and and stuff. And I people round tables and and stuff. And I I look I said to the guy, "Well, you I look I said to the guy, "Well, you I look I said to the guy, "Well, you having some big conference here, having some big conference here, having some big conference here, you know?" And you know?" And you know?" And he said, "Conference? No, that's he said, "Conference? No, that's he said, "Conference? No, that's breakfast." He said, "That comes with breakfast." He said, "That comes with breakfast." He said, "That comes with your room." And I'm like, And I'm like, "What?" Yeah, an English breakfast, all "What?" Yeah, an English breakfast, all "What?" Yeah, an English breakfast, all you can eat buffet. We would have been you can eat buffet. We would have been you can eat buffet. We would have been putting stuff in our pockets. We would putting stuff in our pockets. We would putting stuff in our pockets. We would have been have been have been You know, we would have been doing all You know, we would have been doing all You know, we would have been doing all sorts of things.

sorts of things. sorts of things. But, But, But, no, no, we just chose Wimpy's. no, no, we just chose Wimpy's. no, no, we just chose Wimpy's. And I think it's the I think it's the And I think it's the I think it's the And I think it's the I think it's the a picture of our lives. We somehow think a picture of our lives. We somehow think a picture of our lives. We somehow think that this is the only way, this Wimpy that this is the only way, this Wimpy that this is the only way, this Wimpy way that we go. And the truth is we've way that we go. And the truth is we've way that we go. And the truth is we've been offered by God this English been offered by God this English been offered by God this English breakfast, this incredible life breakfast, this incredible life breakfast, this incredible life that that that for some reason we just can't seem to for some reason we just can't seem to for some reason we just can't seem to let go of what we think is the best way. let go of what we think is the best way. let go of what we think is the best way. So, So, So, what is this better way that Jesus what is this better way that Jesus what is this better way that Jesus offers us? offers us? offers us? I I can you know, we could do a whole I I can you know, we could do a whole I I can you know, we could do a whole series series of sermons. I just want to series series of sermons. I just want to series series of sermons. I just want to lift up two of them. lift up two of them. lift up two of them. And and the first one is this. Jesus And and the first one is this. Jesus And and the first one is this. Jesus offers us a life of self-forgetfulness. offers us a life of self-forgetfulness. offers us a life of self-forgetfulness. This this blessed peace and rest of This this blessed peace and rest of This this blessed peace and rest of self-forgetfulness. self-forgetfulness. self-forgetfulness. And what we choose is a life about me, And what we choose is a life about me, And what we choose is a life about me, me, me, me. Um Dee and I had the privilege of going Um Dee and I had the privilege of going on our pace-cation this year. We went to on our pace-cation this year. We went to on our pace-cation this year. We went to uh Cinnamon Shores, Texas, which is I uh Cinnamon Shores, Texas, which is I uh Cinnamon Shores, Texas, which is I don't know in Port Aransas, to the beach don't know in Port Aransas, to the beach don't know in Port Aransas, to the beach there for a few days with our um there for a few days with our um there for a few days with our um our 22 uh family members alongside us.

our 22 uh family members alongside us. our 22 uh family members alongside us. Um Um Um it was very peaceful. it was very peaceful. it was very peaceful. Um Um Um but it was joyful. I will say that. So, but it was joyful. I will say that. So, but it was joyful. I will say that. So, we had one night we had a campfire on we had one night we had a campfire on we had one night we had a campfire on the beach and they weenie roast and I the beach and they weenie roast and I the beach and they weenie roast and I looked over and my wife was teaching looked over and my wife was teaching looked over and my wife was teaching grandkids or or leading them in throwing grandkids or or leading them in throwing grandkids or or leading them in throwing bread up in the air for the seagulls. bread up in the air for the seagulls. bread up in the air for the seagulls. I'm sure you've done that. You throw the I'm sure you've done that. You throw the I'm sure you've done that. You throw the bread up in the air and the seagulls bread up in the air and the seagulls bread up in the air and the seagulls grab it. And um then there the seagulls grab it. And um then there the seagulls grab it. And um then there the seagulls are just squawking, squawking, are just squawking, squawking, are just squawking, squawking, squawking, squawking. And as soon as I squawking, squawking. And as soon as I squawking, squawking. And as soon as I saw it, what flashed to my mind was the saw it, what flashed to my mind was the saw it, what flashed to my mind was the movie Finding Nemo. Now, if you haven't movie Finding Nemo. Now, if you haven't movie Finding Nemo. Now, if you haven't seen Finding Nemo, you it's worth it's seen Finding Nemo, you it's worth it's seen Finding Nemo, you it's worth it's worth figuring out how to find it and worth figuring out how to find it and worth figuring out how to find it and watch it. Because in it, the seagulls watch it. Because in it, the seagulls watch it. Because in it, the seagulls are squawking, but they're what instead are squawking, but they're what instead are squawking, but they're what instead of squawking, they're saying, "Mine, of squawking, they're saying, "Mine, of squawking, they're saying, "Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine." And they're mine, mine, mine, mine." And they're mine, mine, mine, mine." And they're just grabbing at the that stuff. And I just grabbing at the that stuff. And I just grabbing at the that stuff. And I and that's what we're like. and that's what we're like. and that's what we're like. We're like those seagulls. Like, "Oh, We're like those seagulls. Like, "Oh, We're like those seagulls. Like, "Oh, it's going to what's it for mine? I I I it's going to what's it for mine? I I I it's going to what's it for mine? I I I got to get that." got to get that." got to get that." It's our our we have this this ambition, It's our our we have this this ambition, It's our our we have this this ambition, this sense of of everything that we we this sense of of everything that we we this sense of of everything that we we we got to have, you know?

we got to have, you know? we got to have, you know? And we just can't seem to to let it go. Dr. Timothy Keller wrote a book called Dr. Timothy Keller wrote a book called The Rest The Rest of Self-Forgetfulness. The Rest The Rest of Self-Forgetfulness. The Rest The Rest of Self-Forgetfulness. Um the the the road to peace, I think Um the the the road to peace, I think Um the the the road to peace, I think was the name of it. And the road to to was the name of it. And the road to to was the name of it. And the road to to joy. And in it, he he uh quotes um joy. And in it, he he uh quotes um joy. And in it, he he uh quotes um uh uh uh Madonna in an interview she had with Madonna in an interview she had with Madonna in an interview she had with Vogue. And here here's what she Here's Vogue. And here here's what she Here's Vogue. And here here's what she Here's what she says in that interview. what she says in that interview. what she says in that interview. "My drive in life comes from a fear of "My drive in life comes from a fear of "My drive in life comes from a fear of being mediocre." being mediocre." being mediocre." I wonder if that speaks to any of you. I wonder if that speaks to any of you. I wonder if that speaks to any of you. Being ordinary. Being ordinary. Being ordinary. "That is always pushing me. "That is always pushing me. "That is always pushing me. I push past one spell of it and discover I push past one spell of it and discover I push past one spell of it and discover myself as a special human being, but myself as a special human being, but myself as a special human being, but then I feel I'm still mediocre then I feel I'm still mediocre then I feel I'm still mediocre and uninteresting unless I do something and uninteresting unless I do something and uninteresting unless I do something else. else. else. Because even though I have become Because even though I have become Because even though I have become somebody, I still have to prove that I somebody, I still have to prove that I somebody, I still have to prove that I am somebody.

am somebody. am somebody. My struggle has never ended and I guess My struggle has never ended and I guess My struggle has never ended and I guess it never will." it never will." it never will." Uh Uh Uh Keller goes on to say he's has great Keller goes on to say he's has great Keller goes on to say he's has great respect for Madonna because she respect for Madonna because she respect for Madonna because she understands herself better than most of understands herself better than most of understands herself better than most of us do. us do. us do. And he reflects on it this way. And he reflects on it this way. And he reflects on it this way. "Gospel humility is not needing to think "Gospel humility is not needing to think "Gospel humility is not needing to think about myself. about myself. about myself. Not needing to connect things with Not needing to connect things with Not needing to connect things with myself. myself. myself. It is an end to thoughts such as, 'I'm It is an end to thoughts such as, 'I'm It is an end to thoughts such as, 'I'm in this room with these people. Does in this room with these people. Does in this room with these people. Does that make me look good? that make me look good? that make me look good? Do I want to be here?' Do I want to be here?' Do I want to be here?' True gospel humility means I stop True gospel humility means I stop True gospel humility means I stop connecting every experience, every connecting every experience, every connecting every experience, every conversation [music] with myself. In conversation [music] with myself. In conversation [music] with myself. In fact, I stop thinking about myself. fact, I stop thinking about myself. fact, I stop thinking about myself. The freedom of self-forgetfulness. The freedom of self-forgetfulness. The freedom of self-forgetfulness. The blessed rest that only The blessed rest that only The blessed rest that only self-forgetfulness brings. self-forgetfulness brings. self-forgetfulness brings. What would it be like if we could really What would it be like if we could really What would it be like if we could really let go of thinking, let go of thinking, let go of thinking, 'Is this good for me?' 'Is this good for me?' 'Is this good for me?' Is if if we if we quit um Is if if we if we quit um Is if if we if we quit um taking our temperature every hour to see taking our temperature every hour to see taking our temperature every hour to see how am I doing? How do I feel today?

how am I doing? How do I feel today? how am I doing? How do I feel today? And really turned ourselves so that what And really turned ourselves so that what And really turned ourselves so that what we thought about was other people we thought about was other people we thought about was other people and God. What if that became our primary and God. What if that became our primary and God. What if that became our primary focus? focus? focus? Wow, what freedom that would bring. That's what we're being offered. That's what we're being offered. Here's the second thing. Here's the second thing. Here's the second thing. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We're being offered a life that's >> We're being offered a life that's >> We're being offered a life that's eternal and not temporal. eternal and not temporal. eternal and not temporal. Not temporary. We We've been We're being offered a life We We've been We're being offered a life that is focused on forever. that is focused on forever. that is focused on forever. Let's pretend that you have two bank Let's pretend that you have two bank Let's pretend that you have two bank accounts. accounts. accounts. And one bank account you can put money And one bank account you can put money And one bank account you can put money in, you can invest in, and it it will in, you can invest in, and it it will in, you can invest in, and it it will bring a return. It will make a return on bring a return. It will make a return on bring a return. It will make a return on your money. It'll give you a a pretty your money. It'll give you a a pretty your money. It'll give you a a pretty good ROI. good ROI. good ROI. Um and and all of that, but at the end Um and and all of that, but at the end Um and and all of that, but at the end of a year, everything in it is gone. of a year, everything in it is gone. of a year, everything in it is gone. It vanishes. At the end of 1 year, it's It vanishes. At the end of 1 year, it's It vanishes. At the end of 1 year, it's gone. gone. gone. And then you have another bank account And then you have another bank account And then you have another bank account that brings you a wonderful return on that brings you a wonderful return on that brings you a wonderful return on investment as well.

investment as well. investment as well. But at the end of the year, you get to But at the end of the year, you get to But at the end of the year, you get to it stays on. And in fact, you can keep it stays on. And in fact, you can keep it stays on. And in fact, you can keep it forever. Everything that you invest it forever. Everything that you invest it forever. Everything that you invest in that in that bank account, everything in that in that bank account, everything in that in that bank account, everything you put in that bank account, you you you put in that bank account, you you you put in that bank account, you you will always have. will always have. will always have. Where are you going to put your time and Where are you going to put your time and Where are you going to put your time and money? money? money? Well, you're going to put your time, Well, you're going to put your time, Well, you're going to put your time, your money, your energy, all your your money, your energy, all your your money, your energy, all your investment, you're going to put it in investment, you're going to put it in investment, you're going to put it in the forever account. the forever account. the forever account. Because this you know, well, it'll be Because this you know, well, it'll be Because this you know, well, it'll be neat for a little bit, but neat for a little bit, but neat for a little bit, but later it's going to be gone. later it's going to be gone. later it's going to be gone. So, I'm going to focus on that which is So, I'm going to focus on that which is So, I'm going to focus on that which is eternal. eternal. eternal. This What is that? This What is that? This What is that? Well, Well, Well, um the scripture says that faith, hope, um the scripture says that faith, hope, um the scripture says that faith, hope, and love abide. Everything else goes and love abide. Everything else goes and love abide. Everything else goes away. Everything else goes away. away. Everything else goes away. away. Everything else goes away. But that relationship you have with God But that relationship you have with God But that relationship you have with God in Christ, the way you the relationship in Christ, the way you the relationship in Christ, the way you the relationship you have with others, the way you love you have with others, the way you love you have with others, the way you love others, others, others, those things continue forever. those things continue forever. those things continue forever. Those are investments in the kingdom of Those are investments in the kingdom of Those are investments in the kingdom of God. God. God. And so all all of those achievements, And so all all of those achievements, And so all all of those achievements, all of the things that you think matter all of the things that you think matter all of the things that you think matter so much, so much, so much, uh all of those they're going to be gone uh all of those they're going to be gone uh all of those they're going to be gone like that.

like that. like that. Now, I don't want you to misunderstand Now, I don't want you to misunderstand Now, I don't want you to misunderstand me to to think that we don't um really me to to think that we don't um really me to to think that we don't um really fully experience life in the here and fully experience life in the here and fully experience life in the here and now. I think we do. now. I think we do. now. I think we do. But it it has to do with how we But it it has to do with how we But it it has to do with how we experience that. experience that. experience that. In In other words, um In In other words, um In In other words, um Let me see if I can give an example. If Let me see if I can give an example. If Let me see if I can give an example. If I hear If I I hear If I I hear If I If I see a beautiful sunset, If I see a beautiful sunset, If I see a beautiful sunset, if I hear our choir do an incredible if I hear our choir do an incredible if I hear our choir do an incredible anthem, anthem, anthem, or listen to a magnificent symphony, or listen to a magnificent symphony, or listen to a magnificent symphony, if I see a beautiful picture, if I see a beautiful picture, if I see a beautiful picture, if I have an amazing meal that makes me if I have an amazing meal that makes me if I have an amazing meal that makes me go, "Ah, go, "Ah, go, "Ah, that's wonderful." that's wonderful." that's wonderful." If I If I play an incredible round of If I If I play an incredible round of If I If I play an incredible round of golf, golf, golf, uh I've never done that, so I wouldn't uh I've never done that, so I wouldn't uh I've never done that, so I wouldn't know how that how that works. But it know how that how that works. But it know how that how that works. But it Let's if I did, right? Let's if I did, right? Let's if I did, right? Okay, I could enjoy those right then and Okay, I could enjoy those right then and Okay, I could enjoy those right then and there, and they'd be gone after that. there, and they'd be gone after that. there, and they'd be gone after that. And I'd move on and I'd maybe have a And I'd move on and I'd maybe have a And I'd move on and I'd maybe have a nice memory.

nice memory. nice memory. But if If instead I recognize that those But if If instead I recognize that those But if If instead I recognize that those things are gifts from God things are gifts from God things are gifts from God to be experienced as gifts, to be experienced as gifts, to be experienced as gifts, full of gratitude for God to God for full of gratitude for God to God for full of gratitude for God to God for providing them to me, providing them to me, providing them to me, and and they spur in me a thankfulness and and they spur in me a thankfulness and and they spur in me a thankfulness in God for those things, then now they in God for those things, then now they in God for those things, then now they become connections to something eternal. become connections to something eternal. become connections to something eternal. I I have a I have a little pair of I I have a I have a little pair of I I have a I have a little pair of cufflinks that have a tiny little cufflinks that have a tiny little cufflinks that have a tiny little diamond chip in them, just a teeny tiny diamond chip in them, just a teeny tiny diamond chip in them, just a teeny tiny diamond diamond chip. I could I could diamond diamond chip. I could I could diamond diamond chip. I could I could take them to the pawn shop, and I could take them to the pawn shop, and I could take them to the pawn shop, and I could get 20 bucks for them. But they are invaluable to me But they are invaluable to me because of the person who gave them to because of the person who gave them to because of the person who gave them to me is someone I love very much. me is someone I love very much. me is someone I love very much. And so, And so, And so, when and if I wear those, when and if I wear those, when and if I wear those, I think they're awesome and they connect I think they're awesome and they connect I think they're awesome and they connect me to the giver of those things.

me to the giver of those things. me to the giver of those things. Those experiences, these temporary Those experiences, these temporary Those experiences, these temporary things, to the extent that we recognize things, to the extent that we recognize things, to the extent that we recognize that they tie us to the giver of those that they tie us to the giver of those that they tie us to the giver of those things, then they become part of that things, then they become part of that things, then they become part of that life eternal. life eternal. life eternal. But we are given the opportunity to live But we are given the opportunity to live But we are given the opportunity to live a a a something that something that something that that when we reach the end of our days, that when we reach the end of our days, that when we reach the end of our days, we we experience the presence of God in we we experience the presence of God in we we experience the presence of God in the midst of them here and now. the midst of them here and now. the midst of them here and now. And and then we get to keep on And and then we get to keep on And and then we get to keep on experiencing the presence of God in the experiencing the presence of God in the experiencing the presence of God in the future. future. future. That's what we invest in and that's the That's what we invest in and that's the That's what we invest in and that's the life that Jesus has offered us. life that Jesus has offered us. life that Jesus has offered us. Now, Now, Now, >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> we can take it or leave it. >> we can take it or leave it. >> we can take it or leave it. Your life, your choice. There's one more key moment, of course, There's one more key moment, of course, in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. He [snorts] gets to the cross and He [snorts] gets to the cross and He [snorts] gets to the cross and he doesn't say, "Well, he doesn't say, "Well, he doesn't say, "Well, I leave them desolate." Does he?

I leave them desolate." Does he? I leave them desolate." Does he? No, when he's on the cross, he doesn't No, when he's on the cross, he doesn't No, when he's on the cross, he doesn't say, "Oh, I leave them desolate." say, "Oh, I leave them desolate." say, "Oh, I leave them desolate." No, he says, No, he says, No, he says, "Father, forgive them. They They don't "Father, forgive them. They They don't "Father, forgive them. They They don't even know what they're doing." even know what they're doing." even know what they're doing." They don't quite understand. They don't quite understand. They don't quite understand. I think he's speaking to us, not not I think he's speaking to us, not not I think he's speaking to us, not not just about the the great wolf who just about the the great wolf who just about the the great wolf who attacks the savior, but those of us who attacks the savior, but those of us who attacks the savior, but those of us who choose choose choose not to to take hold of this life that not to to take hold of this life that not to to take hold of this life that God's given us because the life of the God's given us because the life of the God's given us because the life of the world keeps beckoning our energy. world keeps beckoning our energy. world keeps beckoning our energy. Keeps wanting us. Keeps wanting us. Keeps wanting us. But always Jesus is saying to us, But always Jesus is saying to us, But always Jesus is saying to us, "You can still come. You can and take "You can still come. You can and take "You can still come. You can and take this life. this life. this life. I keep offering you this life that is so I keep offering you this life that is so I keep offering you this life that is so much better. much better. much better. Take hold of it. It's your life. It's your life. It's your choice. It's your choice. It's your choice. Gracious and loving God, um you offer us this better way, this you offer us this better way, this English buffet breakfast of joy, and we English buffet breakfast of joy, and we English buffet breakfast of joy, and we too often choose Wimpy's.

too often choose Wimpy's. too often choose Wimpy's. Forgive us, God. Help us to know that you still haven't Help us to know that you still haven't given up on us. given up on us. given up on us. And that you offer us that possibility And that you offer us that possibility And that you offer us that possibility of a life that is eternal, of a life that is eternal, of a life that is eternal, that is so self-forgetful, that is so self-forgetful, that is so self-forgetful, because we know, no matter what, just because we know, no matter what, just because we know, no matter what, just how loved we are. how loved we are. how loved we are. We pray this in the name of Christ our We pray this in the name of Christ our We pray this in the name of Christ our Lord. Lord. Lord. Amen.