Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 07.26.2026

Heat. Heat. Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. I invite you to remain standing and join I invite you to remain standing and join with me as together we affirm our faith with me as together we affirm our faith with me as together we affirm our faith using the Apostles Creed. I believe in using the Apostles Creed. I believe in using the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead.

day he rose from the dead. day he rose from the dead. >> He ascended into heaven and siteth at >> He ascended into heaven and siteth at >> He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father the right hand of God the Father the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to Almighty. From then he shall come to Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe judge the quick and the dead. I believe judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the Church, the communion of saints, the Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. the body, and the life everlasting. the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Glor Glor to the father to the son of the to the son of the host host host as it was in the beginning as it was in the beginning as it was in the beginning is You may be seated.

You may be seated. Well, good morning everybody. I'm so Well, good morning everybody. I'm so Well, good morning everybody. I'm so glad that you are worshiping with us glad that you are worshiping with us glad that you are worshiping with us here at St. Luke's. Welcome to those of here at St. Luke's. Welcome to those of here at St. Luke's. Welcome to those of you who are worshiping with us on live you who are worshiping with us on live you who are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're so glad you are stream as well. We're so glad you are stream as well. We're so glad you are part of our service uh and that you are part of our service uh and that you are part of our service uh and that you are um participating in in this. We have uh um participating in in this. We have uh um participating in in this. We have uh really enjoyed throughout this summer uh really enjoyed throughout this summer uh really enjoyed throughout this summer uh people sending in their photos of the people sending in their photos of the people sending in their photos of the little tiny Jesuses we passed out and uh little tiny Jesuses we passed out and uh little tiny Jesuses we passed out and uh wherever they are, wherever they've been wherever they are, wherever they've been wherever they are, wherever they've been traveling, u uh showing us those and and traveling, u uh showing us those and and traveling, u uh showing us those and and if you're traveling today, we're uh glad if you're traveling today, we're uh glad if you're traveling today, we're uh glad that you're worshiping with us through that you're worshiping with us through that you're worshiping with us through live stream today. live stream today. live stream today. I do want to invite you if you would uh I do want to invite you if you would uh I do want to invite you if you would uh um to register your attendance. You can um to register your attendance. You can um to register your attendance. You can do that. Let us know that you're here by do that. Let us know that you're here by do that. Let us know that you're here by um you can use St. Luke's app. always um you can use St. Luke's app. always um you can use St. Luke's app. always the easiest way. Um, if you're here in the easiest way. Um, if you're here in the easiest way. Um, if you're here in the in the uh sanctuary, there's a card the in the uh sanctuary, there's a card the in the uh sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and in your pew pocket that says welcome and in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put your information on that and you can put your information on that and you can put your information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in the service. Um, and if you're online on the service. Um, and if you're online on the service. Um, and if you're online on our website platform, there's a little our website platform, there's a little our website platform, there's a little tab that says check in and we would love tab that says check in and we would love tab that says check in and we would love for you to do that. Um, after the for you to do that. Um, after the for you to do that. Um, after the service, if you're here in the service, if you're here in the service, if you're here in the sanctuary, come out to the gathering sanctuary, come out to the gathering sanctuary, come out to the gathering room out here. Um, if I haven't had the room out here. Um, if I haven't had the room out here. Um, if I haven't had the chance to meet you, I'd love the chance to meet you, I'd love the chance to meet you, I'd love the opportunity to do that. Um there's some opportunity to do that. Um there's some opportunity to do that. Um there's some refreshments out there and just maybe refreshments out there and just maybe refreshments out there and just maybe connect with somebody you don't know and connect with somebody you don't know and connect with somebody you don't know and uh meet a new friend or reconnect with uh meet a new friend or reconnect with uh meet a new friend or reconnect with somebody you do. Um we we know you'll it somebody you do. Um we we know you'll it somebody you do. Um we we know you'll it will be um it will make this whole will be um it will make this whole will be um it will make this whole experience better the more you connect experience better the more you connect experience better the more you connect with others um as as part of your your with others um as as part of your your with others um as as part of your your worship experience.

worship experience. worship experience. U I have a number of announcements I U I have a number of announcements I U I have a number of announcements I want to lift up. Uh first of all we have want to lift up. Uh first of all we have want to lift up. Uh first of all we have this is the last day to do your this is the last day to do your this is the last day to do your community wellness survey. Our strategic community wellness survey. Our strategic community wellness survey. Our strategic plan has a focus on developing um uh plan has a focus on developing um uh plan has a focus on developing um uh mental health practices, but not just mental health practices, but not just mental health practices, but not just mental health, our whole uh community mental health, our whole uh community mental health, our whole uh community wellness. And so we want you to talk to wellness. And so we want you to talk to wellness. And so we want you to talk to us about what your needs are so that we us about what your needs are so that we us about what your needs are so that we can build that program, build those can build that program, build those can build that program, build those ministries based on that. So today's the ministries based on that. So today's the ministries based on that. So today's the last day to do that. There's a QR code last day to do that. There's a QR code last day to do that. There's a QR code in your bulletin. We already have over in your bulletin. We already have over in your bulletin. We already have over 300 responses and we're really grateful 300 responses and we're really grateful 300 responses and we're really grateful uh for those of you who have done that. uh for those of you who have done that. uh for those of you who have done that. Uh I'm so happy about our Jenga Canisa Uh I'm so happy about our Jenga Canisa Uh I'm so happy about our Jenga Canisa which was our um it means uh build a which was our um it means uh build a which was our um it means uh build a church and um we are working with uh church and um we are working with uh church and um we are working with uh three churches in the Congo along with three churches in the Congo along with three churches in the Congo along with all these other United Methodist all these other United Methodist all these other United Methodist churches in the Texas annual conference churches in the Texas annual conference churches in the Texas annual conference to support these three churches as they to support these three churches as they to support these three churches as they build church buildings uh by uh build church buildings uh by uh build church buildings uh by uh preparing u providing resources so that preparing u providing resources so that preparing u providing resources so that they can buy the concrete and the the uh they can buy the concrete and the the uh they can buy the concrete and the the uh materials that they need. they're materials that they need. they're materials that they need. they're building it with their own hands and building it with their own hands and building it with their own hands and it's pretty it's pretty inspiring and it's pretty it's pretty inspiring and it's pretty it's pretty inspiring and amazing how fast these churches are amazing how fast these churches are amazing how fast these churches are growing. So, uh we've raised over growing. So, uh we've raised over growing. So, uh we've raised over $22,000 for that and um that's a lot of $22,000 for that and um that's a lot of $22,000 for that and um that's a lot of bags of concrete and so at $25 each. So, bags of concrete and so at $25 each. So, bags of concrete and so at $25 each. So, thank you so much for for your thank you so much for for your thank you so much for for your generosity. And just one other thing generosity. And just one other thing generosity. And just one other thing about the way we give ourselves away is about the way we give ourselves away is about the way we give ourselves away is um during the month of July, we have um during the month of July, we have um during the month of July, we have Christmas in July supporting Christian Christmas in July supporting Christian Christmas in July supporting Christian Community Service C Center's food Community Service C Center's food Community Service C Center's food pantry. And uh so anytime during the

pantry. And uh so anytime during the pantry. And uh so anytime during the week you can bring on bring in uh non-p week you can bring on bring in uh non-p week you can bring on bring in uh non-p perishable items and leave them in our perishable items and leave them in our perishable items and leave them in our uh gathering room and they go right to uh gathering room and they go right to uh gathering room and they go right to the CCSE food pantry. In the summer the the CCSE food pantry. In the summer the the CCSE food pantry. In the summer the donations go down but the needs go up. donations go down but the needs go up. donations go down but the needs go up. And so we we just want to do our part to And so we we just want to do our part to And so we we just want to do our part to help help them uh keep their pantry um help help them uh keep their pantry um help help them uh keep their pantry um full. Uh after the service, um if you'll full. Uh after the service, um if you'll full. Uh after the service, um if you'll go by the ministry spotlight table, it go by the ministry spotlight table, it go by the ministry spotlight table, it focuses this week on children's focuses this week on children's focuses this week on children's ministry, but particularly inviting ministry, but particularly inviting ministry, but particularly inviting people who might want to to help um u people who might want to to help um u people who might want to to help um u some of the support functions of our some of the support functions of our some of the support functions of our children's ministry, not teaching, but children's ministry, not teaching, but children's ministry, not teaching, but being in hospitality and bookkeeping, being in hospitality and bookkeeping, being in hospitality and bookkeeping, recordkeeping, those kinds of things. recordkeeping, those kinds of things. recordkeeping, those kinds of things. And so we're looking for people who And so we're looking for people who And so we're looking for people who would serve once a month on Sundays from would serve once a month on Sundays from would serve once a month on Sundays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15. No teaching or 10:45 a.m. to 12:15. No teaching or 10:45 a.m. to 12:15. No teaching or lesson preparation is required. Just lesson preparation is required. Just lesson preparation is required. Just hear that. And so if you're interested hear that. And so if you're interested hear that. And so if you're interested in helping, we would love uh to have you in helping, we would love uh to have you in helping, we would love uh to have you um um be a part of that.

um um be a part of that. um um be a part of that. One more thing, next week we begin a a One more thing, next week we begin a a One more thing, next week we begin a a new two-week sermon series called Push new two-week sermon series called Push new two-week sermon series called Push Pause. Pause. Pause. So, um, the fall becomes this time for So, um, the fall becomes this time for So, um, the fall becomes this time for many where the the just activities ramp many where the the just activities ramp many where the the just activities ramp up and, um, it feels like everything up and, um, it feels like everything up and, um, it feels like everything just goes so fast all of a sudden. And just goes so fast all of a sudden. And just goes so fast all of a sudden. And it can feel like the world is running it can feel like the world is running it can feel like the world is running you rather than you're running your you rather than you're running your you rather than you're running your life. And um, you know, the scripture life. And um, you know, the scripture life. And um, you know, the scripture has a a rhythm for how we do that, how has a a rhythm for how we do that, how has a a rhythm for how we do that, how we deal with that. And the word that the we deal with that. And the word that the we deal with that. And the word that the that the scripture uses is Sabbath. this that the scripture uses is Sabbath. this that the scripture uses is Sabbath. this idea of just it literally means to stop. idea of just it literally means to stop. idea of just it literally means to stop. And so we're going to look for two weeks And so we're going to look for two weeks And so we're going to look for two weeks on how and why we can be in the business on how and why we can be in the business on how and why we can be in the business of just stop. Stop and make sure that of just stop. Stop and make sure that of just stop. Stop and make sure that that you're moving in the direction you that you're moving in the direction you that you're moving in the direction you want to move, that you feel God's want to move, that you feel God's want to move, that you feel God's calling you to move. And so I hope calling you to move. And so I hope calling you to move. And so I hope you'll come as we head into the this uh you'll come as we head into the this uh you'll come as we head into the this uh season and sort of um uh build that season and sort of um uh build that season and sort of um uh build that rhythm into your life. take these two rhythm into your life. take these two rhythm into your life. take these two weeks and and and listen and see what we weeks and and and listen and see what we weeks and and and listen and see what we can learn. All right. Today we close our can learn. All right. Today we close our can learn. All right. Today we close our series of sermons on a holiday with series of sermons on a holiday with series of sermons on a holiday with Jesus and um we we move today to uh the Jesus and um we we move today to uh the Jesus and um we we move today to uh the city of Jerusalem as we close. Listen city of Jerusalem as we close. Listen city of Jerusalem as we close. Listen now as we hear our scripture read today now as we hear our scripture read today now as we hear our scripture read today >> from Luke chapter 13.

>> from Luke chapter 13. >> from Luke chapter 13. At that very hour some Pharisees came At that very hour some Pharisees came At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here for and said to him, "Get away from here for and said to him, "Get away from here for Herod wants to kill you." Herod wants to kill you." Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox He said to them, "Go and tell that fox He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me. Listen, I'm casting out demons for me. Listen, I'm casting out demons for me. Listen, I'm casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and performing cures today and tomorrow, and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finished my work. and on the third day I finished my work. and on the third day I finished my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I must be on my way because it is must be on my way because it is must be on my way because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed impossible for a prophet to be killed impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem." outside of Jerusalem." outside of Jerusalem." 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 were sent to it. How often I have were sent to it. How often I have were sent to it. How often I have desired to gather your children together desired to gather your children together desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her as a hen gathers her brood under her as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing. wings and you were not willing. wings and you were not willing. See, your house is left to you. And I See, your house is left to you. And I See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the tell you, you will not see me until the tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord."

one who comes in the name of the Lord." one who comes in the name of the Lord." And from Luke chapter 19, And from Luke chapter 19, And from Luke chapter 19, as he came near and saw the city, he as he came near and saw the city, he as he came near and saw the city, he wept over it. wept over it. wept over it. And from chapter 23, And from chapter 23, And from chapter 23, then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are for they do not know what they are for they do not know what they are doing, and they cast lots to divide his doing, and they cast lots to divide his doing, and they cast lots to divide his clothing." clothing." clothing." The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. God save God save our

Traveling God, Traveling God, we see how you are with us everywhere we we see how you are with us everywhere we we see how you are with us everywhere we go, in everything we do. go, in everything we do. go, in everything we do. We've seen your presence with us as We've seen your presence with us as We've seen your presence with us as we've hiked the mountains in Colorado we've hiked the mountains in Colorado we've hiked the mountains in Colorado and as we've sat by the waves at the and as we've sat by the waves at the and as we've sat by the waves at the beach. beach. beach. We've seen your presence and the We've seen your presence and the We've seen your presence and the laughter and splashing at the water park laughter and splashing at the water park laughter and splashing at the water park and in the quiet times rocking in the and in the quiet times rocking in the and in the quiet times rocking in the chair. chair. chair. We've seen your presence in our best We've seen your presence in our best We've seen your presence in our best stations with our friends, taking a stations with our friends, taking a stations with our friends, taking a pause to relax and be. pause to relax and be. pause to relax and be. We've seen your presence in the hustle We've seen your presence in the hustle We've seen your presence in the hustle and bustle of camps and activities and and bustle of camps and activities and and bustle of camps and activities and the whirlwind of keeping kids occupied. the whirlwind of keeping kids occupied. the whirlwind of keeping kids occupied. We see your presence with us, God, We see your presence with us, God, We see your presence with us, God, not just here in this sanctuary, but not just here in this sanctuary, but not just here in this sanctuary, but everywhere we go. And we are grateful. everywhere we go. And we are grateful. everywhere we go. And we are grateful. And we praise you, God, for your And we praise you, God, for your And we praise you, God, for your presence and the way that you steady us presence and the way that you steady us presence and the way that you steady us with it.

with it. with it. God, not only do we recognize your God, not only do we recognize your God, not only do we recognize your presence so, but it makes us mindful of presence so, but it makes us mindful of presence so, but it makes us mindful of how you are calling us to be a witness how you are calling us to be a witness how you are calling us to be a witness to your presence in the lives of others. to your presence in the lives of others. to your presence in the lives of others. And so today, God, we turn to those who And so today, God, we turn to those who And so today, God, we turn to those who we know need hope today. we know need hope today. we know need hope today. Those who are feeling lonely, Those who are feeling lonely, Those who are feeling lonely, God, remind them that you are there. God, remind them that you are there. God, remind them that you are there. For those who are battling illness, For those who are battling illness, For those who are battling illness, God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. For those who are grieving all kinds of For those who are grieving all kinds of For those who are grieving all kinds of loss, loss, loss, God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. For those who feel unsafe today, For those who feel unsafe today, For those who feel unsafe today, God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. For those who are feeling hopeless For those who are feeling hopeless For those who are feeling hopeless today, today, today, God remind them that you are there.

God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. For those who are feeling overwhelmed For those who are feeling overwhelmed For those who are feeling overwhelmed today, today, today, God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. For those who are feeling detached For those who are feeling detached For those who are feeling detached today, today, today, God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. God remind them that you are there. For those who are feeling tired today, For those who are feeling tired today, For those who are feeling tired today, God remind them that you are there God remind them that you are there God remind them that you are there and you are here and you are always with and you are here and you are always with and you are here and you are always with us. us. us. And so grounded in that presence, we And so grounded in that presence, we And so grounded in that presence, we pray to live as your people pray to live as your people pray to live as your people in the words that you taught your in the words that you taught your in the words that you taught your disciples to pray. Our Father, who art disciples to pray. Our Father, who art disciples to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our daily bread, and forgive us our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses trespasses trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but us, and lead us not into temptation, but us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

forever. Amen. forever. Amen. As we prepare to receive our offering, As we prepare to receive our offering, As we prepare to receive our offering, let's consider together how God is let's consider together how God is let's consider together how God is inviting us not only to take this time inviting us not only to take this time inviting us not only to take this time to worship and give God praise, but also to worship and give God praise, but also to worship and give God praise, but also to use this time to inspire and to use this time to inspire and to use this time to inspire and challenge us to go out of these doors challenge us to go out of these doors challenge us to go out of these doors and live our faith in the world. So, how and live our faith in the world. So, how and live our faith in the world. So, how can we begin to think about that today can we begin to think about that today can we begin to think about that today through our offering? Let's ask God and through our offering? Let's ask God and through our offering? Let's ask God and be ready to respond with the answer. I want I want a river. a river. a river. I want peace like a river. I want peace like a river. I want peace like a river. I've got peace I' got peace I' got peace by the river.

by the river. by the river. I' got peace by the river. I' got peace by the river. I' got peace by the river. I' got peace I' got peace I' got peace by the river by the river by the river in my soul. I've got faith I've got faith like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river in my soul. I've got faith I've got faith like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith I've got faith I've got faith like a river in my soul.

I got hope like a river. I got hope like a river. I got hope like a river. I got hope like a river. I got hope like a river. I've got hope like a river in my soul. I got home like a river. I got home like a river. My God My God My God like a river. like a river. like a river. I God I love I love the river. the river. the river. I got I got I got the river in my soul.

I got I got like a river. like a river. like a river. I got love like a river. I got love like a river. I got love like a river. My God, My God, My God, by the river in my soul. I've got faith I've got faith like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got hope like a river. I've got hope like a river. I've got hope like a river. I've got love I've got love I've got love like a river in my soul. Peace in Peace in my my my soul.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Oh God, open us up. Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that we might see the Open our eyes that we might see the Open our eyes that we might see the world through your eyes. world through your eyes. world through your eyes. Open our ears that we might hear your Open our ears that we might hear your Open our ears that we might hear your word in these words. word in these words. word in these words. Open our hearts, God, that we might feel Open our hearts, God, that we might feel Open our hearts, God, that we might feel and that your your word might fall in and that your your word might fall in and that your your word might fall in and do its work. And then, oh God, open and do its work. And then, oh God, open and do its work. And then, oh God, open our hands that in response, we might our hands that in response, we might our hands that in response, we might love and give and serve as you call us love and give and serve as you call us love and give and serve as you call us to do.

to do. to do. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. In 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton In 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton was um snowshoeing in Minnesota when uh was um snowshoeing in Minnesota when uh was um snowshoeing in Minnesota when uh she came across a gay wolf who was she came across a gay wolf who was she came across a gay wolf who was caught in a foot trap. um one of those caught in a foot trap. um one of those caught in a foot trap. um one of those foothold traps. Uh greywolves are foothold traps. Uh greywolves are foothold traps. Uh greywolves are endangered species in uh Minnesota and endangered species in uh Minnesota and endangered species in uh Minnesota and so she knew it wasn't a trapper's uh um so she knew it wasn't a trapper's uh um so she knew it wasn't a trapper's uh um livelihood that she was dealing with. So livelihood that she was dealing with. So livelihood that she was dealing with. So she felt like it was upon her. She loved she felt like it was upon her. She loved she felt like it was upon her. She loved animals and she felt like it was upon animals and she felt like it was upon animals and she felt like it was upon her to try and set this wolf free. She her to try and set this wolf free. She her to try and set this wolf free. She used her snowshoe as kind of a shield as used her snowshoe as kind of a shield as used her snowshoe as kind of a shield as she reached to try and get the the foot she reached to try and get the the foot she reached to try and get the the foot of the of the wolf. And as she was of the of the wolf. And as she was of the of the wolf. And as she was trying to set him free, he um attacked trying to set him free, he um attacked trying to set him free, he um attacked her and he broke her arm and um was her and he broke her arm and um was her and he broke her arm and um was going for her her throat but got her um going for her her throat but got her um going for her her throat but got her um uh shoulder and her collar bone. And she uh shoulder and her collar bone. And she uh shoulder and her collar bone. And she was able to roll away and she called the was able to roll away and she called the was able to roll away and she called the ranger. and the rangers came and um you ranger. and the rangers came and um you ranger. and the rangers came and um you know she just the whole time the rangers know she just the whole time the rangers know she just the whole time the rangers were there she just kept telling them were there she just kept telling them were there she just kept telling them please please don't uh have the the wolf please please don't uh have the the wolf please please don't uh have the the wolf euthanized he he was just threatened he euthanized he he was just threatened he euthanized he he was just threatened he didn't know what he was doing he didn't didn't know what he was doing he didn't didn't know what he was doing he didn't know I was trying to help him and know I was trying to help him and know I was trying to help him and they ended up uh you know they had him

they ended up uh you know they had him they ended up uh you know they had him tested for rabies he didn't have them tested for rabies he didn't have them tested for rabies he didn't have them and so they were able to uh turn him and so they were able to uh turn him and so they were able to uh turn him loose into the wild loose into the wild loose into the wild I I I thought That's a a I I I thought That's a a I I I thought That's a a an interesting analogy for today's um an interesting analogy for today's um an interesting analogy for today's um passage in which um Jesus all he wants passage in which um Jesus all he wants passage in which um Jesus all he wants to do is save is save Jerusalem to do is save is save Jerusalem to do is save is save Jerusalem is save the people that God had sent him is save the people that God had sent him is save the people that God had sent him to save. All he wanted to do is save you to save. All he wanted to do is save you to save. All he wanted to do is save you and me. and me. and me. But instead But instead But instead they we felt threatened and turned on they we felt threatened and turned on they we felt threatened and turned on him. So, um, let's let's look for just a So, um, let's let's look for just a minute at the geography as we close this minute at the geography as we close this minute at the geography as we close this series. I've I've really enjoyed it. I' series. I've I've really enjoyed it. I' series. I've I've really enjoyed it. I' I've loved the passport stamps on the I've loved the passport stamps on the I've loved the passport stamps on the front of the bulletin, every place we've front of the bulletin, every place we've front of the bulletin, every place we've been. And I I have thought a bit about been. And I I have thought a bit about been. And I I have thought a bit about how you know Jesus three-year ministry how you know Jesus three-year ministry how you know Jesus three-year ministry sort of you think about your own life sort of you think about your own life sort of you think about your own life and all the places you've gone and the and all the places you've gone and the and all the places you've gone and the the experiences you've had and the down the experiences you've had and the down the experiences you've had and the down the valleys and the mountaintop the valleys and the mountaintop the valleys and the mountaintop experiences and the the place the experiences and the the place the experiences and the the place the strange places you found yourself as he strange places you found yourself as he strange places you found yourself as he did. And it's been an interesting did. And it's been an interesting did. And it's been an interesting analogy I think for our own lives as we analogy I think for our own lives as we analogy I think for our own lives as we looked at Jesus life. Well, last week he looked at Jesus life. Well, last week he looked at Jesus life. Well, last week he was at the mountaintop on the Mount of was at the mountaintop on the Mount of was at the mountaintop on the Mount of Transfiguration. On your map, it looks Transfiguration. On your map, it looks Transfiguration. On your map, it looks like Mount Taber uh is where they, you like Mount Taber uh is where they, you like Mount Taber uh is where they, you know, they don't really know what the know, they don't really know what the know, they don't really know what the the um the Mount of Transfiguration was, the um the Mount of Transfiguration was, the um the Mount of Transfiguration was, but that's between Cesaria Philippi and

but that's between Cesaria Philippi and but that's between Cesaria Philippi and Jerusalem. So, he he goes to Mount Taber Jerusalem. So, he he goes to Mount Taber Jerusalem. So, he he goes to Mount Taber and has this experience and they say, and has this experience and they say, and has this experience and they say, "You got to come down the mountain." He "You got to come down the mountain." He "You got to come down the mountain." He tells them over he tells his disciples tells them over he tells his disciples tells them over he tells his disciples over and over, "I've got to go down the over and over, "I've got to go down the over and over, "I've got to go down the mountain. I've got to go to Jerusalem uh mountain. I've got to go to Jerusalem uh mountain. I've got to go to Jerusalem uh because there they're going to crucify because there they're going to crucify because there they're going to crucify me and three days later I'm going to me and three days later I'm going to me and three days later I'm going to rise from the dead. And uh he just says rise from the dead. And uh he just says rise from the dead. And uh he just says it over and over and over to them. So it over and over and over to them. So it over and over and over to them. So today as he's on his way somewhere along today as he's on his way somewhere along today as he's on his way somewhere along the way on that journey between Mount the way on that journey between Mount the way on that journey between Mount Taber and Jerusalem um some Pharisees Taber and Jerusalem um some Pharisees Taber and Jerusalem um some Pharisees come to him and say, "You'd better not come to him and say, "You'd better not come to him and say, "You'd better not go to Jerusalem because when you get go to Jerusalem because when you get go to Jerusalem because when you get there they're going to Herod intends to there they're going to Herod intends to there they're going to Herod intends to kill you." And he he says, 'Look, I know kill you." And he he says, 'Look, I know kill you." And he he says, 'Look, I know that that that I a a prophet, you know, all the I a a prophet, you know, all the I a a prophet, you know, all the prophets get no prophet should die prophets get no prophet should die prophets get no prophet should die outside of Jerusalem. It's the heart of outside of Jerusalem. It's the heart of outside of Jerusalem. It's the heart of of the place and that's what they do in of the place and that's what they do in of the place and that's what they do in Jerusalem is kill the ones who come to Jerusalem is kill the ones who come to Jerusalem is kill the ones who come to save them. save them. save them. And um as he gets closer to Jerusalem, And um as he gets closer to Jerusalem, And um as he gets closer to Jerusalem, he stops along the way and he he on that he stops along the way and he he on that he stops along the way and he he on that last journey, the the Palm Sunday, as last journey, the the Palm Sunday, as last journey, the the Palm Sunday, as he's walking into the city of Jerusalem, he's walking into the city of Jerusalem, he's walking into the city of Jerusalem, he stops along the way and the scripture he stops along the way and the scripture he stops along the way and the scripture says he weeps over the city.

says he weeps over the city. says he weeps over the city. He weeps over the city. If you go there He weeps over the city. If you go there He weeps over the city. If you go there today, it's a um there there is a a a today, it's a um there there is a a a today, it's a um there there is a a a church called Dominus Flevit, which church called Dominus Flevit, which church called Dominus Flevit, which means the Lord wept. And it's a very means the Lord wept. And it's a very means the Lord wept. And it's a very small church. Uh looks like an upside small church. Uh looks like an upside small church. Uh looks like an upside down teardrop. down teardrop. down teardrop. And in it, there's this beautiful window And in it, there's this beautiful window And in it, there's this beautiful window that looks out over the city of that looks out over the city of that looks out over the city of Jerusalem. And you can picture him um Jerusalem. And you can picture him um Jerusalem. And you can picture him um looking out over the city of Jerusalem, looking out over the city of Jerusalem, looking out over the city of Jerusalem, just weeping over it. just weeping over it. just weeping over it. Why was Jesus weeping over the city? Why was Jesus weeping over the city? Why was Jesus weeping over the city? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? I want to look uh with invite you to I want to look uh with invite you to I want to look uh with invite you to look with me at at um our passage uh look with me at at um our passage uh look with me at at um our passage uh from from Luke 13 and see if we can from from Luke 13 and see if we can from from Luke 13 and see if we can understand a little more. Um he says, understand a little more. Um he says, understand a little more. Um he says, we're going to concentrate on verse 34 we're going to concentrate on verse 34 we're going to concentrate on verse 34 and 35. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city and 35. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city and 35. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those that kills the prophets and stones those that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. the who are sent to it. the who are sent to it. the Jerusalem, the grey wolf who is feels Jerusalem, the grey wolf who is feels Jerusalem, the grey wolf who is feels threatened and attacks.

threatened and attacks. threatened and attacks. And then he says, "How often have I And then he says, "How often have I And then he says, "How often have I desired to gather your children together desired to gather your children together desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her as a hen gathers her brood under her as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing. See, wings and you were not willing. See, wings and you were not willing. See, your house is left to you." your house is left to you." your house is left to you." Uh, one of the neat things about being a Uh, one of the neat things about being a Uh, one of the neat things about being a pastor is that when you're working on pastor is that when you're working on pastor is that when you're working on your sermon, you can run down all sorts your sermon, you can run down all sorts your sermon, you can run down all sorts of fun rabbit trails and count it as of fun rabbit trails and count it as of fun rabbit trails and count it as work. And um, so I uh, spent about two work. And um, so I uh, spent about two work. And um, so I uh, spent about two hours looking at videos of a hen hours looking at videos of a hen hours looking at videos of a hen gathering a brood under her wings. Uh, gathering a brood under her wings. Uh, gathering a brood under her wings. Uh, there are there hundreds and hundreds of there are there hundreds and hundreds of there are there hundreds and hundreds of them on the on the internet and it's them on the on the internet and it's them on the on the internet and it's really quite fun. Uh, but but they really quite fun. Uh, but but they really quite fun. Uh, but but they what's interesting is they don't really what's interesting is they don't really what's interesting is they don't really just gather them under their wings. They just gather them under their wings. They just gather them under their wings. They sit on them. uh they sit on them and sit on them. uh they sit on them and sit on them. uh they sit on them and then they get up and move and the little then they get up and move and the little then they get up and move and the little chicks run after them. It's just a it's chicks run after them. It's just a it's chicks run after them. It's just a it's just a be what isn't that a beautiful just a be what isn't that a beautiful just a be what isn't that a beautiful image of what Jesus is wanting? I just image of what Jesus is wanting? I just image of what Jesus is wanting? I just want to gather you in. I want to I want want to gather you in. I want to I want want to gather you in. I want to I want to protect you. I I I want to take care to protect you. I I I want to take care to protect you. I I I want to take care of you. All All I want to do is save of you. All All I want to do is save of you. All All I want to do is save you, you, you, but you'd have none of it.

Here's a here's a little maybe uh Here's a here's a little maybe uh technical Bible study for you, but I technical Bible study for you, but I technical Bible study for you, but I think it matters. If you have a New think it matters. If you have a New think it matters. If you have a New International Version of the Bible and International Version of the Bible and International Version of the Bible and you're reading this passage, it reads you're reading this passage, it reads you're reading this passage, it reads this way. See, your house is left to you this way. See, your house is left to you this way. See, your house is left to you desolate. desolate. desolate. Desolate. Desolate. Desolate. What's interesting is the word desolate What's interesting is the word desolate What's interesting is the word desolate is not in the text. If you read the is not in the text. If you read the is not in the text. If you read the original Greek, the word desolate is not original Greek, the word desolate is not original Greek, the word desolate is not there. It was added later. Um, and so there. It was added later. Um, and so there. It was added later. Um, and so some of the manu some of the translators some of the manu some of the translators some of the manu some of the translators have chosen that later manuscript to have chosen that later manuscript to have chosen that later manuscript to choose it. And the the thinking is that choose it. And the the thinking is that choose it. And the the thinking is that because Luke was written after the because Luke was written after the because Luke was written after the destruction of Jerusalem, most scholars destruction of Jerusalem, most scholars destruction of Jerusalem, most scholars believe Luke was the the the version the believe Luke was the the the version the believe Luke was the the the version the gospel of Luke was written um after 70 gospel of Luke was written um after 70 gospel of Luke was written um after 70 AD when the city of Jerusalem was AD when the city of Jerusalem was AD when the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. That the focus here is on the destroyed. That the focus here is on the destroyed. That the focus here is on the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. destruction of the city of Jerusalem. destruction of the city of Jerusalem. And in fact, if you read the context And in fact, if you read the context And in fact, if you read the context that I can see why they would think that I can see why they would think that I can see why they would think that. But that's not what the text says. that. But that's not what the text says. that. But that's not what the text says. And I I think sometimes the we get this And I I think sometimes the we get this And I I think sometimes the we get this impression that Jesus is so fed up with impression that Jesus is so fed up with impression that Jesus is so fed up with Jerusalem that he's abandoning it. I'm Jerusalem that he's abandoning it. I'm Jerusalem that he's abandoning it. I'm done with you. I'm done with you. I done with you. I'm done with you. I done with you. I'm done with you. I tried to help you, but now I'm done with tried to help you, but now I'm done with tried to help you, but now I'm done with you. I I leave you desolate.

you. I I leave you desolate. you. I I leave you desolate. That's not what he says. He says, That's not what he says. He says, That's not what he says. He says, "See, your house is left to you. "See, your house is left to you. "See, your house is left to you. It's your life. It's your house. It's It's your life. It's your house. It's It's your life. It's your house. It's your city. You decide. your city. You decide. your city. You decide. I can't make you follow me. I can't make I can't make you follow me. I can't make I can't make you follow me. I can't make you come and and and be a part of of you come and and and be a part of of you come and and and be a part of of what I'm offering you. I can't I can't what I'm offering you. I can't I can't what I'm offering you. I can't I can't save you in spite of you. save you in spite of you. save you in spite of you. At some point, you have to make a At some point, you have to make a At some point, you have to make a choice. choice. choice. Will you Will you take what I'm offering Will you Will you take what I'm offering Will you Will you take what I'm offering you? Here's the thesis of today's you? Here's the thesis of today's you? Here's the thesis of today's message. Jesus is offering us a better message. Jesus is offering us a better message. Jesus is offering us a better way, the best way, the way. way, the best way, the way. way, the best way, the way. And we choose a lesser way. We choose And we choose a lesser way. We choose And we choose a lesser way. We choose something we we tend to choose something something we we tend to choose something something we we tend to choose something that is is not even near what Jesus is that is is not even near what Jesus is that is is not even near what Jesus is offering us. offering us. offering us. In um the spring of 1981, um my wife was In um the spring of 1981, um my wife was In um the spring of 1981, um my wife was expecting our first child. I was serving expecting our first child. I was serving expecting our first child. I was serving as the um youth director, youth pastor.

as the um youth director, youth pastor. as the um youth director, youth pastor. I was in seminary in Dallas and I was I was in seminary in Dallas and I was I was in seminary in Dallas and I was serving as the youth pastor in serving as the youth pastor in serving as the youth pastor in Duncanville, Texas also and uh a very Duncanville, Texas also and uh a very Duncanville, Texas also and uh a very generous man in the church came to see generous man in the church came to see generous man in the church came to see me one afternoon and said, "Hey, um you me one afternoon and said, "Hey, um you me one afternoon and said, "Hey, um you you guys are going to have a baby soon, you guys are going to have a baby soon, you guys are going to have a baby soon, but I think before you you have a child, but I think before you you have a child, but I think before you you have a child, you need to go on a trip and so I'd like you need to go on a trip and so I'd like you need to go on a trip and so I'd like to send you to London and I'll pay for to send you to London and I'll pay for to send you to London and I'll pay for your trip to London for you and D and your trip to London for you and D and your trip to London for you and D and you leave next week. I've already got you leave next week. I've already got you leave next week. I've already got your tickets." And I said, "Well, that's your tickets." And I said, "Well, that's your tickets." And I said, "Well, that's very nice of you to run my life, but very nice of you to run my life, but very nice of you to run my life, but okay." And but I was we were thrilled. okay." And but I was we were thrilled. okay." And but I was we were thrilled. Um and we didn't have any passports. And Um and we didn't have any passports. And Um and we didn't have any passports. And so you we had to in those days you could so you we had to in those days you could so you we had to in those days you could drive from Dallas to Houston and walk it drive from Dallas to Houston and walk it drive from Dallas to Houston and walk it through. There was a passport office through. There was a passport office through. There was a passport office here. You could walk your passport here. You could walk your passport here. You could walk your passport through and get your passport. So we did through and get your passport. So we did through and get your passport. So we did that. And um and we uh we we had no that. And um and we uh we we had no that. And um and we uh we we had no money. I mean, we were we were money. I mean, we were we were money. I mean, we were we were hand-to-mouth at that time in our life. hand-to-mouth at that time in our life. hand-to-mouth at that time in our life. And we so I didn't have a credit card. I And we so I didn't have a credit card. I And we so I didn't have a credit card. I had no credit card. And so I had $140 in had no credit card. And so I had $140 in had no credit card. And so I had $140 in cash. That's what I could scrape cash. That's what I could scrape cash. That's what I could scrape together for the trip. So we got on a together for the trip. So we got on a together for the trip. So we got on a plane with $140 in cash and no credit plane with $140 in cash and no credit plane with $140 in cash and no credit card for four days in London. Now the card for four days in London. Now the card for four days in London. Now the the trip included a hotel uh on the the trip included a hotel uh on the the trip included a hotel uh on the Piccadilli Circus. It included a uh a Piccadilli Circus. It included a uh a Piccadilli Circus. It included a uh a eur one of those Euro passes so you eur one of those Euro passes so you eur one of those Euro passes so you could ride around the city. and it could ride around the city. and it could ride around the city. and it included a um a tour of Windsor Castle.

included a um a tour of Windsor Castle. included a um a tour of Windsor Castle. And so um we we were we decided we can And so um we we were we decided we can And so um we we were we decided we can do this. My dad actually gave me this do this. My dad actually gave me this do this. My dad actually gave me this letter of credit that in case I got in letter of credit that in case I got in letter of credit that in case I got in trouble, I could go to a bank. He was trouble, I could go to a bank. He was trouble, I could go to a bank. He was like, "I don't like you over there with like, "I don't like you over there with like, "I don't like you over there with nothing." So uh anyway, we we we were nothing." So uh anyway, we we we were nothing." So uh anyway, we we we were thrifty. Uh D got one souvenir, a little thrifty. Uh D got one souvenir, a little thrifty. Uh D got one souvenir, a little blue Windsor uh uh a Wedgewood um plate blue Windsor uh uh a Wedgewood um plate blue Windsor uh uh a Wedgewood um plate about this big around. I don't know if about this big around. I don't know if about this big around. I don't know if she still has it. I bet she does. And um she still has it. I bet she does. And um she still has it. I bet she does. And um that's all. And we ate at Wimpies every that's all. And we ate at Wimpies every that's all. And we ate at Wimpies every night. So Wimpies is their hamburger night. So Wimpies is their hamburger night. So Wimpies is their hamburger place. That's like a McDonald's kind of. place. That's like a McDonald's kind of. place. That's like a McDonald's kind of. And we ate at Wimpies every night. So, And we ate at Wimpies every night. So, And we ate at Wimpies every night. So, um we're checking out of the hotel at um we're checking out of the hotel at um we're checking out of the hotel at the end and um I'm talking, you know, at the end and um I'm talking, you know, at the end and um I'm talking, you know, at the desk checking out and I look over the desk checking out and I look over the desk checking out and I look over and there is this this big ballroom over and there is this this big ballroom over and there is this this big ballroom over there that's filled with people sitting there that's filled with people sitting there that's filled with people sitting around tables eating. And I said, "Oh, around tables eating. And I said, "Oh, around tables eating. And I said, "Oh, do you have some sort of conference here do you have some sort of conference here do you have some sort of conference here to today? Who are all those people?" And to today? Who are all those people?" And to today? Who are all those people?" And he looked at me funny and he said, he looked at me funny and he said, he looked at me funny and he said, "That's um that's breakfast that comes "That's um that's breakfast that comes "That's um that's breakfast that comes with your room.

with your room. with your room. That's a full English breakfast every That's a full English breakfast every That's a full English breakfast every day." And I'm like, "What? day." And I'm like, "What? day." And I'm like, "What? Are you kidding? If I'd have known that, Are you kidding? If I'd have known that, Are you kidding? If I'd have known that, we would have had we would have been we would have had we would have been we would have had we would have been putting things in our pockets. We would putting things in our pockets. We would putting things in our pockets. We would have, you know, there'd have been have, you know, there'd have been have, you know, there'd have been hard-boiled eggs in every pocket and we hard-boiled eggs in every pocket and we hard-boiled eggs in every pocket and we would have we would have cleaned up." would have we would have cleaned up." would have we would have cleaned up." But no, no, we we chose wimpies over an But no, no, we we chose wimpies over an But no, no, we we chose wimpies over an English breakfast. English breakfast. English breakfast. I I just don't think that's a great I I just don't think that's a great I I just don't think that's a great picture of what we do as Christians or picture of what we do as Christians or picture of what we do as Christians or as as human beings. Jesus is offering us as as human beings. Jesus is offering us as as human beings. Jesus is offering us this better way, the best way, an this better way, the best way, an this better way, the best way, an English breakfast of life, and we choose English breakfast of life, and we choose English breakfast of life, and we choose wimpies. CS Lewis in his um book of wimpies. CS Lewis in his um book of wimpies. CS Lewis in his um book of essays called The Weight of Glory essays called The Weight of Glory essays called The Weight of Glory has one of my favorite quotes. Here's has one of my favorite quotes. Here's has one of my favorite quotes. Here's what he says. My um it would seem that what he says. My um it would seem that what he says. My um it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too our Lord finds our desires not too our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are strong, but too weak. We are strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures fooling about half-hearted creatures fooling about half-hearted creatures fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when with drink and sex and ambition when with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us. Like an infinite joy is offered us. Like an infinite joy is offered us. Like an ignorant child who wants to go on making ignorant child who wants to go on making ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot mud pies in a slum because he cannot mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a imagine what is meant by the offer of a imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too holiday at the sea. We are far too holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

easily pleased. easily pleased. The life that Jesus is offering us as The life that Jesus is offering us as The life that Jesus is offering us as his disciple, as his follower, his disciple, as his follower, his disciple, as his follower, is a much better way. is a much better way. is a much better way. It fills the empty spots inside us that It fills the empty spots inside us that It fills the empty spots inside us that we keep trying to fill up. we keep trying to fill up. we keep trying to fill up. Well, I could go through a number of Well, I could go through a number of Well, I could go through a number of ways, but I I want to just lift up two ways, but I I want to just lift up two ways, but I I want to just lift up two ways that it seems to me that we're ways that it seems to me that we're ways that it seems to me that we're offered a better way. The first is we're offered a better way. The first is we're offered a better way. The first is we're offered a life of self forgetfulness, offered a life of self forgetfulness, offered a life of self forgetfulness, but we choose a life that's about me, but we choose a life that's about me, but we choose a life that's about me, me, me, me. me, me, me. me, me, me. D and I went with our extended family to D and I went with our extended family to D and I went with our extended family to Paceation this year. Paceation is all of Paceation this year. Paceation is all of Paceation this year. Paceation is all of the kids and grandkids together. We went the kids and grandkids together. We went the kids and grandkids together. We went to Cinnamon Shores down in to Cinnamon Shores down in to Cinnamon Shores down in Porttoaranzis, a little beach town. And Porttoaranzis, a little beach town. And Porttoaranzis, a little beach town. And um while we were there, we went to the um while we were there, we went to the um while we were there, we went to the beach one evening and had a campfire and beach one evening and had a campfire and beach one evening and had a campfire and weeny roast. And um I looked over and weeny roast. And um I looked over and weeny roast. And um I looked over and saw my wife teaching the grandkids how saw my wife teaching the grandkids how saw my wife teaching the grandkids how to throw bread up to the seagulls. You to throw bread up to the seagulls. You to throw bread up to the seagulls. You know, I don't know, I'm sure all of you know, I don't know, I'm sure all of you know, I don't know, I'm sure all of you have done that. You throw the bread up have done that. You throw the bread up have done that. You throw the bread up to the seagulls and they dive for it and to the seagulls and they dive for it and to the seagulls and they dive for it and they're squawking the whole time. And I they're squawking the whole time. And I they're squawking the whole time. And I couldn't help but every time I see that couldn't help but every time I see that couldn't help but every time I see that I think of the movie Finding Nemo. I I think of the movie Finding Nemo. I I think of the movie Finding Nemo. I don't know if you've ever seen the movie don't know if you've ever seen the movie don't know if you've ever seen the movie Finding Nemo, but if you haven't, you Finding Nemo, but if you haven't, you Finding Nemo, but if you haven't, you just go rent it and watch it cuz it's just go rent it and watch it cuz it's just go rent it and watch it cuz it's worth it. And you um because in it this worth it. And you um because in it this worth it. And you um because in it this the seagulls are squawking but the whole the seagulls are squawking but the whole the seagulls are squawking but the whole time they're saying mine mine mine mine time they're saying mine mine mine mine time they're saying mine mine mine mine mind and that's what they when once you mind and that's what they when once you mind and that's what they when once you hear that that's what it sounds like hear that that's what it sounds like hear that that's what it sounds like they're saying mine mine mind mine and they're saying mine mine mind mine and they're saying mine mine mind mine and that's what we do that's the life we

that's what we do that's the life we that's what we do that's the life we live. What about me? What about me? What live. What about me? What about me? What live. What about me? What about me? What about me? about me? about me? Is this good for me? How do I look Is this good for me? How do I look Is this good for me? How do I look today? today? today? There's a mirror in right back inside There's a mirror in right back inside There's a mirror in right back inside that when in that little thing that when that when in that little thing that when that when in that little thing that when I come up the steps before I come out I come up the steps before I come out I come up the steps before I come out here, there's a little mirror for me to here, there's a little mirror for me to here, there's a little mirror for me to look in to make sure I look good, you look in to make sure I look good, you look in to make sure I look good, you know, because it I want it's about me. I know, because it I want it's about me. I know, because it I want it's about me. I mean, we find ourselves constantly mean, we find ourselves constantly mean, we find ourselves constantly focused on self focused on self focused on self when we we are offered the opportunity when we we are offered the opportunity when we we are offered the opportunity to be self-forgetful, to be self-forgetful, to be self-forgetful, a life that doesn't worry about self a life that doesn't worry about self a life that doesn't worry about self anymore. Wouldn't that be amazing to be anymore. Wouldn't that be amazing to be anymore. Wouldn't that be amazing to be free of your worry about yourself? free of your worry about yourself? free of your worry about yourself? Dr. Tim Keller, um the late Dr. Tim Dr. Tim Keller, um the late Dr. Tim Dr. Tim Keller, um the late Dr. Tim Keller wrote a book about self- Keller wrote a book about self- Keller wrote a book about self- forgetfulness. Um just the the amazing forgetfulness. Um just the the amazing forgetfulness. Um just the the amazing rest of self- forgetfulness. He it's rest of self- forgetfulness. He it's rest of self- forgetfulness. He it's called and in it he um he quotes Madonna called and in it he um he quotes Madonna called and in it he um he quotes Madonna in an interview with Vogue magazine. in an interview with Vogue magazine. in an interview with Vogue magazine. Here's what she says.

Here's what she says. Here's what she says. 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. I just wonder how many being mediocre. I just wonder how many being mediocre. I just wonder how many of you does that speak to. A fear of of you does that speak to. A fear of of you does that speak to. A fear of being just ordinary. being just ordinary. being just ordinary. That is always pushing me. I push past That is always pushing me. I push past That is always pushing me. I push past one spell of it and discover myself as a one spell of it and discover myself as a one spell of it and discover myself as a special human being. But then I feel I'm special human being. But then I feel I'm special human being. But then I feel I'm still mediocre and uninteresting unless still mediocre and uninteresting unless still mediocre and uninteresting unless I do something else. Because even though I do something else. Because even though I do something else. Because even though I have become somebody, I still have to I have become somebody, I still have to I have become somebody, I still have to prove that I am somebody. My struggle prove that I am somebody. My struggle prove that I am somebody. My struggle has never ended and I guess it never has never ended and I guess it never has never ended and I guess it never will. He he goes on to say that he has will. He he goes on to say that he has will. He he goes on to say that he has so much respect for Madonna because she so much respect for Madonna because she so much respect for Madonna because she understands and sees understands herself understands and sees understands herself understands and sees understands herself better than most of us do. better than most of us do. better than most of us do. How many times do we feel like um we're How many times do we feel like um we're How many times do we feel like um we're just not enough? I just I need to do just not enough? I just I need to do just not enough? I just I need to do something more. I need to strive a something more. I need to strive a something more. I need to strive a little harder, work a little more, do little harder, work a little more, do little harder, work a little more, do something else, be in the right place. something else, be in the right place. something else, be in the right place. Here's how he reflects on it. Gospel Here's how he reflects on it. Gospel Here's how he reflects on it. Gospel humility is not needing to think about humility is not needing to think about humility is not needing to think about myself, not needing to connect things myself, not needing to connect things myself, not needing to connect things with myself. It's an end to thoughts with myself. It's an end to thoughts with myself. It's an end to thoughts such as, "I'm in a room with these such as, "I'm in a room with these such as, "I'm in a room with these people. Does that make me look good? Do people. Does that make me look good? Do people. Does that make me look good? Do I want to be here?"

I want to be here?" 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 with me, myself. conversation with me, myself. conversation with me, myself. In fact, I stopped thinking about myself In fact, I stopped thinking about myself In fact, I stopped thinking about myself at all. The freedom of at all. The freedom of at all. The freedom of self-forgetfulness, self-forgetfulness, self-forgetfulness, the blessed rest that only self- the blessed rest that only self- the blessed rest that only self- forgetfulness brings. forgetfulness brings. forgetfulness brings. That's what Jesus is offering us. It's That's what Jesus is offering us. It's That's what Jesus is offering us. It's what he offered his disciples. what he offered his disciples. what he offered his disciples. Still along the way, they say, "Hey, do Still along the way, they say, "Hey, do Still along the way, they say, "Hey, do I get to sit on your right hand and your I get to sit on your right hand and your I get to sit on your right hand and your left hand?" Still didn't quite left hand?" Still didn't quite left hand?" Still didn't quite understand what it meant to only be understand what it meant to only be understand what it meant to only be worried about others. worried about others. worried about others. All right, here's the second thing I All right, here's the second thing I All right, here's the second thing I think it offers us. It offers us a life think it offers us. It offers us a life think it offers us. It offers us a life of um of um of um it offers us an eternal life rather than it offers us an eternal life rather than it offers us an eternal life rather than one that's just temporal. one that's just temporal. one that's just temporal. And I don't simply mean that we get to And I don't simply mean that we get to And I don't simply mean that we get to live forever. live forever. live forever. Um Um Um let's pretend you had two bank accounts.

let's pretend you had two bank accounts. let's pretend you had two bank accounts. And one bank account at the end of a And one bank account at the end of a And one bank account at the end of a year, at the end of that year, year, at the end of that year, year, at the end of that year, everything in it would just go away. It everything in it would just go away. It everything in it would just go away. It would be gone. would be gone. would be gone. And then in the other bank account, And then in the other bank account, And then in the other bank account, everything you put in that would last everything you put in that would last everything you put in that would last forever. Would just go on forever and forever. Would just go on forever and forever. Would just go on forever and ever. ever. ever. Where would you invest your money? Where Where would you invest your money? Where Where would you invest your money? Where would you put your money? Well, you would you put your money? Well, you would you put your money? Well, you you're no fools. You'd put it in the in you're no fools. You'd put it in the in you're no fools. You'd put it in the in the bank account that goes on forever the bank account that goes on forever the bank account that goes on forever and ever and ever, and ever and ever, and ever and ever, right? That's where you invest your right? That's where you invest your right? That's where you invest your time. So what we tend to do is we tend to put So what we tend to do is we tend to put our time and our energy and our money our time and our energy and our money our time and our energy and our money and our things in things that will be and our things in things that will be and our things in things that will be valuable in this world in this time but valuable in this world in this time but valuable in this world in this time but really don't necessarily connect us with really don't necessarily connect us with really don't necessarily connect us with something that's eternal, something that's eternal, something that's eternal, right? The things that are eternal, our right? The things that are eternal, our right? The things that are eternal, our relationship with God in Christ, our relationship with God in Christ, our relationship with God in Christ, our love for neighbor. love for neighbor. love for neighbor. What is it Paul says in First What is it Paul says in First What is it Paul says in First Corinthians? All this other stuff shall Corinthians? All this other stuff shall Corinthians? All this other stuff shall pass away. All these other things shall pass away. All these other things shall pass away. All these other things shall pass away. But faith, hope, love, abide.

pass away. But faith, hope, love, abide. pass away. But faith, hope, love, abide. These three, the greatest of these is These three, the greatest of these is These three, the greatest of these is love. These are the things that if you love. These are the things that if you love. These are the things that if you invest in, these are the things that if invest in, these are the things that if invest in, these are the things that if you take hold of that, then you'll have you take hold of that, then you'll have you take hold of that, then you'll have those forever. But all the other stuff, those forever. But all the other stuff, those forever. But all the other stuff, poof, all your stuff, all your ambition, poof, all your stuff, all your ambition, poof, all your stuff, all your ambition, all your all your um achievements, all all your all your um achievements, all all your all your um achievements, all that stuff, it'll be gone. that stuff, it'll be gone. that stuff, it'll be gone. But those other things are eternal. But those other things are eternal. But those other things are eternal. Now, don't misunderstand me. It's not Now, don't misunderstand me. It's not Now, don't misunderstand me. It's not that that temporary things, temporal that that temporary things, temporal that that temporary things, temporal things, uh, have no eternal value. It's things, uh, have no eternal value. It's things, uh, have no eternal value. It's just how we choose to experience them just how we choose to experience them just how we choose to experience them that makes them eternal. that makes them eternal. that makes them eternal. In other words, I can I can look at an In other words, I can I can look at an In other words, I can I can look at an incredible sunset. I can have an amazing incredible sunset. I can have an amazing incredible sunset. I can have an amazing meal. I can hear a beautiful, beautiful meal. I can hear a beautiful, beautiful meal. I can hear a beautiful, beautiful music. All of those things and they are music. All of those things and they are music. All of those things and they are wonderful right now in this moment. then wonderful right now in this moment. then wonderful right now in this moment. then they're gone. they're gone. they're gone. But if instead we see them as as a But if instead we see them as as a But if instead we see them as as a connection to something that's eternal, connection to something that's eternal, connection to something that's eternal, if if in fact we see them as a gift if if in fact we see them as a gift if if in fact we see them as a gift from from the eternal God, if they from from the eternal God, if they from from the eternal God, if they connect us to the giver of the gift, connect us to the giver of the gift, connect us to the giver of the gift, then they have eternal value for us. I I then they have eternal value for us. I I then they have eternal value for us. I I have a I have a set of cuff links. Um, have a I have a set of cuff links. Um, have a I have a set of cuff links. Um, they have a little teeny tiny teeny tiny they have a little teeny tiny teeny tiny they have a little teeny tiny teeny tiny diamond chip in them. I mean, you have diamond chip in them. I mean, you have diamond chip in them. I mean, you have to get it like a magnet. Is that a D? Is to get it like a magnet. Is that a D? Is to get it like a magnet. Is that a D? Is there something in there? Right. Yeah. I

there something in there? Right. Yeah. I there something in there? Right. Yeah. I could took them to the pawn shop and could took them to the pawn shop and could took them to the pawn shop and they'd probably give me $20. they'd probably give me $20. they'd probably give me $20. But they are really valuable to me But they are really valuable to me But they are really valuable to me because they were given to me by someone because they were given to me by someone because they were given to me by someone I love. I love. I love. And so when I put those cufflings on, I And so when I put those cufflings on, I And so when I put those cufflings on, I don't just think, "Wow, those are don't just think, "Wow, those are don't just think, "Wow, those are beautiful." I think, "Wow, those are beautiful." I think, "Wow, those are beautiful." I think, "Wow, those are beautiful because of the person who gave beautiful because of the person who gave beautiful because of the person who gave them to me." When I see a sunset, when I them to me." When I see a sunset, when I them to me." When I see a sunset, when I have a great meal, when I and and I can have a great meal, when I and and I can have a great meal, when I and and I can when I play a a a round of golf, oh my when I play a a a round of golf, oh my when I play a a a round of golf, oh my goodness, if I play a good round of goodness, if I play a good round of goodness, if I play a good round of golf, well, that's never happened. I golf, well, that's never happened. I golf, well, that's never happened. I wouldn't know. Uh, wouldn't know. Uh, wouldn't know. Uh, and I recognize these. This is a gift of and I recognize these. This is a gift of and I recognize these. This is a gift of God. This is a gift of God. What a I am God. This is a gift of God. What a I am God. This is a gift of God. What a I am so grateful. then it's connecting me to so grateful. then it's connecting me to so grateful. then it's connecting me to something that's eternal. something that's eternal. something that's eternal. The gifts are important because they The gifts are important because they The gifts are important because they connect us to the giver. And so even in connect us to the giver. And so even in connect us to the giver. And so even in our temporary world, our temporary world, our temporary world, we're offered this opportunity to be we're offered this opportunity to be we're offered this opportunity to be about something that is eternal, about something that is eternal, about something that is eternal, goes on forever.

goes on forever. goes on forever. That's our choice. So, those are just two of the things So, those are just two of the things that we're offered, but we instead that we're offered, but we instead that we're offered, but we instead choose Wimpies over the English choose Wimpies over the English choose Wimpies over the English breakfast we've been offered. breakfast we've been offered. breakfast we've been offered. Now, of course, we get to the end of Now, of course, we get to the end of Now, of course, we get to the end of this story and it it makes it really this story and it it makes it really this story and it it makes it really clear that Jesus is is definitely not clear that Jesus is is definitely not clear that Jesus is is definitely not abandoning Jerusalem. abandoning Jerusalem. abandoning Jerusalem. In fact, there on the cross, he says In fact, there on the cross, he says In fact, there on the cross, he says those words, right? those words, right? those words, right? Father, forgive them. Father, forgive them. Father, forgive them. They don't even know what they're doing. They don't even know what they're doing. They don't even know what they're doing. And I think about that a lot. And I think about that a lot. And I think about that a lot. Because as I find myself pursuing mine, Because as I find myself pursuing mine, Because as I find myself pursuing mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, right? As I find myself consumed with right? As I find myself consumed with right? As I find myself consumed with things of this world that will go away, things of this world that will go away, things of this world that will go away, I recognize that I just don't even know I recognize that I just don't even know I recognize that I just don't even know what I'm doing. what I'm doing. what I'm doing. So Jesus has So Jesus has So Jesus has has offered me that that choice even now even after maybe because of the cross even after maybe because of the cross has offered that choice to you and to has offered that choice to you and to has offered that choice to you and to me.

me. me. You see he's saying I'm offering you You see he's saying I'm offering you You see he's saying I'm offering you this incredible life and I just it's this incredible life and I just it's this incredible life and I just it's your life your choice. your life your choice. your life your choice. I can't make you come and follow me, but I can't make you come and follow me, but I can't make you come and follow me, but if you will, if you will, if you will, oh man, oh man, oh man, what a life I have to offer you. what a life I have to offer you. what a life I have to offer you. Let's pray. Gracious God. You leave it to us to decide whether we You leave it to us to decide whether we we will choose to follow you or not. we will choose to follow you or not. we will choose to follow you or not. we whether we choose to accept this we whether we choose to accept this we whether we choose to accept this incredible gift of life that's self incredible gift of life that's self incredible gift of life that's self forgetful, that's full of joy, that's forgetful, that's full of joy, that's forgetful, that's full of joy, that's full of servantthood, that's that's full of servantthood, that's that's full of servantthood, that's that's that's that's that's focused on something that's eternal. focused on something that's eternal. focused on something that's eternal. Oh God, speak into our hearts today and Oh God, speak into our hearts today and Oh God, speak into our hearts today and show us the ways that we've turned away show us the ways that we've turned away show us the ways that we've turned away from you, the ways we've been the wolf from you, the ways we've been the wolf from you, the ways we've been the wolf who feels threatened by about by the way who feels threatened by about by the way who feels threatened by about by the way of life that we think is so important.

of life that we think is so important. of life that we think is so important. And instead, God, help us to choose the And instead, God, help us to choose the And instead, God, help us to choose the life that you've offered us. life that you've offered us. life that you've offered us. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. Our hymn of commitment is hymn 348. Our hymn of commitment is hymn 348. Our hymn of commitment is hymn 348. Um, Um, Um, softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling. softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling. softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling. Let's sing verses 1 and four. Would you Let's sing verses 1 and four. Would you Let's sing verses 1 and four. Would you stand as we sing these verses together? Jesus is calling Jesus is calling calling for calling for calling for glory.

See the mortals See the mortals waiting and waiting and waiting and watching forever. Please Please Jesus is calling Wonderful. Wonderful. He has promise We have sent me We have sent me and for for me.

Come on. Come on. Come on. and and Jesus is calling. So go bear witness to the love of God in So go bear witness to the love of God in this world so that those to whom love is this world so that those to whom love is this world so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous a stranger will find in you generous a stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, communion of Christ, the love of God, communion of Christ, the love of God, communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.