[0.00 --> 1.92] Good morning once again. [4.92 --> 14.82] Hear the word of the Lord from Matthew chapter 10, verses 2 through 4. [16.70 --> 19.40] These are the names of the twelve apostles. [20.50 --> 24.80] First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew. [26.08 --> 28.76] James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John. [30.00 --> 31.64] Philip and Bartholomew. [32.56 --> 35.18] Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector. [36.22 --> 38.52] James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus. [39.48 --> 40.72] Simon, the zealot. [41.72 --> 43.64] And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. [45.48 --> 47.94] This is the word of the Lord. [47.94 --> 62.30] So, you can be excused if your hearts were not all aflutter this morning as I read today's passage. [62.30 --> 73.08] Sometimes we can be on the edge of our seat as we hear about how God has powerfully worked through his people in his word. [73.08 --> 79.58] And other times we might need to be prodded awake at the end of its reading. [82.18 --> 85.46] This is not likely the most riveting passage you've ever heard. [85.72 --> 92.44] And yet, if we are careful, we will see that God is powerfully at work in and through it. [92.44 --> 99.40] Perhaps I can reread this passage in a way that may reveal a glimpse of its richness. [101.90 --> 103.86] These are the names of the twelve apostles. [103.86 --> 108.52] First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew. [109.56 --> 112.56] James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John. [113.66 --> 115.78] Philip and Bartholomew. [116.98 --> 120.36] Thomas and Matthew, the passionate liberal. [121.52 --> 124.90] And James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus. [125.86 --> 127.94] Simon, the staunch conservative. [127.94 --> 131.56] And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. [134.18 --> 138.56] Now, obviously, Matthew and Simon were not liberal nor conservative. [139.46 --> 142.94] But using political parties that are a little more familiar with us, [142.96 --> 146.46] and we understand the general disdain that they have for each other, [147.38 --> 153.32] gives us a bit of a glimpse into how this might have been heard in Jesus' day. [153.32 --> 158.50] But using liberal and conservative only gives us a glimpse. [159.28 --> 164.96] The issues that Matthew would have faced were far deeper than the irritations most of us feel [164.96 --> 167.94] towards opposite political stances. [169.70 --> 175.34] The television show The Chosen, a TV series about Jesus' life, [175.98 --> 181.54] depicts this friction well as Jesus stops by the tax collector's booth [181.54 --> 186.00] in the middle of a busy Capernaum street in order to call Matthew. [187.50 --> 188.50] Jesus says, [189.38 --> 191.00] Matthew, son of Alphaeus. [192.18 --> 196.70] And with eyes wide, Matthew squeaks out, [197.52 --> 197.78] Yes? [199.06 --> 201.02] Follow me, he says. [202.18 --> 202.70] Me? [204.38 --> 206.86] Yes, you, Jesus responds with a smile. [208.22 --> 209.82] But just then, Peter interrupts. [209.82 --> 211.36] Whoa, whoa, whoa. [211.64 --> 212.62] What are you doing? [213.70 --> 215.44] Do you have any idea who he is? [215.62 --> 216.92] Do you know what he has done? [217.32 --> 218.22] Do you even know him? [220.02 --> 221.58] Yes, Jesus responds. [222.86 --> 225.88] And as Matthew makes his way out of the tax collector's booth [225.88 --> 228.52] and past the Roman centurion who he worked with, [230.02 --> 231.20] Peter goes on. [231.34 --> 231.66] He says, [231.86 --> 232.80] I don't get it. [234.44 --> 235.34] Jesus responds, [235.34 --> 237.82] You didn't get it when I called you either. [237.82 --> 240.14] But this is different. [240.52 --> 241.84] I'm not a tax collector. [242.92 --> 244.66] And Jesus simply responds, [245.32 --> 246.38] Get used to different. [248.04 --> 252.00] I think we're all still trying to get used to different. [254.76 --> 256.36] Matthew was a tax collector. [257.52 --> 258.46] Now, in our day, [258.82 --> 263.42] many of us already have a bit of disdain and distrust and dislike for the tax man. [263.42 --> 265.48] But in Jesus' time, [265.56 --> 266.66] it was much more so, [267.12 --> 267.92] much stronger. [269.54 --> 271.42] Israel was under Roman occupation, [271.96 --> 274.54] and this meant that they were forced to pay tribute to the Romans. [275.22 --> 277.56] They paid so many different types of taxes. [277.70 --> 280.00] They paid principal tax and land tax, [280.06 --> 281.48] and then there was many others, [281.60 --> 283.54] especially for the transportation of goods. [284.24 --> 286.70] And then they were even subject to a temple tax. [286.70 --> 293.20] And this taxation upon taxation was very heavy burden for the Jewish people to carry. [294.86 --> 297.78] And so this extreme taxation, as you can imagine, [298.14 --> 301.06] didn't endear the Romans to the Jews, [301.26 --> 302.76] to put it mildly. [304.14 --> 307.40] But worse than the Romans in the eyes of the Jews [307.40 --> 310.16] were those who collected the taxes. [310.16 --> 314.64] Because the collection of taxes was not done by the Romans themselves. [315.42 --> 317.82] They subcontracted it to local Jews. [319.12 --> 322.72] And these Jews could buy the rights to collect the taxes, [322.92 --> 324.80] and then they could skim a little off the top [324.80 --> 326.36] and collect extra for themselves. [327.30 --> 328.60] And for the Jewish people, [329.00 --> 330.82] what was far worse than the Romans [330.82 --> 332.94] were their own people [332.94 --> 335.22] who would sell them out to make a profit, [335.22 --> 338.00] overburden their people, [338.50 --> 340.54] collecting tax on behalf of their oppressor. [342.62 --> 345.06] And so Jews saw tax collectors [345.06 --> 346.72] as the worst kind of sinners. [347.12 --> 348.28] They would lump them together [348.28 --> 350.54] with beggars and thieves and robbers. [352.86 --> 354.70] Most everyone in Israel [354.70 --> 356.84] had a strong dislike for tax collectors. [357.82 --> 359.34] However, you can imagine people [359.34 --> 361.32] that were especially passionate [361.32 --> 362.30] for their nation [362.30 --> 363.48] and for their people [363.48 --> 364.46] and for their God [364.46 --> 366.62] would have been the most upset. [368.64 --> 369.96] In Jesus' time, [370.16 --> 372.08] frustrations against the Romans, [372.66 --> 374.08] against the Roman oppression, grew. [375.62 --> 378.76] And Jews that were consumed for zeal for God [378.76 --> 380.84] were known as zealots. [381.76 --> 383.12] They eventually formed a political [383.12 --> 384.24] and religious movement [384.24 --> 387.08] looking to rid Israel of Roman oppression, [387.68 --> 390.38] to take back their land for God by force. [390.38 --> 393.76] They saw themselves as God's means [393.76 --> 394.72] of divine judgment. [396.38 --> 397.08] The zealots, [397.30 --> 399.14] with their extreme passionate love [399.14 --> 400.78] for their people and their land, [401.00 --> 402.62] were the most upset [402.62 --> 404.80] with tax collectors [404.80 --> 407.28] that would betray their country. [407.28 --> 413.66] So, it's not recorded in the Bible, [413.82 --> 415.06] but I would love to have been [415.06 --> 416.16] a fly on the wall [416.16 --> 418.16] as Simon the zealot [418.16 --> 419.42] was called by Jesus. [420.90 --> 422.20] He was likely excited [422.20 --> 423.82] and passionate to serve God. [425.10 --> 427.24] But just imagine the look on his face [427.24 --> 428.10] when he found out [428.10 --> 430.28] that Jesus had also called Matthew [430.28 --> 431.28] the tax collector. [431.28 --> 434.48] We can imagine the internal friction [434.48 --> 435.38] that there would have been [435.38 --> 436.44] within the disciples. [438.92 --> 440.66] And so, this is probably why [440.66 --> 441.94] Peter is asking the question, [442.36 --> 443.66] Jesus, what are you doing? [445.52 --> 446.92] How do you start a movement [446.92 --> 449.16] and then bring enemies together? [450.72 --> 451.48] Don't you remember [451.48 --> 452.58] what you yourself said? [452.94 --> 454.62] A kingdom divided against itself [454.62 --> 455.38] can't stand. [455.38 --> 460.06] And yet, this was no mistake. [461.68 --> 463.32] When we look at Luke's account [463.32 --> 464.66] of the call of the disciples, [464.90 --> 465.76] we see that Jesus [465.76 --> 467.88] went up on a mountainside alone [467.88 --> 469.24] and he spent the night [469.24 --> 470.32] praying to God [470.32 --> 472.32] before coming down [472.32 --> 473.82] and calling his disciples [473.82 --> 475.70] the next morning. [481.44 --> 482.68] Knowing this, I think [482.68 --> 484.66] if we're honest with ourselves, [484.66 --> 485.96] we can all be left [485.96 --> 487.34] scratching our head, you know? [488.42 --> 489.44] Jesus, how could you call [489.44 --> 490.56] both a tax collector [490.56 --> 492.32] and a zealot? [494.02 --> 495.26] The radical love [495.26 --> 497.10] and diversity that Jesus shows [497.10 --> 498.50] in selecting his disciples [498.50 --> 500.52] is bewildering to us. [501.66 --> 503.06] And yet, never has it been [503.06 --> 504.76] more relevant to us. [506.16 --> 507.76] We, too, are both like [507.76 --> 508.96] Simon the zealot [508.96 --> 510.56] and Matthew the tax collector. [511.70 --> 513.28] We exclude others [513.28 --> 514.80] and we, too, [514.92 --> 515.70] are excluded. [517.50 --> 518.38] In this world, [518.44 --> 519.60] we don't tend to seek out [519.60 --> 520.60] diverse perspectives. [521.32 --> 522.36] We look to those [522.36 --> 523.44] who agree with us. [524.14 --> 525.20] And it's on this basis [525.20 --> 527.00] that we form our groups, [527.22 --> 527.96] how we decide [527.96 --> 529.22] whose team that we're on. [529.86 --> 531.06] If people agree with us, [531.10 --> 531.62] then they're in. [531.80 --> 533.16] And if they don't agree with us, [533.24 --> 534.02] then they're out. [534.42 --> 536.02] And so the division begins. [536.02 --> 540.86] Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount, [541.02 --> 542.86] if you love those who love you, [542.92 --> 544.28] what reward will you get? [544.68 --> 545.88] Are not even the tax collectors [545.88 --> 546.46] doing that? [547.48 --> 548.44] And if you greet only [548.44 --> 549.22] your own people, [549.44 --> 550.16] what are you doing [550.16 --> 550.94] more than others? [551.60 --> 553.30] Do not even the Gentiles do that? [555.22 --> 556.66] Our world is becoming [556.66 --> 557.84] more divisive. [559.46 --> 561.24] We see this in party politics. [562.04 --> 563.58] Some of us choose one party, [563.58 --> 564.84] and it's our loyal team, [565.20 --> 567.02] liberal, conservative, or NDP. [568.36 --> 569.82] And we do our best to agree [569.82 --> 571.08] with everything that they say [571.08 --> 572.68] and justify and defend [572.68 --> 573.92] their imperfections. [574.52 --> 575.86] And then we see the worst [575.86 --> 576.96] in the other parties, [577.92 --> 579.24] gracious towards our team [579.24 --> 580.56] and without grace [580.56 --> 581.48] towards the other team, [582.16 --> 582.62] the enemy. [585.14 --> 586.86] There was a time in politics [586.86 --> 588.52] when we agreed on the goal [588.52 --> 589.80] of improving the country, [589.96 --> 591.30] but simply disagreed [591.30 --> 592.34] on the way to get there. [592.34 --> 593.70] But now, [594.78 --> 595.66] the trend is to paint [595.66 --> 596.96] the other side as evil [596.96 --> 598.84] and looking to destroy the nation. [602.20 --> 603.48] Much closer to home [603.48 --> 604.24] for some of us, [604.28 --> 605.32] even in our pockets, [606.34 --> 607.82] our culture is working [607.82 --> 609.28] to reinforce this attitude [609.28 --> 610.16] of division [610.16 --> 612.46] through social media [612.46 --> 613.32] and our smartphones [613.32 --> 614.34] where the average adult [614.34 --> 616.12] spends three hours a day. [616.12 --> 620.36] I recently watched a documentary [620.36 --> 620.94] on Netflix [620.94 --> 622.38] called The Social Dilemma, [622.82 --> 624.18] which chronicled the ways [624.18 --> 626.24] that social media platforms [626.24 --> 628.96] profit from keeping people [628.96 --> 630.06] addicted to their phones. [631.50 --> 633.08] And what the social media empires [633.08 --> 633.78] have found [633.78 --> 636.36] is that people stay engaged longer [636.36 --> 638.02] when there's controversy. [639.06 --> 639.34] Right? [639.34 --> 640.50] And so, [640.78 --> 641.88] social media platforms [641.88 --> 643.24] allow and encourage [643.24 --> 644.58] controversy to spread [644.58 --> 645.46] on social media. [646.34 --> 647.62] The extreme perspectives [647.62 --> 648.20] prevail [648.20 --> 649.70] and they flood [649.70 --> 650.54] our news feed. [651.38 --> 652.44] And our news feeds [652.44 --> 653.10] are customized [653.10 --> 653.82] to show us [653.82 --> 654.56] the least charitable [654.56 --> 655.48] understandings [655.48 --> 657.50] of those whom we oppose [657.50 --> 659.10] to keep us engaged. [660.14 --> 661.76] And it polarizes us. [663.84 --> 665.18] But engaging ideas [665.18 --> 665.96] through phones [665.96 --> 666.76] or computers [666.76 --> 668.56] rather than with real people [668.56 --> 669.92] that we know [669.92 --> 671.66] leads us to flatten people [671.66 --> 673.40] into their one belief. [674.18 --> 675.24] We equate people [675.24 --> 676.68] with that one belief. [677.46 --> 678.88] And when we caricature people [678.88 --> 680.04] based on one belief, [680.52 --> 681.66] we are essentially [681.66 --> 682.94] dehumanizing them. [684.14 --> 686.00] Because human beings [686.00 --> 687.18] are far more complex [687.18 --> 688.26] than one belief [688.26 --> 689.28] on one subject. [689.62 --> 690.86] There's always far more [690.86 --> 692.10] behind why we choose [692.10 --> 693.12] to see the best [693.12 --> 694.32] on one side of an issue [694.32 --> 695.46] and the worst on another [695.46 --> 697.16] rather than vice versa. [699.78 --> 701.44] But when we delve deeper [701.44 --> 702.30] into relationship [702.30 --> 703.46] in real community, [703.82 --> 704.80] when someone is sitting [704.80 --> 705.96] with us face to face [705.96 --> 706.68] and we engage [706.68 --> 707.50] with them personally, [707.88 --> 709.32] when we consciously choose [709.32 --> 710.30] to love them [710.30 --> 712.24] and to try to understand them, [712.44 --> 713.36] it is amazing [713.36 --> 714.78] how we can grow [714.78 --> 715.60] in compassion [715.60 --> 717.06] and find common ground. [717.18 --> 719.88] the more resilience [719.88 --> 720.60] we build [720.60 --> 721.68] into our relationships, [721.84 --> 722.40] the more deeply [722.40 --> 723.28] we know each other, [723.72 --> 724.78] the harder it is [724.78 --> 726.30] for us to write someone off [726.30 --> 727.36] if we disagree with them [727.36 --> 728.02] on one issue [728.02 --> 729.90] because we have [729.90 --> 730.64] many other ties [730.64 --> 731.60] that bind us together. [736.86 --> 738.24] It's easy to say all this, [738.36 --> 739.00] but I can imagine [739.00 --> 739.68] for some of you, [739.74 --> 740.30] you're sitting there [740.30 --> 740.94] and you're thinking, [740.94 --> 744.56] and for me myself, [745.02 --> 746.58] I can feel like [746.58 --> 747.58] I just don't have [747.58 --> 748.62] the capacity [748.62 --> 749.74] for that kind of empathy. [751.64 --> 752.46] Sometimes I just [752.46 --> 753.46] can't bridge the gap. [754.02 --> 755.22] The disagreement's too large [755.22 --> 756.88] and it's too overwhelming. [759.70 --> 760.64] Stop for a minute. [762.54 --> 763.90] Who do you exclude? [763.90 --> 766.20] Who is your tax collector? [767.94 --> 769.26] Is it those Christians [769.26 --> 771.14] who believe in Black Lives Matter? [771.60 --> 773.72] Or perhaps the Christians [773.72 --> 774.34] that believe [774.34 --> 776.16] in the Proud Boy movement? [778.80 --> 780.52] Or perhaps closer to home, [780.60 --> 781.28] is it those who [781.28 --> 783.04] seek to support the government [783.04 --> 784.06] in wearing masks [784.06 --> 785.00] and social distancing? [785.00 --> 787.92] Or is it those [787.92 --> 788.60] in our congregation [788.60 --> 790.18] that refuse to wear masks [790.18 --> 791.60] and social distance? [791.60 --> 794.72] Whether intentional [794.72 --> 795.78] or unintentional, [795.98 --> 797.80] we all exclude others. [799.74 --> 801.34] It seems unavoidable [801.34 --> 802.28] and this is why [802.28 --> 803.24] we shake our head [803.24 --> 804.22] at Jesus calling [804.22 --> 805.36] Simon the Zealot [805.36 --> 806.90] and Matthew the tax collector. [810.80 --> 811.80] For a while, [811.90 --> 812.62] I wondered where [812.62 --> 813.44] Simon the Zealot [813.44 --> 814.46] landed with Matthew, [814.96 --> 816.50] how he felt about Matthew. [818.06 --> 819.32] But I realized [819.32 --> 821.30] it doesn't really matter. [821.60 --> 824.72] Jesus did not give Simon [824.72 --> 826.32] an option, did he? [827.50 --> 828.54] He didn't allow them [828.54 --> 829.52] to place stipulations [829.52 --> 830.22] on the call. [831.22 --> 831.82] Sure, Jesus, [831.94 --> 832.64] I'll follow you, [832.78 --> 833.54] but you've got to get rid [833.54 --> 834.70] of that snake, Matthew. [835.24 --> 835.96] You made a mistake [835.96 --> 836.54] calling him. [838.50 --> 839.78] We don't call the shots [839.78 --> 840.64] on being a disciple. [841.74 --> 842.92] And Jesus makes this clear [842.92 --> 843.68] in Luke 9. [844.32 --> 845.24] He merely says, [845.38 --> 846.42] let the dead bury the dead. [847.14 --> 847.74] Follow me. [847.74 --> 852.12] And so when Simon the Zealot [852.12 --> 854.04] was unable to bridge the gap [854.04 --> 856.18] and find compassion for Matthew, [856.96 --> 858.60] he must have had [858.60 --> 860.40] a powerful encounter [860.40 --> 862.18] with Jesus Christ [862.18 --> 863.62] that changed him [863.62 --> 864.48] so profoundly [864.48 --> 865.58] that his allegiance [865.58 --> 866.18] must have been [866.18 --> 867.62] completely altered course. [870.12 --> 870.84] Simon's allegiance [870.84 --> 872.24] became in Christ alone, [872.42 --> 873.44] first and foremost, [873.74 --> 874.96] not on earthly things, [874.96 --> 876.16] but heavenly things, [876.36 --> 877.92] so much so [877.92 --> 878.84] that it changed [878.84 --> 880.06] the way that he treated [880.06 --> 880.76] others, [880.92 --> 881.78] even his enemies. [884.52 --> 885.36] This must have been [885.36 --> 886.00] the case for all [886.00 --> 886.62] the disciples. [887.58 --> 888.32] Accepting the call [888.32 --> 888.94] to be a disciple [888.94 --> 889.52] would not have been [889.52 --> 890.00] a picnic, [890.64 --> 891.70] and for Matthew [891.70 --> 892.84] or for the others [892.84 --> 893.72] either. [893.72 --> 898.24] faith in Jesus [898.24 --> 899.38] became for the disciples [899.38 --> 901.28] the tie that bound them together, [902.28 --> 903.66] and it's through Jesus Christ [903.66 --> 904.68] they found strength [904.68 --> 906.14] to do all things, [906.72 --> 907.94] even love someone [907.94 --> 908.58] that had betrayed [908.58 --> 909.92] their God and country, [910.22 --> 911.48] like the lowly tax collector, [911.64 --> 912.98] or even go to their death, [913.86 --> 915.18] martyred for proclaiming Jesus [915.18 --> 916.42] as risen Lord, [917.08 --> 917.84] as most of them [917.84 --> 918.60] eventually did. [918.60 --> 921.22] This is the power [921.22 --> 922.48] of an encounter [922.48 --> 924.34] with Jesus Christ. [926.32 --> 928.04] And this is the good news. [929.92 --> 931.66] Our God transforms [931.66 --> 933.26] the zealots of this world [933.26 --> 934.60] that judge and divide [934.60 --> 936.16] into zealots for his kingdom [936.16 --> 938.04] who show radical love [938.04 --> 939.18] for all people. [942.26 --> 944.12] Paul is an example of this. [946.18 --> 947.26] Paul's letters compose [947.26 --> 948.24] much of the New Testament, [948.60 --> 949.68] and his story is told [949.68 --> 950.58] in the book of Acts. [952.26 --> 953.76] In the book of Galatians, [954.12 --> 955.18] Paul describes himself [955.18 --> 956.24] as extremely zealous [956.24 --> 956.96] for the traditions [956.96 --> 957.76] of his father. [960.08 --> 960.80] And in Acts, [961.00 --> 962.08] we read of how [962.08 --> 963.14] a zealous Paul [963.14 --> 964.32] approves the murder [964.32 --> 965.02] of Stephen, [965.38 --> 965.94] a Christian, [967.16 --> 967.82] and from there [967.82 --> 968.38] goes around [968.38 --> 969.72] chasing down Christians [969.72 --> 970.82] and throwing them in prison, [970.94 --> 971.70] doing his best [971.70 --> 973.68] to destroy the early church. [975.10 --> 976.68] Paul had chosen his team, [977.46 --> 978.38] and Christians were [978.38 --> 979.20] on the outside. [982.04 --> 983.34] But Paul, too, [983.96 --> 985.72] was profoundly changed [985.72 --> 987.14] by a powerful encounter [987.14 --> 987.84] with God [987.84 --> 989.60] on the road to Damascus. [990.46 --> 991.50] His allegiance [991.50 --> 993.24] and life direction [993.24 --> 994.12] completely altered. [996.12 --> 997.22] Paul went on [997.22 --> 997.82] to found [997.82 --> 998.58] and build up [998.58 --> 999.38] many churches [999.38 --> 1000.46] across Asia Minor [1000.46 --> 1000.88] and Europe [1000.88 --> 1001.68] and even Rome, [1002.30 --> 1003.72] befriending people [1003.72 --> 1004.84] of all different sorts [1004.84 --> 1006.06] and teaching others [1006.06 --> 1006.96] to do the same [1006.96 --> 1007.82] through the power [1007.82 --> 1008.30] of Jesus. [1010.80 --> 1011.72] After God [1011.72 --> 1012.94] opened Paul's eyes [1012.94 --> 1013.60] to the truth [1013.60 --> 1014.58] of Jesus Christ, [1014.86 --> 1015.54] he wrote this [1015.54 --> 1016.54] to the Philippians [1016.54 --> 1018.14] about the [1018.14 --> 1020.02] powerful encounter [1020.02 --> 1020.86] that he had had [1020.86 --> 1021.36] with Christ [1021.36 --> 1022.36] and how it affected him. [1022.36 --> 1025.36] He said, [1025.40 --> 1025.96] if someone else [1025.96 --> 1026.50] thinks they have [1026.50 --> 1027.50] reason to put confidence [1027.50 --> 1028.14] in the flesh, [1028.20 --> 1028.98] I have more. [1030.44 --> 1031.12] Circumcised on the [1031.12 --> 1031.64] eighth day [1031.64 --> 1032.88] of the people of Israel, [1033.58 --> 1034.20] of the tribe [1034.20 --> 1034.88] of Benjamin, [1035.60 --> 1036.70] a Hebrew of Hebrews, [1037.18 --> 1038.60] in regards to the law, [1038.74 --> 1039.58] a Pharisee, [1039.84 --> 1040.62] as for zeal, [1040.80 --> 1041.82] persecuting the church, [1041.94 --> 1042.72] as for righteousness [1042.72 --> 1043.74] based on the law, [1044.22 --> 1044.74] faultless. [1044.74 --> 1048.96] But whatever [1048.96 --> 1050.20] were gains to me, [1050.46 --> 1051.28] I now consider [1051.28 --> 1051.86] a loss [1051.86 --> 1052.34] for the sake [1052.34 --> 1052.92] of Christ. [1053.88 --> 1054.80] What is more, [1054.90 --> 1055.32] I consider [1055.32 --> 1056.36] everything a loss [1056.36 --> 1057.12] because of the [1057.12 --> 1058.08] surpassing worth [1058.08 --> 1059.08] of knowing Christ [1059.08 --> 1060.12] Jesus my Lord, [1061.14 --> 1061.96] for whose sake [1061.96 --> 1062.68] I have lost [1062.68 --> 1063.42] all things. [1064.60 --> 1065.42] I consider them [1065.42 --> 1065.86] garbage [1065.86 --> 1067.50] that I may gain [1067.50 --> 1068.02] Christ [1068.02 --> 1069.04] and be found [1069.04 --> 1069.54] in him, [1069.94 --> 1070.60] not having a [1070.60 --> 1071.76] righteousness of my own [1071.76 --> 1072.52] that comes from [1072.52 --> 1072.98] the law, [1073.62 --> 1074.32] but that which [1074.32 --> 1074.80] comes through [1074.80 --> 1075.92] faith in Christ, [1076.52 --> 1077.12] the righteousness [1077.12 --> 1078.48] that comes from God [1078.48 --> 1079.94] on the basis of faith. [1082.52 --> 1083.74] This is a completely [1083.74 --> 1084.78] altered life, [1085.92 --> 1086.52] a completely [1086.52 --> 1087.32] altered allegiance. [1089.62 --> 1090.68] And we see [1090.68 --> 1091.38] in Ephesians [1091.38 --> 1092.42] how this profoundly [1092.42 --> 1094.44] affects Paul's view [1094.44 --> 1095.16] of relationship [1095.16 --> 1095.88] with others. [1097.68 --> 1098.46] Paul says, [1099.38 --> 1099.96] be completely [1099.96 --> 1100.98] humble and gentle, [1102.10 --> 1103.14] be patient, [1103.14 --> 1104.62] bearing with one [1104.62 --> 1105.56] another in love. [1107.42 --> 1108.64] Make every effort [1108.64 --> 1109.20] to keep [1109.20 --> 1110.06] the unity [1110.06 --> 1111.60] of the Spirit [1111.60 --> 1112.40] through the bond [1112.40 --> 1113.04] of peace. [1114.84 --> 1116.10] There is one body [1116.10 --> 1117.18] and one Spirit, [1117.62 --> 1118.18] just as you were [1118.18 --> 1119.42] called to one hope [1119.42 --> 1120.58] when you were called, [1120.98 --> 1121.64] one Lord, [1122.04 --> 1122.74] one faith, [1123.10 --> 1123.90] one baptism, [1124.18 --> 1124.78] one God [1124.78 --> 1125.76] and Father of all, [1126.40 --> 1127.42] who is over all [1127.42 --> 1128.78] and through all [1128.78 --> 1130.48] and in all. [1134.32 --> 1135.34] And as we read [1135.34 --> 1136.62] of God's work [1136.62 --> 1137.66] through Paul's life [1137.66 --> 1138.10] and acts [1138.10 --> 1138.66] and his letters, [1139.66 --> 1140.68] we can see [1140.68 --> 1141.28] that it is an [1141.28 --> 1142.20] astounding testimony [1142.20 --> 1143.18] to the transformation [1143.18 --> 1145.20] he did in Paul's heart. [1148.06 --> 1149.08] But our God [1149.08 --> 1150.02] does not place [1150.02 --> 1151.20] burdens on us [1151.20 --> 1152.30] to try to live [1152.30 --> 1153.30] in possible kindness. [1153.30 --> 1156.88] He's called [1156.88 --> 1157.98] each one of us [1157.98 --> 1160.64] and he seeks [1160.64 --> 1161.38] to encounter [1161.38 --> 1162.58] each one of us [1162.58 --> 1164.02] and he empowers [1164.02 --> 1165.22] each one of us [1165.22 --> 1167.24] and he himself, [1167.46 --> 1167.80] God, [1168.22 --> 1169.46] journeys with us [1169.46 --> 1171.04] through his Holy Spirit. [1173.44 --> 1174.46] He calls us [1174.46 --> 1174.98] the same way [1174.98 --> 1176.06] he called his disciples [1176.06 --> 1178.00] and in this call [1178.00 --> 1179.06] he brings zealots [1179.06 --> 1179.96] and tax collectors [1179.96 --> 1180.52] together, [1180.98 --> 1181.66] sworn enemies [1181.66 --> 1182.46] in this world [1182.46 --> 1183.98] with very different agendas [1183.98 --> 1186.38] and he confronts us [1186.38 --> 1188.36] with the humanity [1188.36 --> 1189.32] and image of God [1189.32 --> 1189.94] in each other [1189.94 --> 1193.24] while revealing to us [1193.24 --> 1195.02] our own humanity [1195.02 --> 1196.22] and image of God. [1197.60 --> 1198.90] He confronts us [1198.90 --> 1200.54] with the worldly boxes [1200.54 --> 1201.86] that we put others in [1201.86 --> 1203.50] and have ourselves [1203.50 --> 1204.20] been put in. [1205.98 --> 1207.58] He confronts us [1207.58 --> 1208.50] with how we have [1208.50 --> 1209.36] excluded others [1209.36 --> 1210.70] and how we have [1210.70 --> 1211.26] been excluded. [1212.54 --> 1213.50] He confronts [1213.50 --> 1214.22] our divisiveness [1214.22 --> 1215.60] with radical love [1215.60 --> 1216.14] for all, [1216.30 --> 1217.12] even our enemies. [1220.58 --> 1222.06] Jesus empowers us [1222.06 --> 1223.02] to sit in the tension [1223.02 --> 1224.54] of loving someone [1224.54 --> 1225.36] who is our enemy, [1225.94 --> 1228.06] to see the nuance [1228.06 --> 1229.36] that they are more [1229.36 --> 1230.74] than one idea [1230.74 --> 1231.42] or belief. [1232.28 --> 1233.22] He empowers us [1233.22 --> 1234.46] to live as he did [1234.46 --> 1235.96] as described beautifully [1235.96 --> 1238.24] by Paul in Romans 5 [1238.24 --> 1238.72] as we heard [1238.72 --> 1239.34] in our confession [1239.34 --> 1240.32] and assurance today. [1240.32 --> 1243.56] While we were yet sinners, [1243.88 --> 1245.20] he died for us. [1246.56 --> 1247.36] Paul says, [1247.76 --> 1248.30] we might die [1248.30 --> 1249.08] for a good man, [1249.14 --> 1249.84] but for our enemy, [1250.02 --> 1250.86] not a chance. [1251.52 --> 1253.16] But this is the power [1253.16 --> 1254.18] of God's love. [1255.66 --> 1256.68] On the cross, [1256.80 --> 1257.46] Jesus Christ, [1257.84 --> 1258.88] while being crucified [1258.88 --> 1260.14] unjustly, [1260.88 --> 1262.14] he prayed for them [1262.14 --> 1263.66] as they mocked [1263.66 --> 1264.42] and murdered him. [1264.42 --> 1266.90] He saw them [1266.90 --> 1268.46] as more than their mistake. [1269.68 --> 1271.04] He saw the nuance. [1272.28 --> 1273.02] He saw the image [1273.02 --> 1273.66] of God [1273.66 --> 1274.86] in each of them. [1276.82 --> 1277.34] Forgive them, [1277.52 --> 1277.70] Lord, [1278.20 --> 1279.22] for they know not [1279.22 --> 1280.04] what they're doing. [1284.26 --> 1284.78] Forgive [1284.78 --> 1285.60] as the Lord [1285.60 --> 1286.36] forgave you. [1286.36 --> 1290.54] Jesus radically [1290.54 --> 1291.50] empowers us [1291.50 --> 1292.14] to question [1292.14 --> 1293.22] who we can put [1293.22 --> 1294.02] on the outside. [1295.22 --> 1296.08] Is there anyone? [1297.12 --> 1298.30] If the prostitutes [1298.30 --> 1299.18] and tax collectors [1299.18 --> 1300.52] are to be loved, [1301.32 --> 1302.56] if our enemy [1302.56 --> 1303.30] is to be loved, [1303.46 --> 1304.52] who can we turn away? [1307.52 --> 1308.00] Judgment [1308.00 --> 1308.76] is to be left [1308.76 --> 1309.40] in the hands [1309.40 --> 1310.12] of the good [1310.12 --> 1311.22] and just judge, [1311.36 --> 1312.16] Jesus Christ. [1312.96 --> 1313.76] But it can be [1313.76 --> 1314.28] so tempting [1314.28 --> 1314.90] to want to sit [1314.90 --> 1315.46] in that seat [1315.46 --> 1316.08] ourselves. [1316.36 --> 1317.04] Can it? [1319.72 --> 1320.48] But how could [1320.48 --> 1321.12] we possibly [1321.12 --> 1322.34] be so loving? [1322.68 --> 1323.32] It seems like [1323.32 --> 1324.44] the impossible task. [1325.68 --> 1326.44] We would need [1326.44 --> 1327.40] to be so patient [1327.40 --> 1329.08] and kind [1329.08 --> 1330.28] and gentle [1330.28 --> 1331.38] and loving. [1332.62 --> 1333.54] We would need [1333.54 --> 1334.50] superhuman [1334.50 --> 1335.62] self-control. [1336.98 --> 1337.76] We'd need [1337.76 --> 1338.60] deep resources [1338.60 --> 1339.38] for joy [1339.38 --> 1339.98] and goodness [1339.98 --> 1341.12] and peace. [1343.46 --> 1344.44] We would need [1344.44 --> 1344.86] the fruits [1344.86 --> 1345.48] of the Spirit. [1346.36 --> 1347.36] fruit of the Spirit. [1348.68 --> 1349.66] But these only [1349.66 --> 1350.24] come through [1350.24 --> 1350.78] relationship [1350.78 --> 1351.42] with Jesus. [1352.64 --> 1353.72] When we follow [1353.72 --> 1354.10] Him, [1355.10 --> 1356.04] when we are [1356.04 --> 1356.88] consumed for love [1356.88 --> 1357.42] with Him, [1359.02 --> 1360.30] when the rest [1360.30 --> 1360.82] of the world [1360.82 --> 1361.54] seems like filthy [1361.54 --> 1362.10] rags [1362.10 --> 1363.46] by comparison. [1363.46 --> 1364.46] God's love [1364.46 --> 1365.46] love [1365.46 --> 1366.46] and love [1366.46 --> 1367.10] God's [1367.10 --> 1367.90] love [1367.90 --> 1368.46] and love [1368.46 --> 1369.10] God's [1369.10 --> 1369.94] love [1369.94 --> 1370.46] and love [1370.46 --> 1370.62] love [1370.62 --> 1371.16] our enemies [1371.16 --> 1371.72] insofar [1371.72 --> 1372.16] as we are [1372.16 --> 1372.72] in Him, [1373.44 --> 1373.82] in deep [1373.82 --> 1374.40] relationship [1374.40 --> 1374.94] with Jesus [1374.94 --> 1375.40] Christ, [1375.46 --> 1376.12] when we reflect [1376.12 --> 1376.72] on Him [1376.72 --> 1377.64] and when we [1377.64 --> 1378.16] are praying [1378.16 --> 1378.64] to Him [1378.64 --> 1379.34] and we hear [1379.34 --> 1379.84] Him speak [1379.84 --> 1380.28] to us [1380.28 --> 1380.64] in His [1380.64 --> 1381.12] Word [1381.12 --> 1382.58] and rest [1382.58 --> 1383.06] in Him [1383.06 --> 1384.00] when we [1384.00 --> 1384.54] abide in [1384.54 --> 1385.06] the One [1385.06 --> 1386.70] who Himself [1386.70 --> 1387.22] loved His [1387.22 --> 1387.60] enemies, [1388.60 --> 1389.64] who chose [1389.64 --> 1390.10] to remain [1390.10 --> 1390.76] nailed to the [1390.76 --> 1391.66] cross and [1391.66 --> 1392.14] prayed for [1392.14 --> 1392.52] those who [1392.52 --> 1392.88] put Him [1392.88 --> 1393.16] there [1393.16 --> 1393.70] in order [1393.70 --> 1394.12] to bridge [1394.12 --> 1394.58] the gap [1394.58 --> 1395.34] between us [1395.34 --> 1395.90] and God. [1398.58 --> 1400.06] He reconciled [1400.06 --> 1400.72] for us [1400.72 --> 1401.40] our relationship [1401.40 --> 1402.08] with God [1402.08 --> 1403.10] and as we [1403.10 --> 1403.56] grow in [1403.56 --> 1404.00] relationship [1404.00 --> 1404.50] with Him, [1404.82 --> 1405.50] He empowers [1405.50 --> 1406.18] us to bridge [1406.18 --> 1406.76] the gap [1406.76 --> 1407.82] with all [1407.82 --> 1408.38] those around [1408.38 --> 1409.96] us so that [1409.96 --> 1410.42] we may [1410.42 --> 1411.78] exemplify Him, [1412.22 --> 1412.60] be a living [1412.60 --> 1413.64] testimony to Him [1413.64 --> 1414.64] and promote [1414.64 --> 1415.32] flourishing [1415.32 --> 1416.92] as a sign [1416.92 --> 1417.74] of the truth [1417.74 --> 1418.22] of who He [1418.22 --> 1418.60] is. [1421.66 --> 1422.14] We need [1422.14 --> 1422.70] this now [1422.70 --> 1423.18] more than [1423.18 --> 1423.50] ever. [1424.76 --> 1425.48] As we [1425.48 --> 1426.18] scroll our [1426.18 --> 1426.84] news feeds [1426.84 --> 1427.34] that sow [1427.34 --> 1427.86] division, [1429.06 --> 1430.06] as COVID [1430.06 --> 1431.14] polarizes us [1431.14 --> 1431.60] as to how [1431.60 --> 1432.32] to respond, [1433.60 --> 1434.18] as the [1434.18 --> 1434.62] American [1434.62 --> 1435.22] political [1435.22 --> 1435.84] circus [1435.84 --> 1436.34] marches [1436.34 --> 1436.74] on, [1441.08 --> 1441.84] maybe we [1441.84 --> 1442.20] can turn [1442.20 --> 1442.62] off our [1442.62 --> 1443.22] phones this [1443.22 --> 1443.50] week, [1443.76 --> 1444.60] just for a [1444.60 --> 1445.00] half hour [1445.00 --> 1445.38] longer, [1446.08 --> 1447.78] and turn [1447.78 --> 1448.14] on our [1448.14 --> 1448.60] hearts, [1449.66 --> 1450.28] engage in [1450.28 --> 1450.40] our [1450.40 --> 1450.92] relationship [1450.92 --> 1451.64] with God [1451.64 --> 1452.34] who loves [1452.34 --> 1452.76] us. [1455.78 --> 1456.64] When we [1456.64 --> 1457.52] sincerely seek [1457.52 --> 1458.22] God to have [1458.22 --> 1458.74] relationship [1458.74 --> 1459.32] with Him, [1460.72 --> 1461.24] the more [1461.24 --> 1461.86] we do it, [1461.94 --> 1462.48] He changes [1462.48 --> 1463.30] us from [1463.30 --> 1463.70] zealots [1463.70 --> 1464.40] looking to [1464.40 --> 1465.22] kill those [1465.22 --> 1465.70] who disagree [1465.70 --> 1466.38] with us [1466.38 --> 1467.40] to zealots [1467.40 --> 1468.08] who engage [1468.08 --> 1468.50] the world [1468.50 --> 1469.24] around them, [1470.74 --> 1471.64] gathering God's [1471.64 --> 1472.22] children and [1472.22 --> 1473.08] loving on all [1473.08 --> 1473.46] who need [1473.46 --> 1473.90] love. [1474.40 --> 1475.20] We're filled [1475.20 --> 1475.76] with love, [1475.86 --> 1476.20] we're filled [1476.20 --> 1477.04] with the [1477.04 --> 1477.40] fruits of [1477.40 --> 1477.96] His Spirit. [1477.96 --> 1478.72] God [1478.72 --> 1489.04] encounters us [1489.04 --> 1489.44] today in [1489.44 --> 1490.18] many ways, [1491.18 --> 1492.12] but as I [1492.12 --> 1492.40] have been [1492.40 --> 1492.80] growing in [1492.80 --> 1493.34] my faith [1493.34 --> 1493.92] walk as a [1493.92 --> 1494.26] Christian, [1494.86 --> 1495.72] I have found [1495.72 --> 1496.14] more and [1496.14 --> 1496.80] more that it [1496.80 --> 1497.16] is in the [1497.16 --> 1497.54] Lord's [1497.54 --> 1498.72] Supper I [1498.72 --> 1499.16] encounter [1499.16 --> 1500.84] Jesus [1500.84 --> 1501.58] powerfully. [1502.26 --> 1503.20] Like Simon [1503.20 --> 1503.78] the Zealot [1503.78 --> 1504.50] encountered [1504.50 --> 1504.84] Jesus [1504.84 --> 1505.42] powerfully, [1505.62 --> 1506.36] like Paul [1506.36 --> 1506.86] encountered [1506.86 --> 1507.22] Jesus [1507.22 --> 1507.82] powerfully. [1508.40 --> 1508.76] There is [1508.76 --> 1509.94] indeed a [1509.94 --> 1510.32] powerful [1510.32 --> 1511.06] mystery far [1511.06 --> 1511.80] beyond bread [1511.80 --> 1512.44] and juice. [1515.40 --> 1515.98] Jesus [1515.98 --> 1516.86] invited Matthew [1516.86 --> 1517.36] the tax [1517.36 --> 1518.06] collector and [1518.06 --> 1518.62] Simon the [1518.62 --> 1519.80] Zealot to [1519.80 --> 1520.50] His table, [1521.10 --> 1521.42] and He [1521.42 --> 1521.90] broke bread [1521.90 --> 1522.26] with them. [1524.48 --> 1525.08] Today, [1525.20 --> 1525.78] Jesus Christ [1525.78 --> 1526.36] invites you [1526.36 --> 1526.74] to His [1526.74 --> 1527.68] table to [1527.68 --> 1528.20] break bread. [1531.42 --> 1532.00] Now, [1532.12 --> 1532.68] a funny thing [1532.68 --> 1533.18] happened to [1533.18 --> 1533.58] me as I [1533.58 --> 1534.16] was preparing [1534.16 --> 1534.86] this sermon. [1534.86 --> 1536.42] it felt like [1536.42 --> 1536.82] one of those [1536.82 --> 1537.30] times when [1537.30 --> 1537.68] God's [1537.68 --> 1538.20] winking at [1538.20 --> 1538.40] you. [1540.04 --> 1540.60] I was [1540.60 --> 1540.80] eating [1540.80 --> 1541.44] breakfast and [1541.44 --> 1541.88] I did my [1541.88 --> 1542.86] devotions and [1542.86 --> 1543.34] it was on [1543.34 --> 1544.12] Psalm 23. [1545.50 --> 1546.26] And as I [1546.26 --> 1546.60] read it, [1546.64 --> 1547.18] this is what I [1547.18 --> 1547.62] heard. [1547.78 --> 1548.00] Now, [1548.32 --> 1549.80] I've read [1549.80 --> 1550.66] Psalm 23 a [1550.66 --> 1551.46] million times, [1551.46 --> 1552.42] but this day [1552.42 --> 1553.20] I heard it [1553.20 --> 1553.60] anew. [1556.04 --> 1557.28] You prepare a [1557.28 --> 1558.18] table for me [1558.18 --> 1559.66] in the [1559.66 --> 1560.56] presence of [1560.56 --> 1561.32] my enemies. [1564.00 --> 1564.56] You [1564.56 --> 1565.06] anoint my [1565.06 --> 1566.26] head with [1566.26 --> 1566.72] oil and [1566.72 --> 1567.14] my cup [1567.14 --> 1567.88] overflows. [1571.20 --> 1571.76] You [1571.76 --> 1572.30] prepare a [1572.30 --> 1572.90] table for [1572.90 --> 1573.40] me in the [1573.40 --> 1574.12] presence of [1574.12 --> 1574.82] my enemies. [1577.00 --> 1577.54] Now, [1577.62 --> 1578.04] personally, [1578.50 --> 1579.84] for this [1579.84 --> 1580.48] verse of [1580.48 --> 1581.10] Psalm 23, [1581.22 --> 1581.56] I think in [1581.56 --> 1582.14] the past [1582.14 --> 1584.12] I maybe [1584.12 --> 1584.50] had more [1584.50 --> 1584.70] of a [1584.70 --> 1585.38] vindictive [1585.38 --> 1585.98] view of [1585.98 --> 1586.24] this, [1586.32 --> 1586.52] like it [1586.52 --> 1588.16] was vindication, [1588.18 --> 1589.00] maybe, [1589.18 --> 1589.46] like, [1589.74 --> 1589.96] ha, [1590.18 --> 1590.76] see enemies? [1591.18 --> 1591.64] God is with [1591.64 --> 1591.88] me, [1591.96 --> 1592.54] not you. [1594.50 --> 1595.08] But I [1595.08 --> 1595.38] think I [1595.38 --> 1596.00] was wrong [1596.00 --> 1596.42] in how I [1596.42 --> 1596.78] was reading [1596.78 --> 1597.16] this. [1599.52 --> 1600.06] Perhaps [1600.06 --> 1600.56] this is a [1600.56 --> 1601.30] beautiful picture [1601.30 --> 1602.66] of reconciled [1602.66 --> 1603.30] relationships, [1604.52 --> 1605.34] of peace [1605.34 --> 1606.18] that [1606.18 --> 1606.98] transcends [1606.98 --> 1607.44] all [1607.44 --> 1608.12] understanding. [1609.48 --> 1610.02] These were [1610.02 --> 1611.16] enemies and [1611.16 --> 1611.68] now we [1611.68 --> 1612.54] feast together. [1614.06 --> 1614.70] The power [1614.70 --> 1615.34] of God's [1615.34 --> 1616.14] love to [1616.14 --> 1616.54] overcome [1616.54 --> 1617.04] our [1617.04 --> 1617.88] brokenness. [1618.18 --> 1621.12] this is a [1621.12 --> 1621.48] picture of [1621.48 --> 1621.82] the Last [1621.82 --> 1622.28] Supper with [1622.28 --> 1622.62] Jesus. [1623.02 --> 1623.22] Both [1623.22 --> 1623.88] Matthew and [1623.88 --> 1624.94] Simon are [1624.94 --> 1625.32] there, [1626.16 --> 1626.58] former [1626.58 --> 1627.12] enemies. [1628.80 --> 1629.48] And Judas [1629.48 --> 1630.08] is there [1630.08 --> 1630.46] too, [1630.60 --> 1631.02] isn't he? [1632.30 --> 1633.18] They all [1633.18 --> 1633.50] end up [1633.50 --> 1634.00] betraying [1634.00 --> 1634.36] Jesus. [1634.70 --> 1635.10] Jesus is [1635.10 --> 1635.62] alone on [1635.62 --> 1636.18] the cross, [1636.48 --> 1637.22] and he [1637.22 --> 1637.82] knows what's [1637.82 --> 1638.10] coming, [1638.24 --> 1638.60] and yet he [1638.60 --> 1639.16] breaks bread [1639.16 --> 1639.54] with them. [1639.54 --> 1641.54] God's [1641.54 --> 1642.54] peace. [1642.54 --> 1643.42] I wonder [1643.42 --> 1644.24] if instead [1644.24 --> 1644.84] we are [1644.84 --> 1645.22] anointed [1645.22 --> 1646.52] because we [1646.52 --> 1647.14] break bread [1647.14 --> 1647.60] with our [1647.60 --> 1648.06] enemies, [1648.66 --> 1649.76] because we [1649.76 --> 1650.46] make God's [1650.46 --> 1651.02] peace our [1651.02 --> 1651.62] peace with [1651.62 --> 1652.24] all people, [1652.64 --> 1653.80] and this is a [1653.80 --> 1654.54] sign of God's [1654.54 --> 1655.42] work in us, [1655.84 --> 1656.88] and he eats [1656.88 --> 1657.46] with us and [1657.46 --> 1658.40] anoints us as [1658.40 --> 1658.96] his chosen. [1662.76 --> 1663.28] Perhaps [1663.28 --> 1664.00] God's peace [1664.00 --> 1664.88] that transcends [1664.88 --> 1665.72] all understanding [1665.72 --> 1666.54] is not just a [1666.54 --> 1667.56] peace despite [1667.56 --> 1668.28] the broken [1668.28 --> 1668.88] relationships [1668.88 --> 1669.76] of this world, [1670.50 --> 1671.94] but a peace [1671.94 --> 1672.46] due to the [1672.46 --> 1674.02] reconciling of [1674.02 --> 1674.44] the broken [1674.44 --> 1675.06] relationships [1675.06 --> 1676.04] of this world. [1678.94 --> 1679.74] There are [1679.74 --> 1680.58] likely people [1680.58 --> 1681.04] that are in [1681.04 --> 1681.50] this church [1681.50 --> 1682.16] right now [1682.16 --> 1683.84] who have [1683.84 --> 1684.46] disagreed in [1684.46 --> 1685.06] the past, [1685.18 --> 1685.74] or perhaps [1685.74 --> 1686.16] are still [1686.16 --> 1686.94] disagreeing on [1686.94 --> 1687.36] things, [1688.70 --> 1691.12] but such [1691.12 --> 1691.74] is the power [1691.74 --> 1692.26] of God's [1692.26 --> 1692.70] love to [1692.70 --> 1693.20] overcome, [1694.36 --> 1694.76] to make [1694.76 --> 1695.24] peace in [1695.24 --> 1695.56] the midst [1695.56 --> 1696.38] of squabbles, [1696.90 --> 1697.24] today, [1697.24 --> 1697.74] together, [1697.98 --> 1698.66] we all [1698.66 --> 1699.26] come to [1699.26 --> 1699.76] God's [1699.76 --> 1700.10] table. [1701.20 --> 1701.74] He prepares [1701.74 --> 1702.12] a table [1702.12 --> 1702.54] for us [1702.54 --> 1703.26] all and [1703.26 --> 1703.82] encounters [1703.82 --> 1704.96] us in [1704.96 --> 1705.40] powerful [1705.40 --> 1705.96] ways. [1708.96 --> 1709.70] And as [1709.70 --> 1710.30] we encounter [1710.30 --> 1710.66] him, [1710.96 --> 1711.32] we're [1711.32 --> 1712.12] reconciled to [1712.12 --> 1712.32] him, [1712.46 --> 1712.96] and by the [1712.96 --> 1713.28] Spirit, [1713.42 --> 1714.62] God empowers [1714.62 --> 1715.50] us and [1715.50 --> 1716.00] gives us [1716.00 --> 1716.60] the ministry [1716.60 --> 1716.88] of [1716.88 --> 1717.56] reconciliation. [1719.74 --> 1720.44] Blessed are [1720.44 --> 1721.24] the peacemakers, [1721.96 --> 1722.70] for they will [1722.70 --> 1723.10] be called [1723.10 --> 1723.80] children of [1723.80 --> 1724.08] heaven. [1724.08 --> 1726.08] God's [1726.08 --> 1726.22] home. [1726.22 --> 1727.42] We [1727.42 --> 1727.90] regularly [1727.90 --> 1728.38] prepare [1728.38 --> 1729.84] tables in [1729.84 --> 1730.20] our own [1730.20 --> 1730.54] home. [1732.72 --> 1733.58] Who do [1733.58 --> 1734.16] you invite [1734.16 --> 1734.56] to your [1734.56 --> 1735.66] table when [1735.66 --> 1736.12] you prepare [1736.12 --> 1736.60] a feast? [1737.82 --> 1738.72] What does [1738.72 --> 1739.34] Christmas Day [1739.34 --> 1739.82] look like [1739.82 --> 1740.24] for you? [1742.18 --> 1743.02] How do [1743.02 --> 1743.82] you exemplify [1743.82 --> 1744.60] God's radical [1744.60 --> 1745.22] love that [1745.22 --> 1745.50] you've [1745.50 --> 1746.02] experienced? [1747.86 --> 1748.70] Have you [1748.70 --> 1749.30] invited your [1749.30 --> 1750.22] zealot and [1750.22 --> 1750.78] tax collector [1750.78 --> 1751.24] to join [1751.24 --> 1751.54] you? [1754.76 --> 1755.28] In the [1755.28 --> 1755.48] name of [1755.48 --> 1755.80] the Father, [1755.96 --> 1756.52] Son, and [1756.52 --> 1757.08] Holy Spirit, [1758.16 --> 1759.24] pray with [1759.24 --> 1759.50] me. [1768.02 --> 1768.70] God of [1768.70 --> 1769.00] both [1769.00 --> 1770.14] Simon the [1770.14 --> 1770.68] zealot and [1770.68 --> 1771.16] Matthew the [1771.16 --> 1771.86] tax collector, [1772.70 --> 1775.24] thank you for [1775.24 --> 1775.78] your gracious [1775.78 --> 1776.66] invitation to [1776.66 --> 1777.06] all. [1779.20 --> 1779.82] Thank you, [1779.90 --> 1780.18] Lord, that [1780.18 --> 1781.42] you see beyond [1781.42 --> 1782.08] our faults [1782.08 --> 1782.72] and love us [1782.72 --> 1783.32] so deeply. [1785.66 --> 1786.66] We pray that [1786.66 --> 1787.34] your love will [1787.34 --> 1788.20] work in us [1788.20 --> 1788.70] through your [1788.70 --> 1791.20] Spirit, that [1791.20 --> 1791.94] we too may [1791.94 --> 1792.84] love as you [1792.84 --> 1794.36] do, beyond [1794.36 --> 1794.78] our own [1794.78 --> 1796.20] capacity, beyond [1796.20 --> 1797.10] worldly love. [1798.78 --> 1799.74] God, encounter [1799.74 --> 1800.76] us in new ways [1800.76 --> 1801.46] today as we [1801.46 --> 1802.40] partake in your [1802.40 --> 1802.72] supper. [1804.52 --> 1805.32] Empower us [1805.32 --> 1806.14] with your love [1806.14 --> 1807.10] that we may [1807.10 --> 1807.80] engage with [1807.80 --> 1809.10] others we [1809.10 --> 1809.60] never thought [1809.60 --> 1810.12] possible. [1812.52 --> 1813.28] Anoint us, [1813.44 --> 1814.90] Lord, that [1814.90 --> 1815.52] we may prepare [1815.52 --> 1816.18] a table in [1816.18 --> 1816.76] the presence of [1816.76 --> 1817.48] our enemies [1817.48 --> 1820.88] reconciled, so [1820.88 --> 1821.60] that we may be a [1821.60 --> 1822.54] testimony to your [1822.54 --> 1823.62] love, to your [1823.62 --> 1824.54] power to change [1824.54 --> 1825.20] hearts and [1825.20 --> 1825.78] wills. [1827.62 --> 1828.14] And journey [1828.14 --> 1828.88] with us, Lord, [1828.98 --> 1829.72] in the process. [1830.38 --> 1831.14] Keep filling us [1831.14 --> 1832.82] up when the gap [1832.82 --> 1833.62] is too wide. [1834.62 --> 1835.40] Fill us with your [1835.40 --> 1837.58] Spirit, that we may [1837.58 --> 1838.58] exude the fruits [1838.58 --> 1839.44] of your Spirit. [1841.92 --> 1842.40] Amen.