This morning, I want you to imagine with me for a moment. Close your eyes if you will. Sit back. I’m going to take you to another place. But first a warning: during a big chunk of this sermon, you will have your eyes closed. You can tell your friends that you went to church this Sunday and the preacher told you to shut your eyes and keep them shut for a long time. Where else can you go to church and be encouraged to shut your eyes?

Are you ready? Let’s take a trip in time.

[pause]

You’re driving home from a church event near the track field of a local community high school. It’s a cold, late fall evening. As you look to your right, unexpectedly, you see three men viciously beating another young man. One appears to have a knife. You see them take his car keys, wallet, shoes, and coat, ju…