WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.279 Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight as we go through this chapter 5 in the book of Isaiah. 00:00:08.620 --> 00:00:15.060 Thank you to those who read the chapter. My name is Luca for anyone who does not know me. 00:00:15.560 --> 00:00:21.760 I'm going to open tonight by telling you about a rule that we have in our house. 00:00:21.760 --> 00:00:25.960 The rule is that Mickey Mouse doesn't sit on the table. 00:00:25.960 --> 00:00:34.660 He has his little chair and he can sit on the little chair by the table, but he's not allowed on the table. 00:00:35.420 --> 00:00:43.200 Mickey Mouse being our two-year-old's favourite soft toy at the moment, the soft toy that he has to have in his bed at night. 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:47.340 And we don't want Mickey Mouse to get dirty with food. 00:00:47.340 --> 00:00:55.939 For Elliot's sake, it's best if Mickey Mouse stays clean and doesn't end up in the washing machine with some pesto stain on it. 00:00:56.259 --> 00:01:02.020 So every day he asks us, can Mickey Mouse be on the table with me today while I eat? 00:01:02.079 --> 00:01:04.219 And every day we explain, no, he cannot. 00:01:04.680 --> 00:01:11.200 We explain why, we pull the little chair next to his high chair and we sit Mickey Mouse on it. 00:01:11.740 --> 00:01:19.859 We do everything we can to keep Mickey Mouse clean and to ensure that Elliot has his beloved toy in his bed every night. 00:01:19.859 --> 00:01:27.859 That is, of course, until the day that Elliot thought it would be clever to actually fling Mickey Mouse onto the table, 00:01:28.219 --> 00:01:33.299 right on top of the pizza dough that Simona was lavishly spreading some olive oil on. 00:01:33.620 --> 00:01:38.239 And I do know how stereotypically Italian all of that sounds, but it is the truth. 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:46.120 So Mickey Mouse ended up in the washing machine and Elliot had to sleep without him, which wasn't easy for anyone involved. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:49.640 I think he settled on Bambi as a replacement for the night. 00:01:50.640 --> 00:01:54.719 What else is the question that we ask ourselves? 00:01:54.980 --> 00:01:56.820 What else could we have done as parents? 00:01:57.060 --> 00:02:02.800 Because we explained what would happen and we put things in place so that it wouldn't happen. 00:02:03.180 --> 00:02:07.200 We gave rules and we helped him stick to the rules every day. 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:12.740 But what else could we have done when he decided to disobey? 00:02:13.900 --> 00:02:15.520 Now, I know what you're thinking. 00:02:15.640 --> 00:02:17.439 Of course, I know that too. 00:02:17.640 --> 00:02:22.219 A two-year-old can barely understand the difference between clean and dirty, 00:02:22.360 --> 00:02:27.819 let alone all the cause and effect steps that you have between Mickey Mouse sitting on the table 00:02:27.819 --> 00:02:30.420 and Mickey Mouse not being with you at night. 00:02:31.039 --> 00:02:35.360 But don't we all think sometimes, what more could I have done? 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:42.560 Maybe not when you're interacting with your toddler child, but with a grown-up child, 00:02:42.900 --> 00:02:46.120 or maybe a parent, maybe a colleague, or maybe a friend. 00:02:46.620 --> 00:02:53.140 You know, someone who's able to think, supposedly, and understand for themselves the consequences of their actions, 00:02:53.460 --> 00:02:58.060 and yet has willingly decided to make the wrong choice. 00:02:58.980 --> 00:03:03.160 People are the architects of their own demise, we like to say. 00:03:03.159 --> 00:03:03.199 Okay. 00:03:04.259 --> 00:03:08.340 So now if you think, maybe you have a picture in your head of something that happened recently. 00:03:08.900 --> 00:03:13.120 So if you think about that, what more could I have done frustration? 00:03:14.400 --> 00:03:19.439 You might find the words that Isaiah attributes to God in verse 4 quite relatable. 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:24.939 What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:26.879 So let's look more closely. 00:03:26.879 --> 00:03:30.799 Let's see where God is coming from as he utters these words. 00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:36.379 You might have noticed that this chapter 5 of the book of Isaiah has a parable at the start, 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:37.759 from verses 1 to 7. 00:03:38.199 --> 00:03:40.400 So this is going to be our first section tonight. 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:43.780 We're going to call it Sinning Against a Caring God. 00:03:44.199 --> 00:03:46.620 And then we'll look at verses 8 to 25, 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:49.919 8 to 25, Sinning Against a Holy God. 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:55.079 And then 26 through 30, Sinning Against a Sovereign God. 00:03:55.559 --> 00:04:01.500 So in case you're taking notes, Sinning Against a Caring, a Holy, and a Sovereign God. 00:04:03.119 --> 00:04:07.119 So let's look at the parable in the first seven verses of the passage. 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:11.219 Isaiah sings for the one he loves. 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:15.560 What a beautiful description of God, way of addressing God. 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:18.459 And he sings about God's own vineyard. 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:25.139 Look at the description at the start of the parable of all the love and care that God is putting into his vineyard. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:27.319 Even the location is ideal. 00:04:27.639 --> 00:04:29.879 It's on a fertile hillside. 00:04:30.319 --> 00:04:31.180 He digs it up. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:32.919 He clears it off stones. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:34.379 He plants the vines. 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:35.759 And not any vines. 00:04:36.099 --> 00:04:37.219 The choicest vines. 00:04:37.899 --> 00:04:40.719 He builds a watchtower and winepress. 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:42.599 The whole deal. 00:04:43.299 --> 00:04:44.219 And then he waits. 00:04:44.220 --> 00:04:52.460 Imagine the trepidation of this grapes grower as he waits for the vines to yield fruit. 00:04:53.360 --> 00:04:56.660 And planting a vine is no small endeavor. 00:04:56.660 --> 00:05:00.780 The people of Israel would have been aware of that. 00:05:02.060 --> 00:05:04.320 We don't see many vines in Scotland, of course. 00:05:04.460 --> 00:05:11.060 But in Mediterranean countries like Israel, then grapes, olives, and figs would have been the most common fruits to grow. 00:05:11.560 --> 00:05:14.040 The agricultural pride of a nation. 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:18.700 And so God has lovely tended to his vineyard. 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:22.480 And now he's excitedly, excitedly waiting for the fruit. 00:05:23.420 --> 00:05:31.540 But instead of beautiful, juicy, sweet grapes, what he finds in his hands is sour grapes. 00:05:32.379 --> 00:05:34.540 And he knows it's not down to him. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:39.920 Unlike me raising a child, he knows that he didn't make any mistakes. 00:05:39.920 --> 00:05:43.040 He knows that nothing more could have been done. 00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:50.000 So he's bringing the people of Jerusalem to this imaginary trial as witnesses and judges. 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:51.699 And he says, look at this. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:53.800 I have nothing to hide. 00:05:54.960 --> 00:05:59.040 You all see I did do all that could be done. 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:04.939 And so what's the point in keeping a vineyard that won't produce fruit? 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:11.480 So verses 5 and 6 describe the ruin of this vineyard. 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:13.060 They're sad verses. 00:06:13.259 --> 00:06:16.219 He's not taking any pleasure in destroying it. 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:18.540 He puts so much effort into it. 00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:24.300 But now he removes its protections and the vineyard is devoured and trampled down. 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:27.779 It will become just an abandoned wasteland. 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:29.720 And no rain will fall on it. 00:06:29.720 --> 00:06:35.160 It's a beautifully written but a very tragic parable. 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:36.940 And I think the whole chapter is really. 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:40.480 Such poetic, beautifully crafted language. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:45.760 But what a heartbreaking message God has given to his people through his prophet. 00:06:47.680 --> 00:06:50.480 So verse 7 decodes the parable for us. 00:06:50.980 --> 00:06:54.160 Of course, the grapes grower is the Lord Almighty. 00:06:54.160 --> 00:07:01.800 And the vineyard and the vines are Israel and Judah not producing the fruit that are expected. 00:07:02.380 --> 00:07:04.780 Because God expected justice from them. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:07.260 But he found bloodshed instead. 00:07:07.700 --> 00:07:08.940 He expected righteousness. 00:07:09.520 --> 00:07:12.540 But what heard instead was cries of distress. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:14.660 He expected good grapes. 00:07:15.020 --> 00:07:17.020 But he got bad grapes. 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:19.560 So what does this mean? 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:24.980 It means that his people were doing the exact opposite of what they were expected to do. 00:07:25.399 --> 00:07:28.280 They were everything they should have not been. 00:07:29.759 --> 00:07:31.160 God was looking for obedience. 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:36.160 God was looking for lives in keeping with the law of God. 00:07:36.560 --> 00:07:44.259 And not because he's just, you know, a big-headed, capricious boss who likes to see people run around to please him. 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:53.360 It's because God knows that not keeping his law disobedience will result in bloodshed and distress. 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:58.860 Because when we, when people stray away from God, they produce evil. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:04.060 And evil has an impact on everything and everyone around it. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:07.620 A caring God. 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:11.459 This is the God that the people of Israel were sinning against. 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:14.639 A God who always took care of his people. 00:08:15.099 --> 00:08:17.359 He chose them among the nations. 00:08:17.799 --> 00:08:19.500 He freed them from their enemies. 00:08:19.779 --> 00:08:22.500 He led them in battle time and time again. 00:08:23.479 --> 00:08:28.939 God could have not shown his love for his people any better than he had. 00:08:29.139 --> 00:08:31.859 Just like the parable of the vineyard describes. 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:40.539 Because all that love intending to in the vineyard is an illustration of everything that we read about in the Old Testament. 00:08:40.539 --> 00:08:43.500 Be it freeing Israel from Egypt. 00:08:44.179 --> 00:08:46.740 Or conquering Canaan for them. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:50.599 Or leading David in his many triumphs. 00:08:50.860 --> 00:08:55.679 What else could have God done to show Israel his love and power? 00:08:55.799 --> 00:08:58.919 To put them in a position to produce good graves. 00:08:59.099 --> 00:08:59.779 Obedience. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:02.719 Justice and righteousness as verse 7 says. 00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:06.440 Now, we're not the people of Israel. 00:09:07.300 --> 00:09:13.480 This message of Isaiah was not written with us as 21st century British residents in mind. 00:09:14.040 --> 00:09:17.460 But that doesn't make it any less relevant to us. 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:19.139 Because guess what? 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:22.100 God cares about us too. 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:24.440 And he's proven it to us as well. 00:09:24.440 --> 00:09:27.900 Because when he freed Israel from Egypt. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:29.620 When he gave them Canaan. 00:09:29.900 --> 00:09:32.360 When he led David in victory and so forth. 00:09:32.540 --> 00:09:39.620 He was fulfilling all the promises made not only to the people of Israel but to the whole of humanity. 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:43.660 Promises that we see all over the Old Testament. 00:09:43.659 --> 00:09:47.740 And particularly in this very same book of Isaiah. 00:09:48.539 --> 00:09:50.259 Promises to do with the Messiah. 00:09:51.179 --> 00:09:55.319 His son Jesus whom he sent to the cross to die for our sins. 00:09:55.719 --> 00:10:00.879 To take our place at the receiving end of God's holy wrath. 00:10:01.879 --> 00:10:06.740 So if we're ever tempted to read verses like this vineyard parable and think. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:09.120 What an ungrateful bunch. 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:11.180 These Israelites were. 00:10:11.480 --> 00:10:17.440 I would have never turned my back on the God who led my people in a pillar of fire and cloud. 00:10:17.680 --> 00:10:21.100 It was so clear that they had a powerful God with them. 00:10:21.879 --> 00:10:23.600 And we want to stop and rethink. 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:29.139 Because isn't it all the clearer to us on this side of history. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:34.440 Where we can witness that yes, God did fulfill his messianic promise. 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:37.860 God did free us from eternal death. 00:10:39.380 --> 00:10:40.840 Every time we sin. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:42.200 And we do too. 00:10:42.820 --> 00:10:45.180 We're sinning against the God who cares. 00:10:45.420 --> 00:10:46.820 Just like the Israelites were. 00:10:47.140 --> 00:10:48.640 We have no excuse. 00:10:49.920 --> 00:10:53.360 He could have done nothing more than tending to us his vineyard. 00:10:53.560 --> 00:10:58.780 As well as he did by sacrificing his only son on that cross. 00:11:00.820 --> 00:11:02.740 So my challenge for us tonight. 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:07.220 Is do we ever feel like we're justified for what we do? 00:11:08.360 --> 00:11:12.419 Do we ever feel like we have a valid excuse for some sin? 00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:17.759 Which would have not happened had God not put us in that situation. 00:11:18.019 --> 00:11:19.620 Had God done more. 00:11:19.899 --> 00:11:21.299 Ensured we wouldn't be there. 00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:22.779 Tempted that way. 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:24.879 Because if that's what we think. 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:26.419 Then we're lying to ourselves. 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:29.639 Because everything that could have been done for us. 00:11:30.139 --> 00:11:30.759 Was done. 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:36.539 If we yield bad graves rather than good. 00:11:36.679 --> 00:11:40.159 If we yield disobedience rather than obedience. 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:41.539 It's on us. 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:45.720 Yes, resisting temptation is hard. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.720 God never said it wouldn't. 00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:50.120 But it is because we live in a broken world. 00:11:50.179 --> 00:11:51.580 And we live in a broken world. 00:11:51.659 --> 00:11:53.919 Because of our own sinfulness. 00:11:53.919 --> 00:11:58.099 So whatever the circumstances are that we're sinning. 00:11:58.699 --> 00:12:02.120 We are sinning against the God who cares perfectly. 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:06.199 The God who doesn't deserve our disobedience. 00:12:06.539 --> 00:12:08.120 Let alone be complicit in it. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:15.840 After narrating the parable and explaining it. 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:17.800 Isaiah goes on from verse 8. 00:12:18.160 --> 00:12:21.360 To paint a picture which is at the same time bleak and grim. 00:12:21.560 --> 00:12:23.940 Of what the sour grapes look like. 00:12:24.019 --> 00:12:26.480 How the people of Israel disobeyed to God. 00:12:26.540 --> 00:12:27.639 And how he punished them. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:31.320 But also a glorious and majestic. 00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:33.000 A terrifying even picture. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:34.860 Of God's holiness. 00:12:34.860 --> 00:12:36.300 Of his wrath. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:40.659 And his complete sovereignty over his people. 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:42.860 There are six woes. 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:45.379 From verses 8 to 25. 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:47.259 And they describe the sinfulness of the people. 00:12:47.600 --> 00:12:51.379 And the punishment that they receive from God in return. 00:12:52.300 --> 00:12:55.279 And we will not stop and consider them all one by one in detail. 00:12:55.399 --> 00:12:59.960 I think they are intended to paint a picture together. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:02.920 But we're going to have a quick look at them just now. 00:13:02.919 --> 00:13:04.479 Starting with verse 8. 00:13:04.659 --> 00:13:08.039 Where we have the woe to those who join house to house. 00:13:08.819 --> 00:13:12.419 Those who are not administering the land that God had given them. 00:13:12.639 --> 00:13:13.419 As he intended. 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:16.959 Who have let wealth go to their heads. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:18.860 And are not taking care of each other. 00:13:19.199 --> 00:13:23.000 They're not sharing with their neighbours as they've been commanded to. 00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:26.679 But instead the rich are robbing their fellow Israelites. 00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:30.639 Of God's blessing in the form of the land that he'd given them. 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:34.500 And so God will punish them by making these estates worthless. 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:39.600 Second woe is to those who devote themselves to the pleasures of life. 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:44.000 Whose life is but a big alcohol-fuelled party. 00:13:44.259 --> 00:13:44.779 Verse 11. 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:48.279 And the problem of course is not the alcohol in itself. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:50.740 Or the musical instruments that you see mentioned there. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:52.919 But verse 12 tells us what the problem is. 00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:55.980 It's that they do not regard the deeds of the Lord. 00:13:56.179 --> 00:13:58.519 Or see the work of his hands. 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:00.840 Because they drank and were merry. 00:14:01.059 --> 00:14:03.259 With no consideration for God's work. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:07.179 And so they'll be parched and hungry. 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:10.240 Is God's very appropriate punishment for them. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:12.759 18 and 19. 00:14:12.899 --> 00:14:14.860 We have the woe to those who challenge God. 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:16.960 Those who treat him like a genie. 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:19.539 Tell him to rush and fulfil his promises already. 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:22.919 Because what else would be the point of being the people of God. 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:25.100 If not that you get him to do things for you. 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:27.259 Verse 20. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:30.040 Woe to those who have fun playing God. 00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:34.100 The thing that they can decide what's good and what's evil. 00:14:34.200 --> 00:14:35.440 They can mix it up. 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:37.600 So that what God forbids is what they do. 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:40.420 And what God commands them to do is what they won't do. 00:14:41.420 --> 00:14:42.620 Similarly verse 21. 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:43.840 Woe to the arrogant. 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:46.879 And finally in verses 22 and 23. 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:49.399 Woe to those who take advantage of their position. 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.000 To create injustice. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:53.340 It's this. 00:14:53.340 --> 00:14:54.799 All of this sin. 00:14:55.100 --> 00:14:56.759 Described here. 00:14:57.179 --> 00:15:00.399 That sparks the anger of the holy God. 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:02.980 Isaiah says. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:07.879 Not only are the people of Israel sinning against the God who cares so much for them. 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:10.220 That he did everything that he could. 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:13.259 So that they would choose to glorify him with their obedience. 00:15:13.919 --> 00:15:16.740 They're also sinning against the holy God. 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:21.480 And holy means that he cannot. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:23.840 He cannot tolerate sin. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:26.159 Unlike us. 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:28.039 God will not put up with sin. 00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:32.340 He's not being unfair in all the distraction that we see described here. 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:34.200 He is being holy. 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:35.940 He can't tolerate some sin. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:38.240 You know close an eye on the minor stuff. 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:41.320 You're either holy or you aren't. 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:42.480 And we aren't. 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.440 And God is. 00:15:44.820 --> 00:15:46.659 Let's read verse 24 together. 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:50.680 They have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:53.960 And spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel. 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:55.080 Therefore. 00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:58.779 The Lord's anger burns against his people. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:01.039 With that therefore. 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:02.340 Isaiah is saying. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.519 This is what you get. 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:06.240 When you sin against the holy God in the old covenant. 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:08.840 His wrath is unavoidable. 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:12.639 Let's read verses 15 and 16. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:16.699 So people will be brought low. 00:16:16.699 --> 00:16:17.699 And everyone humbled. 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:20.679 The eyes of the arrogant humbled. 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:22.939 Do you see the downward direction? 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.439 But the Lord Almighty. 00:16:24.699 --> 00:16:25.919 He will be exalted. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:27.419 By his justice. 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.100 And the holy God. 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:30.559 Will be proved. 00:16:30.939 --> 00:16:31.279 Holy. 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:33.480 By his righteous acts. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:36.939 God's punishment to his people. 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:38.620 His righteous act. 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:40.679 Is what actually proves him. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:41.340 Holy. 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.560 So again. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.899 God is not being unfair. 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:45.419 Or unreasonable here. 00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:46.720 He's just being holy. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:48.620 And if God wasn't holy. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:50.500 Would he even be God? 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:55.200 So Isaiah is bringing in front of the people of Israel. 00:16:55.560 --> 00:16:56.460 Their own sin. 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:59.139 In the form of these six woes. 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:01.179 Look at what you've been doing. 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:03.779 All the different ways. 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:05.059 That you have been rejecting. 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:08.539 And desecrating God's love and commitment to you. 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:11.500 He's a holy God. 00:17:11.879 --> 00:17:12.579 And this will be. 00:17:12.679 --> 00:17:13.659 This will have to be. 00:17:13.919 --> 00:17:15.179 The result of your actions. 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:18.559 And the thing about prophets. 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:19.200 Is that. 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.879 They often focused on. 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:21.099 They. 00:17:21.460 --> 00:17:21.819 Especially. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:23.079 Here I guess. 00:17:23.460 --> 00:17:25.099 On passing on God's words. 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:26.220 Of judgment. 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:28.000 To God's own people. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:30.019 How I wish. 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:31.019 That these woes. 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:32.039 Were not addressed. 00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:33.140 To the people of Israel. 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:33.759 But to some. 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:34.880 Pagan people. 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:35.200 Who'd. 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.359 Not been saved. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:37.500 Time after time. 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:38.180 After time. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:39.480 By the powerful God. 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:40.839 What a relief. 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.440 That would be. 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:42.880 But it is. 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:43.460 The very. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:44.480 People. 00:17:44.680 --> 00:17:45.779 That God chose. 00:17:46.119 --> 00:17:47.299 That he's describing here. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:48.839 How shameful. 00:17:50.880 --> 00:17:52.059 And we mustn't think. 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:52.640 That Isaiah. 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:53.480 Is putting himself. 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.859 Above everyone else. 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:56.359 Because there's a seventh woe. 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:57.759 In the next chapter. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.799 In verse five. 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.240 Where he will say. 00:18:00.359 --> 00:18:01.059 That he's a sinner. 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:02.400 Like everyone else. 00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:04.099 He's just being a messenger here. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.900 So all of this. 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:07.500 Must beg. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.279 The question. 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.579 What is the difference. 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.039 Between. 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.900 Those who go after idols. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.200 The other nations. 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.519 The pagan nations. 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:17.180 And those who are. 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:17.980 Supposedly. 00:18:18.119 --> 00:18:18.900 Following God. 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:20.440 Where is that visible. 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.319 That distinct. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:22.279 Difference. 00:18:22.619 --> 00:18:23.839 In the way that they conduct. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.700 Their lives. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.480 And you might have guessed. 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:28.420 Where I'm going next. 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:31.240 If we think back to those woes. 00:18:31.299 --> 00:18:32.279 As much as it's true. 00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:32.980 That those verses. 00:18:33.120 --> 00:18:33.940 Were the description. 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:35.099 Of a specific people. 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:35.860 The people of Israel. 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:37.099 At a specific time. 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:39.220 Don't they really describe. 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.440 The whole of humanity. 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:43.200 I think it's rather humbling. 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:44.400 How parts of the bible. 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:46.019 Written thousands of years ago. 00:18:46.160 --> 00:18:47.819 Can describe the human nature. 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:49.039 And remain so relevant. 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.779 Over time. 00:18:50.120 --> 00:18:51.319 And across cultures. 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:53.639 In a way that these woes. 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:56.119 Still act in the 21st century. 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:58.439 As a very powerful mirror. 00:18:58.759 --> 00:19:00.639 Which shows us our own flaws. 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:04.619 So assuming that we all see ourselves. 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.859 In these woes too. 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:07.480 I'm sure to different extents. 00:19:07.700 --> 00:19:09.720 When different sins are mentioned. 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:12.700 But if someone doesn't recognize themselves. 00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:13.759 In any of these woes. 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:14.939 Then come and talk to me. 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:16.179 I want to know what your secret is. 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:18.860 If we see ourselves called out. 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:20.600 If we feel like Isaiah. 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:22.779 Is exposing our own sinfulness. 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:24.759 As he lists those sins. 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:26.039 Then these two. 00:19:26.600 --> 00:19:28.220 Begs a question. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:31.700 Of where is the difference. 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:32.400 Between me. 00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:34.560 And my non-Christian friends and family. 00:19:34.560 --> 00:19:35.960 When it comes to the way. 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:37.220 That I conduct my life. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:40.220 We too. 00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:41.600 Are sinning against. 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:43.860 The same holy God. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:46.060 And he expects more. 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:48.299 Than seeing his people conformed. 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.259 To the world around them. 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:52.039 He showed us through Christ's life. 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:52.700 On this earth. 00:19:53.060 --> 00:19:54.980 What we are to conform to. 00:19:55.400 --> 00:19:56.220 A life. 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:58.220 Lived for his glory. 00:20:00.900 --> 00:20:02.580 So another challenge for us. 00:20:03.160 --> 00:20:04.460 Do we have a problem. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:06.140 With unrepented sin. 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:08.120 Like the people of Israel did. 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:10.940 Do we appear to have mixed up. 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:11.560 In our head. 00:20:12.100 --> 00:20:12.820 What is good. 00:20:12.880 --> 00:20:13.680 And what is wrong. 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.799 Because if we do. 00:20:16.180 --> 00:20:18.100 It must be a sign. 00:20:18.100 --> 00:20:19.500 That we have lost our passion. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.820 As followers of God. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.900 Which should make us ask ourselves. 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:25.920 Do I really. 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.340 Know him. 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:30.039 Because if I did. 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:32.500 I would appreciate more fully than that. 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.360 What it means to be a child. 00:20:34.620 --> 00:20:35.980 Of a holy God. 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:37.980 I would appreciate more. 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:39.740 The extent of the work. 00:20:40.120 --> 00:20:41.519 That he wants to do. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.639 And expect to. 00:20:42.639 --> 00:20:43.639 To let. 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:46.240 Expect me to let him do. 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:47.680 In me. 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:50.980 Brothers and sisters. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:52.019 We mustn't. 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:52.940 Underestimate. 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:54.619 The seriousness of our sins. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.579 Against the holy God. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:58.059 Because something. 00:20:58.440 --> 00:20:59.400 Has gone wrong. 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.639 And we need to address it. 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:02.819 If we have become desensitized. 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.079 To our sins. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:08.599 And finally. 00:21:08.699 --> 00:21:09.859 Our third point. 00:21:10.159 --> 00:21:10.460 And I won't. 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:12.220 Spent more than just a few words. 00:21:12.399 --> 00:21:13.480 On this third point. 00:21:14.919 --> 00:21:16.299 Which is that the people of Israel. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:17.339 Have sinned against. 00:21:17.639 --> 00:21:18.720 The sovereign God. 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:21.659 Look at verses 25. 00:21:22.119 --> 00:21:23.199 Through 30. 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:25.119 It's the God. 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.339 Who is sovereign. 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:28.059 On nature itself. 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:30.259 And makes the mountains shake. 00:21:30.659 --> 00:21:32.179 Who is bringing judgment. 00:21:32.639 --> 00:21:33.639 Over his people. 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:35.899 The same God. 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:38.059 Who would beat their enemies. 00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:38.819 For them. 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:42.059 Is now calling the other nations. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.819 To destroy the Israelites. 00:21:44.939 --> 00:21:46.079 Do you see the irony. 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.199 When you compare. 00:21:47.399 --> 00:21:49.519 Those people joining house to house. 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.339 Thinking that they. 00:21:50.619 --> 00:21:51.639 Owned the land. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.939 That God had given them. 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:55.099 When you compare them to the God. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:56.399 Who can now command. 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.419 Other nations. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.839 To come and destroy. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.179 Those very same. 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:01.019 Grand house. 00:22:01.199 --> 00:22:01.519 Ground. 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.119 Sorry. 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.240 Grand houses. 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:03.799 That they had. 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:05.099 So pathetically. 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.539 Amassed together. 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:07.839 While trying to make a name. 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:08.539 For themselves. 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.720 In verse 29. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:12.980 We see the distant nations. 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:14.359 They come roaring. 00:22:14.359 --> 00:22:15.440 Like lions. 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:17.240 They seize their prey. 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:18.779 And carry it off. 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.860 And that's it. 00:22:20.080 --> 00:22:21.059 That's the end of it. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.500 Let God hurry. 00:22:24.880 --> 00:22:26.180 Let him hasten his work. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.340 So we may see it. 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:29.120 They said in verse 19. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:31.100 Well now they've seen it. 00:22:32.100 --> 00:22:33.779 The end of verse 30 reads. 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:35.620 And if one looks at the land. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.580 There is only darkness and distress. 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.839 Even the sun. 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:40.720 Will be darkened by clouds. 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.539 God is sovereign. 00:22:43.879 --> 00:22:45.319 Over the whole earth. 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:48.019 No one. 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:50.079 That he's going to bring his judgment on. 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:50.919 Can escape. 00:22:51.919 --> 00:22:53.179 He's not a holy. 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:55.019 But powerless God. 00:22:55.179 --> 00:22:56.980 Whose judgment cannot be carried out. 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:59.359 Because Israel just went and hid somewhere. 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:01.460 Just while waiting for him to calm down. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:04.000 He is sovereign. 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:06.720 And he will act on his judgment. 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:09.299 In whichever way he sees fit. 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:15.660 What a passage to end our week with. 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:18.660 I'm sure we would have rather dwelled on a psalm. 00:23:19.380 --> 00:23:22.420 God's judgment on his enemies. 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:24.079 Rather than on his own people. 00:23:24.840 --> 00:23:25.980 But as we conclude. 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:28.140 I want to try and shift our focus. 00:23:28.380 --> 00:23:30.700 From judgment to love. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.539 In fact. 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:33.299 I'd like to help us see judgment. 00:23:33.580 --> 00:23:34.880 As an expression of love. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:37.240 Let me take you quickly to. 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:38.640 Proverbs chapter 3. 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.759 Verses 11 and 12. 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:41.920 My son. 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:44.220 Do not make light of the Lord's discipline. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.500 And do not lose heart. 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:48.059 When he rebukes you. 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:50.380 Because the Lord disciplines. 00:23:50.840 --> 00:23:51.920 The one he loves. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.900 I'll read it again. 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:54.840 Because the Lord disciplines. 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:56.539 The one he loves. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.860 And he chastens. 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:59.400 Everyone he accepts. 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:00.519 As his son. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:03.500 And the letter to the Hebrews. 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:04.299 In chapter 4. 00:24:04.420 --> 00:24:05.279 It quotes this. 00:24:06.660 --> 00:24:08.180 Verses from Proverbs. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:10.180 And then it carries on. 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:12.000 In verses 10 and 11. 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:14.100 God disciplines us. 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.940 For our good. 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:16.100 In order. 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.759 That we may share. 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:18.640 In his holiness. 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.600 No discipline. 00:24:20.600 --> 00:24:22.100 Seems pleasant at the time. 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:23.080 But painful. 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.440 Later on. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:24.920 However. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:26.380 It produces a harvest. 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:27.100 Of righteousness. 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.919 And peace. 00:24:27.919 --> 00:24:28.819 For those. 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:30.559 Who have been trained by it. 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:34.179 We've talked about sinning against a caring. 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.259 A holy. 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:37.139 And a sovereign God. 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:39.259 Let me conclude by going back. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.679 To the caring God. 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:43.119 God's holiness. 00:24:43.699 --> 00:24:45.139 The unavoidability. 00:24:45.139 --> 00:24:46.539 Of his disappointment. 00:24:47.199 --> 00:24:47.939 At our sins. 00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:49.059 And his wrath. 00:24:49.059 --> 00:24:51.039 And his sovereignty. 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:52.480 With which he will bring. 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:54.200 His final judgment on the world. 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:54.960 At the end. 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:56.440 Of times. 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:59.480 All of this must be seen in the light. 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.539 Of his unfailing. 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.679 His eternal. 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:03.079 His unconditional. 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.440 Love. 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:06.100 And we again. 00:25:06.100 --> 00:25:07.200 On this side of history. 00:25:07.620 --> 00:25:08.820 We see the completeness. 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.100 Of God's judgment. 00:25:10.100 --> 00:25:11.080 In Christ. 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:13.380 For God so loved the world. 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:15.000 That he gave his one and only son. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:17.080 That whoever believes in him. 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.820 Shall not. 00:25:18.360 --> 00:25:18.759 Perish. 00:25:18.840 --> 00:25:19.980 But have eternal life. 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:22.640 So yes. 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.240 We have. 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.299 A holy. 00:25:24.600 --> 00:25:25.960 And sovereign God. 00:25:26.059 --> 00:25:27.580 Who will bring judgment. 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:29.400 On those who refuse him. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.519 But only. 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:33.860 Only after having shown them. 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:35.219 The kind of love. 00:25:35.559 --> 00:25:36.679 Of a God. 00:25:36.919 --> 00:25:38.579 Who sacrifices his son. 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.219 For them. 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:41.579 Let's pray. 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.459 Father. 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.619 We thank you for this. 00:25:48.459 --> 00:25:49.059 Chapter. 00:25:49.199 --> 00:25:49.939 We thank you. 00:25:50.419 --> 00:25:52.019 That you are holy. 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:53.199 And. 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:55.959 Sovereign. 00:25:55.959 --> 00:25:57.399 Because that makes you. 00:25:58.119 --> 00:25:58.699 God. 00:25:59.199 --> 00:26:01.039 That's the God we believe in. 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:03.039 A powerful God. 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.639 God. 00:26:03.639 --> 00:26:05.119 Who despises sin. 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:07.879 And God. 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:08.980 Tonight we want to. 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:09.920 Leave. 00:26:10.399 --> 00:26:11.200 Not feeling. 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.720 Just inadequate. 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:15.619 Like. 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.799 Being children of yours. 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:17.579 Is not possible. 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.319 But feeling. 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:19.379 Loved. 00:26:20.059 --> 00:26:21.139 Because we know. 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:21.639 God. 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:23.700 That despite our sinfulness. 00:26:25.619 --> 00:26:26.980 And your holiness. 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:28.980 We are. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.000 We are. 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.440 Accepted by you. 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:32.299 Because you love us so much. 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.360 That you took. 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:36.660 Jesus's. 00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:38.079 Sacrifice. 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:41.079 That you made it happen. 00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:42.220 So that. 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:44.079 We could be reconciled. 00:26:45.860 --> 00:26:46.740 And so father. 00:26:46.839 --> 00:26:47.039 We. 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:48.400 We thank you. 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:49.519 For your love. 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.720 Which we do not deserve. 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:51.799 Father. 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:54.400 And we do pray father. 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.779 That we will. 00:26:57.940 --> 00:26:59.420 Take up these challenges. 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:00.900 To take our sins. 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.180 Seriously. 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:04.059 To make sure that. 00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:04.660 There is a. 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:06.240 Difference in the way. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.640 That we conduct our lives. 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:08.880 Between us. 00:27:08.920 --> 00:27:10.240 And those who don't believe in you. 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:10.500 Father. 00:27:10.600 --> 00:27:11.539 So that we can show. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.700 To them. 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:13.240 What your. 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:14.799 Teachings are. 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:16.000 So that they can see. 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:17.319 Your love. 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:17.940 In action. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.100 Through us. 00:27:19.099 --> 00:27:20.240 Father. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.159 We know we can't do it. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:21.980 By ourselves. 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.439 And that's why we pray. 00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:24.339 That the Holy Spirit. 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:26.639 Will work in us. 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:26.959 Father. 00:27:27.039 --> 00:27:27.879 To change us. 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:28.159 To. 00:27:28.899 --> 00:27:30.259 Make us more and more. 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.879 Similar to Jesus. 00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:34.359 Father. 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:34.699 While. 00:27:34.899 --> 00:27:35.500 Working us. 00:27:35.519 --> 00:27:35.779 As we. 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:36.579 Think. 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.719 As we keep thinking. 00:27:38.279 --> 00:27:38.779 Maybe. 00:27:39.699 --> 00:27:40.939 Over the next week. 00:27:41.199 --> 00:27:41.759 Through these. 00:27:42.219 --> 00:27:42.659 Verses. 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:42.980 Father. 00:27:43.379 --> 00:27:43.799 May. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.199 We. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.259 See. 00:27:46.699 --> 00:27:47.159 Change. 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:47.599 In. 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.439 In our lives. 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.160 As a result. 00:27:49.320 --> 00:27:49.580 Of. 00:27:49.840 --> 00:27:51.279 Of Isaiah's words. 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:51.720 For us. 00:27:51.820 --> 00:27:52.019 Tonight. 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:52.340 Father. 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:54.220 We pray all of this. 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:55.180 In Jesus's name. 00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:55.900 Amen. 00:27:55.900 --> 00:28:25.880 Thank you.