WEBVTT 00:00:00.100 --> 00:00:01.940 It's good to be with you this morning. 00:00:06.379 --> 00:00:08.439 How long will this go on? 00:00:10.460 --> 00:00:15.040 I don't know about you, but that's a question that I've been asking a lot these days. 00:00:16.019 --> 00:00:22.140 As the plague of COVID-19 continues to take its toll both in our daily lives and in the 00:00:22.140 --> 00:00:29.580 very cost of toll of real lives in our country, as our political situation seems impossibly 00:00:29.579 --> 00:00:36.560 divided, contentious, and broken, and as our country wrestles with the scourge of racism 00:00:36.560 --> 00:00:40.439 and violence, how long will this go on? 00:00:42.619 --> 00:00:48.799 For many of us, there may be more personal situations that provoke the same question, a 00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:54.200 difficult marriage that doesn't seem to be improving, a workplace that is fractured, antagonistic, 00:00:54.200 --> 00:00:55.480 political. 00:00:56.220 --> 00:01:02.780 Maybe a personal relationship that's gone bad and one who was once a friend now seems 00:01:02.780 --> 00:01:04.879 out to wreak havoc on your life. 00:01:06.159 --> 00:01:09.579 Maybe you're facing chronic illness or the decline of old age. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:11.700 How long? 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:16.900 How long will it last? 00:01:17.300 --> 00:01:18.500 When will it end? 00:01:18.500 --> 00:01:28.000 As we're asking this question, it's worth asking ourselves, where do we look in times 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:30.460 like this for comfort, for hope, for strength? 00:01:31.480 --> 00:01:35.780 Maybe some of us in this time are motivated to become activists. 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:39.079 We work to cure the disease, to change the policies. 00:01:41.579 --> 00:01:43.500 Maybe some of us become cynics. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:49.920 We withdraw from engagement, allow bitterness to control our hearts. 00:01:50.040 --> 00:01:51.620 Maybe we become hedonists. 00:01:51.700 --> 00:01:54.719 We think, let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die. 00:01:56.079 --> 00:01:57.879 Maybe we become workaholics. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:02.140 If only I can try hard enough, I will get through this. 00:02:05.240 --> 00:02:08.840 You know, the Bible has a very simple encouragement to us. 00:02:08.840 --> 00:02:12.200 As we're navigating the question of how long. 00:02:13.020 --> 00:02:17.980 And it is this, that we are to look not to ourselves, but to God. 00:02:18.699 --> 00:02:23.379 How long, O Lord, is the cry throughout the Bible of God's people. 00:02:24.460 --> 00:02:29.500 How long, O Lord, till you return and make things right. 00:02:30.860 --> 00:02:33.300 And this brings us to our text this morning. 00:02:33.900 --> 00:02:38.000 We are finishing our series in the book of Joel this week. 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:40.319 So we're in Joel chapter 3. 00:02:40.699 --> 00:02:44.340 If you're looking for Joel, you can go to the middle of your Bible, Psalms. 00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:49.120 Start flipping forward through the major prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel. 00:02:49.479 --> 00:02:52.659 And then Hosea, Joel is where you will find it. 00:02:53.039 --> 00:02:56.159 So, Joel chapter 3. 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:59.080 And what we've seen so far is that, in the chapter of Joel, 00:02:59.159 --> 00:03:03.680 is that we've seen God call His people to repent of their sins and to turn back to Him. 00:03:03.680 --> 00:03:10.920 We've seen God explain the trials they've been experiencing as precursors of a final judgment that is to come. 00:03:11.219 --> 00:03:15.280 We've seen God promise a restoration of His people. 00:03:15.620 --> 00:03:19.180 And the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon them. 00:03:20.140 --> 00:03:23.319 And this brings us to chapter 3 this morning. 00:03:23.400 --> 00:03:26.240 Our text, which we'll read together. 00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:29.719 So let's read Joel chapter 3. 00:03:56.240 --> 00:04:09.480 What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon and all the regions of Philistia? 00:04:09.800 --> 00:04:11.540 Are you paying me back for something? 00:04:11.700 --> 00:04:16.819 If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. 00:04:17.379 --> 00:04:19.800 For you have taken my silver and my gold. 00:04:19.900 --> 00:04:22.400 You have carried my rich treasures into your temples. 00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:30.159 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their own border. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:34.659 Behold, I will stir them up to the place to which you have sold them. 00:04:34.679 --> 00:04:37.279 And I will return your payment on your own head. 00:04:37.719 --> 00:04:42.079 I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the people of Judah. 00:04:42.219 --> 00:04:45.919 And they will sell them to the Sabaeans, to a nation far away. 00:04:46.620 --> 00:04:48.319 For the Lord has spoken. 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:51.620 Proclaim this among the nations. 00:04:52.139 --> 00:04:53.360 Consecrate for war. 00:04:53.899 --> 00:04:55.379 Stir up the mighty men. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:04:57.620 Let all the men of war draw near. 00:04:57.740 --> 00:04:58.659 Let them come up. 00:04:59.139 --> 00:05:02.480 Beat your plowshares into swords. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:05.500 And your pruning hooks into spears. 00:05:06.300 --> 00:05:08.939 And let the weak say, I am a warrior. 00:05:09.959 --> 00:05:12.399 Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations. 00:05:12.659 --> 00:05:14.039 And gather yourselves there. 00:05:14.180 --> 00:05:16.800 Bring down your warriors, O Lord. 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:22.420 Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat. 00:05:22.500 --> 00:05:26.060 For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:29.360 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. 00:05:29.480 --> 00:05:32.100 Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. 00:05:32.520 --> 00:05:37.139 The vats overflow, for their evil is great. 00:05:38.340 --> 00:05:40.720 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision. 00:05:41.019 --> 00:05:44.379 For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. 00:05:44.379 --> 00:05:46.899 The sun and the moon are darkened. 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:49.360 And the stars withdraw their shining. 00:05:50.079 --> 00:05:53.040 The Lord roars from Zion. 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:55.579 And utters his voice from Jerusalem. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:58.399 And the heavens and the earth quake. 00:05:59.139 --> 00:06:02.439 But the Lord is a refuge to his people. 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:05.219 A stronghold to the people of Israel. 00:06:05.220 --> 00:06:10.320 So you shall know that I am the Lord your God. 00:06:10.320 --> 00:06:12.700 Who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. 00:06:12.900 --> 00:06:14.760 And Jerusalem shall be holy. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:17.600 And strangers shall never again pass through it. 00:06:18.220 --> 00:06:21.020 And in that day the mountain shall drip sweet wine. 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:23.520 And the hills shall flow with milk. 00:06:23.700 --> 00:06:26.640 And all the stream beds of Judah shall flow with water. 00:06:26.700 --> 00:06:29.520 And a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord. 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:32.620 And water the valley of Shittim. 00:06:32.620 --> 00:06:37.079 Egypt shall become a desolation. 00:06:37.280 --> 00:06:39.199 And Edom a desolate wilderness. 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:42.120 For the violence done to the people of Judah. 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:45.399 Because they have shed innocent blood in their land. 00:06:46.100 --> 00:06:48.360 But Judah shall be inhabited forever. 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:50.519 And Jerusalem to all generations. 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:53.199 I will avenge their blood. 00:06:53.300 --> 00:06:54.620 Blood I have not avenged. 00:06:55.259 --> 00:06:59.100 For the Lord dwells in Zion. 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:01.199 Let's pray together. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:04.879 Lord we hear this word. 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:06.719 And it is a sobering one. 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:09.740 Lord I pray this morning for your help. 00:07:10.439 --> 00:07:12.680 That Lord we would hear your word rightly. 00:07:12.899 --> 00:07:16.420 That your Holy Spirit would give us this morning understanding. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:19.659 Lord I pray for clarity of speech and thought. 00:07:19.899 --> 00:07:21.379 As I proclaim your word. 00:07:21.459 --> 00:07:22.800 And I pray for our hearts. 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:25.159 Lord that you would protect us. 00:07:25.160 --> 00:07:29.420 Lord from being led astray. 00:07:29.420 --> 00:07:34.240 Into misunderstandings about you and who you are. 00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:37.060 Help us Lord to see you as you truly are. 00:07:37.600 --> 00:07:40.000 Lord in all of your glory and majesty. 00:07:41.260 --> 00:07:43.040 We pray this in Jesus name. 00:07:43.680 --> 00:07:44.040 Amen. 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:44.140 Amen. 00:07:49.580 --> 00:07:53.760 As we look at this passage. 00:07:53.960 --> 00:07:58.680 The final thing that the prophet Joel wants to say to his people is this. 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:01.580 As we long for trials to end. 00:08:01.960 --> 00:08:03.200 We are to look to God. 00:08:03.780 --> 00:08:05.259 God who will judge his enemies. 00:08:05.580 --> 00:08:08.480 And restore his people to eternal glory. 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:08.560 Glory. 00:08:09.200 --> 00:08:11.100 This passage has two main ideas. 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:12.879 You can see it in verses 1 and 2. 00:08:13.319 --> 00:08:15.620 That he will restore the fortunes of his people. 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:17.720 And he will gather the nations. 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:20.540 And enter into judgment against them. 00:08:21.020 --> 00:08:22.980 So that's what we are going to explore this morning. 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:24.300 Is those two ideas. 00:08:24.439 --> 00:08:25.660 And what they mean to us. 00:08:26.080 --> 00:08:28.060 We are going to take them in reverse order. 00:08:28.840 --> 00:08:29.080 So. 00:08:29.780 --> 00:08:30.280 First. 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:31.759 God will judge. 00:08:32.560 --> 00:08:33.460 The nations. 00:08:35.159 --> 00:08:35.600 Now. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:37.600 Maybe you are like me. 00:08:37.600 --> 00:08:40.620 But this is a difficult concept to swallow. 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:42.220 Maybe you will struggle with this. 00:08:43.180 --> 00:08:44.600 Maybe you have been raised. 00:08:44.720 --> 00:08:46.399 As many of us have in America. 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:48.800 With Norton's anthology of American literature. 00:08:48.800 --> 00:08:50.560 Where the only religious reading. 00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:51.540 Is. 00:08:51.940 --> 00:08:53.800 Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. 00:08:53.960 --> 00:08:55.659 A sermon by Jonathan Edwards. 00:08:56.540 --> 00:08:57.300 By the way. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:58.920 If you have not read Jonathan Edwards. 00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:00.759 He is a wonderful theologian. 00:09:00.779 --> 00:09:01.899 And a wonderful pastor. 00:09:02.560 --> 00:09:04.100 But usually that. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:06.240 That little snippet. 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:08.139 Is used in your classes. 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:09.740 To make you think of a God. 00:09:09.740 --> 00:09:10.779 Who is capricious. 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:12.700 And who dangles sinners. 00:09:12.700 --> 00:09:14.519 Over the fires of hell. 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:17.100 The real message is actually. 00:09:17.299 --> 00:09:19.200 That he holds you up by grace. 00:09:19.340 --> 00:09:20.659 Over the fires of hell. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:21.180 By the way. 00:09:21.299 --> 00:09:22.519 But that's not typically. 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:23.379 How it's presented. 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:25.480 It is presented as. 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:29.259 God is a very angry. 00:09:29.259 --> 00:09:30.659 And malicious God. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:31.899 Maybe it's more like. 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:32.600 Thinking about it. 00:09:32.980 --> 00:09:33.960 God is like Thanos. 00:09:34.300 --> 00:09:35.620 Come to destroy the world. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:36.899 And rain down destruction. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:38.560 In the Marvel Avengers movies. 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:39.920 If you're familiar with those. 00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:44.960 How do we think about God. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:46.240 As one who will judge. 00:09:46.379 --> 00:09:47.180 The nations. 00:09:47.420 --> 00:09:48.340 Judge his enemies. 00:09:49.060 --> 00:09:49.500 Well. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:50.639 It's a big question. 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:52.440 And I can't answer all of it today. 00:09:52.440 --> 00:09:53.440 But what I want to do. 00:09:53.520 --> 00:09:54.580 Is think about what Joel. 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:56.060 Has to say to us about that. 00:09:56.200 --> 00:09:57.800 And Joel has a number of things. 00:09:57.800 --> 00:09:58.380 To say. 00:09:58.760 --> 00:09:59.380 About this. 00:09:59.460 --> 00:09:59.980 First of all. 00:10:00.060 --> 00:10:00.840 We want to recognize. 00:10:00.980 --> 00:10:01.180 That as. 00:10:01.320 --> 00:10:02.040 As God is. 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:03.780 As Joel is describing. 00:10:03.920 --> 00:10:04.780 What God is going to do. 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:06.700 He starts with particular nations. 00:10:07.280 --> 00:10:08.220 Tyre and Sidon. 00:10:08.300 --> 00:10:09.900 Which are cities of Phoenicia. 00:10:10.140 --> 00:10:11.520 And then the Philistines. 00:10:11.780 --> 00:10:13.000 The nation of Edom. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:14.380 Which is to the east. 00:10:14.540 --> 00:10:15.000 Southeast. 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:15.860 And then. 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:17.300 Egypt. 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:18.020 Right. 00:10:18.100 --> 00:10:19.140 These are the nations. 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:21.419 And part of what we see. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:21.960 Is that. 00:10:22.860 --> 00:10:24.740 Joel is describing them. 00:10:24.840 --> 00:10:25.980 So that we understand. 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:26.720 Why. 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:28.000 God will bring judgment. 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:28.720 Upon them. 00:10:30.240 --> 00:10:30.720 First. 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:31.860 We see their actions. 00:10:32.360 --> 00:10:33.819 Look at verses 2 and 3. 00:10:33.899 --> 00:10:34.299 With me. 00:10:35.319 --> 00:10:36.460 They have engaged. 00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:38.580 In the dehumanizing trade. 00:10:38.679 --> 00:10:39.919 Of human beings. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:42.279 And not only that. 00:10:42.360 --> 00:10:43.580 But they have done this. 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:45.139 Not only with adults. 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:46.039 But with children. 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:47.299 And not only with children. 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:48.219 But they have done it. 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:49.399 In a flippant way. 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:50.819 Where they are trading. 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:52.659 The lives of human beings. 00:10:52.939 --> 00:10:54.719 For momentary pleasures. 00:10:56.979 --> 00:10:58.159 Whether it be a moment. 00:10:58.279 --> 00:10:59.059 With a prostitute. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:00.079 Or a glass of wine. 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:03.459 That is what verse 3 says. 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:05.120 They are treating. 00:11:05.339 --> 00:11:06.479 The lives of people. 00:11:06.579 --> 00:11:07.839 Made in God's image. 00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:12.179 With rampant disregard. 00:11:12.419 --> 00:11:13.819 For their true value. 00:11:14.859 --> 00:11:15.759 Not only this. 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:17.559 But they have been marauders. 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:18.100 Who take. 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:18.539 And take. 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:19.039 And take. 00:11:19.179 --> 00:11:20.720 They have taken land. 00:11:21.439 --> 00:11:22.319 From the people of God. 00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:23.779 They have taken money. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:25.700 They have plundered the nations. 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:29.240 And so there is reason. 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:31.319 That God is bringing a judgment. 00:11:31.319 --> 00:11:32.059 Against these. 00:11:32.460 --> 00:11:34.120 Because objectively. 00:11:34.679 --> 00:11:36.019 These are thieves. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.259 And sex traffickers. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:39.679 And slavers. 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:44.099 They are not good people. 00:11:45.359 --> 00:11:47.279 Who are being unjustly. 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:48.799 Judged by God. 00:11:50.479 --> 00:11:51.859 The passage goes on. 00:11:51.979 --> 00:11:53.079 And it recognizes. 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:54.539 That these nations have stood. 00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:56.439 As enemies of God. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:11:57.500 And of God's people. 00:11:57.859 --> 00:11:59.179 And I need to spend a little bit of time. 00:11:59.239 --> 00:12:00.239 To explain why this. 00:12:00.359 --> 00:12:01.139 Is important. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:03.239 Because it's easy to misunderstand this. 00:12:03.699 --> 00:12:05.159 Think back about the big picture. 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:05.699 Of the Bible. 00:12:05.700 --> 00:12:06.500 It talks about. 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:08.480 The nation of Israel. 00:12:08.480 --> 00:12:09.540 Was raised up. 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:10.960 The descendants of Abraham. 00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:13.200 As a political nation state. 00:12:13.200 --> 00:12:13.660 To be. 00:12:13.900 --> 00:12:15.740 A place where God would display. 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:17.440 His glory to the world. 00:12:17.560 --> 00:12:19.060 And where the nations could come. 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:21.900 And see the greatness of this God. 00:12:22.100 --> 00:12:24.040 A God who is above all gods. 00:12:24.300 --> 00:12:25.379 And the center of it. 00:12:25.460 --> 00:12:26.759 Was the capital Jerusalem. 00:12:26.920 --> 00:12:28.080 And Zion was a word. 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:30.400 That referred to the seat. 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:33.120 Where God would rule. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:35.500 And would reign over the world. 00:12:39.639 --> 00:12:41.579 And these nations have all. 00:12:41.579 --> 00:12:43.799 Been enemies of God's people. 00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:45.799 In that place. 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:48.000 Phoenicia traded their people. 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:50.679 And introduced a worship of Baal. 00:12:50.840 --> 00:12:52.340 Worship of other gods. 00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:56.720 The Philistines famously warred with David. 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:57.439 Over and over again. 00:12:57.460 --> 00:12:59.059 Even stole the Ark of the Covenant. 00:12:59.059 --> 00:13:00.819 Egypt. 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:02.339 The well-known story. 00:13:02.419 --> 00:13:04.779 They took the descendants of Abraham. 00:13:05.179 --> 00:13:06.659 They enslaved them. 00:13:06.719 --> 00:13:07.559 And kept them. 00:13:08.119 --> 00:13:09.039 In servitude. 00:13:09.239 --> 00:13:10.679 For hundreds of years. 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:12.779 And then later on in the history. 00:13:12.939 --> 00:13:14.619 Egypt saw Israel. 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:16.000 As a little football. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:17.279 In the regional. 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:18.359 Global. 00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:19.500 The regional. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:20.500 Political. 00:13:21.219 --> 00:13:22.159 Affairs of the. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:24.739 As Egypt was fighting against. 00:13:24.939 --> 00:13:25.459 Assyria. 00:13:25.459 --> 00:13:26.419 And later Babylon. 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:28.299 For control of the region. 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:29.779 And Israel was this little football. 00:13:30.479 --> 00:13:30.759 That. 00:13:31.819 --> 00:13:33.199 Egypt would use. 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:35.120 Or abuse. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:38.319 And Edom. 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:41.120 Probably the one we're least familiar with. 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:41.679 And Edom. 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:44.259 You can read the book of Obadiah. 00:13:44.359 --> 00:13:45.339 To learn about Edom. 00:13:45.859 --> 00:13:47.379 But it seems the greatest. 00:13:48.179 --> 00:13:50.039 Greatest cause for harm of Edom. 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:51.199 Is that they stood by. 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:52.639 And watched. 00:13:52.939 --> 00:13:54.159 Rather than coming to the. 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:55.299 Their aid. 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:56.459 Edom was a descendant. 00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:56.799 Of the. 00:13:56.899 --> 00:13:57.159 Of the. 00:13:57.659 --> 00:13:58.139 Brother. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:13:58.559 Of. 00:13:59.059 --> 00:13:59.419 Of. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:00.219 Nephew. 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:00.799 Of. 00:14:00.980 --> 00:14:02.399 Of Abraham. 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:03.519 And. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:04.839 And they were. 00:14:05.059 --> 00:14:05.240 They. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:07.379 They should have come to Israel's aid. 00:14:07.539 --> 00:14:08.360 When Babylon. 00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:09.539 Invaded them. 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:10.459 And instead. 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:11.740 According to the book of Obadiah. 00:14:11.799 --> 00:14:12.559 They sat by. 00:14:13.079 --> 00:14:13.779 And watched. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:15.000 Jerusalem fall. 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:16.539 And even. 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:17.199 Potentially. 00:14:17.399 --> 00:14:17.799 Plundered. 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:18.860 Or took advantage. 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:19.439 Of it. 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:20.379 To grab land. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.319 And prosperity. 00:14:21.320 --> 00:14:22.700 After that. 00:14:23.280 --> 00:14:24.940 So all of these nations. 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:25.820 Had acted. 00:14:26.020 --> 00:14:26.460 Evily. 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:27.820 Towards God's people. 00:14:27.920 --> 00:14:29.180 The place that God had. 00:14:29.540 --> 00:14:30.060 Intended. 00:14:30.180 --> 00:14:31.580 And we see in verse 19. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:33.300 It describes them as. 00:14:34.520 --> 00:14:35.840 Nations that have shed. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:37.040 Innocent blood. 00:14:37.540 --> 00:14:38.360 In the land. 00:14:41.560 --> 00:14:43.280 In light of all of this. 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.480 Recognizing that Israel. 00:14:45.480 --> 00:14:47.160 Had been in the Old Testament. 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:48.720 Constantly surrounded. 00:14:48.960 --> 00:14:50.780 By nations like these. 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:53.980 Israel was often. 00:14:54.159 --> 00:14:55.339 Crying out to the Lord. 00:14:55.699 --> 00:14:56.939 How long oh Lord. 00:14:57.439 --> 00:14:59.199 How long will you free us. 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:00.379 From these enemies. 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:02.139 That sit waiting to pounce. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:03.519 On our. 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:06.819 On our borders. 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:09.679 And Joel brings them. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:10.539 A word of hope. 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:13.519 Judgment is coming. 00:15:14.839 --> 00:15:16.159 Justice will happen. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:16.779 And we. 00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:18.259 And God will make it right. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.860 He will bring to them. 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:20.600 A repayment. 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:21.319 For their evil. 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:21.899 A repayment. 00:15:22.139 --> 00:15:23.179 What they have done. 00:15:23.179 --> 00:15:24.179 To the nation of Israel. 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:25.460 Will be done to them. 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:27.639 Now it's worth noting. 00:15:28.539 --> 00:15:29.759 That as I read this. 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:31.000 In verses 9 through 12. 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:32.480 There is no physical army. 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:34.539 That God is calling. 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:35.840 To execute this judgment. 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:37.419 There's no human agency. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:38.919 But instead. 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:40.240 God is going to gather them. 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:41.620 In the valley of Jehoshaphat. 00:15:41.700 --> 00:15:42.340 And Jehoshaphat. 00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:43.779 Is a word that simply means. 00:15:44.179 --> 00:15:45.100 Yahweh judges. 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:46.139 Or God judges. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:47.559 So he's calling them. 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:48.779 Into a valley of judgment. 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:50.639 And then he will carry out. 00:15:50.819 --> 00:15:51.360 This judgment. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:55.299 In his own power. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:57.980 And maybe with his heavenly armies. 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:59.799 But certainly not with a human. 00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:01.679 Agency. 00:16:03.659 --> 00:16:05.259 And it is a fearsome one. 00:16:06.899 --> 00:16:08.600 His enemies will be trampled. 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:10.519 Like the grapes in the wine press. 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:13.480 As it says in verse 13. 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:16.600 Because their evil was great. 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:21.320 This imagery is vivid. 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.480 But it points. 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.580 To a broader truth of scripture. 00:16:26.539 --> 00:16:28.600 And that is that the wages of sin. 00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:29.500 Is death. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:32.500 When we as human beings. 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:33.860 Turn from the God. 00:16:33.940 --> 00:16:35.080 Who created this world. 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:35.860 From the God. 00:16:35.920 --> 00:16:37.399 Who is the source of all life. 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:39.440 God who is the perfect embodiment. 00:16:39.440 --> 00:16:40.500 Of all that is good. 00:16:40.560 --> 00:16:40.879 And right. 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:41.500 And beautiful. 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:44.379 God who is holy in this world. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:46.039 When we turn away from him. 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:47.120 And go our own way. 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:48.519 And do our own things. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.879 We make ourselves enemies. 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:54.059 Of that God. 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:56.940 And there will be a judgment. 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:00.580 Here's the thing. 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:02.879 If we think about it. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:06.859 We want wrongdoing and evil to be just judged. 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:12.399 We want Stalin and Mao and Hitler and others to be brought to justice. 00:17:13.139 --> 00:17:17.179 We want rapists and sex predators to be judged. 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:25.659 We want sex traffickers and pornographers to bear punishment. 00:17:25.899 --> 00:17:27.219 And for their evil to end. 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:31.100 This is why we long for judgment in the right cases. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:37.240 And this is what Israel longed for in the time of Joel. 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:43.819 That God would judge those around them that had done such great wrong to their nation. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:51.440 But friends we also must realize that this is a fearsome and a terrifying thing. 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:52.039 Is it not? 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:56.480 Because as we look ahead to the broader picture of scripture. 00:17:56.659 --> 00:17:58.440 Just as the wages of sin is death. 00:17:58.539 --> 00:18:01.359 We also recognize that Romans 3 reminds us. 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:05.039 That all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.920 That there is no one righteous. 00:18:07.159 --> 00:18:07.899 Not one. 00:18:08.379 --> 00:18:10.859 The nations of today are no different. 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:13.899 Is there any nation today. 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:17.579 That does not have enough sin to be deserving of God's judgment. 00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:22.779 There is no nation that is Zion where God sits and rules and reigns. 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:24.740 It's not in Israel. 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.339 It's not in America. 00:18:26.679 --> 00:18:31.339 It's not in Canada or Sweden or whatever your utopian society might be. 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:35.879 It's not in any of the nations of the world. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:36.880 It's not in Israel. 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:37.880 It's not in Israel. 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:38.880 It's not in Israel. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.880 It's not in Israel. 00:18:39.880 --> 00:18:40.880 It's not in Israel. 00:18:40.880 --> 00:18:42.980 And so we recognize that this stands. 00:18:45.360 --> 00:18:48.080 As a fearsome reality for our world. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:56.840 But we also must recognize that what God is doing in our age today is a little different than what he was doing in the Old Testament. 00:18:57.180 --> 00:19:03.540 In the Old Testament God had a location, a physical place, a physical nation where he was displaying his glory. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:07.899 And we see very clearly this transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:10.799 Where in the New Testament it's not a nation state. 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:14.539 But it's a transnational entity called the church. 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:19.200 And it is this people that God has poured his spirit out on. 00:19:20.159 --> 00:19:22.119 And if you think about the day of Pentecost. 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:24.359 The promise that Joel has just talked about. 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:30.259 It came down and allowed the gospel to be preached in languages that people didn't even know how to speak. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:33.940 So that many nations could hear the good news. 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:35.440 And hear the call. 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:39.680 And what was a beginning of a down payment through the nation of Israel. 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:41.379 Now the doors have been blown open. 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:46.779 And God's great plan is to create a people from every tribe and tongue and nation. 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:50.400 This is what we see in Revelation 5. 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:53.720 The vision of worshiping Jesus where it says, 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:56.820 Worthy are you, Jesus, to take the scroll and open its seals. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:57.940 For you were slain. 00:19:58.360 --> 00:20:01.240 And by your blood you ransomed people for God. 00:20:01.360 --> 00:20:05.320 From every tribe and language and people and nation. 00:20:05.800 --> 00:20:09.480 You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God. 00:20:09.820 --> 00:20:12.300 And they shall reign on the earth. 00:20:14.280 --> 00:20:17.740 And friends, as we sit here now in this moment today. 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:23.720 The fulfillment of the hopes of God for his people. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:28.700 And the warning about the judgment about those who are outside. 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:31.140 Is not a national distinction. 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:35.279 But is a distinction between those who are under the blood of Christ. 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:36.700 That is the church. 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:37.980 And those who are not. 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:46.299 Now we've seen that the church is not perfect either. 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:54.639 And the first two chapters of Joel have warned us and reminded us that God will bring judgment as discipline to his own people first. 00:20:58.059 --> 00:21:02.680 But then also he will judge the world for its rebellion against him. 00:21:04.139 --> 00:21:05.099 Verse 16. 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:07.539 The Lord roars from Zion. 00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:11.680 And utters his voice from Jerusalem and the heavens and the earthquake. 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:13.480 And so it should. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:19.019 Before the God who judges that which is wrong. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:23.200 We all should rightly tremble before him. 00:21:24.759 --> 00:21:26.940 But look at the second half of that verse. 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:30.059 But the Lord is a refuge to his people. 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:34.599 And a stronghold to the people of Israel. 00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:43.339 You see because if we see that Joel is saying there is a vindication for the people of God. 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:45.579 In that their enemies will be defeated. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:47.799 And evil will not continue forever. 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:50.500 There is also a word of hope. 00:21:53.699 --> 00:21:56.599 Word of hope that God will restore his people. 00:21:57.439 --> 00:21:58.839 To eternal glory. 00:21:58.839 --> 00:22:00.779 What will this look like? 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.559 Oh my friends. 00:22:02.679 --> 00:22:04.259 This is such a beautiful picture. 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:06.240 First. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:10.079 His people will be vindicated and find peace from their enemies. 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:12.099 You see this in verse 17. 00:22:12.659 --> 00:22:13.639 That the Lord. 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:15.659 The covenant keeping God. 00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:17.659 Will come. 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:22.039 And he will reestablish a place where his people can dwell in peace. 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:27.079 Where the strangers of the world will no longer trample through Jerusalem. 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:33.399 As a road for their armies between Egypt and Assyria and the northern kingdoms. 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.819 As they had done before. 00:22:36.899 --> 00:22:38.759 But instead there will be peace. 00:22:39.119 --> 00:22:40.839 For those enemies will be judged. 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:44.460 And they will be destroyed. 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:46.079 And they will be no more. 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:51.399 Friends we have the privilege here in America. 00:22:51.399 --> 00:22:52.919 Of living in a country where. 00:22:53.139 --> 00:22:55.299 We have experienced very little. 00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:56.639 Real war. 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.399 On our soil. 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:03.059 But around the world. 00:23:03.199 --> 00:23:05.099 There are many who experience this on an. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.419 Ongoing basis. 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.460 And the promise. 00:23:07.939 --> 00:23:10.639 The promise that because God will come and judge. 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:12.960 That there will be peace one day. 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:15.159 That he will reestablish his kingdom. 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:17.100 And peace will come. 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:21.040 Where there is no more need for a sword. 00:23:21.800 --> 00:23:22.000 And the. 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:25.100 And the plowshares that were beaten into swords. 00:23:25.340 --> 00:23:26.440 Will now be turned back. 00:23:26.600 --> 00:23:28.920 And beaten into plowshares once again. 00:23:29.800 --> 00:23:32.080 When the lion will lie down with the lamb. 00:23:32.140 --> 00:23:33.120 In the words of the prophet. 00:23:33.840 --> 00:23:35.120 There will be no more bloodshed. 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:36.240 And no more violence. 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:38.740 Can you imagine that? 00:23:41.360 --> 00:23:43.019 Not only will there be peace. 00:23:43.420 --> 00:23:45.040 When God restores his people. 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:47.180 But there will be an abundance of life. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:50.539 Images of wine and milk flow. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:52.279 The wine is significant. 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.819 Because we've seen already. 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:54.859 In the book of Joel. 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:56.440 How the drought. 00:23:56.639 --> 00:23:58.399 And the attack of the locusts. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.980 Had destroyed their vineyards. 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:01.460 And so they had no wine. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.960 It says God will produce. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:07.059 In his restoration. 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.259 So much wine. 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:10.319 That the mountains will drip with it. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:13.980 And then he uses an image of milk. 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:16.299 Which brings to mind from the book of Joshua. 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.919 That God is taking his people. 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:19.059 Out of slavery. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:20.519 And into a promised land. 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:23.379 A land flowing with milk and honey. 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:24.539 Flowing. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:27.519 Overflowing with the things that provide life. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:29.179 To his people. 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:31.200 And not only milk. 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:31.320 But water. 00:24:31.320 --> 00:24:32.320 But water. 00:24:32.320 --> 00:24:32.640 Water. 00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:33.759 As well. 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:38.359 We don't live in a very arid area. 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:40.640 Maybe some of you have lived in deserts. 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.539 Maybe you've been to Israel. 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:44.160 And seen how dry it can be. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:47.539 The wadis that are only flowing streams. 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:48.740 During the rainy season. 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:50.279 And the rest of the year. 00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:52.019 They're just dry stream beds. 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.720 Joel says. 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:57.359 When the Lord restores his people. 00:24:58.160 --> 00:24:59.079 They will flow. 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:02.099 They will flow with life giving water. 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:03.799 And that water brings. 00:25:03.919 --> 00:25:04.519 If you've ever seen. 00:25:04.619 --> 00:25:06.099 There's this great planet earth. 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:09.099 Where there's a dry river in Africa. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:10.799 I wish I knew where it was. 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:11.639 I should have looked this up. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:13.879 This is an off the cuff illustration. 00:25:14.179 --> 00:25:14.219 But. 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:16.339 And there's this beautiful picture. 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.959 Where it's just completely dry. 00:25:18.179 --> 00:25:19.619 And then the rains come. 00:25:19.679 --> 00:25:20.799 And as the rains come. 00:25:20.879 --> 00:25:22.000 The animals come. 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:24.480 And the vegetation sprouts up. 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:24.939 And it's just. 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:27.519 Literally within like two days. 00:25:28.439 --> 00:25:31.399 It goes from a complete dry plain. 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:32.420 To this. 00:25:33.360 --> 00:25:33.800 Verdant. 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:35.300 Beautiful. 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.160 Green. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.880 Abundantly living. 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:40.680 Plain. 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.759 And that's a picture. 00:25:42.860 --> 00:25:44.540 Of what God is going to do for us. 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:47.940 There will be not only in the stream beds. 00:25:48.040 --> 00:25:48.840 But in Jerusalem. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:51.340 A fountain that overflows to the world. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.660 Friends. 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:55.960 Not only will there be peace. 00:25:56.040 --> 00:25:58.519 And not only will there be this abundance of life. 00:25:58.600 --> 00:26:00.180 But the greatest joy of all. 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:01.400 Verse 21. 00:26:01.539 --> 00:26:02.380 The last word. 00:26:03.360 --> 00:26:05.360 For the Lord will dwell in Zion. 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:08.720 The Lord will come and dwell among his people. 00:26:09.080 --> 00:26:10.320 This is the promise. 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.000 Given. 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:12.220 To Moses. 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:13.279 As he was. 00:26:13.840 --> 00:26:14.200 Delivering. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:16.039 As God had delivered his people out. 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:17.640 God came and said. 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:18.960 I will be your God. 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.279 And you will be my people. 00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:21.660 And I will dwell among you. 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:24.200 This is the promise. 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:25.700 That is given by Jesus. 00:26:27.040 --> 00:26:29.820 As he's waiting to be ascended to heaven. 00:26:29.820 --> 00:26:30.980 After his resurrection. 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:31.640 He says. 00:26:32.080 --> 00:26:33.519 I am with you. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:35.360 To the end of the age. 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:39.080 To be with him. 00:26:39.840 --> 00:26:42.019 Is to know and experience. 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:44.320 The intimacy of relationship with him. 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:46.819 The reality of his love. 00:26:46.899 --> 00:26:48.299 The greatness of his power. 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:51.000 The riches of his grace. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:53.679 Are all a refuge to his people. 00:26:55.439 --> 00:26:56.839 And this is the picture. 00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:59.059 That Joel holds forth. 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:02.139 Of what God will do when he restores his people. 00:27:03.439 --> 00:27:03.859 And friends. 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:06.039 Can we not see that this is exactly. 00:27:06.700 --> 00:27:07.879 What God has given. 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:08.619 To us. 00:27:08.679 --> 00:27:09.279 His church. 00:27:09.379 --> 00:27:10.359 In Jesus Christ. 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:11.819 We the church. 00:27:11.919 --> 00:27:13.219 The transnational people of God. 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:15.659 We who are longing for a new Jerusalem. 00:27:15.659 --> 00:27:16.939 In the end of this age. 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:18.779 We who lament now. 00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:21.279 How long oh Lord. 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:24.679 Can we not see that Jesus has defeated. 00:27:24.679 --> 00:27:25.859 Our greatest enemies. 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:27.359 That by his life and death. 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.000 And resurrection. 00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:30.399 He's defeated sin and death. 00:27:31.659 --> 00:27:33.859 That he's defeated the power of Satan. 00:27:33.939 --> 00:27:34.659 And that we know. 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.959 In the book of Revelation. 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:36.679 That one day. 00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:38.119 He will be destroyed. 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:39.879 And there will be no more evil. 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:40.900 And no more sin. 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:41.800 And no more wrong. 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:43.360 In the whole world. 00:27:45.280 --> 00:27:46.960 That the spiritual warfare. 00:27:47.100 --> 00:27:48.980 Not the physical warfare of the Old Testament. 00:27:49.080 --> 00:27:51.500 But the spiritual warfare that we are in today. 00:27:51.660 --> 00:27:52.720 Will end. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:54.560 And God will be victorious. 00:27:56.800 --> 00:27:59.340 Not only has he defeated our greatest enemies. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:03.020 But he's brought us abundant life in Jesus. 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:07.300 We are no longer dead. 00:28:07.640 --> 00:28:09.720 In our sins and trespasses. 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:14.080 But when by faith we are joined with Jesus. 00:28:14.080 --> 00:28:16.480 We are raised with him to new life. 00:28:16.600 --> 00:28:18.960 And a new life that is indestructible. 00:28:19.160 --> 00:28:21.980 A new life that means that even our physical death. 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.860 Is not the end. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:25.400 But the beginning and the entree. 00:28:25.520 --> 00:28:27.280 Into an eternity with God. 00:28:29.780 --> 00:28:31.780 Jesus is the fountain of life. 00:28:31.780 --> 00:28:33.440 From which we drink by faith. 00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:38.039 And finally the promise that Jesus will be with us. 00:28:38.039 --> 00:28:40.440 He will never leave us or forsake us. 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:43.960 Even in the midst of the challenges we face right now. 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:46.480 Personally and nationally. 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:48.360 Jesus is with us. 00:28:49.799 --> 00:28:52.039 And though in this in-between time we wait. 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.920 And we long. 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:53.640 And we cry out. 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.440 How long? 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:55.100 Oh Lord. 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:59.939 Joel reminds us that a restoration is coming. 00:29:02.240 --> 00:29:05.480 I want to leave you with a vision from the book of Revelation. 00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:07.439 As the apostle John. 00:29:08.179 --> 00:29:10.299 Gives us this picture of what is to come. 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.659 And I hope you will hear in it. 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:15.000 The resonance of all these promises that we've seen in Joel. 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:17.640 Chapter 21. 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.940 John writes this. 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:22.240 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. 00:29:22.380 --> 00:29:24.880 For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:26.160 And the sea was no more. 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:28.339 And I saw the holy city. 00:29:28.420 --> 00:29:29.059 New Jerusalem. 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:31.140 Coming down out of heaven from God. 00:29:31.640 --> 00:29:32.759 Prepared as a bride. 00:29:32.859 --> 00:29:34.000 Adorned for her husband. 00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:36.700 And I heard a loud voice from the throne. 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:37.740 Saying behold. 00:29:38.099 --> 00:29:41.819 The dwelling place of God is with humanity. 00:29:42.200 --> 00:29:43.619 He will dwell with them. 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:44.859 And they will be his people. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:47.339 And God himself will be with them as their God. 00:29:47.919 --> 00:29:50.500 And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:29:51.159 --> 00:29:52.619 And death shall be no more. 00:29:52.719 --> 00:29:54.039 Neither shall there be mourning. 00:29:54.139 --> 00:29:54.819 Nor crying. 00:29:55.179 --> 00:29:56.639 Nor pain anymore. 00:29:57.259 --> 00:29:59.279 For the former things have passed away. 00:30:00.719 --> 00:30:01.979 And then in chapter 22. 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:05.859 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:07.219 Bright as crystal. 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:10.139 Flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:11.959 Through the middle of the street of the city. 00:30:12.459 --> 00:30:14.579 Also on either side of the river. 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:18.059 The tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit. 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:20.459 Yielding its fruit each month. 00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:24.500 The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 00:30:25.379 --> 00:30:27.740 No longer will there be anything accursed. 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:30.279 But the throne of God and the Lamb will be in it. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:32.559 And his servants will worship him. 00:30:33.139 --> 00:30:34.399 They will see his face. 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:36.720 And his name will be on their forehead. 00:30:37.840 --> 00:30:39.460 And night will be no more. 00:30:39.820 --> 00:30:43.880 They will need no light of lamp or sun. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:46.140 For the Lord God will be their light. 00:30:46.680 --> 00:30:50.420 And they will reign forever and ever. 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:53.680 Do you hear it? 00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:59.940 How long, O Lord, will end in this glorious vision? 00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:07.660 Jesus has done all that is needed for this to be a certain future reality. 00:31:07.660 --> 00:31:13.420 And as we fix our eyes on that, it will be able to give us hope. 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:16.880 Hope for today and strength for today. 00:31:19.040 --> 00:31:22.060 As we endure these days of how long, O Lord. 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:28.539 The knowledge of his judgment against sin and the restoration of his people. 00:31:31.619 --> 00:31:35.579 This is the word that Joel has for us today. 00:31:35.659 --> 00:31:36.079 Let's pray. 00:31:36.779 --> 00:31:38.279 Lord, thank you for this word. 00:31:38.619 --> 00:31:45.259 And thank you for your glory that you have revealed in these things. 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:52.420 Lord, I pray that by your spirit, you would help us to know and understand these things. 00:31:52.599 --> 00:32:00.460 Lord, I pray, especially this morning, that a knowledge of what a great God, a great and mighty God you are. 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:05.240 Lord, would both sober us and would humble us. 00:32:06.460 --> 00:32:10.759 Lord, would gladden our hearts and strengthen our hope. 00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:15.119 Lord, we pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:16.379 Amen. 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.180 Let's stand. 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:27.200 Let's stand. 00:32:45.259 --> 00:32:46.079 Let's stand. 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.379 Let's stand. 00:32:46.379 --> 00:32:47.079 Let's stand. 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:49.480 We are a moment. 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:52.140 You are forever. 00:32:53.019 --> 00:32:54.920 Lord of the ages. 00:32:55.920 --> 00:32:58.240 God before a time. 00:32:58.660 --> 00:33:00.339 We are a vapor. 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:03.079 You are eternal. 00:33:04.140 --> 00:33:05.720 Love everlasting. 00:33:06.859 --> 00:33:10.000 Reigning on us. 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:17.619 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty. 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:23.599 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. 00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:28.519 Highest praises, honor and glory. 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:33.419 Be unto your name. 00:33:33.419 --> 00:33:38.480 Be unto your name. 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:39.480 We are a moment. 00:33:39.480 --> 00:33:43.980 We are a moment. 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:46.620 You are forever. 00:33:47.620 --> 00:33:49.299 Lord of the ages. 00:33:50.360 --> 00:33:52.620 God before a time. 00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:54.620 We are a vapor. 00:33:55.620 --> 00:33:57.360 You are eternal. 00:33:58.360 --> 00:34:00.000 Love everlasting. 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:02.000 Reigning on us. 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:05.000 Reigning on us. 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:11.719 Holy, holy, Lord God almighty. 00:34:11.719 --> 00:34:17.539 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:22.339 Highest praises, honor and glory. 00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:28.139 Be unto your name. 00:34:28.139 --> 00:34:33.139 unto your name. 00:34:34.839 --> 00:34:37.239 We are the broken. 00:34:38.239 --> 00:34:40.239 You are the healer. 00:34:40.940 --> 00:34:42.699 Jesus, Redeemer. 00:34:43.559 --> 00:34:45.859 Mighty to save. 00:34:46.139 --> 00:34:48.420 You are the love song. 00:34:48.719 --> 00:34:50.440 We'll sing forever. 00:34:51.440 --> 00:34:53.400 Bowing before you. 00:34:54.079 --> 00:34:56.599 Blessing your name. 00:34:56.599 --> 00:35:04.579 And holy, holy, Lord God almighty. 00:35:05.619 --> 00:35:10.279 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. 00:35:10.719 --> 00:35:15.099 Highest praises, honor and glory. 00:35:16.239 --> 00:35:19.539 Be unto your name. 00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:24.500 Be unto your name. 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:54.480 Be unto your name. 00:35:54.480 --> 00:36:00.480 Be unto your name. 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:09.019 You may be seated. 00:36:09.219 --> 00:36:14.199 Friends, we're glad that you have joined us for worship this morning, both on the live stream 00:36:14.199 --> 00:36:15.500 and here in person. 00:36:15.820 --> 00:36:19.159 We pray that the Lord will encourage you today. 00:36:19.159 --> 00:36:20.159 Quick announcements. 00:36:21.239 --> 00:36:25.299 Don't forget, next week, outdoor service is 4 o'clock, not 4.30. 00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:32.519 And please continue to RSVP to both services so that we know that you are coming. 00:36:33.300 --> 00:36:38.380 For those of you who are here, just so you know, if you're new here, the ushers will come 00:36:38.380 --> 00:36:39.280 and dismiss you. 00:36:39.400 --> 00:36:40.840 We'll go out the back. 00:36:40.840 --> 00:36:46.559 And just to remind you, we want to avoid having a choke point right outside the door. 00:36:46.680 --> 00:36:51.700 So if you can go out, turn right, go stand on the grass in front of Trinity House. 00:36:51.860 --> 00:36:54.539 Please stay off the sidewalk so that our neighbors can get by. 00:36:54.860 --> 00:36:55.960 That would be great. 00:36:55.960 --> 00:37:00.679 Hear now the benediction from the book of Jude. 00:37:01.240 --> 00:37:06.599 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence 00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:08.720 of his glory with great joy. 00:37:09.300 --> 00:37:12.720 To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 00:37:13.119 --> 00:37:19.860 Be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time, now and forever. 00:37:19.860 --> 00:37:20.820 Amen. 00:37:21.640 --> 00:37:22.519 Go in peace. 00:37:49.860 --> 00:38:19.840 Go in peace. 00:38:19.860 --> 00:38:49.840 Go in peace. 00:38:49.860 --> 00:39:19.840 Go in peace.