WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.280 No matter what religion, and no matter what philosophy, no matter what perspective, everyone 00:00:12.280 --> 00:00:19.480 ! at some point in their life, whether they'll admit it or not, will pray. Whether it's the 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:26.120 ! whether it's the soldier in the foxhole, whether it's the parent of a baby on life support, 00:00:26.120 --> 00:00:35.579 whether it's the anxious student before an exam, everyone at some point prays. All of 00:00:35.579 --> 00:00:44.740 us have this creaturely instinct to pray. And I think all of us struggle in knowing how 00:00:44.740 --> 00:00:53.500 to pray. It's not uncommon for people to ask me to help them in, how do I pray? Someone 00:00:53.500 --> 00:00:58.119 said to me recently, I want to pray but I just don't know what to do. And she's not 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:02.799 alone. Even Jesus and his disciples came to him with that request. And early on in his 00:01:02.799 --> 00:01:10.359 ministry, remember what they said, Lord, teach us how to pray. And here in Isaiah 63 to 64, 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:15.579 we actually have one of the great examples of prayer in the Bible. It's specifically a 00:01:15.579 --> 00:01:21.659 prayer of intercession. There are a number of great intercessory prayers where the person 00:01:21.659 --> 00:01:28.979 praying asks for things from God. There's Abraham's prayer for Sodom. In Genesis 18, Moses is praying 00:01:28.979 --> 00:01:34.819 for Israel after the event of the golden calf in Exodus 32. You've got the prayer of Daniel 00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:40.840 in chapter 9. You've got Jesus' high priestly prayer. It's probably one of the greatest prayers, 00:01:40.900 --> 00:01:48.799 isn't it? Ever prayed. But this prayer in Isaiah 63 to 64 is certainly less well known than those 00:01:48.799 --> 00:01:53.539 prayers. But I hope as we see it, we will see that it's got the stamp of greatness. 00:01:56.539 --> 00:02:02.359 We're about to see it has, I think, the boldest of requests. So if you were here two weeks ago, 00:02:02.439 --> 00:02:08.439 remember that the chapter before, Isaiah speaks and sees himself as something, as a watchman. 00:02:08.439 --> 00:02:16.060 He's a praying watchman alongside other watchmen. And I try to impress upon you that that is a call 00:02:16.060 --> 00:02:20.060 that God has placed on all of our lives. We are asking people to be watchmen and watch women. 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:27.860 We are asking people who pray in ceaseless discipline, vocal, urgent, pressing, sustained manner to God. 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:33.819 But Isaiah doesn't just leave it at that. He doesn't say, well, let's all be praying watchmen and women. 00:02:33.819 --> 00:02:39.959 Let's just get on with it. He intends to give you more this morning. He intends to show you what it looks like. 00:02:40.680 --> 00:02:45.719 To what it actually means. And the English translations don't show this so well. 00:02:45.780 --> 00:02:51.299 But look at the two verses from the week before last. Let me render them a little bit literally. 00:02:51.719 --> 00:02:54.180 Look at chapter 62, verse 6. 00:02:58.340 --> 00:03:00.519 Sorry, chapter 62 and verse 6. 00:03:00.520 --> 00:03:06.000 You put the Lord in remembrance and give him no rest. 00:03:06.340 --> 00:03:10.260 You who call the Lord to remember, give yourselves no rest, literally. 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:13.960 And then look at the first verse of our passage today. 00:03:14.060 --> 00:03:15.740 Chapter 63 and verse 7. 00:03:18.420 --> 00:03:21.300 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:26.100 The praises of the Lord according to all that the Lord has granted us. 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:28.640 I will cause the Lord to remember. 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:31.119 I will recount what God has done. 00:03:31.939 --> 00:03:36.979 It's the same word that's used in 62.6 and 63.7. 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:44.739 And what Isaiah does is he uses that same word to describe what you, as a praying watchman or woman, have to do. 00:03:45.779 --> 00:03:48.779 He's about to show us our task in prayer. 00:03:49.879 --> 00:03:53.219 And so three things of prayers that God loves to answer. 00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:54.539 Number one, the context of the prayer. 00:03:54.639 --> 00:03:55.919 Number two, the content of the prayer. 00:03:56.279 --> 00:03:57.699 And number three, the answer to the prayer. 00:03:57.699 --> 00:04:03.019 Number one, the context of the prayer that runs all the way from 7 to 14 in chapter 63. 00:04:03.179 --> 00:04:03.819 Look at verse 7. 00:04:05.299 --> 00:04:07.159 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:04:07.899 --> 00:04:09.239 The praises of the Lord. 00:04:09.919 --> 00:04:12.199 According to all that the Lord has granted us. 00:04:12.739 --> 00:04:14.919 And the great goodness for the house of Israel. 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:17.800 For he has granted them according to his compassion. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:20.740 According to the abundance of his steadfast love. 00:04:20.740 --> 00:04:23.540 Now can you notice how Isaiah begins and ends the verse. 00:04:25.019 --> 00:04:26.879 He begins and he ends verse 7. 00:04:27.660 --> 00:04:29.180 With God's steadfast love. 00:04:29.240 --> 00:04:30.079 He bookends it. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:32.960 Everything that God started to do. 00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:35.139 Is because of his steadfast love. 00:04:35.900 --> 00:04:37.860 And everything that God will end up doing. 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:39.259 Is because of his steadfast love. 00:04:39.340 --> 00:04:40.579 And everything in between. 00:04:40.840 --> 00:04:42.319 Is because of his steadfast love. 00:04:42.319 --> 00:04:45.199 All the deeds for which he is repraised. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:47.279 The good things which he has done. 00:04:47.339 --> 00:04:48.719 Are out of his steadfast love. 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:53.599 And right away Isaiah is laying a foundation for the prayer that will follow. 00:04:54.740 --> 00:04:57.040 He knows that the prayer that pleases God. 00:04:57.040 --> 00:05:02.060 Is a prayer that flows out of clear theological convictions. 00:05:02.520 --> 00:05:03.560 About who God is. 00:05:03.660 --> 00:05:04.700 And about what God has done. 00:05:05.960 --> 00:05:09.520 And you see that with pretty much all the intercessory prayers in the Bible. 00:05:10.040 --> 00:05:14.640 Now the praying watchman begins here by talking to God about God. 00:05:15.700 --> 00:05:18.879 By talking to God about God. 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:22.379 He recounts what God has done in the past for his people. 00:05:23.220 --> 00:05:24.400 His deeds of mercy. 00:05:24.399 --> 00:05:27.060 His works of patience and redemption. 00:05:28.419 --> 00:05:30.039 And so when we come to God in prayer. 00:05:30.179 --> 00:05:32.819 We shouldn't just launch right in. 00:05:33.539 --> 00:05:34.599 Into our requests. 00:05:34.679 --> 00:05:35.939 But we need to recount. 00:05:36.759 --> 00:05:38.120 Who God is and what he's done. 00:05:39.079 --> 00:05:41.199 To set the context for our prayer. 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:43.759 And Isaiah isn't really yet praying. 00:05:43.899 --> 00:05:47.459 He's at the moment laying the foundation for who God is. 00:05:47.620 --> 00:05:48.560 So let's think about it. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:51.560 So we praise him. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:53.239 Verse 7 for his steadfast love. 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:56.579 His kindness from before and in the future. 00:05:57.480 --> 00:05:58.240 In the now. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:01.980 We praise him for what he's done. 00:06:02.900 --> 00:06:04.579 How he's met all our needs. 00:06:05.500 --> 00:06:09.079 That we need to begin our prayers by reverencing him. 00:06:10.139 --> 00:06:12.120 Isaiah continues in verses 8 and 9. 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:15.699 He highlights God's grace and goodness to his people. 00:06:15.699 --> 00:06:17.560 In all their affliction. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:18.839 He was afflicted. 00:06:18.899 --> 00:06:19.939 He knew their distress. 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:22.800 And the angel of his presence saved them. 00:06:23.079 --> 00:06:24.959 In his love and in his pity he redeemed them. 00:06:25.620 --> 00:06:27.699 He lifted them up and carried them. 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:28.899 All the days of old. 00:06:28.980 --> 00:06:29.759 But they rebelled. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:32.740 They grieved his Holy Spirit. 00:06:35.740 --> 00:06:38.680 Isaiah still hasn't gone anywhere close to bringing his requests. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:42.519 He's still rehearsing to God. 00:06:42.840 --> 00:06:43.639 About God. 00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:45.740 All that God has done. 00:06:46.900 --> 00:06:47.780 And said. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:52.420 So again if we use this passage in our lives. 00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:54.939 We praise God don't we? 00:06:54.980 --> 00:06:57.379 Because he has called us as his children. 00:06:58.660 --> 00:06:59.420 His children. 00:06:59.420 --> 00:07:03.680 And Isaiah gets specific about what God has done for his people. 00:07:03.780 --> 00:07:06.040 He says he's become their saviour. 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:09.580 He's become their saviour. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:13.080 He's carried them all from the days of old. 00:07:14.939 --> 00:07:16.420 But they rebelled verse 10. 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:17.480 And grieved his Holy Spirit. 00:07:17.580 --> 00:07:18.860 Therefore he turned to be their enemy. 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:20.540 And he himself fought against them. 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:23.180 And then he remembered. 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:26.280 The days of old of Moses and his people. 00:07:26.439 --> 00:07:28.319 Where is he who brought them out of the sea. 00:07:28.400 --> 00:07:29.340 With the shepherds mischief. 00:07:29.420 --> 00:07:29.640 And he said. 00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:33.580 I think you can go right the way through to verse 14. 00:07:34.080 --> 00:07:35.780 He's thinking about one particular event. 00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:37.340 He's speaking about the exodus. 00:07:38.220 --> 00:07:40.480 Thinking about how God saved them. 00:07:40.699 --> 00:07:41.439 From Egypt. 00:07:42.680 --> 00:07:43.300 And he says. 00:07:43.900 --> 00:07:45.540 Your God is not a distant God. 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:47.620 In their distress. 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:49.639 God identified with them. 00:07:49.860 --> 00:07:51.680 In your affliction he was afflicted. 00:07:51.800 --> 00:07:53.180 It's a wonderful picture isn't it? 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:56.200 Some of you will know. 00:07:56.660 --> 00:07:57.780 The famous poem. 00:07:57.779 --> 00:08:00.379 That is on countless Christian cards. 00:08:00.559 --> 00:08:01.119 Footprints. 00:08:01.259 --> 00:08:01.579 You know right? 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:05.019 The person has a dream. 00:08:05.699 --> 00:08:06.799 And they look over their life. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:07.839 And they see. 00:08:08.119 --> 00:08:09.119 In the sand. 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:10.479 Two sets of footprints. 00:08:10.619 --> 00:08:11.319 Most of the time. 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.079 Sometimes Lord. 00:08:13.119 --> 00:08:13.899 There's one set. 00:08:14.599 --> 00:08:16.099 And the person in the dream is bothered. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:17.119 By. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:18.759 Why is there only one set of footprints. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:20.079 And so they ask the Lord. 00:08:20.399 --> 00:08:21.259 Where were you? 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:22.579 Where were you Lord. 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:23.699 When I need you most. 00:08:24.660 --> 00:08:25.759 And the Lord said. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:27.860 There's only one set of footprints there. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:28.139 Because. 00:08:28.819 --> 00:08:30.399 Because that was when I was carrying you. 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:31.540 Now. 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:32.639 You might love that poem. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.720 You might think it's a little bit kitsch. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:35.320 Or quaint. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:37.340 But here is the deal. 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:37.600 Alright. 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:40.200 There's only ever one set of footprints. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:44.440 There's only ever one set of footprints. 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:46.920 Because Isaiah says. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:48.060 God carried them. 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:48.980 Isn't it wonderful? 00:08:49.940 --> 00:08:52.900 God carried them all the days of old. 00:08:54.040 --> 00:08:54.920 All the time. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.379 And he's always carrying you. 00:08:58.360 --> 00:08:59.820 That's what he does for his people. 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:01.780 He carries us. 00:09:01.800 --> 00:09:02.420 That's what he does. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:03.660 As you are sitting here this morning. 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:05.259 He's carrying you. 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:06.300 Because he is the loving. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:06.920 Merciful. 00:09:07.080 --> 00:09:07.480 And kind. 00:09:07.560 --> 00:09:08.480 And compassionate God. 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:11.279 The load bearing God. 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.360 The carrying God. 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:14.980 And then through verses 10 to 14. 00:09:15.080 --> 00:09:15.980 He puts flesh on this. 00:09:16.060 --> 00:09:16.639 By recounting. 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:18.420 Recounting how God saved his people. 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:21.500 He speaks of God's unswerving commitment. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:23.340 To covenant. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:24.560 Steadfast love. 00:09:25.759 --> 00:09:27.100 In the person of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:27.180 --> 00:09:28.920 To bring them to the land he promised. 00:09:29.259 --> 00:09:30.240 Giving them rest. 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:32.860 But Isaiah doesn't sugar coat God here. 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:35.440 This isn't. 00:09:35.519 --> 00:09:36.980 Oh isn't it all wonderful and great. 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:38.779 He says. 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:40.779 No you need to know all of God's character. 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:41.700 So look at verse 10. 00:09:41.820 --> 00:09:42.600 But they rebelled. 00:09:43.440 --> 00:09:44.840 And they grieved his Holy Spirit. 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:47.279 Therefore he turned to be their enemy. 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:51.120 And himself fought against them. 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:55.340 Let those words sink in for a moment. 00:09:55.340 --> 00:09:58.680 In his text. 00:09:58.680 --> 00:10:00.000 Like Isaiah. 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:02.120 63. 00:10:02.759 --> 00:10:03.759 Verse 10. 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:06.320 Blow out of the water. 00:10:06.440 --> 00:10:07.259 That little mantra. 00:10:07.480 --> 00:10:07.820 You know. 00:10:07.960 --> 00:10:09.100 God hates the sin. 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:10.259 But loves the sinner. 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:13.560 It doesn't quite do justice. 00:10:13.560 --> 00:10:14.519 What the Bible says. 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:18.000 That in order to preserve his holiness. 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:19.660 God turns to be the enemy. 00:10:19.660 --> 00:10:21.139 Of those who rebel against him. 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:24.080 It's not a good place to be. 00:10:24.419 --> 00:10:25.059 God's enemy. 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:27.460 The God who is omniscient. 00:10:27.580 --> 00:10:28.220 Who sees everything. 00:10:28.340 --> 00:10:29.299 The God who is omnipotent. 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:30.120 Who is all powerful. 00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:31.939 The God who is sovereign over all. 00:10:32.259 --> 00:10:33.539 The God who knows your thinking. 00:10:33.699 --> 00:10:34.819 And he knows your actions. 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:36.199 And he knows it all. 00:10:36.279 --> 00:10:37.919 It is not a good idea to be his enemy. 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:40.840 And yet the Bible is very clear. 00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:41.120 Isn't it. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:41.460 This morning. 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:43.460 That if we will not submit our lives to him. 00:10:43.460 --> 00:10:45.120 If we will not trust in. 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:47.480 The saviour that he has provided. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:49.120 In Jesus Christ. 00:10:49.120 --> 00:10:49.240 Christ. 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:51.000 That is what we are. 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:55.960 And Isaiah rehearses all of this before God. 00:10:56.060 --> 00:10:56.980 God is kind. 00:10:57.139 --> 00:10:57.379 Yes. 00:10:57.460 --> 00:10:58.179 But he is holy. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:00.879 God is merciful. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:01.740 Wonderfully. 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:02.700 But he is righteous. 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:05.120 God is loving. 00:11:05.320 --> 00:11:06.320 But he is just. 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:09.340 And he is not going to ask anything of God. 00:11:09.379 --> 00:11:10.960 Until he has filled himself up. 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:11.860 With reverence. 00:11:12.440 --> 00:11:14.820 With these great theological truths about God. 00:11:16.460 --> 00:11:17.539 And for you and me. 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:18.419 As praying. 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:19.679 Watch women and watch men. 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:22.019 We need to rehearse these great truths about God. 00:11:22.079 --> 00:11:23.860 Before we come to him with great petitions. 00:11:25.399 --> 00:11:27.099 Notice how he primes the pump. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:29.860 By talking about who God is. 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:33.360 But also by building a case for what he is going to ask for. 00:11:33.699 --> 00:11:34.519 In verse 11. 00:11:34.979 --> 00:11:37.000 Isaiah starts asking questions about God. 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:37.439 Doesn't he? 00:11:38.939 --> 00:11:39.639 He says. 00:11:39.799 --> 00:11:41.319 Where is he who brought them. 00:11:41.699 --> 00:11:43.879 Out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:46.199 Where now is this God who acted. 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:50.540 He acted in this way. 00:11:50.640 --> 00:11:51.600 On behalf of his people. 00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:53.540 Has his patience been exhausted. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:57.180 Has he withdrawn his protecting presence from them now. 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:01.100 And it's not just for the sake of his people. 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:02.120 That God has acted that way. 00:12:02.180 --> 00:12:03.040 Look at verse 14. 00:12:03.680 --> 00:12:06.080 Isaiah addresses God directly. 00:12:06.080 --> 00:12:07.000 For the first time. 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:08.180 And Isaiah says. 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:09.620 You led your people out. 00:12:09.720 --> 00:12:11.860 To make for yourself a glorious name. 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:14.259 He said. 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.379 You did this all Lord. 00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:18.620 You guided your people in this way. 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:20.259 With all that power. 00:12:20.379 --> 00:12:21.320 And all that love. 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:24.159 To reveal your glory. 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:25.159 That's why you did it. 00:12:25.639 --> 00:12:27.440 To reveal your beauty to the world. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:29.820 To show how attractive your loving ways are. 00:12:31.300 --> 00:12:31.740 Lord. 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:33.840 Does that not matter to you anymore? 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:37.320 And Isaiah is expressing concern. 00:12:37.399 --> 00:12:38.620 Not only with what troubled him. 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:40.659 But with what troubles God. 00:12:40.659 --> 00:12:45.399 He brings God's concerns to the fore here. 00:12:45.459 --> 00:12:48.100 Because he knows God cares more than anything else. 00:12:48.139 --> 00:12:49.240 About his own glory. 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:50.299 And the beauty of his name. 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:53.939 So Isaiah will intercede with God. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.579 On the basis of what is at stake here. 00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:56.360 And what is at stake. 00:12:56.439 --> 00:12:58.199 Is nothing less than God's glory. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:12:58.959 And his beauty. 00:12:59.079 --> 00:12:59.719 And his renown. 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:02.059 All those things. 00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:03.360 God cares about most. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.480 And I think you and I. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:07.220 We need to hit the pause button there. 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:09.399 Because I'm pretty sure. 00:13:09.399 --> 00:13:10.379 When we think about this. 00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:11.500 It raises questions. 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:11.860 Doesn't it? 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:13.759 You hear people talk about God. 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:15.919 And God does all these things. 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:17.379 For his own glory. 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:19.559 And frankly. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.539 That strikes us. 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:21.159 Doesn't it sometimes. 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:21.840 As weird. 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:22.559 And a bit troubling. 00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:27.079 Isn't it a bit egotypical? 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:29.779 And self-centred. 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:30.419 And arrogant. 00:13:30.959 --> 00:13:32.480 To do whatever he pleases. 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:33.740 For the glory of his name. 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:34.740 Anytime. 00:13:35.299 --> 00:13:35.740 Anytime. 00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:36.779 You or I. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.899 Come across a person. 00:13:38.060 --> 00:13:39.120 Who is like that. 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:40.840 Who they do everything. 00:13:40.919 --> 00:13:41.980 For their own namesake. 00:13:42.039 --> 00:13:42.779 We look at people. 00:13:42.899 --> 00:13:43.480 That's like that. 00:13:43.539 --> 00:13:44.139 And we think. 00:13:44.259 --> 00:13:44.519 Don't we. 00:13:44.580 --> 00:13:45.180 How arrogant. 00:13:45.320 --> 00:13:46.240 How egotistical. 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:47.279 How selfish. 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:49.139 To do everything for yourself. 00:13:50.820 --> 00:13:51.159 And so. 00:13:51.299 --> 00:13:51.539 Why. 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:52.879 Is God. 00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:53.440 Doing that. 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:54.379 Any different at all. 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:57.879 How can he not be referred to. 00:13:57.940 --> 00:13:58.539 In those ways. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:14:00.740 Couldn't God. 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:01.939 Have designed reality. 00:14:02.419 --> 00:14:03.219 Such that he could. 00:14:03.219 --> 00:14:04.299 Give glory elsewhere. 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.559 And not to himself. 00:14:07.939 --> 00:14:08.879 Could he have not. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:09.799 Led the people. 00:14:10.500 --> 00:14:11.279 Of Israel. 00:14:12.039 --> 00:14:13.199 As Isaiah says here. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.139 To make a glorious name. 00:14:14.159 --> 00:14:15.139 For Moses their leader. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:15.959 Couldn't he have done that. 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:16.559 But God says. 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.759 I will not give my glory. 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:18.199 To another. 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:22.299 The answer is. 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:22.559 Of course. 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:23.199 God could have. 00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:24.699 But if God. 00:14:24.699 --> 00:14:25.959 Had given his glory. 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:26.519 To another. 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:28.079 God would have been. 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:28.820 An idolater. 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:30.560 God would have. 00:14:30.600 --> 00:14:31.420 Committed idolatry. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:33.500 Because God. 00:14:33.540 --> 00:14:34.280 Would be telling us. 00:14:34.300 --> 00:14:35.120 That there is something. 00:14:35.540 --> 00:14:36.220 More important. 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:37.000 In the universe. 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:37.600 Than he is. 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:38.259 And there isn't. 00:14:39.680 --> 00:14:40.280 And God would have. 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:40.740 Been telling us. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.160 That there is something. 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:42.139 More beautiful in the world. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:42.600 Than he is. 00:14:42.680 --> 00:14:43.259 But there isn't. 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.340 And God would be telling us. 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:45.879 That there is something. 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:47.220 More satisfying in the world. 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:47.700 Than he is. 00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:48.440 But there isn't. 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:50.639 And he would be suggesting. 00:14:50.780 --> 00:14:51.540 That there is some one. 00:14:51.660 --> 00:14:52.080 Or some thing. 00:14:52.160 --> 00:14:52.820 More splendid. 00:14:52.820 --> 00:14:53.480 And glorious. 00:14:53.680 --> 00:14:54.120 And perfect. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:54.759 And righteous. 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:55.420 And just. 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:55.980 Than he is. 00:14:56.340 --> 00:14:57.080 But there isn't. 00:14:58.080 --> 00:15:01.940 He would be suggesting that there's someone more caring and saving than he is. 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:02.700 But there isn't. 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:06.280 He would be stating that there's a greater hero in the world than him. 00:15:06.520 --> 00:15:07.200 And there isn't. 00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:13.660 And that is why God is zealous to make for himself a name that is glorious. 00:15:15.520 --> 00:15:19.200 He does everything for his own glory because he is the ultimate hero. 00:15:20.400 --> 00:15:22.060 He is the one that you and I need. 00:15:23.160 --> 00:15:25.460 He is the one who deserves all praise. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:29.519 He is the one that you and I are called to trust in with everything we've got. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:35.360 Now everything we've looked at so far this morning is in the context of this prayer. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:40.160 And it's not until chapter 63 and verse 15 that we move to the content of the prayer. 00:15:41.400 --> 00:15:43.480 Which goes all the way through to the end of 64. 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:47.940 Isaiah has primed the pump in the way that he's described God. 00:15:48.800 --> 00:15:51.940 The way that he has articulated God's ultimate passion. 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:56.240 And that is going to impact how he approaches God and how he talks to God. 00:15:56.300 --> 00:15:57.740 And the same is true for you and me. 00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:02.540 What we actually bring to God in our prayers. 00:16:02.660 --> 00:16:05.100 What we actually say to God and how to say it. 00:16:05.180 --> 00:16:08.180 How impassioned we are when we say it all. 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:12.760 Is going to flow out of what we realise is the truth about God. 00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:15.340 And what we've rehearsed before God. 00:16:15.340 --> 00:16:20.860 So let me point to you three aspects of the content of the watchman's prayer. 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:22.800 First of all there's an impassioned plea. 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:23.780 Can you see verse 15? 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:24.980 Look down from heaven. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:26.019 And see. 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:29.440 From your holy hill and beautiful habitation. 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:31.200 Where are your zeal and your might. 00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:33.300 The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion. 00:16:33.420 --> 00:16:34.460 They are held back from me. 00:16:36.160 --> 00:16:38.639 Isaiah comes humbly and reverently. 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:43.059 He seems to be drawing off that vision from Isaiah 6. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:47.919 He has a vision in the temple where he sees God high and lifted up. 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:50.179 His train fills the temple. 00:16:50.419 --> 00:16:51.659 And glory fills the temple. 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:54.360 And the cherubim cry back to one another. 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:55.220 He is holy. 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:55.980 He is holy. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:56.699 He is holy. 00:16:58.539 --> 00:16:59.559 And so he knows. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:01.799 He comes to God with reverence because of that. 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:02.860 But he's bold isn't he? 00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:06.519 He's talking to God and he says verse 15. 00:17:06.519 --> 00:17:07.579 He looks and sees. 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:10.960 And he's still asking questions. 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:15.079 But now the questions he's asking are kind of full on person to person questions. 00:17:15.440 --> 00:17:16.379 Where are you God? 00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:20.379 In verse 17 he adds to the where question. 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.359 The why question. 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:23.779 Why are things so different from what they used to be? 00:17:23.879 --> 00:17:26.420 Chapter 64 verse 5. 00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:29.440 And then he adds a how question. 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:31.059 How can we be saved? 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:35.359 64 verse 12 he adds a yes or no question. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:37.259 After everything that's happened God. 00:17:37.479 --> 00:17:39.179 Are you just going to hold back? 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.179 And do nothing? 00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:41.979 Do you pray like that? 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:46.819 If I do pray like that it's not very often. 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:51.299 And I'm guessing we don't pray like that. 00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:53.500 Because we think that it's a little bit rude. 00:17:56.559 --> 00:17:58.659 Or insolent towards God to speak like this. 00:17:58.699 --> 00:18:00.659 But they're not hostile questions are they? 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:03.199 They're not arrogant questions. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:06.279 These questions are impassioned. 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:08.460 Because Isaiah realises what is at stake. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:13.640 Maybe we don't pray like this because we don't realise what's at stake. 00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:19.120 He's pleading with God to do something for the glory of his name. 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:23.600 And God could not be more delighted when we ask. 00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:25.480 When we care. 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:26.980 For his glory. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:30.000 And Isaiah is pleading for the sake of God. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:32.440 But he's also pleading for the sake of his people in verse 17. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:35.519 And we should realise that those two pleas are related. 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:38.880 Pleading for his glory. 00:18:39.839 --> 00:18:41.200 And pleading for his people. 00:18:42.960 --> 00:18:43.839 Which makes sense. 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:47.500 Because the second aspect of the content of the prayer is a family connection. 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:50.019 Isaiah brings that up. 00:18:51.240 --> 00:18:52.740 Explicitly three times doesn't he? 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:54.980 Verse 16 of Isaiah 63. 00:18:55.140 --> 00:18:56.220 For you are our father. 00:18:57.460 --> 00:18:58.940 Chapter 64 verse 8. 00:18:59.019 --> 00:19:02.059 But now oh Lord you are our father. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.519 You are our father. 00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:10.819 The boldness with which Isaiah comes before God. 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:12.940 Is because he knows God as father. 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:17.339 And that relationship for Isaiah means accessibility. 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:18.319 And intimacy. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:19.380 And immediacy. 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:23.140 And so as we come to God. 00:19:23.280 --> 00:19:23.820 We pray. 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.600 Our father who is in heaven. 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:27.400 We don't come in a business relationship. 00:19:29.100 --> 00:19:30.260 There's a difference isn't there. 00:19:30.280 --> 00:19:31.640 Between a business relationship. 00:19:31.800 --> 00:19:33.060 And a family relationship. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:37.120 In business. 00:19:37.580 --> 00:19:38.840 Your relationship to your boss. 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:40.300 Is on the basis of your performance. 00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:43.100 If you perform for me. 00:19:43.120 --> 00:19:44.060 I will perform for you. 00:19:45.160 --> 00:19:46.520 In a family relationship. 00:19:46.660 --> 00:19:47.620 The basis is commitment. 00:19:47.780 --> 00:19:49.200 And there's no better place. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.600 For you to work out. 00:19:51.800 --> 00:19:53.660 How is your relationship with God. 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.540 What's it like. 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:56.760 Whether it's a business basis. 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:57.960 Or a family basis. 00:19:57.960 --> 00:19:59.300 Then looking at how you pray. 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:04.520 You come with a sense of intimacy. 00:20:05.280 --> 00:20:06.300 And an immediacy. 00:20:09.080 --> 00:20:11.180 Or are you a little bit standoffish. 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:12.180 Not too sure. 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:14.120 Not too sure. 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:15.080 That you should approach him. 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.700 There is a difference isn't there. 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.100 Between a business relationship. 00:20:19.160 --> 00:20:20.039 And a family relationship. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:22.900 He is our father. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:25.140 He is our father. 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.100 He is a father who says to his people. 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:27.000 I want you to come. 00:20:28.340 --> 00:20:29.799 I want you to come with your questions. 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:32.960 I want you to come with your doubts. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:36.400 I want you to come with your griefs. 00:20:37.340 --> 00:20:38.180 And your pleas. 00:20:39.420 --> 00:20:40.819 I want you to come with your struggles. 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:43.579 And I want you to trust me. 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.299 And depend on me. 00:20:44.340 --> 00:20:45.160 Absolutely everything. 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:47.980 And thirdly. 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:48.860 The content of this prayer. 00:20:49.160 --> 00:20:50.940 Includes a penitent pose. 00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:52.980 A repentant pose. 00:20:54.300 --> 00:20:55.480 He says verse 7. 00:20:55.620 --> 00:20:55.940 Doesn't he. 00:20:59.019 --> 00:21:00.259 He addresses God. 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:02.800 There is no one who calls upon your name. 00:21:02.840 --> 00:21:04.540 Who rouses himself to take hold of you. 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:06.060 For you have hidden your face from us. 00:21:06.060 --> 00:21:07.840 And have made us melt in the hand. 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:09.480 Of our iniquities. 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:13.940 Isaiah in these verses. 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:16.680 Displays. 00:21:17.140 --> 00:21:19.519 The devastating effects of sin. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.380 That sin. 00:21:22.580 --> 00:21:23.100 Imprisons. 00:21:25.180 --> 00:21:25.940 And sin. 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:26.980 Depraves. 00:21:27.580 --> 00:21:28.620 And disintegrates. 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:29.080 People. 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:30.460 And sin. 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:31.540 Alienates people. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:34.259 And he points to how. 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:36.180 Sin creates. 00:21:36.320 --> 00:21:37.200 Absolute havoc. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.480 The effect that sin has. 00:21:40.580 --> 00:21:41.060 In your life. 00:21:41.120 --> 00:21:41.519 On your mind. 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:42.560 And it gets to the point. 00:21:42.700 --> 00:21:43.180 Where he says. 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:44.140 You know what happens. 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.759 This might not seem the pinnacle. 00:21:46.860 --> 00:21:47.880 But to God it's a big deal. 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:49.120 He says it's got to the point. 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.800 Verse 7. 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:51.560 Where no one will lift a finger. 00:21:52.860 --> 00:21:54.220 No one will even lift a finger. 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:55.460 To try and take hold of God. 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:58.700 But what is interesting. 00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:00.799 Is how Isaiah speaks about. 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:01.259 Sin. 00:22:02.620 --> 00:22:03.340 Who is it. 00:22:03.380 --> 00:22:03.819 That he says. 00:22:03.900 --> 00:22:05.220 Has committed this terrible sin. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:05.900 He says. 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:06.799 We. 00:22:08.680 --> 00:22:09.360 We did. 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:11.819 We did. 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:14.740 That what it means. 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.440 To be a praying. 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:16.420 Watchman or woman. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:18.220 In the terms of Isaiah 62. 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:18.920 And 63. 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:19.440 Is. 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.720 That we admit. 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:21.460 We are the problem. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.559 That we are always. 00:22:24.820 --> 00:22:25.620 Including ourselves. 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:26.799 That we don't hold. 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:28.279 Sin at arm's length. 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.019 Or we don't think. 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:30.259 You know the problem around here. 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:31.039 The problem around here. 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:31.240 Is. 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.400 Is that's them out there. 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:34.100 The problem around here. 00:22:34.240 --> 00:22:34.640 Is you. 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:35.279 No. 00:22:37.840 --> 00:22:39.019 We are part of the problem. 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.500 And you and I. 00:22:42.580 --> 00:22:43.400 Will never become passionate. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.400 Praying people. 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:47.100 Until we see our needs. 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.040 To identify. 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.180 With the problem. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.460 Rather than see. 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.280 Other people's faults. 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.480 And we need to see. 00:22:54.600 --> 00:22:56.300 That we need rescue. 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:59.019 And we need deliverance. 00:22:59.800 --> 00:23:00.900 And we need forgiveness. 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:01.700 And mercy. 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:03.720 If not more than those around us. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:06.160 And that's what Isaiah does here. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.840 He takes up this pen and pose. 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:10.640 Lastly. 00:23:10.740 --> 00:23:11.780 How does God answer this prayer? 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.759 How does God answer. 00:23:14.320 --> 00:23:15.380 The watchman's prayer. 00:23:16.360 --> 00:23:17.460 We've actually looked at. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.100 What is central. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.980 The central part of the prayer. 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:21.860 Isaiah 63 verse 15. 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:23.140 Isaiah asks God. 00:23:23.259 --> 00:23:24.259 To look down from heaven. 00:23:24.360 --> 00:23:25.360 Look and see Lord. 00:23:27.080 --> 00:23:28.120 But as we come. 00:23:28.280 --> 00:23:29.440 To 64 verse 1. 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:29.880 Do you notice. 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:31.200 There's a little bit of a change. 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:34.519 63 verse 15. 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:35.980 Look and see. 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:38.460 64 verse 1. 00:23:39.780 --> 00:23:40.480 Come down. 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:43.740 Oh that you would rend the heavens. 00:23:43.840 --> 00:23:44.440 And come down. 00:23:44.440 --> 00:23:45.900 Forget about just looking now. 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:47.120 I am asking Lord. 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.380 That you would come down. 00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:51.279 Oh that you would rend the heavens. 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:51.779 And come down. 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:53.600 That the mountains might quake at your presence. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:55.259 As when fire kindles brushwood. 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:57.600 And the fire causes water to boil. 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:59.000 To make your name. 00:23:59.080 --> 00:24:01.240 Make your name known to your adversaries. 00:24:01.820 --> 00:24:04.160 And that the nations might tremble at your presence. 00:24:04.880 --> 00:24:06.200 When you did awesome things. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.059 That we did not look for. 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:07.799 You came down. 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:09.279 The mountains quaked at your presence. 00:24:09.600 --> 00:24:10.259 From of old. 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.019 Those no one has heard. 00:24:11.079 --> 00:24:12.160 Or perceived by the ear. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:14.500 No eye has seen a God besides you. 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:17.319 Who acts for those who wait for him. 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.779 Isaiah's still got Exodus in his mind. 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:21.160 Doesn't he? 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:22.819 And he says. 00:24:22.879 --> 00:24:23.779 Lord you've done it before. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.879 Would you do it again? 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:29.020 You came down in the first Exodus. 00:24:29.020 --> 00:24:29.960 Upon Mount Sinai. 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.620 With thunder and lightning. 00:24:32.120 --> 00:24:32.880 As you brought the Lord. 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:34.040 We didn't expect you to do it. 00:24:34.060 --> 00:24:34.680 But you did it. 00:24:35.580 --> 00:24:37.260 And the mountains trembled when you did it. 00:24:37.320 --> 00:24:38.100 And Isaiah is saying. 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.600 We need you to do it again Lord. 00:24:40.540 --> 00:24:41.880 Lord we need a new Exodus. 00:24:42.100 --> 00:24:44.380 We need you to rip the heavens apart. 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:46.520 And we long for you to show the world. 00:24:46.840 --> 00:24:47.680 Who you are. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:50.040 That since ancient times. 00:24:50.100 --> 00:24:50.740 No one's here. 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:53.880 No eye has perceived. 00:24:53.880 --> 00:24:55.400 No eye has seen any. 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:56.980 God except you. 00:24:57.100 --> 00:24:58.960 Who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 00:25:01.540 --> 00:25:02.780 I don't know if you memorize. 00:25:03.120 --> 00:25:04.220 The Bible memorize scripture. 00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:05.120 I don't do it. 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:07.000 Anywhere near as much as I should. 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:09.220 But this is a verse isn't it. 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:10.660 That is well worth memorizing. 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:13.860 Paul quotes it in 1 Corinthians 2 verse 9. 00:25:14.760 --> 00:25:15.880 And it's been called. 00:25:16.280 --> 00:25:17.660 The gospel in the Old Testament. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:20.580 If you wanted a verse to encapsulate. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.120 The gospel. 00:25:21.360 --> 00:25:23.580 Isaiah 64 verse 9 does it for us. 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.960 But here is the message. 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.779 The God of the Bible. 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.539 Works on behalf. 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:31.399 Of those who wait for him. 00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:35.139 He works for us around the clock. 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.859 He's working for you right now. 00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:40.799 He's waking you up to listen to his word. 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:42.059 He's constantly working. 00:25:42.179 --> 00:25:43.240 He doesn't take days off. 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:44.519 He doesn't call in sick. 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.299 He doesn't sleep. 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:48.839 In fact you want to know how eager God is to work for you. 00:25:48.919 --> 00:25:51.359 Listen to this verse from 2 Chronicles 16 verse 9. 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:56.500 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth. 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:58.500 To give strong support. 00:25:58.500 --> 00:26:01.799 To give strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards him. 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:08.079 God in heaven looks around for more work to do. 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:10.640 For those who trust him. 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:14.480 He's not looking for people to work for him. 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.259 He has. 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:19.559 He is looking for people who will let him work for them. 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.579 Isn't that the gospel? 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.980 That God works for you? 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:28.140 The gospel is not about what you do for God. 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:30.059 It is about what God has done for you. 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:35.659 Of course when you know that God is working for you. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.559 It changes your heart. 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:39.119 So you end up in gratitude wanting to serve him. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:41.119 But that is not the first thing is it? 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:45.259 The first call of the gospel is to let God serve you. 00:26:48.659 --> 00:26:50.759 Isaiah's point here is that the gospel is not. 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:54.539 God hanging up a help wanted sign. 00:26:56.159 --> 00:26:58.940 The gospel is not that God is kind of struggling with his job. 00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:01.380 When he needs you and me to come and try and help him. 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:01.960 No. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:07.360 The gospel commands you and I to put up a sign saying I want it. 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:11.320 That is essentially the purpose of our praying, isn't it? 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.700 What is prayer? 00:27:13.880 --> 00:27:16.000 Prayer is to admit our weaknesses. 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:19.840 That's why prayer is so important for us as a church. 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.920 It tells us of our inability. 00:27:22.120 --> 00:27:25.259 And our absolute need for God to work on our behalf. 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:31.240 And the great news is that when we hang up that sign saying help wanted. 00:27:32.259 --> 00:27:35.740 That is met with God's promise saying I will indeed be your help. 00:27:37.099 --> 00:27:39.519 He will work for us if only we will ask. 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:42.400 So here's the question. 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:45.200 Has God answered Isaiah's prayer? 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:47.740 Or is it out there hanging? 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:53.099 And the answer is he has answered Isaiah's prayer. 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:57.759 If you went to Mark chapter 1 and verses 9 to 11. 00:27:58.660 --> 00:28:00.019 The time of Jesus' baptism. 00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:07.279 And it says in those days Jesus of Nazareth of Galilee was baptized by John in the Jordan. 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:14.720 And when he came out of the water immediately he saw the heavens being torn open. 00:28:15.899 --> 00:28:16.240 Rent. 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:19.799 And the spirit descending on him like a dove. 00:28:21.259 --> 00:28:24.339 And a voice came from heaven saying you are your beloved son with whom I am well pleased. 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.700 And Isaiah cries out doesn't he? 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:31.259 Oh that you would split the heavens and come down. 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:31.920 And God did. 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:37.800 And when he came down the first time in the Exodus he came with thunder and with lightning. 00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:41.660 But this time, the second time, the second Exodus. 00:28:41.820 --> 00:28:47.940 The greater work of deliverance by which God will make his glorious name known to the nations. 00:28:48.300 --> 00:28:49.759 The spirit comes down like a dove. 00:28:51.060 --> 00:28:53.259 And he anoints Jesus as the servant of the Lord. 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:56.320 That's the language that God uses at the baptism. 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:58.740 The servant of the Lord who is all over Isaiah. 00:28:58.740 --> 00:29:03.839 Who will come to be the substitute for your sins and my sins. 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:07.900 And Isaiah asks, Lord where are you? 00:29:08.900 --> 00:29:11.700 And God replies, here I am in the person of my son. 00:29:13.640 --> 00:29:18.620 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you. 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:21.059 Who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:29.399 And that work for which God splits the heavens and anoints his son culminates at the cross. 00:29:30.919 --> 00:29:32.899 And Matthew tells us, doesn't it, wonderfully. 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:36.359 That at the very moment that the Lord Jesus died on the cross. 00:29:37.399 --> 00:29:43.759 It's as if he pans the camera from the cross on Calvary to the temple in Jerusalem. 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:46.879 Jesus cried out again with a loud voice. 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:49.339 And yielded up his spirit. 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:53.940 And behold the curtain of the temple was torn. 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:56.420 Into exactly the same word. 00:29:57.640 --> 00:30:00.460 From top to bottom and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:05.220 And the gospel writers use the same word for the tearing of the temple curtain. 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:08.680 And the tearing open of heaven at Jesus' baptism. 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:11.539 Because you see the curtain. 00:30:12.320 --> 00:30:14.600 That is what surrounded the Holy of Holies. 00:30:15.560 --> 00:30:17.980 It was the place where God dwelt in the temple. 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:18.960 It was this huge barrier. 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:25.299 It was a huge barrier between the Holy God and sinful men and women and boys and girls like you and I. 00:30:26.380 --> 00:30:30.019 It was like a massive, great, big, no entry sign. 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:36.060 And as Jesus breathes his last, God rips it from top to bottom. 00:30:38.680 --> 00:30:39.740 He doesn't just open it. 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.940 If he opened it, it could be closed again. 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:52.580 But no, he rips it once for all to say nothing, nothing now can prevent my people from coming into my presence, from knowing me as my father. 00:30:54.759 --> 00:30:56.240 God answered Isaiah's prayer. 00:30:57.920 --> 00:31:01.340 Because he is the God who does awesome things. 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:06.799 He does awesome things that we don't even look for. 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:10.819 He is the God who works for those who wait for him. 00:31:13.159 --> 00:31:15.559 Dick Lucas in a sermon on this passage said, 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:24.000 A person who does not know God, could not, would not, does not pray like this. 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:30.460 Only God can lead you and me to make our prayers about him. 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:33.019 That is the key. 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:36.319 Who is your prayer? 00:31:37.339 --> 00:31:38.920 What is your prayer mostly about? 00:31:41.779 --> 00:31:46.019 So Dick says, we come to Isaiah and we ask some questions. 00:31:46.140 --> 00:31:48.140 We say, Watchman, what are you praying for? 00:31:48.140 --> 00:31:52.060 I'm praying for the presence of God. 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:57.240 And Watchman, what are you concerned or sad about? 00:31:58.800 --> 00:32:01.380 I'm sad because we've lost hold of God. 00:32:03.040 --> 00:32:06.980 And Watchman, what hope do you have that your prayers will be answered? 00:32:08.660 --> 00:32:12.200 My only hope is the character of God. 00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:19.140 It seems as though the country is in chaos. 00:32:20.340 --> 00:32:24.400 In lots of ways, we lurch from kind of one crisis to another. 00:32:25.279 --> 00:32:26.299 And what is our hope? 00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.720 What is our only hope? 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:33.759 Well, what do we pray for? 00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:34.920 We pray for the presence of God. 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:38.440 And what should grieve us most? 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:43.940 What should grieve us most that as a church and as a country we've lost hold of God? 00:32:46.340 --> 00:32:47.400 And what is our hope? 00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:51.039 Our only hope is in the character of God. 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:56.759 And the Lord God is pleased by such praying. 00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:59.160 By men and women. 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:00.660 And boys and girls. 00:33:01.580 --> 00:33:02.380 Like you and me. 00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:04.720 And so let's pray.