WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.040 Listen to me, O Coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:14.880 The Lord caught me from the womb. From the body of my mother, he named my name. 00:00:16.219 --> 00:00:21.420 He made my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand, he hid me. 00:00:22.420 --> 00:00:26.839 He made me a polished arrow. In his clover, he hid me away. 00:00:26.839 --> 00:00:34.219 And he said to me, You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:42.200 But I said, I have labored in vain. I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity. 00:00:43.359 --> 00:00:49.219 Yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God. 00:00:49.219 --> 00:00:58.399 And now the Lord says, He who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, 00:00:58.799 --> 00:01:01.379 and that Israel might be gathered to him. 00:01:02.079 --> 00:01:07.819 For I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength. 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:12.819 He says, It is too light a thing that you should be my servant, 00:01:12.819 --> 00:01:18.239 to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to bring back the preserved of Israel. 00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:26.699 I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. 00:01:27.979 --> 00:01:32.959 Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, 00:01:33.759 --> 00:01:40.119 to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers. 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:46.939 Kings shall see and arise, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves. 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:53.660 Because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you. 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:56.780 Then from verse 13. 00:01:58.820 --> 00:02:03.020 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth. 00:02:03.800 --> 00:02:06.500 Break forth, O mountains, into seeing. 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:13.500 But the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted. 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:17.719 But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me. 00:02:18.259 --> 00:02:21.360 My God, my Lord has forgotten me. 00:02:22.719 --> 00:02:28.539 Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? 00:02:29.240 --> 00:02:33.979 Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:38.879 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. 00:02:39.539 --> 00:02:41.799 Your walls are continually before me. 00:02:42.719 --> 00:02:43.239 Amen. 00:02:43.240 --> 00:02:43.439 Amen. 00:02:46.800 --> 00:02:47.280 Great. 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:51.460 Ellen, thank you so much for reading that. 00:02:51.840 --> 00:02:53.500 Will you join me as we pray together? 00:02:53.640 --> 00:02:55.840 Let's come before our Heavenly Father in prayer. 00:02:56.879 --> 00:03:01.219 Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, we come before you this morning. 00:03:01.480 --> 00:03:06.080 As we come to your word that Ellen has read to us, this amazing passage in Isaiah. 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:08.560 God, we want you to speak to us. 00:03:08.620 --> 00:03:14.300 We want to behold the Savior King, this Messiah that has come that we celebrate at Christmas. 00:03:14.480 --> 00:03:17.520 God, won't you open the eyes of our hearts to see you afresh. 00:03:17.620 --> 00:03:20.800 Won't you show us once again the beauty of the gospel. 00:03:21.560 --> 00:03:27.480 God, won't you help us to see the depth and the richness and the complexity of Christ, your coming, 00:03:27.479 --> 00:03:35.799 and the extent of the gospel, and how it's not just for Israel back then, but how it impacts our lives, even here in Hong Kong, thousands of years later. 00:03:36.359 --> 00:03:37.519 God, won't you come? 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:41.319 Lord, I pray for every one of us here today that are watching. 00:03:41.959 --> 00:03:43.239 God, soften our hearts. 00:03:44.019 --> 00:03:46.359 Prepare our hearts, God, to hear from you. 00:03:47.179 --> 00:03:49.879 Lord, I pray that we will meet with you in your word. 00:03:49.879 --> 00:03:53.139 God, you know what's going to come out of my mouth. 00:03:53.259 --> 00:03:59.439 If there's anything that is not of you, doesn't honor your word, or what your heart is, God, I pray, stop me saying that. 00:03:59.539 --> 00:04:00.780 You let that fall in their fears. 00:04:01.460 --> 00:04:03.359 We want to meet with you, God, this morning. 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:04.859 So come and have your way, we pray. 00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:07.519 Be glorified, Christ. 00:04:08.599 --> 00:04:08.919 Amen. 00:04:09.859 --> 00:04:10.219 Amen. 00:04:11.219 --> 00:04:12.819 Well, good morning, everybody. 00:04:13.019 --> 00:04:17.659 If you don't know me, my name is Kevin, and welcome to our second week of Advent. 00:04:17.660 --> 00:04:26.120 Advent is that time in the year when, as Christians, we celebrate Christ's first coming and anticipate his second coming. 00:04:26.700 --> 00:04:35.280 And this year, we are looking at this amazing, amazing book in the Bible, this book of Isaiah, which was written 700 years before Jesus came. 00:04:35.760 --> 00:04:39.620 And in it, we are looking at these four servant passages. 00:04:40.379 --> 00:04:43.780 Now, if you were here last week, you'll remember, we looked at Isaiah chapter 42, 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:48.059 and we said that the book of Isaiah is divided into two sections. 00:04:48.239 --> 00:04:54.339 The first half chronicles the downward spiral and the trouble that the nation of Israel are in. 00:04:54.639 --> 00:04:56.319 They are rebelling against God. 00:04:56.419 --> 00:05:01.119 They've gone their own way, and God is warning them about the dangerous path that they are on. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:05.479 Remember, there's that famous passage in chapter 29 where God says, 00:05:05.480 --> 00:05:10.700 These people, they honor me with their lips, they say the right things, but actually their hearts are far from me. 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:17.500 And God has been warning them about this impending disaster that's coming in the form of the Babylonian army. 00:05:18.280 --> 00:05:19.759 And eventually, Babylon does come. 00:05:20.259 --> 00:05:23.000 This ruthless and hasty nation comes from the north. 00:05:23.420 --> 00:05:24.420 They attack Jerusalem. 00:05:24.560 --> 00:05:25.520 They plunder Jerusalem. 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:26.939 They destroy the temple. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:32.300 And they march off almost the entire nation of Israel as exiles back to Babylon. 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:36.219 And Israel is in Babylon in exile for 70 years. 00:05:37.019 --> 00:05:38.459 But God is not finished with His people. 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:40.339 He hasn't abandoned them or forgotten them. 00:05:40.899 --> 00:05:43.540 And so God promises He's going to redeem them. 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:46.100 He's come with a rescue plan. 00:05:46.740 --> 00:05:52.720 And as we read Isaiah, we see that actually God's plan is not just for Israel. 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:54.319 Actually, it's for the whole world. 00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:59.860 Israel was meant to be a light to the nations, to draw people towards God. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:04.099 But Israel had become just as lost as the nations around them. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:07.180 And so God is coming to redeem Israel. 00:06:07.300 --> 00:06:08.319 But not only Israel. 00:06:08.600 --> 00:06:10.659 Through Israel, He's going to redeem the whole world. 00:06:11.180 --> 00:06:16.939 All the nations of the world are going to be brought back to God through His redemption plan. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:24.319 And so as we said last week, this redemption plan involves the agency or the ministry of this mysterious figure. 00:06:24.920 --> 00:06:26.480 A Messiah type figure. 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:29.420 Someone that Isaiah calls the servant of the Lord. 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:34.939 And last week you saw how this servant figure, this Messiah, is going to be a king who brings justice. 00:06:35.740 --> 00:06:39.040 Which means He's going to restore what's wrong and put it right again. 00:06:39.379 --> 00:06:41.939 He's going to restore God's blueprint for humanity. 00:06:42.620 --> 00:06:45.240 And this is the ministry of this Messiah. 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:49.660 Well, today we're going to look at the second of these servant passages. 00:06:49.900 --> 00:06:51.360 We're going to look at Isaiah chapter 49. 00:06:52.120 --> 00:06:54.780 And we're going to learn four things about this Messiah. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:56.439 We're going to learn about His calling. 00:06:56.939 --> 00:06:58.400 We're going to learn about His failure. 00:06:59.019 --> 00:07:00.079 His achievement. 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:02.720 And finally, His grace. 00:07:03.259 --> 00:07:05.540 So, firstly, let's look at His calling. 00:07:06.860 --> 00:07:09.240 When Claire and I first had children. 00:07:09.360 --> 00:07:10.759 Our children were very young. 00:07:10.759 --> 00:07:18.639 I had the naive idea that being the outstanding, awesome parent that I envisaged myself to be. 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:24.539 Our children were going to be the kind of children to whom Claire and I only ever needed to speak once. 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:30.480 And they would obey us first time, every time, from kind of like the age of one. 00:07:31.319 --> 00:07:34.680 And you can imagine how long that illusion lasted. 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:37.519 Not very long, I'll tell you. 00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:41.400 In Isaiah chapter 48, the one before we read this morning. 00:07:41.800 --> 00:07:44.120 Four or five times, God has spoken to His people. 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:45.699 And He's called them to listen up. 00:07:45.920 --> 00:07:46.819 Look at how He says this. 00:07:46.860 --> 00:07:47.180 He says, 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:49.100 Hear, O house of Jacob. 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:49.660 Verse 1. 00:07:49.960 --> 00:07:51.399 Listen to me, O Jacob. 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:52.180 Verse 12. 00:07:52.620 --> 00:07:54.519 Draw near to me and hear this. 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:55.259 Verse 16. 00:07:55.600 --> 00:07:56.199 Verse 18. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:59.920 Oh, that you had paid attention to my commandments. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:02.740 But Israel has refused to listen. 00:08:02.740 --> 00:08:04.379 They've blocked their ears. 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:06.180 They've buried their head in the sand. 00:08:06.900 --> 00:08:09.100 And they're continuing to honor God with their lips. 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:10.199 They say the right things. 00:08:10.319 --> 00:08:11.220 They go through the motions. 00:08:11.660 --> 00:08:12.480 They sing the songs. 00:08:12.579 --> 00:08:13.660 They attend the church service. 00:08:14.180 --> 00:08:19.379 But actually, their hearts are steadfast going down this path of destruction. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:21.800 What is God going to do? 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:25.259 How is He going to redeem and rescue His people? 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:29.120 Well, He's going to do so through the agency of this Messiah. 00:08:29.120 --> 00:08:35.720 Now, as we said, previously, God spoke about this Messiah being a justice-establishing king. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:45.620 But in this passage we see today, the calling that God has for His Messiah servant is not that of kingship, but He's called to be a prophet. 00:08:46.460 --> 00:08:47.080 A prophet. 00:08:47.200 --> 00:08:48.179 Look at verse 1. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:50.299 Listen to me, O coastlands. 00:08:50.419 --> 00:08:52.779 Give attention, you people from afar. 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:57.759 God's people have not been listening to the prophets, and so now He sends them His true prophet. 00:08:58.059 --> 00:08:59.559 His one final prophet. 00:08:59.779 --> 00:09:01.639 Who's going to bring them His word. 00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:02.539 He says, 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.240 The Lord called me from the womb. 00:09:04.559 --> 00:09:07.159 From the body of my mother, He named me. 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:11.860 That is typical language to describe the words of the prophets. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:14.779 Do you remember Jeremiah's calling in chapter 1? 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:15.539 He says, 00:09:16.100 --> 00:09:17.899 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. 00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:19.779 I called you from your mother's womb. 00:09:19.899 --> 00:09:21.839 I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:25.079 Isaiah is saying here that this Messiah is coming. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:29.339 He's going to come one who is called to be a prophet. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:31.539 He has a prophetic ministry. 00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:36.220 Now, when we think of prophets, you may have a couple of mental images in your mind. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:38.879 You may think of someone who's got a long beard. 00:09:39.159 --> 00:09:40.879 He dresses in strange clothing. 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:45.019 He lives in the desert, and he eats strange creatures like locusts and stuff. 00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:46.360 Kind of like John the Baptist. 00:09:47.179 --> 00:09:51.240 You may think of a prophet as someone who has this divine connection to God. 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:54.259 Someone who gives you spiritual guidance or insight. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:55.600 You need to make a big decision. 00:09:56.059 --> 00:09:58.039 You need to change jobs or move overseas. 00:09:58.299 --> 00:09:59.720 You're wondering about marrying somebody. 00:10:00.200 --> 00:10:03.259 And so you go to the prophet, almost like a shaman or a medium. 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:04.100 And you say, 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.159 What is God's will? 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:06.940 Tell me what does the divine say? 00:10:06.940 --> 00:10:09.820 And the prophet does his thing and says, 00:10:10.160 --> 00:10:11.140 This is what God says. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:12.240 Marry the person. 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:13.300 Or don't marry the person. 00:10:13.960 --> 00:10:16.380 We may think of a prophet as like a fortune teller. 00:10:16.420 --> 00:10:19.020 Someone who can see into the future and see, 00:10:19.160 --> 00:10:21.420 Hmm, I perceive this is what the future holds. 00:10:21.500 --> 00:10:23.740 Kind of like a spiritual fortune teller. 00:10:24.520 --> 00:10:27.280 But actually, in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, 00:10:27.420 --> 00:10:29.100 The prophets were not fortune tellers. 00:10:29.180 --> 00:10:31.620 They weren't just divine mediums or shamans 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:34.660 That gave you some kind of divine instruction for your personal life. 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:38.399 The prophets were those who were like spokespersons for God. 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:42.899 They were those who were to bring God's word or God's message to his people. 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:49.240 And especially those who were to call God's people back from a path of destruction 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:53.219 Towards God's path of righteousness. 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:54.779 To walk along God's ways. 00:10:55.500 --> 00:10:56.519 Throughout the Old Testament, 00:10:57.219 --> 00:10:59.120 Whenever God's people are walking with him, 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:00.019 Trusting him, 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:00.720 Obeying him, 00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:02.639 Practicing justice and mercy, 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:05.580 The prophets actually often fade into the background. 00:11:05.779 --> 00:11:07.159 We don't hear about them too much. 00:11:07.699 --> 00:11:10.019 But when God's people are on a downward spiral, 00:11:10.419 --> 00:11:12.000 When there's corruption and injustice, 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:15.480 When they're going on a path towards the destruction, 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:19.439 The prophets are tasked with those that are to bring God's word, 00:11:19.699 --> 00:11:21.439 To bring God's people back to him. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:21.740 To say, 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:22.480 Listen up! 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:23.840 Hear the word of the Lord! 00:11:23.939 --> 00:11:26.100 This is what God is saying to you. 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:29.500 To remind God's people of who they are and who God is. 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:31.539 In some ways, 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:32.740 You could kind of say, 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:35.500 The prophets are like God's lifeguards. 00:11:35.960 --> 00:11:39.019 They are those who see the danger that God's people are in, 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:40.220 And they're blowing their whistle, 00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:42.720 Calling them out of the dangerous waters. 00:11:43.659 --> 00:11:44.559 In Cape Town, 00:11:44.659 --> 00:11:46.480 Which is the city that Claire and I lived in, 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:47.639 Before we moved to Hong Kong, 00:11:48.059 --> 00:11:49.000 The city we come from, 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:51.299 Many people love to surf. 00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:54.840 But it's not only the surfers who enjoy the water, 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:56.899 It's also the sharks. 00:11:56.899 --> 00:12:01.079 And this photo is actually taken just outside of Cape Town, 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.419 In a beach town, 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:03.699 A little up the coast. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:05.620 This is happening in a surfing competition. 00:12:05.779 --> 00:12:06.519 It's a real photo. 00:12:06.600 --> 00:12:08.439 It hasn't been doctored at all. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:09.399 And so, 00:12:09.579 --> 00:12:10.559 What Cape Town has done is, 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:13.419 They've employed these people that sit high up on the mountain. 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:15.000 They're called the shark spotters. 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:16.100 That's their JD. 00:12:16.819 --> 00:12:19.579 And their job is to sit on the mountainside, 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:21.000 Above the bay, 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:21.960 Where the sharks come. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:23.559 And they sit with binoculars. 00:12:23.559 --> 00:12:25.819 And when they spot sharks in the water, 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:28.579 Their job is to get that message, 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:29.699 Down to the beach, 00:12:30.099 --> 00:12:31.519 Through radio or cell phone, 00:12:31.599 --> 00:12:32.859 As quickly as possible, 00:12:33.339 --> 00:12:35.159 So that the lifeguards can tell people, 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:36.319 To get out of water, 00:12:36.739 --> 00:12:38.579 And to get out of danger. 00:12:40.459 --> 00:12:41.539 For years, 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:42.659 God has been sending, 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:43.899 His prophets, 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:44.899 His lifeguards, 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:47.239 Warning the people of Israel, 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:50.000 Calling them out of the dangerous waters, 00:12:50.099 --> 00:12:50.979 That they're swimming in. 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:54.240 Warning them that they're getting to shark and festive territory. 00:12:54.940 --> 00:12:55.420 And yet, 00:12:55.820 --> 00:12:57.000 Like stupid swimmers, 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:58.820 They think that they know better. 00:12:59.539 --> 00:13:01.000 As they've rejected God's word, 00:13:01.560 --> 00:13:03.440 They've abandoned God's warning, 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:06.639 And they carry it on as if life is normal. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:09.759 And the result is that God's people are in deep trouble. 00:13:10.920 --> 00:13:11.259 Now, 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:12.759 In the Old Testament, 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:14.100 That's the story of Israel, 00:13:14.220 --> 00:13:15.759 Again and again and again. 00:13:16.039 --> 00:13:17.980 But if we have eyes of faith to see it, 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:18.960 Actually, 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:20.399 It's the story of humanity. 00:13:21.079 --> 00:13:22.620 It's the story of all of us. 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:24.919 And yet God has not given up on us. 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:26.779 Because look at what Isaiah tells us. 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:28.480 God is sending a Messiah, 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:29.539 A prophet, 00:13:29.699 --> 00:13:31.959 Someone who's going to bring His true word, 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:33.279 To rescue us, 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:35.419 And bring us back from danger into life. 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:36.759 He says in verse 2, 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:39.519 He made my mouth like a sharp sword, 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.720 Like a polished arrow. 00:13:41.259 --> 00:13:42.980 He who formed me in the womb, 00:13:43.079 --> 00:13:43.879 To be His servant, 00:13:44.360 --> 00:13:46.720 In order to bring Jacob back, 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.500 That Israel might be gathered into him. 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:50.919 Isaiah is telling us, 00:13:50.919 --> 00:13:52.799 That God is going to deliver His people. 00:13:52.899 --> 00:13:54.299 He's going to set them free. 00:13:54.379 --> 00:13:55.399 He's going to bring them back, 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:56.860 From the darkness that they inhibit, 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.700 From their addictions to sin, 00:13:58.779 --> 00:14:00.159 From their downward spiral, 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:02.980 By sending them a Messiah deliverer. 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:05.399 But He's not going to do so with swords. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:07.659 He's not going to send this Messiah, 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:09.100 With military strength. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:11.759 He's not going to come with cultural imperialism, 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:13.620 And overthrow the Babylonian army. 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:15.159 He's going to come, 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:17.920 With the power of truth. 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:21.200 He's going to come and speak a word, 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:23.539 That disarms the lies, 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:24.680 That are going on their head, 00:14:25.019 --> 00:14:27.300 Which dismantles the false narrative, 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:28.300 And the fake news, 00:14:28.299 --> 00:14:29.379 That they've been believing. 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:31.620 He's going to come with a word of truth, 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:32.939 That cuts through the lies, 00:14:33.219 --> 00:14:34.179 And sets them free. 00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:38.259 He's coming with a word of redemption, 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:40.319 For those who will receive it. 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:42.879 And so Hebrews chapter 1, 00:14:43.139 --> 00:14:44.500 Amazing verse says this, 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:45.879 Long ago, 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:47.000 In many times, 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:47.759 And in many ways, 00:14:48.179 --> 00:14:49.620 God spoke to our forefathers, 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:50.500 By the prophets. 00:14:51.019 --> 00:14:52.079 But in these days, 00:14:52.479 --> 00:14:53.539 He's spoken to us, 00:14:53.579 --> 00:14:54.559 By the true prophet, 00:14:54.699 --> 00:14:55.719 By His son. 00:14:56.580 --> 00:14:57.379 See what God is saying? 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.800 He sent the prophet, 00:14:58.899 --> 00:14:59.940 To end all prophets. 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:01.120 His true prophet, 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:01.639 His son, 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:02.060 The Messiah, 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:02.639 Has come, 00:15:02.960 --> 00:15:04.240 To bring us God's word, 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.680 Of healing and redemption, 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:06.720 And hope. 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:07.820 But then, 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.680 The writer goes on, 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:09.040 He says, 00:15:09.320 --> 00:15:09.820 Therefore, 00:15:10.560 --> 00:15:12.100 We must pay close attention, 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:12.879 To this word, 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:14.180 This message that we've received, 00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:16.200 For how shall we escape, 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:17.500 If we neglect, 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.879 Such a great salvation? 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:21.180 Friends, 00:15:21.279 --> 00:15:22.279 The message of Christmas, 00:15:22.440 --> 00:15:23.639 Is not just about babies, 00:15:23.800 --> 00:15:24.279 And mangers. 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:26.399 It's not just about being good boys, 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.159 And good girls, 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:29.039 That the great big Santa in the sky, 00:15:29.159 --> 00:15:29.819 Can give you, 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:31.019 Your Christmas wishes, 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:31.759 And your blessings. 00:15:32.679 --> 00:15:32.939 Friends, 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:33.980 The story of Christmas, 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:34.819 Is that, 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:35.959 Just like Israel, 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:37.559 We too have rejected God. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:39.500 We haven't listened to His word. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.740 And so by nature, 00:15:40.860 --> 00:15:41.679 We are drowning, 00:15:42.199 --> 00:15:42.939 In our problems. 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:43.679 We are lost. 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:45.279 And this is the story, 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:46.480 Of all of humanity. 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.939 We are in a dire situation. 00:15:48.579 --> 00:15:50.159 But God has not abandoned us. 00:15:50.579 --> 00:15:51.879 God hasn't forgotten us. 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:53.039 He has come, 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:54.419 He has dived into the shark, 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:55.259 Confested waters, 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:55.799 As it were, 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:57.139 And He's arresting us. 00:15:57.220 --> 00:15:59.019 He sent His chosen son, 00:15:59.100 --> 00:15:59.620 His servant, 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:00.580 Who would bring us, 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.779 More than just good advice, 00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:03.480 More than just some wisdom, 00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:04.620 He would bring us, 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:05.860 A message of hope, 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.460 And restoration. 00:16:07.019 --> 00:16:07.939 He would bring us, 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.340 A message of salvation, 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:12.039 To restore us back to God. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.419 Now friends, 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:14.639 What does this mean for us? 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.159 Well the question is, 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:18.500 Are we listening to Him? 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:20.740 Remember how verse 1 goes, 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:21.120 It says, 00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:22.639 Listen to me O coastlands, 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:24.700 Give attention to my words. 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:26.340 Friends, 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:27.759 Are we listening to Him this morning? 00:16:28.759 --> 00:16:29.720 Are we giving attention, 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:31.320 To this word, 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:32.539 That this Messiah King, 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.519 Has brought to us? 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:36.320 God looks at each one of us, 00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:36.700 In the eye, 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:37.120 And He says, 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:38.100 Listen to me. 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:40.759 Friends, 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.200 Jesus has come to bring us, 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:43.200 A message of freedom, 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:43.799 And hope. 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:45.379 To set us free, 00:16:45.379 --> 00:16:46.200 From our addictions. 00:16:46.919 --> 00:16:47.740 To set us free, 00:16:47.860 --> 00:16:49.000 From the destructive patterns, 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:49.560 Of behavior, 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:50.659 We find ourselves in. 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:52.740 To bring us out of darkness, 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:53.519 And into light. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:54.899 Friends, 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:55.879 Will you listen to Him? 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.100 And some of us, 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:00.620 Maybe are going down, 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:02.039 Downward path of destruction. 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:03.759 Some of us may be, 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.759 Flirting with someone, 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:05.799 That's not our spouse. 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.460 And friends, 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:08.220 Some of you may be, 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:09.259 Addicted to pornography, 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:11.319 Or you're sleeping with your boyfriend, 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:11.940 Or your girlfriend. 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:14.039 Some of us are engaged, 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:15.620 In dodgy business practices, 00:17:15.620 --> 00:17:16.799 Or we're being dishonest, 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:17.420 About something. 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:19.440 Jesus says, 00:17:19.800 --> 00:17:20.740 Listen to me. 00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:22.100 Listen, 00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:23.620 Pay attention to my words. 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.980 I've come to set you free. 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:26.539 And friends, 00:17:26.620 --> 00:17:27.000 Sometimes, 00:17:27.080 --> 00:17:28.940 Because Jesus loves us so much, 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:30.220 He's not willing to leave us, 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:30.680 Where we are. 00:17:30.800 --> 00:17:31.840 Sometimes His words, 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.620 Can even seem harsh. 00:17:34.120 --> 00:17:35.440 They can even cut like a knife. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.060 Remember how, 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:37.300 Verse 2 says it. 00:17:37.360 --> 00:17:37.660 He says, 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:39.660 His word is like a sharp sword, 00:17:39.720 --> 00:17:40.820 Like a polished arrow. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:42.620 Sometimes His rebuke, 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:43.840 Will take our breath away. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:45.519 It's like a sharp knife, 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:47.339 That'll cut straight to the heart, 00:17:47.899 --> 00:17:49.519 Like a surgeon's scalpel, 00:17:49.899 --> 00:17:51.419 Because He wants to deliver us, 00:17:51.439 --> 00:17:52.359 From the cancer within. 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:53.779 Friends, 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:55.019 Jesus loves us so much, 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:56.220 That He hasn't abandoned us. 00:17:56.859 --> 00:17:58.159 He hasn't left us to our own. 00:17:58.199 --> 00:17:58.519 He says, 00:17:58.699 --> 00:17:58.980 Listen, 00:17:59.639 --> 00:18:00.799 I've come to bring you a word, 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.339 Of healing, 00:18:01.720 --> 00:18:02.259 Of redemption, 00:18:02.439 --> 00:18:03.059 Of restoration. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.759 Listen to my words. 00:18:06.619 --> 00:18:07.439 His calling. 00:18:07.659 --> 00:18:08.419 His calling is, 00:18:08.419 --> 00:18:09.859 He comes with a message of hope. 00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:10.379 Secondly, 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:11.679 His failure. 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:13.940 God has sent us this Messiah, 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:16.220 With this message of redemption, 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:16.900 And restoration, 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:18.720 To bring God's people back, 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:20.840 And to restore us who are lost. 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:22.360 But to many, 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:23.440 His message, 00:18:23.539 --> 00:18:24.240 Or His mission, 00:18:24.600 --> 00:18:26.080 Seemed like an utter failure. 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:28.900 Because to almost everyone around Him, 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:31.299 What looked so initially promising, 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:34.340 Actually seemed to end in nothingness. 00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:36.120 Look at verse 3 and 4 with me. 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:37.039 He says, 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:52.720 Here is the servant of the Lord, 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.319 The Messiah, 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:54.700 Who comes with an announcement, 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.379 A proclamation of freedom, 00:18:56.539 --> 00:18:57.119 And redemption, 00:18:57.379 --> 00:18:57.879 And hope, 00:18:57.980 --> 00:18:58.500 And healing. 00:18:58.920 --> 00:19:00.440 Want to bring Israel back, 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.159 And restore them. 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:02.180 And yes, 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:03.259 At first glances, 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:04.099 It seems, 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:05.799 Like His mission, 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.940 Is all for nothing. 00:19:07.639 --> 00:19:08.899 The word nothing here, 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.899 In verse 4, 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:12.259 Is actually the word that God uses in Genesis, 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:14.339 To describe the cosmos, 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:16.759 Or describe the world, 00:19:16.839 --> 00:19:18.000 Before He created it. 00:19:18.099 --> 00:19:19.379 To describe the void, 00:19:19.379 --> 00:19:20.159 That existed, 00:19:20.359 --> 00:19:22.039 Before God brought creation to being. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:24.680 Absolute nothingness. 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.319 That's how it appeared, 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:28.740 That Jesus' mission seemed. 00:19:29.159 --> 00:19:30.480 He comes with this message, 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:31.839 Freedom for the captives, 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.779 Hope for the hopeless, 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:35.099 And how are God's people going to respond? 00:19:35.099 --> 00:19:35.659 Well, 00:19:36.939 --> 00:19:37.859 Some will accuse Him, 00:19:37.899 --> 00:19:39.059 Of being demon possessed. 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:40.699 He'll do a miracle, 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:41.480 And heal people, 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:42.240 And they'll accuse Him, 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:43.219 Of doing the work of Satan. 00:19:44.219 --> 00:19:46.119 Some will hate His words, 00:19:46.419 --> 00:19:47.359 Coming up with plots, 00:19:47.459 --> 00:19:48.000 Or schemes, 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:49.039 To destroy Him. 00:19:49.799 --> 00:19:51.339 Some will receive His message, 00:19:51.439 --> 00:19:52.919 And accuse Him of blasphemy, 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:54.079 And heresy. 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:55.359 Friends, 00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:56.899 Some will see Him, 00:19:56.939 --> 00:19:57.859 As a scourge, 00:19:58.219 --> 00:19:59.519 And will even hand Him over, 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:00.159 To the authorities, 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.359 Coming up with lies, 00:20:01.439 --> 00:20:02.500 And fake news, 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:04.480 So that the authorities, 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:05.680 Can crucify Him, 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.880 And kill Him. 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:09.339 And as He's arrested, 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.740 And He stands trial, 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.680 How will His very followers, 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.839 Those that have trusted Him, 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:14.440 And believed Him, 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.500 How will they respond? 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:16.980 Well, 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:18.339 Many of them will scatter, 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.200 And run away, 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:21.299 Leaving Him on His own, 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:23.759 As He marches towards Calvary, 00:20:23.859 --> 00:20:24.599 To be crucified. 00:20:24.599 --> 00:20:26.740 And even some of His, 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:28.559 Very closest friends, 00:20:29.419 --> 00:20:31.219 In His most urgent hour, 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:31.939 Will deny, 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:32.939 That they know Him, 00:20:33.699 --> 00:20:34.519 Denying that they've, 00:20:34.659 --> 00:20:35.500 Even ever met Him. 00:20:39.240 --> 00:20:40.759 In Luke chapter 24, 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.639 There's this famous story, 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.639 How Jesus dies, 00:20:43.699 --> 00:20:44.579 And He rises again, 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:45.759 And He's walking, 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:46.619 On this dusty road, 00:20:46.679 --> 00:20:47.419 Towards a town, 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:48.259 Called Emmaus, 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:49.799 And He comes up, 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:51.439 To two former disciples, 00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:52.819 But they don't recognize Him, 00:20:52.879 --> 00:20:53.959 His identity is hidden, 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:55.640 And they're downcast, 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.840 Their shoulders are stooping, 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:58.220 And He says, 00:20:58.279 --> 00:20:58.799 What's the matter? 00:20:58.900 --> 00:21:00.220 Why are you so disheartened? 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:00.860 And they say, 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:03.100 Don't you know about Jesus, 00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:04.000 Nazareth? 00:21:04.660 --> 00:21:05.539 A man, 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:06.000 Or a, 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.380 Who was a prophet, 00:21:07.620 --> 00:21:09.140 Interesting that they use the word prophet, 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:11.360 A prophet mighty indeed, 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:11.860 In word, 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:13.259 Before God and all the people, 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.980 And how our chief priests, 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.440 And rulers, 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:17.279 Delivered Him up to be condemned to death, 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.920 And crucified Him, 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.620 And then look what they say, 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:22.360 We had hoped, 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:24.379 That He would be the one, 00:21:24.979 --> 00:21:26.039 To redeem Israel, 00:21:26.679 --> 00:21:29.500 We had hoped, 00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:31.299 That He would be the one, 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:33.159 The Messiah who would come, 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:34.719 And set God's people free, 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:36.159 But alas, 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.439 It's all in vain, 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:39.379 He ended up crucified, 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:40.699 Like a common criminal, 00:21:41.159 --> 00:21:42.000 On the cross, 00:21:42.479 --> 00:21:42.939 Dead, 00:21:43.139 --> 00:21:44.639 With nothing to show for it, 00:21:45.159 --> 00:21:46.779 His ministry ended, 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:47.859 In vanity, 00:21:48.699 --> 00:21:49.439 Nothingness, 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:51.180 Friends, 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:52.240 Have you ever felt like that? 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.100 Have you ever felt like, 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:55.880 Your faithfulness to Jesus, 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:57.380 Your obedience to Jesus, 00:21:57.840 --> 00:21:58.900 Has all been in vain, 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:00.200 For nothing? 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:01.840 Sometimes maybe, 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:03.200 You've made great sacrifices, 00:22:03.580 --> 00:22:04.480 To trust Him, 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:06.460 You've taken a great step of faith, 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:07.380 In obeying Him, 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.820 And it seems like, 00:22:08.880 --> 00:22:09.799 It was all for nothing, 00:22:10.120 --> 00:22:11.440 There's no fruit to show, 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:13.059 For the great sacrifices you made, 00:22:13.059 --> 00:22:14.839 Friends, 00:22:14.919 --> 00:22:15.759 Do you ever feel like, 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:16.319 Sometimes, 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:18.279 It maybe would have been better, 00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:19.619 Just to trust yourself, 00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:21.519 Rather than trusting God, 00:22:21.659 --> 00:22:23.039 To do things your own way, 00:22:23.399 --> 00:22:26.119 That's how Jesus' mission seemed, 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:27.339 To those who trusted Him, 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:29.720 To those who took Him at His word, 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.779 A failed experiment, 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.619 To His disciples, 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.539 Who had left everything, 00:22:34.639 --> 00:22:35.200 Their family, 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:36.119 The family business, 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:37.039 Their parents, 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.299 Their reputation, 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:39.039 Their friends, 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.839 To follow Him, 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:41.440 It all seemed like, 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:42.879 A failed enterprise, 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:44.799 A failed experiment, 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.659 Sometimes following Jesus, 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:48.740 Can seem like that, 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:50.980 And yet, 00:22:51.419 --> 00:22:52.299 Despite that, 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:53.279 Look at His achievement, 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:54.839 Because, 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:55.799 Look at how, 00:22:55.919 --> 00:22:57.059 The Messiah responds, 00:22:57.220 --> 00:22:58.179 Despite the fact that, 00:22:58.279 --> 00:22:59.000 His message, 00:22:59.139 --> 00:22:59.980 And He as a person, 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.599 Are rejected, 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:02.139 Despite the fact that, 00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:03.200 Even He Himself, 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:04.559 Will see people fleeing Him, 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:05.379 And abandoning Him, 00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:06.559 Despite the fact that, 00:23:06.639 --> 00:23:07.460 Even on the cross, 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.200 He cries out, 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:08.899 My God, 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:09.579 My God, 00:23:09.679 --> 00:23:11.319 Why have you forsaken me? 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:12.319 Yet, 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:14.980 It will not be in vain, 00:23:15.439 --> 00:23:16.079 In other words, 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.059 His failure, 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:19.059 Was only an apparent failure, 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:20.419 Because despite, 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:21.419 All appearances, 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:23.460 The fruit of His labor, 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:25.359 The outcome of His obedience, 00:23:25.859 --> 00:23:27.279 Will be exactly, 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.720 What God intended, 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:30.220 He will achieve, 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:31.819 Exactly the purposes, 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:33.059 For which God sent Him, 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.519 Look at what verse 4 says, 00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:35.240 He says, 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.220 I have labored in vain, 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.640 I have spent my strength, 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:38.480 For nothing, 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:39.200 And vanity, 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:40.420 Yet, 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:42.279 Surely my right, 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.400 Is with the Lord, 00:23:43.799 --> 00:23:44.759 What that means is, 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.819 It's the Lord, 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.819 Who gets to decide, 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:47.799 Whether my work, 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.759 Is right or wrong, 00:23:49.200 --> 00:23:50.319 It's not for me to decide, 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:51.559 It's not for those around me, 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:53.200 It's God who gets to decide, 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:53.519 Whether, 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:55.140 I was right to obey Him, 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:55.480 Or not, 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:56.500 Surely, 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:58.000 My right is with the Lord, 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:59.299 My recompense, 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:00.079 Or my reward, 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.359 Is with God, 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:03.419 In other words, 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.179 Even from a human perspective, 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.339 Though His mission, 00:24:06.439 --> 00:24:08.199 May seem like a complete failure, 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:10.279 Rather than redeeming Israel, 00:24:10.399 --> 00:24:12.179 He ends up crucified on the cross, 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.939 From heaven's perspective, 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:14.819 He's achieved, 00:24:14.899 --> 00:24:16.699 Exactly what God the Father, 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.779 And Christ the Son, 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:18.839 Had determined, 00:24:18.979 --> 00:24:20.339 And planned for Him to achieve, 00:24:20.639 --> 00:24:21.559 People will see, 00:24:21.679 --> 00:24:22.979 Nothing coming from His life, 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:24.599 But it's not for them to decide, 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:26.559 It's for God to decide, 00:24:26.879 --> 00:24:28.559 And what does God say about Jesus, 00:24:29.159 --> 00:24:30.059 Well look at what He says, 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:31.159 In verse 5 and 6, 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:33.179 This is what the Lord says, 00:24:33.459 --> 00:24:34.939 He who formed me from the womb, 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.699 To be His servant, 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:37.199 To bring back Jacob, 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.819 To restore God's people, 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:39.939 He says, 00:24:40.379 --> 00:24:42.839 It is too small a thing, 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.799 That you should just be my servant, 00:24:44.919 --> 00:24:45.879 To redeem Israel, 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:48.259 To bring back the tribes of Jacob only, 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:50.459 To bring back the preserved of Israel, 00:24:50.859 --> 00:24:53.059 I will make you a light, 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:54.099 To the nations, 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:57.059 That you should be my salvation, 00:24:58.039 --> 00:25:00.719 To the ends of the earth, 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.799 Friends, 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:01.819 Friends, 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:04.059 Rather than just redeeming Israel, 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:05.960 Rather than just redeeming Jacob, 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.039 God's Messiah servant, 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.259 Would be one, 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:10.920 Whose accomplishments, 00:25:11.140 --> 00:25:11.640 Would achieve, 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:13.000 Global perspective, 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.319 He wouldn't just, 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:15.940 Rescue and redeem Israel, 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.140 He wouldn't just save, 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:18.440 Israel from Cyrus, 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.039 Or Babylon, 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.400 This Messiah, 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.600 Through his, 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:22.779 Failed enterprise, 00:25:22.900 --> 00:25:23.960 His apparent failure, 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:25.380 Would actually be one, 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.079 Who would achieve, 00:25:26.420 --> 00:25:26.900 Salvation, 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:28.279 For the ends of the earth, 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:29.460 Rather, 00:25:30.160 --> 00:25:31.240 Than being a failure, 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.740 Christ accomplished, 00:25:32.899 --> 00:25:33.379 And more, 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:34.579 What he was sent to do, 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:36.160 You see what's going on here, 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:37.720 Here is a Messiah king, 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:39.680 One who is good news, 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.359 Of salvation, 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:41.819 Who is faithful, 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.559 To his mission, 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:44.119 And even though he ends up, 00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:44.619 On a cross, 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.700 He achieves everything, 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.200 He planned, 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.059 Look at verse 7, 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.039 It says the same thing, 00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:48.899 It says, 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:49.740 Thus says the Lord, 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:51.019 The redeemer of Israel, 00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:52.180 His holy one, 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:54.220 To one deeply despised, 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.980 Abored by the nations, 00:25:56.620 --> 00:25:58.259 Kings shall see and rise, 00:25:58.740 --> 00:25:59.180 Princes, 00:25:59.279 --> 00:26:00.560 And they shall fall down, 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.740 Prostrate before you, 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:03.340 Because the Lord, 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:03.980 Who is faithful, 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:06.360 Has chosen you, 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:07.519 Friends, 00:26:07.560 --> 00:26:08.060 Isn't that what, 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:10.720 Paul says in Philippians chapter 2, 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:11.060 He says, 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:11.740 Jesus, 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:12.039 Who, 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.120 Though he's God, 00:26:13.340 --> 00:26:14.259 He becomes a servant, 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:15.340 He empties himself, 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:16.759 And he ends up, 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:18.019 On a cross, 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:20.080 And to everyone around him, 00:26:20.120 --> 00:26:21.160 It seems like a failure, 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:22.420 And yet, 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.200 What does he say? 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:26.220 Therefore God has highly exalted him, 00:26:26.540 --> 00:26:27.620 And bestowed upon him, 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.840 The name that is above every name, 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:31.560 So that at the name of Jesus, 00:26:32.040 --> 00:26:34.460 Every knee shall bow, 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:36.380 From Hong Kong, 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.779 To Helsinki, 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:38.880 From Tokyo, 00:26:39.040 --> 00:26:39.680 To Toronto, 00:26:40.259 --> 00:26:40.920 From London, 00:26:41.120 --> 00:26:41.660 To Sydney, 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.779 To Buenos Aires, 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.519 To Moscow, 00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:44.220 Friends, 00:26:44.340 --> 00:26:44.980 One day, 00:26:45.400 --> 00:26:46.800 Every human being, 00:26:47.100 --> 00:26:48.180 Will bow down, 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:49.400 Before Christ the King, 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:51.200 Some will bow, 00:26:51.540 --> 00:26:53.060 With joy and gladness, 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:53.960 Because, 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.920 His message will be vindicated, 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.840 They'll rejoice, 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:58.220 When Christ is crowned, 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:58.800 Lord of all, 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:00.140 Friends, 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:01.320 Some will bow down, 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.740 In agony, 00:27:03.580 --> 00:27:04.540 And regret, 00:27:05.080 --> 00:27:06.220 Because they rejected, 00:27:06.360 --> 00:27:06.940 His message, 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.900 They abandoned, 00:27:09.040 --> 00:27:09.500 His word, 00:27:10.120 --> 00:27:11.060 They laughed him off, 00:27:11.080 --> 00:27:11.680 As a failure, 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.620 And they'll bow down, 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:14.940 With agony and regret, 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:16.220 But friends, 00:27:16.340 --> 00:27:16.920 This King, 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:18.259 His message, 00:27:18.360 --> 00:27:18.980 And his mission, 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:19.940 Will succeed, 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.779 He will accomplish, 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:22.000 What he came for, 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:23.640 Because he'll be crowned, 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:24.200 The King, 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.360 Of all the universe, 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.700 As he brings salvation, 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.120 To the ends, 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:29.519 Of the earth, 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:31.059 Remember verse 1, 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:31.299 It says, 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:31.820 Listen up, 00:27:31.900 --> 00:27:32.820 O coastlands, 00:27:33.340 --> 00:27:34.000 Give attention, 00:27:34.120 --> 00:27:35.420 You people that are far away, 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.519 You who are in Hong Kong, 00:27:36.620 --> 00:27:37.140 Listen up, 00:27:37.580 --> 00:27:38.759 Christ the redeeming, 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:39.600 Messiah King, 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:40.080 Has come, 00:27:40.700 --> 00:27:41.000 Friends, 00:27:41.080 --> 00:27:41.880 That's why he's come, 00:27:42.220 --> 00:27:43.279 That's what Christmas, 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:44.779 Is all about, 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:47.619 Finally, 00:27:48.319 --> 00:27:49.059 His grace, 00:27:49.639 --> 00:27:50.399 His grace, 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:52.839 In verse 13, 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:54.619 As Ellen read to us earlier, 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:55.319 We see, 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:57.059 The response, 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:59.200 To this amazing message, 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:01.039 That God has sent, 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:02.399 His Messiah prophet, 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:03.819 To not just bring us, 00:28:03.839 --> 00:28:05.019 A message of good news, 00:28:05.099 --> 00:28:05.879 Not just to bring us, 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.379 Good advice, 00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:08.160 But to be the message, 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:08.599 Of good news, 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:10.220 To be salvation for us, 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.480 And look at how, 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.579 Verse 13 says this, 00:28:12.639 --> 00:28:12.899 It says, 00:28:12.900 --> 00:28:13.780 Sing for joy, 00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:14.340 O heavens, 00:28:14.780 --> 00:28:15.280 Exalt, 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:15.680 O earth, 00:28:15.780 --> 00:28:16.380 Break forth, 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:16.940 O mountains, 00:28:17.040 --> 00:28:17.660 Into singing, 00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:19.980 For the Lord has comforted his people, 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.860 He will have compassion, 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.160 On his afflicted, 00:28:23.300 --> 00:28:24.740 This is the good news, 00:28:24.780 --> 00:28:25.780 Of great joy, 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.660 That is Christmas, 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:29.080 And yet, 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.720 For many of us, 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:33.040 Christmas is a difficult time, 00:28:34.380 --> 00:28:34.860 Friends, 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.460 For many of us, 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.580 Christmas is wonderful, 00:28:36.580 --> 00:28:37.320 As it is, 00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.880 We remember, 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:39.680 The brokenness, 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.480 Of our own lives, 00:28:40.580 --> 00:28:41.160 And the scars, 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:41.860 That we bear, 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:43.599 For some of us, 00:28:43.639 --> 00:28:44.579 In our church family, 00:28:44.699 --> 00:28:46.000 We've lost loved ones, 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:46.659 This year, 00:28:47.179 --> 00:28:48.019 And this Christmas, 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:49.539 Is going to be very painful, 00:28:50.119 --> 00:28:51.119 For others, 00:28:51.139 --> 00:28:51.979 In our church family, 00:28:51.979 --> 00:28:53.119 We've lost loved ones, 00:28:53.179 --> 00:28:54.019 Maybe not this year, 00:28:54.119 --> 00:28:55.119 In years gone by, 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:56.199 But still, 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:57.459 The pain is no easier, 00:28:57.959 --> 00:28:59.719 Christmas doesn't get any easier, 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:01.079 As you remember, 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:02.559 The loss of loved ones, 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:04.599 For others of us, 00:29:04.699 --> 00:29:06.199 This year has been really difficult, 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.979 Maybe you face job loss, 00:29:07.980 --> 00:29:10.220 Maybe there's been a relational breakdown, 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:11.400 In marriage, 00:29:11.940 --> 00:29:12.640 With your children, 00:29:12.819 --> 00:29:13.640 With your parents, 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.000 Friends, 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:15.579 Many of us, 00:29:15.640 --> 00:29:17.140 This year has been really tough, 00:29:18.039 --> 00:29:18.420 And so, 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:20.400 As we sang that song earlier, 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:21.880 Come all you faithful, 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:23.480 Joyful and triumphant, 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.680 Many of us, 00:29:24.740 --> 00:29:25.900 We don't feel very joyful, 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:26.660 Or triumphant, 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:27.799 We feel pretty broken, 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:29.519 We feel like this year, 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:31.019 Has just marched over us, 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:32.000 We've been trampled, 00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:34.259 And we look at verse 13, 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:35.240 Sing for joy, 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:35.700 Your heavens, 00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:36.220 Exult, 00:29:36.359 --> 00:29:37.440 Break forth into singing, 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.019 And we think, 00:29:38.140 --> 00:29:38.640 Yeah right, 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.460 Maybe somebody else, 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:39.980 Not me, 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:41.299 Friends, 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:42.740 Sometimes Christmas can be hard, 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.079 Right? 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:46.440 Isaiah writes this message, 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.079 Of good news, 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.279 To the people of Israel, 00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:49.140 That at this point, 00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:50.059 Are stuck in Babylon, 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:51.140 They're in exile, 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:52.299 And he says, 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:52.920 Rejoice, 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:54.559 For your Messiah King is coming, 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:55.660 Your Redeemer, 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:56.339 Your Savior, 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:57.799 Who's brought good news, 00:29:58.380 --> 00:29:59.519 But look at how Zion, 00:29:59.779 --> 00:30:01.000 That's another word for Israel, 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:01.620 Responds, 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.660 Look at verse 14, 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:03.920 They say, 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:06.360 But the Lord has forsaken me, 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:08.560 The Lord has forgotten me, 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:10.039 Friends, 00:30:10.100 --> 00:30:10.980 How many of us feel, 00:30:11.060 --> 00:30:12.460 Like God has forgotten of us, 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:14.160 How many of us feel, 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:15.740 Like while God is running, 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.560 Around the universe, 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:18.240 Looking after everybody else, 00:30:18.320 --> 00:30:20.120 Taking care of everybody else's needs, 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.880 He's forgotten you, 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.400 Friends, 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:25.400 Some of us maybe even feel, 00:30:25.560 --> 00:30:26.900 Like God hasn't just forgotten you, 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:28.019 He's forsaken you, 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:30.100 He's abandoned you, 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:30.759 Altogether, 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:35.039 Look at God's response, 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.299 Look at verse 15, 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:39.379 It says, 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:40.480 Can a woman forget, 00:30:40.619 --> 00:30:41.599 Her nursing child, 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:44.299 Or lack compassion, 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.000 On the mother, 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:47.039 On the child of her womb, 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:50.159 Even these may forget, 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:52.539 But I will not forget you, 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.379 Friends, 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.299 For those of us, 00:30:55.359 --> 00:30:56.299 That are struggling, 00:30:56.420 --> 00:30:57.619 God looks us in the eye, 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:58.960 And He says, 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:00.019 Even more, 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.579 Than the compassion, 00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:03.159 And the tenderness, 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:04.559 That a mother has, 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:05.759 For her newborn child, 00:31:06.319 --> 00:31:07.279 Even more, 00:31:07.359 --> 00:31:08.859 Than all the tenderness, 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:09.559 And the heart, 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.519 That a mother has, 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.259 For her child, 00:31:12.339 --> 00:31:13.039 That is crying, 00:31:13.139 --> 00:31:14.200 Or going through difficulty, 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:17.539 My compassion for you, 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:19.500 My tender heart for you, 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:21.680 Infinitely outstrips, 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:23.840 Even the most tender hearted mother, 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.059 Friends, 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.319 What kind of mother, 00:31:26.460 --> 00:31:27.400 Sees their child, 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.120 Just crying, 00:31:28.539 --> 00:31:29.120 In agony, 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:29.700 Or in pain, 00:31:29.799 --> 00:31:31.140 And feels nothing for it, 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:32.059 No, 00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:32.200 No, 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:33.160 Every mother, 00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:35.140 Will do whatever they can, 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.880 Can make any sacrifice, 00:31:37.120 --> 00:31:38.240 Pour themselves out, 00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:38.799 Will, 00:31:39.100 --> 00:31:39.620 Any mother, 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:40.500 Will long to, 00:31:40.600 --> 00:31:41.799 To pour out, 00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:42.980 Their well being, 00:31:43.080 --> 00:31:43.400 To child, 00:31:43.400 --> 00:31:44.340 And take that pain, 00:31:44.360 --> 00:31:45.120 Upon themselves, 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:46.200 Friends, 00:31:46.300 --> 00:31:46.660 Any, 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:48.280 Decent mother, 00:31:48.420 --> 00:31:49.980 Will long with compassion, 00:31:50.100 --> 00:31:50.540 In their hearts, 00:31:50.580 --> 00:31:51.840 As they see their child, 00:31:52.180 --> 00:31:53.019 In difficulty, 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:54.500 Friends, 00:31:54.560 --> 00:31:55.340 That's what it means, 00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:56.180 To be a loving mother, 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:57.740 And Jesus says, 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:59.080 My compassion, 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.240 My tender heart, 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:01.180 My love for you, 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:02.240 Outstrips, 00:32:02.600 --> 00:32:04.200 Even the very best mother, 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:06.040 To the infinite degree, 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:07.700 Can a woman forget, 00:32:07.780 --> 00:32:08.620 Her nursing child, 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:10.000 Or lack compassion, 00:32:10.100 --> 00:32:11.060 On the child of a womb, 00:32:11.059 --> 00:32:13.500 Even if these were to forget, 00:32:13.879 --> 00:32:15.079 Even these may forget, 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:16.099 But I, 00:32:16.379 --> 00:32:18.599 I will never forget, 00:32:19.659 --> 00:32:21.579 Look at verse 14, 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:23.059 Behold, 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:24.619 I've engraved you, 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:26.019 On the palms, 00:32:26.599 --> 00:32:27.700 Of my hands, 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:29.240 Friends, 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:30.359 If you are in Christ, 00:32:31.500 --> 00:32:32.480 Your names, 00:32:32.579 --> 00:32:33.879 Are literally engraved, 00:32:34.419 --> 00:32:35.220 On the palms, 00:32:35.220 --> 00:32:36.220 Of his hands, 00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:39.059 Jesus bears in his hands, 00:32:39.200 --> 00:32:39.779 The scars, 00:32:39.940 --> 00:32:41.059 With rusty nails, 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:43.220 Engraved your name, 00:32:44.120 --> 00:32:45.200 Onto not just his hands, 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.200 But onto his heart, 00:32:47.100 --> 00:32:47.319 Friends, 00:32:47.420 --> 00:32:48.480 Jesus bears in his hands, 00:32:48.600 --> 00:32:49.400 The scars, 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:51.220 A forever permanent reminder, 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:52.940 That God the Father, 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:54.640 Too gave everything he had, 00:32:55.160 --> 00:32:56.559 Made the greatest sacrifice, 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:58.480 To bring us back to him, 00:32:59.339 --> 00:32:59.600 Friends, 00:32:59.660 --> 00:33:01.259 In this broken and fractured world, 00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:02.539 We all bear scars, 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:03.299 And for some of us, 00:33:03.400 --> 00:33:05.279 The scars run really deep, 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:06.940 But you can remember, 00:33:07.660 --> 00:33:08.740 Do you recognize the promise, 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:09.700 Of Christmas, 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:11.559 The promise of scripture, 00:33:11.899 --> 00:33:12.859 And the promise of Christmas, 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:15.079 Is that God has not forgotten you, 00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:16.319 God has not forsaken you, 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:18.119 God has not abandoned you, 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:20.099 He sent his son, 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:22.359 To come and bear the scars, 00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:23.680 He sent his son, 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:25.240 To be the message of salvation, 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:26.440 To hang on the cross, 00:33:26.740 --> 00:33:28.220 Only if Jesus can it be said, 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:29.119 That he was born, 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:30.720 In order to die, 00:33:31.079 --> 00:33:32.119 That you and I, 00:33:32.119 --> 00:33:33.740 Can be rescued and redeemed, 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.460 That one day, 00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:35.279 We can be with him, 00:33:35.340 --> 00:33:36.380 For all eternity, 00:33:36.579 --> 00:33:36.960 Where there will be, 00:33:37.120 --> 00:33:37.840 No more scars, 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:38.680 And no more tears, 00:33:38.840 --> 00:33:39.660 And no more pain, 00:33:39.940 --> 00:33:40.920 And no more agony, 00:33:41.319 --> 00:33:41.620 Friends, 00:33:41.740 --> 00:33:43.440 Jesus came to bring us back, 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:44.480 To him, 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:46.440 This is who Jesus is, 00:33:46.940 --> 00:33:47.860 This is what Christmas, 00:33:48.559 --> 00:33:49.279 Is all about, 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.740 Let's pray together, 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:53.799 Oh Lord Jesus, 00:33:53.799 --> 00:33:55.880 Thank you that you are, 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:56.620 The greatest, 00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:58.180 Most magnificent, 00:33:58.680 --> 00:33:59.579 Awesome, 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:00.960 Messiah King, 00:34:01.339 --> 00:34:02.599 God this world, 00:34:02.720 --> 00:34:03.259 Promises, 00:34:03.700 --> 00:34:04.859 A thousand versions, 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.720 Of salvations, 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:07.160 Worthless idols, 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.719 Worthless treasures, 00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:10.940 To trust and hope in, 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:12.860 God they are insipid, 00:34:13.500 --> 00:34:14.780 Dead idols, 00:34:14.940 --> 00:34:15.940 That cannot save us, 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:17.159 That cannot lift a finger, 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:19.000 That cannot give us hope, 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:20.699 Jesus you are, 00:34:20.699 --> 00:34:21.579 The eternal, 00:34:21.880 --> 00:34:22.420 Glorious, 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:23.400 Magnificent, 00:34:23.960 --> 00:34:24.820 Messiah King, 00:34:25.059 --> 00:34:26.360 The one who came, 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:27.579 To rescue us, 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:29.239 Out of shark infested waters, 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:30.219 The one who came, 00:34:30.300 --> 00:34:31.300 To redeem us, 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:32.539 And bring us back to yourself, 00:34:33.059 --> 00:34:34.500 Jesus you Messiah King, 00:34:34.820 --> 00:34:35.639 You didn't just come, 00:34:35.820 --> 00:34:37.340 With a message of good advice, 00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.280 You didn't just come, 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:39.179 And blow your whistle, 00:34:39.300 --> 00:34:40.099 And call us out, 00:34:40.440 --> 00:34:41.880 You dived into the waters, 00:34:41.940 --> 00:34:42.960 To bring us back, 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:44.000 You yourself, 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:45.059 God allowed yourself, 00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:46.119 To be destroyed, 00:34:46.119 --> 00:34:48.539 Nailed to the cross, 00:34:48.539 --> 00:34:50.880 So that we God, 00:34:51.819 --> 00:34:53.039 Could find our hope in you, 00:34:53.039 --> 00:34:55.400 God I pray, 00:34:55.539 --> 00:34:56.239 That we will be those, 00:34:56.339 --> 00:34:57.219 Who listen up, 00:34:58.279 --> 00:34:59.000 God I pray, 00:34:59.079 --> 00:34:59.679 That your word, 00:34:59.819 --> 00:35:01.359 Will cut like a sharp knife, 00:35:01.779 --> 00:35:02.339 To our hearts, 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:03.239 Let it cut through, 00:35:03.579 --> 00:35:04.500 All the lies, 00:35:05.199 --> 00:35:06.380 And all the deception, 00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:09.500 Jesus made the force of truth, 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:11.279 Ring loud in our hearts, 00:35:11.339 --> 00:35:12.319 And bring us back to you, 00:35:12.320 --> 00:35:14.860 God may we not be, 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:16.820 Like God's people of ages gone by, 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:18.600 That are deaf to your voice, 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:20.940 God we want to respond, 00:35:21.140 --> 00:35:21.860 To your amazing, 00:35:21.960 --> 00:35:24.160 Amazing message of salvation, 00:35:25.360 --> 00:35:26.700 Say Christ we love you, 00:35:27.160 --> 00:35:28.820 Come and have your way in our life, 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:31.500 We love you God, 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:32.900 Amen, 00:35:33.580 --> 00:35:34.340 Amen,