WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.179 The scripture reading comes from 1 Samuel chapters 2 and 3. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:10.320 The passage is abridged, so please follow along on the screen or the bulletin. 00:00:11.060 --> 00:00:13.240 Starting in verse 12, we read, 00:00:14.280 --> 00:00:19.620 Eli's sons were scoundrels. They had no regard for the Lord. 00:00:20.580 --> 00:00:26.199 Now, it was the practice of the priests that whenever any of the people offered a sacrifice, 00:00:26.199 --> 00:00:33.840 the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was being boiled 00:00:33.840 --> 00:00:39.320 and would plunge the fork into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. 00:00:40.640 --> 00:00:43.659 Whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. 00:00:44.620 --> 00:00:48.299 This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. 00:00:49.079 --> 00:00:51.379 But even before the fat was burned, 00:00:52.219 --> 00:00:56.159 the priest's servant would come and say to the person who was sacrificed, 00:00:56.200 --> 00:00:59.140 give the priest some meat roast. 00:00:59.460 --> 00:01:02.420 He won't accept boiled meat from you, but only raw. 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:04.780 If the person said to him, 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:08.180 let the fat be burned first and then take whatever you want. 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:10.159 The servant would answer, 00:01:10.920 --> 00:01:12.359 no, hand it over now. 00:01:12.540 --> 00:01:14.439 If you don't, I will take it by force. 00:01:15.320 --> 00:01:18.920 This sin of the young man was very great in the Lord's sight, 00:01:19.420 --> 00:01:22.140 for they were treating the Lord's offering with contempt. 00:01:22.140 --> 00:01:26.180 But Samuel was ministering before the Lord, 00:01:26.900 --> 00:01:29.120 a boy wearing a linen ephod. 00:01:29.120 --> 00:01:31.760 Now Eli, who was very old, 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:35.020 heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel 00:01:35.020 --> 00:01:40.040 and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:41.820 So he said to them, 00:01:41.819 --> 00:01:44.199 Why do you do such things? 00:01:44.979 --> 00:01:48.599 I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:50.039 You know, my sons, 00:01:50.139 --> 00:01:53.859 the report I hear spreading among the Lord's people is not good. 00:01:54.519 --> 00:01:56.579 If one person sins against another, 00:01:57.299 --> 00:01:59.259 God may mediate for the offender. 00:01:59.879 --> 00:02:01.839 But if anyone sins against the Lord, 00:02:02.039 --> 00:02:03.699 who will intercede for them? 00:02:03.700 --> 00:02:05.740 His sons, however, 00:02:06.040 --> 00:02:08.740 did not listen to their father's rebuke, 00:02:08.939 --> 00:02:11.280 for it was the Lord's will to put them to death. 00:02:12.780 --> 00:02:16.099 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature 00:02:16.099 --> 00:02:19.460 and in favor with the Lord and with people. 00:02:21.460 --> 00:02:24.480 Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him, 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:26.759 This is what the Lord says. 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:31.000 Did I not clearly reveal myself to your ancestors' family 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:32.920 when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh? 00:02:32.919 --> 00:02:37.099 I chose your ancestor out of all the tribes of Israel 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:38.579 to be my priest, 00:02:38.799 --> 00:02:40.639 to go up to my altar, 00:02:41.299 --> 00:02:44.419 to burn incense and to wear an ephod in my presence. 00:02:45.299 --> 00:02:47.739 I also gave your ancestors' family 00:02:47.739 --> 00:02:49.479 all the food offerings presented. 00:02:51.479 --> 00:02:54.519 Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering 00:02:54.519 --> 00:02:56.299 that I prescribed for my dwelling? 00:02:57.000 --> 00:02:59.959 Why do you honor your sons more than me 00:02:59.959 --> 00:03:02.339 by fattening yourselves on the choice parts 00:03:02.340 --> 00:03:04.960 of every offering made by my people Israel? 00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:08.460 Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares, 00:03:08.719 --> 00:03:11.840 I promise that members of your family 00:03:11.840 --> 00:03:13.980 would minister before me forever. 00:03:13.979 --> 00:03:16.799 But now the Lord declares, 00:03:16.799 --> 00:03:18.500 far be it from me. 00:03:19.199 --> 00:03:20.399 Those who honor me, 00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:21.340 I will honor, 00:03:21.859 --> 00:03:23.359 but those who despise me 00:03:23.359 --> 00:03:24.459 will be disdained. 00:03:25.399 --> 00:03:27.500 The time is coming when I will cut short 00:03:27.500 --> 00:03:30.120 your strength and the strength of your priestly house, 00:03:30.159 --> 00:03:33.359 so that no one in it will reach old age. 00:03:33.859 --> 00:03:35.799 And what happens to your two sons, 00:03:36.039 --> 00:03:37.359 Hophni and Phinehas, 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:39.019 will be assigned to you. 00:03:39.020 --> 00:03:42.060 They will both die on the same day. 00:03:42.860 --> 00:03:46.260 I will raise up for myself a faithful priest 00:03:46.260 --> 00:03:49.820 who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. 00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:53.439 I will firmly establish his priestly house 00:03:53.439 --> 00:03:57.200 and they will minister before my anointed ones always. 00:03:58.760 --> 00:04:01.439 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:04.919 In those days, the word of the Lord was read. 00:04:06.120 --> 00:04:07.120 Not many visions. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:09.639 One night Eli, 00:04:09.979 --> 00:04:12.300 whose eyes were becoming so weak 00:04:12.300 --> 00:04:13.879 that he could barely see, 00:04:14.439 --> 00:04:17.040 was lying down in his usual place. 00:04:17.899 --> 00:04:20.079 The Lamb of God had not yet gone out 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:23.060 and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord 00:04:23.060 --> 00:04:25.279 where the ark of God was. 00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:27.779 Then the Lord called Samuel. 00:04:28.899 --> 00:04:29.779 Samuel answered, 00:04:29.779 --> 00:04:30.899 Here I am. 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:33.259 And he ran to Eli and said, 00:04:33.480 --> 00:04:34.019 Here I am. 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:34.660 You called me. 00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:36.019 But Eli said, 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:37.339 I did not call. 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:38.680 Go back and lie down. 00:04:39.079 --> 00:04:40.879 So he went and lay down. 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:43.860 Again, the Lord called Samuel. 00:04:44.420 --> 00:04:46.920 And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, 00:04:47.199 --> 00:04:47.740 Here I am. 00:04:47.779 --> 00:04:48.379 You called me. 00:04:49.339 --> 00:04:51.060 My son, Eli said, 00:04:51.379 --> 00:04:52.439 I did not call. 00:04:52.720 --> 00:04:54.120 Go back and lie down. 00:04:57.879 --> 00:05:00.500 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. 00:05:00.500 --> 00:05:03.899 The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 00:05:04.819 --> 00:05:07.639 A third time, the Lord called Samuel. 00:05:08.519 --> 00:05:10.699 Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:11.560 Here I am. 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:12.319 You called me. 00:05:13.279 --> 00:05:16.579 Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 00:05:17.300 --> 00:05:18.579 So Eli told Samuel, 00:05:18.980 --> 00:05:20.120 Go and lie down. 00:05:20.120 --> 00:05:21.899 And if he calls you, 00:05:22.040 --> 00:05:22.319 Say, 00:05:22.840 --> 00:05:23.959 Speak, Lord, 00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:25.560 for your servant is listening. 00:05:26.280 --> 00:05:29.000 So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:32.560 The Lord came and stood there, 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:34.920 Calling as at the other times. 00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:35.740 Samuel, 00:05:36.160 --> 00:05:36.620 Samuel. 00:05:37.579 --> 00:05:38.740 Then Samuel said, 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:39.780 Speak, 00:05:40.100 --> 00:05:41.420 for your servant is listening. 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:44.439 And the Lord said to Samuel, 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:45.640 See, 00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:52.100 I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 00:05:52.740 --> 00:05:53.759 At that time, 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:59.560 I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family from beginning to end. 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:05.100 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:09.379 His sons blasphemed God and he failed to restrain them. 00:06:10.319 --> 00:06:10.560 Therefore, 00:06:10.699 --> 00:06:12.079 I swore to the house of Eli. 00:06:12.759 --> 00:06:17.819 The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering. 00:06:19.259 --> 00:06:23.399 Samuel laid down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. 00:06:24.340 --> 00:06:26.819 He was afraid to tell Eli the vision. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:29.719 But Eli called him and said, 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:30.500 Samuel, 00:06:30.680 --> 00:06:31.199 my son. 00:06:32.159 --> 00:06:33.139 Samuel answered, 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:34.420 Here I am. 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:36.819 What was it he said to you? 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:37.779 Eli asked, 00:06:38.519 --> 00:06:39.759 Do not hide it from me. 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:43.019 May God deal with you ever so severely. 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:46.100 If you hide from me anything he told you. 00:06:47.079 --> 00:06:48.939 So Samuel told him everything, 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:50.560 hiding nothing from him. 00:06:51.279 --> 00:06:52.259 Then Eli said, 00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:54.519 He is the Lord. 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:57.620 Let him do what is good in his eyes. 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:01.639 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up. 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:05.479 And he let none of Samuel's word fall to the ground. 00:07:06.180 --> 00:07:06.959 And all Israel, 00:07:07.159 --> 00:07:08.519 from Dan to Beersheba, 00:07:08.899 --> 00:07:12.560 recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. 00:07:13.399 --> 00:07:16.219 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, 00:07:16.659 --> 00:07:20.139 where there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. 00:07:20.719 --> 00:07:22.039 This is the word of God. 00:07:23.039 --> 00:07:23.620 Amen. 00:07:24.519 --> 00:07:33.599 Thanks, Alan. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:35.039 And thank you, Justin and Anabel. 00:07:35.180 --> 00:07:35.899 That was fantastic. 00:07:36.539 --> 00:07:37.539 So good morning, Watermark. 00:07:37.659 --> 00:07:38.459 I'm Nathaniel. 00:07:39.019 --> 00:07:41.240 As Chris has introduced me a little bit, 00:07:41.359 --> 00:07:42.579 but by day, 00:07:42.639 --> 00:07:45.099 I work as an English teacher at a secondary school, 00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:45.740 at a high school. 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:48.379 And in here at Watermark, 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:50.560 I serve with the CG Oasis, 00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:52.460 as well as part of an amazing youth team. 00:07:52.840 --> 00:07:56.819 So I'm super excited to be bringing the word of God before you today. 00:07:56.819 --> 00:07:58.879 And I just hope that wherever you are, 00:07:59.040 --> 00:08:00.939 wherever you're listening in and tuning in from, 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:04.459 that you will just take the time to quiet down your heart. 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:07.279 So that the word of God can come to you, 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:10.159 and that you will just invite God to speak into your hearts. 00:08:10.160 --> 00:08:13.120 So there's a lot to actually cover today. 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:17.220 So I'd like to just dive straight in and invite us to come together in prayer. 00:08:17.600 --> 00:08:19.140 So let us pray together. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:22.860 Father in heaven, 00:08:22.979 --> 00:08:24.120 we come before you, God. 00:08:25.099 --> 00:08:28.259 You are the creator of heaven and earth. 00:08:28.919 --> 00:08:30.919 You are the creator of all things, 00:08:31.159 --> 00:08:32.519 ruler of all things. 00:08:32.939 --> 00:08:34.399 You are a beautiful God, 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:35.939 a majestic God. 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:39.319 You are a God who knows us inside and out. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:41.759 And you are gracious and you are merciful. 00:08:42.819 --> 00:08:46.000 You're slow to anger and you're steadfast and abounding in love. 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:47.059 And you know us. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:48.179 You know us deeply. 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:49.659 And so I pray, God, 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:51.419 may you come before us today. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:52.839 May your spirit be with us. 00:08:53.339 --> 00:08:56.379 And I just pray and lift up the people who are listening right now. 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:58.579 I pray and lift up the church of Watermark. 00:08:59.159 --> 00:08:59.579 That God, 00:08:59.719 --> 00:09:01.359 may your word come to us. 00:09:01.919 --> 00:09:07.059 And may it really convict us of our deep-seated need for you. 00:09:07.439 --> 00:09:08.879 We really need you, God. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:13.959 May it not be our words that we are what we want to hear, God. 00:09:14.219 --> 00:09:16.219 But may it be your word that they hear. 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:18.519 May it be your word that reaches us, God. 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:19.820 Not what we want to hear. 00:09:20.540 --> 00:09:21.340 And so I pray, Lord, 00:09:21.560 --> 00:09:23.320 may we be convicted in our need for you, 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:26.620 but also may we not be left feeling condemned because we have a hope in you, God. 00:09:27.060 --> 00:09:28.240 And so I just pray, 00:09:28.340 --> 00:09:29.680 lift all these things up to you, 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:30.779 lift Watermark up to you. 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:31.620 And in Jesus' name, 00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:32.259 Amen. 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:34.600 Okay. 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:36.440 So in this series, 00:09:36.440 --> 00:09:38.460 we are looking through the book of Samuel. 00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:40.060 And throughout this book, 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:43.039 there's actually an overarching theme at work. 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:45.899 That while man looks at the outward appearance, 00:09:46.240 --> 00:09:47.960 God actually looks at the heart. 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:50.560 The humble who run to God, 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:51.639 he exalts. 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:53.659 And the proud who trust in themselves, 00:09:54.120 --> 00:09:55.080 he lays low. 00:09:55.080 --> 00:09:57.440 And so last week, 00:09:57.480 --> 00:09:59.440 we actually looked at the first chapter in Samuel. 00:09:59.540 --> 00:10:03.400 And we saw how this woman called Hannah was despised by others. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:06.080 And yet she ran to God. 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:09.500 And God honored her by giving her a son named Samuel, 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:11.860 who would then become the last judge of Israel. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:13.560 Now, 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:18.920 the same theme of honor actually continues as we dive into the second and the third chapters of Samuel today. 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:21.000 And we'll be looking at three things. 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:21.799 First, 00:10:21.919 --> 00:10:23.979 what it looks like to dishonor God. 00:10:24.599 --> 00:10:24.979 Second, 00:10:25.559 --> 00:10:27.139 what it looks like to actually honor him. 00:10:27.319 --> 00:10:29.759 And we'll look at Samuel's response to God for that. 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:31.139 Last but not least, 00:10:31.179 --> 00:10:32.639 we'll be looking at our own response, 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:34.959 as well as the hope that we have in him. 00:10:36.459 --> 00:10:39.319 And so today's passage is actually going to be quite challenging, 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:41.639 and there's a lot to depth to it. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:44.259 We won't be able to cover everything today. 00:10:44.439 --> 00:10:48.360 So it's something that I do encourage you to revisit afterwards in your own time. 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:53.360 I just want to provide a little bit more of a background before we dive into it. 00:10:53.959 --> 00:10:54.079 Now, 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:54.959 in the Old Testament, 00:10:55.439 --> 00:10:58.099 God has chosen Israel to be his holy people, 00:10:58.579 --> 00:11:02.039 and they would be a nation that would become a blessing to all other nations. 00:11:02.579 --> 00:11:05.079 He had taken them out of slavery in Egypt, 00:11:05.199 --> 00:11:08.679 and he had brought them into a land that was filled with hostile nations. 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:10.779 And yet he had provided for them. 00:11:11.099 --> 00:11:12.120 He had settled them there, 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:14.000 and he had established a priesthood. 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:17.719 But then we come to the book of Judges. 00:11:17.720 --> 00:11:19.540 And early in the book of Samuel, 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:22.200 and they were times of just chaos and disorder, 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:26.220 because everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. 00:11:27.779 --> 00:11:31.279 So Samuel chapter 3 begins like this. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:32.580 At that time, 00:11:32.920 --> 00:11:34.639 the word of God was rare, 00:11:35.160 --> 00:11:36.360 and there were not many visions. 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:41.460 And so even though God had been leading the people of Israel throughout the entire journey, 00:11:42.139 --> 00:11:46.620 those very people had become deaf to that very voice that had been guiding them. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:49.720 And so as we see in this passage, 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:51.039 we start in chapter 2. 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:53.679 We are introduced to Eli and his sons, 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:54.600 Hophni and Finnehas, 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:57.480 who served together with Eli as priests of Israel, 00:11:57.539 --> 00:11:59.700 and as the spiritual leaders of the people. 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:02.820 And so when God called upon his priests to serve him, 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:05.379 they actually had really clear duties. 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:06.659 Firstly, 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:08.440 they were to offer sacrifices, 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:11.600 so that the holy God could come and bless and deal with his people. 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:12.200 Second, 00:12:12.980 --> 00:12:14.139 they were to be mediators, 00:12:14.300 --> 00:12:16.139 who represented the people to God, 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:17.860 and God to the people. 00:12:18.279 --> 00:12:20.840 They were also to teach the people God's law. 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:22.420 And third, 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:23.980 as representatives of God, 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:26.240 they were to also lead holy lives, 00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:29.240 to demonstrate the goodness of God's word. 00:12:30.180 --> 00:12:32.440 And if you go to the next slide, 00:12:32.560 --> 00:12:36.259 the high priest even wore a gold plate on his turban, 00:12:36.580 --> 00:12:37.060 that said, 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.580 holy to the Lord. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:40.519 And so the point is this, 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:42.860 the priests were pretty important, 00:12:43.779 --> 00:12:46.939 and especially in Israel's kingless kind of situation. 00:12:47.939 --> 00:12:51.100 And they wore significant responsibilities on their shoulders. 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:54.879 But then we come to verse 12. 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:57.399 Now let's zoom into the passage together. 00:12:58.799 --> 00:12:59.840 Verse 12 says this, 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:02.019 Eli's sons were scoundrels. 00:13:02.779 --> 00:13:04.579 They had no regard for the Lord. 00:13:05.779 --> 00:13:08.139 So history had again repeated itself. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:11.559 The sins of Eli's sons were very serious. 00:13:11.899 --> 00:13:12.059 First, 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:16.679 we see them disregard the Lord by mistreating the Israelites' offerings to God. 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:20.279 So they took what belonged to God for themselves, 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.220 and in doing so, 00:13:21.259 --> 00:13:23.980 they were actually disregarding the law of the Lord, 00:13:24.199 --> 00:13:25.240 which is God's word. 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:27.679 In Leviticus chapter 7, 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:29.500 it writes how the peace offering, 00:13:29.919 --> 00:13:30.860 the animal sacrifice, 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:33.819 was meant as a sign of relationship with God, 00:13:33.820 --> 00:13:35.340 and devotion to God. 00:13:36.040 --> 00:13:37.420 And so when an animal is offered up, 00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:41.240 actually the fat would be burnt to create this pleasing aroma, 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:44.760 which was a symbol of giving the best to God. 00:13:47.240 --> 00:13:48.879 And out of his generosity, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:53.080 God would actually share a part of those offerings with his servants as well. 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:56.300 So the priests were allowed to take this three-pronged fork 00:13:56.300 --> 00:13:58.500 and plunge it into a meat and boiling pot, 00:13:58.540 --> 00:14:00.020 and whatever they took out would be theirs, 00:14:00.240 --> 00:14:01.860 as seen in verse 13. 00:14:02.780 --> 00:14:04.020 In addition to that, 00:14:04.080 --> 00:14:07.300 they could also take the breast and the right leg of the animal. 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:10.220 So it can't be said that God was being stingy. 00:14:11.660 --> 00:14:13.280 But Hophni and Phinehas, 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:15.040 for them that wasn't enough. 00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:16.960 They wanted everything. 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:20.300 So let's take a look at verses 15 and 16. 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:23.539 But even before the fat was burnt, 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:25.000 what was rightfully God's, 00:14:25.459 --> 00:14:28.479 the priest's servant would come and say to the person who was sacrificing, 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:31.120 give the priest some meat to roast. 00:14:31.579 --> 00:14:34.059 He won't accept boiled meat from you, 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:35.120 but only raw. 00:14:36.219 --> 00:14:39.859 And if that person who dared to speak up and do what was right, 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.059 and he said to him, 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.839 let the fat be burnt first, 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:44.719 and then take whatever you want, 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:46.079 the servant would answer, 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:46.740 no, 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:48.299 hand it over now. 00:14:48.299 --> 00:14:49.620 If you don't, 00:14:49.979 --> 00:14:51.459 I'll take it by force. 00:14:52.759 --> 00:14:54.059 It's been a pretty buff sermon. 00:14:56.079 --> 00:14:57.279 But Hophni and Phinehas, 00:14:57.819 --> 00:14:58.259 as you can see, 00:14:58.399 --> 00:15:00.219 they weren't actually spiritual leaders. 00:15:00.579 --> 00:15:00.839 Instead, 00:15:00.979 --> 00:15:02.500 they were playground bullies. 00:15:02.979 --> 00:15:05.000 And their playground was Israel. 00:15:06.459 --> 00:15:08.319 Verse 17 says this, 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:10.159 their sin was serious, 00:15:10.319 --> 00:15:14.500 because they were treating the Lord's offering with contempt. 00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:17.139 Let's pause at the word contempt for a moment. 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:20.480 Have you ever been looked at with contempt? 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:25.059 It's that particular glance that utters nothing, 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.679 kind of says everything. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:31.199 And it's kind of like followed with a silence that leaves you reeling and thinking, 00:15:31.340 --> 00:15:32.159 what have I done wrong? 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:37.299 It's a look that brings about this uniquely terrible feeling, 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:39.600 because it's a look that gives no respect, 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:40.679 and it gives no honor. 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:43.699 And it takes away all credit and all value. 00:15:45.339 --> 00:15:46.519 The Hophni and Phinehas, 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:49.259 they treated the Lord's offerings with contempt. 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.199 And hence, 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.620 they had treated God's law, 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:52.659 God's word, 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:53.319 with contempt. 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:54.839 And in doing so, 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:56.620 they had devalued God's honor. 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:59.220 In verse 12, 00:15:59.580 --> 00:16:00.639 they are called scoundrels, 00:16:01.139 --> 00:16:01.860 worthless men. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:02.879 In Hebrew, 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:04.879 the translation is men of belly hall. 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:07.659 And it means a worthlessness, 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:09.500 or a uselessness, 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.419 not because they lack human dignity, 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:13.419 because they were created in God's image, 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:17.940 but because they were not living according to God's purposes for them. 00:16:17.940 --> 00:16:20.060 As you will see, 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:20.640 actually, 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:23.440 this is quite a common theme throughout the book of Samuel, 00:16:24.260 --> 00:16:28.560 that God does not judge people's worth according to their title or their status. 00:16:28.920 --> 00:16:29.700 In chapter 16, 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:30.180 verse 7, 00:16:30.260 --> 00:16:32.680 it says that man looks at the outward appearance, 00:16:33.020 --> 00:16:34.820 but the Lord looks at the heart, 00:16:35.520 --> 00:16:37.760 and their hearts are rotten. 00:16:40.160 --> 00:16:42.260 And so we have these walking contradictions, 00:16:42.440 --> 00:16:43.660 Hophni and Phinehas, 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:46.700 who have all this authority and responsibility, 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:49.620 they had titles deserving of immense respect, 00:16:50.020 --> 00:16:52.960 and yet their hearts were captured by their own desires, 00:16:53.259 --> 00:16:54.460 and they were worthless. 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:57.320 Rather than leading people to God, 00:16:57.820 --> 00:16:59.700 they led people away from God. 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:02.040 In verses 12 to 17, 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:03.759 they treated the Lord's authoring with contempt. 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:04.539 In verse 22, 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:05.980 they used their positions of power, 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:09.059 and they took advantage of the women that were serving in the temple. 00:17:09.620 --> 00:17:09.920 Again, 00:17:09.960 --> 00:17:13.720 they were holding the Lord's law of marital faithfulness in contempt. 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:16.900 Hophni and Phinehas, 00:17:17.100 --> 00:17:20.339 they repeatedly took what was meant for honoring God, 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:24.019 and they used it for themselves in self-indulgence. 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:26.680 And so, 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:30.000 seeing God's representatives act this way, 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:33.500 how do you think the people would then come to view God? 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:38.299 When people see a church that is talking about God's love on a Sunday, 00:17:38.879 --> 00:17:41.519 but then live in greed and selfishness, 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:44.519 or become very harsh and demanding at work or at home, 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:46.400 it's the wonder some people say, 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:49.340 I don't think I really want to know God. 00:17:49.860 --> 00:17:52.200 I don't really want to know that kind of God. 00:17:54.040 --> 00:17:54.700 And the thing is, 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:56.220 even though deep down, 00:17:56.360 --> 00:17:57.980 we might look at some of our own faults, 00:17:58.080 --> 00:17:59.800 and then look at Eli's sons and think, 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:01.500 I haven't sinned that badly. 00:18:02.040 --> 00:18:03.900 I'm not that much of a scoundrel. 00:18:05.180 --> 00:18:05.940 The thing is, 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:08.620 we should be worried about our own hearts, 00:18:08.800 --> 00:18:10.820 and our own response to God's word. 00:18:12.300 --> 00:18:13.340 Let's say, for example, 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:16.279 that there's someone at work that you disagree with quite frequently. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.359 Is there someone like that? 00:18:18.099 --> 00:18:19.879 They don't like the way that you operate, 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.679 and you don't like the way that they operate. 00:18:22.059 --> 00:18:22.579 And one day, 00:18:22.639 --> 00:18:25.039 they blame you for a mistake that you haven't committed. 00:18:26.199 --> 00:18:26.480 And so, 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.819 when it all comes in the clear, 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.559 you're filled with frustration, 00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:32.159 and you're prepared to just lash out at them verbally. 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:34.299 And then at that moment, 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:36.519 the word of God comes to you. 00:18:36.879 --> 00:18:37.339 And he says, 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.379 love your enemies, 00:18:38.939 --> 00:18:40.539 pray for those who persecute you. 00:18:41.079 --> 00:18:42.759 That's in Matthew 5, 44. 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:44.959 And in that moment, 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:45.799 you're probably thinking, 00:18:45.919 --> 00:18:46.639 forget that. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:48.119 I'll love them later. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:50.439 They deserve a good telling off, 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:52.379 and probably a lot more than that. 00:18:54.199 --> 00:18:54.619 But you see, 00:18:54.699 --> 00:18:55.059 actually, 00:18:55.419 --> 00:18:56.379 when we do that, 00:18:56.639 --> 00:18:58.379 it's not just that we sin, 00:18:58.480 --> 00:19:00.859 it's how we also justify our sins. 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:02.059 And in doing so, 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:04.220 we are treating God's word lightly. 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:07.539 We're actually treating it with contempt. 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:11.179 And that is just so, 00:19:11.179 --> 00:19:11.899 so challenging. 00:19:11.900 --> 00:19:15.920 So when God's word comes to us, 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:17.380 how do we respond? 00:19:18.840 --> 00:19:20.420 When King David committed sin, 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:22.280 and the word of the Lord reached him, 00:19:22.540 --> 00:19:24.680 David came to God in brokenness. 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:26.700 Yet here in Samuel 2, 00:19:26.780 --> 00:19:27.360 verse 16, 00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:29.840 God's word comes to Eli's sons and says, 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:33.040 what you're doing with God's offerings is wrong, 00:19:33.540 --> 00:19:34.860 but they reject it. 00:19:34.859 --> 00:19:36.259 And in doing so, 00:19:36.459 --> 00:19:38.759 they treated the Lord with dishonor. 00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:41.819 And so in Eli's sons, 00:19:41.899 --> 00:19:44.199 we see the importance of honoring God's word. 00:19:44.419 --> 00:19:45.839 And there are actions we see that, 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:48.579 when we allow sin to proliferate in our hearts 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:49.240 and our lives, 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:52.899 and we put ourselves and our desires above honoring God, 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:56.039 we are treating God and his word with contempt. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:59.000 And even if we try to put on a show, 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:02.180 people will see through that facade. 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:03.339 We can't really hide it. 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:06.599 And this is really challenging for all of us, 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:11.819 because others can see how we treat God in honor and in dishonor. 00:20:12.379 --> 00:20:15.700 And they are patterns of our lives that actually stem from our hearts, 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:19.559 and they act as a witness for God and against. 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:25.380 We actually see the same thing happen in Eli's heart. 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:27.200 Eli, who was the high priest of Israel. 00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:30.799 And if you look at the verse of the passage, 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:32.740 Eli doesn't seem like a bad guy, 00:20:33.100 --> 00:20:34.660 but actually he took, 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:38.400 he also put his personal honor above God's, 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:39.460 just in a more subtle way. 00:20:40.080 --> 00:20:41.039 Let's look at chapter two, 00:20:41.140 --> 00:20:42.120 verse 23 together. 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.100 And in there, 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:45.080 he confronts his sons and he says, 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:46.799 why do you do such things? 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:50.859 I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:53.119 And that's followed by a few verses 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:56.059 where he attempts to warn his sons against their sinful actions. 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:57.980 And in his own way, 00:20:58.379 --> 00:21:00.859 he wanted only what was best for them. 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:07.740 The problem is that Eli didn't really want to upset his sons. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:11.179 You see, Eli wanted to follow God, 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:13.139 but when it came to that crunch moment, 00:21:13.140 --> 00:21:18.920 he was too cowardly to stand up to his sons or to rock the boat and draw clear boundaries 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:24.620 between what was acceptable and not acceptable behavior in order to maintain the honor of God 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:26.320 and his word and his name. 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:29.659 And so even though the people of Israel, 00:21:29.659 --> 00:21:31.200 they saw what was going on. 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.480 You see this in verse 24. 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:34.639 Eli let things go. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:39.500 He preferred to keep everything harmonious and allow God to be dishonored 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:42.200 rather than cause a stir within his own family. 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:48.559 But God knows the condition of Eli's heart through all the layers on the outside. 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:52.099 And in verse 29, God confronts him. 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.279 He says this, 00:21:54.339 --> 00:21:57.200 Why do you honor your sons more than me? 00:21:57.579 --> 00:22:03.000 By fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people, Israel. 00:22:05.679 --> 00:22:10.200 So how often do we find ourselves afraid to rock that boat 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:12.639 or to lose something that we care about 00:22:12.639 --> 00:22:15.299 and become unable to honor the word of God? 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:20.240 It could be the fear of losing a friend when we share the gospel with them 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:23.000 and all that kind of awkwardness that comes with it. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:26.059 I found that quite challenging personally, 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:27.879 especially with some of my high school friends, 00:22:28.399 --> 00:22:31.559 especially when they bite back or they get offended. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:32.919 It's not all of them. 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:37.419 Or it could be that when we see a brother or sister that's making bad decisions, 00:22:37.419 --> 00:22:41.359 but we don't want to say anything out of the fear that they might get upset. 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:44.159 I know I also struggle with this a lot. 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:49.540 And actually, there are ways to do that lovingly and to do it graciously. 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:52.420 But sometimes, in those crunch moments, 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:55.740 we can place something else before God and his honor 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:59.000 rather than trusting him with those difficult moments. 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:05.380 And so even though all of this may not seem as extreme as what Eli's sons were doing, 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:10.400 it does pose the challenge of how seriously we treat the word of God, 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:13.960 where our priorities lie and where our hearts lie. 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:18.320 And if our fear leads us to view the word of God lightly, 00:23:18.780 --> 00:23:22.540 and the trajectories of our hearts and the patterns of our lives lead away from God, 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:26.580 the consequences are serious for everybody involved. 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:31.339 And so we come to the key verse in this passage. 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:34.519 And this is in Samuel chapter 2, verse 30. 00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:37.299 In here, God says this, 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:54.099 From Genesis all the way through, God says, 00:23:54.099 --> 00:24:05.879 And so in this passage, we see God cut the path of Eli 00:24:05.879 --> 00:24:09.519 and make way for this new priesthood, a new beginning, 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:13.139 and a new chance at life to flourish in its place. 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:14.960 And this is very real. 00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:19.680 Because when God speaks to you, he wants to bring you life. 00:24:20.060 --> 00:24:23.580 Because left alone, you will surely die, just like in the Garden of Eden. 00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:27.700 And his call is actually that he wants you to live. 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:32.520 And we see that call answered in Samuel's response. 00:24:34.800 --> 00:24:36.980 And so thus far, there's been a lot of doom and gloom. 00:24:37.300 --> 00:24:41.660 But actually, though God's word was rare in those times, in chapter 3, verse 1, 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:44.380 And the people were left in darkness. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:48.000 There's actually this beautiful image in verse 3, which says, 00:24:48.540 --> 00:24:51.180 The lamp of God had not yet gone out. 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:54.900 And Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord in that darkness, 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:56.580 where the ark of God was. 00:24:57.900 --> 00:25:00.120 The lamp was the light in the tabernacle. 00:25:00.360 --> 00:25:04.259 And it actually represented God's presence in the midst of darkness. 00:25:04.560 --> 00:25:06.680 And that God was still there working. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:10.940 And so in the midst of all the sins recorded in the judgment 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:12.740 being pronounced on the house of Eli, 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:18.559 this passage is punctured with little hints of God at work in the background, 00:25:18.900 --> 00:25:22.400 working through this little boy Samuel, ministering before him. 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:26.820 And visually, if we go to the next slide, it looks a little bit like this. 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:30.100 And so the yellow part is all the sin and the judgment. 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:33.420 And the green part is God working through little boy Samuel. 00:25:33.420 --> 00:25:37.019 And so chapter 3 is actually one of hope, 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:39.100 because God calls to Samuel. 00:25:39.500 --> 00:25:44.700 And the way this small boy responds to God can serve as an example for all of us. 00:25:46.039 --> 00:25:51.019 In chapter 2, verse 18, we first get this glimpse of little boy Samuel, 00:25:51.320 --> 00:25:55.800 ministering before God with a linen ephod, which only priests wore. 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:59.759 He has no position and no authority. 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:02.680 And yet in chapter 3, God's word comes to him. 00:26:03.579 --> 00:26:07.619 And just like Eli's sons, Samuel actually doesn't know God yet. 00:26:08.119 --> 00:26:10.259 We see that in chapter 3, verse 7. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:14.259 When the Lord calls to him, he is responsive to the word, 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:15.759 but he doesn't know where to run. 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:19.579 We see this three times in verse 4, verse 6, and verse 8, 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:22.960 until Eli realizes that actually God is speaking to this little boy. 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:27.620 And finally Samuel goes, speak, for your servant is listening. 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.700 Verse 10. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:31.940 And God does speak to him. 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:35.500 Because you see, God's not about position. 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:36.880 He's not about authority. 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:38.900 He doesn't just pick the best. 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:42.519 He calls on those who are willing to say, speak, Lord, 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:44.559 for your servant is listening. 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:49.440 By the way, it's not a fun message for Samuel. 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:51.740 When the word of God comes to him, 00:26:51.740 --> 00:26:54.099 the message is that God is going to clear away corruption 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.880 and all dishonor to his name, 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:58.579 and to bring a new priesthood and a new king to rule 00:26:58.579 --> 00:27:00.019 in place of the old, 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:02.079 in place of Samuel's own mentor. 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.960 And that's a lot to take in, 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.240 especially for a little kid. 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.660 If any of the youth are watching, 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:11.180 it's kind of like, well, imagine coming up to Alan 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:12.160 and telling him, 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:15.599 hey, Alan, actually God is saying that he's going to be replacing you. 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:18.480 So you probably want to start thinking about getting out of here. 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:21.420 It's quite difficult, actually. 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:26.220 But of course, God doesn't leave little Samuel alone in all of that. 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:30.960 And the beautiful thing in chapter 3 is that we see that God is the one 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:32.799 who takes the initiative to speak, 00:27:33.099 --> 00:27:35.799 because God is a God who loves to speak with us, 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:37.019 to relate to us, 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:38.220 to commune with us, 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:40.779 and he longs for us to flourish. 00:27:40.779 --> 00:27:45.759 Unlike Eli, Samuel does not dishonor God, 00:27:46.279 --> 00:27:47.740 does not make excuses. 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:51.579 He doesn't treat God with contempt like Eli's sons did. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:55.160 So God calls upon the small boy, 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.720 his faithful servant, 00:27:57.119 --> 00:27:58.779 to be a part of this new order, 00:27:58.839 --> 00:28:01.980 with good news that God's word is coming again to bring life. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:05.980 In chapter 3, verses 19 to 21, it says this, 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:09.039 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:12.200 and he let none of Samuel's words fall to the ground. 00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:15.279 And all of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:19.339 recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet to the Lord. 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:22.460 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, 00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:27.019 and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:30.660 Throughout the gospel message, 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.860 there is this pattern 00:28:31.859 --> 00:28:34.119 in which God takes the nobodies, 00:28:34.419 --> 00:28:37.159 and he uses them to glorify his kingdom. 00:28:37.719 --> 00:28:39.699 And we saw that with Hannah last week as well. 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:45.219 So, just how real is that message to you? 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:48.959 That God's not actually looking for somebody great, 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:51.559 or somebody that's spiritually mature, 00:28:51.839 --> 00:28:53.699 and has got it all together to serve him. 00:28:55.199 --> 00:28:56.740 Actually, no matter who we are, 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:58.859 God comes to us with his word, 00:28:58.859 --> 00:29:01.039 and he wants to speak life 00:29:01.039 --> 00:29:04.299 into even the most private areas of our lives 00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:06.259 where we actually don't want him to get involved. 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:08.339 Whether it's our relationships, 00:29:08.619 --> 00:29:09.579 or it's our finances, 00:29:09.899 --> 00:29:12.039 or it's some deep-seated bitterness 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:14.019 or anger that's hidden within us. 00:29:15.479 --> 00:29:16.539 And then he asks us, 00:29:16.619 --> 00:29:18.339 will we respond like Eli's sons 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:19.679 and push him away, 00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:22.159 or will we do as Samuel did, 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:23.939 and come before him and say, 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:26.559 Speak, Lord, for your servant is this name. 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:30.279 And so Hophni or Phinehas, 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:31.339 or Samuel, 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:34.079 honor God's word and give honor to him, 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.659 or honor ourselves. 00:29:36.179 --> 00:29:37.459 Black and white, simple as that. 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:39.119 Except that it isn't. 00:29:40.139 --> 00:29:41.500 Because, as you and I know, 00:29:41.719 --> 00:29:42.539 we, like Israel, 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:44.000 throughout the book of Judges, 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:46.439 have a tendency to fall below 00:29:46.439 --> 00:29:48.779 God's calling for us again and again. 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:50.199 Because alone, 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:52.179 we cannot hit that high bar. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:54.439 Like God calls on us to be like him, 00:29:54.619 --> 00:29:55.579 to be perfect, 00:29:55.959 --> 00:29:56.679 and to be whole. 00:29:56.680 --> 00:30:00.060 Samuel didn't hit that bar. 00:30:01.060 --> 00:30:03.259 Actually, he too had unfaithful sons. 00:30:04.320 --> 00:30:06.120 King David didn't hit that bar either. 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:08.060 In fact, the whole Old Testament 00:30:08.060 --> 00:30:09.360 is a story of how everyone 00:30:09.360 --> 00:30:11.340 is still looking for someone. 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:15.140 We see that in Samuel 2, verse 31. 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:16.960 God says, 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:18.940 I will raise up for myself 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:20.200 a faithful priest 00:30:20.200 --> 00:30:21.500 who will do according 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:23.259 to what is on my heart 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.059 and my mind. 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:26.360 I will firmly establish 00:30:26.360 --> 00:30:27.720 his priestly house, 00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:28.920 and they will minister 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:30.420 before my anointed one 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:31.100 always. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:32.840 It's really cool 00:30:32.840 --> 00:30:33.860 because we get to be involved. 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:36.079 When we read that, 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:37.519 we might think at first 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:38.980 that God is referring to Samuel, 00:30:39.180 --> 00:30:40.680 but he is not the one 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:42.259 that Israel was waiting for. 00:30:43.100 --> 00:30:44.840 It is pointed towards King Jesus 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:46.699 and our need for him. 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:48.919 That's good news for us 00:30:48.919 --> 00:30:51.000 because actually you and I 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:52.119 deserve to be treated 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:53.299 with disdain, 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:55.799 just as Eli and his sons were 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:58.299 because who hasn't disdained 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.259 the word of God? 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:01.279 We deserve to be judged. 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:04.359 For those of us 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.259 who want to continue 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:06.799 to live with contempt 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.980 of God and his word, 00:31:08.619 --> 00:31:10.019 that is a very harsh message. 00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:12.359 For those of us 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:13.119 who, like Samuel, 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.899 go speak, 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.599 for your servant is listening, 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.660 we don't hear a message 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:18.180 of judgment. 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.680 We hear one of hope. 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:21.619 The good news is that 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:22.799 the God who created us, 00:31:22.839 --> 00:31:24.519 who knows us inside and out, 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:26.139 also knows that we are broken 00:31:26.139 --> 00:31:27.539 and that we are frail 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:29.240 and that we too struggle with sin. 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:32.319 And so last but not least, 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.940 we have hope in God 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:35.480 in the form of God's Son, 00:31:35.920 --> 00:31:36.599 Jesus Christ. 00:31:38.120 --> 00:31:40.240 In John 3, 17, it says, 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:41.880 When the Son of God came, 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:44.140 he came not to condemn the world, 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.519 but to save it. 00:31:46.400 --> 00:31:48.500 He didn't come to wag his fingers at us 00:31:48.500 --> 00:31:50.420 and smite us with a bolt of lightning. 00:31:50.880 --> 00:31:51.799 In God's eyes, 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:53.440 we are not lost causes. 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:56.220 And so when Jesus came, 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:58.620 he came as God on earth. 00:31:58.619 --> 00:32:00.979 So that through him, 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:02.699 we might know God. 00:32:03.899 --> 00:32:05.319 Romans 8, 34 echoes that. 00:32:05.459 --> 00:32:05.859 And it says, 00:32:06.399 --> 00:32:08.579 Who then is the one who condemns? 00:32:09.099 --> 00:32:09.559 No one. 00:32:10.739 --> 00:32:12.299 Christ Jesus who died, 00:32:12.439 --> 00:32:13.299 more than that, 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.839 who was raised to life, 00:32:15.159 --> 00:32:16.719 is at the right hand of God 00:32:16.719 --> 00:32:19.159 and is also interceding for us. 00:32:20.599 --> 00:32:21.500 In Jesus, 00:32:21.659 --> 00:32:23.619 we do not have a faulty mediator 00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:24.299 like Eli, 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.119 like Hophni, 00:32:25.199 --> 00:32:25.719 or Phinehas. 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:26.759 Instead, 00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:28.460 we have a great high priest 00:32:28.460 --> 00:32:30.240 who is holy and pure, 00:32:30.660 --> 00:32:32.440 serving as the perfect mediator 00:32:32.440 --> 00:32:34.160 between us and God, 00:32:34.519 --> 00:32:35.660 interceding for us 00:32:35.660 --> 00:32:36.759 at the right hand of God. 00:32:37.120 --> 00:32:38.860 He is one who knows our needs 00:32:38.860 --> 00:32:40.160 even more than we do, 00:32:40.360 --> 00:32:41.880 and he represents us 00:32:41.880 --> 00:32:43.819 perfectly to the Father. 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:47.139 And rather than animal sacrifices, 00:32:47.139 --> 00:32:49.220 you don't have to. 00:32:50.259 --> 00:32:50.720 Okay. 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:53.279 Rather than animal sacrifices, 00:32:53.639 --> 00:32:55.259 Jesus offered his own body 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:57.339 so that all who believe in him 00:32:57.339 --> 00:32:59.599 would be made clean and righteous 00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:00.599 in God's eyes. 00:33:01.139 --> 00:33:03.720 To make you clean and righteous 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:04.720 in God's eyes. 00:33:05.819 --> 00:33:06.720 He was the only one 00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:08.139 who perfectly honored God. 00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:11.000 And so when you leave the stream today, 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:12.440 remember this. 00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:14.119 In Samuel 2, 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:14.839 verse 30, 00:33:15.180 --> 00:33:15.779 God says, 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:17.660 Those who honor me, 00:33:17.880 --> 00:33:18.460 I will honor. 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:20.799 And those who despise me 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:22.119 will be disdained. 00:33:23.900 --> 00:33:25.720 When Jesus died on the cross, 00:33:26.180 --> 00:33:27.400 he took on our sins 00:33:27.400 --> 00:33:29.519 so that he would be disdained 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:31.599 and we would be treated with honor. 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:34.380 He took on all those sins 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:35.180 on his shoulders, 00:33:35.319 --> 00:33:36.059 all the bad choices 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:37.019 that we've made in life, 00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:38.259 all the times we've turned our backs 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:38.740 on God, 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:40.420 willingly or subconsciously, 00:33:40.420 --> 00:33:42.100 all the times that we have sinned 00:33:42.100 --> 00:33:42.900 against our brothers 00:33:42.900 --> 00:33:43.820 and our sisters 00:33:43.820 --> 00:33:45.080 who are our neighbors, 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:45.660 our friends, 00:33:45.800 --> 00:33:46.519 and our strangers. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:48.320 He took on our shame, 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:50.000 the people who scorned him, 00:33:50.060 --> 00:33:50.840 who spat at him, 00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:51.779 who laughed at him 00:33:51.779 --> 00:33:53.220 for being king of the Jews. 00:33:53.420 --> 00:33:54.860 And he took on all of that 00:33:54.860 --> 00:33:56.060 and he was despised 00:33:56.060 --> 00:33:57.759 so that we may not be 00:33:57.759 --> 00:33:58.900 in God's eyes. 00:33:59.400 --> 00:34:00.600 He was disdained 00:34:00.600 --> 00:34:02.259 so that we could be honored. 00:34:03.420 --> 00:34:04.820 He came so that the evil 00:34:04.820 --> 00:34:05.580 in our lives 00:34:05.580 --> 00:34:06.960 won't be the final chapter. 00:34:07.759 --> 00:34:08.519 So that the sin 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:10.059 that threatens to separate us 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:11.940 eternally from God in death 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:13.480 would be poured onto him 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:15.239 and that we can return 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.539 to the Father's influence. 00:34:18.820 --> 00:34:19.739 Did you know 00:34:19.739 --> 00:34:21.699 that actually the cross 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:23.259 is the ultimate place 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:24.440 where we treat God 00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:25.239 with contempt? 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:27.259 It's the place 00:34:27.259 --> 00:34:28.639 where all of our messiness, 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:30.820 all of the grossness 00:34:30.820 --> 00:34:31.980 of life is scattered. 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:33.880 And yet it is also 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:35.079 that very same place 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:36.679 where we can find redemption 00:34:36.679 --> 00:34:37.799 and forgiveness, 00:34:38.440 --> 00:34:39.960 where we do not have to fear 00:34:39.960 --> 00:34:41.539 God's retaliation wrath 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:42.960 for those who believe in him. 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:45.239 It is where we can find hope 00:34:45.239 --> 00:34:46.239 and renewal, 00:34:46.819 --> 00:34:47.980 where we can find peace 00:34:47.980 --> 00:34:48.879 and security. 00:34:50.219 --> 00:34:51.480 God wants us 00:34:51.480 --> 00:34:52.739 to be close to him, 00:34:53.119 --> 00:34:54.579 to be a part of his family 00:34:54.579 --> 00:34:55.739 so that we may be called 00:34:55.739 --> 00:34:57.079 children of God. 00:34:57.659 --> 00:34:59.239 He wants to give us honor 00:34:59.239 --> 00:35:00.519 through Jesus Christ. 00:35:01.519 --> 00:35:03.099 Yet he doesn't force it on us. 00:35:03.099 --> 00:35:07.039 So how are you viewing 00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:08.400 the word of God today? 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:11.659 Where are you seeking 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.679 honor from? 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:15.199 And who do you seek 00:35:15.199 --> 00:35:16.980 to honor above all things? 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:19.579 In Jesus, 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:21.440 he has exemplified 00:35:21.440 --> 00:35:23.179 a life of honoring God 00:35:23.179 --> 00:35:24.559 and not despising him. 00:35:24.819 --> 00:35:26.239 He has shown that to us. 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:28.119 And since he bestows 00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:29.319 that very same honor 00:35:29.319 --> 00:35:30.019 onto us 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:31.539 and removes our shame 00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:32.079 and our sin, 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.900 we can, 00:35:33.279 --> 00:35:34.440 through our great high priest, 00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:35.519 approach the throne 00:35:35.519 --> 00:35:36.619 of grace 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:37.599 with confidence. 00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:40.000 But we must not then 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:42.279 turn and treat sin lightly. 00:35:43.779 --> 00:35:45.099 Let us not make excuses 00:35:45.099 --> 00:35:46.219 like Eli did. 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:48.319 Let us run back to God, 00:35:48.420 --> 00:35:48.860 our Father, 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:50.639 and allow him to speak to you 00:35:50.639 --> 00:35:51.860 like Samuel did. 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:53.400 And let us say, 00:35:53.579 --> 00:35:53.900 Father, 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:55.299 here I am. 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.019 Speak, 00:35:57.619 --> 00:35:58.480 for your servant 00:35:58.480 --> 00:35:59.259 is the Son. 00:35:59.260 --> 00:36:02.060 Let us pray together. 00:36:06.060 --> 00:36:07.860 I just want to invite you all 00:36:07.860 --> 00:36:09.380 to take a moment 00:36:09.380 --> 00:36:10.720 and to respond 00:36:10.720 --> 00:36:12.080 to God yourself. 00:36:13.680 --> 00:36:14.440 What do you think 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.300 about two questions? 00:36:17.080 --> 00:36:18.380 How is God speaking 00:36:18.380 --> 00:36:19.180 to you today? 00:36:20.220 --> 00:36:21.700 And where in your life 00:36:21.700 --> 00:36:22.920 is he calling you 00:36:22.920 --> 00:36:24.240 to honor his word? 00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:27.140 Where in your life 00:36:27.140 --> 00:36:28.060 is he calling you 00:36:28.059 --> 00:36:29.159 to honor his word? 00:36:30.500 --> 00:36:31.460 Let's take a minute. 00:36:31.460 --> 00:36:51.559 Father in heaven, 00:36:51.659 --> 00:36:52.400 we come before you. 00:36:55.199 --> 00:36:56.440 And we thank you, Lord. 00:36:56.840 --> 00:36:58.240 We thank you that you sent Jesus 00:36:58.240 --> 00:36:59.980 to die for us. 00:36:59.980 --> 00:37:00.199 Amen. 00:37:01.460 --> 00:37:02.599 For many of us, 00:37:02.679 --> 00:37:03.940 we have experienced shame 00:37:03.940 --> 00:37:04.559 and guilt. 00:37:05.639 --> 00:37:06.599 Guilt sometimes 00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:07.300 that makes us 00:37:07.300 --> 00:37:08.119 want to run away 00:37:08.119 --> 00:37:08.800 from the Father 00:37:08.800 --> 00:37:10.820 rather than running 00:37:10.820 --> 00:37:11.400 too deep. 00:37:13.679 --> 00:37:14.900 And yet you tell us 00:37:14.900 --> 00:37:16.579 that Jesus came 00:37:16.579 --> 00:37:18.220 and that he knows us. 00:37:18.280 --> 00:37:19.220 He knows all that sin. 00:37:20.099 --> 00:37:20.940 He knows of our guilt. 00:37:21.099 --> 00:37:21.860 He knows of our shame. 00:37:22.639 --> 00:37:23.920 Yet he doesn't scold us. 00:37:25.099 --> 00:37:25.480 In fact, 00:37:25.500 --> 00:37:26.320 he's here as our 00:37:26.320 --> 00:37:27.179 great high priest 00:37:27.179 --> 00:37:29.800 so that we can return 00:37:29.800 --> 00:37:30.519 to you, God. 00:37:31.500 --> 00:37:32.640 It only means all that shame 00:37:32.640 --> 00:37:33.500 because he took that 00:37:33.500 --> 00:37:34.100 on himself. 00:37:35.620 --> 00:37:36.340 So, Lord, 00:37:36.400 --> 00:37:37.120 I pray that 00:37:37.120 --> 00:37:39.220 you will speak that truth 00:37:39.220 --> 00:37:40.360 in all who are hearing 00:37:40.360 --> 00:37:41.560 this message today. 00:37:42.800 --> 00:37:43.140 Father, 00:37:43.900 --> 00:37:45.200 may our everyday life 00:37:45.200 --> 00:37:47.039 be filled with moments 00:37:47.039 --> 00:37:47.880 when we run back 00:37:47.880 --> 00:37:48.560 to you, God, 00:37:48.640 --> 00:37:49.360 when we run back 00:37:49.360 --> 00:37:49.840 to your word 00:37:49.840 --> 00:37:50.880 and we take it seriously. 00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:52.240 Because, God, 00:37:52.300 --> 00:37:53.180 through your word, 00:37:53.420 --> 00:37:54.760 we can find your truth. 00:37:55.019 --> 00:37:55.940 And in your truth, 00:37:56.019 --> 00:37:56.940 we can find life. 00:37:57.300 --> 00:37:57.960 Because without 00:37:57.960 --> 00:37:59.019 your truth, God, 00:37:59.539 --> 00:38:01.900 all that is around us 00:38:01.900 --> 00:38:02.840 is just brokenness 00:38:02.840 --> 00:38:03.300 and death. 00:38:04.539 --> 00:38:05.559 And we need you, God. 00:38:05.720 --> 00:38:06.260 So let that 00:38:06.260 --> 00:38:07.519 just be very serious 00:38:07.519 --> 00:38:07.780 in us. 00:38:07.800 --> 00:38:08.599 Even in those moments 00:38:08.599 --> 00:38:09.480 where we feel challenged 00:38:09.480 --> 00:38:11.300 and we're tempted 00:38:11.300 --> 00:38:12.940 not to rely on you, God. 00:38:13.019 --> 00:38:13.659 We're tempted not 00:38:13.659 --> 00:38:14.539 to go to your word. 00:38:14.720 --> 00:38:15.280 Lord, I pray 00:38:15.280 --> 00:38:16.440 in those moments 00:38:16.440 --> 00:38:18.240 where you strengthen us 00:38:18.240 --> 00:38:19.599 and when you draw us to you, 00:38:19.679 --> 00:38:20.619 hold us close to you, 00:38:20.679 --> 00:38:21.019 and God, 00:38:21.619 --> 00:38:22.519 when we, through those 00:38:22.519 --> 00:38:23.440 challenging, 00:38:23.679 --> 00:38:24.599 difficult moments, Lord, 00:38:24.639 --> 00:38:25.119 come to know 00:38:25.119 --> 00:38:26.240 that we really need you. 00:38:26.239 --> 00:38:29.379 And that you strengthen us 00:38:29.379 --> 00:38:30.299 and you speak to us. 00:38:30.959 --> 00:38:31.799 And so I pray 00:38:31.799 --> 00:38:33.000 for the Church of Watermark 00:38:33.000 --> 00:38:34.459 to just be amazing witnesses 00:38:34.459 --> 00:38:35.199 for you, God. 00:38:35.339 --> 00:38:36.519 To honor you 00:38:36.519 --> 00:38:37.599 above all other things 00:38:37.599 --> 00:38:38.399 so that other people 00:38:38.399 --> 00:38:39.979 can also come to know you 00:38:39.979 --> 00:38:40.899 and to honor you 00:38:40.899 --> 00:38:41.419 and through that 00:38:41.419 --> 00:38:42.239 to find life, 00:38:42.559 --> 00:38:43.479 to find purpose 00:38:43.479 --> 00:38:44.939 and to find freedom as well. 00:38:46.859 --> 00:38:47.459 Lord Jesus, 00:38:47.559 --> 00:38:48.419 I lift up our church 00:38:48.419 --> 00:38:49.379 to your lift up city 00:38:49.379 --> 00:38:50.579 and home come to you, God. 00:38:51.299 --> 00:38:52.619 We pray all of these things 00:38:52.619 --> 00:38:54.199 in your holy name, Jesus. 00:38:55.079 --> 00:38:55.259 Amen. 00:38:56.239 --> 00:38:57.019 Amen. 00:38:57.179 --> 00:38:57.419 Amen. 00:38:57.479 --> 00:38:57.979 Amen. 00:39:00.279 --> 00:39:00.719 Amen. 00:39:00.739 --> 00:39:00.759 Amen. 00:39:00.759 --> 00:39:01.439 Amen. 00:39:01.519 --> 00:39:01.879 Amen. 00:39:02.079 --> 00:39:02.819 Amen. 00:39:03.099 --> 00:39:04.979 Amen. 00:39:06.839 --> 00:39:07.779 Amen. 00:39:07.779 --> 00:39:08.359 Amen. 00:39:08.419 --> 00:39:08.899 Amen. 00:39:08.899 --> 00:39:09.139 Amen. 00:39:09.139 --> 00:39:09.359 Amen. 00:39:09.399 --> 00:39:09.579 Amen. 00:39:09.579 --> 00:39:10.019 Amen. 00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:10.239 Amen. 00:39:10.979 --> 00:39:11.039 Amen. 00:39:11.099 --> 00:39:13.019 Amen. 00:39:13.079 --> 00:39:13.539 Amen. 00:39:13.639 --> 00:39:14.299 Amen. 00:39:14.299 --> 00:39:15.239 Amen. 00:39:15.239 --> 00:39:16.299 Amen. 00:39:16.539 --> 00:39:16.919 Amen. 00:39:17.079 --> 00:39:17.599 Amen. 00:39:17.639 --> 00:39:18.079 Amen. 00:39:18.159 --> 00:39:18.239 Amen. 00:39:18.359 --> 00:39:18.379 Amen. 00:39:18.419 --> 00:39:19.299 Amen. 00:39:19.379 --> 00:39:19.500 Amen. 00:39:19.500 --> 00:39:20.599 Amen. 00:39:20.599 --> 00:39:21.459 Amen. 00:39:21.539 --> 00:39:21.559 Amen. 00:39:21.599 --> 00:39:21.759 Amen. 00:39:21.759 --> 00:39:22.079 Amen. 00:39:22.079 --> 00:39:22.099 Amen. 00:39:22.099 --> 00:39:22.599 Amen. 00:39:22.599 --> 00:39:23.319 Amen. 00:39:23.439 --> 00:39:24.639 Amen. 00:39:24.659 --> 00:39:25.439 Amen. 00:39:25.439 --> 00:39:25.639 Amen.