WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.440 Great. Well, it's a privilege to be here this evening and I'd just like to extend again a warm welcome to you all. 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:12.000 Let me just pray for us as we begin. 00:00:14.780 --> 00:00:23.219 God and Father, we thank you that we can meet freely in this country in public and can read your word and can study it. 00:00:23.740 --> 00:00:28.300 And we just ask your blessing on it and pray that you'll speak to each one of us. 00:00:28.300 --> 00:00:32.120 We pray all this in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen. 00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:37.100 So thank you to Andrew Neller for reading for us. 00:00:37.159 --> 00:00:40.640 So we are in Isaiah chapters 28 and 29. 00:00:41.299 --> 00:00:45.719 It would be great if you could have it open as we'll be referring to it throughout. 00:00:47.100 --> 00:00:52.000 So just as a way of a catch up or an introduction, I'm not sure if you've been following along, 00:00:52.200 --> 00:00:57.980 whether you've been in the other series in this, but we're in Isaiah. 00:00:58.299 --> 00:01:02.519 So we are about 700 BC. That is the timeline we're at. 00:01:03.299 --> 00:01:06.399 The nation of Israel is split into the two kingdoms. 00:01:06.620 --> 00:01:08.799 We have the north or Israel. 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:11.679 And in here it is referred to as Ephraim. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:14.920 Well, it is the capital Samaria that is the focus. 00:01:15.780 --> 00:01:20.019 And in the south, we have Judah and we have the capital Jerusalem, 00:01:20.019 --> 00:01:23.519 which is called Ariel in this passage. 00:01:24.140 --> 00:01:29.199 And Isaiah, you know, he is speaking in this book to the covenant people of God. 00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:32.780 He is speaking to the line of Abraham, to God's people. 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:40.340 And, you know, tonight we're going to see a snapshot into what this nation is all about. 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:45.719 You know, it was my cousin's wedding the other week and I was asked to, 00:01:45.820 --> 00:01:48.400 she got married 18 months ago, but this was the ceremony. 00:01:48.700 --> 00:01:53.900 And I was asked to do a slideshow of our wedding photos for the event. 00:01:54.520 --> 00:01:58.120 And, you know, we weren't there, but we got this real insight into what the day was like. 00:01:58.280 --> 00:01:59.620 We could see the joy in their faces. 00:01:59.740 --> 00:02:01.140 We could see what went on. 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:03.000 And that is what we will have tonight. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.500 We will see this snapshot into the state of the nation. 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:12.580 We see God's people, they are just going through the motions. 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:16.699 They are doing technically what they should be doing. 00:02:16.919 --> 00:02:19.060 In many ways, they have their religion. 00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:21.740 And yet, God sees the heart. 00:02:21.939 --> 00:02:23.780 God sees the motives behind it all. 00:02:25.420 --> 00:02:28.460 And there's a lot of things that they're doing that is just plain wrong. 00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:33.860 And, you know, it is the state of the leaders of the people that has got them to this point. 00:02:35.780 --> 00:02:39.740 And today, we will have a big challenge to the leaders of Christians. 00:02:42.439 --> 00:02:46.439 The leaders and the people, well, they were trusting in themselves. 00:02:46.580 --> 00:02:48.020 They were trusting in their own wisdom. 00:02:48.780 --> 00:02:50.360 They were not relying on God. 00:02:51.140 --> 00:02:54.420 And that brings us to the question of what are we trusting in? 00:02:55.740 --> 00:02:57.819 Are we trusting in the wisdom of the world? 00:02:57.819 --> 00:03:00.120 Are we trusting in our bank accounts? 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:02.780 Are we trusting in our job being secure? 00:03:03.519 --> 00:03:06.599 Or are we trusting in other people in relationships? 00:03:08.560 --> 00:03:10.560 Or are we trusting in the wisdom of God? 00:03:10.639 --> 00:03:12.479 Are we seeking first his kingdom? 00:03:14.259 --> 00:03:16.680 So tonight, we have a big passage. 00:03:17.280 --> 00:03:20.379 I don't know what you guys are like, but when you read something like this, 00:03:20.519 --> 00:03:23.219 and especially Isaiah, for some reason, I just read it and go, 00:03:23.299 --> 00:03:24.900 whoa, judgment, judgment. 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:26.259 That's all I can see. 00:03:26.259 --> 00:03:27.879 But, you know, we're going to dive in. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:31.859 And there's many challenges in here, but there's also encouragement. 00:03:32.859 --> 00:03:33.879 So we're going to look. 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:39.939 And I want you to keep the lens on the whole time of are we trusting in our own wisdom or in God's. 00:03:40.019 --> 00:03:42.039 And we're going to look in four twos. 00:03:43.039 --> 00:03:43.859 Hope you're good at math. 00:03:43.939 --> 00:03:44.500 Four twos. 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:46.280 So we're going to look at two wreaths. 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:48.819 We're going to look at two promises. 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:51.400 We're going to look at two judgments. 00:03:52.120 --> 00:03:54.780 And we're going to look at two worships. 00:03:55.599 --> 00:03:58.639 So let's start with the very first verse. 00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:01.599 So first of all, two wreaths. 00:04:02.299 --> 00:04:05.559 Now, our first wreath is in the very first verse. 00:04:07.239 --> 00:04:15.060 Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:22.160 This first wreath is talking about Samaria, the capital of this northern kingdom. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:26.139 Now, Samaria, it was physically on a hill. 00:04:26.399 --> 00:04:32.220 It was physically at this head of this valley, this fertile valley, and actually resembled a crown. 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:35.620 But, you know, it was also regarded as such to the people. 00:04:36.759 --> 00:04:38.959 The equivalent today would be, oh, Edinburgh. 00:04:39.040 --> 00:04:40.079 Edinburgh's the place to be. 00:04:40.639 --> 00:04:41.279 Love Edinburgh. 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:42.899 Edinburgh's great. 00:04:42.899 --> 00:04:45.919 That was what was happening here. 00:04:46.579 --> 00:04:49.079 But we see in this that there is drunkenness. 00:04:50.679 --> 00:04:52.439 There is pride of this as well. 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:55.339 The people here, they had embraced the world. 00:04:55.479 --> 00:04:57.479 They had embraced the things of this world. 00:04:58.419 --> 00:05:00.699 We see in here the dangers of excess. 00:05:01.859 --> 00:05:03.979 The dangers of excess. 00:05:06.539 --> 00:05:12.579 You know, this disobedience here has turned this glorious beauty, as said in verse 1 and verse 4, 00:05:12.899 --> 00:05:14.439 into a fading flower. 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:22.299 You know, we have these horrible images of tables covered with vomit. 00:05:23.019 --> 00:05:25.019 There is not a spot without filth. 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:29.339 I hope you've never seen something like that before. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:35.039 And you know, Judah is just as bad. 00:05:35.599 --> 00:05:40.799 So we have Judah in verse 7, and these also stagger from wine and real from beer. 00:05:42.379 --> 00:05:43.819 Judah is just as bad. 00:05:44.639 --> 00:05:46.059 And you know, how have they got here? 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:48.299 Well, there has been terrible leadership. 00:05:48.300 --> 00:05:52.400 The leaders of the people. 00:05:52.840 --> 00:05:54.020 Verse 7 again. 00:05:54.160 --> 00:05:56.360 Priests and prophets stagger from beer. 00:05:57.579 --> 00:05:59.259 They're befuddled with wine. 00:05:59.379 --> 00:06:00.300 They reel from beer. 00:06:00.400 --> 00:06:01.939 They stagger when seeing visions. 00:06:02.080 --> 00:06:04.319 They stumble when rendering decisions. 00:06:05.639 --> 00:06:07.540 That's the leaders of this people. 00:06:07.540 --> 00:06:09.800 No wonder the people are in this state. 00:06:11.720 --> 00:06:18.319 You know, this chapter 28 here, this really starts a new section of Isaiah where the leadership is challenged. 00:06:21.520 --> 00:06:27.080 It's going to be a real challenge for us as people who are leaders of Christians here today. 00:06:27.300 --> 00:06:29.640 It's going to be a real challenge these next few chapters. 00:06:29.639 --> 00:06:35.120 And you know, Jesus saw this in the Pharisees. 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:38.060 He saw that they were leading their people in a way that wasn't good. 00:06:39.500 --> 00:06:42.099 We have in verse 9, there's quotation marks here. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:43.519 So this is the people speaking. 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:45.819 The leaders speaking. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.979 They say, who is it he is trying to teach? 00:06:48.039 --> 00:06:48.819 We're talking about Isaiah. 00:06:49.039 --> 00:06:50.300 We're talking about Isaiah's teachings. 00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:52.099 Who is it he is trying to teach? 00:06:52.379 --> 00:06:54.339 To whom is he explaining his message? 00:06:54.879 --> 00:06:56.339 To children wean from milk? 00:06:57.099 --> 00:06:58.740 To those just taken from the breast? 00:06:58.740 --> 00:07:00.420 For it is do this, do that. 00:07:00.900 --> 00:07:02.379 A rule for this, a rule for that. 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:04.280 A little here, a little there. 00:07:04.400 --> 00:07:07.000 They are mocking God's teachings. 00:07:08.220 --> 00:07:09.379 And you know, they aren't listening. 00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:10.319 Verse 12. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:15.480 To whom he said, this is the resting place. 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:16.540 Let the weary rest. 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:18.879 And this is the place of repose. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:21.079 But they would not listen. 00:07:23.720 --> 00:07:26.980 You know, leadership encouraged particular responsibility. 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:28.800 Don't get me wrong. 00:07:28.879 --> 00:07:30.460 The people have followed along. 00:07:30.960 --> 00:07:32.160 They're in the wrong here as well. 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:34.920 But the leaders have led them down this path. 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:38.939 And you know, earthly wisdom, it tells us to follow the crowd. 00:07:39.400 --> 00:07:42.540 To do what the popular leaders, the strong and mighty, 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:44.400 to follow them. 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:46.660 To do what they would say. 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:47.560 Go with the flow. 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:51.620 That is the first wreath that we see here. 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:57.000 You know, our second wreath couldn't be more different. 00:07:57.639 --> 00:07:58.899 We see in verse 5. 00:07:59.780 --> 00:08:03.879 In that day, the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown. 00:08:04.879 --> 00:08:07.420 A beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. 00:08:07.420 --> 00:08:10.199 What a contrast. 00:08:10.340 --> 00:08:11.040 What a difference. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.360 The Lord Almighty. 00:08:15.420 --> 00:08:17.120 And what leadership do we see there? 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:19.040 Well, we see in verse 6. 00:08:19.140 --> 00:08:22.860 He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment. 00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:27.420 A source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. 00:08:28.200 --> 00:08:30.900 Justice and strength. 00:08:30.899 --> 00:08:36.620 And you know, this crown, this wreath, the Lord Jesus, this does not fade. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:38.360 The Lord does not fade. 00:08:38.419 --> 00:08:39.439 The Lord Almighty. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:42.659 I was reminded of the hymn lyrics, 00:08:42.779 --> 00:08:44.539 I will not boast in anything. 00:08:45.139 --> 00:08:46.959 No gifts, no power, no wisdom. 00:08:47.840 --> 00:08:51.319 But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. 00:08:54.039 --> 00:08:57.299 Godly wisdom tells us to follow the Lord. 00:08:57.299 --> 00:09:00.340 To trust in him and to do as he would have us to do. 00:09:00.340 --> 00:09:03.440 What are we trusting in? 00:09:04.780 --> 00:09:06.180 What are we boasting in? 00:09:07.660 --> 00:09:08.980 So that is our first two. 00:09:09.180 --> 00:09:10.340 We've had our two wreaths. 00:09:11.560 --> 00:09:14.399 So in our second two, we've got our two promises. 00:09:15.280 --> 00:09:18.960 The first promise is found in verse 15. 00:09:21.220 --> 00:09:22.180 You boast. 00:09:22.320 --> 00:09:23.540 Once again, they are boasting. 00:09:24.400 --> 00:09:25.160 You boast. 00:09:25.300 --> 00:09:28.120 We have entered into a covenant with death. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:30.280 With the realm of the dead, we have made an agreement. 00:09:31.280 --> 00:09:34.660 When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:36.440 For we have made a lie our refuge. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:39.399 And falsehood our resting place. 00:09:39.560 --> 00:09:40.360 Our hiding place. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:46.759 So the historical context here, this covenant of death. 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:53.480 So what this was, was that the people of the southern kingdom, they had made this arrangement with Egypt, 00:09:53.680 --> 00:09:56.639 which was a major power of the day, a battling nation. 00:09:57.379 --> 00:10:00.620 But the main threat of the day was from the east. 00:10:00.680 --> 00:10:01.419 It was Assyria. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:02.019 Assyria. 00:10:02.019 --> 00:10:06.399 And the agreement that the people of Jerusalem had made, the leaders had made, 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:10.199 was that if Assyria was to attack and to defeat the northern kingdom, 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:15.980 then the southern kingdom would be safe because they'd made this pact, this covenant with Egypt. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:20.000 And you know, they were boasting in it. 00:10:20.060 --> 00:10:24.920 But we see in 18 and 19, that although this was a great idea, according to man, 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:28.420 you know, this was a great idea, it seemed the best thing to do. 00:10:28.800 --> 00:10:29.899 Why wouldn't you do this? 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:33.759 And yet we see in 18, your covenant with death will be annulled. 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:36.659 Your agreement with the realm of the dead will not stand. 00:10:37.740 --> 00:10:41.600 When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you'll be beaten down by it. 00:10:42.079 --> 00:10:44.299 As often as it comes, it will carry you away. 00:10:44.939 --> 00:10:47.980 Morning after morning, by day and by night, it will sweep through. 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:51.419 This earthly covenant was going to fail. 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:57.939 And you know, verse 20, it mocks man-made covenants. 00:10:57.940 --> 00:10:59.980 Verse 20, we read, 00:11:00.060 --> 00:11:02.360 the bed is too short to stretch out on the blanket, 00:11:02.520 --> 00:11:04.040 too narrow to wrap around you. 00:11:05.020 --> 00:11:05.900 What's this saying? 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:08.940 Well, it's saying that there's not adequate comfort or protection 00:11:08.940 --> 00:11:11.080 in this earthly promise. 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:14.040 It fails to protect. 00:11:16.820 --> 00:11:19.700 You know, this was a terrifying message for the people, 00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:21.160 the leaders of Jerusalem. 00:11:21.920 --> 00:11:22.400 Terrifying. 00:11:22.800 --> 00:11:24.840 19b says that at the end of 19, 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:27.580 the understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. 00:11:28.700 --> 00:11:31.860 They were trusting in earthly things that were going to fail. 00:11:33.260 --> 00:11:34.820 But you know, this is so familiar. 00:11:35.100 --> 00:11:37.120 We are also in this precarious position. 00:11:37.320 --> 00:11:39.360 If we are trusting in things of this earth, 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:42.360 if we are not trusting in God, 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:45.100 then we have this false security. 00:11:45.340 --> 00:11:47.760 We are trusting in things that will fail. 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:52.779 Once again, earthly wisdom, it tells us to trust in human packs, 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:56.120 trust in others, trust in the strong and mighty. 00:11:57.779 --> 00:11:59.580 And are we liable to do that, 00:12:00.019 --> 00:12:01.639 to put our trust in these things? 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:07.799 And once again, this is contrasted with the promise of Jesus. 00:12:09.080 --> 00:12:10.799 So this is our second promise, 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:12.379 the promise of Jesus. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:14.019 In verse 16, 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:16.879 So this is what the sovereign Lord says, 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:18.539 See, I lay a stone in Zion, 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:19.919 a tested stone, 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:23.179 a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation. 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:27.179 The one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. 00:12:27.179 --> 00:12:29.339 The cornerstone. 00:12:30.339 --> 00:12:31.779 We know that to be Jesus. 00:12:31.979 --> 00:12:32.399 We know that. 00:12:32.539 --> 00:12:34.859 We can read in 1 Peter 2 verse 6, 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:36.379 if you want to look that up later on, 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:37.759 about the cornerstone. 00:12:39.079 --> 00:12:40.639 The promise of Jesus here. 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:43.500 And what is the promise? 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:44.500 Justice. 00:12:46.339 --> 00:12:46.739 Righteousness. 00:12:49.299 --> 00:12:51.519 You know, this promise of Jesus is sure. 00:12:52.319 --> 00:12:53.639 It's not a promise with Egypt. 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:55.740 It is a promise that is guaranteed. 00:12:57.419 --> 00:13:00.699 You know, that means that we can truly rest in Christ 00:13:00.699 --> 00:13:02.479 if we have put our trust in him. 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:04.359 Not panic like the leaders of Jerusalem. 00:13:04.839 --> 00:13:07.379 You can imagine when the northern kingdom falls, 00:13:08.459 --> 00:13:09.939 and the leaders of Jerusalem turn and go, 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:11.339 Egypt, now's the time. 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:13.120 And they're not there. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:16.179 You can imagine the panic. 00:13:17.699 --> 00:13:19.259 But we read a sure foundation. 00:13:19.459 --> 00:13:22.240 The one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:23.479 What relief, 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.079 what joy, 00:13:25.080 --> 00:13:27.300 we can have by trusting 00:13:27.300 --> 00:13:30.580 in the one who is the cornerstone. 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:32.320 We have that firm security 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:33.820 in him. 00:13:34.800 --> 00:13:36.200 You know, God in his wisdom, 00:13:36.320 --> 00:13:37.180 he sent Jesus. 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:38.500 God, 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:40.520 Jesus didn't come into this world triumphantly. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.360 He didn't come in 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:42.280 as a king. 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:43.920 He came in weakness 00:13:43.920 --> 00:13:45.060 into a manger. 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:46.800 Vulnerable. 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:49.580 Jesus lived a life of humility 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:50.420 and meekness. 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:52.240 And yet through that, 00:13:52.339 --> 00:13:52.860 he conquered. 00:13:53.059 --> 00:13:54.620 He conquered the grave. 00:13:56.979 --> 00:13:59.059 Jesus was risen again from the dead 00:13:59.059 --> 00:14:02.019 to show that victory. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:04.919 Have we put our trust in him? 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:10.279 So we've had our two wreaths. 00:14:10.799 --> 00:14:12.279 That's been our two promises. 00:14:12.799 --> 00:14:15.199 And now we're going to see two judgments. 00:14:16.699 --> 00:14:17.599 Two judgments. 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:18.899 So first of all, 00:14:18.940 --> 00:14:20.060 we have a judgment 00:14:20.060 --> 00:14:22.840 against God's own people. 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:26.879 So first of all, 00:14:26.920 --> 00:14:28.360 the thing to know about judgment 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:29.600 against God's own people 00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:31.180 is that it is alien to God. 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:33.920 God doesn't want to have to judge 00:14:33.920 --> 00:14:34.580 his own people. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:35.800 Verse 21, 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:53.039 God doesn't want to have to. 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:54.620 This is an alien thing to God 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:56.479 and yet he has to 00:14:56.479 --> 00:14:58.279 because as we saw in verse 12, 00:14:58.419 --> 00:14:59.379 they would not listen. 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:02.399 They would not listen. 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:04.939 But you know, 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:06.439 we see God's wisdom 00:15:06.439 --> 00:15:07.340 in judgment. 00:15:10.320 --> 00:15:11.399 We have this 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:13.299 farming imagery 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:14.860 going on in 23, 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:16.419 so this is still in chapter 28, 00:15:16.500 --> 00:15:17.600 but verse 23 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:18.840 down to 29. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.240 And you know, 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:23.200 what we see in here 00:15:23.200 --> 00:15:24.600 is that 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:26.000 when it comes to discipline, 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:29.019 God gives us what we need. 00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:30.779 but is the gentlest 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:32.000 possible touch. 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:37.379 We see in 24, 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:38.439 when a farmer 00:15:38.439 --> 00:15:39.379 plows for planting, 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.779 does he plow continually? 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.460 Does he keep on 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:43.220 breaking up 00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:44.360 and working the soil? 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:47.439 The answer is no. 00:15:47.960 --> 00:15:48.220 You know, 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:49.399 the soil is broken up. 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:50.759 It's to give fertility. 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:52.299 It's to allow things to grow. 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.379 That is why it happens. 00:15:53.379 --> 00:15:55.439 And you know, 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.279 sometimes we need 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:57.279 to be made smaller 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:59.039 so that we are 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:00.080 submissive to God 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:01.399 and so that we can be fruitful. 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:07.860 And you know, 00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:08.600 during this, 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:10.000 we can take comfort 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.500 that God will not push us 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:13.439 beyond where we can go, 00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:14.860 beyond what we can take. 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:18.460 If we are facing trials, 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:20.460 it will not be too much for us. 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:22.560 It's not to say 00:16:22.560 --> 00:16:23.279 that it's easy, 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:25.659 but God will not push us 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.700 beyond what we can take. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.840 In 27 and 28, 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:29.259 it says, 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:30.820 Carraway is not threshed 00:16:30.820 --> 00:16:31.519 with a sledge, 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:33.440 nor is the wheel of a cart 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:34.379 rolled over cumin. 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:36.519 Carraway is beaten out 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.039 with a rod 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:38.120 and cumin with a stick. 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:39.500 Grain must be ground 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.259 to make bread. 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:42.039 So one does not go on 00:16:42.039 --> 00:16:43.080 threshing it forever. 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:43.200 However, 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:46.000 the wheels of a threshing cart 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:47.160 may be rolled over it, 00:16:47.400 --> 00:16:48.900 but one does not use horses 00:16:48.900 --> 00:16:49.820 to grind grain. 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:52.860 Now, I'm no farmer 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:53.980 and I take it 00:16:53.980 --> 00:16:54.460 you're not either. 00:16:54.780 --> 00:16:55.620 So this might be 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:56.440 foreign to us 00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:57.700 and it probably is not 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:58.460 even what happens 00:16:58.460 --> 00:16:58.960 nowadays. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:00.639 But what this is 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.400 basically saying 00:17:01.400 --> 00:17:04.480 is that it's the gentlest 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:05.779 possible way 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.539 of getting out 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.440 the various grains 00:17:07.440 --> 00:17:08.620 or to getting to the point 00:17:08.620 --> 00:17:09.640 that it needs to be 00:17:09.640 --> 00:17:11.220 in order to be useful, 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:12.279 in order to be 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:14.099 eaten or used. 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:17.139 And that's the comfort 00:17:17.139 --> 00:17:18.039 that we can take, 00:17:18.680 --> 00:17:20.740 that God uses 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.619 the gentlest touch 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:22.099 possible. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.359 And you know, 00:17:24.399 --> 00:17:25.180 another encouragement 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:26.220 is that God 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:28.099 places his people 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:28.839 orderly 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.899 and he places them 00:17:29.899 --> 00:17:30.399 carefully. 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:33.160 If God is using us, 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:34.700 then we see in 25 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:36.359 when he has leveled 00:17:36.359 --> 00:17:36.839 the surface, 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.579 does he not 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:38.500 sow carraway 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:39.940 and scatter cumin, 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:41.059 does he not 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:41.599 plant wheat 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:42.380 in its place, 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:44.160 barley in its plot 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:45.400 and spelt 00:17:45.400 --> 00:17:46.299 in its field? 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:48.180 Now, have you ever 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:49.200 walked past a farmer's 00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:50.119 field and just seen 00:17:50.119 --> 00:17:51.759 a mishmash of crops, 00:17:52.339 --> 00:17:54.019 loads of wavy lines 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:54.960 because the farmer 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.539 has not bothered 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:56.140 where he's put them? 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:56.980 No, we don't. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:58.220 You know, it's quite 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:58.880 a beautiful thing 00:17:58.880 --> 00:17:59.619 to see a field 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:00.259 and you see these 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.220 straight lines 00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:03.240 of all the different crops 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:03.900 and you can walk 00:18:03.900 --> 00:18:04.359 through them 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:05.079 because they're planted 00:18:05.079 --> 00:18:05.759 so carefully. 00:18:07.639 --> 00:18:07.939 You know, 00:18:08.399 --> 00:18:09.279 God taught people 00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:09.859 to do that 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.399 and that's because 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.599 God does the same 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.259 thing with us. 00:18:12.339 --> 00:18:13.059 He has a plan 00:18:13.059 --> 00:18:14.139 for each one of us. 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.659 He uses us 00:18:17.659 --> 00:18:18.699 in different ways. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.819 It'll be different 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:21.779 for each and every 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:22.319 one of us. 00:18:23.919 --> 00:18:24.679 So we've seen 00:18:24.679 --> 00:18:25.619 God's judgment here, 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.639 this first judgment 00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:27.639 and we've seen 00:18:27.639 --> 00:18:28.339 that his wisdom 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:28.919 and judgment 00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:29.679 is perfect. 00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:32.740 That leaves us 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:33.279 with the question, 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:34.000 do we trust 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.539 in God's plan 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.599 even during 00:18:36.599 --> 00:18:37.660 a season of trials, 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:39.140 even when it's difficult? 00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:42.980 And our second judgment, 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:44.220 so our second judgment 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:44.920 is judgment 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:46.220 against the nations. 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.660 So at the start 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:48.660 of chapter 29, 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:51.259 we see the judgment 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.019 against Ariel 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.740 or Jerusalem 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:54.299 and we have 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:55.579 that I will besiege, 00:18:55.619 --> 00:18:56.299 so this is verse 2, 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:57.720 yeah, I will besiege Ariel. 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:58.539 She will mourn 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:58.980 and lament. 00:18:59.119 --> 00:18:59.900 She will be to me 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:01.160 like an altar hearth, 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:02.259 so like a, 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:04.539 like a sacrifice. 00:19:04.859 --> 00:19:05.960 I will encamp 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.539 against you 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.200 on all sides. 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:08.200 I will encircle you 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:08.700 with towers 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:10.319 and set up my siege works 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.140 against you. 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:12.259 Brought low, 00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:12.859 you will speak 00:19:12.859 --> 00:19:13.440 from the ground. 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.660 Your speech will mumble 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:15.680 out of the dust. 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.400 Your voice will come 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:18.559 ghost-like 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.259 from the earth. 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:20.140 Out of the dust 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:20.759 your speech 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.400 will whisper. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:26.160 When all seems lost, 00:19:27.340 --> 00:19:28.980 the enemy is at the gate. 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:29.900 They've just about 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:30.560 broken in. 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.140 They are surrounded. 00:19:32.540 --> 00:19:33.880 Jerusalem is surrounded. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:35.980 The battle is nearly over 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:37.460 and yet what do we see? 00:19:37.540 --> 00:19:38.100 Verse 5, 00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:40.220 But your many enemies 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:41.840 will become like fine dust, 00:19:42.280 --> 00:19:43.420 the ruthless hordes 00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:44.560 like blown chaff. 00:19:45.060 --> 00:19:45.960 Suddenly in an instant 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.740 the Lord Almighty 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.940 will come with thunder 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:48.440 and earthquake 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.380 and great noise, 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:50.760 with windstorm 00:19:50.760 --> 00:19:51.680 and tempest 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:52.320 and flames 00:19:52.320 --> 00:19:53.580 of a devouring fire. 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.500 God destroys 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.040 the enemies 00:19:57.040 --> 00:19:57.800 of his people. 00:19:59.100 --> 00:19:59.900 God steps in 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:00.620 and saves 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:02.140 his own. 00:20:05.380 --> 00:20:05.700 You know, 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:06.200 this was, 00:20:07.140 --> 00:20:07.720 comes down 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:08.420 to the near 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:09.540 and far prophecy 00:20:09.540 --> 00:20:11.020 that we often see 00:20:11.020 --> 00:20:12.500 in prophecy 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:13.320 in the Old Testament. 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:14.740 What that means 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.540 is that there's often, 00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:16.480 so this was speaking 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:17.440 to the people of Israel 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:18.540 and you know, 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.779 so then there was 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.559 a near prophecy 00:20:20.559 --> 00:20:21.480 which we would 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:23.019 have in our past 00:20:23.019 --> 00:20:23.899 but then there was 00:20:23.899 --> 00:20:24.879 also a far prophecy 00:20:24.879 --> 00:20:25.859 which is still 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.940 to come for us. 00:20:27.779 --> 00:20:28.019 And you know, 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:29.159 this here was partly 00:20:29.159 --> 00:20:29.700 fulfilled 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:30.859 with the attacks 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:32.079 of Assyria and Babylon. 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.420 Assyria attacked, 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:36.000 they surrounded 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:37.159 but then they were defeated 00:20:37.159 --> 00:20:38.700 but they were not 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:41.079 absolutely destroyed 00:20:41.079 --> 00:20:42.299 as we saw in verse 5, 00:20:42.379 --> 00:20:43.019 will become like 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:43.740 fine dust. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:46.700 And so this part 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.319 is still to be 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:48.220 completely fulfilled 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:48.900 in the future. 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:50.500 If you're interested, 00:20:51.079 --> 00:20:51.740 you can read about that 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:53.359 in Zechariah 14 and 2 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:55.339 and in Revelation chapter 16. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:58.299 Bit of homework for you 00:20:58.299 --> 00:21:00.059 if you fancy it. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.539 And you know, 00:21:02.599 --> 00:21:03.420 the dreamers here, 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.359 so the dreamers here 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.400 are the enemy 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:06.460 of God's people. 00:21:07.140 --> 00:21:08.359 We have that these people 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:08.819 are dreaming 00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:09.319 and they're, 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.420 it's a hungry person 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:11.380 and they're dreaming 00:21:11.380 --> 00:21:11.880 of eating 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:12.640 but they wake up 00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:13.600 and they are hungry still. 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:14.720 And what this is saying 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:16.220 is that the enemies of God, 00:21:16.320 --> 00:21:16.840 they attacked 00:21:16.840 --> 00:21:18.560 and yet they were sent back 00:21:18.560 --> 00:21:19.280 and it was as if 00:21:19.280 --> 00:21:20.540 they hadn't attacked at all. 00:21:20.760 --> 00:21:22.080 They achieved nothing. 00:21:23.260 --> 00:21:24.460 That is God's judgment 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:26.300 against the nations. 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:28.240 You know, 00:21:28.260 --> 00:21:29.240 the world will tell us 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:30.180 that we can do 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:30.980 what we want, 00:21:31.320 --> 00:21:32.580 that there's no consequences. 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.380 But you know, 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:35.240 God is judge. 00:21:37.080 --> 00:21:38.040 God is judge. 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:40.840 Are you ready for that? 00:21:41.380 --> 00:21:42.380 God is judge. 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.400 So finally, 00:21:44.580 --> 00:21:45.140 we've had our, 00:21:45.320 --> 00:21:46.420 we've had three twos. 00:21:46.560 --> 00:21:47.780 So for those that are good at maths, 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:48.740 this is the last one. 00:21:49.040 --> 00:21:50.120 Our fourth two. 00:21:50.320 --> 00:21:51.380 We have two worships. 00:21:54.760 --> 00:21:56.040 So we've had our two wreaths, 00:21:56.100 --> 00:21:56.780 our two promises, 00:21:57.280 --> 00:21:58.200 our two judgments, 00:21:58.540 --> 00:21:59.460 and now we're going to see 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:00.800 our two worships. 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:02.700 First of all, 00:22:02.780 --> 00:22:03.480 the first worship 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:05.420 is empty religion. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:09.580 We see in 29 verse 1, 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:13.720 add year to year 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:15.059 and let your cycle 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:16.939 of festivals go on. 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.079 Add year to year, 00:22:19.199 --> 00:22:20.079 let your cycle 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:21.559 of festivals go on. 00:22:21.679 --> 00:22:23.899 This is just repetitive religion. 00:22:27.179 --> 00:22:27.659 You know, 00:22:27.699 --> 00:22:29.019 this is getting to the certain 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:29.759 point of the year 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:30.099 and going, 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:30.279 well, 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:31.439 this is what we do every year 00:22:31.439 --> 00:22:32.399 so we will do it again. 00:22:33.619 --> 00:22:34.059 You know, 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:35.139 we have that to some degree. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:35.859 We have Christmas, 00:22:36.119 --> 00:22:37.179 we have many services, 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.460 we celebrate with family, 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.420 same with Easter. 00:22:39.820 --> 00:22:40.120 But you know, 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:41.759 the Jewish calendar was full. 00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:43.860 You could hardly get by a week 00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:45.160 without doing a festival. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.299 They were celebrating things 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:47.960 that had gone on 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:48.980 in Israel's past, 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:50.200 things that God had done 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:50.560 for them. 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:51.580 You know, 00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:52.700 these things weren't wrong, 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:54.759 but it was 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:57.140 the thought behind them. 00:22:58.440 --> 00:22:59.440 We see that, 00:22:59.680 --> 00:22:59.940 you know, 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.840 these people were doing 00:23:00.840 --> 00:23:01.460 these things, 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:03.220 but this is just before 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:04.860 we see the judgment 00:23:04.860 --> 00:23:05.799 that came upon them. 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:06.460 So, 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:06.619 you know, 00:23:06.659 --> 00:23:07.879 these repetitive festivals, 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:09.559 they did not stop 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:10.240 God's judgment. 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:13.980 And we see in verse 13 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:16.359 of the complete 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:17.039 and utter 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:18.399 empty worship 00:23:18.399 --> 00:23:19.180 of the people. 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:21.919 The Lord says, 00:23:22.139 --> 00:23:23.299 these people come near to me 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.059 with their mouth 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:26.000 and honor me 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.720 with their lips, 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:27.819 but their hearts 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:28.879 are far from me. 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.559 Their worship of me 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.579 is based on merely 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:32.419 human rules 00:23:32.419 --> 00:23:33.299 they have been taught. 00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:35.779 These people were doing 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:36.519 the right things. 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:37.879 They were attending 00:23:37.879 --> 00:23:39.579 the festivals. 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.180 They were 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:42.899 doing the things 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:43.559 they should have done, 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.299 but it was just 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:45.039 human tradition. 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:46.960 There was no heart 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.220 behind what they were doing. 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:50.139 You know, 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.240 this was the epitome 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:52.299 of the Pharisee. 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:53.639 Jesus called out 00:23:53.639 --> 00:23:54.319 the Pharisees 00:23:54.319 --> 00:23:55.099 in the New Testament 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:56.200 for what they were. 00:23:56.279 --> 00:23:56.859 They were just 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:59.579 doing intellectual exercises. 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.639 They were doing things 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.399 to be seen. 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:03.140 There was nothing 00:24:03.140 --> 00:24:04.660 behind what they were doing. 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:06.100 Matthew 15, 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.700 if you want to 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.660 look at that. 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:13.320 There was no heart 00:24:13.320 --> 00:24:13.960 in what the people 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.780 were doing. 00:24:17.060 --> 00:24:18.000 And you know, 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.580 this earthly wisdom 00:24:20.580 --> 00:24:21.759 is shown to be 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.900 completely useless 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:23.980 before God 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.820 in verse 14. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.300 Therefore, 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:26.960 once more, 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:27.640 I will astound 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:28.180 these people 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:28.820 with wonder 00:24:28.820 --> 00:24:29.519 upon wonder. 00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:31.359 the wisdom 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:32.180 of the wise 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.119 will perish. 00:24:33.579 --> 00:24:34.359 The intelligence 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:35.559 of the intelligent 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:36.599 will vanish. 00:24:38.920 --> 00:24:39.639 Men prefer 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:40.379 their own wisdom. 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:41.059 They prefer 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.700 their own way 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.500 of doing things. 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:44.400 But before God, 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:44.960 these things 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.339 are shown 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:46.299 to be complete 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:47.779 and utter foolishness. 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:51.319 Are we just 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:51.980 making sure 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:52.839 that we're being seen 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:53.379 to be doing 00:24:53.379 --> 00:24:54.160 the right things? 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:56.400 Is our Christian life 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.460 just a tick-the-box 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:57.980 exercise? 00:24:57.980 --> 00:25:01.400 Are we just 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:02.059 talking the right 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:02.480 talk? 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.559 But our second 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:06.940 worship, 00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:08.319 we see true faith. 00:25:09.599 --> 00:25:10.440 Our second 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:11.339 worship is true 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:11.839 faith. 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.539 We see 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:14.980 and we can be 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.680 so encouraged 00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:16.440 that the weak 00:25:16.440 --> 00:25:18.519 in earthly terms, 00:25:19.160 --> 00:25:19.880 those that are 00:25:19.880 --> 00:25:20.660 deaf, blind, 00:25:20.880 --> 00:25:21.700 poor, and meek, 00:25:22.120 --> 00:25:22.940 they will see 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:23.779 and rejoice. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:27.220 verse 18, 00:25:27.319 --> 00:25:27.920 in that day 00:25:27.920 --> 00:25:28.440 the deaf 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.819 will hear 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.259 the words 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:29.839 of the scroll 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.440 and out of 00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:31.180 gloom and darkness 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:31.779 the eyes 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:32.279 of the blind 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:32.720 will see. 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.700 Once more 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:35.160 the humble 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:35.799 will rejoice 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:36.480 in the Lord, 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:38.160 the needy 00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:38.799 will rejoice 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.779 in the Holy One 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.559 of Israel. 00:25:43.240 --> 00:25:43.539 You know, 00:25:43.639 --> 00:25:44.240 God uses 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:44.940 those who are 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.700 weak in earthly 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.220 terms. 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:49.579 the poor 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.360 are often 00:25:50.360 --> 00:25:51.440 afflicted by 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:51.839 men 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:53.140 and yet 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:53.440 they are 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:54.039 blessed by 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:54.460 God. 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:56.059 We see this 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:56.299 here, 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:56.779 but we see 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:57.160 this throughout 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:57.860 the New Testament 00:25:57.860 --> 00:25:58.299 as well. 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.039 Those that others 00:25:59.039 --> 00:25:59.360 would have 00:25:59.360 --> 00:25:59.900 watched straight 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.279 by, 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:01.759 God uses 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.660 for His 00:26:02.660 --> 00:26:03.039 work. 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:06.680 And you know, 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.600 true faith, 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.460 true worship 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:09.000 of God. 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.259 It starts 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.019 with a fear 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:12.860 and reverence 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:13.539 of God. 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.620 Verse 23, 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:18.740 when they see 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.180 among them 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:19.740 their children 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.160 the work 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:20.799 of my hands, 00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:21.079 they will 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:21.720 keep my name 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.100 holy. 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:23.440 They will 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:23.920 acknowledge 00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:24.539 the holiness 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:25.200 of the Holy 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:25.840 One of Jacob 00:26:25.840 --> 00:26:26.259 and will 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:27.299 stand in awe 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:28.700 of the God 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.180 of Israel. 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.819 True worship 00:26:31.819 --> 00:26:32.440 begins with 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:32.940 the reverence 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:33.400 of God. 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.579 Let's have 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:36.200 that appropriate 00:26:36.200 --> 00:26:36.740 reverence 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.279 for God 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.519 which brings 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.119 out true 00:26:39.119 --> 00:26:39.859 and loving 00:26:39.859 --> 00:26:40.639 awe and 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.379 worship of 00:26:41.379 --> 00:26:41.700 Him 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:43.319 and all 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:43.639 that He 00:26:43.639 --> 00:26:44.079 has done 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:44.799 for us. 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:47.920 True faith 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:48.819 rather than 00:26:48.819 --> 00:26:49.920 empty religion. 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.480 So we've 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:54.920 seen this 00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:55.639 snapshot of 00:26:55.639 --> 00:26:56.059 the nation. 00:26:56.399 --> 00:26:56.859 We've seen 00:26:56.859 --> 00:26:57.279 where their 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:57.899 heart is. 00:26:58.559 --> 00:26:59.160 We've seen 00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:00.139 behind it all. 00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:02.139 The people 00:27:02.139 --> 00:27:02.420 here, 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:02.779 they had 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:03.460 embraced the 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:03.960 world and 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:04.399 all it had 00:27:04.399 --> 00:27:04.839 to offer. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:05.839 They had 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:06.639 taken things 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:07.380 to the 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:08.100 excess. 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:10.860 They had 00:27:10.860 --> 00:27:12.120 made promises 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:12.700 and they had 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.460 trusted in 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.180 these promises, 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.440 these earthly 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.080 things that 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:16.440 were going 00:27:16.440 --> 00:27:16.940 to fail. 00:27:18.560 --> 00:27:19.380 This brought 00:27:19.380 --> 00:27:19.920 panic, 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:20.900 this brought 00:27:20.900 --> 00:27:21.460 distress 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.820 when judgment 00:27:22.820 --> 00:27:23.280 came. 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.020 This judgment 00:27:25.020 --> 00:27:25.780 was necessary 00:27:25.780 --> 00:27:26.360 because they 00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:26.840 just wouldn't 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:27.200 listen. 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.060 And you 00:27:30.060 --> 00:27:30.520 know this 00:27:30.520 --> 00:27:31.520 was all 00:27:31.520 --> 00:27:32.120 brought about 00:27:32.120 --> 00:27:33.640 through empty 00:27:33.640 --> 00:27:34.020 worship. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:34.180 worship. 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.379 They were 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:35.819 technically 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:36.400 doing the 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:36.920 right things 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:37.240 but there 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:37.559 was no 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:38.240 heart behind 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:38.559 what they 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:39.000 were doing. 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.299 You know 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:41.779 we've seen 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.400 God's wisdom 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:42.759 in these 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:43.220 things. 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.940 Isaiah here, 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:45.980 he's writing 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:46.460 because he 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:46.879 wants to 00:27:46.879 --> 00:27:47.339 build the 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:47.879 faith of 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:48.339 the people 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:49.319 and he 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:49.720 does that 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.259 by showing 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:50.579 them that 00:27:50.579 --> 00:27:50.879 they need 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.200 to run 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:51.720 to God. 00:27:51.819 --> 00:27:52.059 They need 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:52.599 to trust 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:53.339 in God, 00:27:54.339 --> 00:27:55.940 not in 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.420 themselves 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:56.900 or not 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:57.319 in others. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:28:01.119 we can 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:01.319 take 00:28:01.319 --> 00:28:01.679 comfort 00:28:01.679 --> 00:28:02.079 that if 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.559 we are 00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.700 in a 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.179 season of 00:28:04.179 --> 00:28:04.799 trials then 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.159 God will 00:28:05.159 --> 00:28:05.500 not go 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.000 beyond what 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.279 we can 00:28:06.279 --> 00:28:06.659 take. 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:10.399 And God 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:10.980 is looking 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:12.839 for true 00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:13.179 faith, 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:13.619 not this 00:28:13.619 --> 00:28:13.939 empty 00:28:13.939 --> 00:28:14.419 religion, 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:15.700 but true 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:16.139 faith. 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:16.659 That's what 00:28:16.659 --> 00:28:17.059 he wants 00:28:17.059 --> 00:28:17.339 in his 00:28:17.339 --> 00:28:17.899 worshipers. 00:28:20.399 --> 00:28:20.960 I'm going 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:21.220 to leave 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:22.039 us by 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.539 reading a 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:22.980 New Testament 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:23.579 passage. 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.720 It's 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.439 actually so 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:27.299 it quotes 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.140 verse 14 00:28:28.140 --> 00:28:29.019 of chapter 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:30.019 29 in it. 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:30.600 So it's 00:28:30.600 --> 00:28:31.200 1 Corinthians 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.980 1 if you 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.200 want to 00:28:32.200 --> 00:28:32.539 look it up. 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.180 1 Corinthians 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:33.600 1. 00:28:34.320 --> 00:28:34.680 I'm going 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:34.880 to read 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:35.840 verses 18 00:28:35.840 --> 00:28:36.600 to 31. 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.720 You know 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.059 Archie 00:28:40.059 --> 00:28:40.500 actually 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:41.299 had a bit 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:41.519 of an 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:41.799 embassy 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:42.420 leaders get 00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:42.880 together the 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:43.220 other week 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.580 and he 00:28:43.580 --> 00:28:44.059 read this 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:44.940 passage to 00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:45.519 us as an 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:46.019 encouragement 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:46.960 and as a 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:47.400 challenge. 00:28:47.820 --> 00:28:48.160 And I 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:48.580 trust that 00:28:48.580 --> 00:28:48.840 it will be 00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:49.259 the same 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.559 for you 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:49.860 tonight. 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:51.660 So 1 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:52.019 Corinthians 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:52.600 1 in 00:28:52.600 --> 00:28:53.320 verse 18. 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.220 For the 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:54.759 message of 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.320 the cross 00:28:55.320 --> 00:28:56.420 is foolishness 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:56.900 to those 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:57.259 who are 00:28:57.259 --> 00:28:57.740 perishing 00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:58.700 but to 00:28:58.700 --> 00:28:59.180 us who 00:28:59.180 --> 00:28:59.600 are being 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:00.440 saved it 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:00.759 is the 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:01.539 power of 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:01.880 God. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.420 For it 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:03.820 is written 00:29:03.820 --> 00:29:04.180 I will 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:05.200 destroy the 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:05.700 wisdom of 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:06.240 the wise 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:07.380 the intelligence 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:08.060 of the 00:29:08.060 --> 00:29:08.940 intelligent I 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:09.640 will frustrate. 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:11.680 Where is the 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:12.340 wise person? 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.080 Where is the 00:29:13.080 --> 00:29:13.560 teacher of 00:29:13.560 --> 00:29:13.960 the law? 00:29:14.120 --> 00:29:14.620 Where is the 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:15.440 philosopher of 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.060 this age? 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.180 Has not God 00:29:17.180 --> 00:29:18.000 made foolish 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:18.860 the wisdom 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:19.640 of the world? 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.340 For since 00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:22.060 in the wisdom 00:29:22.060 --> 00:29:22.720 of God the 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.480 world through 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.039 its wisdom 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:24.820 did not know 00:29:24.820 --> 00:29:25.060 him. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:26.899 God was 00:29:26.899 --> 00:29:27.379 pleased to 00:29:27.379 --> 00:29:28.139 the foolishness 00:29:28.139 --> 00:29:28.700 of what was 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.319 preached to 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:29.980 save those 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.619 who believe. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.200 Jews demand 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:32.740 signs, 00:29:32.940 --> 00:29:33.779 Greeks look 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:34.460 for wisdom 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.759 but we 00:29:35.759 --> 00:29:36.679 preach Christ 00:29:36.679 --> 00:29:37.379 crucified, 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:38.700 a stumbling 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.220 block to 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:39.700 Jews and 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.679 foolishness to 00:29:40.679 --> 00:29:41.299 Gentiles. 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:42.700 But to 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:43.200 those whom 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:43.720 God has 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:44.440 called both 00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:45.179 Jews and 00:29:45.179 --> 00:29:45.579 Greeks, 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:46.879 Christ the 00:29:46.879 --> 00:29:47.379 power of 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:48.039 God and 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:48.480 the wisdom 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.000 of God. 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:51.000 For the 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:51.960 foolishness of 00:29:51.960 --> 00:29:52.420 God is 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.180 wiser than 00:29:53.180 --> 00:29:53.799 human wisdom 00:29:53.799 --> 00:29:55.360 and the 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:55.980 weakness of 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:56.420 God is 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:57.400 stronger than 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.240 human strength. 00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:00.000 Brothers and 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.299 sisters, 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.299 think of what 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:01.900 you were when 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:02.559 you were called. 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.319 Not many of 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:04.019 you were wise 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:04.660 by human 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:05.279 standards. 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:06.140 Not many 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:06.980 were influential. 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:07.960 Not many 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:08.640 were of 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:09.519 noble birth. 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:10.880 But God 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.380 chose the 00:30:11.380 --> 00:30:12.120 foolish things 00:30:12.120 --> 00:30:12.640 of the world 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:13.200 to shame 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:13.799 the wise. 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:15.200 God chose 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:15.600 the weak 00:30:15.600 --> 00:30:16.039 things of 00:30:16.039 --> 00:30:16.440 the world 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:17.000 to shame 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:17.559 the strong. 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:18.980 God chose 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.559 the lowly 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:20.000 things of 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.319 the world 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:20.599 and the 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:21.240 despised 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:21.839 things and 00:30:21.839 --> 00:30:22.299 the things 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:22.539 that are 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.339 not to 00:30:23.339 --> 00:30:24.200 nullify the 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:24.679 things that 00:30:24.679 --> 00:30:25.720 are so 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.359 that no 00:30:26.359 --> 00:30:26.819 one may 00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:27.519 boast before 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:27.779 him. 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:29.619 It is 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:30.139 because of 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:30.639 him that 00:30:30.639 --> 00:30:31.119 you are in 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:31.779 Christ Jesus 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:32.879 who has 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:33.500 become for 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:34.179 us wisdom 00:30:34.179 --> 00:30:35.079 from God. 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:36.740 That is 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.460 our righteousness, 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:38.740 holiness and 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.159 redemption. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.319 Therefore as 00:30:41.319 --> 00:30:41.919 it is written, 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:42.939 let the one 00:30:42.939 --> 00:30:43.679 who boasts 00:30:43.679 --> 00:30:44.879 boast in 00:30:44.879 --> 00:30:45.319 the Lord. 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:47.759 I just 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.139 ask that 00:30:48.139 --> 00:30:48.559 God will 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.139 bless the 00:30:49.139 --> 00:30:50.019 reading of 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.420 his word.