WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.719 In Hebrews chapter 10, believers are warned that it is a fearful thing, 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:09.300 or they're warned about deliberately continuing to sin 00:00:09.300 --> 00:00:13.140 and going back to their old life after experiencing God's truth. 00:00:14.500 --> 00:00:19.059 And the only thing which is really left for us if we do that is to expect God's judgment. 00:00:20.359 --> 00:00:22.859 And in very strong language he says, 00:00:22.859 --> 00:00:27.660 How much more severely do you think a person deserves to be punished 00:00:27.660 --> 00:00:30.059 who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, 00:00:30.800 --> 00:00:35.179 who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that made him holy, 00:00:35.700 --> 00:00:38.439 and who has insulted the spirit of grace? 00:00:39.460 --> 00:00:42.759 And he concludes chapter 10 of Hebrews by saying, 00:00:43.280 --> 00:00:47.480 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 00:00:49.420 --> 00:00:53.719 To deliberately reject the grace of God is to put yourself in a place 00:00:53.719 --> 00:00:56.579 where there is nothing else but to expect judgment. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:00:59.059 God is no fool. 00:00:59.819 --> 00:01:01.119 He knows our hearts. 00:01:01.819 --> 00:01:06.140 He knows the deep attitudes that we have towards him and towards his purposes. 00:01:07.939 --> 00:01:10.700 We have been shown immense grace in Christ. 00:01:11.700 --> 00:01:13.719 He has powerfully overcome our sin. 00:01:14.719 --> 00:01:17.079 He has graciously brought us to faith. 00:01:17.079 --> 00:01:18.500 He has saved us. 00:01:19.120 --> 00:01:23.939 And God has done all that is required to make us safe from his judgment. 00:01:23.939 --> 00:01:28.219 So one of the messages of the Bible is very clear. 00:01:28.379 --> 00:01:33.159 If you reject salvation in Christ, you must expect his judgment. 00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:35.439 And in the words of Hebrews, 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:40.719 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:46.819 When you come to Numbers chapter 11, you read about trouble for the first time. 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:50.039 And God is very angry. 00:01:51.480 --> 00:01:53.959 The first 10 chapters flow really smoothly. 00:01:54.239 --> 00:01:56.319 Israel's life is built around God. 00:01:56.420 --> 00:02:00.640 His presence is in their midst physically, in the center of their camp. 00:02:00.780 --> 00:02:01.640 God is with them. 00:02:01.640 --> 00:02:05.260 Life revolves around the Lord. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:07.040 It revolves around his purposes. 00:02:08.199 --> 00:02:11.319 The nation moved when the pillar of cloud moved. 00:02:11.740 --> 00:02:14.800 The nation camped when the pillar of cloud stopped. 00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:18.520 Their desert journey was a journey which was led by God. 00:02:19.740 --> 00:02:23.819 And last week, if you were here, you would have seen that his presence was with them. 00:02:24.460 --> 00:02:25.360 He led them. 00:02:25.639 --> 00:02:26.719 He protected them. 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:32.500 The Israelites were actually set free from having to run their own lives and figure out their careers. 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:38.139 Their lives, present and future, were caught up in the life of God and of his people. 00:02:38.699 --> 00:02:40.439 Life was very straightforward. 00:02:42.620 --> 00:02:47.219 But in Numbers 11, the problems begin. 00:02:47.219 --> 00:02:55.379 And the people of God begin to learn that it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 00:02:56.719 --> 00:02:58.680 And there's three complaints. 00:02:59.439 --> 00:03:04.620 And two of these complaints come from the people and one of the complaints comes from Moses himself. 00:03:05.479 --> 00:03:09.759 So verses 1 and 2, if you're following with me, Numbers 11, where Leslie's just read to us from. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:14.460 The people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord. 00:03:15.719 --> 00:03:19.979 And when he heard them, his anger was aroused. 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:26.500 And then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 00:03:27.659 --> 00:03:32.339 And when the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died down. 00:03:33.579 --> 00:03:34.959 So they're having a whinge. 00:03:36.620 --> 00:03:40.739 They've just gone the first three days of their 40-year journey. 00:03:40.740 --> 00:03:44.100 And they're already complaining about it. 00:03:46.040 --> 00:03:47.659 We're not told the details. 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:50.659 We know that they haven't got homes. 00:03:50.780 --> 00:03:51.820 They're living in tents. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:54.140 They have to walk a lot. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:03:56.900 They eat the same food all the time. 00:03:57.879 --> 00:04:00.719 It's almost like, you know, you take the kids on holidays to Queensland. 00:04:00.980 --> 00:04:03.060 And they're already asking, how much longer? 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:04.900 Is there anything else to eat? 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:07.300 Haven't you got something else except tiny teddies? 00:04:07.300 --> 00:04:08.640 I don't like tiny teddies. 00:04:08.840 --> 00:04:11.040 And it's all happened before you've crossed the Hawkesbury River. 00:04:14.760 --> 00:04:15.620 Very human. 00:04:17.540 --> 00:04:19.220 It happens with adults as well. 00:04:19.280 --> 00:04:20.660 I've been in small groups. 00:04:20.819 --> 00:04:22.340 Not in this church, of course. 00:04:26.819 --> 00:04:30.680 People top one another with stories of difficulty. 00:04:30.680 --> 00:04:41.040 So the first dad in his small group, being Father's Day, because we couldn't pick on mums, 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:45.920 you wouldn't believe what last night was like. 00:04:46.019 --> 00:04:48.319 Up for two hours with a crying baby. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:52.019 Second dad, he tops that. 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:58.840 Three hours and a couple of changes of wet bedding and then off to work with the insufferable boss. 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:07.599 So we're really good at whinging and complaining and it gets us going and we relate to one another through it. 00:05:09.859 --> 00:05:12.500 But the problem is in verse 1, it says, 00:05:12.719 --> 00:05:18.059 The Lord heard and his anger was aroused. 00:05:20.500 --> 00:05:21.699 And do you know why? 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:30.259 Because in the end, they are complaining about the circumstances that he is leading them through. 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:38.939 And their perspectives skewed and as they enjoy their little grumble, God gets very angry. 00:05:40.279 --> 00:05:46.599 And in three days, they've had 400 years of suffering erased from their memory as though it never happened. 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:50.840 And discontent and dissatisfaction reign supreme. 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:56.439 And God's judgment flares. 00:05:58.160 --> 00:06:02.400 Fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 00:06:03.420 --> 00:06:05.860 And again, not a lot of detail, 00:06:05.860 --> 00:06:13.879 But fire on the outskirts of a tense city with a million people is a threat to the whole camp. 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:17.920 They thought their problems were bad. 00:06:18.100 --> 00:06:21.100 They now know that God's judgment is even worse. 00:06:23.420 --> 00:06:26.379 And there's a really interesting response to God's judgment. 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:26.980 Verse 2, 00:06:26.980 --> 00:06:35.040 People speak to Moses. 00:06:35.420 --> 00:06:36.780 Moses speaks to the Lord. 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:38.300 The judgment passes. 00:06:40.140 --> 00:06:41.420 And you see this pattern. 00:06:41.680 --> 00:06:42.980 The pattern is the people complain. 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:43.980 They sinned. 00:06:45.140 --> 00:06:45.939 God judged. 00:06:46.900 --> 00:06:48.259 Moses intercedes. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:49.900 God saves. 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:50.899 God saves. 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:56.759 And so the people are saved from God's judgment by the intercessor that God appoints. 00:06:57.379 --> 00:06:59.519 And you see something similar throughout the Bible, 00:06:59.679 --> 00:07:01.620 But especially perhaps in the book of Judges. 00:07:01.699 --> 00:07:02.819 The people forget God. 00:07:02.919 --> 00:07:03.419 They sin. 00:07:04.139 --> 00:07:06.579 God sends an enemy who oppresses them for a time. 00:07:06.659 --> 00:07:08.199 And when the people have suffered enough, 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:11.399 God sends a judge to rescue them and to make them safe. 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:16.539 When believers sin, 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:18.079 When people like us sin, 00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:24.599 Sometimes we have to experience a level of pain before we humble ourselves 00:07:24.599 --> 00:07:28.319 And ask for our Heavenly Father's mercy. 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:32.000 We try to tough it out. 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:36.779 We persevere in disobedience before yielding to the Lord 00:07:36.779 --> 00:07:38.599 And doing what he invites us to do, 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:40.579 Like if we confess our sins. 00:07:41.279 --> 00:07:42.439 God is faithful. 00:07:42.719 --> 00:07:43.759 And God is just. 00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:49.759 And he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:52.459 Or Hebrews chapter 8, 00:07:52.519 --> 00:07:56.019 Which reminds us that we do have such a high priest 00:07:56.019 --> 00:08:01.199 Who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in heaven. 00:08:01.199 --> 00:08:05.399 The one that we pray to. 00:08:06.039 --> 00:08:08.879 The one who intercedes for our sins in heaven. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:10.579 Is Jesus himself. 00:08:12.639 --> 00:08:16.959 And so I think when you look at this first grumble and how God deals with it, 00:08:17.039 --> 00:08:19.060 It's more like parental discipline. 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:22.039 He's a father. 00:08:22.040 --> 00:08:26.980 He brings punishment which doesn't harm their persons. 00:08:28.260 --> 00:08:32.100 But it does frighten them back to repentance and faith. 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:39.940 The second complaint is much more serious and it's about food. 00:08:41.180 --> 00:08:42.519 If you can believe it. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:46.120 If only we had meat to eat. 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:47.919 Verse 5. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:49.960 We remember the fish that we ate in Egypt. 00:08:50.079 --> 00:08:50.699 No cost. 00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:54.419 And also the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, the garlic. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:09:00.639 Now we've lost our appetite and we never see anything but this manna. 00:09:04.559 --> 00:09:07.360 They've been watching MasterChef on the Arabian Peninsula. 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:09.159 We're sick of this manna. 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:09.980 We want meat. 00:09:10.059 --> 00:09:10.740 We want meat. 00:09:10.740 --> 00:09:15.840 And it's a grumble against God's miraculous provision of manna. 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:18.200 And worse, this is the worst part. 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:19.340 They remember Egypt. 00:09:20.560 --> 00:09:24.159 Their hearts are turned to Egypt and not to God. 00:09:24.840 --> 00:09:28.879 They're focused on what they haven't got rather than grateful for what they do have. 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:31.659 And it's a really skewed remembrance. 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:35.139 We had great food and it didn't cost us anything, they say. 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:38.740 It's almost like, you know, you're in the middle of an election campaign 00:09:38.740 --> 00:09:43.259 where a whole lot of facts are suddenly erased from collective memory. 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:48.139 They were slaves for 400 years. 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:50.659 They were terribly oppressed. 00:09:51.320 --> 00:09:53.419 They were crying out for deliverance. 00:09:54.180 --> 00:09:55.100 And verse 10. 00:09:55.100 --> 00:10:08.639 Just awful. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:12.679 This grumble has spread. 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:14.819 Every family is wailing. 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:19.600 And God this time, not just is his anger aroused, he is hot with anger. 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:23.379 And Moses is troubled. 00:10:23.560 --> 00:10:24.360 He's discouraged. 00:10:24.620 --> 00:10:27.820 He's leading a nation where everybody's attention's on their stomach 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:29.899 and what they're not getting for dinner. 00:10:30.200 --> 00:10:31.940 They are totally discontent. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:39.500 And Moses is standing there and he's feeling the pressure as though this problem is his to fix and it's not. 00:10:39.500 --> 00:10:46.620 And God fixes it with this ironic judgment. 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:47.360 You want meat? 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:48.259 I'll give you meat. 00:10:48.399 --> 00:10:49.080 Verse 19. 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:53.559 You will eat it not just for one day or two days or five or ten or twenty, 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:57.519 but for a whole month until it comes out your nostrils and you loathe it 00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:00.480 because you have rejected the Lord who is among you 00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:02.899 and have wailed before him saying, 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:04.440 Why did we ever leave Egypt? 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:19.299 They're hankering back into their old life with all its agonies and distortions. 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:24.139 We do that. 00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:33.460 God brings us to new life in Christ and we look back and we see the fun that everybody else seems to be having 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:35.659 and we make a grab for it. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:44.120 I remember the drug addict on the northern beaches wonderfully converted to Christ 00:11:44.120 --> 00:11:46.459 and came into our church and into our small group. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:50.699 And he had a background in using women 00:11:50.699 --> 00:11:56.199 and it was quite thrilling to see the changes God was working in his life 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:59.699 until he began using women again in our church. 00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:07.920 He loved Egypt too much and he turned his back on the grace and mercy 00:12:07.920 --> 00:12:10.600 that he had come to know in Christ. 00:12:12.740 --> 00:12:15.480 And as far as I know, he has never come back. 00:12:19.180 --> 00:12:23.180 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 00:12:23.179 --> 00:12:27.419 You jump to verse 32. 00:12:27.639 --> 00:12:31.479 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. 00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:35.299 No one gathered less than ten homers. 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:36.919 That's donkey loads. 00:12:38.479 --> 00:12:40.939 And they spread them out all around the camp. 00:12:42.319 --> 00:12:44.659 But while the meat was still between their teeth 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:46.620 and before it could be consumed, 00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:49.259 the anger of the Lord burned against the people 00:12:49.259 --> 00:12:52.340 and he struck them with a severe plague. 00:12:53.779 --> 00:12:57.080 And therefore the place was named Kibroth Hatava. 00:12:57.860 --> 00:12:59.279 Leslie did that much better than me. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:04.299 Because they buried the people who had craved other food. 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:09.439 This time people die for their sin. 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:13.139 They reject the Lord 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:16.419 and they experience his judgment. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:23.519 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:28.639 Third complaint from Moses. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:32.699 And most of the passage is about God's response to it. 00:13:32.959 --> 00:13:34.339 Verse 11, he asks the Lord, 00:13:35.339 --> 00:13:38.319 Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? 00:13:38.539 --> 00:13:41.139 What have I done to displease you 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:44.439 that you put the burden of all these people on me? 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:48.340 Did I conceive all these people? 00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:49.520 Did I give them birth? 00:13:49.780 --> 00:13:52.200 Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:53.900 as a nurse carries an infant 00:13:53.900 --> 00:13:57.040 to the land that you promised on oath to our forefathers? 00:13:57.560 --> 00:13:59.660 Where can I get meat for all these people? 00:13:59.900 --> 00:14:01.120 They keep wailing to me, 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:02.120 Give us meat to eat. 00:14:02.160 --> 00:14:04.420 I can't carry all these people by myself. 00:14:04.520 --> 00:14:06.300 The burden is too heavy for me. 00:14:08.140 --> 00:14:09.960 If this is how you're going to treat me, 00:14:10.040 --> 00:14:11.180 put me to death right now. 00:14:11.179 --> 00:14:13.319 If I have found favour in your eyes, 00:14:13.439 --> 00:14:15.479 do not let me face my own ruin. 00:14:15.959 --> 00:14:16.839 Let me die. 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:18.439 It's pathetic. 00:14:21.699 --> 00:14:23.359 I'm not saying I would have done any better, 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:24.159 but it's pathetic. 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:30.039 He has a sort of a meltdown or even burnout. 00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:34.479 Verse 11, 00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:38.180 he is right to say that God has brought the trouble on him. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:42.300 God has called him, 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:43.779 he's appointed him to lead, 00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:46.600 and leadership does mean bearing the sinful responses 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:48.259 of people who think they know better. 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:54.980 And you get a huge insight 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:57.679 into what it's like to be in Moses' shoes 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:58.580 when he says, 00:14:59.939 --> 00:15:00.960 in verse 11, 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:03.819 what have I done to displease you 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:07.980 that you put the burden of these people on me? 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:15.200 He's very quick to presume 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:19.720 that his difficulties are some sort of divine chastisement 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:20.440 or punishment, 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:22.980 like his heavenly father is dishing out on him 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:24.480 in some way. 00:15:28.400 --> 00:15:29.940 It's like in John 9, 00:15:30.020 --> 00:15:31.680 when the Pharisees asked Jesus 00:15:31.680 --> 00:15:34.400 about the man who had been born blind 00:15:34.400 --> 00:15:35.700 and their presumption, 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:36.020 you know, 00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:36.800 who sinned? 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:39.379 This man or his parents 00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:40.700 that he was born blind? 00:15:40.700 --> 00:15:44.580 And in John 9, 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:45.540 Jesus shows 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:47.980 that it's a completely wrong assumption. 00:15:49.520 --> 00:15:50.820 It's got nothing to do 00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:52.140 with their weakness or sin. 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:54.720 His blindness 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:56.580 is part of the purpose of God 00:15:56.580 --> 00:15:59.320 that he will be glorified. 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:05.340 It is always a very cruel thing 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:06.160 and a wrong thing 00:16:06.160 --> 00:16:06.820 to be quick 00:16:06.820 --> 00:16:08.840 to link poverty 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:10.560 or sickness 00:16:10.560 --> 00:16:12.140 or difficulties 00:16:12.140 --> 00:16:13.100 in families 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:14.040 to sin. 00:16:17.560 --> 00:16:18.240 You see, 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:19.560 it's in how we respond 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.420 to difficulty 00:16:20.420 --> 00:16:22.260 that we can glorify Christ. 00:16:25.560 --> 00:16:27.640 Glad we've got the Fitzroys with us this morning 00:16:27.640 --> 00:16:28.980 because the Fitzroys family 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:29.720 has been 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:32.420 on an exceedingly difficult journey 00:16:32.420 --> 00:16:33.440 the last few months. 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:36.940 And watching them respond 00:16:36.940 --> 00:16:37.640 in faith 00:16:37.640 --> 00:16:40.520 in very testing circumstances 00:16:40.520 --> 00:16:42.680 is an enormous encouragement 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:46.860 to see their God-given joy 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:48.040 even as they grapple 00:16:48.040 --> 00:16:49.320 with difficulty 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.620 that is immense 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:54.780 as they journey in faith. 00:16:58.080 --> 00:16:59.600 We saw last week 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:00.720 that God is in the midst 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:01.460 of his people. 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:04.259 God is with his people. 00:17:05.420 --> 00:17:06.720 It's why we can be confident 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.620 with Romans 8 00:17:07.620 --> 00:17:08.460 that in every circumstance 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:10.140 God is working 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:11.420 his purposes out 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.019 for good 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:13.440 in the lives 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:14.160 of his people. 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:18.960 Moses feels like 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.740 it is all too hard. 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:23.519 The whole nation 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:24.279 is bleeding. 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.880 He's feeling the pressure. 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:27.480 The pressure 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.460 is almost unbearable 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:29.059 unbearable 00:17:29.059 --> 00:17:31.100 and the future 00:17:31.100 --> 00:17:31.920 seems 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.380 very dim. 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:36.799 I ran ahead of God 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:37.380 on Thursday. 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:39.980 I was in a low hole 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.480 wondering 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:42.120 why I had ever said yes 00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:42.620 to the trip 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:43.420 to South Africa 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:44.620 in five weeks time 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:45.559 with all the problems 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:46.279 that have arisen. 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:48.960 And last week 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:50.120 God encouraged me 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:51.200 with perfect timing 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:52.059 and I was on top 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:52.579 of the world 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.180 feeling like 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:53.960 he's in control. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:56.519 and this week 00:17:56.519 --> 00:17:57.319 it was quiet 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.259 and I didn't hear 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:58.660 anything 00:17:58.660 --> 00:18:01.819 and I went low 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:03.960 and I began 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:04.539 to pray 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:05.759 for God's timing 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:06.680 and God's working 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.380 things out 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:09.799 and I rang 00:18:09.799 --> 00:18:10.680 Darian in South 00:18:10.680 --> 00:18:11.059 Africa 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:11.600 and I said 00:18:11.600 --> 00:18:12.420 I'm feeling low 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:12.980 what's happening 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:15.259 and he was 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:16.120 a great comfort 00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:17.160 and he told me 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:18.200 lots of good things 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:18.759 that are happening 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.539 in the background. 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:21.940 But I was 00:18:21.940 --> 00:18:23.039 disappointed in myself. 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:25.480 I wished 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:26.539 I had waited 00:18:26.539 --> 00:18:27.259 patiently 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:28.599 a little longer. 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.299 I put it 00:18:31.299 --> 00:18:32.059 in God's hands 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:32.599 in the morning 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:33.720 and I was taking it 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.900 back into my own hands 00:18:34.900 --> 00:18:35.640 in the afternoon. 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.099 There is joy 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:40.759 in faith. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:43.460 There is great joy 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:43.980 and peace 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:44.599 to be found 00:18:44.599 --> 00:18:45.599 in trusting God 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:46.460 and being patient 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.160 in difficulty. 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.839 It is hugely 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:50.539 reassuring 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.259 to later see 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:51.680 that God 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:52.539 is in control. 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:57.099 Moses is wrong 00:18:57.099 --> 00:18:57.720 to think 00:18:57.720 --> 00:18:58.180 that God 00:18:58.180 --> 00:18:59.299 is punishing him 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:01.220 and you see 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.039 that by the way 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:02.619 that God 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:03.339 treats him 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.000 over the other 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:04.440 part 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:06.299 of this complaint. 00:19:08.420 --> 00:19:09.539 It's a two-fold 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:10.019 complaint. 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:10.920 What have I done? 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.539 Verse 11. 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:12.460 What have I done 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.879 to displease you 00:19:13.879 --> 00:19:16.220 that you have 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:17.180 put the burden 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:18.259 of all these 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:19.799 people on me? 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.639 Second part. 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:25.220 You have put 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:25.920 the burden 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:27.259 of all these 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.759 people on me. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.680 Did I conceive 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:31.980 them? 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:34.039 Where can I 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:34.559 get meat? 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:35.420 I can't carry 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:35.980 this burden 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.799 by myself. 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:37.940 Again, 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:38.519 it's echoes 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.359 of the New Testament. 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.299 Jesus feeding 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:41.159 the 5,000. 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:41.639 He turned 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:42.419 to his disciples. 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.459 5,000 people 00:19:43.459 --> 00:19:43.839 out there 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:44.159 and not a 00:19:44.159 --> 00:19:44.659 McDonald's 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:45.159 in sight 00:19:45.159 --> 00:19:46.219 and he turns 00:19:46.219 --> 00:19:46.919 to his disciples 00:19:46.919 --> 00:19:47.279 and said, 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:47.679 you guys 00:19:47.679 --> 00:19:47.979 give them 00:19:47.979 --> 00:19:48.719 something to eat. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:51.659 And their 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:52.319 response is 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:52.979 incredulous. 00:19:53.139 --> 00:19:53.740 Where can we 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.219 get food 00:19:54.219 --> 00:19:54.759 for all these 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:55.139 people? 00:19:56.139 --> 00:19:56.939 They express 00:19:56.939 --> 00:19:57.439 their own 00:19:57.439 --> 00:19:58.000 limitation. 00:19:58.219 --> 00:19:58.740 They can't 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.039 do it 00:19:59.039 --> 00:19:59.500 and Moses 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.259 can't do it 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:00.479 either 00:20:00.479 --> 00:20:00.899 and God 00:20:00.899 --> 00:20:01.359 knows that 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:01.779 he can't 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.159 do it. 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:06.320 But Moses 00:20:06.320 --> 00:20:07.000 can't imagine 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:07.440 how God 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:07.860 could do 00:20:07.860 --> 00:20:08.300 such a 00:20:08.300 --> 00:20:08.600 thing. 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:10.680 Here I 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:10.880 am, 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:11.259 I'm among 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.340 600,000 00:20:12.340 --> 00:20:12.840 men on 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:13.180 foot and 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:13.620 you say 00:20:13.620 --> 00:20:13.940 I will 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:14.320 give them 00:20:14.320 --> 00:20:14.720 meat to 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.060 eat for 00:20:15.060 --> 00:20:15.380 a whole 00:20:15.380 --> 00:20:15.720 month. 00:20:15.800 --> 00:20:16.440 Verse 22, 00:20:16.840 --> 00:20:17.220 would they 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:17.720 have enough 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.320 if flocks 00:20:18.320 --> 00:20:18.820 and herds 00:20:18.820 --> 00:20:19.560 were slaughtered 00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:19.920 for them? 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:20.259 Would they 00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:20.779 have enough 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.600 if all 00:20:21.600 --> 00:20:22.040 the fish 00:20:22.040 --> 00:20:22.360 in the 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:22.720 sea were 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:22.960 caught 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:23.420 for them? 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.380 And 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.100 verse 23, 00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:27.579 the Lord 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:28.019 answered 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.599 Moses, 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:30.279 is the 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:30.779 Lord's 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:31.199 arm 00:20:31.199 --> 00:20:31.619 too 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:32.179 short? 00:20:33.899 --> 00:20:34.500 You 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.099 will see 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:35.419 now 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:36.079 whether or 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:36.399 not 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:37.039 what I 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.359 say 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:37.659 will 00:20:37.659 --> 00:20:37.939 come 00:20:37.939 --> 00:20:38.179 true 00:20:38.179 --> 00:20:38.399 for 00:20:38.399 --> 00:20:38.659 you. 00:20:39.379 --> 00:20:39.619 This 00:20:39.619 --> 00:20:39.839 is a 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:40.099 great 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:41.500 statement 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.079 question. 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:42.959 Is the 00:20:42.959 --> 00:20:43.480 Lord's 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.019 arm 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.099 too 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:45.759 short? 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:47.359 Ever 00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:47.799 felt like 00:20:47.799 --> 00:20:47.959 you're 00:20:47.959 --> 00:20:48.219 standing 00:20:48.219 --> 00:20:48.679 in an 00:20:48.679 --> 00:20:49.259 impossible 00:20:49.259 --> 00:20:50.099 situation 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:50.659 with no 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:50.919 way 00:20:50.919 --> 00:20:51.199 out? 00:20:52.599 --> 00:20:53.159 Huge 00:20:53.159 --> 00:20:53.719 problems 00:20:53.719 --> 00:20:54.219 surrounding 00:20:54.219 --> 00:20:54.559 you 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:55.379 every way 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:56.019 you look? 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.119 thinking 00:20:58.119 --> 00:20:58.719 God is 00:20:58.719 --> 00:20:59.219 asking you 00:20:59.219 --> 00:20:59.539 to do 00:20:59.539 --> 00:20:59.919 something 00:20:59.919 --> 00:21:00.359 which is 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:00.740 beyond 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:01.039 your 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:01.579 means 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:01.980 or your 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.539 capacity 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:05.000 and God 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:06.299 speaks 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:07.639 very gently 00:21:07.639 --> 00:21:08.319 to Moses 00:21:08.319 --> 00:21:09.279 and says 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:10.799 is the 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:11.459 Lord's 00:21:11.459 --> 00:21:12.059 arm 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.719 too 00:21:12.719 --> 00:21:13.359 short? 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:17.119 See 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:17.579 Moses is 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.079 learning about 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:18.559 himself, 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:19.699 what God 00:21:19.699 --> 00:21:20.339 expects of 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:20.519 him. 00:21:21.639 --> 00:21:22.159 He's not 00:21:22.159 --> 00:21:22.819 the saviour, 00:21:23.439 --> 00:21:24.119 God is. 00:21:25.639 --> 00:21:26.339 There are 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:26.859 limits to 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.459 his ability 00:21:27.459 --> 00:21:27.979 to lead 00:21:27.979 --> 00:21:28.319 God's 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:28.699 people. 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:30.419 Moses 00:21:30.419 --> 00:21:30.879 has an 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:31.539 incredibly 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.059 important 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:32.399 role. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.199 He speaks 00:21:33.199 --> 00:21:34.019 to the 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.519 people on 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.099 behalf of 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:36.279 God and 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:36.699 he also 00:21:36.699 --> 00:21:37.419 speaks to 00:21:37.419 --> 00:21:38.039 God on 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:38.539 behalf of 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.019 the people 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.419 but he 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:40.759 isn't 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.099 God. 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:44.639 Only 00:21:44.639 --> 00:21:45.199 God can 00:21:45.199 --> 00:21:45.639 do what 00:21:45.639 --> 00:21:46.079 God will 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:48.259 do and 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:48.859 God makes 00:21:48.859 --> 00:21:49.579 provision for 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:50.219 Moses in a 00:21:50.219 --> 00:21:50.939 very practical 00:21:50.939 --> 00:21:51.279 way. 00:21:51.379 --> 00:21:51.959 Verse 16, 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.319 the Lord 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:52.720 said to 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.000 Moses, 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:53.460 bring me 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:53.960 70 of 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:54.420 Israel's 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:54.900 leaders who 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.220 are known 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:55.660 to you as 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:56.180 leaders and 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:56.819 officials among 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.319 the people. 00:21:58.360 --> 00:21:58.660 Have them 00:21:58.660 --> 00:21:59.160 come to the 00:21:59.160 --> 00:21:59.480 tent of 00:21:59.480 --> 00:21:59.980 meeting that 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:00.380 they may 00:22:00.380 --> 00:22:01.000 stand there 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.539 with you 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:03.039 and I 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.460 will come 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:03.920 down and 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:04.440 speak with 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:04.759 you there 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.019 and I 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:05.420 will take 00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:06.019 the spirit 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.660 that is on 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.120 you and 00:22:07.120 --> 00:22:07.559 put the 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.299 spirit on 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.480 them and 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:09.880 they will 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:10.440 help you to 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:10.880 carry the 00:22:10.880 --> 00:22:11.319 burden of 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:12.019 the people so 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:12.340 that you 00:22:12.340 --> 00:22:13.019 will not have 00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:13.660 to carry it 00:22:13.660 --> 00:22:14.039 alone. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:16.299 And then 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:17.359 in verse 25, 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:18.879 he took of 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:19.460 the spirit 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:20.059 that was on 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:21.500 him and 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:21.920 put the 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:22.559 spirit on 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.079 the 70 00:22:23.079 --> 00:22:23.779 elders and 00:22:23.779 --> 00:22:24.200 when the 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:25.019 spirit rested 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.639 on them they 00:22:25.639 --> 00:22:27.599 prophesied but 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.420 they did not 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.220 do it again. 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:34.359 See God 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:35.180 raises up 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:35.639 people to 00:22:35.639 --> 00:22:36.099 help him, 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:36.779 men with 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.539 God's spirit 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.299 chosen by 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:38.700 God. 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.139 Huge 00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:40.940 parallels to 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:41.319 the early 00:22:41.319 --> 00:22:41.899 chapters of 00:22:41.899 --> 00:22:42.359 Acts of the 00:22:42.359 --> 00:22:42.920 Apostles in 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:43.220 the New 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:43.940 Testament when 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.559 Christ was 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.140 building his 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.559 church. 00:22:46.620 --> 00:22:47.080 In Acts 00:22:47.080 --> 00:22:47.660 chapter 2, 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:48.140 the spirit 00:22:48.140 --> 00:22:48.559 of God 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:49.080 poured out 00:22:49.080 --> 00:22:49.539 on all 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.200 believers at 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:51.340 Pentecost and 00:22:51.340 --> 00:22:52.279 they prophesied. 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:53.860 They preached 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:54.779 the gospel of 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.420 the Lord Jesus 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:56.320 Christ in the 00:22:56.320 --> 00:22:57.000 languages of 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.539 the nations 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:57.880 who were 00:22:57.880 --> 00:22:58.240 present. 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.440 In Acts 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:01.220 chapter 6, 00:23:01.340 --> 00:23:01.860 the believers 00:23:01.860 --> 00:23:02.880 appointed seven 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:03.820 men from 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:04.600 among you who 00:23:04.600 --> 00:23:05.220 are known to 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:05.740 be full of 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.299 the spirit 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:07.240 and of 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.620 wisdom. 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.200 The load 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:10.940 of ministry 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.980 leadership was 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:13.019 authenticated by 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:13.440 God. 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:15.000 And it was 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.240 expanded and 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:16.519 it was 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:16.860 shared. 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:20.019 God was 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:21.000 very kind to 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.320 Moses. 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:22.340 He provided 00:23:22.340 --> 00:23:22.940 others to 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:23.440 help him. 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:26.620 So the 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:27.080 work of 00:23:27.080 --> 00:23:29.539 ministry is 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:30.480 shared by a 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:30.920 body of 00:23:30.920 --> 00:23:32.080 believers united 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:33.320 in submission to 00:23:33.320 --> 00:23:34.259 God and 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:35.000 empowered by 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:35.400 God. 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.420 It's a 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:38.279 brilliant picture 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:39.860 of what a 00:23:39.860 --> 00:23:40.840 well-functioning 00:23:40.840 --> 00:23:41.680 growing church 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.240 might look 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:42.620 like. 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:46.860 For Moses 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.980 and for us 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:50.220 it is quite a 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.140 wonderful thing 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:52.880 to fall into 00:23:52.880 --> 00:23:54.220 the hands of 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:54.900 the living God. 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:58.940 So Numbers 11 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.640 is an amazing 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:00.060 chapter. 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:00.880 There's a lot 00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:01.360 more that could 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:01.860 be said and 00:24:01.860 --> 00:24:02.560 especially about 00:24:02.560 --> 00:24:03.680 the operation of 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:04.259 the spirit in 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.560 this chapter and 00:24:05.560 --> 00:24:06.279 you can tackle me 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:06.960 at morning tea if 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.440 you want to go 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:07.680 there. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:09.519 But there are 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:10.420 three complaints 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:11.660 and God deals 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:12.180 with them in 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:12.880 three ways. 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:15.420 He's angry with 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:15.940 their grumbling. 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:17.940 He disciplines 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:19.340 them as 00:24:19.340 --> 00:24:19.840 children. 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:22.019 He leads them 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:23.000 back in repentance 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.900 and faith when 00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:24.720 they cry out to 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.880 Moses who intercedes 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:26.740 on their behalf. 00:24:28.560 --> 00:24:29.400 God is 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:30.700 exceedingly angry 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:31.779 when they turn 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.440 their backs on 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:33.279 God's salvation. 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:35.620 They turn their 00:24:35.620 --> 00:24:36.620 backs on the one 00:24:36.620 --> 00:24:37.660 way of salvation 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:38.560 that God gives 00:24:38.560 --> 00:24:39.779 them and they 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:41.200 experience judgment 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:41.860 and death. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:45.240 And when Moses 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.140 complains he is 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:47.880 wrong to think 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:48.480 that God is 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.340 punishing him. 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.519 And he was also 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.380 wrong to think 00:24:52.380 --> 00:24:53.240 that the burden 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:54.259 of ministry was 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:55.160 his to bear 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:55.800 alone. 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.320 God provided 00:24:58.320 --> 00:24:59.320 tenderly for 00:24:59.320 --> 00:24:59.620 him. 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.700 So friends 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:03.620 there are safe 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:05.400 ways and there 00:25:05.400 --> 00:25:06.700 are unsafe ways 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.299 to fall into 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:08.900 the hands of 00:25:08.900 --> 00:25:09.620 the living God. 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:12.200 Safe ways 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:13.080 see us 00:25:13.080 --> 00:25:13.660 disciplined, 00:25:14.120 --> 00:25:14.600 corrected, 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.340 cared for 00:25:16.340 --> 00:25:17.319 as children 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:17.980 by a loving 00:25:17.980 --> 00:25:18.920 heavenly father. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.640 Unsafe ways 00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:22.519 lead to judgment 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.220 and death 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:24.860 at the hands 00:25:24.860 --> 00:25:25.519 of the sovereign 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.700 king over all 00:25:26.700 --> 00:25:27.299 creation. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.180 Life 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:29.279 versus 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:29.840 death. 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:29.859 death. 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:31.959 Jesus 00:25:31.959 --> 00:25:34.000 says in 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.559 John 3 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:35.299 36 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:37.000 whoever 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.839 believes in 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:38.419 the son 00:25:38.419 --> 00:25:39.699 has eternal 00:25:39.699 --> 00:25:40.279 life. 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.399 But whoever 00:25:42.399 --> 00:25:43.319 rejects the 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:44.339 son will not 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.179 see life 00:25:45.179 --> 00:25:47.220 for God's 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:48.339 wrath remains 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:49.019 on him. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:50.179 Amen.