WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.480 We're going to begin our worship this evening by singing to God's praise in Psalm 107. 00:00:04.480 --> 00:00:08.080 Psalm 107. 00:00:08.200 --> 00:00:12.960 We're singing in the Scottish Psalter version from verse 1 to verse 9. 00:00:13.080 --> 00:00:14.220 The tune is Torwood. 00:00:14.960 --> 00:00:18.640 Praise God for he is good, for still his mercy's lasting be. 00:00:19.160 --> 00:00:23.280 Let God's redeemed say so, whom he from the enemy's hand did free, 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:27.260 and gathered them out of the lands from north, south, east, and west. 00:00:27.820 --> 00:00:32.120 They strayed in deserts pathless way, no city found to rest. 00:00:32.119 --> 00:00:34.640 We'll sing from verse 1 down to verse 9. 00:00:35.179 --> 00:00:37.019 We stand to sing to God's praise. 00:01:02.119 --> 00:01:23.879 From him he's handed free, and gathered them out of the lands from north, south, east, and west. 00:01:23.879 --> 00:01:38.699 They strayed in deserts pathless way, no city found to rest. 00:01:38.699 --> 00:01:52.879 For thirsts not hunger in them face, their soul went rich and best. 00:01:52.879 --> 00:02:06.879 They cry unto the Lord, and he, their fleets from their distress. 00:02:06.879 --> 00:02:36.879 They voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voy voy 00:02:36.879 --> 00:02:53.620 O glad then to the Lord who gave praise for his goodness day, 00:02:53.620 --> 00:03:08.420 and for his works of wonder done unto the sons of men. 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:23.319 For be the soul that all ye is, that fully satisfies, 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:36.920 with goodness in the hungry soul that fill abundantly. 00:03:43.259 --> 00:03:46.040 Let's bow our heads together in a word of prayer. Let us pray. 00:03:46.039 --> 00:03:47.039 Amen. 00:04:16.040 --> 00:04:23.200 We are thankful that we can sing these words together this evening, and they still hold the very same truth. 00:04:23.819 --> 00:04:26.160 You are a good God, and you are a merciful God. 00:04:26.680 --> 00:04:28.660 You are a God who redeems his people. 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:35.920 You are a God who frees his people, a God who gathers his people from north, south, east, and west. 00:04:36.560 --> 00:04:40.560 And we thank you that that is the work of your church that you are building. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:44.840 That you are building your church, that your people are being gathered together. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:50.300 That the numbers are being added to on a day-by-day basis throughout all ends of the earth. 00:04:50.759 --> 00:04:52.200 Those who are being saved. 00:04:52.920 --> 00:04:54.360 And we thank you for that. 00:04:54.879 --> 00:04:58.879 That you are the God who is still at work in our lands. 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:00.920 That you are a God who is still speaking. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:06.259 That you are a God who is calling out to people to return to you. 00:05:06.920 --> 00:05:09.100 We have every reason to be silent, Lord. 00:05:09.600 --> 00:05:12.240 You have every reason to turn away from us. 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:14.520 For we are a sinful people. 00:05:15.100 --> 00:05:19.300 We are living among a sinful people, as I say, as said of old. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:22.120 We are unclean in so many ways. 00:05:23.080 --> 00:05:27.080 But yet, Lord, we thank you for your great mercy towards us. 00:05:27.079 --> 00:05:29.519 That you have given us a day. 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:31.319 A day of salvation. 00:05:31.560 --> 00:05:33.159 A day on mercy's ground. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:35.800 Where we can call out to you. 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:38.639 Where we can cry out to you as Lord. 00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:42.120 Where we can cry out to you as our Father in heaven. 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:44.579 That you might come and save. 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:47.939 And we thank you, Lord, for your gospel. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:51.839 It reminds us of the great Redeemer that we have. 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:55.919 We thank you that you sent your Son into this world. 00:05:56.239 --> 00:05:58.560 Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:01.060 As a Redeemer for his people. 00:06:01.879 --> 00:06:04.319 That they would be ransomed by him. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:07.359 And as we come to your word this evening. 00:06:07.620 --> 00:06:12.179 We thank you for all the powerful reminders it gives to us. 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:16.419 Of so much barrenness that we see in this world. 00:06:16.959 --> 00:06:18.519 So much that lacks beauty. 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:22.659 And yet the wonder and beauty of our Lord and Savior. 00:06:23.539 --> 00:06:26.599 And so we pray, Lord, that you will bless your word to us. 00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:28.359 That you will draw near to us. 00:06:28.539 --> 00:06:30.979 As we seek to draw near to you. 00:06:31.579 --> 00:06:34.060 We thank you that you are the God who hears prayer. 00:06:34.819 --> 00:06:37.180 We thank you that we can come with all our burdens. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:38.399 All our cares. 00:06:38.919 --> 00:06:39.879 All our prayers. 00:06:40.039 --> 00:06:42.060 And put them before you anew this evening. 00:06:42.680 --> 00:06:45.299 Reminded that you are the God who cares for us. 00:06:45.399 --> 00:06:46.879 That you have not forgotten us. 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:49.300 That you hear our praying people. 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:52.120 And we do ask, O Lord, on this day. 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:54.680 A day when much prayer is offered up. 00:06:55.019 --> 00:06:57.199 Both publicly and privately. 00:06:57.819 --> 00:07:00.120 That you would indeed hear your people. 00:07:00.240 --> 00:07:02.399 That you would hear their cries. 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:04.659 That to all ends of the earth. 00:07:04.699 --> 00:07:07.399 And we see so much need around us. 00:07:08.040 --> 00:07:11.579 And we see tragedies in so many different places. 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:14.740 And we think again of Spain and Valencia. 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:17.199 And the devastation of the flooding there. 00:07:17.939 --> 00:07:21.839 And we think of other parts of the world where there is war going on. 00:07:22.039 --> 00:07:23.719 And has been for some time. 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:26.300 Places that we can often maybe forget. 00:07:26.360 --> 00:07:28.159 When things go on for so long. 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:31.260 That we do pray for the Ukraine and Russia. 00:07:31.460 --> 00:07:32.680 We pray for the Middle East. 00:07:33.400 --> 00:07:38.120 We pray for so many parts of the world that we hear very little of. 00:07:38.760 --> 00:07:41.940 And yet, Lord, we know that there are terrible atrocities. 00:07:42.180 --> 00:07:45.280 That there is persecution against your people. 00:07:46.080 --> 00:07:49.460 That there is putting down on people. 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:52.560 And seeking to control them in so many parts of the world. 00:07:53.219 --> 00:07:55.639 But we thank you that you are a God who is active. 00:07:56.299 --> 00:07:58.519 That you are a God who is able to bring peace. 00:07:58.680 --> 00:08:00.479 A God who is able to bring relief. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:03.560 A God who is able to abundantly save. 00:08:04.279 --> 00:08:06.519 And that is our great prayer, Lord, for so many. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:08.819 Throughout our world this night. 00:08:09.120 --> 00:08:12.139 That whatever circumstance we might find ourselves in. 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:14.859 Whatever situation your people are in. 00:08:15.459 --> 00:08:18.919 That that great word, salvation, would be on our lips. 00:08:18.920 --> 00:08:20.800 For you are the God who saves. 00:08:21.460 --> 00:08:23.920 You are the God who reminds us that this is. 00:08:24.020 --> 00:08:26.520 But a moment in this world for us. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:28.860 Our lives are just like the grass. 00:08:28.980 --> 00:08:30.300 Which flourishes for a moment. 00:08:30.699 --> 00:08:32.220 But is gone in the morning. 00:08:33.060 --> 00:08:37.060 And yet that reminds us too of the eternity that is before us. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:41.159 And only a prepared eternity for us by our Lord. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:45.399 And we can only be ready for it through faith in him. 00:08:45.399 --> 00:08:49.639 And so may your word be blessed to all ends of the earth. 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:54.480 We do ask for our own particular needs here as a congregation too. 00:08:54.600 --> 00:08:56.860 And as a community at this time. 00:08:57.419 --> 00:09:00.659 We do give you thanks, O Lord, that you remember us. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:04.039 That you have blessed us so often in the past. 00:09:04.039 --> 00:09:07.719 That we have known great days of your mercy and blessing. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:12.620 That we have known great days of your spirit being poured down upon us. 00:09:12.620 --> 00:09:15.459 When you have brought life to so many people. 00:09:15.579 --> 00:09:18.759 When you have brought that life that is found in Christ. 00:09:19.419 --> 00:09:24.179 We thank you for the many wonderful stories of revival throughout our islands. 00:09:24.579 --> 00:09:25.939 In so many different communities. 00:09:25.940 --> 00:09:31.180 We thank you that there is still evidence of it to this day of people who were involved in them. 00:09:32.020 --> 00:09:35.460 Of people who were saved during these great times. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:39.040 But we thank you too, Lord, that even in ones or twos. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:43.700 You have been pleased to bless so many different congregations around us. 00:09:43.920 --> 00:09:45.860 Down through these generations. 00:09:46.760 --> 00:09:52.300 We thank you that there is a praying people throughout all ends of our communities here. 00:09:52.299 --> 00:09:57.039 And tonight as we come before you with so many different needs. 00:09:57.139 --> 00:10:03.159 And as we think especially of the disruption to our way of life here. 00:10:03.219 --> 00:10:04.620 And especially your own day. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:08.899 With the news of Tesco seeking to open on the Lord's Day. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:12.959 We do ask that you will hear your praying people in the midst of this. 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:16.539 That you would be pleased to be in the midst of ourselves here. 00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:19.099 And many others who are gathered like us. 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:23.300 That you would be pleased to meet with us as we seek to meet later this evening. 00:10:23.560 --> 00:10:25.840 In the APC church as well. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:30.759 We ask, oh Lord, that you will give us a heart to pray humbly before you. 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:33.920 And a spirit and a knowledge that you are with us. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:39.680 That we are to always to pray and never to give up. 00:10:40.180 --> 00:10:42.879 No matter how bleak a situation can seem. 00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:46.000 How much beyond our efforts it can be. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:49.100 We thank you that with you all things are possible. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:51.600 And so Lord, hear our prayers. 00:10:51.820 --> 00:10:54.919 And turn our hearts and the hearts of our community. 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:57.500 And many who are blind to you at this time. 00:10:57.620 --> 00:10:58.980 Turn them towards you. 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:01.820 Turn them towards you that they might praise your name. 00:11:02.279 --> 00:11:03.600 And give glory to you. 00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:06.460 And find the wisdom that there is in rest. 00:11:07.159 --> 00:11:10.899 And the wisdom that there is in worship of your great name. 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:13.320 So be with us Lord, we pray. 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:14.600 And look down upon us. 00:11:14.600 --> 00:11:18.500 Remember us in the week ahead, oh Lord, with all that it entails. 00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:22.360 We again commit the family of Anne MacDonald to you. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:26.960 Praying for them, Lord, to know your comfort, your blessing with them. 00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:30.240 As we especially remember the children. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:34.560 We pray for Norma, Lorna and Donna and Katrina and their families. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:36.500 We commit each one to you. 00:11:36.500 --> 00:11:41.460 And just pray that in the midst of all the sorrow and sadness they feel just now. 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:46.440 That the beauty of the gospel and the hope of Christ would be blessed to them. 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:51.820 That they would be so aware of your presence today and tomorrow. 00:11:52.059 --> 00:11:54.059 And on Tuesday at the funeral as well. 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:55.279 And in all the days ahead. 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:57.700 That you would surround them and uphold them. 00:11:57.700 --> 00:12:00.220 And others in our midst, oh Lord, who grieve. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:02.879 We do pray that same prayer for them. 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:05.400 To know your comfort and your blessing. 00:12:06.020 --> 00:12:07.340 Remember those who are unwell. 00:12:07.800 --> 00:12:08.980 Those who are in hospital. 00:12:09.160 --> 00:12:10.840 Those who are confined to their homes. 00:12:11.420 --> 00:12:13.020 Do draw near to them each one. 00:12:13.680 --> 00:12:14.920 May your will be done. 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:16.940 And may you look down upon them. 00:12:17.420 --> 00:12:19.120 That they would know, Lord, that you are near. 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:20.540 That you are with them. 00:12:21.439 --> 00:12:24.099 May you bless your word as it goes out. 00:12:24.339 --> 00:12:27.959 We thank you for all the endeavours of the proclamation of your word. 00:12:28.079 --> 00:12:29.459 Whether it's in Bible studies. 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:30.500 In prayer meetings. 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:31.980 In worship. 00:12:32.419 --> 00:12:34.099 In Lord's day by Lord's day. 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:37.699 And whatever means we use, Lord, to share the gospel. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:41.819 We thank you that there is a promise that it never returns to you empty. 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:43.860 But accomplishes great things. 00:12:44.439 --> 00:12:48.599 And give us patience in prayer as we seek to reach to the lost. 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:52.379 We can sometimes become frustrated and lose patience. 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:57.040 But Lord, we know that those who wait in the Lord will renew their strength. 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:58.600 And we thank you for that promise. 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:02.920 And we do pray, Lord, that you will continue to watch over us. 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:03.680 To keep us. 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:04.480 To guide us. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.800 And to help us. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.659 To all ends. 00:13:07.080 --> 00:13:08.340 That will be for your glory. 00:13:09.019 --> 00:13:11.940 So, Lord, bless us as we continue in our worship this evening. 00:13:12.560 --> 00:13:14.019 Hear our prayers, Lord. 00:13:14.340 --> 00:13:15.420 Draw near to us. 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.960 Bless the singing of your praise. 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:20.240 As we thank you for Ian who leads us this evening. 00:13:20.920 --> 00:13:22.500 Bless our lips. 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:25.000 So we might sing praise to you with all our hearts. 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:28.540 Bless the youth fellowship as it meets after the service, too. 00:13:28.620 --> 00:13:30.780 We pray for all who gather there. 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:35.960 And we pray for Ali as he will speak on the great days of the Reformation. 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:36.820 And what it means. 00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:38.980 And how we are blessed still by that. 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:42.580 And so we ask, O Lord, that in all of these things, 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:44.040 we would give glory to you. 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.460 And that you would hear us. 00:13:45.540 --> 00:13:47.360 That you would pardon us for all our sin. 00:13:47.420 --> 00:13:52.160 And you, as we come before you, seeking cleansing for all our sins. 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:55.720 We are reminded this morning in the wonder of baptism. 00:13:55.860 --> 00:13:59.180 And thankful for the children we saw baptized today. 00:13:59.180 --> 00:14:02.379 And their families and as a congregation together. 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:04.519 That we would know more of your blessings. 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:07.259 And more of your salvation in our midst. 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:08.720 We ask it all. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:12.080 Looking to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:13.379 in all of these things. 00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:14.340 For his glory. 00:14:14.779 --> 00:14:15.679 And for our good. 00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:16.559 Amen. 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:23.959 We are going to sing again to God's praise in Psalm 29. 00:14:24.239 --> 00:14:27.639 Again, the Scottish Psalter version, page 238. 00:14:30.339 --> 00:14:31.500 Psalm 29. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:35.139 We are going to sing from verse 1 to verse 5. 00:14:35.239 --> 00:14:36.959 And the tune is Montrose. 00:14:39.619 --> 00:14:42.179 Give ye unto the Lord, ye sons, 00:14:42.339 --> 00:14:45.579 that of the mighty be all strength and glory 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:48.100 to the Lord with cheerfulness give ye. 00:14:48.520 --> 00:14:50.160 And to the Lord the glory give, 00:14:50.700 --> 00:14:52.080 that to his name is due. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:55.500 And in the beauty of holiness and to Jehovah bow. 00:14:56.020 --> 00:14:58.879 We'll sing from verse 1 down to verse 5. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:01.460 To God's praise we stand to sing. 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:04.700 Let voy to the singing of singing, 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:04.700 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:22.500 Let voy voy voy voy voy 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:04.700 ! 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:22.500 Let voy voy voy voy 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:04.700 ! 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:22.500 voy voy voy 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:04.700 ! 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:22.500 voy voy voy 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:04.700 ! 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:22.500 voy voy voy 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:58.460 O Lord, the glory here, and to his here is true, and in the beautiful holiness, 00:15:58.460 --> 00:16:06.780 and to the whole man I do. 00:16:08.580 --> 00:16:20.720 Lord, my son, the waters is the God of majesty, 00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:36.720 that thunder and thunder, the multitudes of water sitteth thee. 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:53.180 Our full voice is his that comes out from the Lord most high, 00:16:53.179 --> 00:17:07.559 the voice of that great Lord is full of glorious majesty. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:23.559 The voice of the eternal death, asunder cedars day. 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:38.599 Yea, O the Lord doth see her trace, and ever not doth pay. 00:17:38.599 --> 00:17:38.799 Amen. 00:17:43.059 --> 00:17:48.059 We can turn together now to read God's word in the Old Testament, reading in Isaiah. 00:17:48.699 --> 00:17:50.519 Isaiah chapter 35. 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:53.819 We can read the whole of this chapter together. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.899 Isaiah chapter 35. 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:03.779 You'll find this around page 719 of the church Bibles. 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:09.500 Isaiah chapter 35, reading from the beginning. 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:14.059 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad. 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:17.960 The desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus. 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:22.579 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:28.139 The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:34.500 They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 00:18:35.620 --> 00:18:39.660 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. 00:18:39.820 --> 00:18:41.840 Say to those who have an anxious heart, 00:18:42.300 --> 00:18:43.759 Be strong, fear not. 00:18:44.320 --> 00:18:47.280 Behold, your God will come with vengeance. 00:18:47.800 --> 00:18:51.740 With the recompense of God, he will come and save you. 00:18:52.500 --> 00:18:55.000 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:57.759 and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 00:18:58.180 --> 00:19:00.099 Then shall the lame man leap like a deer 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:02.539 and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. 00:19:03.180 --> 00:19:05.619 For waters break forth in the wilderness 00:19:05.619 --> 00:19:07.200 and streams in the desert. 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:10.200 The burning sand shall become a pool 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:13.299 and the thirsty ground springs of water. 00:19:14.180 --> 00:19:17.160 In the haunts of jackals, where they lie down, 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:20.160 the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:22.820 And a highway shall be there, 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:25.860 and it shall be called the way of holiness. 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:29.340 The unclean shall not pass over it. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:32.580 It shall belong to those who walk on the way. 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:36.120 Even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:38.680 No lion shall be there, 00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:41.860 nor shall any ravenous beast come upon it. 00:19:42.540 --> 00:19:44.440 They shall not be found there, 00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:47.019 but the redeemed shall walk there. 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:50.160 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:52.559 and come to Sion with singing. 00:19:53.359 --> 00:19:56.539 Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. 00:19:57.160 --> 00:19:59.700 They shall obtain gladness and joy, 00:20:00.379 --> 00:20:03.579 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:08.519 Amen, and may God bless that reading from his word. 00:20:09.139 --> 00:20:11.740 Before we come to look at this chapter together, 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:14.879 we're going to sing again in Psalm 57. 00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:18.960 It's in the Sing Psalms version, page 74. 00:20:21.900 --> 00:20:24.940 Psalm 57 on page 74. 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:26.940 The tune is Dennis. 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:29.720 Sing from verse 1 to verse 5. 00:20:29.840 --> 00:20:31.720 Have mercy on me, Lord. 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:33.760 To you my soul holds fast. 00:20:34.260 --> 00:20:36.440 Your covering wings will shelter me 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:39.000 until the dangers pass. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:40.540 We'll sing from verse 5, 00:20:40.860 --> 00:20:42.120 1 to verse 5, 00:20:42.520 --> 00:20:43.260 to God's praise, 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.539 Please, and we stand to sing. 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:46.539 Amen. 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:42.399 I cry to God most high, to God who answers me, for He fulfills His purposes for me most perfectly. 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:56.539 He sends his help from heaven, and saves me from above. 00:21:57.539 --> 00:22:11.539 Rebuke me those who seek my life, God sends His truth and love. 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:24.539 I live beside His knees, I dwell with my own soul. 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:39.539 With men who speak with piercing words, a sharp sword is their tongue. 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:53.539 Above the highest chance, O God, exalted me. 00:22:53.539 --> 00:23:06.539 And over all the earth below, display Your majesty. 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.539 Amen. 00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:07.720 Amen. 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:18.039 We can turn back to our reading in the book of Isaiah, chapter 35. 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:21.619 We're going to look through really the whole of this chapter. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:25.399 We can read again at verse 3 and 4. 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:50.519 As you read through this whole chapter, it's not a long chapter, just ten verses as we've read through it. 00:23:50.519 --> 00:24:00.099 But as you're reading through it, you see so many different settings and situations that just bring a picture before us of all these different things. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:06.680 When you think of the outset of the chapter, it speaks of the wilderness and the dry land and the desert. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:09.039 It takes you into this place. 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:22.119 And then later on, it speaks of the waters, the waters that bring life, the thirsty grounds, springs of water coming up, the haunt of the jackals, the highway that will be there. 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:26.920 There's so many different images before us here in this chapter. 00:24:26.920 --> 00:24:31.840 And they're all reminding us of the hope that there is with the Lord. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:40.320 And it's a hope that the people in Isaiah's day so much needed us will see as we go through this chapter and see its setting. 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:49.060 But when you think of the images that we have before us, you probably have heard the phrase, a picture paints a thousand words. 00:24:49.059 --> 00:24:59.220 The idea behind it is that no matter how much you try and describe something or say something about a situation or a setting, 00:24:59.419 --> 00:25:07.720 a picture just gives it so much clarity and so much information that you couldn't maybe even possibly put across in words. 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:11.440 The impact of words alone just isn't the same. 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:16.899 You think about talking about the devastating floods in Spain. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:20.600 It's hard to try and explain it in words. 00:25:21.259 --> 00:25:28.220 But when you see the images of it on the television, it's just become so much more apparent just how devastating it was, 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:33.980 how quickly these things happened, how much tragedy it brought into the lives of so many. 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:41.140 And when we read through the Bible, and this is not to be disrespectful to the Word of God in any way, 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:43.600 that we just see it as just words. 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:45.139 It is the Word of God. 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:47.740 It is the powerful Word of God. 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:54.039 But as you're reading through the Bible in a chapter like this, what you see is that we are given these pictures. 00:25:54.199 --> 00:25:57.359 We are given these vivid images before us. 00:25:57.859 --> 00:26:01.500 And all they do is just add to what the Word of God is saying. 00:26:02.199 --> 00:26:09.019 The image of the desert and the barrenness, it reminds us of sin and the devastation that that brings. 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:16.359 But then you see as that all changes when the streams in the desert and the waters break forth in the wilderness, 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:26.920 they bring life and beauty and growth comes as a reminder to us of how the grace of God is able to bring us to life and to save us. 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:32.759 So there's so many of these situations that we see that just the words alone, 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:37.300 when you think of it in the setting and the context, it just adds so much more to us. 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:42.960 Just think of John the Baptist when he saw Jesus coming towards him. 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.140 He said, 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:47.080 Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:54.419 As he was speaking to the people, it's an image of the people to immediately think back of the days of the Old Testament 00:26:54.419 --> 00:27:00.299 and the sacrifices that had to be offered for the forgiveness of sin when a lamb was offered up. 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:01.899 And now he's saying, 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:07.619 Behold, look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:13.519 Here is the one who has come to give his life for us, that we might have life through him. 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:18.460 And Jesus himself was always using illustrations. 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:24.519 Illustrations showing the people, teaching the people so much in parables 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:31.819 and giving them scenes and settings that the people could recognize and see and know just what he was talking about. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:35.139 The parable of the sower and the seed. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:38.339 And you see there how the seed is scattered. 00:27:38.599 --> 00:27:40.059 Some falls on good ground. 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:42.440 Some falls on rocky ground. 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.759 Some falls on the path. 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:46.640 Some falls among thorns and thistles. 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:49.220 And immediately you have this picture before you. 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:51.740 And you can understand just what he's saying. 00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:54.640 How the good ground, it brings growth. 00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:58.980 How when it falls on the path, the birds come and pluck it away. 00:27:59.100 --> 00:28:00.120 And so it goes on. 00:28:00.620 --> 00:28:05.880 And Jesus is describing there something we can understand and even see for ourselves today. 00:28:06.299 --> 00:28:10.059 The parable of the lost coin and the lost sheep. 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:13.399 The broad road and the narrow road. 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:20.259 There's so many vivid images that we have in Scripture that just remind us that as the word of God is heard, 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:28.339 it is giving us these great illustrations as well that we can understand and help us to understand. 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:36.919 And here in Isaiah in chapter 35, when you see so many of the great promises that God gives to his people, 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:40.079 he gives it in these very vivid ways. 00:28:40.659 --> 00:28:44.519 In a way that we can see what it means to trust in him. 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:53.119 And we can see just what it means when he's bringing us from that barren place into a place of richness and growth and blessing. 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:55.839 A place where we are safe. 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:59.839 A place where, as you see as you come to the end of the chapter, 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:03.000 a place where the Lord's redeemed shall walk. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:05.119 The ransom of the Lord shall return. 00:29:05.579 --> 00:29:07.299 They shall come to Zion with singing. 00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:11.339 So we go from the barrenness to the beauty. 00:29:12.139 --> 00:29:16.839 And the basis of it is the God who is able to save. 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:22.259 Because Isaiah is writing in the midst of judgment upon the nations. 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:25.059 We see that in the preceding chapters. 00:29:25.659 --> 00:29:30.139 And again, very vivid imagery is used there in chapter 34. 00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:33.720 In verse 9 and verse 10. 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:56.259 Again, there's just a vivid picture there of the devastation, the judgment upon the nations. 00:29:56.960 --> 00:30:02.660 A picture of this burning sulfur, this burning fire that will never go out. 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:08.299 And yet, as you come into chapter 35, that changes. 00:30:08.880 --> 00:30:13.220 In the midst of this judgment, we see the God who is sovereign. 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:16.079 And the way he speaks to his people. 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:20.539 And the way he is calling his people to respond to him. 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:23.220 God's sovereignty over everything. 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:26.960 But it also has our human responsibility. 00:30:27.480 --> 00:30:29.680 Do we listen to this word? 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:32.019 Do we see the danger that we're in? 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:35.500 The judgment that we are under when we forsake God. 00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:40.259 And the kind of image of that burning sulfur is just so vivid. 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:46.799 And yet the wonder of a place where God will heal and restore his people. 00:30:47.660 --> 00:30:49.920 So we take God's sovereignty seriously. 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:54.339 We must take our human responsibility seriously as well. 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:56.920 And the two go hand in hand. 00:30:56.920 --> 00:31:00.160 There was a man called R.B. 00:31:00.320 --> 00:31:00.800 Cuyper. 00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:04.120 He was a lecturer in Calvin Seminary. 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:12.800 And during his days there, he used an illustration to distinguish God's sovereignty and human responsibility. 00:31:13.060 --> 00:31:14.360 And he said this about them. 00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:21.519 I liken them to two ropes going through two holes in the ceiling and over a pulley above. 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:24.379 Again, you've got this picture before you. 00:31:25.159 --> 00:31:29.240 So the rope is going up through the ceiling through two holes and over a pulley. 00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:31.019 So you have two ropes coming down. 00:31:31.919 --> 00:31:36.299 And he says, if I wish to support myself, I must cling to them both. 00:31:37.139 --> 00:31:40.000 God's sovereignty and our responsibility. 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:41.579 We have to hold on to both. 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:46.599 Because he says, if I cling only to one and not the other, I go down. 00:31:47.819 --> 00:31:50.279 So there's that important aspect. 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:52.480 God's sovereignty, which we know. 00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:55.039 And our responsibility. 00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:57.339 The two go hand in hand. 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:59.819 And that's what we see in this chapter. 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:03.400 We see that God is sovereign over all nations. 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:06.700 God is sovereign over all people. 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:14.580 But as people, we have a responsibility to heed him and to listen to him. 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:21.279 And so as we go through this chapter, I want us to look at four things briefly. 00:32:22.620 --> 00:32:29.100 Four of these very vivid images that we have before us in this chapter where we see, first of all, renewal. 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:31.340 And then we see a rescue. 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:33.180 We see revelation. 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:35.299 And we see a restriction. 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:44.899 And in the midst of all these, you have this gladness and this joy that I say is reminding the people of in the Lord. 00:32:45.619 --> 00:32:47.899 So the first thing is renewal. 00:32:48.460 --> 00:32:51.419 We see that in verse 1 and verse 2. 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:57.839 We always have different phases, different stages in life. 00:32:58.379 --> 00:33:02.740 We all go through life in our different journeys, in our different ways. 00:33:02.740 --> 00:33:09.039 You can look at it, for example, as moving from our youth to our adulthood to our old age. 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:13.559 We have these various stages that we go through in life. 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:15.400 We can also look at it in different ways. 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:19.299 We have certain times and periods in our lives as well. 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:25.299 We have ordinary times where things are just going along as normal day-to-day routines. 00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:30.000 Other times we have extraordinary times in our life. 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:36.460 We don't have to look back too far to see when that changed so dramatically. 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:40.579 When we think back to the beginning of 2020. 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:44.900 Our lives just going along, perhaps in an ordinary way. 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:48.519 And then all of a sudden, we started to hear that word COVID. 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:51.100 And then we started to hear the word lockdown. 00:33:52.100 --> 00:33:55.299 And our lives were changed in an extraordinary way. 00:33:55.380 --> 00:34:00.120 We went into a period in our lives where we didn't know what was ahead of us. 00:34:00.119 --> 00:34:05.559 These dramatic changes can happen just in the blink of an eye. 00:34:05.979 --> 00:34:09.380 In God's providence, though, he brings us through. 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.779 But are we thankful for it? 00:34:11.779 --> 00:34:17.639 I mean, as we think of all these years later, as we come to nearly four years after that first started, 00:34:18.440 --> 00:34:22.079 have we lost the focus of what it actually did in our lives? 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:27.920 Are we just going back to the ordinary day-to-day lives and carrying on as if nothing happened? 00:34:27.920 --> 00:34:33.260 Or are we living in light of learning lessons on the journey that we're on? 00:34:34.200 --> 00:34:39.559 Well, in Isaiah's day, they were so often, as you see, as you read in the book of Isaiah, 00:34:39.680 --> 00:34:43.420 just going on as if everything was just going to be ordinary and every day. 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:46.180 But God was warning them. 00:34:47.180 --> 00:34:50.740 He was warning them of a change that was going to come. 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:53.940 That their journey was going to start going in a different direction. 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:58.559 And it was their choices that was affecting what was happening. 00:34:59.159 --> 00:35:01.159 They were not listening to God. 00:35:01.220 --> 00:35:02.760 They were turning their back on God. 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:06.579 And so God was going to bring judgment upon them. 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:11.639 The judgment on the nations, as you see in chapter 34. 00:35:12.639 --> 00:35:19.179 A picture of desolation, of destruction, of continued blazes of fire. 00:35:19.179 --> 00:35:26.480 But then as you come into chapter 35, you begin to see a renewal there. 00:35:27.739 --> 00:35:30.599 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad. 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:35.899 The desert shall rejoice and blossom like a crocus. 00:35:36.980 --> 00:35:44.539 All of a sudden, in the midst of this devastation, there are signs of life. 00:35:44.539 --> 00:35:47.699 And it's like there's a reversal. 00:35:48.519 --> 00:35:51.279 All the destruction and the judgment on the nations. 00:35:52.059 --> 00:35:54.559 That God gives his people hope as well. 00:35:55.400 --> 00:36:01.239 The Lord gives them here an illustration of something almost completely unexpected. 00:36:02.539 --> 00:36:05.400 They don't deserve his grace and his mercy. 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:07.519 And yet he shows that he will give it. 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:14.759 And what you find there in verse 1 and 2 is this wilderness, this dry place, this barren place, 00:36:15.539 --> 00:36:18.400 that there's going to be life that comes into it. 00:36:19.619 --> 00:36:24.300 The life shall come into the desert and blossom like the crocus. 00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:31.519 It's this flower almost that's going to grow in the midst of this harsh situation. 00:36:31.519 --> 00:36:38.519 Unexpectedly, it's not a place you would expect to see life, and yet the Lord can bring life into it. 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:44.639 If you've ever walked along the coastline, whether it's along the beach or along the cliffs, 00:36:45.300 --> 00:36:51.639 very often you can see a flower growing in the last place you might expect. 00:36:52.139 --> 00:36:55.039 A place where the wind will batter it. 00:36:55.039 --> 00:37:01.380 Even the waves could sometime reach it, and yet that wee flower might be holding on in the crevice of a rock. 00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:02.659 It's so unexpected. 00:37:02.860 --> 00:37:07.659 It looks so out of place, and yet there is life there we would least expect it. 00:37:08.000 --> 00:37:14.079 It's that kind of picture that we have here in these first few verses of Isaiah 35. 00:37:14.699 --> 00:37:20.860 In the midst of this desert, this dry and barren land, there is this flower that is growing. 00:37:21.840 --> 00:37:24.279 And what is the Lord saying to the people? 00:37:24.280 --> 00:37:26.140 What makes the difference here? 00:37:26.240 --> 00:37:30.400 Well, he is saying that there is still hope of life in him. 00:37:30.760 --> 00:37:39.600 No matter how barren and destructive this world is, what makes all the difference is the presence of God. 00:37:40.280 --> 00:37:45.040 Because what is impossible with man is possible with God. 00:37:45.740 --> 00:37:46.720 And it says, 00:37:46.719 --> 00:38:01.959 There is such wonderful hope in these words of renewal. 00:38:01.960 --> 00:38:09.820 Where even in the world in which we live in today, in all the devastation, in all the heartache, in all the pain that we see around us, 00:38:10.320 --> 00:38:15.220 there is still hope that the Lord is able to bring life, to bring restoration, 00:38:15.219 --> 00:38:21.759 and that we would see the glory and the majesty of our Lord and our God. 00:38:22.279 --> 00:38:25.279 There is the hope of renewal. 00:38:26.219 --> 00:38:29.019 We don't lose sight of that hope. 00:38:29.519 --> 00:38:33.500 That he is the one who is able to abundantly bless. 00:38:33.500 --> 00:38:39.239 And the second thing that leads us then is into verse 3 and verse 4. 00:38:40.239 --> 00:38:43.579 And here we see the idea of God rescuing. 00:38:44.280 --> 00:38:47.739 In the midst of all this devastation and all that's ahead of them, 00:38:47.739 --> 00:38:52.119 the Lord is the one who is able to rescue. 00:38:52.239 --> 00:38:57.159 This renewal is accomplished by God rescuing his people. 00:38:57.719 --> 00:38:59.159 Strengthen the weak hands. 00:38:59.319 --> 00:39:01.019 Make firm the feeble knees. 00:39:01.619 --> 00:39:03.799 Say to those who have an anxious heart, 00:39:04.199 --> 00:39:04.899 Be strong. 00:39:05.379 --> 00:39:06.059 Fear not. 00:39:06.179 --> 00:39:09.339 Behold, your God will come with vengeance. 00:39:09.839 --> 00:39:13.739 With recompense of God, he will come and save you. 00:39:14.739 --> 00:39:17.079 He will come and save you. 00:39:18.739 --> 00:39:22.719 He warns that the days of exile are coming to the people. 00:39:22.859 --> 00:39:25.079 Days that are going to be hard. 00:39:25.619 --> 00:39:29.179 You see that by the weak hands and the feeble knees, 00:39:29.299 --> 00:39:30.319 those who are anxious. 00:39:31.139 --> 00:39:35.039 This is the consequence of what's about to come upon them. 00:39:35.500 --> 00:39:40.279 The judgment and being brought into captivity by a foreign land 00:39:40.279 --> 00:39:42.439 is going to leave them downcast. 00:39:43.639 --> 00:39:45.459 And it's like you see here now, though, 00:39:45.460 --> 00:39:48.179 a day when the Lord is going to restore. 00:39:48.539 --> 00:39:52.699 It's like the refugees returning home to a war-torn city, 00:39:52.920 --> 00:39:56.340 a place that just looks full of destruction. 00:39:57.099 --> 00:40:00.119 And you can imagine their weakness, their helplessness. 00:40:00.199 --> 00:40:01.119 They feel weak. 00:40:01.519 --> 00:40:02.519 They are anxious. 00:40:03.860 --> 00:40:06.220 But someone comes alongside them and says, 00:40:06.219 --> 00:40:07.559 don't worry. 00:40:08.639 --> 00:40:10.699 We're going to rebuild this city. 00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:13.859 We're going to rebuild our lives. 00:40:14.759 --> 00:40:17.439 You think of what's coming in this week ahead 00:40:17.439 --> 00:40:19.759 when we look to Remembrance Day 00:40:19.759 --> 00:40:21.579 and Remembrance Sunday next week. 00:40:21.579 --> 00:40:26.340 And yet the images of the wars that people have gone through 00:40:26.340 --> 00:40:27.880 and the devastation it brought, 00:40:28.380 --> 00:40:30.619 in so many ways it left an idea of, 00:40:30.819 --> 00:40:33.860 well, how can life be restored here? 00:40:34.699 --> 00:40:36.819 Cities that have been bombed. 00:40:37.299 --> 00:40:39.559 Places that are just lying in ruin. 00:40:40.340 --> 00:40:43.059 And yet you see them now and they're rebuilt. 00:40:43.599 --> 00:40:47.199 There's life going on in these places once again. 00:40:47.199 --> 00:40:52.559 And here we are told that, well, the Lord is able to rebuild. 00:40:53.179 --> 00:40:55.419 The Lord is able to renew. 00:40:55.599 --> 00:40:57.639 He will come and save you. 00:40:57.879 --> 00:40:59.379 Strengthen the weak hands. 00:41:00.079 --> 00:41:01.639 Make firm the feeble knees. 00:41:01.839 --> 00:41:03.819 Say to those who are of an anxious heart, 00:41:04.579 --> 00:41:06.539 be strong, fear not. 00:41:06.759 --> 00:41:10.059 Behold, your God is with you. 00:41:10.799 --> 00:41:13.379 He will come and deal with all things, 00:41:13.460 --> 00:41:15.219 with vengeance and recompense 00:41:15.219 --> 00:41:17.239 to those who are under that. 00:41:17.859 --> 00:41:19.259 But for those who are his, 00:41:19.399 --> 00:41:21.719 he will come and save you. 00:41:22.779 --> 00:41:25.959 How often do we need encouragement in life? 00:41:26.319 --> 00:41:29.679 How often in life does our journey leave us feeling weary 00:41:29.679 --> 00:41:33.199 and weak hands, feeble knees, anxious hearts? 00:41:33.539 --> 00:41:36.619 All of these things could be true for us this evening. 00:41:37.500 --> 00:41:40.519 It may be true in our life experience just now 00:41:40.519 --> 00:41:43.139 that life takes its toll on us. 00:41:43.139 --> 00:41:46.920 Emotions can be all over the place. 00:41:48.059 --> 00:41:51.000 Even spiritually, we can find ourselves one minute 00:41:51.000 --> 00:41:53.759 close to the Lord and warm with the Lord. 00:41:54.299 --> 00:41:56.980 In the next minute, we almost feel a coldness 00:41:56.980 --> 00:41:58.339 and just a drifting away. 00:41:59.719 --> 00:42:02.779 But God comes alongside and says, 00:42:03.279 --> 00:42:05.920 take heart, be strong, fear not. 00:42:06.319 --> 00:42:08.400 He is able to rebuild. 00:42:08.400 --> 00:42:10.900 And so often in Scripture, 00:42:11.039 --> 00:42:13.340 we are reminded of these things. 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:16.240 We are reminded of the glory of our God, 00:42:16.860 --> 00:42:19.460 the God who has come to rescue us 00:42:19.460 --> 00:42:20.880 and to keep us. 00:42:21.720 --> 00:42:24.599 Joshua had these great words spoken to him, 00:42:24.680 --> 00:42:26.039 be strong and courageous. 00:42:27.039 --> 00:42:27.280 Why? 00:42:27.440 --> 00:42:29.599 Because the Lord was with him. 00:42:30.440 --> 00:42:31.579 In the book of Deuteronomy, 00:42:31.720 --> 00:42:33.400 chapter 33, verse 27, 00:42:33.400 --> 00:42:34.559 27, it says, 00:42:34.660 --> 00:42:36.860 the eternal God is your dwelling place 00:42:36.860 --> 00:42:40.480 and underneath are the everlasting arms. 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:42.639 Again, there's just this wonderful image 00:42:42.639 --> 00:42:45.800 of God as the keeper of his people. 00:42:46.220 --> 00:42:49.099 Underneath are the everlasting arms. 00:42:50.000 --> 00:42:52.039 Isaiah, in chapter 40, 00:42:52.139 --> 00:42:55.480 he uses very vivid language there as well. 00:42:56.160 --> 00:42:58.220 He says about the shepherd in verse 11, 00:42:58.320 --> 00:43:00.380 he will tend his flock like a shepherd. 00:43:00.380 --> 00:43:03.059 He will gather the lambs in his arms. 00:43:03.240 --> 00:43:05.320 He will carry them in his bosom 00:43:05.320 --> 00:43:08.519 and gently lead those that are with young. 00:43:09.900 --> 00:43:12.300 There's so much in the word of God 00:43:12.300 --> 00:43:15.579 that reminds us of the great care of the Lord, 00:43:16.119 --> 00:43:19.000 that he is with his people. 00:43:19.900 --> 00:43:23.300 And what an encouragement God gives to us. 00:43:24.000 --> 00:43:25.500 And there is the greatest of all, 00:43:25.920 --> 00:43:28.500 he will come and save you. 00:43:28.500 --> 00:43:31.280 He will come and save you. 00:43:31.300 --> 00:43:32.860 And that's the most powerful message 00:43:32.860 --> 00:43:35.000 that you see throughout Isaiah, 00:43:35.760 --> 00:43:39.380 that the Lord will come and save his people 00:43:39.380 --> 00:43:40.800 from their sins. 00:43:40.940 --> 00:43:42.340 As we were looking at this morning 00:43:42.340 --> 00:43:44.280 in the service of baptism, 00:43:44.440 --> 00:43:45.539 the name of Jesus, 00:43:46.239 --> 00:43:49.119 how it means he shall save his people 00:43:49.119 --> 00:43:51.619 from their sins. 00:43:52.159 --> 00:43:54.940 He will come and save you. 00:43:54.940 --> 00:43:58.260 Of course, when you go on in Isaiah, 00:43:58.400 --> 00:44:00.220 you see the servant songs 00:44:00.220 --> 00:44:02.159 as it speaks of there, 00:44:02.360 --> 00:44:04.460 and especially Isaiah chapter 53, 00:44:05.200 --> 00:44:08.320 where we see how vividly the Lord 00:44:08.320 --> 00:44:09.980 is presented there as the one 00:44:09.980 --> 00:44:13.059 who will give his life for his sheep. 00:44:13.980 --> 00:44:16.300 He will come and save you. 00:44:16.860 --> 00:44:19.360 We live in a day when people are feeble, 00:44:19.760 --> 00:44:21.059 when people are weak, 00:44:21.139 --> 00:44:23.440 when people don't know where to turn, 00:44:23.440 --> 00:44:26.960 when there's so much distress and dismay. 00:44:28.059 --> 00:44:30.780 What encouragement can we give? 00:44:31.480 --> 00:44:34.920 What strength can we give to people 00:44:34.920 --> 00:44:37.280 when it says strengthen the weak hands, 00:44:37.400 --> 00:44:39.320 make firm the feeble knees? 00:44:39.360 --> 00:44:41.200 What can we say to those around us 00:44:41.200 --> 00:44:42.500 who are in this situation? 00:44:43.200 --> 00:44:45.820 Say to those who have an anxious heart, 00:44:46.659 --> 00:44:49.019 be strong, fear not, 00:44:49.019 --> 00:44:51.739 behold your God. 00:44:52.679 --> 00:44:54.920 Your God who will come with vengeance, 00:44:55.519 --> 00:44:57.219 with the recompense of God, 00:44:57.619 --> 00:45:00.219 he will come and save you. 00:45:01.340 --> 00:45:04.820 There is the call of our responsibility there 00:45:04.820 --> 00:45:07.500 to put our trust in the Lord. 00:45:08.059 --> 00:45:10.960 God is sovereign over all things, 00:45:11.960 --> 00:45:15.259 but we are to put our trust in the Lord. 00:45:15.460 --> 00:45:17.380 Rescue is close. 00:45:17.380 --> 00:45:21.360 We need to call upon the Lord. 00:45:22.559 --> 00:45:25.340 Then in verse 5 to verse 7, 00:45:25.440 --> 00:45:27.660 we see this revelation. 00:45:28.559 --> 00:45:31.200 We see the way the Lord works. 00:45:31.539 --> 00:45:33.760 There's a number of different pictures there 00:45:33.760 --> 00:45:36.140 in verse 5 to verse 7. 00:45:36.139 --> 00:45:39.239 You have the eyes of the blind shall be opened, 00:45:39.619 --> 00:45:42.559 the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 00:45:43.099 --> 00:45:45.359 Then shall the lame man leap like a deer 00:45:45.359 --> 00:45:46.579 in the tongue of the mute, 00:45:46.719 --> 00:45:47.839 sing for joy. 00:45:48.259 --> 00:45:50.639 For waters break forth in the wilderness 00:45:50.639 --> 00:45:52.299 and streams in the desert. 00:45:53.460 --> 00:45:56.119 The burning sand shall become a pool, 00:45:56.319 --> 00:45:57.599 and so it goes on. 00:45:58.319 --> 00:46:01.400 There is this change that is coming. 00:46:01.400 --> 00:46:06.300 There is this revelation that God gives here 00:46:06.300 --> 00:46:09.019 of just what he does for his people. 00:46:09.660 --> 00:46:12.220 Those who have been blind, they see. 00:46:12.680 --> 00:46:15.079 Those who have been deaf, they hear. 00:46:15.440 --> 00:46:18.139 Those who are lame, they leap with joy. 00:46:18.579 --> 00:46:21.920 The Lord brings then waters into the wilderness 00:46:21.920 --> 00:46:23.760 and streams into the desert. 00:46:23.760 --> 00:46:24.880 He gives life. 00:46:25.440 --> 00:46:27.180 He gives refreshment here. 00:46:28.420 --> 00:46:30.640 I don't know if you've ever watched a movie. 00:46:30.760 --> 00:46:33.680 Maybe it's a war film or a western. 00:46:34.380 --> 00:46:37.040 And they're fighting in the desert 00:46:37.040 --> 00:46:38.960 or they're lost in the desert, 00:46:39.060 --> 00:46:39.680 in the wilderness. 00:46:41.380 --> 00:46:43.760 And the heat and the lack of water 00:46:43.760 --> 00:46:45.440 is causing them great distress 00:46:45.440 --> 00:46:47.680 and causing them to start hallucinating. 00:46:48.440 --> 00:46:51.740 And they suddenly see something they dearly want, 00:46:51.820 --> 00:46:52.800 something they really want. 00:46:52.800 --> 00:46:56.500 And that's like an oasis of water in the desert. 00:46:56.820 --> 00:46:58.940 It's starting to quench their thirst. 00:46:59.400 --> 00:47:00.640 And they're moving towards it, 00:47:00.660 --> 00:47:02.300 but then they realize it's not there. 00:47:03.680 --> 00:47:07.460 Well, God doesn't tease us in that way. 00:47:08.080 --> 00:47:10.400 He doesn't help us to see something, 00:47:10.500 --> 00:47:12.140 then it's not actually there, 00:47:12.180 --> 00:47:14.220 or he takes us away from it. 00:47:15.600 --> 00:47:17.680 He brings us to a place 00:47:17.680 --> 00:47:20.200 where our thirst is quenched. 00:47:20.199 --> 00:47:22.960 For those who are thirsty, 00:47:23.119 --> 00:47:25.819 Isaiah here gives the Lord's presence 00:47:25.819 --> 00:47:28.419 as a means of the people being renewed. 00:47:29.460 --> 00:47:31.539 The waters breaking forth in the wilderness, 00:47:31.739 --> 00:47:33.399 the streams in the desert, 00:47:33.559 --> 00:47:36.000 the thirsty ground springs of water. 00:47:36.439 --> 00:47:37.319 There is this hope, 00:47:37.439 --> 00:47:38.059 this renewal, 00:47:38.579 --> 00:47:41.619 in all that the Lord is doing for his people. 00:47:42.799 --> 00:47:44.559 It would be disheartening to look somewhere 00:47:44.559 --> 00:47:47.340 and see there's actually no help there. 00:47:48.340 --> 00:47:50.279 But the Lord is there to help. 00:47:50.900 --> 00:47:53.960 The Lord is near to all who call upon him. 00:47:54.699 --> 00:47:56.920 The Lord is there to give refreshment 00:47:56.920 --> 00:47:59.820 and renewing in a constant supply. 00:47:59.820 --> 00:48:02.240 And how can this be? 00:48:02.960 --> 00:48:05.400 Well, Jesus taught it in the New Testament 00:48:05.400 --> 00:48:07.580 when he met the woman at the well 00:48:07.580 --> 00:48:09.059 in John chapter 4. 00:48:10.340 --> 00:48:13.100 He had that wonderful encounter with her. 00:48:13.720 --> 00:48:16.700 And again, he uses that vivid picture. 00:48:17.240 --> 00:48:17.519 He says, 00:48:17.780 --> 00:48:19.080 everyone who drinks this water 00:48:19.080 --> 00:48:20.300 will be thirsty again 00:48:20.300 --> 00:48:22.480 when they're drawing water from the well. 00:48:23.000 --> 00:48:25.600 But whoever drinks the water I give him 00:48:25.600 --> 00:48:27.080 will never thirst. 00:48:27.079 --> 00:48:29.000 Indeed, the water I give him 00:48:29.000 --> 00:48:30.059 will become in him 00:48:30.059 --> 00:48:31.860 a spring of water 00:48:31.860 --> 00:48:34.779 welling up to eternal life. 00:48:37.500 --> 00:48:39.179 Where is this further seen? 00:48:39.279 --> 00:48:40.179 Well, it's seen as well 00:48:40.179 --> 00:48:41.960 in the book of Revelation. 00:48:43.039 --> 00:48:45.679 Revelation chapter 7, verse 16. 00:48:45.819 --> 00:48:46.099 It says, 00:48:46.199 --> 00:48:47.559 never again will they hunger. 00:48:48.079 --> 00:48:50.000 Never again will they thirst. 00:48:50.119 --> 00:48:52.279 The sun will not beat upon them, 00:48:52.319 --> 00:48:54.400 not any scorching heat for the lamb. 00:48:54.400 --> 00:48:56.099 At the center of the throne 00:48:56.099 --> 00:48:57.239 will be their shepherd. 00:48:57.460 --> 00:48:59.059 He will lead them to springs 00:48:59.059 --> 00:49:01.179 of living water. 00:49:02.480 --> 00:49:04.619 You have the already 00:49:04.619 --> 00:49:07.039 and what is still to come. 00:49:07.860 --> 00:49:09.500 The already that the Lord is there 00:49:09.500 --> 00:49:11.339 to lead us to this water, 00:49:11.460 --> 00:49:12.380 to give us life 00:49:12.380 --> 00:49:14.279 through the living water. 00:49:14.940 --> 00:49:16.079 And then eternally, 00:49:16.440 --> 00:49:18.559 how the Lord will shepherd his people 00:49:18.559 --> 00:49:19.900 and lead them to springs 00:49:19.900 --> 00:49:22.360 of living water for eternity. 00:49:22.360 --> 00:49:24.660 A wonderful hope. 00:49:25.099 --> 00:49:28.460 A wonderful hope for the Christian there 00:49:28.460 --> 00:49:30.760 that we should put our trust in him. 00:49:31.640 --> 00:49:34.620 He refreshes us along the way. 00:49:36.220 --> 00:49:37.660 But there's one final thing 00:49:37.660 --> 00:49:39.840 I want us to see from this passage 00:49:39.840 --> 00:49:42.280 and that's in verse 8 to verse 10. 00:49:43.280 --> 00:49:45.140 And that is that there are restrictions 00:49:45.140 --> 00:49:46.720 in place here. 00:49:46.719 --> 00:49:49.739 A highway shall be there 00:49:49.739 --> 00:49:51.239 and it shall be called 00:49:51.239 --> 00:49:52.539 the way of holiness. 00:49:53.859 --> 00:49:54.579 But it says, 00:49:54.739 --> 00:49:57.419 the unclean shall not pass over it. 00:49:57.980 --> 00:49:59.679 It shall belong to those 00:49:59.679 --> 00:50:01.919 who walk in the way. 00:50:03.519 --> 00:50:06.779 Again, we see the sovereignty of God. 00:50:07.359 --> 00:50:09.980 God who is preparing a place 00:50:09.980 --> 00:50:11.419 for his people. 00:50:11.420 --> 00:50:15.019 But we see our responsibility as well. 00:50:16.000 --> 00:50:18.300 It's for us to see 00:50:18.300 --> 00:50:20.440 that the Lord is calling us. 00:50:21.300 --> 00:50:23.539 Calling us unclean as we are 00:50:23.539 --> 00:50:26.680 that we might be cleansed by him. 00:50:27.840 --> 00:50:28.800 But if we are not, 00:50:28.880 --> 00:50:29.400 it says, 00:50:29.579 --> 00:50:32.260 the unclean will not pass over it. 00:50:32.780 --> 00:50:36.240 The unclean will not go this way. 00:50:36.960 --> 00:50:38.860 It is the way of the Lord's people. 00:50:39.619 --> 00:50:40.639 The way of those 00:50:40.639 --> 00:50:41.779 who have put their trust 00:50:41.779 --> 00:50:43.019 in the Lord. 00:50:43.639 --> 00:50:45.279 Who have recognized their sin. 00:50:45.699 --> 00:50:47.099 Who have repented from it. 00:50:47.159 --> 00:50:48.519 Who have turned to the Lord. 00:50:48.900 --> 00:50:50.480 And who are trusting in him. 00:50:51.199 --> 00:50:52.199 Still us sinners, 00:50:52.739 --> 00:50:54.239 imperfect as we are. 00:50:54.839 --> 00:50:56.379 But we are seeking the way 00:50:56.379 --> 00:50:57.639 of the Lord. 00:50:58.940 --> 00:50:59.359 And well, 00:50:59.759 --> 00:51:00.980 it's for those ways, 00:51:01.119 --> 00:51:02.440 those who listen 00:51:02.440 --> 00:51:04.259 to the Lord's command. 00:51:05.259 --> 00:51:06.920 And what it says here is 00:51:06.920 --> 00:51:09.159 that they will be redeemed. 00:51:09.159 --> 00:51:11.920 They will be redeemed. 00:51:12.539 --> 00:51:13.779 It's the way of holiness. 00:51:14.000 --> 00:51:15.079 It's the way that belongs 00:51:15.079 --> 00:51:17.659 to those who walk in the way. 00:51:18.859 --> 00:51:19.819 And it says there 00:51:19.819 --> 00:51:20.679 at the end of verse 9, 00:51:20.779 --> 00:51:21.639 but the redeemed 00:51:21.639 --> 00:51:23.099 shall walk there. 00:51:23.539 --> 00:51:25.539 And the ransomed of the Lord 00:51:25.539 --> 00:51:26.779 shall return. 00:51:26.859 --> 00:51:28.059 These two words 00:51:28.059 --> 00:51:29.420 remind us again 00:51:29.420 --> 00:51:31.039 of the power of God. 00:51:31.119 --> 00:51:32.279 It's the first time I say 00:51:32.279 --> 00:51:33.339 I use that term, 00:51:33.440 --> 00:51:33.899 redeemed, 00:51:34.319 --> 00:51:35.599 along with ransomed, 00:51:35.599 --> 00:51:36.039 here. 00:51:36.699 --> 00:51:38.599 It's those who belong 00:51:38.599 --> 00:51:39.679 to God. 00:51:40.360 --> 00:51:41.119 Those who have 00:51:41.119 --> 00:51:42.819 accepted the Lord 00:51:42.819 --> 00:51:44.440 as the saviour 00:51:44.440 --> 00:51:45.659 of their souls. 00:51:45.900 --> 00:51:46.599 They are redeemed. 00:51:47.500 --> 00:51:48.579 They are the one who trusts. 00:51:49.059 --> 00:51:49.719 A price 00:51:49.719 --> 00:51:51.360 has been paid. 00:51:52.539 --> 00:51:53.900 And it's only those 00:51:53.900 --> 00:51:55.159 who will enter in. 00:51:55.759 --> 00:51:56.500 The redeemed 00:51:56.500 --> 00:51:58.099 and the ransomed. 00:51:58.099 --> 00:52:00.579 And you say tonight, 00:52:00.699 --> 00:52:02.719 well, how can I be redeemed? 00:52:03.500 --> 00:52:04.900 How can I be ransomed? 00:52:06.319 --> 00:52:08.019 Well, if you take this forward 00:52:08.019 --> 00:52:09.779 into the New Testament, 00:52:10.019 --> 00:52:11.480 you see the Redeemer 00:52:11.480 --> 00:52:12.239 who came. 00:52:13.420 --> 00:52:14.059 The Redeemer, 00:52:14.940 --> 00:52:15.619 as Ruth, 00:52:15.819 --> 00:52:16.519 in the book of Ruth, 00:52:16.659 --> 00:52:17.179 speaks about, 00:52:17.299 --> 00:52:18.539 the kinsman Redeemer. 00:52:19.079 --> 00:52:19.880 There is a Redeemer 00:52:19.880 --> 00:52:21.239 for God's people. 00:52:21.960 --> 00:52:22.920 And the only Redeemer 00:52:22.920 --> 00:52:24.319 of God's elect, 00:52:24.420 --> 00:52:25.420 as the Catechism says, 00:52:25.980 --> 00:52:27.819 is our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:52:28.780 --> 00:52:29.880 He is the only Redeemer 00:52:29.880 --> 00:52:31.480 of His people. 00:52:32.140 --> 00:52:32.920 And the only way 00:52:32.920 --> 00:52:33.580 to walk 00:52:33.580 --> 00:52:34.940 on this highway 00:52:34.940 --> 00:52:36.780 is to walk 00:52:36.780 --> 00:52:38.420 by faith 00:52:38.420 --> 00:52:39.539 in Him. 00:52:40.920 --> 00:52:42.080 And if we do so, 00:52:42.180 --> 00:52:42.800 it says, 00:52:42.940 --> 00:52:44.160 the ransomed of the Lord 00:52:44.160 --> 00:52:44.940 shall return 00:52:44.940 --> 00:52:46.120 and come to Sion 00:52:46.120 --> 00:52:47.380 with singing. 00:52:48.340 --> 00:52:49.519 Everlasting joy 00:52:49.519 --> 00:52:50.960 shall be upon their heads. 00:52:51.059 --> 00:52:51.760 They shall obtain 00:52:51.760 --> 00:52:52.960 gladness and joy 00:52:52.960 --> 00:52:54.920 and sorrow and sighing 00:52:54.920 --> 00:52:56.960 shall flee away. 00:52:57.820 --> 00:52:59.580 There is the great hope 00:52:59.580 --> 00:53:01.220 of the Lord's people. 00:53:01.980 --> 00:53:03.100 Those who are redeemed, 00:53:03.840 --> 00:53:04.940 those who are ransomed, 00:53:05.039 --> 00:53:06.059 they shall come home. 00:53:06.460 --> 00:53:07.280 They shall come home 00:53:07.280 --> 00:53:07.940 to Sion. 00:53:08.480 --> 00:53:09.800 They shall come to the Lord 00:53:09.800 --> 00:53:10.480 with singing, 00:53:11.200 --> 00:53:13.019 singing an everlasting joy 00:53:13.019 --> 00:53:14.780 upon their heads. 00:53:14.780 --> 00:53:17.019 what a transformation 00:53:17.019 --> 00:53:18.660 that is. 00:53:18.660 --> 00:53:21.180 What a wonderful transformation 00:53:21.180 --> 00:53:22.680 from the devastation 00:53:22.680 --> 00:53:23.780 and destruction 00:53:23.780 --> 00:53:24.500 of being under 00:53:24.500 --> 00:53:25.240 the judgment 00:53:25.240 --> 00:53:26.080 of God 00:53:26.080 --> 00:53:28.019 to knowing the beauty 00:53:28.019 --> 00:53:29.280 of a Redeemer 00:53:29.280 --> 00:53:31.300 who is Jesus Christ, 00:53:31.780 --> 00:53:32.620 the one 00:53:32.620 --> 00:53:33.680 who saves 00:53:33.680 --> 00:53:34.380 His people 00:53:34.380 --> 00:53:35.660 from their sins, 00:53:36.360 --> 00:53:36.980 the one 00:53:36.980 --> 00:53:37.800 who gives 00:53:37.800 --> 00:53:38.300 singing 00:53:38.300 --> 00:53:40.100 an everlasting joy 00:53:40.100 --> 00:53:41.680 to His people. 00:53:41.679 --> 00:53:43.399 Even as He calls 00:53:43.399 --> 00:53:44.039 them home, 00:53:44.619 --> 00:53:45.879 that is the great hope 00:53:45.879 --> 00:53:47.659 for all who are called 00:53:47.659 --> 00:53:48.779 by Him. 00:53:49.659 --> 00:53:50.039 Sorrow 00:53:50.039 --> 00:53:51.679 and sighing 00:53:51.679 --> 00:53:52.960 shall flee 00:53:52.960 --> 00:53:53.980 away. 00:53:54.919 --> 00:53:55.839 There is 00:53:55.839 --> 00:53:57.000 a way. 00:53:57.879 --> 00:53:58.539 There is 00:53:58.539 --> 00:53:59.559 a highway 00:53:59.559 --> 00:54:00.399 prepared 00:54:00.399 --> 00:54:02.399 for the Lord's people, 00:54:03.079 --> 00:54:03.619 the way 00:54:03.619 --> 00:54:05.019 of holiness. 00:54:06.319 --> 00:54:07.519 The question is, 00:54:08.139 --> 00:54:09.139 are you walking 00:54:09.139 --> 00:54:10.259 on it? 00:54:11.179 --> 00:54:12.199 Are you walking 00:54:12.199 --> 00:54:13.819 in this way? 00:54:14.539 --> 00:54:15.039 A way 00:54:15.039 --> 00:54:15.779 of healing, 00:54:16.500 --> 00:54:16.879 a way 00:54:16.879 --> 00:54:17.659 of restoration, 00:54:18.000 --> 00:54:18.319 a way 00:54:18.319 --> 00:54:18.920 of knowing 00:54:18.920 --> 00:54:20.259 your sins 00:54:20.259 --> 00:54:20.859 forgiven 00:54:20.859 --> 00:54:22.779 because we have 00:54:22.779 --> 00:54:24.059 a Redeemer. 00:54:25.319 --> 00:54:25.579 Sorrow 00:54:25.579 --> 00:54:26.379 and sighing 00:54:26.379 --> 00:54:27.400 shall flee 00:54:27.400 --> 00:54:27.679 away. 00:54:27.779 --> 00:54:28.699 We see that again 00:54:28.699 --> 00:54:29.519 in the book 00:54:29.519 --> 00:54:30.359 of Revelation 00:54:30.359 --> 00:54:31.059 as well 00:54:31.059 --> 00:54:32.259 where it speaks 00:54:32.259 --> 00:54:33.000 of God 00:54:33.000 --> 00:54:33.599 who will wipe 00:54:33.599 --> 00:54:34.739 away every tear 00:54:34.739 --> 00:54:36.139 from their eyes. 00:54:37.119 --> 00:54:37.859 The God 00:54:37.860 --> 00:54:39.220 who restores. 00:54:40.519 --> 00:54:41.420 There is so much 00:54:41.420 --> 00:54:42.740 in this picture 00:54:42.740 --> 00:54:43.640 before us 00:54:43.640 --> 00:54:44.380 this evening. 00:54:44.840 --> 00:54:45.400 So much 00:54:45.400 --> 00:54:46.180 of what the Lord 00:54:46.180 --> 00:54:47.240 has done 00:54:47.240 --> 00:54:47.920 and is doing 00:54:47.920 --> 00:54:49.400 for His people. 00:54:50.059 --> 00:54:50.960 How He is showing 00:54:50.960 --> 00:54:52.160 us a way 00:54:52.160 --> 00:54:52.980 to salvation 00:54:52.980 --> 00:54:53.980 that He has come 00:54:53.980 --> 00:54:55.160 to save. 00:54:55.740 --> 00:54:56.559 How He is able 00:54:56.559 --> 00:54:57.079 to open 00:54:57.079 --> 00:54:57.680 the eyes 00:54:57.680 --> 00:54:58.360 of the blind 00:54:58.360 --> 00:54:59.079 and the ears 00:54:59.079 --> 00:55:00.260 of the deaf. 00:55:00.620 --> 00:55:01.260 How He is able 00:55:01.260 --> 00:55:02.160 to give refreshing. 00:55:03.200 --> 00:55:03.720 How He is able 00:55:03.720 --> 00:55:04.519 to show us 00:55:04.519 --> 00:55:05.400 a way, 00:55:05.460 --> 00:55:05.860 a way 00:55:05.860 --> 00:55:07.920 to everlasting life 00:55:07.920 --> 00:55:09.320 that is through 00:55:09.320 --> 00:55:09.860 faith 00:55:09.860 --> 00:55:10.980 in the Lord 00:55:10.980 --> 00:55:11.480 Jesus. 00:55:12.579 --> 00:55:13.420 He has come 00:55:13.420 --> 00:55:14.980 to save. 00:55:16.140 --> 00:55:17.120 Are you trusting 00:55:17.120 --> 00:55:18.360 and are you 00:55:18.360 --> 00:55:18.820 walking 00:55:18.820 --> 00:55:20.340 in this way? 00:55:21.039 --> 00:55:21.760 Let us pray. 00:55:24.360 --> 00:55:25.260 Our Father 00:55:25.260 --> 00:55:26.079 in Heaven, 00:55:26.180 --> 00:55:27.059 we do thank You 00:55:27.059 --> 00:55:27.880 for Your Word 00:55:27.880 --> 00:55:28.800 and all it says 00:55:28.800 --> 00:55:29.380 to us. 00:55:29.460 --> 00:55:30.000 We thank You 00:55:30.000 --> 00:55:31.480 for the beauty 00:55:31.480 --> 00:55:32.019 of it, 00:55:32.099 --> 00:55:32.680 of how it 00:55:32.680 --> 00:55:33.440 brings us 00:55:33.440 --> 00:55:34.400 to places 00:55:34.400 --> 00:55:35.519 and situations 00:55:35.519 --> 00:55:36.679 that remind us 00:55:36.679 --> 00:55:38.400 of the devastation 00:55:38.400 --> 00:55:38.980 of sin 00:55:38.980 --> 00:55:39.900 as we read there 00:55:39.900 --> 00:55:41.900 in Isaiah chapter 34 00:55:41.900 --> 00:55:42.920 of the sulfur 00:55:42.920 --> 00:55:44.200 and the burning pitch. 00:55:45.179 --> 00:55:45.440 And yet, 00:55:45.500 --> 00:55:46.000 as we come 00:55:46.000 --> 00:55:47.320 into chapter 35, 00:55:47.659 --> 00:55:48.179 we are given 00:55:48.179 --> 00:55:50.179 that wonderful assurance 00:55:50.179 --> 00:55:50.960 of the hope 00:55:50.960 --> 00:55:52.000 of Your people. 00:55:52.700 --> 00:55:53.300 That the wilderness 00:55:53.300 --> 00:55:54.280 that is barren 00:55:54.280 --> 00:55:55.280 brings growth. 00:55:56.000 --> 00:55:56.659 That the places 00:55:56.659 --> 00:55:57.500 that are dry, 00:55:57.679 --> 00:55:58.840 suddenly there is water 00:55:58.840 --> 00:55:59.860 bursting forth. 00:56:00.000 --> 00:56:00.900 That there is joy 00:56:00.900 --> 00:56:02.119 and gladness 00:56:02.119 --> 00:56:02.719 in the place 00:56:02.719 --> 00:56:03.319 of sorrow 00:56:03.319 --> 00:56:04.299 and that this 00:56:04.299 --> 00:56:05.299 is through the One 00:56:05.299 --> 00:56:06.139 who has redeemed 00:56:06.139 --> 00:56:06.839 His people, 00:56:06.940 --> 00:56:07.779 who has ransomed 00:56:07.779 --> 00:56:08.579 His people 00:56:08.579 --> 00:56:09.799 and who is able 00:56:09.799 --> 00:56:10.339 to give us 00:56:10.339 --> 00:56:11.920 that everlasting joy 00:56:11.920 --> 00:56:13.239 that is found 00:56:13.239 --> 00:56:14.159 in our Redeemer, 00:56:14.679 --> 00:56:16.279 our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:56:16.440 --> 00:56:17.000 So we pray 00:56:17.000 --> 00:56:18.000 that You will help us 00:56:18.000 --> 00:56:19.099 if we are not 00:56:19.099 --> 00:56:19.880 on that way 00:56:19.880 --> 00:56:21.000 to come 00:56:21.000 --> 00:56:21.619 and walk 00:56:21.619 --> 00:56:22.219 in the way 00:56:22.219 --> 00:56:23.339 of Your commands, 00:56:23.480 --> 00:56:24.639 to heed Your Word, 00:56:25.139 --> 00:56:26.400 to see Your sovereignty 00:56:26.400 --> 00:56:27.839 and yet our responsibility 00:56:27.839 --> 00:56:29.699 to put our trust 00:56:29.699 --> 00:56:30.359 in You. 00:56:30.480 --> 00:56:31.519 Hear our prayers 00:56:31.519 --> 00:56:32.899 and continue with us 00:56:32.899 --> 00:56:33.759 as all we ask. 00:56:33.859 --> 00:56:34.839 We ask for the forgiveness 00:56:34.839 --> 00:56:35.719 of our sin. 00:56:36.179 --> 00:56:37.259 In Jesus' name. 00:56:37.679 --> 00:56:38.059 Amen. 00:56:41.419 --> 00:56:42.819 We're going to conclude 00:56:42.819 --> 00:56:43.779 by singing again 00:56:43.779 --> 00:56:46.199 in Psalm 107 00:56:46.199 --> 00:56:49.519 on page 385 00:56:49.519 --> 00:56:50.500 of the Psalm books. 00:56:50.500 --> 00:56:55.260 I'm going to sing 00:56:55.260 --> 00:56:57.800 from verse 41 00:56:57.800 --> 00:57:00.219 down to 43. 00:57:04.099 --> 00:57:05.199 This is a psalm 00:57:05.199 --> 00:57:06.400 as we sung at the start 00:57:06.400 --> 00:57:07.260 that talks about 00:57:07.260 --> 00:57:08.380 the people of God 00:57:08.380 --> 00:57:09.320 walking 00:57:09.320 --> 00:57:10.480 and finding themselves 00:57:10.480 --> 00:57:11.320 in so many 00:57:11.320 --> 00:57:12.320 different situations. 00:57:12.579 --> 00:57:13.039 There's four 00:57:13.039 --> 00:57:14.360 different kinds 00:57:14.360 --> 00:57:15.219 of situations 00:57:15.219 --> 00:57:15.960 that the Lord 00:57:15.960 --> 00:57:17.780 shows us here 00:57:17.780 --> 00:57:18.599 in this psalm. 00:57:18.599 --> 00:57:21.119 And in every situation 00:57:21.119 --> 00:57:22.319 what is common is 00:57:22.319 --> 00:57:23.539 that they call 00:57:23.539 --> 00:57:24.519 on the Lord 00:57:24.519 --> 00:57:25.339 in their trouble 00:57:25.339 --> 00:57:26.559 and the Lord 00:57:26.559 --> 00:57:27.559 redeems them. 00:57:27.619 --> 00:57:28.699 The Lord frees them 00:57:28.699 --> 00:57:30.000 from their trouble 00:57:30.000 --> 00:57:30.920 as they call 00:57:30.920 --> 00:57:31.860 on Him. 00:57:32.860 --> 00:57:33.559 And then at the end 00:57:33.559 --> 00:57:34.219 of this psalm 00:57:34.219 --> 00:57:35.599 in verse 41 00:57:35.599 --> 00:57:37.059 we read these words 00:57:37.059 --> 00:57:38.059 Yet setteth he 00:57:38.059 --> 00:57:39.059 the poor on high 00:57:39.059 --> 00:57:41.199 from all his miseries 00:57:41.199 --> 00:57:42.619 and he much like 00:57:42.619 --> 00:57:43.519 unto a flock 00:57:43.519 --> 00:57:44.159 doth make 00:57:44.159 --> 00:57:45.219 him families. 00:57:46.400 --> 00:57:48.259 They that are righteous 00:57:48.260 --> 00:57:49.380 shall rejoice 00:57:49.380 --> 00:57:50.440 when they 00:57:50.440 --> 00:57:51.000 the same 00:57:51.000 --> 00:57:51.640 shall see 00:57:51.640 --> 00:57:53.320 and as ashamed 00:57:53.320 --> 00:57:55.200 stop our mouth 00:57:55.200 --> 00:57:56.440 shall all iniquity 00:57:56.440 --> 00:57:59.560 who so is wise 00:57:59.560 --> 00:58:00.940 and will these things 00:58:00.940 --> 00:58:01.580 observe 00:58:01.580 --> 00:58:02.660 and them record 00:58:02.660 --> 00:58:03.840 even they 00:58:03.840 --> 00:58:04.700 shall understand 00:58:04.700 --> 00:58:05.500 the love 00:58:05.500 --> 00:58:06.700 and kindness 00:58:06.700 --> 00:58:08.020 of the Lord. 00:58:08.580 --> 00:58:09.800 So we are to be wise 00:58:09.800 --> 00:58:10.620 in listening 00:58:10.620 --> 00:58:11.720 to the word 00:58:11.720 --> 00:58:12.300 of God 00:58:12.300 --> 00:58:13.840 and when we are wise 00:58:13.840 --> 00:58:15.080 we shall understand 00:58:15.079 --> 00:58:16.199 the love 00:58:16.199 --> 00:58:17.239 and kindness 00:58:17.239 --> 00:58:18.219 of the Lord. 00:58:18.319 --> 00:58:18.860 We'll sing from 00:58:18.860 --> 00:58:19.819 verse 41 00:58:19.819 --> 00:58:20.960 to 43 00:58:20.960 --> 00:58:22.119 to God's praise 00:58:22.119 --> 00:58:22.679 and tune us 00:58:22.679 --> 00:58:23.400 Eric's statement. 00:58:23.400 --> 00:58:26.639 singing singing 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:26.639 00:58:26.639 --> 00:58:53.920 Let ever be the good or guide from all his mysteries, and he much like unto a fraud, doth make him families. 00:58:56.639 --> 00:59:23.420 The Lord our righteous shall rejoice, when they the same shall see, and as the shameless of our mud shall all iniquity. 00:59:23.420 --> 00:59:39.280 It's always wise and will these things observe and every core. 00:59:39.280 --> 00:59:53.280 In which shall understand the love and kindness of the Lord. 00:59:53.280 --> 00:59:54.280 Amen. 00:59:54.280 --> 00:59:54.280 00:59:54.280 --> 00:59:57.460 After the benediction, I'll go to the door to my right. 00:59:57.560 --> 00:59:58.880 We'll close with the benediction. 00:59:59.600 --> 01:00:09.160 Now may grace, mercy, and peace from God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rest upon and abide with you all, now and forevermore. 01:00:09.159 --> 01:00:09.899 Amen. 01:00:39.159 --> 01:00:40.159 Amen. 01:00:40.159 --> 01:00:40.159 01:00:40.159 --> 01:00:40.159 01:00:40.159 --> 01:00:40.159 01:00:40.159 --> 01:00:40.159 01:00:40.159 --> 01:00:41.159 Amen. 01:00:41.159 --> 01:00:41.159 01:00:41.159 --> 01:00:42.159 Amen. 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 01:00:42.399 --> 01:00:42.399 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