WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.000 I used to work in the mental health world, some of you know, and one of the things that 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:10.700 you're trained to do in the mental health world is to do cognitive assessments. 00:00:11.200 --> 00:00:15.919 That means you're assessing somebody to see if they're alert and oriented times four. 00:00:16.580 --> 00:00:22.660 You want to know if a person knows who they are, if they know where they are, if they 00:00:22.660 --> 00:00:28.280 know what time it is, day, month, year, and if they understand the situation, if they 00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:31.200 understand what has happened to them and their circumstances. 00:00:31.820 --> 00:00:38.320 It's very important to make sure that your patient is alert and oriented times four, because 00:00:38.320 --> 00:00:43.240 if you send somebody out into the world and they're disoriented, normally bad things are 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:43.799 going to happen. 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:49.960 It's also indicative of the fact that there's probably something not right with them, and 00:00:49.960 --> 00:00:52.820 that issue or problem needs to be dealt with. 00:00:52.820 --> 00:00:59.060 More recently, I've been thinking about this in terms of my life, and I've been thinking 00:00:59.060 --> 00:01:03.060 about what it would be like if God were to give me that assessment. 00:01:03.600 --> 00:01:09.260 If God were to ask me, do you really understand who you are? 00:01:10.299 --> 00:01:12.460 Do you really know where you are? 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:16.340 Do you really understand the time that you're living in? 00:01:16.340 --> 00:01:23.180 Do you accurately understand and perceive your circumstances and the situation that you're 00:01:23.180 --> 00:01:23.520 in? 00:01:24.120 --> 00:01:26.820 And I wonder would I pass that assessment? 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:32.540 Because the truth is, life can be profoundly disorienting. 00:01:33.300 --> 00:01:37.240 I realize that my life can be profoundly disorienting. 00:01:37.359 --> 00:01:45.040 I can be in an argument with my wife, and I can be so focused on justifying myself or on 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:51.140 proving my point that I will say and do things that hurt her, that are unloving in the process. 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:58.960 Or I can sometimes tend to become overly focused on very small problems such that they kind of 00:01:58.960 --> 00:02:06.240 take over my life, and at the same time I can be minimizing or denying some massive problem 00:02:06.240 --> 00:02:10.960 that really needs my attention, but I just don't feel like dealing with it. 00:02:10.960 --> 00:02:16.800 I can read the news, and I can read the stories at the top of my news feed, and I can start 00:02:16.800 --> 00:02:21.219 to hear about all of the disaster and the struggle and all of the trials around the world, and 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:27.219 I can just start to feel like all of this is hopeless, like the world is falling apart, 00:02:27.300 --> 00:02:29.719 and I can just really get into this place of despair. 00:02:31.100 --> 00:02:34.340 And you know, if I'm in my right mind, I'm not going to do these things. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:35.659 I'm not going to think these things. 00:02:35.659 --> 00:02:42.520 But I think the point is, I'm not sure how often we are in our right mind, because I 00:02:42.520 --> 00:02:45.000 think life can be profoundly disorienting. 00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:52.900 If you look at John, the author of the book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, 00:02:53.340 --> 00:02:59.960 the Apostle John is living in exile, and he's on the Isle of Patmos, and he has faced persecution 00:02:59.960 --> 00:03:05.879 and suffering, and his church has faced persecution and suffering, and so it's not a stretch to 00:03:05.879 --> 00:03:11.400 think he's probably feeling pretty disoriented, because it's very easy to lose perspective 00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:14.280 in circumstances like those. 00:03:15.520 --> 00:03:21.680 And so what we're going to look at tonight is how God ministers to John and through him 00:03:21.680 --> 00:03:22.620 to us. 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:29.759 Because when God comes to John, he says, you're disoriented, you're trying to make sense of 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:32.860 all of this, the first thing that you need to do is to come and worship. 00:03:33.960 --> 00:03:36.420 And he invites him to a heavenly worship service. 00:03:37.200 --> 00:03:40.939 And so what we're going to see as we look at Revelation chapter 4 and 5, these amazing 00:03:40.939 --> 00:03:47.960 chapters, is we're going to see this truth, that life can be profoundly disorienting. 00:03:47.960 --> 00:03:52.000 And so we need worship to reorient us. 00:03:52.980 --> 00:03:56.780 God would be worthy of worship, and that would be reason enough to gather. 00:03:57.180 --> 00:04:04.980 But beyond that, we need worship, because worship is how God reorients us to what is real and 00:04:04.980 --> 00:04:09.900 true and important and meaningful in this world and what is not. 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:14.980 So we're going to look at three examples in these chapters in Revelation of how worship 00:04:14.980 --> 00:04:16.199 reorients us. 00:04:16.199 --> 00:04:16.759 Let's pray. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:27.099 Lord, we recognize as I stand here and even under some of the imagery on the cross behind 00:04:27.099 --> 00:04:33.939 me, Lord, that this is a beautiful and amazing description of heavenly worship. 00:04:34.419 --> 00:04:36.299 And it is ongoing and eternal. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:41.339 And we recognize that when we gather here, we are joining into a worship that is already 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:45.419 underway, that we are joining our voices with angels and archangels. 00:04:45.420 --> 00:04:51.800 And so we pray that as we are gathered around Your Word, You would reorient our hearts toward 00:04:51.800 --> 00:04:54.240 You in all of the ways that only You can do. 00:04:54.620 --> 00:04:56.220 We pray this in Your Son's holy name. 00:04:56.879 --> 00:04:57.259 Amen. 00:04:57.259 --> 00:05:03.180 So worship reorients us in three ways. 00:05:03.180 --> 00:05:09.759 The first way that we see in Revelation chapter 4 is worship does this by re-centering us on 00:05:09.759 --> 00:05:10.779 God's throne. 00:05:10.939 --> 00:05:13.439 It re-centers us on God's throne. 00:05:13.899 --> 00:05:15.500 Verse 2, it says, 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:24.560 So here's John. 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:25.600 He's on the Isle of Patmos. 00:05:25.699 --> 00:05:28.639 A door opens in the heavens in this amazing vision. 00:05:28.959 --> 00:05:31.399 The Spirit takes John up into this door. 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:36.079 He comes into the heavenly sanctuary where liturgical worship is underway. 00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:39.560 And the first thing that jumps out to John is the throne. 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:45.060 And more than that, if you read the description, you recognize that all of the heavenly creatures, 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:49.620 all the living creatures, everything there is oriented toward that throne. 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:53.379 Everything is centered on the throne. 00:05:53.919 --> 00:05:56.019 And this is the throne of thrones. 00:05:56.019 --> 00:06:03.099 Later in the chapter, you could almost translate the word, the enthronement. 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:05.259 It's not necessarily the one who sits on the throne. 00:06:05.500 --> 00:06:07.099 It's the enthronement. 00:06:07.180 --> 00:06:10.099 Meaning, this is the essence of all thrones. 00:06:11.219 --> 00:06:17.879 All kingly authority, all government authority, all human authority is derived from this throne. 00:06:18.599 --> 00:06:21.959 It is an echo or even an invitation of this throne. 00:06:21.959 --> 00:06:25.339 This is the true seat of authority in the world. 00:06:26.019 --> 00:06:28.419 And everything is centered on it. 00:06:29.180 --> 00:06:33.379 And so here's what this is showing us as we need to be reoriented. 00:06:33.719 --> 00:06:35.759 This is how life is meant to work. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:39.439 This is how life is meant to work. 00:06:40.039 --> 00:06:41.699 So think of a solar system. 00:06:42.779 --> 00:06:50.579 These massive planetary bodies that are flying through space at unimaginable speed. 00:06:50.579 --> 00:06:55.839 And when we take measurements of the solar system, 00:06:56.379 --> 00:07:05.500 all of these massive, disparate, seemingly disconnected bodies are moving with beauty and order and exact precision. 00:07:06.459 --> 00:07:08.659 And you ask, well, how is such a thing possible? 00:07:08.660 --> 00:07:15.720 And it's only possible because everything in our solar system is oriented around the same central object, 00:07:15.880 --> 00:07:17.140 which is the sun. 00:07:17.640 --> 00:07:22.040 If it weren't for the sun, if it weren't for that shared orbit, there would be chaos. 00:07:22.260 --> 00:07:25.860 If you were to take the sun away, everything would fly out of orbit. 00:07:26.400 --> 00:07:28.400 Planets would start crashing into each other. 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:29.960 It would be total chaos. 00:07:29.959 --> 00:07:37.019 And this is the reason that human beings are always crashing into each other. 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:42.159 This is the reason that our lives don't work and that the world doesn't work the way it should. 00:07:42.319 --> 00:07:43.799 It's because we've lost our orbit. 00:07:43.800 --> 00:07:52.699 And so instead of order and beauty and precision, there is always a certain amount of chaos. 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:57.139 And the truth is, if you look at your own heart, as I've been looking at my heart, 00:07:57.319 --> 00:08:05.639 you realize that our orbit, the thing around which we orbit, is constantly changing. 00:08:05.780 --> 00:08:07.319 It's constantly in flux. 00:08:08.639 --> 00:08:12.100 Now, I know some of you, even if you don't admit it, you're going to go home tonight and watch Game of Thrones. 00:08:12.340 --> 00:08:13.240 Right? Game of Thrones. 00:08:13.240 --> 00:08:15.300 It's a great, popular, huge TV show. 00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:16.660 Not necessarily recommending the show. 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:18.199 Good storytelling. 00:08:18.579 --> 00:08:19.019 Yada, yada. 00:08:19.579 --> 00:08:27.720 But essentially, Game of Thrones is about all of these various characters who are all vying for the throne. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:29.240 They all want to sit on the Iron Throne. 00:08:29.620 --> 00:08:34.360 And if you'll pardon the analogy, our lives are like a great Game of Thrones. 00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:39.519 Because there are all of these things, all of these people, all of these issues, all of these feelings, 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:41.740 that are all vying for the throne. 00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:44.480 They all want to sit on the throne of our lives. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:44.820 Right? 00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:50.340 So sometimes when I look at my own life, I recognize that my needs sometimes occupy the throne. 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:54.919 And whatever that thing is, you're going to orbit around the thing. 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:55.840 It's going to take over. 00:08:55.960 --> 00:08:59.019 It's going to start to determine and shape and define you. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:04.480 And so if my needs take the throne, it means that your needs aren't nearly as important to me. 00:09:05.620 --> 00:09:06.079 Right? 00:09:06.179 --> 00:09:07.579 Sometimes it's my fear. 00:09:09.100 --> 00:09:13.779 Fear and anxiety, it has a way of just taking over. 00:09:13.779 --> 00:09:21.339 And if you let fear take the throne, then you begin to see everything through the lens of that fear. 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:24.399 You begin to operate and act out of fear. 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:26.639 You make decisions that are fear-driven. 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:31.860 Sometimes it's just a need for personal comfort and escape. 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:34.459 That takes the throne. 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:37.839 Sometimes it's a desire to be affirmed and recognized. 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:43.460 Sometimes it's a desire to indulge anger or resentment. 00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:51.259 Whatever it is, the throne of our hearts is a throne that is constantly under contention. 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:56.040 And we need to recognize that that is how our heart works. 00:09:56.139 --> 00:10:03.639 If we recognize the truth of our hearts, then we recognize why it's so important that we gather and do what we're doing right now. 00:10:04.540 --> 00:10:05.600 It's why it's vital. 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:11.100 It's because we need to be re-centered on the throne of God. 00:10:11.200 --> 00:10:12.100 We need to be reminded. 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:13.220 I need to be reminded. 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:18.000 I need to be reminded that my life doesn't work when I'm the center of it. 00:10:19.920 --> 00:10:24.580 Because I will leave and I will go home tonight and I will immediately forget it. 00:10:25.159 --> 00:10:27.600 And I need to be reminded again and again and again. 00:10:27.720 --> 00:10:31.879 I need Jesus to displace me as the center of my life. 00:10:31.879 --> 00:10:36.419 We come here because we need a kind of Copernican revolution of the heart. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:42.240 We need whatever pretender, whatever steward is sitting on the throne ejected. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:46.740 Because we need the rightful king to sit at the center of our lives. 00:10:47.860 --> 00:10:51.939 And when that happens, it's just like our solar system. 00:10:52.100 --> 00:10:58.019 Think about how do we see all of the planets and moons and objects that are in the solar system. 00:10:58.019 --> 00:11:00.079 Well, it's because they're all cast in the light of the sun. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:08.699 And what you realize is when Jesus re-centers on the throne in the center of your life, 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:13.039 what happens is that you begin to see all of those other things in the light of Christ. 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:20.379 That fear that used to be so overarching and so overwhelming, you begin to see it in the light of Christ. 00:11:20.460 --> 00:11:21.480 It's no longer at the center. 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:22.159 It's in orbit. 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:28.060 And you say, how could I ever have been so overtaken by that, felt so hopeless? 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:34.180 Your needs that felt so massive, you see them relative to other needs in the light of Christ. 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:38.039 And you see, how could I have been so focused on myself? 00:11:38.399 --> 00:11:40.500 And it begins to reorient you. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:49.539 By the way, this is why it is so important that you marry somebody who shares your faith. 00:11:49.539 --> 00:11:55.159 People ask, is it a sin in the Bible to marry somebody of a different faith? 00:11:55.199 --> 00:11:58.899 And I would just say this, if you're asking it like that, you're missing the point. 00:12:00.719 --> 00:12:04.719 If you understand what marriage is, if you understand what Christianity is, 00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:07.779 and what both call us to, 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:12.019 then you recognize that marriage is already extraordinarily difficult. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:16.039 When you have to figure out how to spend your money and how to raise your kids 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:19.279 and how to resolve the inevitable conflict that you'll face, 00:12:19.419 --> 00:12:25.139 how to deal with the deep-seated sin that emerges in that kind of intimate, vulnerable relationship, 00:12:25.339 --> 00:12:28.399 when you have to deal with unexpected tragedies and hardships, 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:29.779 when you have to... 00:12:29.779 --> 00:12:31.599 This is already hard stuff. 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:35.079 But if you share the same orbit, 00:12:36.219 --> 00:12:39.759 if you share the same orientation toward the same center point, 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:45.460 if you have a common vision for life and a common set of priorities 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:47.659 and you agree on what's most important, 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:50.299 it's going to be hard, but it's going to be doable 00:12:50.299 --> 00:12:52.899 because you have a common aim. 00:12:54.179 --> 00:12:56.879 But if you're starting out with two different orbits, 00:12:57.639 --> 00:12:59.960 it's going to be exponentially harder 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:02.480 because try as you might, 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:05.039 you have two different points of reference 00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:07.299 and invariably you will crash into each other 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:09.080 again and again and again. 00:13:09.080 --> 00:13:12.580 So it's vital that we have a common center 00:13:12.580 --> 00:13:14.879 around which we orbit. 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:16.160 Right? 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:18.700 So this is the first way we need to be reoriented. 00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:21.520 We need to be re-centered on God's throne 00:13:21.520 --> 00:13:23.000 at the very center of our lives. 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:25.240 But this is not all we need. 00:13:26.560 --> 00:13:32.580 We also need to be refocused on God's Word. 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:34.720 And the two go together. 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:39.060 I think one of the most disorienting things in life, 00:13:39.160 --> 00:13:40.120 certainly in my life, 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:41.340 is suffering. 00:13:42.800 --> 00:13:44.480 How do you deal with your own suffering? 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:46.960 How do you deal with the suffering of the people that you love? 00:13:47.660 --> 00:13:50.440 And I think the reason that suffering is so disorienting 00:13:50.440 --> 00:13:53.540 is because it always raises the question of why. 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:55.219 Why me? 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:56.240 Why this? 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.360 Why now? 00:13:57.679 --> 00:13:58.899 And to be totally honest, 00:13:58.980 --> 00:14:01.360 there are not that many good answers out there 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:03.199 that are comprehensive enough 00:14:03.199 --> 00:14:04.899 to satisfy that question. 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:07.519 And so we struggle with 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.819 how to make sense 00:14:08.819 --> 00:14:10.559 of all the suffering in our lives. 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.299 It can be profoundly disorienting 00:14:12.299 --> 00:14:15.019 and it can sort of lead you 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.839 to begin to see all of life 00:14:16.839 --> 00:14:20.219 as being meaningless and random. 00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:21.939 You know, you start to give in 00:14:21.939 --> 00:14:24.319 to that view of reality 00:14:24.319 --> 00:14:26.379 articulated by Richard Dawkins 00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:27.559 where he says, 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:28.859 there is no design, 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:29.959 no purpose, 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:30.959 no evil, 00:14:31.219 --> 00:14:31.939 no good, 00:14:32.319 --> 00:14:34.639 nothing but pitiless indifference. 00:14:35.159 --> 00:14:36.779 That's very disorienting. 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:39.139 And I think it's possible 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.439 that John was maybe 00:14:40.439 --> 00:14:42.659 starting to go in that direction 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:44.860 as he sat there on Patmos 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:46.819 in light of his own suffering and persecution. 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.720 You know, Jesus rose. 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.779 He overcame death. 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:52.840 Somehow I thought it would be better than this. 00:14:53.340 --> 00:14:55.059 You know, why am I here? 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:57.340 And then he's taken up 00:14:57.340 --> 00:14:58.559 into this heavenly worship service. 00:14:58.659 --> 00:14:59.439 He sees the throne 00:14:59.439 --> 00:15:00.299 and then he turns, 00:15:00.419 --> 00:15:01.919 verse 1 in chapter 5, 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:02.179 it says, 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:04.000 then I saw in the right hand 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:05.799 of him who is seated on the throne 00:15:05.799 --> 00:15:06.860 a scroll 00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:09.000 written within 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:09.940 and on the back 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:12.460 sealed with seven seals. 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.080 Now normally, 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.700 if you were writing a scroll, 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:17.340 you would only write on the front side 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:18.299 and then you would roll it up 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:19.220 to protect the writing. 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:20.899 The only reason you would ever write 00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:21.759 on all the front 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:22.940 and all the back of a scroll 00:15:22.940 --> 00:15:25.299 is if you had a lot to write down 00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:26.899 and you only had one scroll 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:28.720 and so you're going to use 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:30.320 every available square inch 00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:31.039 of that parchment 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:32.700 and this scroll 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:34.460 is absolutely covered in writing. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:36.500 And the reason that it's packed 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:38.399 is because this is all of history. 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:41.059 It's all been written down. 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:42.799 Everything, 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:43.759 every detail, 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:45.200 every jot and tittle, 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:47.279 every aspect of every life, 00:15:47.539 --> 00:15:48.659 it's all here. 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:50.179 It's all been written 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:52.779 by the author of history 00:15:52.779 --> 00:15:54.279 and it was all written down 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:56.679 before time even began. 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:58.440 So this is the final word 00:15:58.440 --> 00:15:59.460 on history. 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:00.539 It is history. 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:02.720 Past, present, and future 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:03.860 written down by the one 00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:05.019 who was and is 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:06.320 and is to come. 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:07.480 This is God's plan. 00:16:08.440 --> 00:16:10.040 The plan that is unfolding 00:16:10.040 --> 00:16:11.500 right now in our lives 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:12.520 and in the world. 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:15.860 And so when John sees the scroll, 00:16:15.960 --> 00:16:16.980 when we see the scroll, 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:17.900 we realize something 00:16:17.900 --> 00:16:18.860 very important. 00:16:20.300 --> 00:16:23.379 It refocuses us 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:24.260 on the idea, 00:16:24.340 --> 00:16:25.000 on the truth 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:26.420 that this life 00:16:26.420 --> 00:16:27.620 is not meaningless. 00:16:28.540 --> 00:16:29.320 It's not nihilistic. 00:16:30.560 --> 00:16:31.500 It's not a world 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.320 of pitiless indifference. 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:33.220 Indifference 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:34.140 that everything 00:16:34.140 --> 00:16:35.080 has a purpose. 00:16:36.400 --> 00:16:37.740 Everything has meaning. 00:16:38.540 --> 00:16:39.320 Every tier 00:16:39.320 --> 00:16:40.960 will be accounted for. 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:42.160 One day, 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:43.420 even though it's not today, 00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:45.460 one day it will make sense 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:46.480 when we get to the end 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.100 of the scroll 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:48.020 and we look back, 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:48.420 we'll say, 00:16:48.540 --> 00:16:50.160 oh, that's how that fit in. 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.660 That's why this had to happen 00:16:51.660 --> 00:16:52.660 the way it did. 00:16:52.760 --> 00:16:53.620 It's not now, 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:56.080 but one day it will be. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:57.020 It's all been written down. 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:57.780 It's all there. 00:16:58.320 --> 00:16:59.380 What this also means 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.039 for you 00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:02.159 is that there is 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:02.820 a purpose 00:17:02.820 --> 00:17:04.839 for you in the world. 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.480 There's a purpose 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.299 for your life. 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:08.059 There's a meaning 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:10.000 and a divine intentionality 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:11.220 behind you 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:12.240 being here 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.859 wired as you are wired, 00:17:14.119 --> 00:17:15.099 gifted as you are gifted. 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:15.859 There's a part 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:16.700 that you play. 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:18.519 You're a thread 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:19.460 in the tapestry. 00:17:20.900 --> 00:17:21.880 And you will never 00:17:21.880 --> 00:17:22.980 fully understand 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.279 who you are 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:26.180 unless you understand 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:27.259 how you connect 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.180 to that purpose. 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:30.920 And we'll never 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:31.940 fully understand 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:33.220 that purpose 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:34.720 unless we open 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:35.180 the scroll. 00:17:36.780 --> 00:17:37.720 And this is why 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:38.240 we gather 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:39.360 every week for worship. 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:41.400 We don't get 00:17:41.400 --> 00:17:42.500 the whole scroll. 00:17:43.620 --> 00:17:45.180 What God has given us 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:45.760 in the form 00:17:45.760 --> 00:17:46.360 of the scripture 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:48.080 is that part 00:17:48.080 --> 00:17:48.640 of the scroll 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:49.460 that He has 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:51.280 revealed to us. 00:17:52.040 --> 00:17:53.140 And it is everything 00:17:53.140 --> 00:17:54.480 that we need to know 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.840 to be reconciled 00:17:55.840 --> 00:17:56.220 to Him 00:17:56.220 --> 00:17:57.360 and to join in 00:17:57.359 --> 00:17:58.319 that great divine 00:17:58.319 --> 00:17:59.639 unfolding story. 00:18:00.639 --> 00:18:00.979 He says, 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:02.179 this is what you need 00:18:02.179 --> 00:18:02.979 to become a part 00:18:02.979 --> 00:18:04.039 of all that I'm doing. 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:04.879 It's all right here. 00:18:05.159 --> 00:18:06.519 And so we come together 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:08.059 not to just hear 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:09.619 my latest thoughts 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.759 or sources of inspiration 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:12.079 or funny anecdotes. 00:18:12.199 --> 00:18:12.379 I mean, 00:18:12.740 --> 00:18:14.000 if you want to hear that, 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.699 just buy me a drink 00:18:14.699 --> 00:18:15.459 and I'll share it with you 00:18:15.459 --> 00:18:16.519 as much as you want. 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:17.599 That's not why we're here. 00:18:17.679 --> 00:18:18.219 We're here 00:18:18.219 --> 00:18:19.500 to open 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:20.519 scripture 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:22.799 to be refocused 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:24.799 on God's unfolding purposes 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.660 in the world 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:26.700 and to ask, 00:18:27.079 --> 00:18:28.579 how does this speak to me? 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:30.339 How am I invited in 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.440 to what God is doing? 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:32.619 That's what it's all about. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:35.559 So in worship, 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:38.019 we open God's Word together. 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:39.460 The ministry of the Word, 00:18:39.539 --> 00:18:40.639 the ministry of preaching 00:18:40.639 --> 00:18:42.519 is meant to connect us 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:44.180 in our moment 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:46.420 to the eternal purposes of God. 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:49.300 So every week, 00:18:49.380 --> 00:18:50.039 we need to be 00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:51.840 re-centered on God's throne. 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:52.779 We also need to be 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.560 refocused 00:18:53.560 --> 00:18:56.279 on God's Word. 00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:57.900 And yet, 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.860 there's a problem. 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.620 A problem emerges 00:19:01.620 --> 00:19:02.360 when we begin 00:19:02.360 --> 00:19:04.080 to open God's Word. 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:05.120 We begin to read 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.140 what it says 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:07.480 because at first, 00:19:07.580 --> 00:19:08.700 it looks like good news. 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.940 You begin to read scripture 00:19:09.940 --> 00:19:10.700 and you realize, 00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:11.880 and this is laid out 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:12.720 in the book of Revelation, 00:19:12.860 --> 00:19:13.200 in fact. 00:19:13.300 --> 00:19:13.920 We'll get to it 00:19:13.920 --> 00:19:15.060 later in this series 00:19:15.060 --> 00:19:15.980 that God's plan 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:16.620 is ultimately 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:18.480 to restore this world, 00:19:18.860 --> 00:19:21.759 to put all things right, 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:24.299 to bring justice and peace, 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:26.220 to heal everything 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.019 that's been broken, 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:28.240 to wipe away every tear. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:28.539 And you say, 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:29.920 well, that's really good news. 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:32.880 But in order to do that, 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:34.880 God has to judge the world. 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.099 The only way 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:38.200 to put the world right 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:40.620 is to bring perfect justice, 00:19:40.620 --> 00:19:42.660 which means all wrongs 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:43.500 have to be punished, 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:46.500 all sin has to be dealt with, 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:47.779 not just the big stuff, 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:51.019 but also the seemingly small stuff, 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:53.019 including our own stuff. 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:53.799 And so, 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.640 here's really the problem 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:57.559 that we began to face. 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.259 It's a problem 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.059 that emerges 00:19:59.059 --> 00:20:01.099 all through the Old Testament 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:03.480 as the Old Testament scholars 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.779 try to reconcile, 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:06.059 on the one hand, 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:07.519 God's desire for justice, 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:08.779 and on the other hand, 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:10.440 God's commitment to mercy. 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:13.200 How do you have justice 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.860 and mercy? 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:18.039 If God doesn't bring 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:19.320 perfect justice, 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.220 what hope is there 00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:20.740 for the world? 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:23.779 If God does bring 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.960 perfect justice, 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.779 then what hope is there 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:27.320 for me, 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:29.000 for you? 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.779 You might say, 00:20:30.860 --> 00:20:31.840 well, why doesn't God 00:20:31.840 --> 00:20:33.320 just punish the big stuff, 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:34.740 the really bad people, 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:35.600 but overlook me? 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:36.299 I mean, I'm doing 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:37.059 the best I can. 00:20:37.340 --> 00:20:38.019 I'm a pastor. 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:38.840 I'm trying hard, 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:39.840 living a pretty good life. 00:20:40.699 --> 00:20:41.679 You realize that if God 00:20:41.679 --> 00:20:42.519 were to do that, 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:43.839 that's not perfect justice. 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:45.399 That's divine favoritism. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.839 A God who practices 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:49.819 divine favoritism 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.799 is not the kind of God 00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:52.019 we need to fix this world. 00:20:53.919 --> 00:20:54.519 And so, 00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:55.699 we're left in this quandary. 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:56.799 How do we resolve 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:58.119 this issue? 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:59.179 How do you bring together 00:20:59.179 --> 00:21:00.759 justice and mercy, 00:21:00.879 --> 00:21:01.859 give hope to the world 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:03.519 and hope to people like us? 00:21:04.339 --> 00:21:05.220 This brings us 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:06.079 to the final way 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:07.699 that worship reorients us 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:09.259 because it reminds us 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.920 of God's redemption 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:12.700 and how God resolves 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.740 that tension. 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:15.740 When John first sees 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.440 the scroll, 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:17.660 it is sealed. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:19.100 And there's an angel 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:19.759 who says, 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:20.779 who is worthy 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:22.080 to open the scroll 00:21:22.080 --> 00:21:24.039 and break its seals? 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:24.819 He's saying, 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:25.840 we need a champion. 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:27.019 We need a hero. 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:28.039 We need somebody 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:29.279 who is worthy enough 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:31.279 to open the scroll. 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.759 And John begins to weep 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:34.039 because he realizes 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:35.879 that unless this scroll 00:21:35.879 --> 00:21:36.539 is opened, 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:39.740 God's unfolding plan 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:42.139 will not be enacted. 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:44.519 That it all hinges 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:46.839 on this champion. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.680 It all hinges 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:48.759 on the one 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:50.139 who is worthy. 00:21:51.399 --> 00:21:51.619 And so, 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.159 John weeps 00:21:52.159 --> 00:21:52.960 because he thinks 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:54.819 justice may never come, 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:56.019 peace may never come, 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:57.579 suffering may never be ended, 00:21:58.059 --> 00:21:59.659 the world cannot be put right 00:21:59.659 --> 00:22:01.579 until this champion comes. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.460 And then something 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:04.139 rather bizarre happens. 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.039 And by the way, 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:05.659 get used to that 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:06.199 in Revelation. 00:22:06.839 --> 00:22:07.679 I'm going to say it 00:22:07.679 --> 00:22:08.379 about every week. 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:09.859 Something bizarre happens. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.619 Verse 5, 00:22:12.179 --> 00:22:13.720 One of the elders said to me, 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.859 Weep no more. 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:15.960 Behold, 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:18.299 the lion of the tribe of Judah, 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:19.619 the root of David, 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:20.480 has conquered 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:21.839 so that he can open 00:22:21.839 --> 00:22:22.539 the scroll 00:22:22.539 --> 00:22:24.000 and its seven seals. 00:22:24.379 --> 00:22:25.799 Now this is the interesting thing. 00:22:25.939 --> 00:22:27.119 When John looks, 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:28.419 he expects to see 00:22:28.419 --> 00:22:29.599 a conquering lion. 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:32.079 But when he turns, 00:22:32.179 --> 00:22:33.119 he doesn't see a lion. 00:22:33.939 --> 00:22:35.039 He sees a lamb. 00:22:37.119 --> 00:22:37.619 Verse 6, 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:38.599 I saw a lamb standing 00:22:39.219 --> 00:22:41.539 as though it had been slain. 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:44.779 Now in ancient literature, 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:46.619 lions are symbols 00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:49.019 of strength and royalty. 00:22:50.199 --> 00:22:51.419 Lambs, on the other hand, 00:22:51.500 --> 00:22:53.779 are symbols of helplessness 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:55.059 and vulnerability. 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:57.139 And so the question becomes, 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.959 which is it? 00:22:57.960 --> 00:23:00.100 This champion has arrived. 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:02.480 Is it a ferocious lion? 00:23:03.620 --> 00:23:06.019 Or is he a feeble lamb? 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.319 And of course, 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:10.380 the good news of the gospel 00:23:10.380 --> 00:23:12.019 is that he is both 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:14.079 at the same time. 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:15.759 He's both. 00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:17.640 And this is how God 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:19.120 resolves this tension 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:21.440 between justice and mercy. 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:22.980 This is how God can bring hope 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.799 to the world 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:24.960 and also bring hope 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:26.140 to people like us. 00:23:26.140 --> 00:23:28.520 Because the lion is the lamb. 00:23:30.040 --> 00:23:31.800 Jesus is the judge 00:23:31.800 --> 00:23:33.180 and yet he allowed himself 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:34.060 to be judged. 00:23:34.540 --> 00:23:35.900 Jesus is the conqueror 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:37.259 and yet he allowed himself 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.400 to be conquered. 00:23:39.720 --> 00:23:41.020 Jesus is the king 00:23:41.020 --> 00:23:43.020 and yet his coronation 00:23:43.020 --> 00:23:44.800 was a crucifixion. 00:23:45.580 --> 00:23:47.240 The lion is the lamb. 00:23:47.520 --> 00:23:48.900 And this is the great hope 00:23:48.900 --> 00:23:49.540 of the world 00:23:49.540 --> 00:23:51.840 that Jesus defeated sin and death 00:23:51.840 --> 00:23:53.140 through his death. 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:55.040 And of course, 00:23:55.120 --> 00:23:56.320 you realize what this is, 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:56.700 don't you? 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:58.140 In Revelation chapter 5, 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:59.520 you realize what's happening here. 00:24:00.320 --> 00:24:01.740 This is the ascension. 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:05.020 This is the ascension of Christ. 00:24:05.460 --> 00:24:06.620 We confess it every week 00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:07.700 in the creed. 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:08.840 Right? 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:10.639 So in Acts chapter 1, 00:24:10.959 --> 00:24:11.259 Jesus, 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:12.379 as the risen Christ, 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.699 appears to his disciples 00:24:13.699 --> 00:24:16.299 and he promises the Holy Spirit. 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.459 He commissions them 00:24:17.459 --> 00:24:18.819 for their mission to the world 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.699 and then he ascends 00:24:20.699 --> 00:24:22.579 to the throne of heaven 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:24.240 and in that chapter, 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:25.919 Jesus ascends up 00:24:25.919 --> 00:24:26.839 and the disciples look 00:24:26.839 --> 00:24:28.159 and he's lost from sight. 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:31.059 And then we come to Revelation chapter 5 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:32.059 and what we're seeing here is 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.199 this is the ascension 00:24:33.199 --> 00:24:35.139 from the perspective of heaven. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.519 Everybody's gathered. 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:38.159 They're oriented toward the throne. 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:39.019 They're waiting. 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:39.820 They're worshiping. 00:24:39.880 --> 00:24:40.500 But at this point, 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.800 there's been no singing. 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.740 They're just speaking 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:43.560 what they're saying. 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.460 And then the Lamb arrives 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.500 and all the heavens 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.580 break out in song. 00:24:48.540 --> 00:24:49.900 They all begin to sing. 00:24:50.880 --> 00:24:51.900 And it's beautiful 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:53.519 because Christ has ascended 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.660 to take the throne. 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:56.220 The Lion who is the Lamb 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:56.940 has conquered. 00:24:58.620 --> 00:25:00.500 And so all the heavens rejoice. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:02.160 Myriads upon myriads. 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.240 Choirs of angels. 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.640 Millions upon millions 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:05.800 of heavenly beings. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.859 And all of creation 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:08.559 begins to worship the Lamb. 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:09.519 Verse 9. 00:25:09.659 --> 00:25:10.339 Worthy are you 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.359 to take the scroll 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:12.659 to open its seals. 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:14.379 For you were slain 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:15.339 and by your blood 00:25:15.339 --> 00:25:16.339 you ransomed, 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.740 you purchased 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:19.159 people for God 00:25:19.159 --> 00:25:21.419 from every tribe, 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:22.720 language, 00:25:23.419 --> 00:25:24.059 and people, 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.259 and nation. 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.539 And you have made them 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.079 a kingdom 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:28.279 and priests 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:29.919 to our God. 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.519 And they shall reign 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.660 on the earth. 00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:34.200 This is a song 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:35.619 of global redemption. 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:38.660 And it's a song 00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:39.579 of lordship. 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.220 Christ intends 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.960 to share 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:44.259 His throne 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:45.559 with the saints, 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:47.039 with His people. 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:50.759 And of course 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.639 this redemption 00:25:51.639 --> 00:25:54.420 accomplished by Jesus, 00:25:54.579 --> 00:25:56.200 the Lion Lamb, 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:59.160 is powerfully reorienting. 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:02.500 It's powerfully reorienting 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.060 for the heart. 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:04.519 Because if I can be 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.120 totally honest, 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:06.500 sometimes I can tend 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.240 to be smug. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.680 And I can tend 00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:09.800 to be a bit of a snob. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.560 And it's very easy 00:26:11.560 --> 00:26:12.120 for me to begin 00:26:12.120 --> 00:26:12.840 to look down 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:13.640 on people 00:26:13.640 --> 00:26:14.820 for all kinds of reasons. 00:26:15.380 --> 00:26:16.140 And then I come 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:16.560 to worship. 00:26:18.600 --> 00:26:19.380 And I am 00:26:19.380 --> 00:26:20.880 reminded 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:23.380 that as smart 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:23.980 as I might think 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.700 I am, 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:25.759 as successful 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.580 or as intelligent 00:26:26.580 --> 00:26:27.120 or whatever, 00:26:27.119 --> 00:26:28.799 I might think I am, 00:26:29.439 --> 00:26:31.199 it took nothing less 00:26:31.199 --> 00:26:31.959 than the death 00:26:31.959 --> 00:26:32.979 of the Son of God 00:26:32.979 --> 00:26:34.139 to save me. 00:26:34.219 --> 00:26:35.739 The lion had to become 00:26:35.739 --> 00:26:37.219 a slain lamb 00:26:37.219 --> 00:26:38.379 to give me hope. 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:41.419 And it reminds me 00:26:41.419 --> 00:26:42.099 who I really am. 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.379 There are other times 00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:45.379 when I am very prone 00:26:45.379 --> 00:26:46.519 to self-criticism 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:48.319 and self-hatred, 00:26:48.659 --> 00:26:49.419 self-loathing. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:49.879 I can be 00:26:49.879 --> 00:26:51.459 a horrendous critic 00:26:51.459 --> 00:26:52.039 to myself. 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.599 And then I come 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.019 to worship. 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:56.099 And I'm reminded 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:58.139 that it was 00:26:58.139 --> 00:26:59.539 the great delight 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:00.199 of God 00:27:00.199 --> 00:27:02.359 of this ferocious lion 00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:03.659 to become 00:27:03.659 --> 00:27:04.939 a vulnerable, 00:27:05.459 --> 00:27:06.819 helpless lamb, 00:27:06.939 --> 00:27:08.740 to give himself up, 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.359 to give away 00:27:09.359 --> 00:27:10.259 all of his power 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:11.000 and glory, 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:13.699 not just to save me 00:27:13.699 --> 00:27:14.279 or to give me 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:15.359 a fighting chance, 00:27:16.079 --> 00:27:17.539 but so that I could 00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:18.579 share his throne. 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.839 I've been a pastor 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:23.859 almost 12 years. 00:27:23.939 --> 00:27:24.899 I still can't fully 00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:25.959 understand what that means. 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:27.240 Probably never will. 00:27:28.199 --> 00:27:28.819 But I'll tell you 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:29.339 what it means 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.599 for my heart. 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:33.359 Who am I to judge 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:33.959 or condemn 00:27:33.959 --> 00:27:34.579 or to criticize 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:37.279 a person like that 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.379 who will one day 00:27:38.379 --> 00:27:39.159 share the throne 00:27:39.159 --> 00:27:40.639 in and with Christ, 00:27:41.139 --> 00:27:43.399 who is a kingdom 00:27:43.399 --> 00:27:44.099 of priests 00:27:44.099 --> 00:27:45.019 and a holy nation? 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:48.099 So in these ways, 00:27:48.199 --> 00:27:49.379 we come to see ourselves 00:27:49.379 --> 00:27:50.019 more and more 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:51.259 as we gather for worship, 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:52.980 as God sees us. 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:55.620 we see ourselves 00:27:55.620 --> 00:27:56.519 as we truly are 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:57.039 in Him. 00:27:58.599 --> 00:27:59.180 So you know, 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:00.019 life can be 00:28:00.019 --> 00:28:01.299 very disorienting 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:03.200 and this is why 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.519 we need to gather 00:28:04.519 --> 00:28:05.500 every week 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.200 and worship 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:06.920 like we're doing 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.519 right now. 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.579 It's why it's so important. 00:28:10.920 --> 00:28:12.400 And so this not only 00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:13.019 means that 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:14.380 this should be 00:28:14.380 --> 00:28:15.360 a high priority 00:28:15.360 --> 00:28:16.180 for all of us, 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.660 but it means that 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.539 even when you're traveling, 00:28:18.620 --> 00:28:19.180 which a lot of you, 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:19.660 I understand, 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:20.740 you travel for work 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:21.500 and that's just a part 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:22.500 of the way your life is 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:23.779 and I totally get that. 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.559 But I would strongly 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.039 encourage you 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:26.980 if you're on the road 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:28.620 to find a way 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.299 to worship 00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:31.059 with Christians 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:32.539 in a gospel-centered church 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:33.779 whenever and wherever 00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:34.440 you can 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.880 because our hearts 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.539 are wayward 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:37.359 and they continually 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:38.440 need to be reoriented 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:39.359 in the ways 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:40.279 that we've talked about 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.059 this evening. 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:41.599 We need to be 00:28:41.599 --> 00:28:42.920 re-centered on God's throne 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:43.859 again and again and again 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:45.380 and all of the pretenders 00:28:45.380 --> 00:28:45.819 to the throne 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:46.740 need to be cast out. 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:48.400 We need to be 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:49.960 refocused on God's word 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.900 and away from all 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.640 of the confusion 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:52.819 and nihilism 00:28:52.819 --> 00:28:54.039 in our society 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:54.880 and we need to be 00:28:54.880 --> 00:28:56.019 reminded of our redemption 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:57.259 so that we come 00:28:57.259 --> 00:28:57.960 to see ourselves 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:58.680 more and more 00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:00.039 as we truly are 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.880 in Christ. 00:29:01.640 --> 00:29:02.500 So I'm glad 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.220 that we're here together. 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:04.380 Let's pray.