WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.300 Steak and chips, strawberries and cream, Batman and Superman. 00:00:09.160 --> 00:00:12.919 ! Some things in life just belong together. 00:00:12.919 --> 00:00:19.400 ! Growing up, I remember my granddad laughing aloud, watching Laurel and Hardy. Do you remember them? 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:25.339 ! If you're too young, then your homework is to YouTube them later. Comedy gold. 00:00:25.339 --> 00:00:35.740 The hapless pair were always getting into trouble, but it was impossible to imagine one without the other. 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:48.519 Psalm 126 is different. It's full of things we don't normally see together. Unlikely duos. 00:00:48.520 --> 00:01:00.800 In this song, there is laughter and longing, triumph and tears, praise and pain. 00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:10.600 Such apparent contradictions are normal for believers. When the Apostle Paul summed up his ministry, 00:01:10.599 --> 00:01:20.859 he said he was sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. And that is the tone of this psalm. 00:01:22.119 --> 00:01:27.519 It's a song that introduces us to the tensions of the Christian life. 00:01:28.959 --> 00:01:35.259 It's a song for when life is good, and a song for when life is bad. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:43.480 It's a song we could sing in the major and the minor key at exactly the same time. 00:01:44.859 --> 00:01:52.060 Just picture the 6'6", 18 stone rugby player belting out the national anthem on his debut, 00:01:52.340 --> 00:01:56.420 bursting with pride, with tears streaming down his face. 00:01:56.820 --> 00:02:00.700 That is what this psalm feels like. 00:02:00.700 --> 00:02:06.340 Your Bible might highlight that it's one of the psalms of ascent. 00:02:07.740 --> 00:02:11.680 And that makes it one of a special collection, 00:02:12.500 --> 00:02:17.280 which was sung by the Israelites as they travelled to Jerusalem. 00:02:18.860 --> 00:02:21.140 They made the journey several times a year. 00:02:22.780 --> 00:02:26.580 And like many families, they had songs for the road. 00:02:26.580 --> 00:02:33.920 Like many of us who have CDs that skip because they've been played so often, 00:02:34.920 --> 00:02:37.420 God's people were no different. 00:02:39.180 --> 00:02:45.380 Psalms 120 to 134 were always on repeat for the Israelites. 00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:52.680 They never stopped singing this album of 15 songs. 00:02:52.680 --> 00:02:59.819 It reminded them that they were pilgrims on their way to glory. 00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:03.640 And the lyrics have been popular ever since. 00:03:03.760 --> 00:03:10.680 One writer calls them an old dog-eared songbook that Christians keep rediscovering. 00:03:13.480 --> 00:03:17.480 Psalm 126 is a song from that book. 00:03:17.479 --> 00:03:21.639 You may have been a believer for decades. 00:03:21.739 --> 00:03:24.519 You may have just got going on the Christian way. 00:03:25.060 --> 00:03:27.679 You may be examining it from a distance. 00:03:28.919 --> 00:03:33.179 But whoever you are, this is a song for you. 00:03:35.339 --> 00:03:37.879 Notice, first of all, in verses 1 to 3, 00:03:38.060 --> 00:03:40.479 the rescue Christians celebrate. 00:03:41.759 --> 00:03:44.459 The rescue Christians celebrate. 00:03:44.460 --> 00:03:49.540 The psalm begins with joyful praise. 00:03:49.640 --> 00:03:55.420 The writer looks back to a time when God's people experienced his rescue 00:03:55.420 --> 00:03:59.360 in a dramatic, powerful, wonderful way. 00:04:00.420 --> 00:04:02.780 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, 00:04:03.040 --> 00:04:04.500 we were like those who dream. 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:08.100 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, 00:04:08.480 --> 00:04:10.600 and our tongue with shouts of joy. 00:04:10.599 --> 00:04:16.680 It was an experience that almost seemed too good to be true. 00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:19.259 They could hardly believe it. 00:04:19.540 --> 00:04:23.420 God's rescue made them feel like they were walking on air. 00:04:24.699 --> 00:04:28.759 It left them in a kind of trance-like state. 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:30.540 Life was like a dream. 00:04:32.019 --> 00:04:36.040 It's not 100% clear what event the psalmist was referring to. 00:04:37.379 --> 00:04:38.560 It may have been the exodus. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:40.459 It may have been the return from exile. 00:04:40.639 --> 00:04:43.579 It may have been another dramatic victory. 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:48.280 And in one sense, it doesn't really matter. 00:04:48.620 --> 00:04:54.519 Whatever it was, it had had a dramatic effect on God's people. 00:04:56.199 --> 00:05:00.040 Just look at the way it impacted their emotions. 00:05:00.040 --> 00:05:07.080 This great big rescue resulted in laughter and singing and joy. 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:08.280 There was celebration. 00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:10.220 Their chains fell off. 00:05:10.640 --> 00:05:11.700 Their hearts were free. 00:05:13.700 --> 00:05:19.060 They had lived with huge burdens on their backs. 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:23.399 But now those burdens had been lifted. 00:05:23.680 --> 00:05:25.519 They felt 10 feet tall. 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:33.040 They were so happy that they thought their hearts would explode. 00:05:33.040 --> 00:05:42.080 One of the things I've loved about being at IPC is saying a creed together each week. 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:50.979 I've got a really good friend who used to go to a church that said the Apostles' Creed at each service. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:58.840 And my friend said there was one line in the creed that used to make his heart skip a beat. 00:05:58.839 --> 00:06:00.839 He said there was one line in the creed that used to make his heart skip a beat. 00:06:00.839 --> 00:06:05.019 I believe in the forgiveness of sins. 00:06:05.979 --> 00:06:14.099 He told me that when he said that every single week with brothers and sisters, it made him want to punch the air. 00:06:15.559 --> 00:06:18.419 It reminded him that God was gracious. 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:24.899 That however much he'd slipped or stumbled over the past seven days, his guilt had been atoned for. 00:06:24.899 --> 00:06:28.659 I believe in the forgiveness of sins. 00:06:28.899 --> 00:06:30.779 Jesus had died for him. 00:06:32.479 --> 00:06:34.279 And it filled him with joy. 00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:38.620 God's people often feel like that. 00:06:38.719 --> 00:06:43.439 They know what it's like to feel huge relief at his rescue. 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:46.019 Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven. 00:06:46.159 --> 00:06:47.120 That is why they sing. 00:06:50.599 --> 00:06:54.500 God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness, says Paul. 00:06:54.899 --> 00:06:58.659 And brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves. 00:06:58.859 --> 00:07:00.659 In whom we have redemption. 00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:03.419 The forgiveness of sins. 00:07:05.359 --> 00:07:10.699 So many of the stories that we love have echoes of this great redemption. 00:07:10.899 --> 00:07:13.000 Think of Jean Valjean in Les Mis. 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:15.739 Or Andy the Frame in the Shawshank Redemption. 00:07:15.740 --> 00:07:26.060 The reason we love those films is because rescue like that is good and true and beautiful. 00:07:26.060 --> 00:07:34.899 To see somebody experience deliverance is one of the most wonderful things in the world. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:36.819 When miners escape. 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:38.519 When hostages are freed. 00:07:39.019 --> 00:07:40.680 When children are pulled from the rubble. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:41.840 When you see that. 00:07:41.959 --> 00:07:43.560 When you experience that. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:45.699 You want to share it with others. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:46.439 You tweet. 00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:47.220 You text. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:48.680 You talk about it. 00:07:48.680 --> 00:07:52.939 And it's the same with this psalm. 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:54.060 The restoration. 00:07:54.639 --> 00:07:55.480 The rescue. 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:58.519 Of God's people was not. 00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:01.060 Some kind of private event. 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:03.400 No. 00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:04.939 It was a public rescue. 00:08:05.040 --> 00:08:06.180 Do you see that in verse 2? 00:08:06.579 --> 00:08:08.460 Then they said among the nations. 00:08:08.819 --> 00:08:11.420 The Lord has done great things for them. 00:08:13.660 --> 00:08:15.120 People were looking on. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:18.560 The Lord has done great things for them. 00:08:18.780 --> 00:08:21.079 The Lord has done great things for us. 00:08:21.379 --> 00:08:22.379 We are glad. 00:08:24.780 --> 00:08:26.340 See it wasn't enough. 00:08:26.579 --> 00:08:30.360 For Israel to experience this rescue on their own. 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:32.299 It had a Christmas feel. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.639 Good news. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:38.019 Of great joy for all people. 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:42.360 See tonight. 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:43.039 Christians. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:45.740 We are people who celebrate. 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:48.659 What God has done. 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:52.279 Christians are not afraid of emotion. 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:55.659 Sometimes we think the Christian life is just about thinking. 00:08:57.039 --> 00:08:59.159 But feelings matter too. 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:03.699 God wants to win the hearts and minds of his people. 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:11.360 Now this is not to say that we all need to become extroverts. 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.360 Or South Americans. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:14.620 Carlos and Clara here. 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:16.059 I don't know if I see them. 00:09:18.199 --> 00:09:19.439 But stuffy. 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:21.120 Buttoned up religion. 00:09:23.219 --> 00:09:25.559 Is a million miles away. 00:09:26.039 --> 00:09:28.259 From the Christianity of the New Testament. 00:09:31.039 --> 00:09:31.939 The journalist. 00:09:32.059 --> 00:09:32.740 H.L. Mencken. 00:09:32.860 --> 00:09:33.279 Once said. 00:09:33.379 --> 00:09:33.879 There was. 00:09:34.079 --> 00:09:34.839 A kind of. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:35.500 Super. 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:35.980 Uber. 00:09:36.199 --> 00:09:37.339 Religious person. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:38.039 Whose greatest. 00:09:38.919 --> 00:09:39.519 I love this. 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:40.220 Whose greatest. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:41.659 Most haunting fear. 00:09:41.659 --> 00:09:42.939 Was that someone. 00:09:43.439 --> 00:09:45.179 Somewhere was enjoying themselves. 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:49.100 It can never be so with us. 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:49.740 We have. 00:09:50.100 --> 00:09:50.600 A father. 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:51.600 Who sprints. 00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:53.000 After prodigals. 00:09:54.480 --> 00:09:55.399 A father. 00:09:55.559 --> 00:09:56.100 Who kills. 00:09:56.220 --> 00:09:57.059 The fattened calf. 00:09:57.259 --> 00:09:58.480 Puts a ring on her finger. 00:09:58.679 --> 00:09:59.039 A cloak. 00:09:59.120 --> 00:09:59.759 Around her neck. 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:00.579 And says. 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:01.939 Let's have a party. 00:10:01.940 --> 00:10:03.940 Christians. 00:10:03.940 --> 00:10:04.820 Christians. 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:05.980 Are joyful. 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:07.680 Attractive people. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:08.780 They love. 00:10:08.940 --> 00:10:09.680 To remember. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:11.240 God's rescue. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:13.280 They know. 00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:14.980 From personal experience. 00:10:15.160 --> 00:10:15.840 That Jesus. 00:10:17.420 --> 00:10:18.740 Their savior. 00:10:19.940 --> 00:10:20.660 Has been. 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:21.380 Very. 00:10:21.660 --> 00:10:21.980 Very. 00:10:22.180 --> 00:10:22.620 Kind. 00:10:23.580 --> 00:10:24.100 To them. 00:10:24.100 --> 00:10:27.740 They have a kind of. 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:29.379 I can hardly believe. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:30.139 I'm a Christian. 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:31.879 Attitude. 00:10:33.420 --> 00:10:34.620 They're stunned. 00:10:34.800 --> 00:10:35.420 That Jesus. 00:10:35.420 --> 00:10:36.779 Would love them. 00:10:37.940 --> 00:10:39.379 And give himself. 00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:41.340 In their place. 00:10:43.980 --> 00:10:45.200 And can it be. 00:10:45.320 --> 00:10:46.480 That I should gain. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:47.820 An interest. 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:49.420 In the savior's blood. 00:10:50.700 --> 00:10:52.259 Died he for me. 00:10:52.259 --> 00:10:54.539 Who caused his pain. 00:10:55.399 --> 00:10:56.259 For me. 00:10:57.179 --> 00:10:58.559 Who him to death pursued. 00:10:58.919 --> 00:11:00.340 Amazing love. 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:02.279 How can it be. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:03.840 That thou my God. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:05.319 Should die for me. 00:11:07.899 --> 00:11:08.159 See. 00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:09.159 It's so easy. 00:11:09.159 --> 00:11:09.700 To forget. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:10.600 So easy. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:11.319 To become. 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:12.439 Negative. 00:11:12.679 --> 00:11:13.460 So easy. 00:11:14.179 --> 00:11:15.559 To become cynical. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:16.819 Just slowly. 00:11:16.980 --> 00:11:17.840 Over time. 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:20.259 What has happened. 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:21.860 To all your joy. 00:11:23.259 --> 00:11:23.840 Paul asked. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:25.139 The religious Galatians. 00:11:26.419 --> 00:11:27.279 So easy. 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:28.000 To lose. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:32.879 Maybe tonight. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:33.559 You're someone. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:34.419 Who's. 00:11:34.720 --> 00:11:35.679 Just got used. 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:36.620 To disappointment. 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.500 Who's been let down. 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.639 So many times. 00:11:40.759 --> 00:11:41.360 That you think. 00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:41.919 Somehow. 00:11:42.179 --> 00:11:43.439 Life with God. 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:46.120 Is going to turn out. 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:46.779 The same. 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:50.600 Maybe you've been beaten up. 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:53.179 By painful circumstances. 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:54.980 Is your heart shrinking. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.039 Have you forgotten. 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:00.419 That the Bible ends. 00:12:00.419 --> 00:12:01.360 With the ultimate. 00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:02.959 Happily ever after. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:06.039 A day of such glory. 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:06.480 And wonder. 00:12:06.600 --> 00:12:08.379 That it will be almost impossible. 00:12:08.559 --> 00:12:09.199 To take in. 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:09.780 To sin. 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:09.780 00:12:09.779 --> 00:12:16.419 Christians are people with more reason to laugh and sing 00:12:16.419 --> 00:12:18.399 than anyone else in the world 00:12:18.399 --> 00:12:21.559 they glory in God's rescue 00:12:21.559 --> 00:12:25.019 they love him for his cross 00:12:25.019 --> 00:12:29.279 joy is the serious business of heaven 00:12:29.279 --> 00:12:30.000 said Lewis 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:33.539 joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:34.899 said Chesterton 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:36.039 joy in God 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:37.319 joy in his goodness 00:12:37.319 --> 00:12:39.439 and faithfulness 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:40.980 and love 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:45.400 the rescue Christians celebrate 00:12:45.400 --> 00:12:47.240 secondly the renewal 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:49.220 Christians crave 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:50.160 the renewal 00:12:50.160 --> 00:12:52.160 Christians crave 00:12:52.160 --> 00:12:53.440 verses 4 to 6 00:12:53.440 --> 00:12:58.720 as I was preparing this sermon 00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:01.360 there was one phrase from Abraham Lincoln's 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.940 Gettysburg address 00:13:02.940 --> 00:13:05.440 that I couldn't get out of my head 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:07.760 can you tell I'm training as a history teacher 00:13:07.760 --> 00:13:09.040 what a geek 00:13:09.039 --> 00:13:16.179 address is one of the most revered speeches of all time 00:13:16.179 --> 00:13:18.860 America which had been conceived in liberty 00:13:18.860 --> 00:13:23.819 was engaged in a great civil war 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:31.560 the nation was in danger of the nation 00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:37.140 and Lincoln said that what was needed was a new birth of freedom 00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:42.919 the psalmist knew that feeling 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:44.799 look at his cry in verse 4 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.879 restore our fortunes 00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:47.639 oh lord 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:51.319 one translation puts it like this 00:13:51.319 --> 00:13:53.199 and now God do it again 00:13:53.199 --> 00:13:55.100 bring rain 00:13:55.100 --> 00:13:58.600 to our drought stricken lives 00:13:58.600 --> 00:13:59.340 see the psalmist 00:13:59.340 --> 00:14:02.340 see the psalmist knew 00:14:02.340 --> 00:14:03.740 what it was like 00:14:03.740 --> 00:14:04.740 to long 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:06.840 for God's renewal 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:08.740 even after he had experienced 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.779 God's rescue 00:14:10.779 --> 00:14:12.820 he was a real believer 00:14:12.820 --> 00:14:16.320 he had so much 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:17.460 to give thanks for 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:18.600 but there was still 00:14:18.600 --> 00:14:20.399 this tension in his life 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:23.819 and he prays 00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:25.139 he asks God 00:14:25.139 --> 00:14:26.459 to restore 00:14:26.459 --> 00:14:27.779 the fortunes 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.679 of his people 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:33.860 isn't it just so true 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:34.439 to life 00:14:34.439 --> 00:14:35.519 so true 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:37.220 to real Christian experience 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:41.220 great moments 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:42.800 of deliverance 00:14:42.800 --> 00:14:44.620 are so often followed 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.519 by times of 00:14:45.519 --> 00:14:47.120 great difficulty 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:51.040 even after God has 00:14:51.040 --> 00:14:52.720 taken us out of the pit 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:54.960 and put a new song 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:55.680 in our mouth 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:58.460 well there can still be 00:14:58.460 --> 00:14:59.860 problems to face 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:01.399 as we move forward 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:04.700 even when my sins 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:05.399 have been forgiven 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:06.360 and my citizenship 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:07.080 is in heaven 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:08.800 life can still be hard 00:15:08.800 --> 00:15:13.220 this was true 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:14.020 after the return 00:15:14.020 --> 00:15:14.639 from exile 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.320 God's people 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.639 came back to the land 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:18.200 but the book of Haggai 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:18.700 if you read it 00:15:18.700 --> 00:15:19.900 it makes it clear 00:15:19.900 --> 00:15:22.160 that there was still 00:15:22.160 --> 00:15:23.480 real apathy 00:15:23.480 --> 00:15:24.759 and indifference 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:26.379 amongst the Israelites 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:29.480 for a considerable 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:30.600 amount of time 00:15:30.600 --> 00:15:32.180 life with God 00:15:32.180 --> 00:15:34.480 well it seemed 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:36.300 extremely low key 00:15:36.299 --> 00:15:40.639 and every new 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.279 Christian 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:43.359 experiences this 00:15:43.359 --> 00:15:46.899 after the honeymoon 00:15:46.899 --> 00:15:47.539 period 00:15:47.539 --> 00:15:50.759 they quickly discover 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.399 that their new 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.539 relationship with Jesus 00:15:52.539 --> 00:15:53.639 doesn't keep them 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:54.459 from the troubles 00:15:54.459 --> 00:15:55.500 of living 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.679 in a broken world 00:15:56.679 --> 00:15:57.679 they haven't been 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:58.819 teleported 00:15:58.819 --> 00:16:00.039 to the new creation 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:03.279 they still live with 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.099 the fallout 00:16:04.099 --> 00:16:05.019 from the fall 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:09.039 there can be much 00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:10.019 that makes them feel 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:11.259 very weak 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:12.139 and tearful 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:13.360 and fearful 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:16.279 life can feel 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.360 more like a desert 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:18.879 than a garden 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:22.379 they start to long 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:23.439 for renewal 00:16:23.439 --> 00:16:24.519 in their life 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.459 and in the life 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:27.100 of God's people 00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:30.940 this longing 00:16:30.940 --> 00:16:32.060 for renewal 00:16:32.060 --> 00:16:32.700 is one of the 00:16:32.700 --> 00:16:33.440 hallmarks 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:34.940 of genuine faith 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:35.900 one of the signs 00:16:35.900 --> 00:16:36.720 that we are converted 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:37.740 is that we start 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.340 to care 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:40.139 about the fortunes 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:41.100 of Zion 00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:45.280 in bible language 00:16:45.280 --> 00:16:45.960 Zion is 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:47.300 simply shorthand 00:16:47.300 --> 00:16:47.900 for the people 00:16:47.900 --> 00:16:48.340 of God 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:49.800 and after we trust 00:16:49.800 --> 00:16:50.580 in Jesus 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.300 the state 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:52.580 of his church 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:55.100 it starts 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:55.639 to become 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:56.620 important to us 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.620 we find ourselves 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.620 praying about things 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.100 we would never 00:16:59.100 --> 00:16:59.700 have prayed about 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:00.160 before 00:17:00.160 --> 00:17:03.500 we don't just 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:04.500 want restoration 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:06.779 for ourselves 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:10.420 no we long 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:11.860 for the restoration 00:17:11.860 --> 00:17:13.819 of God's people 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:19.180 the psalmist 00:17:19.180 --> 00:17:19.779 gives us 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:21.000 two pictures 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:23.759 to show us 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:24.899 what this 00:17:24.899 --> 00:17:25.639 restoration 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:26.700 this renewal 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:27.500 looks like 00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:28.680 streams in a desert 00:17:28.680 --> 00:17:31.460 and sheaves 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:32.599 at a harvest 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:36.519 streams in a desert 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:38.139 and sheaves 00:17:38.139 --> 00:17:38.859 at a harvest 00:17:38.859 --> 00:17:39.599 the commentators 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:40.019 point out 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:40.839 that one of these 00:17:40.839 --> 00:17:41.899 things is quick 00:17:41.899 --> 00:17:43.740 but the other 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.579 is slow 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:47.639 the Negev 00:17:47.639 --> 00:17:48.480 which is mentioned 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.339 in verse 4 00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:50.059 was a huge 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:50.419 desert 00:17:50.419 --> 00:17:51.359 with ditches 00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:52.039 cut into the 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.339 ground 00:17:52.339 --> 00:17:53.220 for most of the 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:53.859 year the soil 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:54.459 was baked 00:17:54.459 --> 00:17:55.220 by the sun 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.799 but a sudden 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:57.399 rain 00:17:57.399 --> 00:17:59.359 could make it 00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:00.379 teem with life 00:18:00.379 --> 00:18:01.500 almost overnight 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:04.599 and sometimes 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:05.660 God works 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.299 like that 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:07.140 his renewal 00:18:07.140 --> 00:18:08.619 comes suddenly 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:11.079 in a way that 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:12.279 kind of takes 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.160 our breath away 00:18:13.160 --> 00:18:16.019 think of 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.940 some of the 00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:17.779 great revivals 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:18.880 in church history 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:19.500 or maybe 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:20.619 seasons of growth 00:18:20.619 --> 00:18:21.019 in your own 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:21.559 Christian life 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:22.660 maybe a camp 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:23.200 or a move 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:23.619 or a new 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:23.980 beginning 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:24.799 that just 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.779 opens you up 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.339 to God 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:27.359 in a fresh 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:27.660 way 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:28.060 God 00:18:28.060 --> 00:18:28.880 often 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:29.279 works 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:29.960 like that 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:33.960 but it's 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.560 not 00:18:34.560 --> 00:18:35.480 the only 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:35.900 way 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:36.400 is it 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:39.720 do you see 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:40.100 the second 00:18:40.100 --> 00:18:40.640 illustration 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:41.320 the psalmist 00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:41.800 says 00:18:41.800 --> 00:18:43.140 that renewal 00:18:43.140 --> 00:18:44.580 also comes 00:18:44.580 --> 00:18:46.060 like a 00:18:46.060 --> 00:18:46.759 harvest 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:51.440 what is 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:51.980 rule 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.600 101 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:53.680 with the 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:54.080 harvest 00:18:54.080 --> 00:18:54.960 it takes 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:56.060 time 00:18:56.059 --> 00:19:00.359 psalmist 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:00.740 says 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:01.419 something 00:19:01.419 --> 00:19:02.759 very moving 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:03.259 about it 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:03.879 he says 00:19:03.879 --> 00:19:05.799 the people 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.440 who reap 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:08.119 are the 00:19:08.119 --> 00:19:08.619 people who 00:19:08.619 --> 00:19:09.079 weep 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:12.539 verse 5 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.200 those who 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:14.079 sow in tears 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:14.899 shall reap 00:19:14.899 --> 00:19:15.559 with shouts 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.139 of joy 00:19:16.139 --> 00:19:17.200 he who goes 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.139 out weeping 00:19:18.139 --> 00:19:20.599 bearing the 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.119 seed for 00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:21.500 sowing 00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:22.419 shall come 00:19:22.419 --> 00:19:23.099 home with 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:23.619 joy 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:24.639 bringing his 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:25.220 sheaves 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:26.579 with him 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:29.660 it's a 00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:30.200 beautiful 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:30.640 picture 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:30.980 isn't it 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:31.839 the psalmist 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:32.620 knows 00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:35.519 that joy 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:36.460 and tears 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:37.460 go side 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.200 by side 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:38.500 in the 00:19:38.500 --> 00:19:38.960 life of 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:39.400 faith 00:19:39.400 --> 00:19:41.480 they're 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:41.980 friends 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:42.240 they're 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:42.779 twins 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:44.740 in the 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.180 life of 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:45.680 believers 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:48.279 the psalmist 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:48.839 knows 00:19:48.839 --> 00:19:49.559 there are 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.140 plenty 00:19:50.140 --> 00:19:50.700 reasons 00:19:50.700 --> 00:19:51.240 in this 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:51.600 world 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:51.839 for 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:52.400 Christians 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:52.920 to cry 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:53.299 isn't that 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:53.640 right 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:56.320 we are 00:19:56.320 --> 00:19:56.680 not 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.340 immune 00:19:57.340 --> 00:19:58.960 from sorrow 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.580 we cry 00:19:59.580 --> 00:19:59.880 when we 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.180 suffer 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:00.640 we cry 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:00.920 when we 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:01.200 sin 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:01.920 we cry 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:02.280 when we're 00:20:02.280 --> 00:20:02.680 sick 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:04.540 Christians 00:20:04.540 --> 00:20:05.140 cry 00:20:05.140 --> 00:20:06.380 when relationships 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:07.420 break down 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:09.380 they cry 00:20:09.380 --> 00:20:10.140 for loved ones 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:10.560 who don't 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:10.860 know the 00:20:10.860 --> 00:20:11.120 Lord 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:12.060 they cry 00:20:12.060 --> 00:20:13.080 when longed 00:20:13.080 --> 00:20:13.920 for children 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.480 die 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:16.920 and God 00:20:16.920 --> 00:20:17.680 knows 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:19.020 and sees 00:20:19.020 --> 00:20:20.140 and understands 00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:21.040 it all 00:20:21.040 --> 00:20:24.220 elsewhere 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:24.560 in the 00:20:24.560 --> 00:20:24.820 psalms 00:20:24.820 --> 00:20:25.259 we're told 00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:25.940 that he 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.600 stores 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:27.660 all our 00:20:27.660 --> 00:20:28.040 tears 00:20:28.040 --> 00:20:28.520 in a 00:20:28.520 --> 00:20:28.980 bottle 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:32.060 that every 00:20:32.060 --> 00:20:32.900 single one 00:20:32.900 --> 00:20:33.180 of them 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:33.900 is precious 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:34.540 to him 00:20:34.540 --> 00:20:35.920 like 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.680 perfume 00:20:36.680 --> 00:20:40.000 that may 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:40.300 be all 00:20:40.300 --> 00:20:40.620 you need 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:41.060 to hear 00:20:41.060 --> 00:20:42.460 tonight 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.920 there are 00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:44.440 so many 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:44.960 times when 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.460 our Christian 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.300 service feels 00:20:46.300 --> 00:20:47.140 weak and 00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:47.420 small 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:47.880 we feel 00:20:47.880 --> 00:20:48.240 like we're 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:48.840 sowing 00:20:48.840 --> 00:20:49.539 tears 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:51.860 sometimes 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:52.759 we wonder 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.080 if we've 00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:53.560 ever achieved 00:20:53.560 --> 00:20:54.160 anything at 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:54.560 all 00:20:54.560 --> 00:20:55.920 for Jesus 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:58.080 do you ever 00:20:58.080 --> 00:20:58.480 feel like 00:20:58.480 --> 00:20:58.779 that 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:01.759 I think 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:02.200 being a 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:02.680 Christian in 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:03.180 Britain today 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:03.860 is to live 00:21:03.860 --> 00:21:04.240 in a day 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:04.900 of small 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:05.600 things 00:21:05.600 --> 00:21:06.500 and slow 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:07.380 progress 00:21:07.380 --> 00:21:11.120 so think 00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:11.340 of a 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:11.660 Christian 00:21:11.660 --> 00:21:12.380 faithfully 00:21:12.380 --> 00:21:12.940 attending 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.779 a church 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:14.100 meeting 00:21:14.100 --> 00:21:14.779 after a 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.340 long 00:21:15.340 --> 00:21:15.940 draining 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:16.460 day 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:17.519 at work 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:20.259 think of 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:20.840 a parent 00:21:20.840 --> 00:21:21.440 pointing 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:21.779 their 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:22.059 children 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:22.279 to 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:22.579 Jesus 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:23.640 and 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.000 saying 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.279 a 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.819 simple 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:25.259 prayer 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:25.620 before 00:21:25.620 --> 00:21:26.240 bedtime 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:28.500 think 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:28.779 of a 00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:29.140 Christian 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:29.600 reaching 00:21:29.600 --> 00:21:29.980 out to 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.120 a 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:30.400 colleague 00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:30.579 at 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:30.819 work 00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:31.019 who's 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.220 going 00:21:31.220 --> 00:21:31.440 through 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:31.559 a 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:31.740 hard 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.100 time 00:21:32.100 --> 00:21:32.519 the 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:32.980 card 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:33.340 sent 00:21:33.340 --> 00:21:33.500 to 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:33.860 encourage 00:21:33.860 --> 00:21:34.039 a 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:34.360 friend 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:34.799 the 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.259 arm 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:35.400 on 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:35.519 the 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:35.940 shoulder 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:36.460 the 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:36.940 verse 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.259 sent 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:37.480 by 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.059 text 00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:38.799 hundreds 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.079 of 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.740 small 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.779 seemingly 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.819 insignificant 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:42.860 moments 00:21:42.860 --> 00:21:43.600 but 00:21:43.600 --> 00:21:44.360 all 00:21:44.360 --> 00:21:44.600 of 00:21:44.600 --> 00:21:45.059 them 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:46.679 part 00:21:46.679 --> 00:21:46.839 of 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:47.039 the 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:47.740 sowing 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.039 that 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:48.859 comes 00:21:48.859 --> 00:21:50.159 before 00:21:50.159 --> 00:21:50.379 an 00:21:50.379 --> 00:21:51.079 incredible 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:51.819 harvest 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:55.319 see the 00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:55.899 imagery at 00:21:55.899 --> 00:21:56.220 the end 00:21:56.220 --> 00:21:57.259 is so 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.159 joyful 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:58.679 isn't it 00:21:58.679 --> 00:21:59.639 it's all 00:21:59.639 --> 00:22:00.139 here to 00:22:00.139 --> 00:22:00.460 say 00:22:00.460 --> 00:22:01.319 none 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:01.980 of your 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.679 Christian 00:22:02.679 --> 00:22:03.279 service 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:04.539 is ever 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:05.799 in vain 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:08.079 none 00:22:08.079 --> 00:22:08.539 of it 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:10.299 there 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:11.159 will be 00:22:11.159 --> 00:22:11.839 a harvest 00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:12.399 and 00:22:12.399 --> 00:22:13.319 God 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.279 never 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.500 wastes 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.439 pain 00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:18.980 each 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.720 strand 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:20.339 of sorrow 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:20.819 has a 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.339 place 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.279 within 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:22.639 his 00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:23.559 tapestry 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:24.859 of 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:25.539 grace 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:30.339 some 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:30.539 of the 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:30.839 most 00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:31.919 joyful 00:22:31.919 --> 00:22:32.259 people 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.659 I know 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.039 are 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.539 people 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:33.720 who 00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:33.839 have 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:34.139 endured 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:35.059 incredible 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:35.699 suffering 00:22:35.699 --> 00:22:38.619 when I 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:38.759 read 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:38.959 this 00:22:38.959 --> 00:22:39.179 psalm 00:22:39.179 --> 00:22:39.319 I 00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:39.699 thought 00:22:39.699 --> 00:22:40.179 of 00:22:40.179 --> 00:22:41.079 Naomi 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:42.579 and I 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:43.019 thought 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:43.559 of 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.279 Job 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:44.659 both 00:22:44.659 --> 00:22:44.939 of them 00:22:44.939 --> 00:22:45.599 experienced 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.559 God's 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:47.039 renewal 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:47.299 didn't 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:47.439 they 00:22:47.439 --> 00:22:47.720 after 00:22:47.720 --> 00:22:48.419 times 00:22:48.419 --> 00:22:48.639 of 00:22:48.639 --> 00:22:49.179 great 00:22:49.179 --> 00:22:50.119 hardship 00:22:50.119 --> 00:22:53.339 and 00:22:53.339 --> 00:22:53.679 then I 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:53.939 thought 00:22:53.939 --> 00:22:54.159 of 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:54.460 two 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:54.839 other 00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:55.220 people 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:55.619 two 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:56.699 living 00:22:56.699 --> 00:22:57.460 examples 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:57.779 of 00:22:57.779 --> 00:22:58.259 psalm 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:59.720 126 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:03.099 one 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:03.379 is a 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:03.559 woman 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:03.899 from the 00:23:03.899 --> 00:23:04.179 church 00:23:04.179 --> 00:23:04.559 that I 00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:05.139 grew up 00:23:05.139 --> 00:23:05.659 in 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:06.059 on 00:23:06.059 --> 00:23:06.460 the 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:06.799 isle 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:06.980 of 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.500 sky 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:07.819 the 00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:08.379 phrase 00:23:08.379 --> 00:23:08.939 a 00:23:08.939 --> 00:23:09.379 breath 00:23:09.379 --> 00:23:09.599 of 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:09.980 fresh 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.379 air 00:23:10.380 --> 00:23:12.060 was 00:23:12.060 --> 00:23:12.760 invented 00:23:12.760 --> 00:23:13.320 for 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:13.840 her 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:15.600 she 00:23:15.600 --> 00:23:15.740 was 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:15.860 one 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:15.940 of 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:16.100 those 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:16.340 people 00:23:16.340 --> 00:23:16.520 that 00:23:16.520 --> 00:23:16.700 you 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:17.180 heard 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.520 before 00:23:17.520 --> 00:23:17.740 you 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.140 saw 00:23:18.140 --> 00:23:22.380 and 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:22.600 her 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:23.240 English 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:23.800 accent 00:23:23.800 --> 00:23:24.080 and 00:23:24.080 --> 00:23:24.940 infectious 00:23:24.940 --> 00:23:26.060 laugh 00:23:26.060 --> 00:23:27.660 echoed 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.120 round 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:28.660 the 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:28.920 church 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:29.320 building 00:23:29.320 --> 00:23:29.860 every 00:23:29.860 --> 00:23:30.360 week 00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:33.180 we 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:33.680 love 00:23:33.680 --> 00:23:34.040 to go 00:23:34.040 --> 00:23:34.460 to her 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.060 big 00:23:35.060 --> 00:23:35.640 old 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:36.300 falling 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:36.640 down 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:37.180 rambling 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:37.820 house 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:38.460 for 00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:38.800 Sunday 00:23:38.800 --> 00:23:39.380 lunch 00:23:39.380 --> 00:23:42.720 when I 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:43.060 saw her 00:23:43.060 --> 00:23:43.400 recently 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:43.900 she was 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:44.660 exactly 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:44.940 the 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:45.200 same 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:45.680 hair 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.260 that 00:23:46.260 --> 00:23:46.440 was 00:23:46.440 --> 00:23:46.800 blonde 00:23:46.800 --> 00:23:47.180 is 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:47.420 now 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:47.800 grey 00:23:47.800 --> 00:23:50.560 but 00:23:50.560 --> 00:23:50.820 she 00:23:50.820 --> 00:23:51.140 still 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:51.420 has 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:51.560 an 00:23:51.560 --> 00:23:52.320 incredible 00:23:52.320 --> 00:23:52.940 smile 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:56.500 she 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:56.660 has 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:56.940 endured 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:57.280 a lot 00:23:57.280 --> 00:23:57.480 her 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:57.920 husband 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.340 and 00:23:58.340 --> 00:23:58.580 two 00:23:58.580 --> 00:23:58.720 of 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:58.800 her 00:23:58.800 --> 00:23:59.000 grown 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.160 up 00:23:59.160 --> 00:23:59.440 children 00:23:59.440 --> 00:23:59.780 some 00:23:59.780 --> 00:23:59.960 of 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.160 the 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:01.260 healthiest 00:24:01.260 --> 00:24:02.280 outdoor 00:24:02.280 --> 00:24:02.640 loving 00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:03.020 people 00:24:03.020 --> 00:24:03.200 you 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:03.360 could 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:03.580 ever 00:24:03.580 --> 00:24:04.140 imagine 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:04.720 are 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:04.960 now 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:05.320 living 00:24:05.320 --> 00:24:05.620 with 00:24:05.620 --> 00:24:06.100 a 00:24:06.100 --> 00:24:06.940 debilitating 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:08.000 genetic 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.779 disease 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.059 their 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:09.720 muscles 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:10.400 just 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:11.140 wasting 00:24:11.140 --> 00:24:11.700 away 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:14.480 life 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:14.700 is 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.259 very 00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:15.920 hard 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:18.259 but 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:18.500 she 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:18.720 is 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.180 still 00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:19.859 full 00:24:19.859 --> 00:24:20.079 of 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:20.359 joy 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:20.940 still 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:22.019 encouraging 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:22.420 others 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:23.039 still 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:23.640 active 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:23.940 in her 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.180 church 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.680 still 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.299 looking 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:26.500 to the 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:26.940 future 00:24:26.940 --> 00:24:31.259 the 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:31.460 other 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.740 is the 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.039 man 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.859 who 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.680 led 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:34.539 camps 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.420 I 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:35.859 attended 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:36.460 as 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:36.940 a 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:37.420 teenager 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:39.920 his 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:40.640 daughter 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.160 a 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:41.460 student 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:41.720 at 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.160 Aberdeen 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:42.680 University 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.060 went 00:24:43.060 --> 00:24:43.580 missing 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:43.880 in 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:44.259 India 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:46.279 over 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:46.759 30 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:47.039 years 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:47.340 ago 00:24:47.340 --> 00:24:47.620 and 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:47.820 she 00:24:47.820 --> 00:24:48.120 has 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:48.640 never 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:48.940 been 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:49.500 found 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:52.519 it 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:52.720 is 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:53.279 almost 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:54.100 impossible 00:24:54.100 --> 00:24:54.460 to 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.019 try 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:55.259 and 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:55.759 imagine 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.380 suffering 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:57.420 like 00:24:57.420 --> 00:24:57.660 that 00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:57.820 it 00:24:57.820 --> 00:24:57.980 would 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:58.160 be 00:24:58.160 --> 00:24:58.560 no 00:24:58.560 --> 00:24:59.360 surprise 00:24:59.360 --> 00:24:59.680 if 00:24:59.680 --> 00:24:59.920 he 00:24:59.920 --> 00:25:00.140 had 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:00.700 become 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:02.140 consumed 00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:02.840 with 00:25:02.840 --> 00:25:03.300 bitterness 00:25:03.300 --> 00:25:06.279 but 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:06.539 he's 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:07.000 not 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:10.619 he has 00:25:10.619 --> 00:25:11.319 eyes 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:11.559 that 00:25:11.559 --> 00:25:11.779 have 00:25:11.779 --> 00:25:12.200 shed 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:12.799 many 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:13.539 tears 00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:16.319 but 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:16.519 they 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:16.859 still 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:17.500 twinkle 00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:17.779 with 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.099 joy 00:25:18.099 --> 00:25:18.279 as 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:18.579 someone 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.180 said 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:19.440 to me 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:19.839 recently 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.640 love 00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:21.440 just 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.279 shines 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.019 out 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.140 of 00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:24.460 him 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:30.640 that's 00:25:30.640 --> 00:25:31.119 what I 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:31.420 want to 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:31.920 be like 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:32.839 when I 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:33.500 grow up 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.839 don't 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.140 you 00:25:35.140 --> 00:25:38.519 young 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:38.839 people 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.279 children 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.880 let me 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:40.180 tell you 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.519 a secret 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.400 I've 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:42.299 not been 00:25:42.299 --> 00:25:42.500 here 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:42.880 long 00:25:42.880 --> 00:25:46.339 but I 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:46.920 know 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:48.460 that this 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:48.940 church 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.740 is full 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:51.180 of people 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:51.980 like that 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:54.799 people who 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.299 have kept 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:56.160 going as 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:56.660 Christians 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.279 despite 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.240 lots of 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.740 suffering 00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:02.319 people who 00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:02.759 have kept 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:03.359 following 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:03.900 Jesus 00:26:03.900 --> 00:26:06.640 after big 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:07.440 changes 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:09.079 or illness 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:10.120 or after 00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:10.920 someone they 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:11.839 love very 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:12.500 much 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.980 died 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:16.319 people like 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.920 that 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:19.180 people like 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:19.480 that are 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.539 my heroes 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:24.359 and I 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:24.740 hope they'll 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.119 be your 00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:25.579 heroes 00:26:25.579 --> 00:26:26.079 too 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:28.980 you see 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.440 they are 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.119 people who 00:26:30.119 --> 00:26:30.759 wait 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:32.159 for God's 00:26:32.159 --> 00:26:32.859 harvest 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:33.579 suffering 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:34.779 has woken 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.339 them up 00:26:35.339 --> 00:26:37.639 to the 00:26:37.639 --> 00:26:38.139 fact that 00:26:38.139 --> 00:26:38.399 they are 00:26:38.399 --> 00:26:38.940 pilgrims 00:26:38.940 --> 00:26:39.639 it's helped 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:40.119 them see 00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:40.599 what really 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:41.159 matters in 00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:41.460 life 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:43.940 they're 00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:44.639 people who 00:26:44.639 --> 00:26:45.399 long for 00:26:45.399 --> 00:26:45.779 God's 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.079 renewal 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:46.839 they know 00:26:46.839 --> 00:26:48.359 that God's 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:48.980 great day 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:49.559 of future 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.139 joy will 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:50.800 make up 00:26:50.800 --> 00:26:51.580 for all 00:26:51.580 --> 00:26:51.800 the 00:26:51.800 --> 00:26:52.880 disappointments 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:54.560 of this 00:26:54.560 --> 00:26:55.080 age 00:26:55.080 --> 00:26:58.000 and while 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.759 they wait 00:26:58.759 --> 00:27:01.080 while they 00:27:01.080 --> 00:27:01.320 wait 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:02.080 they take 00:27:02.080 --> 00:27:03.759 great comfort 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:06.560 from 00:27:06.560 --> 00:27:07.759 the fact 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:09.920 that 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.580 Jesus 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:13.180 was a 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:13.740 man of 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.480 sorrows 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:17.740 you see 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.440 the path 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.100 laid out 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:19.860 in Psalm 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:21.319 126 00:27:21.319 --> 00:27:21.740 is a 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.339 path 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:24.079 that 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:24.639 Jesus 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.379 walked 00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:27.939 joy 00:27:27.939 --> 00:27:28.359 and 00:27:28.359 --> 00:27:29.179 pain 00:27:29.179 --> 00:27:32.039 suffering 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:33.939 and glory 00:27:33.939 --> 00:27:34.679 these 00:27:34.679 --> 00:27:35.099 are the 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:35.619 realities 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:35.979 that 00:27:35.979 --> 00:27:36.579 Jesus 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:38.299 has 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.019 tasted 00:27:39.019 --> 00:27:39.079 ! 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:39.480 God 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:39.680 said 00:27:39.680 --> 00:27:40.019 that 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:40.480 Jesus 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:40.480 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:40.559 the 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.480 cross 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:52.539 as he 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:52.859 went to 00:27:52.859 --> 00:27:53.240 Calvary 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:54.079 as he 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:54.639 carried 00:27:54.639 --> 00:27:54.900 our 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:55.319 sins 00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:55.680 on his 00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:56.160 shoulders 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:58.180 Jesus 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:58.740 knew he 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.440 was redeeming 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.299 men and 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:00.799 women 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.839 boys and 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.139 girls 00:28:02.139 --> 00:28:02.940 a great 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:03.700 multitude 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.480 that no 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.019 one can 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:05.619 count 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:07.619 for God 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:10.419 the thought 00:28:10.419 --> 00:28:11.199 of that 00:28:11.199 --> 00:28:12.299 harvest 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:17.179 which you 00:28:17.179 --> 00:28:17.779 are a part 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.379 of if you 00:28:18.379 --> 00:28:18.639 are a 00:28:18.639 --> 00:28:18.979 Christian 00:28:18.979 --> 00:28:19.519 tonight 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:21.119 the thought 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:21.819 of that 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:22.599 harvest 00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:24.439 filled his 00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:25.059 heart 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:26.939 with joy 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:29.680 he plunged 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:31.019 right in 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:33.420 to a 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:34.140 world of 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:34.640 sin 00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:35.640 and sorrow 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:36.840 he wept 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:38.240 and suffered 00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:39.340 and bled 00:28:39.340 --> 00:28:40.600 and died 00:28:40.600 --> 00:28:42.519 to bring 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.200 many 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:44.180 sons 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.680 to glory 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:49.759 one day 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:51.279 we will 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:51.799 see his 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.460 scars 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:55.320 one day 00:28:55.320 --> 00:28:56.779 we will 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:57.320 see his 00:28:57.320 --> 00:28:57.820 face 00:28:57.820 --> 00:28:59.140 the kindest 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.880 face 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:02.000 we have 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:02.680 ever seen 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:05.080 and we 00:29:05.080 --> 00:29:05.940 will laugh 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:07.519 and cry 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:09.640 and dance 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:11.860 and sing 00:29:11.860 --> 00:29:14.700 Amen