WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.880 I'll please turn up Luke chapter 2, page 857 if you're following in the black church Bibles. 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:19.879 And as we look back over the last week or so, Luke chapter 2, O come, O come, O come, Emmanuel, that's verse 3. 00:00:20.800 --> 00:00:23.300 Once in royal David's city, that's verse 4. 00:00:24.560 --> 00:00:26.699 Joy to the world, verse 10. 00:00:26.699 --> 00:00:31.859 Then, verse 14, that's hark the herald angels sing. 00:00:32.920 --> 00:00:35.820 And verse 18, God rest ye merry gentlemen. 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:39.399 Then what? 00:00:41.340 --> 00:00:43.780 The Savior has been born, but what happened next? 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:48.000 What followed that first Christmas day? 00:00:48.579 --> 00:00:50.859 It's certainly not just business as usual, is it? 00:00:50.859 --> 00:01:00.920 After all that we heard in the run-up and on the day of Christmas itself, it simply cannot be business as usual. 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:03.619 And this morning I want us to read on. 00:01:03.719 --> 00:01:10.480 I want us to read the verses that follow the Christmas story to get a fuller picture of the Savior who has come. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:14.480 And also of the salvation that he has come to bring. 00:01:14.780 --> 00:01:22.980 And I hope what we'll see is that Jesus, the Jesus of Christmas, isn't somebody that we can pack up at the end of the season. 00:01:23.140 --> 00:01:24.219 He deserves our attention. 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:25.760 He deserves our devotion. 00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:29.820 He deserves our commitment all year round. 00:01:29.900 --> 00:01:33.060 We shouldn't pack him away with the decorations in January. 00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:39.859 And the first reason for that is, verses 21 to 24 of Luke chapter 2, we see, first of all, that he is a suitable Savior. 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:42.320 He's a suitable Savior. 00:01:42.460 --> 00:01:46.400 Every time there's a new government that comes in, our hopes get raised a little bit. 00:01:46.460 --> 00:01:49.879 Every time a new president comes into the White House, people get excited. 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:55.760 And it's probably because we think, well, this time we might just, if we just might get the leader we need. 00:01:56.579 --> 00:01:58.140 This one, he might be the one. 00:01:58.240 --> 00:01:59.099 She might be the one. 00:01:59.099 --> 00:02:02.299 But that hope is always, always dashed. 00:02:02.399 --> 00:02:10.680 Every single time that hope is dashed because the same old problems associated with their humanity reemerge. 00:02:11.340 --> 00:02:21.099 We discover, sometimes quickly, sometimes it takes a bit of time, but we discover that we're dealing with a sinful, broken, selfish person. 00:02:21.099 --> 00:02:24.280 A diminished person. 00:02:24.900 --> 00:02:26.780 A person who is not perfect. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:30.199 A person who has flaws and weaknesses. 00:02:30.599 --> 00:02:32.180 We're dealing with someone like us. 00:02:34.120 --> 00:02:37.459 It's whatever you think the big problem that we have in the world. 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:43.859 Whatever the biggest problems that you see around us, whether it's greed or lack of compassion or corruption or pride or whatever it is, 00:02:43.860 --> 00:02:49.860 when you see those things out there, when you see them in our leaders and those that are ruling over us, 00:02:50.440 --> 00:02:57.120 if you're prepared to be honest with yourself, you know that your own heart finds an expression of those things as well. 00:02:57.180 --> 00:02:58.340 It's the same for us all. 00:02:59.740 --> 00:03:01.660 And the upshot of that is that we have a problem. 00:03:01.760 --> 00:03:05.300 And it's not just that our lives don't tend to work the way we want them to. 00:03:05.300 --> 00:03:11.100 It's not just that that makes us unhappy or vulnerable or whatever it might be. 00:03:11.439 --> 00:03:15.640 It is that it breaks the relationship that we were designed to have with our maker. 00:03:16.200 --> 00:03:23.920 That's why no president or prime minister or pop icon or pope, for that matter, can put things right. 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:28.820 Because they, as human beings, cannot deal with the problem of sin. 00:03:28.819 --> 00:03:31.620 What we need is a leader. 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:35.560 We need one who will come in perfect obedience to God and his law. 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:40.280 And that is the point that Luke makes straight after the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2. 00:03:40.340 --> 00:03:41.519 Verse 21, can you see? 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:45.519 At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, 00:03:45.659 --> 00:03:48.259 the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:52.519 And when the time came for their purification, according to the law of Moses, 00:03:52.780 --> 00:03:57.259 they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord. 00:03:57.259 --> 00:04:01.000 Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord, 00:04:01.060 --> 00:04:06.039 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, 00:04:06.079 --> 00:04:08.919 a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:11.500 Why are we given that information? 00:04:12.179 --> 00:04:16.819 All the skies have burst open over the Christmas story with the birth of this little one, 00:04:17.139 --> 00:04:21.759 and then we get all of this information about details about law keeping. 00:04:22.879 --> 00:04:25.680 Jesus was circumcised according to the demands of the law. 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:26.339 Verse 21, 00:04:27.259 --> 00:04:31.360 Mary and Joseph observed the requirement for purification following childbirth, 00:04:31.779 --> 00:04:32.779 demanded by the law. 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:33.620 Verse 22, 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:39.360 Jesus was then taken to the temple to be consecrated according to the law. 00:04:40.680 --> 00:04:45.199 Mary and Joseph offered sacrifices that were necessary at this time, 00:04:45.399 --> 00:04:48.420 and their humble sacrifice reflects their poverty. 00:04:48.420 --> 00:04:55.120 Mention of obedience to the law is made again in verse 27 and again in verse 39. 00:04:55.120 --> 00:04:59.060 In total, five times obedience to the law is mentioned. 00:04:59.819 --> 00:05:04.700 And the reason for that is that Luke is making the point that from the very start of his life, 00:05:05.220 --> 00:05:07.879 Jesus fulfilled the requirements of God's law. 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:12.399 Jesus belonged to God in obedience, 00:05:12.399 --> 00:05:17.540 and from the very beginning he met the righteous requirements of God's law. 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:20.120 Now why make this point? 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:26.120 Well, because while yes, we are saved ultimately by Christ's death and resurrection, 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:29.920 for his sacrifice to be satisfactory, 00:05:30.639 --> 00:05:32.379 he needed to be spotless. 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:37.939 He needed to show perfect obedience to the whole law of God. 00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:42.579 He needed to keep the will of God consistently the whole way through his life. 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:44.899 God couldn't overlook his law. 00:05:44.899 --> 00:05:47.959 God couldn't turn a blind eye to his law, 00:05:48.039 --> 00:05:50.000 the requirements that were established. 00:05:50.779 --> 00:05:53.859 If anyone would be saved, the law must be kept. 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:55.859 But Jesus does that. 00:05:56.679 --> 00:05:58.799 He keeps the law for his people. 00:05:59.839 --> 00:06:01.779 He does it for us in our place. 00:06:02.459 --> 00:06:05.419 And here we see the beginning of the first steps of that process. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:08.339 This is absolutely vital. 00:06:08.419 --> 00:06:10.099 If any one of us are going to be saved, 00:06:10.159 --> 00:06:11.459 that he did these things, 00:06:11.459 --> 00:06:15.379 and he shows himself here to be a suitable Savior. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:18.819 So when you look at the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:06:18.899 --> 00:06:21.779 and you see all of the requirements of the law being met, 00:06:21.839 --> 00:06:24.519 you celebrate because he has done that for you. 00:06:26.219 --> 00:06:29.339 All of the requirements that needed to be met were met by him, 00:06:29.459 --> 00:06:31.319 even from his very first days. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:34.139 He is a suitable Savior. 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:37.779 The second thing that Luke wants us to see here more substantial 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:39.479 is that he is a global Savior. 00:06:40.099 --> 00:06:40.899 A global Savior. 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:42.199 Verses 31 and 32. 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:44.159 All the way through the first chapters of Luke. 00:06:44.779 --> 00:06:45.779 If you know the gospel, 00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:49.120 we see and hear people singing about this baby. 00:06:50.479 --> 00:06:51.399 Verse 28. 00:06:51.539 --> 00:06:52.599 Simeon is no different. 00:06:52.699 --> 00:06:53.139 Can you see? 00:06:53.599 --> 00:06:55.219 He has, verse 25, we're told, 00:06:55.299 --> 00:06:56.759 been waiting for God's Messiah. 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:01.279 And by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, 00:07:01.359 --> 00:07:03.120 he comes to the temple on this day 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:05.639 to discover that this baby is the one 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:08.819 that he and God's people have been looking out for. 00:07:08.919 --> 00:07:10.019 And he can't stop himself. 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:11.099 Look at verse 29. 00:07:11.899 --> 00:07:15.639 Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace 00:07:15.639 --> 00:07:16.680 according to your word. 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:19.079 For my eyes have seen your salvation 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:22.339 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:24.500 a light for revelation to the Gentiles 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:26.719 and for glory to your people Israel. 00:07:26.720 --> 00:07:29.400 This old man is just delighted. 00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:33.540 He realizes that the baby here is the Messiah. 00:07:34.300 --> 00:07:36.600 And so he has seen with his own eyes God's salvation. 00:07:36.940 --> 00:07:39.140 And what is striking, what is new here, 00:07:39.200 --> 00:07:42.620 is the scope of the salvation that Jesus will bring. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:44.400 There's been lots of celebrating, 00:07:44.600 --> 00:07:48.340 lots of singing over the Christmas story. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:50.420 But what is new here is the scope. 00:07:50.520 --> 00:07:51.320 Look at verse 31. 00:07:51.319 --> 00:07:53.740 It is a salvation for all peoples. 00:07:54.719 --> 00:07:55.399 Verse 32. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:08:00.000 Gentiles, as well as Israelites, will be included. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:04.159 The questions of who's in and who's out 00:08:04.159 --> 00:08:06.899 permeate our culture at all kinds of levels. 00:08:07.860 --> 00:08:09.379 You can be part of this group 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:11.759 if you dress this way, but not that way. 00:08:12.500 --> 00:08:15.360 You can be part of us if you speak this way, 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:17.360 but you're very definitely not one of us 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:19.160 if you speak that way. 00:08:19.840 --> 00:08:23.500 You belong around here if you believe this creed 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:26.800 and usually signal to others that you believe it, 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:29.120 but you don't belong if you don't. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:33.759 And by believe, we mean endorse and celebrate and affirm. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:36.100 And if you don't do those things, 00:08:36.340 --> 00:08:38.180 you very definitely don't belong. 00:08:39.220 --> 00:08:40.300 Who's in and who's out? 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:43.360 In fact, this elitism gets pretty dark, 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:44.580 actually, when you think about it, 00:08:44.600 --> 00:08:46.759 when it comes to the rights of the weak and the vulnerable. 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:48.100 In our society. 00:08:48.539 --> 00:08:49.200 The unborn. 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:50.639 Or the disabled. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:53.500 Or now, the elderly, as well. 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:55.720 The reason that you don't belong 00:08:55.720 --> 00:08:57.620 is because you're an inconvenience. 00:08:59.500 --> 00:09:01.019 It's not like that with Jesus. 00:09:03.379 --> 00:09:06.039 The Savior that God has sent is a global Savior 00:09:06.039 --> 00:09:10.519 in the sense that all are invited to come to Him. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:11.580 Well, what do we mean by all? 00:09:11.659 --> 00:09:13.980 Well, first of all, it's clear that it means all nations. 00:09:13.980 --> 00:09:17.000 Simeon's language here echoes Isaiah's prophecy 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:19.159 in Isaiah 49 verse 6, 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:21.639 where the Lord speaks to Israel saying, 00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:25.680 It is too light a thing that you should be my servant 00:09:25.680 --> 00:09:27.259 to raise up the tribes of Jacob 00:09:27.259 --> 00:09:29.200 and to bring back the preserved of Israel. 00:09:29.639 --> 00:09:32.240 I will make you as a light to the nations 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:37.480 that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. 00:09:37.480 --> 00:09:39.519 To the nations. 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:41.720 To the end of the earth. 00:09:41.899 --> 00:09:44.639 Israel will receive glory as the nation 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:46.759 through whom the Messiah has come, 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:49.440 but the rescue extends to the end of the earth. 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:54.060 That's wonderful news. 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:56.740 And it's wonderful news for a start for us 00:09:56.740 --> 00:10:00.720 here this morning because it means that we have been included. 00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:04.460 When you look around the room here, 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:05.399 do it now. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:07.379 When you look around here each Lord's Day, 00:10:07.480 --> 00:10:10.120 we see so many nations represented. 00:10:11.160 --> 00:10:14.580 God had each of the countries represented in this room in mind 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:16.320 when He said this through the mouth of Isaiah 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:17.740 all those years ago. 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:19.920 All the nations. 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:22.360 The end of the earth. 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:26.639 So we're included and so we can celebrate. 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:27.980 That is good news for us. 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:31.620 But it is also the fact that the gospel that we preach 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:33.899 is for every nation under the sun. 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:38.019 And so you will never set your eyes on another human being 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:41.360 to whom the offer of this salvation is not open. 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:46.720 We cannot exhaust the scope of Jesus' reach. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:48.200 Simeon looks at this baby 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:52.279 and he sees the one who has come to bring salvation to the world. 00:10:53.420 --> 00:10:54.480 Now what that means, 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:55.759 if you're here this morning 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:58.100 and you're looking into the Christian faith 00:10:58.100 --> 00:11:00.639 and you're from, well, 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:02.980 any one of the nations on the face of the earth, 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:03.779 so that's you, 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:04.980 if that's you, 00:11:06.200 --> 00:11:08.960 Jesus will not reject you on the basis of your ethnicity. 00:11:11.240 --> 00:11:12.960 Wherever you've come from in the world, 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:15.779 the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ 00:11:15.779 --> 00:11:17.439 is for you. 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:18.779 All nations. 00:11:19.200 --> 00:11:21.700 Secondly, the all means all types. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:23.220 All types. 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:23.980 What do I mean by that? 00:11:24.040 --> 00:11:26.019 Well, Luke's account up to this point 00:11:26.019 --> 00:11:29.420 shines a light on the lives of a broad group of people. 00:11:30.680 --> 00:11:31.460 Do you notice that as, 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:33.899 perhaps if you know Luke's gospel, 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:38.300 but also if you've been in it through the Christmas period, 00:11:38.860 --> 00:11:40.620 we've got Zechariah and Elizabeth. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:42.460 They're an older priestly couple. 00:11:43.740 --> 00:11:44.620 Mary and Joseph, 00:11:45.340 --> 00:11:47.980 the stars of the show in some ways up to this point, 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:49.259 the poor, 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:50.399 ordinary couple. 00:11:51.879 --> 00:11:52.879 The shepherds 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:54.580 out on the hills, 00:11:54.720 --> 00:11:55.440 they're hardy, 00:11:55.560 --> 00:11:56.940 they're spiritual outsiders. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.519 And then Simeon here, 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:00.180 the aging, 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.500 devout God-fearer, 00:12:01.820 --> 00:12:02.560 and Anna, 00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:03.539 the elderly, 00:12:03.899 --> 00:12:04.139 widow, 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:04.639 prophet. 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.960 It's a broad group of people. 00:12:07.680 --> 00:12:09.139 They have one thing in common, 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:11.440 that is that they come to see that Jesus is the Messiah 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:13.020 and they praise God and worship Him. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:15.140 But it is in their difference 00:12:15.140 --> 00:12:18.340 that we are to see how Jesus isn't just for all nations. 00:12:18.940 --> 00:12:20.620 He is for all types of people as well. 00:12:21.920 --> 00:12:23.480 Every type of person 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:27.880 can receive the salvation that Jesus has come to bring. 00:12:29.900 --> 00:12:32.700 Now those questions of who's in and who's out in our culture, 00:12:32.920 --> 00:12:35.160 they are so powerful and so influential. 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:39.220 And it extends even further than that 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:41.139 because the values that our culture holds 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:43.960 about what is good and true and beautiful, 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:45.080 well, 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:47.639 our culture worships beauty and success. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:49.940 Jesus came for the ordinary. 00:12:51.080 --> 00:12:55.060 Our culture loves to organize itself in tribes with people like us. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:57.500 Jesus came for the outsider. 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:01.779 Our culture idolizes youth and rejects the elderly. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.240 Jesus came for them both. 00:13:04.580 --> 00:13:07.460 Jesus is a Savior for all. 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:09.620 Whoever you are, 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:11.540 wherever you're from, 00:13:12.300 --> 00:13:13.759 whatever color your skin, 00:13:14.460 --> 00:13:16.080 whatever stage of life you're at, 00:13:16.660 --> 00:13:19.300 whatever you've done with your life up to now. 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:22.200 If you put your faith in Jesus, 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:24.280 He will rescue you from your sin. 00:13:24.900 --> 00:13:26.840 And He will reconcile you 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:29.420 to the God who made you for Himself 00:13:29.420 --> 00:13:30.379 and who loves you 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:32.259 and sent His Son to do this 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:34.720 to bring this relationship into being. 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:37.500 Jesus is a Savior for all. 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:41.920 Mary and Joseph marvel at this wonderful news. 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:44.080 But Simeon then turns to Mary 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:47.259 and verse 34 explains how this will happen. 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:48.779 Look at verse 34. 00:13:49.139 --> 00:13:52.680 Behold, this child is appointed for the fall 00:13:52.680 --> 00:13:53.940 and rising of many in Israel 00:13:53.940 --> 00:13:55.440 and for a sign that is opposed 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:58.720 and a sword will pierce through your own soul also. 00:13:58.720 --> 00:14:02.480 So the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:06.680 Here is the first hint of the great suffering 00:14:06.680 --> 00:14:07.840 that Jesus would endure 00:14:07.840 --> 00:14:09.759 in order to accomplish this salvation. 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:11.540 This was unexpected, of course. 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:14.100 The people expected that when their Messiah would come, 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:16.620 when God's rescuing King would arrive, 00:14:16.720 --> 00:14:17.620 He would come in power 00:14:17.620 --> 00:14:19.160 and He would sweep aside the enemies 00:14:19.160 --> 00:14:23.600 and He would victoriously redeem His people. 00:14:24.160 --> 00:14:26.200 But here we see that something else is in store. 00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:27.220 That's not the plan. 00:14:27.320 --> 00:14:28.840 That's not what God is going to do. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:31.820 His Messiah will be spoken against 00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:34.240 as people take their stand against Him. 00:14:35.140 --> 00:14:36.259 He will be mocked. 00:14:36.520 --> 00:14:37.580 He'll be despised. 00:14:37.660 --> 00:14:38.460 He'll be rejected. 00:14:38.640 --> 00:14:40.080 In the end, those who oppose Him 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:42.259 will nail Him to a cross to die. 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:46.560 At that point, as she stands at the foot of the cross, 00:14:46.660 --> 00:14:48.200 Mary, His mother, who looks at Him now, 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:49.759 all small and wriggly, 00:14:49.900 --> 00:14:51.420 and Simeon's hands will experience 00:14:51.420 --> 00:14:53.200 the piercing of her own soul. 00:14:53.320 --> 00:14:54.500 That's what He's saying here. 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:58.539 But in that sadness, 00:14:58.899 --> 00:15:00.679 in that rejection, that mockery, 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:02.799 that suffering, and ultimately that death, 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:04.879 that is how this global salvation 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:06.700 will be accomplished. 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:09.799 God's plan for His Messiah 00:15:09.799 --> 00:15:12.580 is that He will suffer and die for sinners. 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:14.940 The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:16.340 it wasn't surprising. 00:15:16.779 --> 00:15:17.940 Here we're being told about it 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:19.519 right at the beginning of Jesus' life. 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:21.620 It wasn't an unexpected thing 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:23.379 that caught God off guard, 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.700 but it is the fulfillment 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:26.740 of God's global salvation plan. 00:15:27.460 --> 00:15:30.799 It will only be through the shed blood of Jesus. 00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:32.919 Revelation 5 tells us 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:35.139 that He will purchase men for God 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:36.860 from every tribe and language 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:38.620 and people and nation. 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:42.220 Let me ask you this morning, 00:15:42.320 --> 00:15:44.679 have you received that salvation? 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:49.600 We've already seen that you fit the criteria. 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:52.179 All nations and all people, 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:53.259 you're in there somewhere. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.580 Have you put your faith in Him? 00:15:57.899 --> 00:15:59.539 You can do it now in your seat. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:02.820 You can say in the quietness of your own heart, 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.080 Lord Jesus, 00:16:04.400 --> 00:16:06.860 I realize that I've lived my life without You. 00:16:07.260 --> 00:16:09.580 I realize that You have come to save me. 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:11.160 Please do that. 00:16:11.540 --> 00:16:13.560 I turn from my sins and give my life to You. 00:16:15.180 --> 00:16:16.720 Let me encourage you to do that 00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:18.300 if you haven't yet done that in your life. 00:16:18.700 --> 00:16:19.940 Let me encourage you also, 00:16:20.060 --> 00:16:21.220 look again at verse 34. 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.879 Don't fall into verse 34. 00:16:23.020 --> 00:16:23.440 Do you see? 00:16:24.060 --> 00:16:24.760 Simeon's comment, 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:26.280 it doesn't just point forward 00:16:26.280 --> 00:16:28.400 to the suffering that Jesus will endure. 00:16:28.680 --> 00:16:30.860 It also shows us that not everyone 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.860 will accept the salvation that He offers. 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.560 This child, verse 34, 00:16:35.680 --> 00:16:38.100 is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:40.200 and for a sign that is opposed 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:42.840 and a sword will pierce through your own soul also 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:46.840 so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. 00:16:47.279 --> 00:16:49.180 You see, when we talk about a Savior 00:16:49.180 --> 00:16:54.200 and particularly we talk about the problem 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:57.360 from which men and women need to be saved, 00:16:58.539 --> 00:16:59.920 hearts are revealed. 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:04.200 The message invokes a response. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:07.559 When we talk about these things, 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:10.360 some people laugh at the idea of needing salvation. 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:13.200 They think, yes, I look at the world out there 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:14.819 and I see that it's in a real mess. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:17.539 But the problem is dot, dot, dot, fill in the blank. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.400 It's the economy. 00:17:18.620 --> 00:17:19.460 It's education. 00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:21.420 It's some sort of political solution. 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:24.819 Maybe if we just get a leg up, 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:26.660 maybe give us a bit of wisdom, 00:17:26.759 --> 00:17:27.420 a bit of advice, 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:28.640 that will sort it all out. 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:35.340 You remember the erstwhile Alan Partridge, 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:37.580 when his television career hit the skids, 00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:39.620 he said to his beleaguered PA, 00:17:39.820 --> 00:17:41.920 who hinted that he might think about going to church, 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:42.900 he said, 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:44.740 I don't need salvation, Lynn. 00:17:44.780 --> 00:17:45.880 I need a second series. 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:48.820 Lots of us think like that. 00:17:49.560 --> 00:17:50.560 We think, actually, 00:17:50.820 --> 00:17:52.640 we don't need all your church stuff. 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:53.759 We don't need Jesus. 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:55.019 We don't need salvation. 00:17:55.320 --> 00:17:56.660 Christmas is lovely, of course. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:58.900 We do certain things around this time of year 00:17:58.900 --> 00:18:01.000 that are giving me the feel goods and so on. 00:18:01.040 --> 00:18:01.980 We don't need that. 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:05.960 What I need is our own version of a second series. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.279 Some laugh at the idea. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.960 Others find it offensive. 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:12.839 Maybe that's you. 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:15.759 The idea of somebody telling you 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:19.460 that you are personally sinful before a holy God, 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:21.360 well, that's too much for your sensibilities. 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:24.860 And, frankly, you think it's scandalous. 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:28.699 How dare people say that to me? 00:18:29.419 --> 00:18:31.639 And so you walk away from Jesus. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.599 The truth is, 00:18:34.699 --> 00:18:37.019 when Jesus and his cross are mentioned, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.819 hearts are revealed. 00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:42.459 Our true character is exposed. 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:46.179 And that is the dividing line 00:18:46.179 --> 00:18:49.899 that runs all the way through history. 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:52.419 When Christ is mentioned, 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:55.180 whether it's in the preaching at church 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:58.200 or a conversation at your Christmas party 00:18:58.200 --> 00:19:00.660 or a boxing day when you get together 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:02.220 with your friends 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:04.180 or in any other kind of context 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:06.580 where you mention the name of Jesus, 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:09.080 there are always those who will reject him 00:19:09.080 --> 00:19:10.220 and reject his salvation, 00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:12.660 and there are those who humble themselves 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.980 to receive it. 00:19:14.800 --> 00:19:17.200 But there is no middle ground. 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.660 So let me ask you, 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.660 what is your response? 00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:23.960 Are you for Jesus 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:25.460 or are you against him? 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:29.380 It is no exaggeration to say 00:19:29.380 --> 00:19:31.039 that this is the defining question 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:33.620 for every man or every woman 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:34.700 who ever lives. 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:39.880 Because what God will do with us for eternity 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:42.060 rests on what we will do with Jesus. 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:45.800 So let me encourage you, 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:47.920 come to him in repentance. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:51.980 Hold to him in faith 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:55.720 and be drawn into the global salvation 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.680 that he has come 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:59.480 and is perfectly qualified to bring. 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.400 And let me show you, 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:02.480 let's read on, 00:20:02.560 --> 00:20:04.759 let me show you where this will inevitably lead. 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:06.120 Let's look one more time 00:20:06.120 --> 00:20:08.320 at these two saints in the temple, 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.740 Simeon and Anna, 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:11.220 because it is in their response 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:13.039 that we see the nature of the salvation 00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:14.120 that Jesus brings. 00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:15.500 If he is, 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:16.079 first of all, 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:16.959 a suitable savior, 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:17.799 and secondly, 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.759 a global savior, 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:20.779 I want us to see thirdly and finally 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.759 for a couple of moments, 00:20:22.239 --> 00:20:23.879 he brings a joyous salvation. 00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:27.019 A joyous salvation. 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:29.239 Both Simeon in verse 25 00:20:29.239 --> 00:20:31.379 and Anna in verse 38 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:33.099 are waiting for the consolation, 00:20:33.239 --> 00:20:34.899 the redemption of Israel. 00:20:35.219 --> 00:20:37.599 They are waiting for God's rescuing king 00:20:37.599 --> 00:20:38.339 to come. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:41.139 And for Anna in particular, 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.059 we get the impression 00:20:42.059 --> 00:20:43.940 that this has been a long and devoted wait. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.919 Look at verse 36. 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.399 She was advanced in years, 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:48.740 having lived with her husband seven years 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.700 from when she was a virgin, 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:52.799 and then as a widow until she was 84. 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:54.539 More literally, 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.259 that reads, 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:58.980 or then as a widow for 84 years. 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:01.599 She did not depart from the temple, 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:03.139 worshiping with fasting 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:04.700 and prayer night and day. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.819 Year after year, 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:08.339 waiting and waiting and waiting. 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.619 Waiting for God's promise 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:10.720 of a rescuing king. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:12.620 Waiting for the promise of a savior 00:21:12.620 --> 00:21:14.200 to come to pass. 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.579 And now he's here. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:17.559 And look how they respond. 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:18.680 Simeon, verse 29, 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:19.620 is overjoyed. 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:21.720 Lord, now you are letting your servant 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:23.299 depart in peace according to your word, 00:21:23.380 --> 00:21:25.220 for my eyes have seen your salvation. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.220 He's saying, 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:27.680 oh, I can die happy. 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:30.220 I have seen Jesus. 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:32.299 I need nothing more. 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:35.000 It is the most exciting day 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:36.000 of this man's life. 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:36.920 It's the same with Anna, 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:37.700 verse 38. 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:39.720 Coming up at that very hour, 00:21:40.100 --> 00:21:42.080 she began to give thanks to God 00:21:42.080 --> 00:21:43.720 and to speak of him 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:45.160 to all who were waiting 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:47.340 for the redemption of Jerusalem. 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:49.180 She's praising God 00:21:49.180 --> 00:21:49.860 and she's saying, 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:51.380 guys, he's here. 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:52.980 He's here. 00:21:53.100 --> 00:21:54.059 Look, there he is. 00:21:54.120 --> 00:21:55.380 Our savior has come. 00:21:56.660 --> 00:21:58.480 And it's true with every single person 00:21:58.480 --> 00:22:00.019 in Luke's gospel from the beginning. 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:03.120 Since the very start of his gospel, 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.440 he's drawn a straight line, 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:06.340 a big, fat, straight line 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:08.000 between identifying Jesus 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:09.940 and being filled with joy. 00:22:11.860 --> 00:22:14.299 Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah, 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:14.820 you remember, 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:16.279 he had a bit of a false start, 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:17.980 but he got there eventually 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:20.600 and now Simeon and Anna join in. 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:22.360 That is what happens 00:22:22.360 --> 00:22:24.920 for anyone who can see 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:26.360 and embrace God's salvation. 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:30.420 When someone grasps 00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:31.940 who Jesus Christ really is, 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:34.420 the natural response should be joy. 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:36.539 And how much more for us 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:37.279 here this morning? 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:40.360 How much more for us 00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:41.980 than these saints of old? 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.279 Because we have even more 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.539 to go on than they did. 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.799 We don't merely look 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:48.380 at a baby in hope, 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.420 but we look back 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:51.480 to an empty cross 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.900 and an empty tomb, 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:54.019 the fulfillment of all 00:22:54.019 --> 00:22:54.900 that Simeon and Anna 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:56.039 were looking forward to. 00:22:56.340 --> 00:22:57.539 We can see that the baby 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.900 wasn't just born at Christmas, 00:22:59.019 --> 00:23:00.120 but that he lived the life 00:23:00.120 --> 00:23:01.000 that we should have lived. 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.580 He died the death 00:23:02.580 --> 00:23:03.420 that we deserved. 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.560 He rose again 00:23:04.560 --> 00:23:06.000 to secure our salvation. 00:23:06.800 --> 00:23:07.060 Indeed, 00:23:07.580 --> 00:23:08.880 he ascended to heaven. 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.519 That wasn't a, 00:23:09.640 --> 00:23:11.160 even if that had happened, 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:12.100 it would have been incredible, 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.740 but he ascended to heaven 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.620 and he has sent us 00:23:14.620 --> 00:23:15.340 his Holy Spirit 00:23:15.340 --> 00:23:17.000 who has come to live in us, 00:23:17.060 --> 00:23:18.200 the Spirit of Christ, 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:19.600 and to assure us 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:20.680 that we belong to him, 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:22.160 that he holds us fast, 00:23:22.300 --> 00:23:23.720 and that he will get us 00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:24.779 home to glory. 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:28.440 What do you think you need 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:28.940 in life? 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.420 What do you think you need 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.420 more than anything else? 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.899 A sense of personal significance? 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.180 Lots of us think 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:36.059 that that's the answer. 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:38.379 You are loved by the God 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.480 of all the earth. 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.920 You have the approval 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:41.619 and acceptance 00:23:41.619 --> 00:23:42.899 of the one who defines 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:44.059 reality itself. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:46.000 Nothing else conveys 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:47.139 significance like that. 00:23:47.140 --> 00:23:51.820 Do you think you need 00:23:51.820 --> 00:23:52.759 a sense of purpose? 00:23:53.040 --> 00:23:53.980 That your life 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:55.520 actually counts for something? 00:23:56.620 --> 00:23:57.040 Well, 00:23:57.100 --> 00:23:58.259 when you trust the Lord Jesus, 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.040 nothing you do 00:23:59.040 --> 00:23:59.580 is meaningless 00:23:59.580 --> 00:24:00.860 because it can all be done 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:01.620 for his pleasure. 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:04.580 When you are in the Lord, 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:05.520 your labor, 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:06.540 whatever it is, 00:24:06.600 --> 00:24:07.800 whatever it is that you do, 00:24:07.860 --> 00:24:08.460 as long as it's not 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.320 explicitly sinful, 00:24:09.620 --> 00:24:10.560 is not in vain. 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:12.320 Whatever it is, 00:24:12.340 --> 00:24:13.259 it will be taken up 00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:14.460 and used in the purposes 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:15.560 of God. 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:16.620 So much of us 00:24:16.619 --> 00:24:18.259 are looking for our lives 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:18.819 to count. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.019 So much of us 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.199 want to be significant. 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:22.459 That instinct is normal 00:24:22.459 --> 00:24:23.539 and good and natural. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.239 Well, 00:24:24.439 --> 00:24:25.839 it only matters 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:27.799 if you're in the Lord Jesus. 00:24:28.739 --> 00:24:29.139 Otherwise, 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.899 it's all been a waste. 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.059 Do you think you need a helper? 00:24:37.399 --> 00:24:38.399 You're not interested 00:24:38.399 --> 00:24:39.279 in leaving a mark. 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.500 You're just simply interested 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.459 in getting to the end. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.379 You just want to make it 00:24:42.379 --> 00:24:43.259 to the end of the week. 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.799 Maybe you think, 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:45.839 the thing I need 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.459 more than anything 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.019 is a helper 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:48.319 to keep me from stumbling. 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:49.940 One who will 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:52.100 sustain me in this life. 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:53.559 One who will keep me 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.100 from falling 00:24:54.100 --> 00:24:54.860 and when I fall 00:24:54.860 --> 00:24:55.860 will pick me up again. 00:24:57.340 --> 00:24:58.240 God gives 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.380 all His children 00:24:59.380 --> 00:25:00.600 the Holy Spirit 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:02.200 to live in us 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:03.100 and to enable us 00:25:03.100 --> 00:25:04.100 to resist temptation, 00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:05.779 to live in a way 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:06.640 that pleases Him, 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.860 to keep going. 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:09.079 And when we fail 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:09.900 and when we fall, 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:10.740 He picks us up 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.980 and sets us 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:12.799 on our feet again. 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:16.440 What do you need? 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.519 Maybe you need 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.359 a secure future. 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.480 You think, 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:21.480 everything's uncertain. 00:25:21.899 --> 00:25:22.659 How on earth 00:25:22.659 --> 00:25:23.539 am I going to secure 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:24.960 the future? 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.659 Well, in Christ 00:25:25.659 --> 00:25:26.519 you have an inheritance 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.440 that won't perish 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:28.579 or spoil or fade. 00:25:28.659 --> 00:25:29.319 It's an inheritance 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:30.220 that God is keeping 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:30.759 for you. 00:25:31.159 --> 00:25:32.359 And when your earthly 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:33.319 race is run, 00:25:33.419 --> 00:25:34.139 even death, 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:35.019 our greatest enemy, 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.039 death, 00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:36.940 that thing that causes 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:37.619 all of us 00:25:37.619 --> 00:25:38.519 to fear the most. 00:25:38.639 --> 00:25:39.919 It can't hold us 00:25:39.919 --> 00:25:40.799 in Christ. 00:25:42.359 --> 00:25:43.179 Even then, 00:25:43.239 --> 00:25:44.479 when we die physically, 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.379 we step into 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:47.079 the presence of God 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:48.159 where there are 00:25:48.159 --> 00:25:49.319 pleasures 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:50.599 forevermore 00:25:50.599 --> 00:25:52.179 for the rest 00:25:52.179 --> 00:25:52.779 of eternity. 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:54.659 If you want to 00:25:54.659 --> 00:25:55.459 secure your future, 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.159 there's only one 00:25:56.159 --> 00:25:56.779 place to go. 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.359 Here's the thing. 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.879 Whatever you think 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:02.319 you need, 00:26:03.179 --> 00:26:03.919 He has provided. 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:08.120 Whatever you think 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:08.700 you need, 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:10.500 significance, 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.320 purpose, 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:12.539 help, 00:26:13.340 --> 00:26:13.940 security, 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:15.740 there's only one 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:16.720 place that you can go. 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:18.360 So go there. 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.600 That is why 00:26:20.600 --> 00:26:21.380 it is a joyous 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:21.900 salvation. 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:23.019 Go to Christ. 00:26:23.300 --> 00:26:24.420 However hard life 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.320 gets because of 00:26:25.320 --> 00:26:26.019 the Lord Jesus, 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:27.340 those struggles 00:26:27.340 --> 00:26:28.600 will one day pass. 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:30.940 You have the resources 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:32.000 to resist grumbling, 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:33.900 to resist bitterness, 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.980 to renounce it 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.380 altogether, 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.180 and to rejoice. 00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:41.019 So, 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:41.759 can you see 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:45.320 we have 00:26:45.320 --> 00:26:46.440 a suitable Savior, 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.820 we have a global 00:26:47.820 --> 00:26:48.420 Savior, 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.840 who brings us 00:26:49.840 --> 00:26:50.820 a joyous 00:26:50.820 --> 00:26:51.660 salvation. 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.700 Christ is for life, 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:55.080 not just for Christmas. 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.200 Hallelujah. 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:57.900 What a Savior. 00:26:58.039 --> 00:26:58.519 Let's pray. 00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:58.560 Let's pray.