WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.000 I'm turning to Genesis 12. Last week we looked at verses 1 to 3. This week I want us to look at the whole chapter. Genesis 12 verse 8 of the church Bible. 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:26.000 So we got our first gold at the Winter Olympics on Friday night, didn't we? Matt Weston won gold in the skeleton. I hope we just won another gold today. The momentum is slowly building, isn't it? 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:45.019 Think about winning Olympic gold. There's nothing like it, is that? Olympic gold, it's just the pinnacle of sporting glory, isn't it? Your name forever goes down in history. Matt Weston, he already films the headlines. You become a national hero. 00:00:45.020 --> 00:01:01.219 But the road to that glory is pretty unglorious, isn't it? We see Matt Weston on the podium with that gold around his neck and all the cheers. But what was the journey to that podium like? 00:01:01.219 --> 00:01:15.239 It's all the unglorious stuff that we don't see. It's the early mornings, the early bedtimes, the brutal gym sessions, the lonely runs in the rain, the chicken, rice and broccoli every day. 00:01:16.060 --> 00:01:28.859 It's all those Saturday mornings as a teenager, his dad driving him to Sheffield and back, all the training. It's being that nobody for years and years, just hoping for that podium. 00:01:28.859 --> 00:01:40.579 The right to glory is pretty unglorious. In fact, it is no glory at all until you actually get there. 00:01:42.140 --> 00:01:55.400 And that is just like God's promise of glory here in Genesis. In this cursed and fractured world, God came down to Abraham and laid out his plan of how to save all of this. 00:01:55.400 --> 00:02:01.520 He set out his plan to bring this unglorious world to glory. 00:02:02.200 --> 00:02:04.580 That's what we saw in Genesis 1-3 last week. 00:02:05.520 --> 00:02:11.680 So to a lonely, scattered world, God says, I promise to make a new family. 00:02:11.680 --> 00:02:19.379 To a world cast out of Eden, God says, I'm not going to give you a new home. 00:02:20.680 --> 00:02:25.379 And to a world under the curse, God says, I'm not going to bless you. 00:02:26.760 --> 00:02:31.420 And you see in verse 2, God promises to make Abraham's name great. 00:02:31.419 --> 00:02:34.839 This is the promise of glory. 00:02:36.699 --> 00:02:41.839 And this is ultimately the promise of glory in the new creation. 00:02:43.359 --> 00:02:45.859 That that was what Abraham was being promised. 00:02:45.979 --> 00:02:52.079 It was something beyond Canaan, beyond the Middle East, beyond what we can see here. 00:02:52.080 --> 00:02:58.180 It is a restored world and a redeemed people, all under the blessing of God in a new creation. 00:02:59.100 --> 00:03:01.820 That's God's plan set up right here in Genesis 12. 00:03:03.480 --> 00:03:06.820 And it's the plan each and every one of us is longing for. 00:03:08.340 --> 00:03:10.240 It's the end of this curse. 00:03:11.620 --> 00:03:12.900 The end of sin. 00:03:13.040 --> 00:03:16.080 It's the promise to finally belong to God again. 00:03:16.540 --> 00:03:19.040 God is promising the podium right here. 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:22.060 But how do we get there? 00:03:23.659 --> 00:03:28.319 Well, as we look at what God is doing with Abraham right here in this chapter, 00:03:29.099 --> 00:03:32.739 God is showing us how each and every one of us can get there. 00:03:34.019 --> 00:03:34.859 You can think of Abraham. 00:03:34.959 --> 00:03:39.479 Abraham is like the model of how we come into this family and get to glory. 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:42.799 So last week we looked at the plan. 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:45.079 Now I want us to look at the man. 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:53.820 And like Olympic gold, we are seeing today that the journey to glory is actually pretty unglorious. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:58.200 And glory, it doesn't just come straight away. 00:03:59.540 --> 00:04:05.820 But unlike the Olympics, for those a part of this plan, glory is guaranteed. 00:04:06.860 --> 00:04:10.060 There is no disappointing missed gold here. 00:04:10.200 --> 00:04:10.380 No. 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:12.140 Glory is certain. 00:04:12.139 --> 00:04:20.479 And unlike the Olympics, this glory isn't for the best or for those who have worked hard and earned it. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:21.159 No. 00:04:21.240 --> 00:04:28.099 As we look at Abraham, we see God is calling the unlikely to glory. 00:04:29.659 --> 00:04:35.759 So if you want to be a part of God's plan to bless this world, to save it, and undo this curse, 00:04:36.219 --> 00:04:37.759 this is how you get to glory. 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:40.719 God is calling the unlikely. 00:04:40.720 --> 00:04:42.440 That's my first point today. 00:04:42.540 --> 00:04:44.780 God is calling the unlikely. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:49.220 How does all this road to glory begin with Abraham? 00:04:49.540 --> 00:04:50.740 It begins with a call. 00:04:50.920 --> 00:04:51.340 That's why. 00:04:52.600 --> 00:04:59.660 Now the Lord said to Abraham, go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 00:04:59.660 --> 00:05:02.920 So how is God restoring this world? 00:05:02.920 --> 00:05:09.620 How is he undoing this curse and bringing salvation and starting this new family and bringing them to glory? 00:05:10.580 --> 00:05:11.800 He's calling. 00:05:13.260 --> 00:05:19.140 God speaks to Abraham and calls him into this plan. 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:22.899 And it's a surprising call, in fact. 00:05:24.279 --> 00:05:30.019 Because actually, Abraham is one of the unlikeliest people to call at this point. 00:05:30.019 --> 00:05:36.419 If you know Abraham, if you know your Bible at all, and you can just have a picture of Abraham in your head, 00:05:36.979 --> 00:05:40.299 we know that Abraham, he's a great example of faith in the Bible. 00:05:42.159 --> 00:05:44.000 But he wasn't in ways. 00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:50.560 At this point, at this call, Abraham is a complete pagan. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:58.519 In the book of Joshua, it says, it references Abraham, it says, Abraham is worshipping idols when this call comes to him. 00:05:59.620 --> 00:06:02.959 He's not a spiritually obvious choice. 00:06:04.620 --> 00:06:07.019 And also, look at his age as well, verse 4. 00:06:07.779 --> 00:06:08.340 How old is he? 00:06:09.399 --> 00:06:10.620 75 years old. 00:06:11.959 --> 00:06:15.660 And on top of that, what's his family like? 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:19.240 It's he and Sarah, and they have no children. 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:24.860 He is the least obvious choice to start a nation with. 00:06:26.220 --> 00:06:35.000 So it's not like Abraham is the godliest man on earth, and he's young, and he has a big family, and he can grow even more, and he's ready to go. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:35.340 No. 00:06:35.959 --> 00:06:40.379 Abraham is completely unlikely to be part of this plan. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:43.279 Yet what does God do? 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:45.160 He calls him. 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:53.040 And God says, I'm choosing you, Abraham, to be a part of my plan to save the world. 00:06:55.100 --> 00:06:57.480 This is how God brings people to glory. 00:06:57.680 --> 00:07:00.560 This is what God is doing in this cursed world. 00:07:01.100 --> 00:07:03.460 He is calling the unlikely. 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:11.459 So if you are wanting to know how to get to glory, you need to hear this call. 00:07:11.459 --> 00:07:16.919 And Abraham heard this call, and maybe it was audible. 00:07:17.639 --> 00:07:19.620 Maybe he heard a voice from heaven. 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:23.039 But if we need to hear this call, where do we hear it? 00:07:23.099 --> 00:07:24.240 Where do we hear this call? 00:07:25.419 --> 00:07:27.459 Well, this call, it's in the gospel. 00:07:29.039 --> 00:07:33.099 The gospel is God's voice into this world. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:37.040 God's call to a cursed and broken humanity. 00:07:37.840 --> 00:07:40.580 A call to be a part of this grand plan. 00:07:41.660 --> 00:07:42.980 To have these promises. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:45.360 The call to be blessed in this new family. 00:07:45.900 --> 00:07:47.439 It's the call to glory. 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:52.700 Just think, what did Jesus do as soon as he began his ministry? 00:07:53.879 --> 00:07:54.620 He called. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:57.900 What are some of the first words he says? 00:07:58.820 --> 00:07:59.620 Follow me. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:03.500 And who are the types of people Jesus calls? 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:04.980 It's the unlikely. 00:08:05.980 --> 00:08:06.800 It's fishermen. 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:08.740 Tax collectors. 00:08:09.019 --> 00:08:09.680 It's sinners. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:12.500 It's the Abrams that are described. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:16.600 It's not those who have got their act together with a perfect life. 00:08:16.939 --> 00:08:18.500 The obvious shining choice. 00:08:18.660 --> 00:08:21.000 No, Jesus calls the undeserving. 00:08:21.139 --> 00:08:23.060 It's the unlikely from his calling. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:27.699 Those are the ones he is calling to glory. 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:30.019 And it's the same call that began with Abraham. 00:08:30.459 --> 00:08:32.620 And it's the same call that continues today. 00:08:32.980 --> 00:08:36.840 God is calling us today to come and follow his son. 00:08:37.799 --> 00:08:41.539 Belong to this grand plan and this eternal family. 00:08:41.720 --> 00:08:42.639 Have these promises. 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.000 And come and belong to glory. 00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:48.159 And you don't need to have your act together. 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:50.460 No, God says, I am calling you. 00:08:50.559 --> 00:08:52.340 I am calling you the unlikely. 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:56.820 And for those of us who have heard this call. 00:08:57.899 --> 00:08:59.700 We know that's true, don't we? 00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:04.259 We see how God has called us into this family. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:05.840 Promised this glory. 00:09:07.040 --> 00:09:09.540 And we know what we were like when God called us. 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:14.060 And we look at our lives and we can't help but say, 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:16.720 I am the least of his choice. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:20.620 Yet, God calls. 00:09:23.180 --> 00:09:24.840 Whatever state your life is in. 00:09:25.879 --> 00:09:28.500 If you are in any doubt about this, 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:30.580 just speak to any Christian here tonight. 00:09:30.960 --> 00:09:32.800 God really is calling the unlikely. 00:09:34.879 --> 00:09:37.639 But the question is, will we follow this call? 00:09:39.860 --> 00:09:41.820 And we see it all right here with Abraham. 00:09:41.820 --> 00:09:42.020 Abraham. 00:09:43.020 --> 00:09:44.900 That this is how you get to glory. 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:48.879 And so wonderfully, the road to glory, 00:09:49.020 --> 00:09:50.300 it's not like the Olympics. 00:09:51.300 --> 00:09:53.379 It is not about us putting in the hours 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:55.460 and earning glory in my power. 00:09:55.580 --> 00:09:58.400 No, you can only reach glory because of God. 00:09:59.860 --> 00:10:02.180 Because of his grace in first calling. 00:10:02.400 --> 00:10:04.360 God, he could have kept silent. 00:10:04.520 --> 00:10:06.780 Abraham could have just kept living his life. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:10.020 And the curse could have just continued into this world. 00:10:10.020 --> 00:10:11.640 And God would have kept silent. 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:15.440 But God spoke and everything changed. 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:21.300 And if you hear God's call and you follow it, 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:23.180 everything changes for you. 00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:26.280 And what does God say in his call? 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:27.040 Verse 1. 00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:28.440 Go. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:32.320 Abraham, get up and go. 00:10:33.460 --> 00:10:34.680 Go to these blessings. 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:37.060 Go and belong to the renewal of this world. 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:39.020 Go and head to glory. 00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:39.639 Go and go. 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:43.799 And so do you see that this call involves something? 00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:48.340 This call involves going from something 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:50.519 and going to something. 00:10:50.519 --> 00:10:53.679 If you want to get to glory, 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:55.960 we need to see that God is calling us 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:59.199 to go to a world unseen. 00:11:00.439 --> 00:11:01.740 That's my second point today. 00:11:01.819 --> 00:11:04.919 God is calling us to go to a world unseen. 00:11:06.259 --> 00:11:08.480 And did you notice where Abraham was when God called? 00:11:08.699 --> 00:11:10.600 Look at the end of chapter 11, verse 31. 00:11:10.600 --> 00:11:14.300 Abraham was living in Ur of the Chaldeans. 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:20.159 And this is significant because Ur was a big city hub at the time. 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:22.500 It was kind of the London of the day. 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:26.220 That's where Abraham's whole life was. 00:11:26.220 --> 00:11:27.480 And God says, 00:11:28.299 --> 00:11:31.500 Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:33.279 to the land that I will show you. 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:36.539 This is the call that he hears. 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:42.720 Go from your people and your life and your comfort and your security 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:44.679 and everything you know. 00:11:45.100 --> 00:11:47.820 Abraham, leave that behind and go. 00:11:47.820 --> 00:11:53.340 Go to a land that you haven't even seen yet. 00:11:54.660 --> 00:11:59.020 And I promise you a people who aren't even born yet. 00:12:00.080 --> 00:12:03.220 And I will bless you and make you great. 00:12:03.500 --> 00:12:04.879 There will be glory. 00:12:06.020 --> 00:12:07.980 But that glory and that greatness, 00:12:08.580 --> 00:12:10.480 you won't even live to see. 00:12:12.440 --> 00:12:14.660 Abraham, just listen to my voice. 00:12:15.540 --> 00:12:17.800 Leave your life behind and go. 00:12:17.820 --> 00:12:19.620 Go to a world unseen. 00:12:21.460 --> 00:12:25.360 And with remarkable faith, he just goes. 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:26.780 Verse 5. 00:12:27.900 --> 00:12:30.660 He takes his wife, Sarah, his nephew, Lot, 00:12:31.360 --> 00:12:33.760 packs their bags and he goes. 00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:37.120 And what does he go to? 00:12:38.640 --> 00:12:39.940 An empty land. 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:41.220 Canaan. 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:43.920 With no greatness. 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:45.500 No people. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:50.600 In old age, 75, unlikely calination come from him. 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:55.259 The whole thing just seems pretty impossible. 00:12:56.779 --> 00:12:59.300 God has promised Abraham a glorious world. 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:02.219 But right now, that world is unseen. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:08.859 The road to glory is very unglorious for Abraham. 00:13:10.319 --> 00:13:12.919 It is a life living with the promise of glory, 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:15.479 waiting for it, hoping for it, 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:17.379 expecting the impossible, 00:13:17.379 --> 00:13:20.960 but without ever seeing it. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:25.660 You might have heard of the 12-year-old Australian boy, 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:27.460 Austin Appleby, in the news recently. 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:29.480 It's an incredible story. 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:33.620 A few weeks ago, Austin and his mum and his two siblings, 00:13:34.180 --> 00:13:36.600 they got stranded miles out to sea, 00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:38.320 off the coast of Australia, 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.720 on their paddle boards. 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:42.320 And they were out there for ages, 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:43.379 in the hot sun, 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.460 and they were getting desperate. 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:47.660 And so, Austin, 00:13:47.940 --> 00:13:51.300 he swam back to shore to get help. 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:55.600 And so, over the course of four hours, 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:59.040 Austin swam four kilometres 00:13:59.040 --> 00:14:02.920 through shark-infested waters in the hot sun, 00:14:03.320 --> 00:14:04.560 back to the beach. 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:05.940 He reached the beach, 00:14:06.060 --> 00:14:08.800 ran two kilometres to the phone, 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.080 called for help, 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:11.759 and saved his family. 00:14:13.420 --> 00:14:14.320 And rescuers said, 00:14:14.460 --> 00:14:16.259 what he did was superhuman. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.360 And it really is. 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:20.540 Try swimming four kilometres, 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:22.220 in open water, 00:14:22.660 --> 00:14:23.940 dehydrated with sun straight. 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:24.840 It is impossible. 00:14:25.780 --> 00:14:26.820 He did the impossible. 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:30.620 And just think about Austin's mum 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:31.700 in those four hours. 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:34.160 Four hours of floating, 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:37.460 staring at an empty horizon, 00:14:38.660 --> 00:14:40.860 knowing what her son has to do, 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:43.700 and waiting for the impossible to happen. 00:14:43.700 --> 00:14:46.700 Well, that's just like Abraham. 00:14:48.300 --> 00:14:49.640 He heads to Canaan, 00:14:50.680 --> 00:14:54.040 staring at an empty horizon of a barren land, 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:56.960 staring at an empty family, 00:14:57.900 --> 00:14:59.680 no glory to be seen, 00:14:59.800 --> 00:15:01.320 just floating in the unknown, 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:04.220 and waiting for the impossible to happen. 00:15:04.220 --> 00:15:08.680 And that is what God has called Abraham to do. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:13.120 This is what God's call to glory looks like. 00:15:13.420 --> 00:15:17.180 It is a call to go to a world unseen. 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:20.899 And that is the Christian life. 00:15:22.099 --> 00:15:25.000 That is what the gospel has called us to do. 00:15:26.339 --> 00:15:28.759 That there is a world waiting for us. 00:15:28.899 --> 00:15:30.919 Rescue is over the horizon. 00:15:31.439 --> 00:15:33.259 And it may all just seem impossible. 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:38.399 We are here just trying to faithfully serve God, 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.200 here on this earth, 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.679 following the Lord Jesus. 00:15:41.539 --> 00:15:45.080 But it all just seems so very un-glorious, doesn't it? 00:15:46.200 --> 00:15:47.200 Even mundane. 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:50.100 I'm called to glory, 00:15:50.299 --> 00:15:51.379 but look at my life. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:55.360 I'm just feeling my life changing endless nappies. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:58.300 I'm promised glory, 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:00.899 but my life, what does it look like? 00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:03.180 It's just going to another geography class. 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:06.159 It's sitting at a desk, 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:07.259 eight hours a day, 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.360 again and again. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.820 I go to church, 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:12.060 I follow the Lord Jesus, 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:13.539 I know these promises, 00:16:14.580 --> 00:16:15.600 but look at my life, 00:16:15.680 --> 00:16:17.680 it is far, far from glorious. 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:21.139 God has called us, 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:24.180 yet life just feels small, 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:25.259 and irrelevant, 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:26.359 and pretty mundane, 00:16:27.219 --> 00:16:28.599 and that's not even to mention 00:16:28.599 --> 00:16:29.819 all the darkness of the Lord. 00:16:31.819 --> 00:16:33.859 And the idea of a new creation, 00:16:34.439 --> 00:16:38.019 it just seems so far off, doesn't it? 00:16:38.779 --> 00:16:41.599 I can't even imagine how that will happen. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:45.500 I can't even picture how I will exist without sin, 00:16:45.739 --> 00:16:47.500 or have a resurrected body, 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:49.539 or not feel pain anymore. 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:53.759 But the idea of Christ returning from heaven, 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.179 with his angels, 00:16:55.699 --> 00:16:58.199 and that actually to be justice in this world, 00:16:58.519 --> 00:16:59.539 and sin to end, 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.819 it can almost feel like fantasy, 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:02.339 can't it? 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:05.440 Like we're floating in the ocean, 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:07.659 staring at the horizon, 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:11.579 and it just seems like God has promised the impossible. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:16.859 But this is when we need to realise what we are called to. 00:17:18.439 --> 00:17:21.259 God has not called us to glory now, 00:17:22.379 --> 00:17:24.119 God has called us to wait. 00:17:25.939 --> 00:17:26.460 Wait, 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.740 and trust in his promises, 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:30.000 trust in God, 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:33.480 that though we cannot see that glorious world yet, 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:36.639 we must trust that he is bringing us there. 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:39.720 And so this life, 00:17:40.280 --> 00:17:42.700 this life we live now, 00:17:42.820 --> 00:17:44.960 this is a life walking by faith, 00:17:45.540 --> 00:17:46.660 and not by sight. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:51.240 So just think of all the ways the Christian life is described. 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:52.520 We're on a pilgrimage. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:55.480 We're in the wilderness. 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:58.119 We're running a race. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:59.119 We're in a war. 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:00.139 We're exiled. 00:18:00.639 --> 00:18:02.900 We're a bride betrothed to Christ, 00:18:03.019 --> 00:18:04.740 but the wedding isn't here yet. 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:06.920 The groom hasn't returned. 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:11.799 So just as Abraham walked the land of Canaan 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:13.319 with no glory to be seen, 00:18:13.700 --> 00:18:16.180 just a promise ringing in his ears. 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:19.039 Well, for those following Christ, 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:20.560 we now walk this earth 00:18:20.560 --> 00:18:22.680 with no glory to be seen, 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:26.220 or with a promise ringing in our ears, 00:18:26.580 --> 00:18:30.600 a promise that glory is just over the horizon. 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:34.220 And that is what faith is. 00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:38.900 Faith is not just vaguely thinking something is out there. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:42.340 Faith is not just a blind leap into the dark. 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:42.640 No. 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:47.200 Faith is knowing there is something unseen up ahead. 00:18:48.520 --> 00:18:51.480 Faith is knowing God has told me 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:53.460 that there is a world I cannot see yet, 00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:55.720 but he's told me it's coming. 00:18:57.140 --> 00:19:00.180 Faith is knowing God's promises are certain, 00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:03.420 and faith is clinging to those promises, 00:19:04.080 --> 00:19:05.780 waiting for that world to come, 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:07.240 even though I cannot see it, 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:09.480 even though it seems impossible. 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:13.360 And so God calls us today, 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:16.940 leave behind whatever is keeping you 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:17.940 from following Christ. 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:20.740 Leave behind thinking this world is all that there is. 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:25.039 Leave behind a life thinking this world is our home, 00:19:25.360 --> 00:19:28.400 and this is where we can find blessing and greatness. 00:19:28.759 --> 00:19:29.920 Leave it all behind, 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:33.099 and go to a world unseen. 00:19:33.099 --> 00:19:36.179 And God says, 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.359 I promise you it's there, 00:19:37.439 --> 00:19:39.359 and I promise you it is all yours. 00:19:40.699 --> 00:19:41.779 Just by faith, 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.559 wait for it. 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.799 And how do we wait? 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:49.299 We wait by worshipping. 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:52.059 Did you see what Abraham did 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:53.000 when he reached Canaan? 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:53.839 Verse 6. 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:57.159 He stops at a place called Shechem, 00:19:57.439 --> 00:19:58.779 the battle in the north of Canaan. 00:19:58.980 --> 00:20:00.859 Verse 7, what does he do? 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:03.519 He builds an altar at Shechem. 00:20:04.719 --> 00:20:05.759 And then verse 8, 00:20:06.199 --> 00:20:06.659 I'm going to look, 00:20:06.879 --> 00:20:08.879 he heads to Bethel in the south, 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:10.559 and again, 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:11.719 builds an altar. 00:20:13.219 --> 00:20:14.539 In this empty land, 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:16.000 no people, 00:20:16.139 --> 00:20:17.399 no glory to be seen, 00:20:17.959 --> 00:20:19.279 just God and his promise, 00:20:19.439 --> 00:20:20.639 what does Abraham do? 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:23.059 He worships. 00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:25.519 That's what these altars are, 00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:27.519 that these are places of worship. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:30.420 But they are also more than that, 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.740 that they are also like 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:33.519 little flags 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:35.299 planted in the ground of Canaan. 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:38.200 It's like in these altars, 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.940 God is slowly 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:41.720 claiming the land, 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:43.980 claiming this one little patch, 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:45.019 bit by bit. 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:48.019 And though Abraham can't see it, 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:50.139 as he worships at these altars, 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:52.619 he is recognising and trusting 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.440 that one day, 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:56.240 all of this will be claimed by God. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:59.160 But this is how Abraham 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.720 waits for that world unseen. 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.240 He worships. 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:06.120 And that is just like us do. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.900 As we worship God 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:10.240 Sunday by Sunday, 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.339 here in this room, 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.500 we are recognising 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:16.940 that glory is not here yet. 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:19.880 But one day it will be. 00:21:21.180 --> 00:21:23.099 But that's what we're doing right now. 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:24.160 We are all here 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:25.920 standing on God's promises, 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:27.620 it's ringing in our ears, 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:29.820 knowing something unseen 00:21:29.820 --> 00:21:31.300 is coming over the horizon. 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:34.400 We are gathering as Christ's body 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:36.100 because we know 00:21:36.100 --> 00:21:38.039 he will one day return. 00:21:40.080 --> 00:21:41.000 And so right now, 00:21:41.080 --> 00:21:42.900 God has planted his flag, 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:44.500 his kingdom has already 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.620 come into this world, 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:47.120 into our lives. 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:49.140 The flags are here, 00:21:49.820 --> 00:21:50.880 and as we worship, 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:51.700 God is saying, 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:53.039 one day, 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.080 one day, 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:53.080 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:53.080 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:53.080 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:53.080 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:53.660 one day, 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:53.660 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:57.660 one day, 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:59.160 an unseen kingdom 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:00.860 is going to be seen, 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:02.740 and it's going to fill this world. 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:05.600 And how do we wait for it? 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.940 We worship. 00:22:09.600 --> 00:22:10.880 But it's not easy, 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.200 is it? 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:14.620 So many things 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:16.480 can make us believe 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:18.559 that that unseen world 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.360 isn't coming. 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:22.200 We can float in the ocean 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:22.740 and think, 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.880 no one's coming back. 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:27.759 I need to do something else there. 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.660 And we are not alone 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:31.420 in feeling that 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.640 because that is exactly 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.840 what Abraham went through. 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:37.200 As we keep following this man 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:37.860 in this chapter, 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.440 we see, 00:22:38.440 --> 00:22:38.759 yes, 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:39.720 we are called to go 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.680 to a world unseen, 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:43.980 but fear keeps us 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:44.799 here in this world. 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.640 That's my third 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:47.400 and final point today. 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:48.820 Fear keeps us 00:22:48.820 --> 00:22:49.440 in the world here. 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:52.580 This next section 00:22:52.580 --> 00:22:53.059 of Genesis, 00:22:53.620 --> 00:22:54.920 from verse 10 to 20, 00:22:55.580 --> 00:22:56.740 it might have felt 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:57.240 a bit odd 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:58.039 if you read it. 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.360 You might be wondering, 00:22:59.640 --> 00:23:00.539 what's it doing here? 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.660 We get in the plan 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:02.960 and now this story 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:03.480 about Egypt. 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:05.740 But I want us to see 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.860 that this section 00:23:06.859 --> 00:23:08.459 is Abraham, 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.619 out of fear, 00:23:10.419 --> 00:23:11.779 doubting all of these promises. 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:13.359 So look what happens, 00:23:13.439 --> 00:23:13.899 verse 10. 00:23:14.779 --> 00:23:15.819 Now there was a famine 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.399 in the land, 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:17.719 so Abraham went down 00:23:17.719 --> 00:23:18.339 to Egypt 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:19.579 to such a man 00:23:19.579 --> 00:23:20.500 for the famine 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:21.779 was severe in the land. 00:23:23.679 --> 00:23:24.159 Now, 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:26.279 where did God say to go 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.000 at the beginning 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.439 of this chapter? 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:28.599 But where did God say 00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:29.599 to wait for the promise 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:30.039 of glory? 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.699 It was Canaan. 00:23:32.899 --> 00:23:33.679 But a famine 00:23:33.679 --> 00:23:34.399 hit Canaan 00:23:34.400 --> 00:23:35.500 and Abraham thought, 00:23:36.420 --> 00:23:36.640 no, 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.600 this isn't right. 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.820 God has brought me here 00:23:39.820 --> 00:23:40.880 but now I'm just going 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:41.519 to die here 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:43.140 but there's no blessing here. 00:23:44.800 --> 00:23:45.460 It's kind of like 00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:46.160 Austin's month, 00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:47.620 thinking there's no way 00:23:47.620 --> 00:23:48.540 Austin can return. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.000 And so out of fear, 00:23:51.080 --> 00:23:51.860 what does Abraham do? 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:52.900 He leaves Canaan. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:55.100 He leaves the promises 00:23:55.100 --> 00:23:55.700 behind 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:57.620 and tries to maybe 00:23:57.620 --> 00:23:58.519 get to glory 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.080 another way. 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:00.879 So he pushes 00:24:00.879 --> 00:24:01.679 God's plan 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:02.319 off the table 00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.679 and he starts 00:24:03.679 --> 00:24:04.740 drawing a new one. 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.480 What does he do? 00:24:06.659 --> 00:24:07.179 What does he say? 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:07.539 Okay, 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.819 me and Sarah 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.819 will go down 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.299 to Egypt. 00:24:11.199 --> 00:24:12.299 Maybe we'll find 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.000 a blessing there. 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:14.799 And so off they head, 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.619 leaving the land 00:24:16.619 --> 00:24:17.119 behind. 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:19.220 There's a problem. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:19.859 That's another. 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:21.879 Abraham knows 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.720 that his wife 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.480 is very beautiful. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.579 And so he gets 00:24:25.579 --> 00:24:26.099 scared 00:24:26.099 --> 00:24:27.679 and thinks, 00:24:27.799 --> 00:24:28.000 well, 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.500 if they know 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.599 I'm her husband, 00:24:31.639 --> 00:24:32.399 they're just going 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:33.000 to kill me 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.599 and take her. 00:24:34.659 --> 00:24:34.980 Well, 00:24:35.179 --> 00:24:35.719 how about, 00:24:35.939 --> 00:24:36.359 we don't say 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:36.919 I'm your husband, 00:24:37.179 --> 00:24:37.799 let's just say 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.779 we're brother and sister. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.519 Then they won't touch me. 00:24:42.219 --> 00:24:43.240 But what happened 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.219 when they entered Egypt? 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:46.259 Pharaoh saw 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.219 Sebaid 00:24:47.219 --> 00:24:48.619 and took her 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:49.219 to be his wife. 00:24:50.939 --> 00:24:51.519 And yes, 00:24:51.639 --> 00:24:52.399 Abraham did live. 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:54.059 And he even found 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:54.919 blessing with Pharaoh. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:55.579 Pharaoh gave him 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:56.139 a fortune. 00:24:56.379 --> 00:24:56.779 Do you see that 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.379 in verse 16? 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:58.179 Sheep, 00:24:58.359 --> 00:24:58.819 oxen, 00:24:58.980 --> 00:24:59.439 donkeys, 00:24:59.619 --> 00:24:59.939 servants, 00:25:00.139 --> 00:25:01.119 he gets them locked. 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:04.019 But what's the problem here? 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.019 The blessing 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:07.439 is meant to come 00:25:07.439 --> 00:25:08.240 through Abraham's 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.779 offspring. 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:11.059 And with Sarah 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.539 gone, 00:25:12.539 --> 00:25:13.199 Abraham's just 00:25:13.199 --> 00:25:14.059 shut that off. 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.500 If his family 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:17.099 is meant to be 00:25:17.099 --> 00:25:18.299 the stream of blessing 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:19.259 into this world, 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:20.679 this is like Abraham 00:25:20.679 --> 00:25:21.399 putting a dam 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:21.980 in the stream 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:22.939 and stopping it all. 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:25.640 And so out of fear 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.620 and because of a famine, 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:28.259 Abraham abandoned 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:28.840 the land, 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:30.779 abandoned the offspring 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:32.700 and settled 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.960 for blessing 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:34.680 with another king. 00:25:36.160 --> 00:25:37.960 He couldn't figure out 00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:39.660 how that unseen world 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:40.259 could come. 00:25:40.600 --> 00:25:41.600 He got scared 00:25:41.600 --> 00:25:42.700 and so he settled 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:43.720 for the world here. 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.200 And it looks like 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:46.820 a little bit of glory, 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:47.299 doesn't it? 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:49.460 And fear 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.200 can have that effect 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:50.579 on us. 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:54.180 When the Christian life 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.619 is not just 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.659 unglorious, 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:58.200 but it seems like 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:59.639 it's just not worth it 00:25:59.639 --> 00:26:00.059 at all. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.059 You know 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:02.980 your promised glory, 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:04.960 but when the heat 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:05.680 of work 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:06.759 just increases, 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.899 the heat of school 00:26:08.899 --> 00:26:09.619 increases 00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:10.799 because of your faith, 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:12.740 or the online mob 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.460 starts coming 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.399 for our church, 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:15.740 we can think, 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:16.720 oh look, 00:26:16.880 --> 00:26:17.740 this isn't right, 00:26:17.840 --> 00:26:18.980 this isn't worth it. 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:21.100 This is too much hassle, 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:22.259 let's just settle 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:22.780 in Egypt. 00:26:24.280 --> 00:26:25.500 Or we can fear 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.860 God has asked me 00:26:26.860 --> 00:26:28.140 to give up too much. 00:26:29.280 --> 00:26:30.060 Leaving behind 00:26:30.060 --> 00:26:30.800 my old life, 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:31.880 it's too hard 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:32.519 and this call 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.400 is too much 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.420 and it's like 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:35.300 there's just 00:26:35.300 --> 00:26:36.620 a famine of joy 00:26:36.620 --> 00:26:37.380 in my life. 00:26:38.580 --> 00:26:39.360 And we can just think, 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:40.720 what is the point? 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:43.180 I can go and find 00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:43.700 happiness 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:45.360 in so many other ways 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:45.960 right now. 00:26:47.600 --> 00:26:48.340 And so we walk 00:26:48.340 --> 00:26:48.860 away through the 00:26:48.860 --> 00:26:49.180 crisis 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:50.940 and we just 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.740 settle in Egypt. 00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:55.140 It is astounding 00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:56.240 at how easily 00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:57.320 we can give it all up. 00:26:58.600 --> 00:26:59.800 Just out of fear. 00:26:59.799 --> 00:27:03.019 But look how God 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:03.759 deals with us 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.240 when we do. 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:05.899 Look what he does 00:27:05.899 --> 00:27:06.259 with Abraham 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.039 verse 17. 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:09.819 He sends a plague 00:27:09.819 --> 00:27:11.119 on Pharaoh's house 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:12.859 to make Pharaoh 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:14.119 realise what's going on. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.599 And he does, 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.019 doesn't he? 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:17.819 And so Pharaoh 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:19.180 quickly returns 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:19.799 Sarai 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:20.839 and gives Abraham 00:27:20.839 --> 00:27:21.379 everything 00:27:21.379 --> 00:27:22.899 and sends him 00:27:22.899 --> 00:27:23.559 away quick, 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.680 going back to Canaan. 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:28.840 And do you realise 00:27:28.840 --> 00:27:29.900 what God is doing 00:27:29.900 --> 00:27:30.660 here in this moment? 00:27:31.900 --> 00:27:33.100 This is God 00:27:33.100 --> 00:27:35.120 protecting his promises. 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.580 This is God 00:27:37.580 --> 00:27:38.440 graciously 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:39.720 dealing with a man 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.940 who has walked away. 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:42.740 This is God 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.900 calling a man 00:27:43.900 --> 00:27:45.299 an unlikely man 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:46.240 filled with 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.420 fears 00:27:47.420 --> 00:27:48.259 and doubts 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.220 and who could have 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:50.180 ruined everything. 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:51.360 And God is 00:27:51.360 --> 00:27:52.539 protecting this man 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:54.259 and making sure 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:55.299 he is going 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:55.980 to get to glory. 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:58.900 And that goes 00:27:58.900 --> 00:27:59.539 for all of us. 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.019 While we are 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:02.920 called to go 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:03.559 by faith 00:28:03.559 --> 00:28:04.700 to a world unseen, 00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:06.839 we are not 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:07.900 going in our 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:08.579 own strength. 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:10.440 God 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.420 in his power 00:28:11.420 --> 00:28:12.660 and his grace 00:28:12.660 --> 00:28:14.180 he is bringing 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:15.779 all those 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.480 whom he is. 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:18.920 He is bringing 00:28:18.920 --> 00:28:19.940 us to that 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:20.799 world unseen. 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:21.799 You are not 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:22.700 going alone 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.500 as you walk 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.039 this earth. 00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:24.579 God is 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.440 bringing you 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:25.759 there 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:26.799 every step 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:27.259 of the way. 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:30.119 And so you 00:28:30.119 --> 00:28:30.480 can have 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:31.319 great confidence 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:32.139 that when God 00:28:32.139 --> 00:28:32.960 calls you 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.099 and you 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:34.639 trust in 00:28:34.639 --> 00:28:35.279 his promises 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:37.259 he will 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.779 without a doubt 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:40.079 bring you 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:40.599 to that world. 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:43.039 God is 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.480 and we 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:44.119 can be sure 00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:44.399 of that 00:28:44.399 --> 00:28:44.899 most of 00:28:44.899 --> 00:28:45.199 all 00:28:45.199 --> 00:28:47.299 because Christ 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:47.919 has already 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.579 prepared the 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:49.279 way for you. 00:28:50.879 --> 00:28:51.539 Because it 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.240 is Christ 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:53.679 who walked 00:28:53.679 --> 00:28:54.259 this earth 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.099 with a promise 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:56.519 bringing in 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.019 his ears 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:59.079 the Father's 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.799 promise of a 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:00.579 people to be 00:29:00.579 --> 00:29:01.000 his own, 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:01.759 his bride, 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:02.419 the church. 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:04.259 And a promise 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:05.199 for this world 00:29:05.199 --> 00:29:06.299 to be all 00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:07.019 his kingdom, 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:07.819 the nations 00:29:07.819 --> 00:29:08.659 to be his 00:29:08.659 --> 00:29:09.159 inheritance. 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.240 And the promise 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.939 of greatness 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:12.980 that every knee 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:13.740 should bow to 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.799 him and all 00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:15.460 the blessings 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:15.939 of God 00:29:15.939 --> 00:29:16.559 to belong to 00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:16.759 him, 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:17.899 that was the 00:29:17.899 --> 00:29:18.740 joy that was 00:29:18.740 --> 00:29:19.679 set before him. 00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:22.099 But on earth 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:23.279 all of that 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.000 was unseen. 00:29:26.039 --> 00:29:26.819 Instead he 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:27.700 walked this earth 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:29.399 living such 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.480 an unglorious 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:30.940 life. 00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:33.120 A man of 00:29:33.120 --> 00:29:33.580 sorrows 00:29:33.580 --> 00:29:34.580 acquainted with 00:29:34.580 --> 00:29:34.980 grief, 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:36.100 despised 00:29:36.100 --> 00:29:37.620 and rejected. 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.440 His life 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.519 threatened because 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:41.140 of God's 00:29:41.140 --> 00:29:41.500 call. 00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:42.540 You could say 00:29:42.540 --> 00:29:43.140 he walked 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:43.600 through a 00:29:43.600 --> 00:29:44.320 famine every 00:29:44.320 --> 00:29:44.820 day of his 00:29:44.820 --> 00:29:45.160 life. 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.340 And it 00:29:47.340 --> 00:29:47.600 would have 00:29:47.600 --> 00:29:48.380 been far 00:29:48.380 --> 00:29:49.019 more comfortable 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:49.700 for him to 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.400 abandon these 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:50.820 promises. 00:29:51.320 --> 00:29:51.820 He had every 00:29:51.820 --> 00:29:52.640 opportunity to 00:29:52.640 --> 00:29:53.640 fear and 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:54.240 doubt the 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:54.700 glory to 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:55.259 God, but 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:55.640 he never 00:29:55.640 --> 00:29:55.960 did. 00:29:57.860 --> 00:29:58.720 But instead 00:29:58.720 --> 00:30:00.740 because of 00:30:00.740 --> 00:30:01.180 the joy 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:01.460 that was 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:01.960 set before 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:03.740 him, he 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.579 endured that 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.380 unglorious 00:30:05.380 --> 00:30:06.380 life, endured 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.259 it even to 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:07.779 the cross. 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:09.640 And he 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:10.420 came out the 00:30:10.420 --> 00:30:11.240 other side and 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:12.920 entered into 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:13.720 that unseen 00:30:13.720 --> 00:30:14.220 world. 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.640 He saw 00:30:16.640 --> 00:30:17.680 that glory to 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:17.960 come. 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:20.299 And so how 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:21.140 can we be 00:30:21.140 --> 00:30:21.799 sure that that 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:22.700 glory is coming 00:30:22.700 --> 00:30:23.799 when Christ 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:25.299 has already 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:26.120 gone there for 00:30:26.120 --> 00:30:26.380 us? 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.519 And he 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.200 didn't just 00:30:29.200 --> 00:30:29.759 go for 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.180 himself. 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:30.819 He went 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:31.920 ahead to 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:32.819 prepare the 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.879 way and to 00:30:33.879 --> 00:30:34.579 prepare a 00:30:34.579 --> 00:30:35.940 place for 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.680 all those 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.099 whom he has 00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:37.400 called. 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:39.920 For those in 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:41.740 Christ, as he 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.400 emerged from 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.379 that grave and 00:30:43.379 --> 00:30:44.460 entered into the 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.339 glory of heaven, 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:47.559 he won for us 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:49.700 a new home, a 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:50.740 new people and 00:30:50.740 --> 00:30:51.599 all the blessings 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:52.160 of God. 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:53.920 And he is 00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:54.859 right now, this 00:30:54.859 --> 00:30:56.500 moment, he is 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:57.460 seeing what we 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:58.200 cannot see 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:58.519 that. 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.620 And he is 00:31:00.620 --> 00:31:01.559 waiting there 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.819 to bring you 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:03.140 home. 00:31:05.360 --> 00:31:05.980 And so as we 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.620 float here, 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:08.279 waiting in the 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:10.440 ocean, be 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:11.279 assured, Christ 00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:12.380 is there just 00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:13.019 over the 00:31:13.019 --> 00:31:14.920 horizon, coming 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.360 for you. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.240 And he's 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:18.100 protecting you 00:31:18.100 --> 00:31:19.240 every step of 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:19.799 the way until 00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:20.460 you're finally 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:20.860 home. 00:31:20.859 --> 00:31:20.919 home. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:23.799 And so God 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.339 is calling, 00:31:25.219 --> 00:31:26.899 calling us to 00:31:26.899 --> 00:31:27.399 a one-one 00:31:27.399 --> 00:31:27.719 seed. 00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:29.919 And so by 00:31:29.919 --> 00:31:30.679 faith, follow 00:31:30.679 --> 00:31:31.219 this call. 00:31:32.819 --> 00:31:33.399 But even 00:31:33.399 --> 00:31:34.819 then, when 00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:35.419 you fear your 00:31:35.419 --> 00:31:36.199 faith may fail, 00:31:37.319 --> 00:31:38.119 Christ can 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.439 hold you 00:31:38.439 --> 00:31:38.779 fast. 00:31:39.659 --> 00:31:40.299 Let's pray. 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:40.879 Let's pray. 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:40.879 00:31:40.880 --> 00:32:10.860 Thank you.