WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:20.859 I tell you, I've been up here in a robe before, and I've never been as hot as I was in that 00:00:20.859 --> 00:00:21.900 fur. 00:00:22.660 --> 00:00:23.539 That is warm. 00:00:24.120 --> 00:00:28.839 Otherwise, I would have gladly worn it through the whole sermon without serving as any distraction 00:00:28.839 --> 00:00:29.920 to you all whatsoever. 00:00:30.859 --> 00:00:33.460 But I just had to take it off. 00:00:34.619 --> 00:00:40.420 Last week, we entered the second half of the book of Daniel, where we have had recounted 00:00:40.420 --> 00:00:48.000 for us Daniel's visions of the future, visions of events in human history to come, but particularly 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:49.939 of end times and of heaven. 00:00:51.019 --> 00:00:58.179 And as we said, as we were looking at them last week, we need to think more of heaven, not 00:00:58.179 --> 00:01:03.899 as a way of avoiding the daily realities of this life and getting away from it, but as 00:01:03.899 --> 00:01:09.939 a way of transforming our attitude toward those daily realities that we live right in the midst 00:01:09.939 --> 00:01:10.260 of. 00:01:10.260 --> 00:01:16.400 We said remembering our eternal home and our place in God's story are vital to living as 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:18.800 He has called us to right now. 00:01:19.800 --> 00:01:25.800 As these visions of heaven were for Daniel vital to following the true King while living 00:01:25.800 --> 00:01:27.219 in another's kingdom. 00:01:27.219 --> 00:01:34.679 To maintaining a singular devotion to God in the midst of a pluralistic culture where He 00:01:34.679 --> 00:01:35.439 found Himself. 00:01:36.079 --> 00:01:40.260 And so the first vision we got last week was of the Ancient of Days. 00:01:40.260 --> 00:01:49.120 God Himself on His throne as the ultimate judge, the most wise, most righteous, most powerful 00:01:49.120 --> 00:01:51.939 judge over all creation and all of history. 00:01:53.140 --> 00:01:56.580 There are many frightening parts of Daniel's vision too, right? 00:01:56.960 --> 00:02:00.240 Beasts and battles and so forth. 00:02:00.660 --> 00:02:04.680 But we saw the point of even those dark apocalyptic visions. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:10.680 The reason that God gives them to His people is not merely to frighten them, but to encourage 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:11.120 them. 00:02:11.540 --> 00:02:16.580 To encourage His people who are struggling with the comfort that they shouldn't be surprised 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:18.420 by the difficulty. 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:24.840 So that they can be hopeful in the midst of it in a day when God will achieve final victory. 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:27.480 When His enemies will be conquered. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:30.180 When His people will be saved. 00:02:30.180 --> 00:02:37.760 And so we saw God destroying mighty kings and kingdoms in an instant with the flick of 00:02:37.760 --> 00:02:38.520 His wrist. 00:02:39.460 --> 00:02:41.140 Punishing evildoers. 00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:46.580 Demolishing idols and those who worship them just one by one. 00:02:47.840 --> 00:02:53.319 And there's certainly comfort there for God's people who are suffering unjustly that God will 00:02:53.319 --> 00:02:55.700 judge like this and bring justice. 00:02:55.699 --> 00:03:02.199 But at the same time as we have that comfort, doesn't it this morning if you stop and think 00:03:02.199 --> 00:03:04.579 about it also make you a little uncomfortable? 00:03:06.299 --> 00:03:08.399 Doesn't it frighten you? 00:03:08.899 --> 00:03:10.139 Just a little bit at least. 00:03:10.259 --> 00:03:15.579 I mean, seeing clearly this pure God sorting out right from wrong. 00:03:17.019 --> 00:03:22.899 With dreadful punishment on all evil and every injustice and every idol. 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:29.920 It's kind of disconcerting if you know your own weakness and your own idolatry even a little 00:03:29.920 --> 00:03:30.319 bit. 00:03:30.819 --> 00:03:38.159 If you are unclear perhaps which side of His justice you would stand on if the perfectly 00:03:38.159 --> 00:03:41.319 just God sorts everything out. 00:03:41.960 --> 00:03:43.659 It certainly shook Daniel up, didn't it? 00:03:43.740 --> 00:03:45.939 And he was a pretty remarkable guy. 00:03:45.939 --> 00:03:48.400 He was greatly alarmed. 00:03:49.419 --> 00:03:54.020 Overcome, lay sick for days when he saw these visions. 00:03:55.500 --> 00:03:58.659 Imagine being another one of God's people in Daniel's day. 00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:01.079 Maybe not quite as holy as Daniel even. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:06.240 Maybe someone who hadn't been through the lion's den and come out alive. 00:04:06.479 --> 00:04:09.500 Imagine how you might have felt suffering in exile. 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:16.459 Now, wondering if God's promises were something that you could count on. 00:04:16.540 --> 00:04:20.019 You felt so distant from God and His promises. 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:22.939 Did He really love you? 00:04:23.980 --> 00:04:30.379 Perhaps questioning whether He should love you at all after all of your unfaithfulness and 00:04:30.379 --> 00:04:34.939 idolatry that led to you being sent into exile in the first place. 00:04:34.939 --> 00:04:42.139 Or maybe you don't have to imagine those kinds of emotions too much. 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:45.779 Maybe you know exactly what that feels like. 00:04:45.879 --> 00:04:51.120 You've been in church for years perhaps, but the honest reality this morning as you sit 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:56.339 there is that you're struggling with faith, with God. 00:04:57.560 --> 00:05:02.040 What do I really believe and what's a relationship with God really like? 00:05:02.040 --> 00:05:07.540 Perhaps you feel the weight of battling sin and losing again. 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:16.780 Perhaps then this just and righteous God that was supposed to be so comforting last week 00:05:16.780 --> 00:05:21.080 feels like someone who would be against you, not for you. 00:05:22.700 --> 00:05:24.939 One of our elders said to me this week, 00:05:24.939 --> 00:05:34.319 my counselor has helped me see that I often struggle to believe and feel God's acceptance and love for me. 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:37.720 Are you discouraged? 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:40.360 Depressed? 00:05:42.300 --> 00:05:44.439 Disappointed in yourself? 00:05:46.220 --> 00:05:49.240 That elder's not alone in this room, is he? 00:05:49.240 --> 00:05:56.360 Struggling to feel God's acceptance and love for him. 00:05:56.960 --> 00:05:58.220 We've all been there. 00:05:58.360 --> 00:06:06.000 Maybe in the dark moments I'll end up on the wrong side of God's justice and it's frightening to me. 00:06:08.019 --> 00:06:14.220 Perhaps you're suffering with relational pain or brokenness and you're feeling alone. 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:22.100 Even abandoned by friends or family and it's easy to think in that moment abandoned by God too. 00:06:25.100 --> 00:06:31.560 Be honest this morning, if we think about our hearts, if we know ourselves at all, 00:06:31.860 --> 00:06:34.740 don't we tremble just a little bit before that judge? 00:06:35.320 --> 00:06:36.580 Don't we wonder? 00:06:36.740 --> 00:06:37.860 Don't we struggle? 00:06:37.860 --> 00:06:43.980 What will it be like for this righteous judge to sort everything out? 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:50.580 God says to Daniel and to his people, both then and today here, 00:06:50.980 --> 00:06:54.379 that there's another vision of heaven that we need to see this morning. 00:06:54.740 --> 00:07:00.160 Not only the ancient of days on his throne, but also the Son of Man. 00:07:00.300 --> 00:07:03.680 Look with me at Daniel 7 at verse 13. 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:06.560 This is God's holy word. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:14.920 I saw in the night visions and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:19.100 And he came to the ancient of days and was presented before him. 00:07:19.980 --> 00:07:26.620 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:31.319 His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away. 00:07:31.319 --> 00:07:35.960 And his kingdom, one that shall not be destroyed. 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:38.899 The grass withers, the flowers fade. 00:07:39.019 --> 00:07:42.879 But these words of our God will indeed stand forever. 00:07:43.199 --> 00:07:43.979 Pray with me. 00:07:43.980 --> 00:07:50.100 Father, thank you for your word. 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:55.340 Thank you for the vision that it gives us of Jesus. 00:07:55.660 --> 00:07:59.220 Would we see him clearly today? 00:07:59.220 --> 00:08:09.240 Oh, Holy Spirit, you who delights to shine the spotlight on Jesus so that our hearts see him and trust him and worship him more. 00:08:09.600 --> 00:08:14.080 Would you do that here as we open up the word of God? 00:08:14.520 --> 00:08:17.680 Might you work powerfully in our hearts? 00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:27.200 We believe that if we see Jesus more clearly, we will leave different people with different views on every aspect of our lives. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:33.279 So would you do that in this time that we would see him new and fresh this morning? 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.700 We ask it in his name. 00:08:35.659 --> 00:08:36.059 Amen. 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:46.000 As we read a vision like this in Daniel chapter 7, who's the figure in the vision? 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:50.700 What's the identity of the Son of Man here? 00:08:50.700 --> 00:08:54.520 Let's notice briefly what the text tells us. 00:08:54.600 --> 00:08:58.259 First and most obviously, that he appears human. 00:08:59.040 --> 00:09:01.920 He is one like a Son of Man. 00:09:02.680 --> 00:09:03.840 Verse 13. 00:09:03.980 --> 00:09:09.540 He's not another beast in the visions, but rather has a human form. 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:19.779 Beyond that, though, all the details of these two verses actually point to the divinity of the figure. 00:09:19.919 --> 00:09:24.219 That he is then God and man. 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:29.399 You'll note that he comes riding on the clouds of heaven. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:35.099 Over and over again in the Old Testament, clouds are a sign of God's presence. 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:41.220 And God is the only one who comes on clouds, who rides on the clouds. 00:09:41.399 --> 00:09:46.480 And when he does so throughout the Old Testament, it's almost always in a context of judgment. 00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:53.600 Where he's coming powerfully in battle and in judgment on people. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:10:06.800 And so the Son of Man coming on the clouds is undoubtedly a divine figure about to judge right alongside the ancient of days that he's brought to in this vision. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:11.200 Then verse 14 nails it down for us, doesn't it? 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:14.840 This is in fact the eternal King. 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:17.180 There's no question left. 00:10:17.179 --> 00:10:25.179 These words here in verse 14 about all people serving him and everlasting dominion and kingdom never destroyed. 00:10:25.919 --> 00:10:28.059 Those sound familiar to us by now, don't they? 00:10:28.359 --> 00:10:30.120 They're not uncommon in Daniel. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:33.519 We've heard them at the end of almost every one of the stories. 00:10:34.959 --> 00:10:38.339 But they're always about one person and one person only. 00:10:39.319 --> 00:10:39.779 Yahweh. 00:10:41.099 --> 00:10:42.259 Daniel's God. 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:47.539 That there's no one like him and no other God with an eternal kingdom. 00:10:47.939 --> 00:10:50.019 That's usually what is declared. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:55.919 And now, all of a sudden, there is apparently one who's on par with him. 00:10:56.899 --> 00:10:58.159 Reigning forever. 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:00.179 Judging eternally. 00:11:00.360 --> 00:11:04.399 Standing right alongside the ancient of days and looking like a man. 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:13.100 And of course, we know this side of history that the Son of Man figure is actually Jesus himself, right? 00:11:14.039 --> 00:11:20.699 Pre-incarnate form here in this vision of the Son of God who appears like a Son of Man. 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:25.980 The Son of Man is actually language that Jesus adopts for himself. 00:11:26.419 --> 00:11:31.159 In the Gospels, he calls himself the Son of Man 80-some times. 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:37.399 It's more than any other name or title he uses for himself in the Gospels is Son of Man. 00:11:38.699 --> 00:11:49.519 In case you're wondering if he meant to import Daniel 7 and these pictures of divinity and the only true God that are there. 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:54.679 Look at how his contemporaries heard when he called himself that and made this claim. 00:11:54.679 --> 00:12:01.019 In Mark chapter 14, the high priest asks Jesus as he's interrogating him, 00:12:01.179 --> 00:12:03.219 Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:06.019 And Jesus said, I am. 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:12.620 And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven. 00:12:12.919 --> 00:12:17.199 Clearly drawing on the vision we just saw there in Daniel 7, right? 00:12:17.479 --> 00:12:20.879 And what do those around him hear when he says it? 00:12:20.919 --> 00:12:22.159 How do they respond? 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:24.579 The high priest tears his garments and says, 00:12:25.019 --> 00:12:26.659 What further witnesses do we need? 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:28.620 You have heard his blasphemy. 00:12:28.939 --> 00:12:30.000 What is your decision? 00:12:30.419 --> 00:12:34.079 And they all condemned him as deserving death. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:35.799 It was not difficult. 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:37.819 They didn't have to go consult. 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:39.799 Hold on, what does he mean? 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.879 No, they knew clearly. 00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:44.939 He's a man who's claiming equality with God. 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:46.779 Blasphemy. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:51.500 You're claiming eternal dominion alongside Yahweh himself. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:53.860 We all know that story in Daniel. 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:57.600 That's who the Son of Man is coming on the clouds of heaven. 00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:01.179 And you're Joseph's son. 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:03.659 And you're making that claim. 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:06.960 Yes, yes, he was making that claim. 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:12.040 Jesus is pictured again as the Son of Man in Revelation. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:19.780 And when we get another vision of heaven, I love these visions as our hearts get pulled towards seeing the glory of Jesus. 00:13:19.940 --> 00:13:24.440 One of my favorite pictures in all the Bible is in Revelation chapter 1. 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.139 Look at this. 00:13:25.139 --> 00:13:27.199 In the midst of the lampstands. 00:13:27.199 --> 00:13:28.980 One like a son of man. 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:33.819 Clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:37.559 The hairs of his head were white like white wool, like snow. 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:39.819 His eyes were like a flame of fire. 00:13:39.939 --> 00:13:42.860 His feet were like burnished bronze refined in a furnace. 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:46.180 And his voice was like the roar of many waters. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:49.320 In his right hand he held seven stars. 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:52.580 From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. 00:13:52.639 --> 00:13:55.399 And his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:58.940 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:01.980 But he laid his right hand on me saying, 00:14:02.300 --> 00:14:02.840 Fear not. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:06.340 I am the first and the last and the living one. 00:14:07.139 --> 00:14:09.980 I died and behold I am alive forevermore. 00:14:10.060 --> 00:14:13.420 And I have the keys of death and Hades. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:21.879 You see this vision and you immediately sense the glory and the power of the person being described, don't you? 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:26.980 I mean, how strong do you have to be to hold seven stars in the palm of your hand? 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:30.519 Seven stars this mighty one is holding. 00:14:30.700 --> 00:14:35.259 And then we find out later that the seven stars are representatives of the churches. 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:43.960 That this great and mighty God is actually holding in his powerful hand his people, 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:49.100 the ones who are falling as though dead in awe at his glory and power. 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:54.139 And so because he's holding them in his hand, the message is fear not. 00:14:55.820 --> 00:14:56.940 Don't be afraid. 00:14:58.620 --> 00:15:03.220 I'm powerful and strong and I'm holding you in my hand. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:10.080 What a comfort for those who have just fallen as though dead at the sight of the mighty one 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:14.440 to see that he's holding them in that powerful hand. 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:20.980 This is where the comfort of the Son of Man comes into focus for us. 00:15:22.200 --> 00:15:23.840 Okay, so we knew this was Jesus. 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:29.620 Nobody was surprised that this was the eternal King, the God-man himself. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:32.639 But will I need comfort today? 00:15:33.860 --> 00:15:41.279 Another powerful, eternal judge and King is not addressing my struggling faith today. 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:44.460 My battle with sin today. 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:47.560 My loneliness today. 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:56.620 But that's actually exactly what a clear vision of the resurrected, exalted Jesus is about to do for Daniel 00:15:56.620 --> 00:16:00.379 and for us, the comfort of the Son of Man. 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:06.720 Let me show you this, how it develops as Daniel continues to have these visions through the rest of the book. 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:10.899 Look for just a minute, if you've got your Bible open, to Daniel chapter 10. 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:14.080 Let's read about another of Daniel's visions of heaven. 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:18.460 As he's looking, Daniel 10 at verse 5, what does he see? 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:27.400 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 00:16:27.900 --> 00:16:33.960 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:39.840 his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:46.320 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:50.500 but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 00:16:51.160 --> 00:16:56.879 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. 00:16:57.780 --> 00:17:01.660 My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:06.019 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, 00:17:06.080 --> 00:17:10.360 I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.420 Sound familiar? 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:16.279 Are you asking yourself, why are we reading this vision again? 00:17:16.340 --> 00:17:18.019 Didn't we just read something like that? 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:28.240 Both this man and the one in Revelation 1, clearly identified as Jesus, are clothed in white priestly robes. 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:31.080 Both have gold kingly belts. 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:33.080 Both have blazing eyes. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:34.920 Both have bronze skin. 00:17:35.080 --> 00:17:36.800 Both have booming voices. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:44.019 Both leave the one seeing the vision overwhelmed on the ground as though dead. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:52.859 I believe, along with many commentators, that this man Daniel sees in chapter 10 is once again the Son of Man. 00:17:53.359 --> 00:17:55.139 Jesus Himself. 00:17:56.819 --> 00:18:00.639 But even if you're like other commentators who are less convinced that this is Jesus, 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:10.180 what's clear and what's important for our understanding this morning is that the man in Daniel 10 is a representative sent from God to Daniel. 00:18:10.520 --> 00:18:10.700 Right? 00:18:11.300 --> 00:18:12.460 That much is clear. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:15.860 The point is that God sends him to Daniel. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:23.280 He actually leaves heaven and comes to meet God's sorrowful servant in the midst of his despair. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:30.279 God sends the Son of Man to Daniel here in this vision because Daniel is discouraged. 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:35.700 In Daniel chapter 10, where we are in the story is at the very end. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:43.500 God's people have actually, after these 70 years in exile and a little bit longer, been released to go back to Jerusalem. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:48.440 They've been able to go back to rebuild the city and the temple. 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:54.600 But only a few of them have been willing to go back. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:57.500 And those who've gone back are facing great opposition. 00:18:57.740 --> 00:19:01.180 In fact, the plans for the rebuilding are really on hold right now. 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:03.880 It looks like it's not going to be continued. 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:12.759 And so Daniel, again, in his aging years, feels like a failed prophet. 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:17.440 Desperately fasting and mourning for three weeks. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:19.700 Could anything good be happening? 00:19:19.860 --> 00:19:22.920 Where is God in all of this? 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:32.340 And the comfort of God comes to Daniel in his discouragement through these visions of the Son of Man. 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:34.120 Listen to the comfort here. 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:34.960 Verse 10. 00:19:35.620 --> 00:19:37.279 Behold, a hand touched me. 00:19:37.320 --> 00:19:41.200 Remember, he's face down on the ground with no strength left in him. 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:44.259 It sets him trembling on his hands and knees. 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:52.140 And he said to me, O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you. 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:55.660 And stand upright, for now I have been sent to you. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:59.940 And when he'd spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:03.599 And then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel. 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:09.160 For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, 00:20:09.160 --> 00:20:13.840 your words have been heard and I have come because of your words. 00:20:13.900 --> 00:20:15.360 I've come from God. 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:17.980 He's sent me to you to help. 00:20:18.100 --> 00:20:19.019 I've come to help. 00:20:19.540 --> 00:20:20.620 I've come to comfort. 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:27.060 See the eternal King standing alongside the ultimate judge. 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:35.460 And know first for your comfort that your righteousness is in heaven before the judge. 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:40.299 The first way the Son of Man comforts us is in this. 00:20:40.380 --> 00:20:46.519 The vision of the Son of Man as the eternal King who stands alongside the Ancient of Days 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:54.120 as final judge like we just saw, shows us that He rules righteously where we have failed. 00:20:55.079 --> 00:20:58.640 You remember the charge given to mankind when we were created? 00:20:59.100 --> 00:20:59.620 What was it? 00:20:59.620 --> 00:21:00.400 What was our purpose? 00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:06.440 We were created to bear God's image and part of that was to rule on His behalf. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:09.380 To be His vice regents in His creation. 00:21:10.060 --> 00:21:12.460 Ruling righteously the way God would. 00:21:14.800 --> 00:21:17.440 We weren't very successful at that very long, were we? 00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:24.620 Adam and all those after him as well have failed to live up to that calling. 00:21:24.780 --> 00:21:27.420 We feel that failure in our own hearts, don't we? 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:34.440 That we've not been the righteous rulers that God created us to be in the places that He has placed each of us. 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:39.560 And so in the midst of the failures of God's people through the Old Testament, 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:42.640 God sends prophets to tell them of a Messiah. 00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:46.840 One who's going to come who will be the righteous ruler. 00:21:47.080 --> 00:21:52.360 Reigning with justice over all the nations the way I would have Him to reign. 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:56.459 And He comes and He does it perfectly in our place. 00:21:57.719 --> 00:22:00.919 And so we see the Son of Man stand before the judge of all, 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:04.939 accepted and ruling righteously forever. 00:22:05.419 --> 00:22:09.139 The judge says He's the one who's going to rule forever because He's done it perfectly. 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.740 Like no one else. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:15.559 And so we must see Jesus this morning as we know our failures. 00:22:15.879 --> 00:22:19.639 We need to see Him as our righteousness in heaven. 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:22.180 Because I know we see our failures. 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:28.580 We see our failures painfully clearly when we're honest with ourselves. 00:22:29.360 --> 00:22:31.540 We feel we'll never measure up. 00:22:31.620 --> 00:22:36.780 How could I be righteous as God is and rule the way He would in every moment? 00:22:37.280 --> 00:22:39.740 The just judge will just be done with me. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:45.900 John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress, was feeling like that. 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:48.539 Like a failure himself. 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:54.500 One day as he was walking through a field and as he was thinking about this, he wrote these words. 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:55.759 He said, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:58.359 This sentence fell upon my soul. 00:22:59.140 --> 00:23:01.960 Thy righteousness is in heaven. 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:05.920 Thy righteousness is in heaven. 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:08.000 And me thought withal. 00:23:08.420 --> 00:23:13.480 If you want to know, if you want to sound really smart, you say things like me thought withal. 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:16.339 I'm not sure what it means, but it's really helpful here. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:17.720 Me thought withal. 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:22.160 I saw with the eyes of my soul Jesus Christ at God's right hand. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:26.039 There, I say, was my righteousness. 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:30.579 So that wherever I was or whatever I was doing, God could not say of me, 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:32.779 He lacks my righteousness. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:36.680 That was just in front of Him. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:42.259 I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:45.920 nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse. 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:51.320 For my righteousness was Jesus Christ Himself the same yesterday, today, and forever. 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.640 And Bunyan says, 00:23:52.800 --> 00:23:55.000 I thought those things and realized that, 00:23:55.060 --> 00:24:00.580 and I went home rejoicing for the grace and the love of God. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.580 Friends, listen. 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:05.480 If you but trust Jesus, 00:24:06.320 --> 00:24:09.100 your righteousness is in heaven. 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:14.600 You need do no great deed to stand before the judge. 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:18.480 You need not hide the failures that make you ashamed. 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:25.459 The good news of the grace of God is that your righteousness doesn't wax and wane every moment, 00:24:25.719 --> 00:24:27.939 depending on your frame of mind and heart, 00:24:28.219 --> 00:24:29.500 depending on your performance. 00:24:30.159 --> 00:24:35.339 Your righteous standing before God isn't going up and down every time you have a good moment or a bad one. 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:38.439 Your righteousness is in heaven. 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:42.539 It stands before the judge in heaven, 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:44.720 reminding him that you are perfect, 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.660 that you are safe. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:50.700 Because that's true. 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:55.820 Because the Son of Man stands there before the Ancient of Days as your righteousness, 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:57.200 you can hear this morning 00:24:57.200 --> 00:25:01.400 the words Daniel hears from the Son of Man in chapter 10. 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:02.860 Oh, Daniel, 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:07.620 man greatly loved. 00:25:08.400 --> 00:25:12.240 He says that twice to Daniel in this encounter. 00:25:13.040 --> 00:25:13.380 Daniel, 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:15.700 I love you. 00:25:16.780 --> 00:25:18.360 The mighty God, 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:22.480 who could have destroyed you in an instant with the flick of His wrist, 00:25:23.320 --> 00:25:24.220 loves you. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:26.579 Yes, you, 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:28.920 discouraged Christian, 00:25:29.460 --> 00:25:30.019 fearful, 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.259 and failing, 00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:34.339 and overwhelmed by your failure. 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:36.500 He loves you. 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:40.440 That's the comfort of the Son of Man. 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:45.680 He doesn't love you because you're lovable in the moment. 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:51.740 He loves you because He is so loving in every moment, 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:54.220 even in spite of you. 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:58.539 I suspect I'm not the only one in here who, 00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:00.940 in the midst of disciplining a child, 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:04.059 has told the child, 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:04.819 hey, 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:06.660 I love you so much. 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:10.680 Only to hear the child push you away and say, 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:12.740 it doesn't feel like that right now. 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:16.680 I don't feel like you love me. 00:26:17.640 --> 00:26:18.799 I've disobeyed. 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:20.640 I can tell I've let you down. 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:23.420 I don't feel very lovable. 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:27.279 And I tell my girls in that moment, 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:30.819 I don't love them because of their performance. 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:35.799 I don't love them because of their behavior that they're being disciplined for. 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:36.960 I love them. 00:26:37.059 --> 00:26:37.359 Why? 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:40.420 Because they're my girls. 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.059 That's why. 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:45.460 What have you done that if someone knew about it, 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:48.339 you think they could never love you? 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:50.939 And so you think, 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:53.220 and you know God knows that thing, 00:26:53.399 --> 00:26:56.899 so it makes you think God could never love you. 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:57.699 Right? 00:26:59.559 --> 00:27:03.639 Maybe tolerate me if I do enough other things to balance it out, 00:27:03.699 --> 00:27:06.279 but not really ever love me. 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:09.079 This morning, 00:27:09.399 --> 00:27:10.599 see the Son of Man 00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:12.319 standing, 00:27:12.899 --> 00:27:15.079 standing before the judge 00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:16.899 as your Savior, 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:19.399 standing before your Father. 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:21.420 Hear Him call you by name 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:22.099 and say, 00:27:22.599 --> 00:27:23.379 Dear one, 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:26.339 man greatly loved, 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:30.379 woman greatly loved, 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:33.840 in the midst of your failings. 00:27:33.940 --> 00:27:34.940 My child, 00:27:36.280 --> 00:27:38.160 the one I love so much, 00:27:38.400 --> 00:27:39.880 I love you. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:40.440 Listen, 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:42.860 the strong one loves you. 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:45.560 You are safe there. 00:27:47.020 --> 00:27:48.860 Isn't that nearly unbelievable? 00:27:49.520 --> 00:27:51.000 Almost too good to be true 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:53.360 that the one who is most capable 00:27:53.360 --> 00:27:55.400 of either destroying me 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.480 or protecting me 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.660 loves me 00:27:57.660 --> 00:27:59.740 despite myself. 00:28:01.020 --> 00:28:03.900 If no one has ever loved you 00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:04.660 at your worst, 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:07.320 if you've never known love like that 00:28:07.320 --> 00:28:09.400 at your lowest point 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:11.000 in the midst of the mess 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:12.440 and failure that you are, 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:14.580 that's the good news of Jesus Christ 00:28:14.580 --> 00:28:16.040 to the worst of us. 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:17.640 No matter what we've done, 00:28:18.780 --> 00:28:20.500 we can be not judged 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:22.220 on the basis of our own record, 00:28:22.360 --> 00:28:24.140 but loved and accepted 00:28:24.140 --> 00:28:26.680 on the basis of the record of another. 00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:29.740 Christian, 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:32.220 if you've begun to live 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:34.400 as though you have to do enough 00:28:34.400 --> 00:28:35.980 to stay in the family, 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:38.740 stop and remember 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.640 that already, 00:28:40.980 --> 00:28:42.940 before you fix any of the mess, 00:28:43.840 --> 00:28:46.080 you are greatly loved. 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.940 Then finally, 00:28:49.040 --> 00:28:51.080 the comfort of the Son of Man 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:52.180 is that right now, 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:53.320 today, 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.400 in this moment, 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.300 and forever, 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.919 you are never alone 00:28:56.919 --> 00:28:59.319 because the eternal King 00:28:59.319 --> 00:29:00.899 is with you. 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:03.019 Remember that He is sent 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:04.799 to Daniel in this vision 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:06.019 three times, 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:06.399 in fact, 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:08.019 Daniel out of strength, 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:10.220 undone on the ground, 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.879 and He touches him 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:13.099 and strengthens him. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:14.379 He says to him what? 00:29:15.659 --> 00:29:16.500 Fear not. 00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:18.700 Fear not. 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:20.880 The most repeated command 00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:22.880 in all of Scripture. 00:29:23.819 --> 00:29:25.920 Oftentimes used by the way 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:27.220 when God shows up. 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:29.519 And He doesn't want people 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:31.380 to respond in fear 00:29:31.380 --> 00:29:34.100 to the glory of His presence. 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.220 Fear not. 00:29:35.700 --> 00:29:37.360 And most often accompanied 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:38.539 by what reason, 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:38.940 do you know? 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:41.120 Fear not 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:43.759 because I am with you. 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:46.860 That's why you don't have to be afraid. 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:47.899 It's not just anyone 00:29:47.899 --> 00:29:49.319 who's present, right? 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:51.500 The one who today 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.659 and forever 00:29:52.659 --> 00:29:54.339 sits on the throne of heaven 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:55.539 and is in control 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.839 of everything 00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:57.839 forever, 00:29:58.679 --> 00:30:01.500 He is with you today. 00:30:01.719 --> 00:30:02.759 And He wants you to feel 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:04.799 not afraid in His presence 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:06.119 but comforted 00:30:06.119 --> 00:30:08.819 by His being with you. 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:10.240 Think of how alone 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:12.319 Daniel must have felt. 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.779 Unable, perhaps, 00:30:14.879 --> 00:30:15.759 because of his age 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:17.140 to return to Jerusalem 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:18.460 with the most faithful 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:20.079 of God's people. 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.759 So they have left Him. 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.140 And He's sitting, 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:25.660 fasting and mourning 00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:26.200 where? 00:30:26.480 --> 00:30:27.200 In Babylon. 00:30:28.640 --> 00:30:30.660 Where it probably feels like 00:30:30.660 --> 00:30:33.420 God has also left Him. 00:30:34.299 --> 00:30:36.379 Pastor Sinclair Ferguson writes, 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:39.879 Now Daniel is a man alone. 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:42.760 But the truth of the matter 00:30:42.760 --> 00:30:44.100 was that He was never 00:30:44.100 --> 00:30:45.420 less alone 00:30:45.420 --> 00:30:47.460 in all His life. 00:30:48.300 --> 00:30:50.260 Daniel feeling as alone 00:30:50.260 --> 00:30:52.000 as He possibly could, 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:54.120 as abandoned as He could have been, 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:55.680 but never less alone 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:57.080 in all His life. 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:58.280 Let's hear the comfort 00:30:58.280 --> 00:30:59.600 of the Gospel this morning. 00:31:00.040 --> 00:31:00.980 Your righteousness 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:02.560 is in heaven. 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:05.980 So you are greatly loved. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:08.940 And you are never alone. 00:31:09.799 --> 00:31:11.700 Not just one day, someday, 00:31:11.860 --> 00:31:13.799 but today already. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:14.880 Doesn't that strengthen 00:31:14.880 --> 00:31:16.500 your feeble arms 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.539 and your weak legs 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.839 and your discouraged heart? 00:31:19.160 --> 00:31:20.220 Doesn't it give you courage 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:20.860 for today? 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:23.160 Doesn't that give you hope 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:25.039 even in your failure? 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.779 Here's what you see 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.940 when you get a clear vision 00:31:28.940 --> 00:31:30.559 of the Son of Man 00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:31.440 in heaven. 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:33.460 Because of Jesus, 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:36.220 He is there in heaven 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:37.960 standing before the Father, 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:39.440 the one who is the most 00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:40.819 fearful being 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:42.160 in all the world, 00:31:42.420 --> 00:31:43.620 the one whose judgment 00:31:43.620 --> 00:31:44.460 should be feared 00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.680 more than any other, 00:31:46.440 --> 00:31:47.160 loves you 00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:49.460 and is with you. 00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:51.600 You have no need 00:31:51.600 --> 00:31:53.400 to be afraid. 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:56.340 I got a great picture 00:31:56.340 --> 00:31:58.539 of that love this week. 00:31:59.420 --> 00:32:01.900 One of our oldest members, 00:32:01.900 --> 00:32:05.100 93-year-old Bob Hill 00:32:05.100 --> 00:32:07.700 was on his deathbed 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:09.620 in his final hours. 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:12.480 His wife, Marie, 00:32:12.580 --> 00:32:13.620 was there with him. 00:32:13.860 --> 00:32:15.700 Bob's 93-year-old body 00:32:15.700 --> 00:32:16.840 was weak. 00:32:18.180 --> 00:32:19.660 His breathing was 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:21.080 very labored. 00:32:22.360 --> 00:32:24.480 His mind was wracked 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.140 with dementia 00:32:25.140 --> 00:32:26.480 so that he was often 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.700 confused. 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:29.180 And as we all knew, 00:32:29.280 --> 00:32:30.980 he was close to meeting Jesus. 00:32:30.980 --> 00:32:32.720 What Marie wanted 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:33.620 most for him 00:32:33.620 --> 00:32:34.819 was in his confusion 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:35.559 and weakness, 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:36.500 facing death, 00:32:36.559 --> 00:32:37.559 not to be afraid. 00:32:39.779 --> 00:32:41.799 And so for hour after hour, 00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:42.519 she stood there 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:43.180 next to him 00:32:43.180 --> 00:32:44.640 and stroked his face 00:32:44.640 --> 00:32:46.339 and touched him 00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:46.759 and said, 00:32:46.860 --> 00:32:47.259 Bob, 00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:49.640 I'm right here. 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.160 It's okay. 00:32:51.839 --> 00:32:52.940 I love you. 00:32:53.940 --> 00:32:54.860 Stroked his face. 00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:55.440 She bent over 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.420 and kissed his forehead. 00:32:56.900 --> 00:32:57.779 I love you. 00:32:58.279 --> 00:32:59.319 I'm right here. 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.919 Don't be afraid, 00:33:01.059 --> 00:33:01.339 Bob. 00:33:02.299 --> 00:33:03.119 It's okay. 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:08.720 You've heard that message. 00:33:09.899 --> 00:33:10.980 I love you. 00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:13.299 I'm with you. 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.919 Don't be afraid. 00:33:15.139 --> 00:33:15.839 It's okay. 00:33:15.960 --> 00:33:16.720 You've heard it 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:17.980 from God's written word. 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:19.299 You're going to see it 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:20.019 and taste it 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:21.839 in his visible word. 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:24.720 has Jesus reached out 00:33:24.720 --> 00:33:26.159 with his hand this morning 00:33:26.159 --> 00:33:27.599 to touch you 00:33:27.599 --> 00:33:30.139 and have you hear from him. 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:32.779 You are greatly loved. 00:33:33.819 --> 00:33:35.059 Do not fear. 00:33:35.199 --> 00:33:37.119 I love you so much. 00:33:37.619 --> 00:33:38.899 I am with you. 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:40.019 That's the message 00:33:40.019 --> 00:33:41.740 that he wants us to hear. 00:33:41.859 --> 00:33:42.839 It's the reason 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:44.579 he gives us this sacrament 00:33:44.579 --> 00:33:46.439 and he gave it to his followers 00:33:46.439 --> 00:33:48.439 that we would do it often. 00:33:48.439 --> 00:33:48.839 He said, 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:50.939 I know you're struggling. 00:33:51.959 --> 00:33:53.359 I know you're weak. 00:33:53.419 --> 00:33:54.359 I know you're confused. 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:55.459 I know you're lonely 00:33:55.459 --> 00:33:56.399 and fearful. 00:33:57.359 --> 00:33:58.339 Don't be afraid. 00:33:59.259 --> 00:34:00.480 I'm with you. 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.480 I love you. 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:05.279 Paul reminds us 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:07.079 of Jesus instituting 00:34:07.079 --> 00:34:07.599 this supper 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:09.079 in 1 Corinthians 11. 00:34:10.279 --> 00:34:11.199 He writes, 00:34:11.319 --> 00:34:12.480 For I received from the Lord 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:13.960 what I also delivered to you 00:34:13.960 --> 00:34:14.940 that the Lord Jesus 00:34:14.940 --> 00:34:15.639 on the night 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:16.679 when he was betrayed 00:34:16.679 --> 00:34:17.440 took bread 00:34:17.440 --> 00:34:18.960 and when he had given thanks 00:34:18.960 --> 00:34:20.320 he broke it and said, 00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:21.599 This is my body 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:22.700 which is for you. 00:34:23.079 --> 00:34:24.800 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:34:26.000 --> 00:34:27.220 In the same way also 00:34:27.220 --> 00:34:28.059 he took the cup 00:34:28.059 --> 00:34:29.360 after supper saying, 00:34:30.099 --> 00:34:31.480 This cup is the new covenant 00:34:31.480 --> 00:34:32.360 in my blood. 00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:33.920 Do this as often 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:34.900 as you drink it 00:34:34.900 --> 00:34:36.380 in remembrance of me. 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.019 For as often 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:38.019 as you eat this bread 00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:39.340 and drink the cup, 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:41.639 you proclaim the Lord's death 00:34:41.639 --> 00:34:43.599 until he comes. 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:46.400 Brothers and sisters, 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:47.360 this is a table 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:48.880 where we come 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:50.079 to be reminded of 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:51.360 and to celebrate 00:34:51.360 --> 00:34:52.960 the comfort of 00:34:52.960 --> 00:34:54.099 our righteousness 00:34:54.099 --> 00:34:55.619 being in heaven 00:34:55.619 --> 00:34:56.980 and what God 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:58.200 has done for us 00:34:58.200 --> 00:34:59.200 in Jesus. 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:00.880 Listen, 00:35:01.039 --> 00:35:02.340 if you don't know 00:35:02.340 --> 00:35:03.840 the love of God 00:35:03.840 --> 00:35:04.900 for you in Jesus, 00:35:05.139 --> 00:35:05.960 I would invite you 00:35:05.960 --> 00:35:07.320 not to come to this table 00:35:07.320 --> 00:35:07.960 this morning, 00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:09.860 but also not to think 00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:10.579 that this table 00:35:10.579 --> 00:35:11.820 is a place where you come 00:35:11.820 --> 00:35:13.519 once you've figured life out 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.340 and gotten yourself 00:35:14.340 --> 00:35:15.000 put together. 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:16.619 Remember that those 00:35:16.619 --> 00:35:18.039 who come to this table 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.519 this morning 00:35:18.519 --> 00:35:19.320 are not those 00:35:19.320 --> 00:35:20.460 who've found righteousness 00:35:20.460 --> 00:35:21.260 for themselves. 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:22.760 It's those who acknowledge 00:35:22.760 --> 00:35:23.579 their righteousness 00:35:23.579 --> 00:35:25.039 is only in heaven. 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:26.500 That's their hope. 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:28.219 That's what enables them 00:35:28.219 --> 00:35:29.219 to feast 00:35:29.219 --> 00:35:30.780 with their Father. 00:35:31.820 --> 00:35:32.820 Jesus invites you 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:34.079 to trust Him too 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:35.739 that your righteousness 00:35:35.739 --> 00:35:37.159 might be Jesus 00:35:37.159 --> 00:35:38.139 in heaven 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:39.139 allowing you 00:35:39.139 --> 00:35:40.300 to sit and feast 00:35:40.300 --> 00:35:42.039 with your heavenly Father. 00:35:42.039 --> 00:35:42.119 Father. 00:35:43.320 --> 00:35:44.739 If you trust Him today, 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:46.219 if you've joined yourself 00:35:46.219 --> 00:35:46.900 to a church 00:35:46.900 --> 00:35:47.559 that preaches 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:49.119 the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:35:49.259 --> 00:35:51.199 that Jesus is our only hope 00:35:51.199 --> 00:35:53.019 for standing before God, 00:35:53.699 --> 00:35:54.779 then know that this is not 00:35:54.779 --> 00:35:55.980 the table of Southwood 00:35:55.980 --> 00:35:58.400 or of the Presbyterian church. 00:35:58.880 --> 00:36:00.159 This is the Lord's table. 00:36:00.699 --> 00:36:02.000 And He invites you 00:36:02.000 --> 00:36:02.779 to come 00:36:02.779 --> 00:36:05.239 and to share fellowship with us 00:36:05.239 --> 00:36:06.380 and to rejoice 00:36:06.380 --> 00:36:07.800 in His love for you. 00:36:08.279 --> 00:36:09.739 So do that gladly. 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:11.079 Let's celebrate together 00:36:11.079 --> 00:36:13.279 that we are greatly loved 00:36:13.279 --> 00:36:15.099 by our great King. 00:36:15.879 --> 00:36:16.739 Pray with me. 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:20.919 Father, even in this moment, 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:21.599 would You 00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:24.519 set these elements aside 00:36:24.519 --> 00:36:25.719 from a common use 00:36:25.719 --> 00:36:27.539 to one that is sacred 00:36:27.539 --> 00:36:28.559 in our hearts 00:36:28.559 --> 00:36:30.679 that teaches us 00:36:30.679 --> 00:36:31.959 to trust You more, 00:36:32.279 --> 00:36:33.799 that makes us more grateful 00:36:33.799 --> 00:36:35.459 for Your love for us 00:36:35.459 --> 00:36:36.500 and more confident 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:39.480 that despite anything 00:36:39.480 --> 00:36:40.699 we're struggling with, 00:36:41.199 --> 00:36:42.719 our righteousness is in Heaven. 00:36:42.840 --> 00:36:44.099 We are greatly loved 00:36:44.099 --> 00:36:45.400 and the King of the universe 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:47.780 is with us today. 00:36:49.159 --> 00:36:50.639 Do that work in our hearts, 00:36:50.760 --> 00:36:51.960 we ask in Jesus' name. 00:36:52.639 --> 00:36:53.119 Amen. 00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:55.519 Our Lord Jesus, 00:36:55.679 --> 00:36:56.679 on the night He was betrayed, 00:36:56.820 --> 00:36:58.159 took bread and He broke it 00:36:58.159 --> 00:36:59.539 and gave it to His disciples. 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:01.159 As I, ministering in His name, 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:02.360 give this bread to You. 00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:03.079 He said, 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.940 take, eat, 00:37:04.220 --> 00:37:06.280 this is My body broken for You. 00:37:06.760 --> 00:37:08.800 Do this in remembrance of Me. 00:37:09.740 --> 00:37:10.420 In the same way, 00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:11.039 after supper, 00:37:11.120 --> 00:37:11.920 He took the cup, 00:37:12.039 --> 00:37:12.220 saying, 00:37:12.320 --> 00:37:13.420 this cup is the new covenant 00:37:13.420 --> 00:37:14.120 in My blood, 00:37:14.480 --> 00:37:15.220 shed for many 00:37:15.220 --> 00:37:16.960 for the forgiveness of sins. 00:37:17.340 --> 00:37:18.200 Drink from it, 00:37:18.579 --> 00:37:19.280 all of you. 00:37:20.360 --> 00:37:21.059 Our host team 00:37:21.059 --> 00:37:22.079 will usher you to tables 00:37:22.079 --> 00:37:22.720 at the front 00:37:22.720 --> 00:37:23.840 and at the back 00:37:23.840 --> 00:37:24.640 and we will celebrate 00:37:24.640 --> 00:37:26.519 God's love for us together. 00:37:26.519 --> 00:37:32.159 For more information, 00:37:32.539 --> 00:37:33.460 visit us online 00:37:33.460 --> 00:37:34.759 at southwood.org.