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. 00:00:12.019 --> 00:00:12.580 Amen. 00:00:12.820 --> 00:00:14.040 That is beautiful. 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:15.759 Thank you all so much. 00:00:16.620 --> 00:00:22.559 It is really hard when it's 75 degrees to feel like Christmas, and music of Christmas 00:00:22.559 --> 00:00:24.019 makes me excited. 00:00:24.199 --> 00:00:28.120 So thank you all for serving us so well and leading us in worship. 00:00:28.120 --> 00:00:32.280 I do love the songs of Christmas. 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:38.640 They have so much rich there about what God is actually doing in this time. 00:00:38.820 --> 00:00:41.600 And we've been talking about that this Christmas season. 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:46.980 If you're visiting with us this weekend, here at Southwood, we have been talking from Isaiah 00:00:46.980 --> 00:00:53.820 chapter 9 during the Christmas season, looking at this wonderful prophecy of Isaiah, the titles 00:00:53.820 --> 00:00:57.760 given to Jesus in verse 6, Wonderful Counselor. 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:02.439 Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:01:02.899 --> 00:01:09.179 We've been talking about who Jesus is promised to be as the one coming to rescue God's people 00:01:09.179 --> 00:01:11.500 and to rule righteously forever. 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:17.140 However, we're going to focus this morning on the end of the passage, but let me read the 00:01:17.140 --> 00:01:22.620 whole thing for us one more time so we get the full picture of what God is promising through 00:01:22.620 --> 00:01:23.739 the prophet Isaiah. 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:27.819 I thought about that as I was preparing for this morning. 00:01:27.960 --> 00:01:29.480 We're just looking at the last verse. 00:01:29.539 --> 00:01:30.819 Do we need to read the whole thing again? 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:32.539 I've read it so many weeks in a row. 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:41.019 And my second thought was, if Isaiah 9 ever gets old to me, there's something really wrong 00:01:41.019 --> 00:01:41.839 going on. 00:01:41.899 --> 00:01:43.759 You need to come check on me, okay? 00:01:44.139 --> 00:01:49.359 This is a glorious passage, a beautiful promise of what God is doing. 00:01:49.599 --> 00:01:52.099 On top of that, it is God's holy word. 00:01:52.639 --> 00:01:53.359 It is his word. 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:55.980 So Isaiah chapter 9, we'll start at verse 1. 00:01:56.060 --> 00:01:58.719 Give your attention to the reading of God's word. 00:02:00.260 --> 00:02:04.099 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:09.419 In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. 00:02:09.960 --> 00:02:14.800 But in the latter time, he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:16.479 Galilee of the nations. 00:02:17.599 --> 00:02:20.439 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:24.659 Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 00:02:24.939 --> 00:02:26.460 You have multiplied the nation. 00:02:26.599 --> 00:02:28.039 You have increased its joy. 00:02:28.379 --> 00:02:33.079 They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the 00:02:33.079 --> 00:02:33.500 spoil. 00:02:34.479 --> 00:02:39.020 For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you 00:02:39.020 --> 00:02:41.500 have broken as on the day of Midian. 00:02:42.579 --> 00:02:47.620 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:49.900 be burned as fuel for the fire. 00:02:50.439 --> 00:02:56.379 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his 00:02:56.379 --> 00:03:03.680 shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince 00:03:03.680 --> 00:03:04.759 of Peace. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:08.699 Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. 00:03:08.919 --> 00:03:13.500 On the throne of David and over his kingdom to establish it and to uphold it with justice 00:03:13.500 --> 00:03:16.840 and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. 00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:21.740 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:03:22.539 --> 00:03:23.340 Will you pray with me? 00:03:23.340 --> 00:03:29.719 Father, we do thank you for your word. 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:34.300 We thank you that it teaches us. 00:03:34.420 --> 00:03:36.439 We thank you that it guides us in truth. 00:03:36.879 --> 00:03:41.300 We thank you that it shows us who you are and how you love us. 00:03:42.300 --> 00:03:45.020 Would you teach us those things again this morning? 00:03:45.020 --> 00:03:52.420 Father, send your spirit to teach our hearts your word that we might know you more, that 00:03:52.420 --> 00:03:55.920 we might love you more, that we might serve you more. 00:03:56.920 --> 00:03:58.020 Would you do that? 00:03:58.100 --> 00:03:59.460 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:04:00.180 --> 00:04:00.480 Amen. 00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:01.439 Amen. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:08.600 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:04:08.599 --> 00:04:16.600 Isaiah gets to the end of all this glorious prophecy, this wonderful, hopeful words, and 00:04:16.600 --> 00:04:20.459 he concludes with the statement of God's zeal. 00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:24.000 It's going to see that all of this gets accomplished. 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:29.300 I want to talk this morning about God's zeal and what God is zealous for. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:34.800 But first, let's make sure we know what the this is at the end. 00:04:35.519 --> 00:04:37.439 Will do this. 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:39.160 What is this? 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:42.180 What has God promised will happen? 00:04:43.219 --> 00:04:47.980 This is going to be somewhat of a review from what we've seen in this passage the past few 00:04:47.980 --> 00:04:48.319 weeks. 00:04:48.779 --> 00:04:55.159 But as you read through the first few verses, you see this is light coming into darkness, 00:04:55.759 --> 00:04:56.459 verse 2. 00:04:57.220 --> 00:05:00.899 Joy coming into sorrow, verse 3. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:05.120 Peace coming into conflict, verses 4 and 5. 00:05:05.120 --> 00:05:11.500 All, all of those things coming through a child born to be king forever. 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:19.340 What Isaiah is prophesying about is really God's fulfillment of his promises to redeem his people 00:05:19.340 --> 00:05:22.740 and be their faithful covenant-keeping God. 00:05:23.639 --> 00:05:28.540 Remember, all the way back to Abraham, God has promised his people that he will be their 00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:32.420 God, that they'll have this special relationship with him. 00:05:33.420 --> 00:05:37.780 He promised them a land, a place they could settle and call home. 00:05:38.340 --> 00:05:43.260 And they'd inhabit it as a great nation, being his special people. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.420 That's what it was going to look like to be blessed by their God. 00:05:46.420 --> 00:05:50.000 In Exodus 19, God says it this way, 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:55.460 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, how I bore you on eagles' wings and 00:05:55.460 --> 00:05:56.680 brought you to myself. 00:05:57.100 --> 00:06:00.160 What a beautiful way to picture what God did in the Exodus, right? 00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:06.740 Not just delivering his people from slavery, but bringing them to himself to be his special 00:06:06.740 --> 00:06:07.180 people. 00:06:07.180 --> 00:06:11.620 Now, if you'll obey my voice, keep my covenant, you'll be what? 00:06:11.939 --> 00:06:14.600 My treasured possession among all peoples. 00:06:15.340 --> 00:06:20.400 All the earth is mine, but you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 00:06:21.340 --> 00:06:24.740 We're going to have a special relationship, God says. 00:06:24.939 --> 00:06:27.319 I will love you and protect you. 00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:31.939 You will be my treasured possession, the ones I value and cherish. 00:06:33.280 --> 00:06:35.379 Now have no other gods before me. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:37.219 That's what comes next, right? 00:06:37.899 --> 00:06:38.620 Trust me. 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:40.560 Worship me. 00:06:41.379 --> 00:06:42.540 Obey my commandments. 00:06:44.659 --> 00:06:46.620 But Israel doesn't do that, do they? 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:53.159 Over and over again, running after other gods, disobeying God's commands. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:58.120 After many years, they even ask for a king like the rest of the nations. 00:06:58.259 --> 00:07:01.980 They're not pleased with this God that they have that they don't see. 00:07:02.060 --> 00:07:03.959 They want a king like the nations. 00:07:03.959 --> 00:07:11.959 And after a bad experience with Saul, God gives them David, a man after his heart, to 00:07:11.959 --> 00:07:16.539 lead his people in following after him and following his commands. 00:07:17.339 --> 00:07:21.259 And through David, God renews his promise to his people. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:23.279 Look at 2 Samuel chapter 7. 00:07:23.799 --> 00:07:26.719 God's great promise to Israel through David. 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:27.519 God says, 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:36.399 You hear the promise of a land of their own again? 00:07:37.519 --> 00:07:39.539 And I'll give you rest from all your enemies. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:44.079 Moreover, the Lord declares to you, the Lord will make you a house, David. 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:50.000 I will raise up your offspring after you who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:52.800 I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:55.959 I'll be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:08:02.360 My steadfast love will not depart from him as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:07.540 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. 00:08:07.800 --> 00:08:10.660 Your throne shall be established forever. 00:08:10.660 --> 00:08:10.780 Forever. 00:08:11.980 --> 00:08:13.920 The promises of God again, right? 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:15.780 A land of their own. 00:08:16.460 --> 00:08:22.760 A great and prosperous nation going to be protected from their enemies and have this wonderful place. 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:26.320 And now a king who's going to reign forever. 00:08:27.220 --> 00:08:31.720 Not one who's going to be up and down, who just will last for a little while, 00:08:31.720 --> 00:08:36.279 but stability and security and a leader you can count on forever. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:38.740 All of those things happening. 00:08:38.920 --> 00:08:39.180 Why? 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:42.739 Because God was going to be their God. 00:08:43.059 --> 00:08:49.199 They were his special people, and God would make all of this happen as they follow him. 00:08:51.099 --> 00:08:56.819 They get all the promises again, but again, they go their own way, don't they? 00:08:57.579 --> 00:09:00.159 They turn from God to idols. 00:09:00.799 --> 00:09:03.279 Their kings even lead them astray. 00:09:03.819 --> 00:09:06.939 They begin to get overpowered by surrounding nations, 00:09:06.940 --> 00:09:12.560 and so they will find themselves not in a promised land flowing with milk and honey, 00:09:12.560 --> 00:09:14.560 but far away. 00:09:15.680 --> 00:09:22.200 Not as a powerful nation, but scattered abroad and under the thumb of Babylonians and Assyrians. 00:09:23.820 --> 00:09:30.080 Not seeing much evidence of their God and all his wonderful promises, right? 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:35.960 Israel would await that promised king for a long time. 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:39.940 And that's what the this in verse 7 is. 00:09:40.580 --> 00:09:43.759 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this, 00:09:43.920 --> 00:09:47.639 is that he will keep his promise and send that king. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:53.360 He's going to be the righteous ruler on David's throne who indeed reigns forever. 00:09:53.480 --> 00:09:55.820 Do the words look familiar now in verse 7? 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:58.440 His rule is going to keep increasing. 00:09:58.440 --> 00:10:00.080 It will never end. 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:02.320 He will make God's way clear. 00:10:03.160 --> 00:10:05.680 He will make the way to God clear. 00:10:05.840 --> 00:10:08.000 He will be that way to God. 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:13.140 God himself come in might to protect his people forever. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.240 To lead them into peace. 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:18.200 That's what's going to happen, God says. 00:10:18.800 --> 00:10:20.000 This is what I'm promising. 00:10:20.420 --> 00:10:22.540 All my promises will be fulfilled. 00:10:23.140 --> 00:10:25.060 Despite your failures, Israel, 00:10:25.059 --> 00:10:28.099 I'm still going to keep all my promises. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:29.979 Despite your failures, 00:10:30.139 --> 00:10:32.479 my special people will be redeemed 00:10:32.479 --> 00:10:36.419 and led to follow me into all goodness and joy forever. 00:10:36.719 --> 00:10:37.779 I'm still going to do it. 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:40.979 The Messiah is coming, right? 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:43.519 The one that's going to make this happen, 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:44.639 I'm sending him. 00:10:44.839 --> 00:10:46.939 It's the hope and the joy of Christmas. 00:10:48.179 --> 00:10:48.739 Rejoice. 00:10:49.699 --> 00:10:51.039 Rejoice, Emmanuel. 00:10:51.719 --> 00:10:54.419 God with us has come to Israel. 00:10:54.419 --> 00:10:56.479 The God that was our hope, 00:10:56.579 --> 00:10:57.620 that made us special, 00:10:57.899 --> 00:10:59.019 that he was with us, 00:10:59.240 --> 00:11:00.740 he has come. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:03.459 That's what Isaiah promises. 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:06.439 Generations of waiting, 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:08.500 of anticipation. 00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:14.159 That's what the previous seven verses hold in them. 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:18.019 All summed up in the this that God will do. 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:19.419 You've waited so long. 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:20.639 He's coming. 00:11:20.839 --> 00:11:22.659 I will do it. 00:11:24.620 --> 00:11:25.639 If you were Israel, 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:28.319 do you think you might have been at least a little bit skeptical? 00:11:29.699 --> 00:11:31.339 I mean, really, God? 00:11:32.179 --> 00:11:32.659 Really? 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:33.159 Again? 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:36.019 I've heard those promises before, 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:37.139 and I just, 00:11:37.299 --> 00:11:40.139 I'm tired of getting my hopes up and being let down. 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:43.360 I feel like I'm just getting disappointed. 00:11:43.579 --> 00:11:45.459 This is not what I expected. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:47.600 I mean, we have a good king, 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:48.839 and I get worked up and think, 00:11:48.980 --> 00:11:49.639 this is the guy, 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:50.199 and then he, 00:11:50.319 --> 00:11:52.360 he all of a sudden turns rotten, 00:11:52.579 --> 00:11:53.639 and then he dies, 00:11:53.699 --> 00:11:56.039 and then we get two bad ones after him. 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:59.519 And now here we are sitting in Babylon. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:03.179 Have you read Psalm 137, 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:05.500 the picture of God's people in Babylon? 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:08.480 It says they sat by the rivers and wept. 00:12:09.939 --> 00:12:11.039 They wept, 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:13.959 being in exile from God's promised land. 00:12:14.079 --> 00:12:14.419 Why? 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:15.839 They said things like, 00:12:16.120 --> 00:12:19.379 how can we sing the songs of God in a foreign land? 00:12:20.459 --> 00:12:22.939 How can we praise Yahweh 00:12:22.939 --> 00:12:25.919 when we're not in the place He promised us 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:26.979 we were going to be 00:12:26.979 --> 00:12:28.599 when we look around 00:12:28.599 --> 00:12:31.339 and don't see His goodness to us? 00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:33.839 Is this the prosperity and the peace 00:12:33.839 --> 00:12:35.459 He had in mind for us? 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:39.019 This God seems to have lots of wonderful ideas, 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:42.419 but very little commitment to following through. 00:12:44.459 --> 00:12:46.279 Can you feel how they might have felt, 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:47.459 what they might have thought, 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:50.259 hearing the prophecy of Isaiah, 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:53.000 the promise of a king to come? 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:56.019 We can feel those thoughts 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:57.799 because we know what it's like 00:12:57.799 --> 00:12:58.740 to hear a commitment 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:00.960 and see it not followed through on, 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:01.320 don't we? 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:03.580 This Christmas, 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:06.879 I was told very clearly in black and white 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:09.799 that my Christmas cards would come in the mail 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:12.000 no later than December 18. 00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:14.220 Now, I'll grant you, 00:13:14.279 --> 00:13:15.259 I was a little behind. 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:17.460 That's not exactly an ideal time 00:13:17.460 --> 00:13:19.340 to get your Christmas cards 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:20.940 that you're then wanting to send out, 00:13:20.940 --> 00:13:22.940 but December 18th. 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:24.500 And as that day drew near 00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:26.540 and there was no progress showing up, 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:29.800 as I began to call on the 17th and the 18th, 00:13:29.900 --> 00:13:31.300 no matter whom I called, 00:13:31.640 --> 00:13:32.860 no matter where I showed up, 00:13:32.980 --> 00:13:36.400 the post office didn't seem to have the zeal 00:13:36.400 --> 00:13:37.720 that I was hoping for 00:13:37.720 --> 00:13:40.660 for getting my Christmas cards to me on the 18th. 00:13:41.040 --> 00:13:43.860 Their commitment to the promise I had received 00:13:43.860 --> 00:13:44.840 was pretty low. 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:47.460 Ah, they were going to come when they got there. 00:13:47.760 --> 00:13:49.600 And nobody really knew where they were. 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.120 Remember, 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:55.180 we see promises of unending love discarded. 00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:58.639 We hear campaign promises 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.860 and we joke about them 00:13:59.860 --> 00:14:01.840 as things that will never happen. 00:14:01.940 --> 00:14:02.980 That's almost the definition 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:04.460 of a campaign promise, right? 00:14:04.659 --> 00:14:07.220 Something that will certainly never come true. 00:14:08.680 --> 00:14:10.800 In a culture of low commitment 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:12.399 even to our promises, 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:15.460 is it any wonder that we doubt 00:14:15.460 --> 00:14:17.840 God's commitment to our good? 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:22.800 Do you look around at your life sometimes 00:14:22.800 --> 00:14:25.360 and look at a particular situation 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:26.840 you've been praying for 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:29.379 and you wonder if God really cares? 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:33.019 If He really has your best interest in mind? 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:36.960 Do you disclaim God's promises to yourself 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:38.139 and to others 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:41.300 and hesitate even to take them seriously 00:14:41.300 --> 00:14:42.740 because you hate being let down 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.820 or disappointed 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:44.500 and you think, 00:14:44.800 --> 00:14:46.720 oh, this is not going to go well 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:48.840 and I'm just going to get disappointed again? 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:51.980 Have you stopped thinking 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:54.120 about God's commitment to you at all? 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:58.680 When you think about God's commitment to you 00:14:58.680 --> 00:15:00.860 and to your good as His child, 00:15:02.160 --> 00:15:03.820 do you see it as nonchalant? 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:07.180 Is God being just kind of half-hearted 00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:09.460 like, oh yeah, sure. 00:15:10.140 --> 00:15:11.220 I mean, a little capricious. 00:15:11.400 --> 00:15:12.260 If it works out, 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:14.120 if things go well for them, great. 00:15:14.260 --> 00:15:16.420 If not, well, we'll do something else. 00:15:17.400 --> 00:15:19.100 Is that how God feels about you? 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:20.020 Is that how you think 00:15:20.020 --> 00:15:21.980 about His commitment to you? 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:26.639 God wants us to hear clearly this morning 00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:28.940 something very, very different 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:31.659 from that level of commitment. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:34.680 Something much more deeply passionate, 00:15:35.279 --> 00:15:38.100 much more deeply secure than that. 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.720 He wants us to hear clearly 00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:43.240 the zeal of the Lord of hosts 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:44.740 will do this. 00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:48.039 His zeal, it's a Hebrew word 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:51.019 that speaks of ardent love, 00:15:51.019 --> 00:15:53.299 of deep fervor. 00:15:54.199 --> 00:15:56.139 It's a word translated usually 00:15:56.139 --> 00:15:57.879 in the Scriptures either zeal 00:15:57.879 --> 00:15:59.480 or jealousy. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:03.340 Speaking of God being a jealous God, 00:16:03.699 --> 00:16:06.740 like a lover who is deeply committed 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:07.879 to His beloved. 00:16:09.539 --> 00:16:11.960 I love the way commentator Alec Motier 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:13.720 describes the word in this passage. 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:14.740 I want to show it to you. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.399 He says, 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:18.399 it's the power of love 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:19.720 moving the Lord 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:21.899 to make His people's cause 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:22.639 His own 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:24.840 and the passionate commitment 00:16:24.840 --> 00:16:25.700 of His nature 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:28.180 to fulfill His purposes for them. 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:30.800 That's what God's zeal means. 00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:33.340 That He makes His people's cause 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:34.100 His own. 00:16:34.820 --> 00:16:36.120 That your good 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.379 is the thing that becomes 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:39.580 His driving force, 00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:42.360 His desire for you. 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:45.540 God makes His people's cause 00:16:45.540 --> 00:16:46.000 His own. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:48.279 Motier says it's His very nature 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:51.159 that makes God passionately committed 00:16:51.159 --> 00:16:51.960 to His people 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:52.740 and His promises. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:54.159 That's who He is. 00:16:54.240 --> 00:16:55.240 It's not He's pretending 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.340 to be like this. 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:58.259 It is His very nature 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.460 to save His people, 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:01.340 to overthrow His foes, 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:02.720 and He has the power 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.460 to do it. 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:05.599 He will do it. 00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:07.700 He's unwilling 00:17:07.700 --> 00:17:09.099 to leave His people 00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:11.359 stuck in their idolatry 00:17:11.359 --> 00:17:12.559 of other gods. 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:14.339 Stuck apart from Him 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.480 and His glory. 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:16.699 He won't let you stay there. 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:18.459 He's unwilling 00:17:18.459 --> 00:17:19.799 to leave His people 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:21.139 stuck in captivity 00:17:21.139 --> 00:17:22.359 to other nations. 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.980 Stuck apart from the blessings 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.459 of His long-standing 00:17:26.459 --> 00:17:27.859 covenant promises. 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:29.919 He won't leave you there. 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:34.220 So in Zechariah 1.14, 00:17:34.459 --> 00:17:36.619 He uses this same word, 00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:37.480 zeal, 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:38.980 to say this. 00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:40.579 He says, 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:41.740 cry out, 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:43.240 thus says the Lord of hosts, 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:46.180 I am exceedingly jealous 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:47.680 for Jerusalem 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:49.279 and for Zion. 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:52.039 That's the way He feels 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.859 about His people. 00:17:53.319 --> 00:17:54.559 Exceedingly jealous 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:55.620 for them. 00:17:56.120 --> 00:17:57.299 I'm telling you, 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:59.839 this is no mild feeling 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:02.240 of a placid grandfather 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.099 in the sky 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:04.480 just with some well wishes. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:08.579 This is the Lord of hosts. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:10.500 The title used for God 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:11.380 is the commander 00:18:11.380 --> 00:18:13.180 of all of heaven's armies 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.779 getting passionate 00:18:14.779 --> 00:18:16.019 about someone 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:17.259 and something. 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:18.299 You know who? 00:18:18.740 --> 00:18:19.819 About His people 00:18:19.819 --> 00:18:20.559 and you know what? 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:22.460 About their salvation. 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.359 Isaiah tells us 00:18:24.359 --> 00:18:24.960 in other parts 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.720 of his prophecy 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.839 what it looks like 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:28.200 when God gets zealous 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:28.680 for this. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.579 Chapter 42, 00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.519 the Lord goes out 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:32.700 like a mighty man, 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:34.200 like a man of war, 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:35.680 He stirs up His zeal. 00:18:35.980 --> 00:18:36.880 He cries out, 00:18:36.940 --> 00:18:37.819 He shouts aloud, 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:39.659 He shows Himself mighty 00:18:39.659 --> 00:18:41.019 against His foes 00:18:41.019 --> 00:18:42.579 because of His zeal 00:18:42.579 --> 00:18:43.679 for His people. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:44.819 Chapter 59, 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.859 He put on righteousness 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:47.859 as a breastplate 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:48.960 and a helmet of salvation 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.639 on His head. 00:18:49.919 --> 00:18:50.879 He put on garments 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:52.099 of vengeance for clothing 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:53.039 and wrapped Himself 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:54.579 in zeal as a cloak. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:56.240 What's God doing 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.279 when He gets zealous 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.039 for His people? 00:18:58.599 --> 00:18:59.220 He's getting ready 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:00.220 for battle, isn't He? 00:19:01.179 --> 00:19:02.159 God who's ready 00:19:02.159 --> 00:19:03.019 to fight, 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.439 He's going to fight 00:19:04.439 --> 00:19:06.259 for His people 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.839 to rescue the ones 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.500 He loves, 00:19:08.660 --> 00:19:10.420 to move heaven and earth 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:11.619 to see His purposes 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:13.359 for them achieved. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:15.019 Listen, 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:15.980 He may be coming 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:16.740 as a baby 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.059 in a manger, 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.539 but be assured 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:20.500 that Christmas 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.980 is no weak move 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.900 on the part 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:24.079 of an impotent deity. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:27.160 Christmas is the strong 00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:28.359 battle plan 00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:30.160 of the omnipotent 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:31.740 Lord of hosts. 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:33.879 He will do this 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:35.480 and He has begun. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.220 I want you to hear 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:38.440 John Calvin's words 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:39.339 on this because 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.400 I couldn't say 00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:41.160 more beautifully 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:42.059 or poetically 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:42.819 if I tried 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:43.779 for a long time. 00:19:44.599 --> 00:19:45.440 Calvin says, 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:47.420 God is absolutely 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.839 inflamed. 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:49.559 These words aren't 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.200 on the screen yet. 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:51.819 He's inflamed 00:19:51.819 --> 00:19:52.859 with an uncommon 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:54.339 and extraordinary 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:56.379 desire to promote 00:19:56.379 --> 00:19:57.319 the salvation 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.599 of the church. 00:19:59.379 --> 00:20:00.039 He says, 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.240 there's no feeling 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:02.019 of our own 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.579 that matches 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.220 this zeal 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:04.220 that God has, 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:05.120 that we're trying 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:06.559 to use human words 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.500 to describe 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:09.180 a divine passion 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:10.740 that is so intense 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.940 it is wonderful 00:20:11.940 --> 00:20:13.700 and inconceivable. 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:15.860 And then He finishes 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.440 this way. 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.360 God will come 00:20:18.360 --> 00:20:19.360 with no light 00:20:19.360 --> 00:20:20.860 or slow arm 00:20:20.860 --> 00:20:22.539 to redeem His church 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:23.720 for He will be 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:25.039 all on flame 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:26.640 with amazing love 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:27.240 of believers 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:28.259 and anxiety 00:20:28.259 --> 00:20:29.600 about their salvation. 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:31.079 Did you hear that? 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:32.839 all on flame 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:35.119 with amazing love 00:20:35.119 --> 00:20:36.220 for believers. 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:38.079 So committed 00:20:38.079 --> 00:20:39.220 to your well-being 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:40.299 that He entered 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:41.179 into this world 00:20:41.179 --> 00:20:41.859 of pain 00:20:41.859 --> 00:20:43.039 and distress 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:44.059 Himself 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:46.460 to rescue you. 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.579 He really did 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:49.419 want to be 00:20:49.419 --> 00:20:51.419 your God. 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:53.220 Yes, 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.699 your God. 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:58.240 dear one 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:59.740 who's struggling, 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:00.980 who feels like 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:02.600 you've failed Him again 00:21:02.600 --> 00:21:03.720 and you're stuck 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:05.100 in a cycle of sin 00:21:05.100 --> 00:21:06.140 and chasing after 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:07.380 your own gods. 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:08.920 Yes, 00:21:09.380 --> 00:21:09.819 you. 00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:12.319 He feels that way 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:13.080 about you. 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:15.200 He came for you. 00:21:16.860 --> 00:21:17.819 This wasn't just 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:19.180 a passing thought. 00:21:20.860 --> 00:21:21.640 This was not a, 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:21.799 well, 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.460 maybe I will, 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.580 maybe that's a good idea, 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:25.480 maybe I won't. 00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:28.140 A cosmic coin flip 00:21:28.140 --> 00:21:28.900 in heaven, 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:29.759 God thinking, 00:21:30.080 --> 00:21:30.920 heads one day, 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:32.299 tails the next day, 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:32.720 maybe, 00:21:33.019 --> 00:21:34.360 maybe I'll care 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:35.080 about them. 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:38.559 It's very, 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:39.819 very different. 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.460 Since before 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:42.319 the creation 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.299 of the world, 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:44.620 He loved you 00:21:44.620 --> 00:21:46.259 with an everlasting love 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:47.420 so intense 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.259 that He was willing 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.160 to die 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:50.019 to have you 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.759 live with Him. 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:52.700 That's how He feels 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:53.480 about you. 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:54.660 He has your best 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.519 interest at heart 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.720 so much so 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.700 that He was willing 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:58.900 to put all 00:21:58.900 --> 00:22:00.240 of His omniscient wisdom, 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.119 all of His 00:22:02.119 --> 00:22:03.480 omnipotent might, 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:04.460 all of His 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.839 eternal perspective 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.680 to work 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.519 to plan 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.460 your greatest 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.359 shalom, 00:22:09.859 --> 00:22:10.779 your greatest 00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:11.539 peace, 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.000 your complete 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.619 wholeness 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:15.079 in His perfect world 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:15.779 forever. 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.799 That's what this passage 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:17.220 says. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.839 That's what God 00:22:18.839 --> 00:22:20.259 has been doing. 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:22.000 He really is 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.880 good. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:24.440 He really does 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:25.460 love you. 00:22:25.579 --> 00:22:26.779 He really will 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.920 do this. 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:29.980 He's committed 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.640 to this. 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:32.259 You can be assured 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.920 of it. 00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:36.380 Two questions 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:37.240 for us 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.299 by way of application 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:38.920 this morning. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:41.940 First, 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:43.180 do you share 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:44.500 God's commitment? 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:48.039 Are you zealous 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:48.859 for the things 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.859 that He is 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:50.839 zealous for? 00:22:51.180 --> 00:22:52.000 Does the kingdom 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:53.259 of King Jesus, 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.640 the well-being 00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:55.599 of His creation, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.700 the redemption 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.700 of other people 00:22:57.700 --> 00:22:58.960 get you fired up? 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:02.619 Does it make you laugh 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:03.700 when I say that? 00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:05.819 Or does that actually 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:07.200 get you excited? 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:09.119 What excites your passion 00:23:09.119 --> 00:23:10.759 and engages your interest? 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:13.400 your intense concentration 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:15.079 and excitement? 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.819 This passage says 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:17.940 God is zealous 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.160 to see His light 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:20.039 come into darkness, 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:21.420 His joy 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:22.539 come into sorrow, 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:23.480 His peace 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:25.000 come into conflict, 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:26.759 all through His Son 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:28.759 coming into our lives. 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:30.220 Are you zealous 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:31.819 for that too? 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.660 Do you rejoice 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.640 in how He's come 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:35.559 into your life? 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:37.259 Are you committed 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:37.900 to seeing Him 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.940 come into the lives 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:40.180 of everyone you know, 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:40.900 even those 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:42.200 who keep failing you? 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:42.940 Are you committed 00:23:42.940 --> 00:23:45.080 to seeing them know Him? 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.660 Or do you think, 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.400 ah, yeah, 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:48.620 I mean, 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:49.799 that would be nice. 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.539 Wouldn't that be cool 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:53.320 if someone else 00:23:53.320 --> 00:23:53.880 met Jesus? 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:57.100 Do you feel like, 00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:57.340 you know, 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.460 maybe if it happened, 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.200 it'd be neat 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.060 to be a part of? 00:24:01.060 --> 00:24:02.460 Or are you longing 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.820 for that? 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.860 Does your heart ache 00:24:05.860 --> 00:24:07.320 to be a part of that? 00:24:07.560 --> 00:24:08.279 Do you want to see 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:08.900 that happen? 00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:09.820 Do you pray 00:24:09.820 --> 00:24:10.720 for His kingdom 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.400 to come? 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:12.740 Do you work 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.780 to see it advanced 00:24:13.780 --> 00:24:15.160 in the lives of others? 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:17.540 God's heart is for people 00:24:17.540 --> 00:24:18.500 to be blessed, 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:21.019 for a rule of justice 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.080 and peace 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:23.320 and righteousness 00:24:23.320 --> 00:24:25.019 to impact Huntsville 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:27.440 and the rest of the world. 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:29.100 Is that your heart? 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:29.940 Is that what you 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:31.200 want to see happen 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:32.259 and be a part of? 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.680 Would you pray with me 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:36.019 that God would give us 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:36.980 some of His zeal 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:38.640 for the redemption 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:39.279 of people? 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.500 I think if we just, 00:24:40.560 --> 00:24:42.039 if we just had an ounce of it, 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.160 just a fraction 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:44.840 of God's passionate, 00:24:45.120 --> 00:24:46.200 burning zeal, 00:24:46.560 --> 00:24:47.360 the way His heart 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:49.620 is aflame for believers 00:24:49.620 --> 00:24:50.880 in Calvin's words. 00:24:51.580 --> 00:24:53.340 If we just had a piece of that, 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:53.920 I think Huntsville 00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:55.019 would be a different place. 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.200 Would you pray with me 00:24:58.200 --> 00:24:58.880 that God would make 00:24:58.880 --> 00:25:00.580 our hearts beat like His 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:02.139 for people in this city 00:25:02.139 --> 00:25:03.079 and in this world? 00:25:04.419 --> 00:25:05.259 Would we share 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.419 God's commitment? 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:10.279 That's certainly important. 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:12.139 Of course it's important 00:25:12.139 --> 00:25:13.899 to share God's commitment. 00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:15.000 Having our hearts 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.859 and priorities 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:17.379 match His. 00:25:18.939 --> 00:25:19.439 But you know, 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.339 I think this passage 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.819 would ask us another question 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:22.939 even perhaps 00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:24.199 more importantly. 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:25.919 Even perhaps more 00:25:25.919 --> 00:25:26.659 at the heart 00:25:26.659 --> 00:25:28.839 of Isaiah's prophecy. 00:25:29.439 --> 00:25:29.980 Do you share 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.539 His commitment? 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:31.079 Yes. 00:25:32.379 --> 00:25:33.919 But also do you trust 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.779 His commitment? 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.919 Do you trust 00:25:37.919 --> 00:25:38.519 His commitment? 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.939 Why do you think 00:25:39.939 --> 00:25:40.839 the last sentence 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:42.159 in verse 7 is there? 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:44.799 Why that sentence 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.319 at the end 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:46.519 of these great promises 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:47.619 that the zeal 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:49.059 of the Lord of hosts 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:50.539 will do this? 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:52.339 Why is that needed? 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:52.619 I mean, 00:25:52.679 --> 00:25:53.379 God's promised. 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.019 He's given you 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:54.899 His word, right? 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.339 He's given you 00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:57.240 beautiful promises. 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:57.839 He's told you 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:58.599 it's going to happen 00:25:58.599 --> 00:25:59.859 through this child 00:25:59.859 --> 00:26:00.799 who's going to be born 00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:01.959 and is going to be a king. 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:05.699 Why the last sentence? 00:26:06.399 --> 00:26:07.419 I think perhaps 00:26:07.419 --> 00:26:08.639 the primary reason 00:26:08.639 --> 00:26:10.419 is so that our hearts 00:26:10.419 --> 00:26:11.519 will be encouraged 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:14.539 to trust God's commitment. 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:17.700 that we will trust God's commitment 00:26:17.700 --> 00:26:19.619 enough to have hope 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:21.000 in the dark times. 00:26:22.599 --> 00:26:24.019 Because God never promised 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:25.359 we wouldn't struggle, right? 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:27.500 In fact, 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.899 He promised that in many ways 00:26:28.899 --> 00:26:29.779 we would struggle 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:31.519 and suffer. 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:33.680 But when we do, 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.940 if you're anything like me, 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:36.319 it's easy to look around 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:38.779 and it's easy to think 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:39.680 like God's people 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.700 in the Old Testament. 00:26:41.539 --> 00:26:41.920 God, 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:43.559 you're not looking faithful 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:44.500 to your promises 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.220 right now. 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:46.920 I'm tempted to wonder 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:48.240 if your commitment 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:49.220 is wavering. 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:52.019 Our circumstances 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:53.119 often tell us that, 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.539 don't they? 00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:56.519 Our repeated sin 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.119 and failure 00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:57.940 tell us that, 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.440 don't they? 00:26:58.440 --> 00:27:00.460 Satan accuses us. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.240 And we say, 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:05.360 surely God's commitment 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:07.100 to a failure like me 00:27:07.100 --> 00:27:09.440 must be wavering right now. 00:27:10.920 --> 00:27:12.519 And God says what? 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:15.019 I'm committed to you 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:17.759 zealously and eternally. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:20.600 I sent my Son for you. 00:27:20.700 --> 00:27:22.080 Don't forget that. 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:24.059 What does Paul say 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.799 in Romans 8? 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.940 What should we say 00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:27.539 to these things, 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:29.779 to God's wonderful redemption? 00:27:30.399 --> 00:27:31.339 We should say this. 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:33.039 If God is for us, 00:27:33.559 --> 00:27:35.000 who can be against us? 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:37.500 If God did not spare 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.420 His own Son 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:40.379 but gave Him up for us all, 00:27:40.639 --> 00:27:41.960 how will He not also, 00:27:42.139 --> 00:27:42.859 along with Him, 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:44.759 graciously give us 00:27:44.759 --> 00:27:46.460 all things? 00:27:47.700 --> 00:27:48.539 He may not give us 00:27:48.539 --> 00:27:49.960 what we think is best 00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:51.039 in every situation, 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:53.519 but the gift of Jesus 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.779 at Christmas says 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:57.500 He will graciously give us 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.500 all things, 00:27:58.819 --> 00:28:00.440 never letting us be separated 00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:01.460 from His love, 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.519 Romans 8, right? 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:05.240 No matter how we feel, 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:07.259 no matter what life looks like, 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.700 no matter what our hearts 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.920 accuse us of 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:10.799 and our failures, 00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:13.019 He sent His Son. 00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:16.259 You can count on His love. 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.720 He really does know 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:19.720 what is ultimately best for us. 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.880 and He really is 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:22.240 zealously committed 00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:24.160 to loving us forever. 00:28:25.539 --> 00:28:26.480 We can trust Him. 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:30.559 Do we trust God's commitment enough 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.460 to have hope 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:33.819 even in the hard times? 00:28:34.819 --> 00:28:35.620 And also, 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:37.579 do we trust God's commitment enough 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:39.299 not to think 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:40.539 that we will accomplish 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.500 these things 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:43.620 in our own strength? 00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:46.419 As important as it is 00:28:46.419 --> 00:28:47.199 for us to share 00:28:47.199 --> 00:28:48.139 God's commitment 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:48.899 to the redemption 00:28:48.899 --> 00:28:49.799 of His people 00:28:49.799 --> 00:28:50.899 and the coming 00:28:50.899 --> 00:28:51.959 of Christ's kingdom, 00:28:52.479 --> 00:28:53.939 it's equally important 00:28:53.939 --> 00:28:54.859 that we remember 00:28:54.859 --> 00:28:56.139 this work rests 00:28:56.139 --> 00:28:57.199 on His shoulders 00:28:57.199 --> 00:28:58.739 and not ours. 00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:01.099 His promise 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:02.279 is not that we will be 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:02.979 strong enough, 00:29:03.879 --> 00:29:04.599 smart enough, 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:06.279 holy enough 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:07.679 to make it happen. 00:29:07.839 --> 00:29:09.299 That's not the guarantee 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.539 at the end of this passage, 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:10.959 is it? 00:29:10.960 --> 00:29:12.220 That we will be 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:12.920 strong enough, 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:13.620 smart enough, 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.519 holy enough. 00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:15.640 In fact, 00:29:15.720 --> 00:29:17.279 if you'll note 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:18.319 the baby in the manger 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:18.960 at Christmas, 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:20.279 you'll see He loves 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.240 to work through 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:21.900 weakness 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:23.680 and humility. 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:26.279 No, His promise 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:27.200 is not that we 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:28.380 will be strong enough. 00:29:29.279 --> 00:29:29.980 His promise 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:31.160 is that He 00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:33.319 will be committed enough, 00:29:33.880 --> 00:29:34.400 zealous 00:29:34.400 --> 00:29:35.559 to accomplish 00:29:35.559 --> 00:29:36.640 His purposes. 00:29:37.860 --> 00:29:38.920 Maybe Christmas 00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:39.799 can be a reminder 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.640 to us 00:29:40.640 --> 00:29:42.440 that when He kicked off 00:29:42.440 --> 00:29:44.360 His earthly portion 00:29:44.360 --> 00:29:45.380 of this mission 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.980 with the miraculous 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:48.880 wonder of the incarnation, 00:29:49.280 --> 00:29:50.220 He didn't need 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:51.020 our strategy, 00:29:51.140 --> 00:29:51.460 did He? 00:29:51.680 --> 00:29:52.460 Did He ask for, 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.660 was that your idea? 00:29:54.520 --> 00:29:55.540 Was that my idea? 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:58.040 Did we help make, 00:29:58.100 --> 00:29:58.600 He didn't need 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.300 our strategy, 00:29:59.440 --> 00:29:59.880 He didn't need 00:29:59.880 --> 00:30:00.780 our strength, 00:30:01.040 --> 00:30:01.840 He didn't need 00:30:01.840 --> 00:30:02.600 our permission. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.660 Redemption 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:05.900 comes as a gift 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:07.580 from Him, 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:09.220 not as a 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:10.339 cooperative agreement, 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:12.140 not a partnership 00:30:12.140 --> 00:30:13.220 where we fulfill 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:14.640 our part of the bargain. 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.480 Israel never 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:17.799 fulfilled their part 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:18.339 of the bargain, 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:18.839 did they? 00:30:21.019 --> 00:30:21.960 That's what we mean 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:22.759 when we talk about 00:30:22.759 --> 00:30:23.319 salvation 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:24.759 by grace 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:25.519 alone. 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:26.960 It's something 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:27.539 accomplished 00:30:27.539 --> 00:30:28.600 by the zeal 00:30:28.600 --> 00:30:29.339 of the Lord 00:30:29.339 --> 00:30:30.000 of hosts 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.019 as it always 00:30:31.019 --> 00:30:31.920 has been. 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:33.360 His passionate 00:30:33.360 --> 00:30:33.920 commitment 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:34.759 to redeeming 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:35.220 the people 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:35.819 He loves 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:36.700 so much 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:38.220 knows no bounds. 00:30:39.120 --> 00:30:39.660 He won't be 00:30:39.660 --> 00:30:40.299 turned away 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:41.160 by our rebellion. 00:30:41.880 --> 00:30:42.660 He won't be 00:30:42.660 --> 00:30:43.440 turned aside 00:30:43.440 --> 00:30:44.480 by Satan's 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:44.980 temptation. 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.480 He won't be 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:47.200 turned back 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:48.180 by the agony 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:49.279 of the cross. 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.960 He will never 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:52.400 stop loving you. 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:52.759 Amen? 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:55.039 He will have 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:55.799 you to be 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.440 with Him 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:57.340 forever. 00:30:58.980 --> 00:30:59.680 So we have 00:30:59.680 --> 00:31:00.259 to acknowledge 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.120 our weakness 00:31:01.120 --> 00:31:02.460 in order to 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.420 trust His strength. 00:31:03.420 --> 00:31:05.180 We have 00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:05.680 to acknowledge 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:07.340 our foolishness 00:31:07.340 --> 00:31:08.039 to trust 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:09.600 His wisdom. 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.560 And when we do, 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:13.460 He saves us. 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.539 Not because 00:31:14.539 --> 00:31:15.360 we worked hard 00:31:15.360 --> 00:31:15.779 enough, 00:31:16.320 --> 00:31:17.180 but because 00:31:17.180 --> 00:31:18.180 He loved us 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:19.560 passionately enough. 00:31:19.880 --> 00:31:20.920 That's why 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:22.080 He saves us. 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:23.440 We trust 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:23.740 Him. 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.539 And He promises 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.700 that to us 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.720 a child 00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:28.420 will be born. 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:30.740 And to us 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.500 trusting 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.140 Him, 00:31:32.599 --> 00:31:33.359 a son 00:31:33.359 --> 00:31:34.660 will be given, 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.819 one upon 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:36.720 whose shoulders 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:37.819 the government 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:38.960 of His kingdom 00:31:38.960 --> 00:31:39.619 will rest 00:31:39.619 --> 00:31:40.299 so that it 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:41.460 doesn't weigh 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:42.400 on yours 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:43.700 or on mine. 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:46.059 He will be 00:31:46.059 --> 00:31:47.000 the wonderful 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:47.559 counselor, 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.220 the mighty God, 00:31:49.619 --> 00:31:50.380 the everlasting 00:31:50.380 --> 00:31:51.059 Father, 00:31:51.619 --> 00:31:52.400 the Prince 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:53.700 of Peace. 00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:55.700 The zeal 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:56.680 of the Lord 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.339 of hosts 00:31:57.339 --> 00:31:58.440 will do this. 00:31:58.819 --> 00:31:59.400 Let's pray. 00:31:59.400 --> 00:32:03.060 Father, 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.960 thank You 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:05.680 for being 00:32:05.680 --> 00:32:06.380 zealous. 00:32:08.780 --> 00:32:09.680 Thank You 00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:10.720 for caring 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:11.860 passionately 00:32:11.860 --> 00:32:13.400 about Your 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:13.840 people. 00:32:14.060 --> 00:32:14.580 Thank You 00:32:14.580 --> 00:32:15.160 for Your 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:15.900 commitment 00:32:15.900 --> 00:32:16.860 to the 00:32:16.860 --> 00:32:17.320 kingdom 00:32:17.320 --> 00:32:18.019 of Your 00:32:18.019 --> 00:32:18.700 Son 00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:19.860 coming in 00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:21.000 great power 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:22.140 and for us 00:32:22.140 --> 00:32:22.780 knowing 00:32:22.780 --> 00:32:23.660 the rich 00:32:23.660 --> 00:32:24.380 blessings 00:32:24.380 --> 00:32:24.860 that are 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:25.320 ours 00:32:25.320 --> 00:32:25.940 as a part 00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:26.400 of that. 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:28.500 we pray 00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.680 Thy kingdom 00:32:29.680 --> 00:32:30.560 come 00:32:30.560 --> 00:32:31.759 on earth 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.400 as it is 00:32:32.400 --> 00:32:33.000 in heaven. 00:32:33.640 --> 00:32:34.040 Bring it 00:32:34.040 --> 00:32:34.680 today, 00:32:34.900 --> 00:32:35.519 Lord Jesus. 00:32:36.280 --> 00:32:36.640 Bring it 00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:37.540 in our hearts, 00:32:37.680 --> 00:32:38.380 in our city, 00:32:38.540 --> 00:32:39.440 in our world. 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:40.800 Would we 00:32:40.800 --> 00:32:41.720 be confident 00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:42.380 today 00:32:42.380 --> 00:32:43.360 that You 00:32:43.360 --> 00:32:44.540 have come 00:32:44.540 --> 00:32:45.460 to see 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.160 that happen 00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:46.680 and that You're 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:47.820 coming again 00:32:47.820 --> 00:32:48.480 to make it 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.420 true forever? 00:32:51.060 --> 00:32:51.440 May that 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.200 encourage our 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:52.800 hearts and give 00:32:52.800 --> 00:32:53.900 us great joy. 00:32:53.900 --> 00:32:55.519 we ask in 00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:55.980 Your name. 00:32:56.540 --> 00:32:56.820 Amen. 00:33:00.620 --> 00:33:01.400 For more 00:33:01.400 --> 00:33:01.920 information, 00:33:02.280 --> 00:33:02.700 visit us 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:03.620 online at 00:33:03.620 --> 00:33:04.500 southwood.org. 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.500 Thank you.