WEBVTT 00:00:00.300 --> 00:00:04.320 Today is our third Sunday in the season of Advent. 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:08.480 It feels like Christmas, though. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:13.519 The culture all around us is pretty much celebrating Christmas, more or less. 00:00:13.620 --> 00:00:22.140 So that Christmas Day on the 25th feels like the last day of a season of parties, of feasting, of decorations. 00:00:22.660 --> 00:00:27.320 But the church has historically observed this season differently. 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:34.420 Historically, the season of Advent, which begins on the first Sunday of the four Sundays before Christmas Day, 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:40.060 is a season of waiting, of preparation, of hope. 00:00:41.159 --> 00:00:48.299 We remember the days of Israel in exile, awaiting a Savior, a Messiah who would come and gather up Israel and deliver her from all her enemies. 00:00:49.060 --> 00:00:54.420 At the same time, we as the church await the second coming of that same Savior, 00:00:54.420 --> 00:00:57.780 one who will at last set all things to rights. 00:00:59.380 --> 00:01:08.400 You could say that the season of Advent is simultaneously the first month and the 13th month of the Christian year. 00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:14.840 So in this season, generally, we don't sing Christmas carols that say, 00:01:14.980 --> 00:01:16.580 Jesus is come. 00:01:17.360 --> 00:01:21.120 We sing in Advent, come Lord Jesus. 00:01:21.980 --> 00:01:27.420 In the passages from the Bible tonight, aren't the accounts of Jesus being born and the events following. 00:01:27.939 --> 00:01:34.500 We read passages about waiting for a Savior to come and about preparing ourselves for that day. 00:01:34.500 --> 00:01:42.019 Now, one of the passages that was read was from a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to a young church, 00:01:42.579 --> 00:01:46.060 to what was a young church, in the ancient city of Thessalonica. 00:01:47.079 --> 00:01:51.519 The recipients of that letter were eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus. 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:53.400 They thought it would happen any day. 00:01:53.539 --> 00:01:57.159 And so Paul's instructions for them was on how to wait. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:01:59.920 What should we do as we wait? 00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:02.079 What can we expect when he comes? 00:02:02.680 --> 00:02:07.359 So we're going to focus on that passage from 1 Thessalonians this evening. 00:02:07.480 --> 00:02:09.060 We'll also look at the passage in Isaiah. 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:14.099 We're going to find that our situation is very similar to the Thessalonians. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:16.400 So we're going to answer three questions. 00:02:16.639 --> 00:02:17.780 What time is it? 00:02:18.479 --> 00:02:20.520 What should we do in this time? 00:02:21.479 --> 00:02:23.539 And how should we pray in this time? 00:02:25.020 --> 00:02:27.480 Basically, when, what, and how. 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:28.980 So let's pray. 00:02:29.919 --> 00:02:35.359 Come, Lord Jesus. 00:02:39.259 --> 00:02:42.579 Come in our midst and speak to us. 00:02:44.859 --> 00:02:56.919 And would your words in us produce faith and hope and love and joy and patience as we wait. 00:02:56.919 --> 00:02:59.879 And come Holy Spirit. 00:03:02.759 --> 00:03:09.119 If there's anything that you would like to say to us that I haven't prepared, would you make it clear to me? 00:03:09.120 --> 00:03:23.120 Please don't let this frail and clumsy instrument impede what you would have to say to your church, the bride. 00:03:23.120 --> 00:03:23.159 Amen. 00:03:35.460 --> 00:03:36.500 Amen. 00:03:36.500 --> 00:03:43.460 all right well and i think the first thing we need to do is to orient ourselves 00:03:43.460 --> 00:03:53.180 to where we are in our place in the story of the universe like what point in time are we at in the 00:03:53.180 --> 00:04:00.120 history of the world at the beginning of the first millennium jews like in jesus's day jews would have 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:08.420 jews would have had said that we live in the current age and the current age is marked by conflict by 00:04:08.420 --> 00:04:16.459 being subject to foreign unjust powers and by suffering injustice and oppression and then a 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:24.060 messiah would come to set all things to rights this messiah would conquer all of israel's earthly 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:31.879 enemies and inaugurate an age to come and this age to come would be a purely good era when god would 00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:39.840 rule the world now we believe that a messiah did come but his coming was different than what was 00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:48.879 expected um he didn't come as this charismatic military leader who would lead israel to defeat 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:58.079 the roman empire and be crowned the king he came as a poor humble unattractive carpenter from the 00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:09.519 hillbilly part of palestine he came to deal with the real enemies of god's people sin and death 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:17.800 he conquered sin by dying for our sins on the cross taking the punishment that our sins deserved 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:24.579 and he conquered death by rising from the dead and on the day to come in the future all of god's people 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:34.280 will themselves experience a resurrection that day will coincide when jesus comes again on that day 00:05:34.280 --> 00:05:41.500 he will finally destroy all powers that oppose the good just and peaceful rule of god so history has 00:05:41.500 --> 00:05:50.779 unfolded similarly to how the ancient jews expected except that this current age has yet to fully pass 00:05:50.779 --> 00:05:58.040 away we're still in the current age and we are in the age to come that has already been inaugurated but 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:04.819 not fully inaugurated so just like we're in the first and 13th months of the christian year at the same 00:06:04.819 --> 00:06:13.120 time right we are in the age to come and the current age at the same time it's an already but not yet 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:23.199 period now jesus confirms this in the way he read the 61st chapter of isaiah one of the passages that 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:28.779 aj read earlier so i'm going to read from luke chapter 4 this is where jesus is attending synagogue 00:06:28.779 --> 00:06:39.379 and he reads from isaiah 61 but if we could have uh isaiah 61 on the screen while i read luke chapter 4 00:06:39.379 --> 00:06:47.619 okay jesus came to nazareth where he had been brought up and as was his custom he went to the 00:06:47.619 --> 00:06:53.379 synagogue on the sabbath day and he stood up to read and the scroll of the prophet isaiah was given to him 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:59.740 he unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written the spirit of the lord is upon me 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:05.459 because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor he has sent me to proclaim liberty to 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:12.279 the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who are oppressed to proclaim 00:07:12.279 --> 00:07:19.199 the year of the lord's favor and he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down 00:07:19.199 --> 00:07:25.759 and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him and he began to say to them today this scripture 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:27.579 has been fulfilled in your hearing 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:37.439 jesus boldly claims to be the fulfillment of this prophecy from isaiah but look what he doesn't say 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:44.219 he doesn't say the day of vengeance of our god he finishes right before he gets there 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:50.340 now this day of vengeance is what the jewish people were waiting and hoping for and jesus is 00:07:50.340 --> 00:07:56.460 effectively saying i've come to inaugurate the new age but not fully not yet this part is to come later 00:07:56.460 --> 00:08:04.220 the kingdom is breaking in now with good news for the poor the captives the blind and the oppressed 00:08:04.220 --> 00:08:12.340 the kingdom will be finally consummated at a later date and so we find ourselves 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:21.699 ourselves in this in between already but not yet era living simultaneously in both the current age 00:08:21.699 --> 00:08:23.479 and the age to come 00:08:23.479 --> 00:08:34.579 so that's when we live now how do we live how do we live in this already and not yet time 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:42.900 so in the letter to the the the thessalonians paul is giving the thessalonian christians instructions 00:08:42.900 --> 00:08:49.320 on what it means to live in light of some specific issues they were facing paul really loved this church 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:55.100 it was a dynamite church like if you attended you would you would feel the warmth and the love people 00:08:55.100 --> 00:09:00.000 had for one another you would feel greeted they were full of hope and love and joy and you would have 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:06.399 heard that they were facing tough times but still they were full of joy now now some members of their 00:09:06.399 --> 00:09:13.240 church have died and it really distressed and confused them because they believed that jesus's return 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:20.940 would happen before any of them had physically died so when they physically died they were um confused 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:21.899 distressed 00:09:21.899 --> 00:09:30.379 now it's probably the hardest thing to deal the the hardest thing to deal with in the already but not 00:09:30.379 --> 00:09:31.799 yet is is suffering 00:09:31.799 --> 00:09:41.480 this problem of suffering whether it's due to the brokenness of the world or the brokenness or frailty 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:51.480 of our bodies or due to injustice or due to oppression or persecution and the thessalonians were facing all of this 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:56.899 and we're wondering how does this fit in with what we had expected to happen 00:09:56.899 --> 00:10:03.960 some had had their property confiscated some were prevented from practicing their trades because of their 00:10:03.960 --> 00:10:06.700 confession as of jesus is lord 00:10:06.700 --> 00:10:16.600 some were shunned by their families some were insulted some were beaten some were put to death 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:19.360 this was persecution of the worst kind 00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:23.240 so how were the thessalonians to respond 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:28.720 how do we live in the midst of brokenness and pain and injustice 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:35.460 well paul's letter builds in pace and tone until he gives these rapid fire instructions in first 00:10:35.460 --> 00:10:43.600 thessalonians chapter 5 verse 16 rejoice always pray without ceasing give thanks in all circumstances 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:50.240 now the verse delineations here make it seem like these are three separate commands but these are all 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:59.100 one thing in the midst of sorrow we maintain constant joy by never failing to pray and by always giving 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:01.240 thanks now logically 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:10.980 i mean these these instructions seem destined for a shipwreck i mean how does one wake up each morning 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:18.240 to be reminded again of the death of someone dear to them and remain joyful 00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:27.060 how does um how does one wake up every morning and once again face the constant suffering of their own 00:11:27.060 --> 00:11:30.159 child and rejoice 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:37.779 or to deal with the constantly aching psychic scars of previous abuse 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:40.819 and to be joyful always 00:11:40.819 --> 00:11:42.819 i don't 00:11:42.819 --> 00:11:45.459 i have an idea 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:50.279 some of my suffering isn't as extreme as 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:55.159 yours nor as extreme as many of our brothers and sisters around the world 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.000 um 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:59.759 but from personal experience and from what paul says here 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:01.079 um 00:12:01.080 --> 00:12:05.680 i think the key is is in verse verse 18 00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:10.300 paul is um paul is not saying we won't ever be sorrowful 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:12.180 and he doesn't present himself this way 00:12:12.180 --> 00:12:15.000 in in second corinthians he presents himself as 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:19.259 sorrowful yet always rejoicing both at the same time 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:19.600 right 00:12:19.600 --> 00:12:25.259 he also doesn't say we are to be thankful for all circumstances 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:27.960 but thankful in all circumstances 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:31.379 right i mean jesus is presented this way too 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:32.400 um 00:12:32.400 --> 00:12:34.820 when his friend dies 00:12:34.820 --> 00:12:37.360 we don't find jesus saying 00:12:37.360 --> 00:12:39.000 ah lazarus died 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:40.480 thanks be to me 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:41.060 right 00:12:41.060 --> 00:12:43.220 he uh he wept 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:45.100 he wept 00:12:45.100 --> 00:12:45.360 he 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:47.900 he snorted 00:12:47.900 --> 00:12:51.360 he was angry and indignant at this death 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:56.180 what unlocks these instructions 00:12:56.180 --> 00:12:58.200 to be always rejoicing 00:12:58.200 --> 00:12:59.840 and praying 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:01.379 and being thankful 00:13:01.379 --> 00:13:03.419 is found here in verse 18 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:05.220 this is the will of god 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.960 in christ jesus 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:08.139 for you 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:09.740 now paul uses this phrase 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:10.779 in christ 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.600 over and over in his letters 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:13.500 and if 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:15.279 some of you are english teachers 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:16.279 um 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:18.220 and if paul was one of your students 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:19.500 you might get the red pen out 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:21.259 and start scratching out all these times 00:13:21.259 --> 00:13:22.019 he uses the word 00:13:22.019 --> 00:13:22.799 in christ 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:23.620 redundant redundant 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:24.139 redundant 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:26.200 but paul's like making a point 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:27.539 uh when he says 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.759 in christ over and over 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:30.059 he wants us to know 00:13:30.059 --> 00:13:30.539 and believe 00:13:30.539 --> 00:13:31.139 and trust 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:32.440 something 00:13:32.440 --> 00:13:33.740 he's very insistent 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:34.500 that we understand 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:35.539 that what is central 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:36.700 to our existence 00:13:36.700 --> 00:13:38.480 in this in-between time 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:39.600 is our union 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.799 with christ 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:41.980 our intimacy 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:42.580 with him 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:43.299 our sharing 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.860 in his sufferings 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:45.879 and his life 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:47.000 and his death 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.179 and his resurrection 00:13:48.179 --> 00:13:51.699 happiness comes 00:13:51.699 --> 00:13:52.339 and goes 00:13:52.339 --> 00:13:54.019 but lasting joy 00:13:54.019 --> 00:13:55.120 is experienced 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:57.259 when we find ourselves 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:58.500 fully 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:59.739 and utterly 00:13:59.739 --> 00:14:01.500 dependent on him 00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:02.319 this is what 00:14:02.319 --> 00:14:03.419 god's will 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:03.879 is 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:05.439 for his people 00:14:05.439 --> 00:14:06.739 right 00:14:06.739 --> 00:14:08.599 it's not to have our acts together 00:14:08.599 --> 00:14:10.699 to look good 00:14:10.699 --> 00:14:12.979 it's to be completely 00:14:12.979 --> 00:14:13.959 and fully dependent 00:14:13.959 --> 00:14:15.379 on our creator 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:21.139 happiness may be 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:23.320 impossible to have 00:14:23.320 --> 00:14:24.059 during suffering 00:14:24.059 --> 00:14:26.240 but it seems that 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:26.919 joy 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:28.919 is tied 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:29.960 inextricably 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:30.679 to sorrow 00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:32.000 and suffering 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:33.279 joy 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:33.720 is 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:34.399 is grounded 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:35.139 in hope 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:37.200 and hope is produced 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:38.200 and even sustained 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:39.700 by suffering 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:42.480 this is one of these 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:42.980 um 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:44.700 ironies 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:46.280 these paradoxes 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:47.680 the christian faith 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:49.180 we live in a time of 00:14:49.180 --> 00:14:50.620 already but not yet 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:52.259 we are to be both 00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:53.100 joyful 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:54.360 and 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.200 suffering 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:57.300 or we are to be joyful 00:14:57.300 --> 00:14:58.080 while we're suffering 00:14:58.080 --> 00:14:59.720 so this 00:14:59.720 --> 00:15:00.440 this joy 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:01.280 um 00:15:01.280 --> 00:15:02.560 produces 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:03.560 perseverance 00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:04.600 and character 00:15:04.600 --> 00:15:05.759 and ultimately hope 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:07.659 so with that in mind 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:08.539 having discussed 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:09.819 when we live 00:15:09.819 --> 00:15:10.700 the time we live 00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:11.700 this already but not yet 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:13.779 and what we are to do 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.939 in this already but not yet 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:15.240 this 00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:16.659 always rejoicing 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:17.639 always praying 00:15:17.639 --> 00:15:18.939 always being 00:15:18.939 --> 00:15:19.779 uh 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:20.139 thankful 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:22.379 uh 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:22.879 let's ask 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:23.659 what are we 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:24.860 to pray for 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:27.799 and if we're to pray 00:15:27.799 --> 00:15:28.519 continually 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.639 uh 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:30.899 what should be the content 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:31.679 of those prayers 00:15:31.679 --> 00:15:35.079 paul said 00:15:35.079 --> 00:15:36.399 we should give thanks 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:37.319 in all circumstances 00:15:37.319 --> 00:15:38.839 this is one thing 00:15:38.839 --> 00:15:39.659 give thanks 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:41.379 in all circumstances 00:15:41.379 --> 00:15:42.599 um 00:15:42.599 --> 00:15:44.359 now remember how i said 00:15:44.359 --> 00:15:45.419 not give thanks 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:46.979 for all circumstances 00:15:46.979 --> 00:15:48.299 i can tell you how 00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:49.299 our family 00:15:49.299 --> 00:15:50.120 does this 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:51.039 we use like this 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:52.719 kind of watered down 00:15:52.719 --> 00:15:54.519 ignatian spirituality 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:55.059 light 00:15:55.059 --> 00:15:55.859 um 00:15:55.859 --> 00:15:56.759 when we gather around 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:57.439 the dinner table 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:58.279 um 00:15:58.279 --> 00:15:59.279 i don't know if you know 00:15:59.279 --> 00:15:59.799 anything about 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:00.399 ignatian 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:01.519 spirituality 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.519 but there's this thing 00:16:02.519 --> 00:16:03.899 called the daily examine 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:05.019 um 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:06.079 where you 00:16:06.079 --> 00:16:07.159 go through these 00:16:07.159 --> 00:16:07.819 steps 00:16:07.819 --> 00:16:08.379 and you 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:09.620 review your day 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.480 and you review 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.179 your emotions 00:16:11.179 --> 00:16:12.480 and then you pray 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:13.379 from one of these 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:14.340 moments in your day 00:16:14.340 --> 00:16:15.460 um 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:17.980 and and 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:18.699 when you review 00:16:18.699 --> 00:16:19.460 your day 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.240 you're gonna 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.220 generally feel 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.139 one of two things 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:22.559 you're gonna feel 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:23.559 consolation 00:16:23.559 --> 00:16:24.960 that um 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:25.919 god was present 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:27.159 in the situation 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:27.879 showing his goodness 00:16:27.879 --> 00:16:28.360 to you 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:29.480 or you're gonna feel 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:30.740 a desolation 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:31.560 you're gonna be 00:16:31.560 --> 00:16:33.340 angry or resentful 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:34.039 about something 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:34.759 or sad 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:35.539 or depressed 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:36.960 like god 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:37.600 wasn't 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.740 present 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.580 right 00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:40.840 um 00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:42.759 so i've 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:43.440 i've done this 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:43.980 before 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:45.600 and 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.419 there's a lot 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:47.000 of new people 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.519 in our church 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.100 since i did this 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:48.899 two years ago 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:49.960 um 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.740 so i'm gonna do it 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:52.320 for you again 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.700 uh 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:55.720 the the idea 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.820 that we would 00:16:56.820 --> 00:16:57.940 in our 00:16:57.940 --> 00:16:58.820 suffering 00:16:58.820 --> 00:16:59.580 still experience 00:16:59.580 --> 00:17:00.000 joy 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.420 or 00:17:00.420 --> 00:17:01.220 still 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:02.580 be able to be 00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:03.000 thankful 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:03.960 is a bit of a paradox 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:04.759 right 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:06.420 and and paradox 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:07.240 sounds like 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:08.660 pair of ducks 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:10.080 so 00:17:10.080 --> 00:17:12.680 when we gather 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:13.960 at the table 00:17:13.960 --> 00:17:14.799 we we have some dinner 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:15.539 and this is our ritual 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.299 at dinner time 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:17.180 um 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:17.960 we talk about 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:19.380 our yay ducks 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:20.680 and our yuck ducks 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:21.980 for the day 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:24.500 and so we we say 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.460 like what what were 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.180 like the great things 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:26.620 that happened 00:17:26.620 --> 00:17:28.060 and that's our yay ducks 00:17:28.060 --> 00:17:29.040 um 00:17:29.040 --> 00:17:30.200 and then we thank god 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:31.120 for those good things 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:31.560 that happened 00:17:31.560 --> 00:17:33.040 and then uh 00:17:33.040 --> 00:17:33.800 we talk about 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:35.180 our yuck ducks 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:36.160 um 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:38.120 and then uh 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:40.160 we talk about those 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:41.200 and then and then we ask 00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:41.560 like well 00:17:41.560 --> 00:17:42.460 actually how 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:43.300 how was god 00:17:43.300 --> 00:17:44.320 being good to us 00:17:44.320 --> 00:17:45.620 what what did we learn 00:17:45.620 --> 00:17:46.080 in that 00:17:46.080 --> 00:17:46.380 so 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:48.480 if something happened 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.140 that was bad 00:17:49.140 --> 00:17:50.240 oh but my uh 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:51.519 my friend was there for me 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:52.980 or my mom was able to 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:54.200 uh hold me 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:55.040 and cuddle with me 00:17:55.040 --> 00:17:56.060 like let's give thanks 00:17:56.060 --> 00:17:56.440 to god 00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:57.400 for that 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:58.279 so um 00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:59.700 this is the way 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:00.160 our 00:18:00.160 --> 00:18:02.620 this is the way 00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.120 our family 00:18:03.120 --> 00:18:04.860 tries to uh 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:05.900 be grateful 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:07.100 in all circumstances 00:18:07.100 --> 00:18:08.660 and you can do this 00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:09.680 as as you go to sleep 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.019 at night 00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:11.000 review your day 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:12.080 um 00:18:12.080 --> 00:18:14.080 review your yay ducks 00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:14.900 and your yuck ducks 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:16.700 and uh 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:17.460 and give thanks 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:18.019 for both 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:18.900 the good 00:18:18.900 --> 00:18:20.060 and the ways 00:18:20.060 --> 00:18:20.580 god showed 00:18:20.580 --> 00:18:21.000 his goodness 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:21.519 to you 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:22.780 in the bad 00:18:22.780 --> 00:18:23.620 um 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:26.660 so that's 00:18:26.660 --> 00:18:27.580 that's giving 00:18:27.580 --> 00:18:28.440 thanks 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:28.940 um 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:30.940 in addition to 00:18:30.940 --> 00:18:31.440 uh 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.460 thanks and praise 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:34.800 is is there something 00:18:34.800 --> 00:18:35.660 that we should be 00:18:35.660 --> 00:18:36.340 consistently 00:18:36.340 --> 00:18:38.279 asking for prayer 00:18:38.279 --> 00:18:39.360 like asking god 00:18:39.360 --> 00:18:39.740 for stuff 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.680 is probably the easiest 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:41.700 thing to do 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:42.279 out of all the 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.060 different ways 00:18:43.060 --> 00:18:43.420 to pray 00:18:43.420 --> 00:18:43.759 right 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.620 um 00:18:44.620 --> 00:18:45.860 because we feel 00:18:45.860 --> 00:18:46.320 like we want 00:18:46.320 --> 00:18:46.840 and need a lot 00:18:46.840 --> 00:18:47.100 of things 00:18:47.100 --> 00:18:47.620 so we ask 00:18:47.620 --> 00:18:48.360 for those things 00:18:48.360 --> 00:18:49.860 um 00:18:49.860 --> 00:18:52.240 but uh 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.840 is there 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:54.160 a refrain 00:18:54.160 --> 00:18:55.960 that we could have 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:58.200 is there some 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.940 kind of content 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.160 the content 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:00.920 that could 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.860 uh 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:02.980 train us 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:03.660 and disciple 00:19:03.660 --> 00:19:03.980 us 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:05.480 into hope 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.480 right 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:08.140 well the bible 00:19:08.140 --> 00:19:08.759 gives us 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:09.339 a refrain 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:10.059 for our prayers 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:10.819 and it's one 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.240 that i 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.900 i rarely use 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:13.640 i don't pray 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:14.440 this very often 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:17.180 i venture to say 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:17.759 and guess 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:18.380 that very few 00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:18.640 of us 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.059 pray this 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:19.380 prayer 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.480 regularly 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:21.319 and it's a 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.720 prayer 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:22.400 that we're 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:23.319 taught to say 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:24.099 in this season 00:19:24.099 --> 00:19:24.559 of advent 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:24.900 and we've 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:25.200 prayed it 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:25.420 a number 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:25.819 of times 00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:26.140 already 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.539 tonight 00:19:26.539 --> 00:19:28.940 and it's 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:29.559 a prayer 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.359 that issues 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:30.740 from the 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:31.599 holy spirit 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:32.359 himself 00:19:32.359 --> 00:19:32.960 right 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:34.119 paul writes 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:34.819 in romans 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.279 eight 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:36.879 likewise 00:19:36.879 --> 00:19:38.440 and this is 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:38.960 in a passage 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:39.420 where god 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:40.220 where paul is 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.659 talking about 00:19:40.659 --> 00:19:41.180 this already 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:42.099 but not yet 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:42.879 uh 00:19:42.879 --> 00:19:43.319 time 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:43.960 like creation 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:44.740 is groaning 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.299 for the sons 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:45.720 of god 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.799 to be revealed 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:47.859 and paul writes 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:48.680 likewise 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:49.680 the spirit 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.579 helps in our 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:51.059 weakness 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:52.059 for we do 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:52.579 not know 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:53.279 what to pray 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:54.019 for as we 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:54.359 ought 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:55.379 but the spirit 00:19:55.379 --> 00:19:55.899 himself 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:57.019 intercedes 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:57.759 for us 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.100 with groanings 00:19:59.100 --> 00:20:00.460 too deep 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:01.220 for words 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:03.240 so it might 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:04.000 remain a mystery 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.000 so we'll never 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:05.600 know what the spirit 00:20:05.600 --> 00:20:06.200 is groaning for 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:06.900 actually we do 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:07.700 we do know 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.220 one thing 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:09.480 and it's found 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.160 in the last 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:11.120 chapter of the bible 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:11.740 in revelation 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.680 chapter 22 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:14.019 verse 17 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:18.019 this verse says 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:19.120 the spirit 00:20:19.120 --> 00:20:20.340 and the bride 00:20:20.340 --> 00:20:20.940 say 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:21.580 come 00:20:21.580 --> 00:20:23.080 the spirit 00:20:23.080 --> 00:20:23.620 and the bride 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:24.080 say 00:20:24.080 --> 00:20:25.120 come 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:26.119 come 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:26.199 come 00:20:26.199 --> 00:20:26.219 come 00:20:26.219 --> 00:20:28.339 come 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:28.439 come 00:20:28.439 --> 00:20:28.839 lord 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:29.319 jesus 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:31.219 do you 00:20:31.219 --> 00:20:31.679 pray for 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:31.899 that 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:34.059 do you 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:34.439 pray for 00:20:34.439 --> 00:20:34.699 the lord 00:20:34.699 --> 00:20:34.979 to come 00:20:34.979 --> 00:20:35.279 back 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:35.959 do you 00:20:35.959 --> 00:20:36.399 want 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:36.619 him 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:36.959 to come 00:20:36.959 --> 00:20:37.379 back 00:20:37.379 --> 00:20:38.199 quickly 00:20:38.199 --> 00:20:41.379 i hardly 00:20:41.379 --> 00:20:42.299 ever do 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:43.859 and 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:45.039 it just 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:45.259 seems 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:45.599 absurd 00:20:45.599 --> 00:20:46.159 that i 00:20:46.159 --> 00:20:46.839 don't 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:48.059 and it 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:48.500 leads me 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:49.099 to question 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:49.559 like how 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:50.239 deep 00:20:50.239 --> 00:20:50.859 really is 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:51.559 my love 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:51.899 for my 00:20:51.899 --> 00:20:52.159 king 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:56.500 that I'm not asking for him to come on a regular basis. 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:59.340 Now, the verse says, 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:03.140 the spirit and the bride say, come. 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.660 Spirit and the bride say. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:08.740 So the spirit and we, the church, 00:21:08.800 --> 00:21:10.700 who are called the bride say, come. 00:21:10.820 --> 00:21:11.480 We are the bride. 00:21:11.560 --> 00:21:12.340 Well, what is a bride? 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:16.300 Now, I used to think that bride was synonymous with wife. 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.160 It's not. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:19.180 Those are two different words, different meanings. 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:23.480 The bride is the one who is on the cusp of getting married. 00:21:24.080 --> 00:21:27.640 Imagine a bride fully adorned in her dress, 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:30.380 beautiful, ready to walk down the aisle 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:32.940 and not care if the groom showed up. 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.340 Absurd, right? 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:36.140 Nah, that's all right. 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:37.140 He can take his time. 00:21:37.600 --> 00:21:39.320 I'll just watch some Netflix, 00:21:40.220 --> 00:21:42.080 drink some beers, take a nap, 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:44.600 smoke some stogies, whatevs. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:49.179 The bride says, come. 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:53.839 She cannot wait for her groom to arrive 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:56.839 and for the wedding to take place. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:22:00.240 She can't wait to feast and to party 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:02.500 and to consummate this marriage. 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.839 Do we want that? 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.899 Are we yearning for that? 00:22:08.339 --> 00:22:11.079 Or are we too attached to this world 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:12.459 to really want it? 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:14.660 Come, Lord Jesus. 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:17.940 But not too soon. 00:22:18.340 --> 00:22:23.799 I still haven't progressed in my career like I want to. 00:22:24.340 --> 00:22:26.779 I haven't done this or that. 00:22:26.860 --> 00:22:29.140 I haven't visited the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:33.000 And I'd really like to see how this Star Wars trilogy 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:34.819 wraps up in the year 2019. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:38.660 So soon, but maybe January 2020. 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:38.940 Thank you. 00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:45.000 When we pray, come Lord Jesus. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:47.840 This is how praying, come Lord Jesus, 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:50.700 can disciple us into hope, 00:22:51.220 --> 00:22:52.180 into expectation, 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:54.860 and to disciple us into a number of things. 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:57.360 When we pray, come Lord Jesus, 00:22:57.620 --> 00:23:02.079 we detach ourselves from the things that we love 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:04.200 that compete with our love for God. 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:07.240 When we pray, come Lord Jesus, 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:09.980 we chip away at our cynicism, 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:13.299 and we're more aware of the transcendent, 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:16.440 expecting God to supernaturally break 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:18.840 into this dimension at any time. 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:21.440 When we pray, come Lord Jesus, 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:23.860 we are kept from misplacing our hope 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:25.620 in earthly institutions 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:29.100 to ultimately cure the world's evils. 00:23:29.099 --> 00:23:33.019 when we pray, come Lord Jesus, 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:36.519 we're strengthened for holy living, right? 00:23:36.699 --> 00:23:39.119 Because we are preparing for his return. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:42.459 When we pray, come Lord Jesus, 00:23:42.459 --> 00:23:43.619 with other people, 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:47.059 it makes us sensitive to others' needs 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:49.039 and sense of hopelessness. 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:51.740 We rush in to care for them 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.659 and for their needs. 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:55.259 When we pray, come Lord Jesus, 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:58.140 we are shaped into a people of hope. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:00.079 For this particular doctrine 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:02.680 is integral to our faith. 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:06.700 It's as integral as the Father creating the world, 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:08.900 Jesus dying and rising again. 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:10.420 This is in our creeds. 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:15.619 To not believe this is to not be a Christian, right? 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:19.960 We believe that he will come in glory 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:22.160 to judge the living and the dead, 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:24.879 and his kingdom shall have no end. 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:30.099 In this in-between time, 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:33.420 when rejoicing and prayer and thanksgiving 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:34.900 are constantly on our lips, 00:24:35.819 --> 00:24:37.460 let's learn to make, 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.799 come Lord Jesus, 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.980 a constant refrain, 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:42.420 not just in the season of Advent, 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.539 but throughout the year. 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:47.379 In his little book called 00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:49.599 The Saints Everlasting Rest, 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:53.000 the English Puritan pastor, 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:54.640 Richard Baxter, 00:24:55.359 --> 00:24:58.240 reflects on the new heavens 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.779 and the new earth 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:02.099 and the day that Jesus will come 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.960 in glory. 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:06.839 And I will close with his words. 00:25:09.559 --> 00:25:10.900 Oh, fellow Christians, 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:15.580 what a day will that be 00:25:15.580 --> 00:25:17.960 when we, 00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:20.940 who have been kept prisoners 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:22.640 by sin, 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.460 by sinners, 00:25:24.860 --> 00:25:26.320 by the grave, 00:25:27.320 --> 00:25:29.720 shall be brought out by the Lord himself. 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:33.339 It will not be such a coming 00:25:33.339 --> 00:25:34.880 as his first was 00:25:34.880 --> 00:25:37.880 in poverty and contempt 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:39.839 to be spit upon, 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.460 buffeted, 00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:43.559 and crucified again. 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:46.220 He will not come, 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.420 oh, careless world, 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.880 to be slighted 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:51.880 and neglected by you anymore. 00:25:51.880 --> 00:25:54.320 Yet that coming 00:25:54.320 --> 00:25:56.260 wants it not 00:25:56.260 --> 00:25:56.940 its glory. 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:59.740 If the heavenly host 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:00.920 for the celebration 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.200 of his nativity 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:03.980 must praise God, 00:26:04.100 --> 00:26:05.380 with what shoutings 00:26:05.380 --> 00:26:06.820 will angels and saints 00:26:06.820 --> 00:26:07.940 at that day 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:10.320 proclaim glory to God 00:26:10.320 --> 00:26:11.100 and peace 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:12.060 and goodwill 00:26:12.060 --> 00:26:12.820 toward men? 00:26:12.819 --> 00:26:16.939 If a star 00:26:16.939 --> 00:26:18.119 must lead men 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:19.319 from remote parts 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:20.220 to come to worship 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.619 the child in the manger, 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.659 how will the glory 00:26:23.659 --> 00:26:24.839 of his next appearing 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:26.599 constrain all the world 00:26:26.599 --> 00:26:27.299 to acknowledge 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:28.200 his sovereignty? 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:32.779 If, riding on a donkey, 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:34.099 he entered Jerusalem 00:26:34.099 --> 00:26:35.059 with hosannas, 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:36.279 with what peace 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:37.339 and glory 00:26:37.339 --> 00:26:38.200 will he come 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:39.480 toward the new Jerusalem? 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:42.220 If, when he was 00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:43.480 in the form of a servant, 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.360 they cry out, 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:45.339 what manner of man 00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:46.039 is this, 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.180 that even the winds 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.259 and the sea obey him? 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:49.279 What will they say 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:50.100 when they shall see him 00:26:50.100 --> 00:26:51.360 coming in his glory 00:26:51.360 --> 00:26:52.240 and the heavens 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:52.759 and the earth 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:53.680 obey him? 00:26:55.759 --> 00:26:56.880 Shall not the saints 00:26:56.880 --> 00:26:59.000 with inconceivable 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:00.200 gladness cry, 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:01.759 yonder is he 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.299 whose blood 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.019 redeemed us, 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:03.900 whose spirit 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.660 cleansed us, 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:05.380 whose law 00:27:05.380 --> 00:27:06.140 governed us, 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.480 in whom we trusted, 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:08.620 and now we see 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.299 we have not 00:27:09.299 --> 00:27:10.319 waited in vain. 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:12.500 O cursed corruption 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.819 that would have had us 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:15.000 turn to the world 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:16.099 and present things 00:27:16.099 --> 00:27:16.659 and say, 00:27:16.879 --> 00:27:17.819 why should we wait 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:18.279 for the Lord 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.819 any longer? 00:27:20.159 --> 00:27:21.559 Now we see 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:23.919 blessed are all 00:27:23.919 --> 00:27:24.700 they that wait 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.119 for him. 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:27.839 And now Christians, 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:29.839 should we not 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:30.919 put up that petition 00:27:30.919 --> 00:27:31.480 heartily? 00:27:33.159 --> 00:27:34.500 Thy kingdom come. 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:37.240 The spirit 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:37.859 and the bride 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:38.299 say, 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.299 come. 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:41.680 Let him that hears 00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:42.359 say, 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:42.799 come. 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:44.440 Our Lord himself 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:45.119 says, 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:47.279 surely I come 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:47.799 quickly. 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:49.000 Amen. 00:27:49.659 --> 00:27:50.559 Even so, 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:52.200 come Lord Jesus. 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:53.740 In the name of the 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.579 Father and of the Son 00:27:54.579 --> 00:27:55.440 and of the Holy Spirit. 00:27:55.899 --> 00:27:56.139 Amen. 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:56.259 Amen. 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.279 Amen. 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.299 Amen. 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:56.319 Amen.