WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.600 Isaiah chapter 11 on page 696. 00:00:04.560 --> 00:00:08.919 We're going to think together for a few moments about King Jesus, 00:00:09.099 --> 00:00:10.620 the hope of the nations. 00:00:11.460 --> 00:00:17.379 So we've spent three Sunday evenings looking at the pictures, 00:00:17.500 --> 00:00:25.160 the promises of God's Messiah in this section from chapter 7 to 11 of the book of Isaiah. 00:00:25.160 --> 00:00:31.899 We find that in the middle of promises of judgment and exile to come, 00:00:32.359 --> 00:00:39.539 we find these beams of hope as we're presented with this king who will come. 00:00:40.259 --> 00:00:45.400 So once more, let's look at what Isaiah says to us about who is this king 00:00:45.400 --> 00:00:49.200 and what will his rule be like. 00:00:50.439 --> 00:00:52.299 So read with me again verse 1. 00:00:52.299 --> 00:00:58.079 Let's remind ourselves about this promise of a king to come. 00:00:58.599 --> 00:00:59.739 It simply says there, 00:00:59.939 --> 00:01:04.899 a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse from his roots. 00:01:05.500 --> 00:01:08.359 A branch will bear fruit. 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:16.979 So we've seen in this section the context that God's people are facing the threat of exile, 00:01:16.980 --> 00:01:22.560 being sent from their own land because of their disobedience to God, 00:01:22.900 --> 00:01:24.300 because of their false worship. 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:27.700 And one of the things that will happen then as they're taken away to a foreign country 00:01:27.700 --> 00:01:32.700 is that their line of kings will come to an end. 00:01:33.320 --> 00:01:40.760 So this is a promise of hope that from the stump of the royal family, 00:01:40.760 --> 00:01:47.080 a shoot or a branch, a new king is going to come. 00:01:47.540 --> 00:01:52.160 So it's an image drawn from gardening, I guess. 00:01:52.580 --> 00:01:58.980 In our garden at home, we had a small tree that we cut down, 00:01:59.500 --> 00:02:01.320 left the stump in the ground, 00:02:01.460 --> 00:02:05.460 imagining that it would stay like that, having cut the life out of it. 00:02:05.459 --> 00:02:07.899 But this year, there was some new growth. 00:02:08.620 --> 00:02:10.840 The visible signs of life had gone, 00:02:11.359 --> 00:02:13.699 but the hidden life remained. 00:02:13.819 --> 00:02:15.659 And that's the idea here, 00:02:15.739 --> 00:02:18.299 that the stump that's being talked about is Jesse, 00:02:18.780 --> 00:02:21.719 the father of King David, the great king. 00:02:22.139 --> 00:02:25.840 And there's this promise that growth will come from the roots. 00:02:26.659 --> 00:02:30.939 David, the promised one isn't going to be just another in a line of bad kings. 00:02:31.060 --> 00:02:32.859 The people have got used to bad kings. 00:02:32.860 --> 00:02:36.080 This is a return to the roots. 00:02:36.160 --> 00:02:38.460 This is a return to the good days. 00:02:38.580 --> 00:02:41.840 This is Isaiah, God through Isaiah saying, 00:02:42.040 --> 00:02:43.760 this will be another son of Jesse. 00:02:43.900 --> 00:02:49.800 This will be another David, a king after God's own heart. 00:02:50.620 --> 00:02:54.760 The imagery here actually gives us a reminder of God's grace. 00:02:54.900 --> 00:02:58.260 So in chapter 10, if you look up a couple of verses, 00:02:58.580 --> 00:03:01.580 chapter 10, verse 33, it says, 00:03:01.580 --> 00:03:05.940 See the Lord, the Lord Almighty will lop off the boughs with great power. 00:03:06.360 --> 00:03:08.160 The lofty trees will be felled. 00:03:08.380 --> 00:03:11.580 This is God saying that he's going to cut bad kings down to size. 00:03:12.020 --> 00:03:13.540 And that includes Israel's king. 00:03:14.820 --> 00:03:16.820 But despite Israel's failure, 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:19.200 and despite the failures of Israel's kingship, 00:03:19.600 --> 00:03:22.560 God would still send his chosen king. 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:24.180 God will be faithful, 00:03:25.020 --> 00:03:27.080 even when his people have been unfaithful. 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:32.140 One of the reasons why Matthew in his gospel is so careful to highlight Jesus 00:03:32.140 --> 00:03:33.620 is in the family line of David. 00:03:33.760 --> 00:03:36.939 He's born in Bethlehem, where David lived. 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:41.180 It was to remind us that he comes as the promised one, 00:03:41.280 --> 00:03:44.820 Jesus, the true king after God's own heart. 00:03:45.360 --> 00:03:50.540 And as we look at what Isaiah says about how this king will rule, 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:55.420 we discover that no other king could possibly bring about this kind of fruit. 00:03:55.419 --> 00:03:58.839 No other king would ever be described in this way, 00:03:58.919 --> 00:04:01.439 being spirit-filled, being perfectly righteous, 00:04:01.639 --> 00:04:04.500 bringing true peace and having global rule. 00:04:04.579 --> 00:04:08.079 This is none other than Jesus who's being talked about. 00:04:08.799 --> 00:04:10.399 And it reminds us from the beginning 00:04:10.399 --> 00:04:15.799 that what we're talking about here is a king we all owe honor and loyalty to. 00:04:15.899 --> 00:04:18.180 This isn't just some small king. 00:04:18.259 --> 00:04:20.579 And we can say, well, that's the king for the people over there, 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:22.159 but not for me over here. 00:04:22.160 --> 00:04:27.140 All of us, as we'll see, owe devotion and loyalty to this king. 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:29.860 And it's a reminder to us as a church. 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:34.700 Our purpose is to live to worship this king 00:04:34.700 --> 00:04:39.340 and to serve him so that others might come to know him too. 00:04:39.980 --> 00:04:42.280 Now we pray your kingdom come 00:04:42.280 --> 00:04:46.300 because Jesus is the king we live to honor. 00:04:46.300 --> 00:04:51.020 So let's look at the qualities of the king that we find in this section. 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:54.500 First of all, we'll see that this is a spirit-filled king. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:56.280 Look at verse 2. 00:04:57.040 --> 00:04:59.000 The spirit of the Lord will rest on him, 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:01.560 the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, 00:05:01.780 --> 00:05:03.780 the spirit of counsel and of power, 00:05:04.259 --> 00:05:08.040 the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 00:05:08.040 --> 00:05:11.580 So in the Old Testament, where we are, 00:05:11.660 --> 00:05:14.760 the first part of the Bible before the coming of Jesus, 00:05:14.860 --> 00:05:17.840 the Old Testament, if someone was filled with the Holy Spirit, 00:05:18.400 --> 00:05:21.200 that was a sign that God was giving them both help 00:05:21.200 --> 00:05:25.360 and authority for a particular task. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:31.660 So if God wanted to raise up a ruler to rescue the people, 00:05:32.020 --> 00:05:34.740 then he would fill the judges, for example, with the spirit. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:37.960 Or God's prophets, whose job it was to speak for God, 00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:40.500 they would be filled with the spirit. 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:42.939 For some, like King David, 00:05:43.460 --> 00:05:46.600 the spirit seemed to take up residence in their hearts. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:48.500 It wasn't just for a season. 00:05:50.100 --> 00:05:54.340 But there's something unique about the king who's being described here. 00:05:54.439 --> 00:05:57.100 This king will be spirit-filled in a perfect way. 00:05:57.519 --> 00:05:59.259 And there's a clue for us 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:03.439 in the number of times the spirit is referred to. 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:05.540 If you were to count in verse 2 00:06:05.540 --> 00:06:07.100 how many times the spirit is mentioned, 00:06:07.219 --> 00:06:09.740 you'd find he's mentioned seven times. 00:06:10.180 --> 00:06:14.860 Seven being the number of perfection and completeness in the Bible. 00:06:15.800 --> 00:06:17.800 So this is God's way of saying, 00:06:17.980 --> 00:06:19.300 through Isaiah, there is a king coming 00:06:19.300 --> 00:06:23.480 and he'll be perfectly filled with God's spirit. 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:27.560 The spirit would rest on him. 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:32.019 And of course, that's what we find at Jesus' baptism. 00:06:32.019 --> 00:06:35.699 Jesus comes to John the Baptist to begin his public ministry. 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:37.479 And when he is baptized, 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:42.620 John sees the spirit of God coming down on Jesus like a dove, 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:43.259 like a bird. 00:06:43.379 --> 00:06:45.000 And he hears a voice from heaven, 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:48.539 this is my son who I love. 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:55.139 Those three pairs that we find are interesting, 00:06:55.339 --> 00:06:56.399 worthy of our attention, 00:06:56.519 --> 00:07:00.060 the spirit of wisdom and of understanding. 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:04.439 This is a king who will be able to govern and rule well. 00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:09.139 He's given the spirit of counsel and of power. 00:07:09.780 --> 00:07:13.000 This is a king who will know the right course of action. 00:07:13.540 --> 00:07:17.199 He's given the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 00:07:17.300 --> 00:07:20.699 He's able to apply God's truth to everyday life, 00:07:20.779 --> 00:07:23.300 to walk in perfect obedience. 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:26.240 This king will be devoted to God. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:28.740 This king will have the wisdom of God. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:30.920 This king will know God, 00:07:31.300 --> 00:07:34.019 unlike any other. 00:07:35.259 --> 00:07:36.960 And so because of that, there's hope. 00:07:37.660 --> 00:07:39.019 This is the king God's people, 00:07:39.100 --> 00:07:41.579 this is the king all people need. 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:43.120 Because this king, 00:07:43.220 --> 00:07:44.780 because he's perfectly spirit-filled, 00:07:44.900 --> 00:07:48.840 will perfectly represent to us the rule of God. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:51.460 And he'll give us the perfect example 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:53.739 of how to live in obedience to God 00:07:53.739 --> 00:07:54.839 and to give him glory. 00:07:57.239 --> 00:08:00.680 And when we understand that this is then applied to Jesus, 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:04.959 we understand something of the uniqueness of Jesus, 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:07.519 that he comes bringing in the kingdom of God 00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:11.740 because he is God, the son in human flesh. 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:15.039 That he alone is sinlessly perfect. 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:18.899 He alone has this perfect spirit-filled wisdom. 00:08:18.899 --> 00:08:23.099 But then Jesus also comes bringing the gift 00:08:23.099 --> 00:08:24.679 of the Holy Spirit to his church. 00:08:25.099 --> 00:08:28.299 There's this wonderful reality that by faith, 00:08:28.919 --> 00:08:31.000 we are filled with the Spirit. 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:33.679 So Peter, when he was preaching, 00:08:33.840 --> 00:08:35.759 shortly after Jesus returned to heaven, 00:08:35.860 --> 00:08:37.559 he said, repent, turn from your sin, 00:08:38.220 --> 00:08:40.139 and be baptized, every one of you, 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:41.579 for the forgiveness of your sins, 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:45.079 and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:49.600 One of the ways that we have greater privileges 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:51.120 than an Old Testament believer 00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:54.480 is that we now have the Spirit living in us 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:56.200 as the people of God. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:08:59.300 That's really important for us practically 00:08:59.300 --> 00:09:02.680 because it means that God lives in us 00:09:02.680 --> 00:09:05.320 and God is looking to transform us 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:07.520 to make us more like Jesus. 00:09:08.280 --> 00:09:10.560 And because God's Spirit lives in us, 00:09:10.780 --> 00:09:12.440 we actually can change 00:09:12.440 --> 00:09:15.580 to reflect more and more the character of Jesus. 00:09:16.160 --> 00:09:19.540 That we are able to love what he loves, 00:09:19.940 --> 00:09:22.440 to truly delight in God. 00:09:23.500 --> 00:09:26.140 One of the stories I was reading in the Bible this week 00:09:26.140 --> 00:09:27.580 was the story of Zacchaeus. 00:09:28.400 --> 00:09:29.800 Zacchaeus, the tax collector 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:31.240 who'd always lived for money, 00:09:31.640 --> 00:09:33.020 wanted to make more and more money, 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:35.120 had cut himself off from society, 00:09:35.260 --> 00:09:38.340 really, because of his desire for money. 00:09:38.400 --> 00:09:39.380 But he meets Jesus, 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:41.360 and his heart is changed. 00:09:41.439 --> 00:09:42.679 And as soon as he meets Jesus 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:43.460 and his heart's changed, 00:09:43.639 --> 00:09:44.980 he gives away half his money. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:47.519 And he promises to repay four times 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:48.879 if he's cheated anyone. 00:09:49.439 --> 00:09:53.159 Zacchaeus was given a new center to his life. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:54.279 The Spirit came, 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:55.899 saw the glory of Jesus, 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:57.399 was changed. 00:09:58.159 --> 00:09:59.360 The Spirit is the one 00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:01.120 who enables us to be obedient. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:03.019 It's the Spirit who enables us 00:10:03.019 --> 00:10:04.940 to go on mission as we're called, 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:07.179 to witness for Jesus in our family, 00:10:07.179 --> 00:10:08.120 in our workplace, 00:10:08.500 --> 00:10:10.299 among our friends. 00:10:11.579 --> 00:10:13.339 Jesus is perfectly Spirit-filled. 00:10:13.799 --> 00:10:15.219 Jesus gives the gift of the Spirit 00:10:15.219 --> 00:10:16.539 to his church 00:10:16.539 --> 00:10:20.399 so that we might live for our King. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:23.739 The second quality of this King 00:10:23.739 --> 00:10:25.939 that Isaiah draws our attention to 00:10:25.939 --> 00:10:28.719 is the fact that he is righteous. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:31.559 We see that in verses 3 to 5. 00:10:31.559 --> 00:10:33.919 I guess we're, 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:35.679 maybe most of us, 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:37.479 familiar with the statue 00:10:37.479 --> 00:10:40.359 of Lady Justice. 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:44.559 You go to some law courts 00:10:44.559 --> 00:10:47.119 and you'll find a statue of a lady 00:10:47.119 --> 00:10:48.319 and she's blindfolded 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:50.000 and she's carrying the scales of justice 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:50.719 in one hand 00:10:50.719 --> 00:10:51.859 and the sword of justice 00:10:51.859 --> 00:10:52.500 in the other hand. 00:10:52.739 --> 00:10:53.899 But she wears a blindfold 00:10:53.899 --> 00:10:56.039 to say that justice is blind, 00:10:56.159 --> 00:10:59.479 that justice is supposed to be impartial. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:01.080 That whoever we are, 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:03.920 we're supposed to get a fair trial. 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:08.220 And here in a democratic country, 00:11:08.300 --> 00:11:09.740 one of the things that we value 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:10.779 and we're thankful for 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:12.659 is our justice system. 00:11:12.800 --> 00:11:14.700 We're thankful for democracy 00:11:14.700 --> 00:11:15.740 and a justice system 00:11:15.740 --> 00:11:17.340 that means that by and large, 00:11:18.279 --> 00:11:20.159 we find justice. 00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.620 But all too often, 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:23.620 when we look around the world, 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:25.899 we discover that justice is not blind. 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:28.740 We discover that those with money, 00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:30.580 those with influence, 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:31.919 those with power, 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:32.879 those with status, 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:36.680 they can buy justice for themselves 00:11:36.680 --> 00:11:37.639 through corruption, 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:38.919 through intimidation, 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:40.620 through the sharing of favors 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:42.580 with the impact that the weak 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:43.340 have no voice 00:11:43.340 --> 00:11:44.539 and they have no defender. 00:11:44.860 --> 00:11:46.379 That was one of the things happening 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:48.560 in Isaiah's time. 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:49.899 That was one of the reasons 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:51.500 why God was judging the people 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:52.860 because of their injustice, 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:56.500 because of their corrupt legal system. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:11:59.059 And so Isaiah is saying 00:11:59.059 --> 00:12:00.059 to a people that were living 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:00.879 with that corruption, 00:12:01.299 --> 00:12:02.740 that will not be the case 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:05.320 when God's true king comes. 00:12:05.940 --> 00:12:06.399 Verse three, 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:07.779 he won't judge by what he sees 00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:08.299 with his eyes 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:09.580 or decide by what he hears 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:10.000 with his ears. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:10.919 He's not going to make 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:12.179 a superficial judgment. 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:14.720 His judgments will be deeper. 00:12:15.279 --> 00:12:16.340 But with righteousness, 00:12:16.580 --> 00:12:17.679 he'll judge the needy. 00:12:17.980 --> 00:12:18.580 With justice, 00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:19.480 he'll give decisions 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:20.639 for the poor of the earth. 00:12:20.700 --> 00:12:21.600 He won't have a bias 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:22.539 towards the rich. 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:24.159 He won't discount 00:12:24.159 --> 00:12:25.480 the needs of the poor. 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:27.719 This courtroom will be marked 00:12:27.719 --> 00:12:29.759 by a perfect keeping 00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:30.740 of God's standards 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:32.079 of justice and fairness. 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:34.819 That thing that we value 00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:35.500 so highly, 00:12:35.699 --> 00:12:36.959 justice is the thing 00:12:36.959 --> 00:12:38.819 that God sent Jesus 00:12:38.819 --> 00:12:40.039 to bring. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:42.519 Verse five, 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:44.000 is that lovely image. 00:12:44.219 --> 00:12:45.939 Righteousness will be his belt 00:12:45.939 --> 00:12:47.699 and faithfulness, 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:50.039 the sash around his waist. 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:51.839 Clothes that we wear 00:12:51.840 --> 00:12:52.780 can be a marker 00:12:52.780 --> 00:12:54.259 of identity 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:56.660 and our role. 00:12:56.820 --> 00:12:58.040 So think about a judge 00:12:58.040 --> 00:12:58.680 in a courtroom. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:12:59.440 You know, 00:12:59.460 --> 00:13:00.420 you walk into a courtroom, 00:13:00.560 --> 00:13:01.600 you see somebody 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.580 with a wig and a gown, 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:02.980 you know, 00:13:03.300 --> 00:13:03.940 there's the judge. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:05.040 His job is to provide 00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:06.660 justice. 00:13:07.160 --> 00:13:08.200 Clothes indicate 00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:10.259 capacity and value. 00:13:10.780 --> 00:13:11.580 This king 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:14.019 represents 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:15.200 righteousness 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:17.480 and faithfulness. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.800 When you look at Jesus, 00:13:19.040 --> 00:13:20.420 you see someone 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.779 who doesn't shift 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:24.039 from God's perfect standards. 00:13:24.439 --> 00:13:25.319 You see a king 00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:27.439 who is trustworthy. 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.759 If you read the gospels, 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.639 you read the accounts 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:32.899 of the life of Jesus, 00:13:32.899 --> 00:13:33.959 you discover that 00:13:33.959 --> 00:13:34.919 righteousness 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:36.740 and faithfulness 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:38.019 are markers 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:40.419 of his life. 00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:43.439 That he was the one 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:45.019 who went into the temple 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:46.839 and he cleared the temple 00:13:46.839 --> 00:13:48.419 from all those corrupt 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:49.360 money changers 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:51.000 who were taking 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:52.339 extra money 00:13:52.339 --> 00:13:53.219 from those 00:13:53.219 --> 00:13:54.559 who came to worship God. 00:13:55.219 --> 00:13:55.899 He is the one 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:56.659 who made sure 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:57.219 that the weak 00:13:57.219 --> 00:13:57.819 and the helpless 00:13:57.819 --> 00:13:58.799 received mercy 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:00.259 when others would send them 00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:01.079 to one side. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:01.899 He is one 00:14:01.899 --> 00:14:02.779 who is positively 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:04.919 for the outsider 00:14:04.919 --> 00:14:05.740 because Jesus 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:07.519 is righteous 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.399 and Jesus 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:10.539 is faithful. 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:13.279 These are qualities 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.559 that we look for 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:15.919 in a society. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:17.399 So something we should 00:14:17.399 --> 00:14:18.139 pray for 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:18.819 when we think about 00:14:18.819 --> 00:14:19.479 our national 00:14:19.479 --> 00:14:21.159 and local authorities, 00:14:21.319 --> 00:14:22.039 when we think about 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:23.579 our justice systems, 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:26.000 we should pray 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.500 for those with influence 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:28.079 and authority 00:14:28.079 --> 00:14:28.939 that we would see 00:14:28.939 --> 00:14:29.860 righteousness 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:31.699 and faithfulness 00:14:31.699 --> 00:14:34.099 being exercised. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:37.740 the next quality 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:38.480 that we see 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:39.720 of this king 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:40.680 is that 00:14:40.680 --> 00:14:42.379 of peace. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:43.980 I think in verses 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:44.740 six to nine 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:45.580 we probably have 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:47.220 the clearest evidence 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:48.120 that this is no 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:49.680 ordinary king 00:14:49.680 --> 00:14:50.840 that's being talked about 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:52.200 because this is no 00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:52.960 ordinary peace 00:14:52.960 --> 00:14:53.899 that's being talked about. 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:55.080 This is peace 00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:55.899 promise 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:56.600 that takes us 00:14:56.600 --> 00:14:57.200 to the hope 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:58.399 of when God 00:14:58.399 --> 00:15:00.180 makes everything new 00:15:00.180 --> 00:15:01.680 at the end 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.799 of time 00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:04.259 for his people. 00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:05.679 So you look 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:06.219 at the imagery 00:15:06.219 --> 00:15:07.779 and it's really striking. 00:15:07.979 --> 00:15:08.699 Verse six, 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:10.739 the wolf 00:15:10.739 --> 00:15:12.219 will lie 00:15:12.219 --> 00:15:13.139 with the lamb, 00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:13.679 will live 00:15:13.679 --> 00:15:14.479 with the lamb. 00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:15.620 The leopard 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:17.179 will lie down 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:18.419 with the goat. 00:15:18.699 --> 00:15:19.239 The calf 00:15:19.239 --> 00:15:19.699 and the lion 00:15:19.699 --> 00:15:20.239 and the yearling 00:15:20.239 --> 00:15:20.519 together 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:21.379 and a little child 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:21.919 will lead them. 00:15:21.959 --> 00:15:22.879 What's that saying? 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:24.179 There is a time 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:24.859 coming 00:15:24.859 --> 00:15:26.019 when there will be 00:15:26.019 --> 00:15:27.079 perfect peace 00:15:27.079 --> 00:15:29.039 and perfect security. 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:31.000 When threat 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:32.279 within 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:33.919 the natural world 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:34.679 will be 00:15:34.679 --> 00:15:35.580 no more. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:36.919 In fact, 00:15:36.960 --> 00:15:37.580 it goes further 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.559 in verse seven 00:15:38.559 --> 00:15:39.980 to suggest 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:40.480 that nature 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:41.399 has been forever 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.440 changed 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:43.580 to ensure this peace. 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.019 The cow 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:44.399 will feed 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.059 with the bear, 00:15:45.659 --> 00:15:46.159 the young 00:15:46.159 --> 00:15:47.399 will lie down 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:47.720 together 00:15:47.720 --> 00:15:48.460 and the lion 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:49.720 will eat straw 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:50.559 like the ox. 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:53.059 The imagery 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:53.899 continues 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:54.980 in verse eight. 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:56.179 The infant 00:15:56.179 --> 00:15:56.799 will play 00:15:56.799 --> 00:15:57.539 near the hole 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.200 of the cobra 00:15:58.200 --> 00:15:59.720 and the young child 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:00.379 put his hand 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.460 into the viper's nest. 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.360 The most innocent, 00:16:02.519 --> 00:16:03.279 the most weak 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:05.000 can live in safety 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:06.639 around these animals 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.460 of danger. 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:08.899 Biblically, 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:10.399 we can think about 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:12.240 Genesis chapter three, 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:13.879 Adam and Eve 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:16.179 in God's perfect garden. 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:17.740 But then the snake 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:18.259 came, 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.399 the devil came 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:20.860 and led them astray 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.460 and everything 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:22.799 began to go wrong 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:24.539 and curse came 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:25.279 on the world 00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:26.000 and curse came 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:26.860 on the environment 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:29.139 because Adam and Eve 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:30.539 listened to the devil, 00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:31.120 to the snake 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:31.840 instead of listening 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:32.360 to God. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:32.639 Well, 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:33.680 there is a time 00:16:33.680 --> 00:16:34.180 coming 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:35.379 when that curse 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.080 will be reversed. 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:37.379 There is a time 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.840 coming 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:39.220 when perfect peace 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:40.300 will be secured, 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:41.060 when the snake 00:16:41.060 --> 00:16:41.779 will no longer 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:42.600 be a threat 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:44.840 to his people. 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:45.639 There will be 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.240 a return 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:47.659 to Eden, 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:49.360 only better 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:50.259 because it will 00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:50.940 be permanent. 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:52.539 Verse nine, 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.419 they will never, 00:16:53.899 --> 00:16:55.219 they will neither harm 00:16:55.219 --> 00:16:56.539 nor destroy 00:16:56.539 --> 00:16:58.519 on all my holy mountain 00:16:58.519 --> 00:16:59.839 for the earth 00:16:59.839 --> 00:17:00.719 will be full 00:17:00.719 --> 00:17:02.079 of the knowledge 00:17:02.079 --> 00:17:02.679 of the Lord 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:04.379 as the waters 00:17:04.379 --> 00:17:05.759 cover the sea. 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:07.740 The holy mountain 00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:08.839 was always the place 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:10.200 where God met 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:10.839 with his people. 00:17:12.159 --> 00:17:13.039 Garden of Eden, 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.779 most likely, 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.659 the imagery 00:17:14.659 --> 00:17:15.599 seems to point to it 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:17.200 being a mountain garden 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.299 and then you've got 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:18.899 God meeting 00:17:18.899 --> 00:17:19.420 with his people 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:20.279 at Mount Sinai 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:20.759 to give them 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:21.579 the Ten Commandments 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:22.119 to make them 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:23.099 his covenant people. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.579 Jerusalem 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:25.619 and Mount Zion, 00:17:26.899 --> 00:17:27.419 the mountain 00:17:27.419 --> 00:17:28.500 is really significant 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.119 as the place 00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:29.559 where God 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:30.199 and his people 00:17:30.199 --> 00:17:30.899 meet 00:17:30.899 --> 00:17:32.699 and enjoy relationship 00:17:32.699 --> 00:17:33.240 and here 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:34.299 there is this promise 00:17:34.299 --> 00:17:35.039 there is a day 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.659 coming 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.659 when the whole earth 00:17:36.659 --> 00:17:37.220 will be God's 00:17:37.220 --> 00:17:37.859 holy mountain 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:40.059 because all the people 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:42.119 will know God. 00:17:42.619 --> 00:17:43.279 Alec Motier, 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:44.960 a Bible commentator 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.699 says this, 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:47.599 when the true order 00:17:47.599 --> 00:17:48.659 of creation 00:17:48.659 --> 00:17:49.879 is restored, 00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:52.280 the whole earth 00:17:52.280 --> 00:17:53.980 is the Lord's hill 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:57.220 indwelt by his holiness. 00:17:58.160 --> 00:17:58.980 His people 00:17:58.980 --> 00:18:01.340 enter into personal 00:18:01.340 --> 00:18:03.100 and intimate 00:18:03.100 --> 00:18:04.220 communion 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.440 with him. 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:07.560 This is the goal 00:18:07.560 --> 00:18:08.040 of life. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:08.920 This is what we were 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:09.700 made for. 00:18:09.800 --> 00:18:11.100 We were made to know 00:18:11.100 --> 00:18:12.380 and enjoy 00:18:12.380 --> 00:18:13.920 friendship 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:15.260 with God 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:16.480 and here 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.500 is this promise 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.960 that for God's 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.240 people, 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:19.799 for those who 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:20.740 trust in Jesus, 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:22.039 the day is coming 00:18:22.039 --> 00:18:23.660 when we will enjoy 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.700 that relationship 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:25.799 forever 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:26.819 and it will be 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:27.799 unspoiled 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:30.039 and unbroken. 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:32.079 this is one 00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:32.940 of these places 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:33.700 where the Bible 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:35.240 promises to us 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:36.759 the kind of world 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:37.879 that we all want. 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:39.819 We would all 00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:40.859 love to live 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:41.480 in a world 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.579 where fear 00:18:42.579 --> 00:18:43.740 and uncertainty 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:44.559 were gone, 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:46.079 where we switched 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:46.759 on the news 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:47.779 and we didn't hear 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:49.159 of tragedy, 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.539 where threat 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.480 and danger 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:52.139 were a thing 00:18:52.139 --> 00:18:53.259 of the past, 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:54.740 where we could live 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:55.299 with peace 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:55.839 and joy 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.399 and hope 00:18:56.399 --> 00:18:57.720 and security 00:18:57.720 --> 00:18:59.000 and here 00:18:59.000 --> 00:18:59.579 is God's 00:18:59.579 --> 00:19:00.100 way of saying 00:19:00.100 --> 00:19:00.759 that day 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.920 is coming 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:03.640 for those 00:19:03.640 --> 00:19:04.140 who are trusting 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:04.640 in the Lord 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.000 Jesus 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:06.700 as their 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:07.160 King. 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.059 It takes us 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:11.640 to the end 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:12.120 of the Bible. 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:12.539 We get this 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.539 wonderful promise 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.019 at the end 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:14.440 of the Bible 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.120 that when Jesus 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:16.299 comes back again 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:16.759 at the end 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.460 of history 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:19.100 there will be 00:19:19.100 --> 00:19:20.039 no more death 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:20.480 and there will be 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:21.819 no more tears 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.319 and there will be 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:23.460 no more pain, 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.600 no more will 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:25.579 God's people live 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.140 with a fear 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.620 of death, 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.180 no more will 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:27.799 we've troubled 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:29.039 by sin, 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:30.160 that guilt 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:31.080 that we experience, 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.120 that anxiety 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:33.080 that people 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:33.720 will find out 00:19:33.720 --> 00:19:34.420 what we're really 00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:34.880 like. 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.299 There will be 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:37.039 no more broken 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:38.420 or lost relationships. 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.380 All will be 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:40.140 goodness 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:40.960 and joy 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:41.680 and love 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.860 and peace. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.180 And that's 00:19:47.180 --> 00:19:47.680 something that we 00:19:47.680 --> 00:19:48.320 can experience 00:19:48.320 --> 00:19:48.640 now. 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.460 We can experience 00:19:49.460 --> 00:19:50.019 the peace 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.740 of God 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:51.900 now. 00:19:52.860 --> 00:19:53.340 The peace 00:19:53.340 --> 00:19:53.740 of God 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.360 that passes 00:19:54.360 --> 00:19:55.600 all understanding 00:19:55.599 --> 00:19:58.259 we can look 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:58.879 forward 00:19:58.879 --> 00:20:01.379 to enjoying 00:20:01.379 --> 00:20:01.939 that peace 00:20:01.939 --> 00:20:02.519 with God 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:02.959 for all 00:20:02.959 --> 00:20:03.579 eternity 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:05.179 but it means 00:20:05.179 --> 00:20:05.619 that we need 00:20:05.619 --> 00:20:06.279 to bow 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:06.959 and submit 00:20:06.959 --> 00:20:08.059 to this king, 00:20:08.159 --> 00:20:08.980 this promised king, 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:09.599 to Jesus 00:20:09.599 --> 00:20:10.759 the king. 00:20:11.699 --> 00:20:12.359 We need to 00:20:12.359 --> 00:20:13.019 recognize 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:13.519 that our 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.659 sin and our 00:20:14.659 --> 00:20:15.079 rebellion 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:15.619 is what 00:20:15.619 --> 00:20:16.879 breaks peace, 00:20:16.939 --> 00:20:17.240 it's what 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.539 causes relationship 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.419 to break down 00:20:19.419 --> 00:20:20.019 between us 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:20.539 and God. 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.740 and so we 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.659 need the work 00:20:22.659 --> 00:20:23.259 of Jesus 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:24.440 the king, 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:24.879 the one who 00:20:24.879 --> 00:20:25.339 came to 00:20:25.339 --> 00:20:26.579 reconcile us 00:20:26.579 --> 00:20:27.440 to God. 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.420 That he takes 00:20:28.420 --> 00:20:28.920 our sin, 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.440 he takes 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:30.519 our guilt, 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:31.019 he takes 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:31.740 our failures 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.680 and he dies 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.339 on the cross 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:34.099 for them 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:35.799 to secure 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.539 for us 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.379 peace 00:20:37.379 --> 00:20:38.859 with God. 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:41.619 When we 00:20:41.619 --> 00:20:42.000 think about 00:20:42.000 --> 00:20:43.240 this theme 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:43.899 of peace 00:20:43.899 --> 00:20:46.019 we want 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:46.460 to remember 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.099 to pray 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:47.839 for the global 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:48.460 church that 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.259 suffer a lack 00:20:49.259 --> 00:20:49.839 of peace 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:50.420 in ways 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:50.680 that we 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.619 can hardly 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:52.339 begin to 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:52.839 imagine. 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:54.319 Millions of 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:54.680 our brothers 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:55.279 and sisters 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:55.779 who are 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:56.839 in prison 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:57.500 cells and 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.299 in labor 00:20:58.299 --> 00:20:59.019 camps because 00:20:59.019 --> 00:20:59.519 of their 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.759 faith in 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.180 the Lord 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:01.579 Jesus. 00:21:02.920 --> 00:21:03.700 But perhaps 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:04.900 too when 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:05.259 we think 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:06.279 about the 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:06.839 longing that 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:07.299 we have in 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:07.839 our hearts 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:08.720 for peace 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.359 and security 00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:11.180 perhaps we 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:11.579 can think 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:12.079 how we can 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:12.640 speak the 00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:13.059 gospel, 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:13.559 how we can 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.200 speak good 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:15.420 news to 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:16.079 people living 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:16.700 in an 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:17.859 uncertain age, 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:18.379 to people 00:21:18.379 --> 00:21:18.720 with 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.740 uncertain 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.779 futures, 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.480 that we 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.039 can present 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.100 solid hope 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:24.100 in the 00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.620 Lord Jesus 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:26.480 Christ to 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:27.600 those who 00:21:27.600 --> 00:21:27.980 feel like 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.220 everything is 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:30.460 shaking and 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.019 unclear. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.039 The last 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:34.180 quality of 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:34.759 this king 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.360 that Isaiah 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:35.839 brings our 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:36.480 attention to 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:36.940 is the fact 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.480 that he is 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.700 an international 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:39.079 king. 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:39.700 He's a king 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:41.400 for the 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:41.940 nations. 00:21:42.120 --> 00:21:42.839 Verse 10 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.500 to 16 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.380 really is 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:45.100 on this 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:45.460 theme. 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.400 Another image 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:47.660 of the 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:47.940 king. 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.019 Verse 10, 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.560 in that 00:21:49.560 --> 00:21:50.480 day the 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:51.160 root of 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.320 Jesse will 00:21:52.320 --> 00:21:53.180 stand as 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:53.960 a banner 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:55.360 for the 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:55.759 peoples. 00:21:56.060 --> 00:21:56.460 So this 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:56.820 is a 00:21:56.820 --> 00:21:57.420 battlefield 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.300 image. 00:21:58.420 --> 00:21:58.620 If you've 00:21:58.620 --> 00:21:59.120 ever seen 00:21:59.120 --> 00:22:00.360 battlefield 00:22:00.360 --> 00:22:01.320 scenes, 00:22:01.860 --> 00:22:03.259 often kings 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:04.420 would ride 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:04.800 out on 00:22:04.800 --> 00:22:05.300 their horses 00:22:05.300 --> 00:22:05.620 and they 00:22:05.620 --> 00:22:06.060 would have 00:22:06.060 --> 00:22:07.140 a standard 00:22:07.140 --> 00:22:07.720 bearer 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.500 beside them, 00:22:08.620 --> 00:22:09.220 a flag 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:09.680 bearer 00:22:09.680 --> 00:22:10.120 saying this 00:22:10.120 --> 00:22:10.440 is where 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:10.840 the king 00:22:10.840 --> 00:22:11.240 is. 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:11.900 There'd be 00:22:11.900 --> 00:22:12.300 flags, 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:12.600 there'd be 00:22:12.600 --> 00:22:12.940 banners, 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:13.500 so the 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:13.880 people would 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.160 know. 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.100 He's the 00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:15.440 one who's 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:15.880 leading us 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.480 into battle. 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:17.680 That's the 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:18.299 flag that we 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:18.759 need to 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.940 rally around. 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:21.400 But notice 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:21.900 this isn't 00:22:21.900 --> 00:22:22.259 just the 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:22.980 king for 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:25.019 the nation 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.580 of Israel, 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:27.200 that he 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:27.840 comes as a 00:22:27.840 --> 00:22:28.980 banner for 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:29.660 the peoples 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:31.000 and the 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.000 nations 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:33.519 will rally 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.019 to him. 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:35.799 So this 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:36.340 is a message 00:22:36.340 --> 00:22:37.240 of hope to 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:37.960 the nation 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:38.700 of Israel, 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:40.840 but it's a 00:22:40.840 --> 00:22:41.360 message of 00:22:41.360 --> 00:22:42.180 hope beyond 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.080 them to 00:22:43.080 --> 00:22:44.700 all nations. 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:48.460 Verse 12, 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.539 same idea, 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.279 he will raise 00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:50.940 a banner 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:52.000 for the 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:53.160 nations and 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:53.880 gather the 00:22:53.880 --> 00:22:54.580 exiles of 00:22:54.580 --> 00:22:54.900 Israel. 00:22:55.340 --> 00:22:55.740 So there's 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.360 this promise 00:22:56.360 --> 00:22:57.380 to those 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:58.120 in Israel 00:22:58.120 --> 00:22:58.460 who've been 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:58.960 sent away, 00:22:59.060 --> 00:22:59.380 one day 00:22:59.380 --> 00:22:59.700 you'll be 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.700 restored to 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.140 relationship 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:01.539 with God, 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:01.940 but not 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:02.500 just you, 00:23:02.860 --> 00:23:03.759 the nations 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.860 will be 00:23:04.860 --> 00:23:06.279 gathered in 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.180 under the 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:07.880 rule of 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:08.680 this great 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.120 king. 00:23:10.560 --> 00:23:11.080 And then 00:23:11.080 --> 00:23:11.360 in verse 00:23:11.359 --> 00:23:11.959 15 and 00:23:11.959 --> 00:23:12.399 16, 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.459 we're given 00:23:13.459 --> 00:23:14.159 a picture, 00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.779 again similar 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.799 to what we 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.179 were thinking 00:23:17.179 --> 00:23:17.579 about in 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:18.379 Matthew 2. 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.240 The imagery 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:21.159 here is of 00:23:21.159 --> 00:23:21.979 a second 00:23:21.979 --> 00:23:23.419 exodus. 00:23:25.199 --> 00:23:25.699 So there 00:23:25.699 --> 00:23:26.339 was a time 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:27.099 when Israel 00:23:27.099 --> 00:23:27.619 were in 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:29.019 slavery and 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:29.699 God by 00:23:29.699 --> 00:23:30.359 his power 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.599 worked mighty 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.319 miracles to 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:32.759 set them 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.000 free. 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.379 And one of 00:23:33.379 --> 00:23:33.719 the things 00:23:33.719 --> 00:23:34.199 that he did 00:23:34.199 --> 00:23:34.919 to secure 00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:35.579 their freedom 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.879 was he dried 00:23:36.879 --> 00:23:38.119 up the Red 00:23:38.119 --> 00:23:38.619 Sea so that 00:23:38.619 --> 00:23:39.419 was a path 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:40.180 that the 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:40.640 people could 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:41.220 walk to 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:42.420 enjoy their 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.300 freedom to 00:23:43.300 --> 00:23:44.660 become God's 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:45.000 people. 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:45.440 And if you 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:45.820 look at 00:23:45.820 --> 00:23:46.560 verses 15 00:23:46.560 --> 00:23:47.140 and 16, 00:23:47.320 --> 00:23:48.140 you see the 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:48.940 same imagery 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:50.120 employed. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:51.940 With a 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.779 scorching wind 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.380 he will sweep 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.039 his hand over 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:54.640 the Euphrates 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.019 river. 00:23:55.380 --> 00:23:55.920 He will break 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:56.360 it up into 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:57.180 seven streams 00:23:57.180 --> 00:23:58.000 so that men 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.720 can cross over 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.460 in sandals. 00:24:00.560 --> 00:24:01.060 There'll be a 00:24:01.060 --> 00:24:01.820 highway for the 00:24:01.820 --> 00:24:02.420 remnant of his 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:03.960 people as there 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:05.200 was for Israel 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:05.900 when they came 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:07.019 up from 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.720 Egypt. 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:09.319 God is going 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:10.120 to work to 00:24:10.120 --> 00:24:11.120 make sure 00:24:11.120 --> 00:24:12.880 that all his 00:24:12.880 --> 00:24:13.400 people from 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:14.279 many nations 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:15.740 will enjoy 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:17.019 their freedom. 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.860 They will 00:24:18.860 --> 00:24:19.660 enjoy their 00:24:19.660 --> 00:24:20.360 freedom as 00:24:20.360 --> 00:24:21.140 they follow 00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:22.200 Jesus the 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:22.579 Savior, 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.579 Jesus the 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.200 rescuer, 00:24:24.600 --> 00:24:25.039 Jesus who 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:25.880 comes to be 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:27.180 like Moses 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:28.380 for us, 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.440 setting us 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:30.460 free so that 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.299 we can become 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:32.519 the people of 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:32.880 God. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.900 Jesus, 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.779 this banner 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:37.140 reminding us 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:37.840 that he is 00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:38.440 the king who 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.300 has gone 00:24:39.300 --> 00:24:39.980 into battle 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:40.500 for us. 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.320 He's fought 00:24:41.320 --> 00:24:42.340 against the 00:24:42.340 --> 00:24:43.040 devil and 00:24:43.040 --> 00:24:43.720 sin and 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.560 death for us 00:24:44.560 --> 00:24:44.880 and he's 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:45.980 defeated those 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.820 for us. 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:48.960 So he's 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.540 come to be 00:24:49.540 --> 00:24:50.120 this great 00:24:50.120 --> 00:24:50.720 king that's 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:51.080 promised, 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:51.720 this spirit 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:52.440 filled king, 00:24:52.860 --> 00:24:53.480 this righteous 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:53.980 king, this 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:54.400 king that 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.320 brings peace 00:24:55.320 --> 00:24:56.259 and he's 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:56.940 the king for 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:57.920 all kinds of 00:24:57.920 --> 00:24:59.020 people, for 00:24:59.020 --> 00:25:00.200 all the 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:00.780 nations. 00:25:01.820 --> 00:25:02.720 Our God 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.700 is a 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.080 missionary 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:04.740 God. 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:04.799 God. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.740 So today, 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.000 over a 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.700 billion people 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.079 would have 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:10.059 gathered together 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:10.519 in different 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:11.019 locations, 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:11.539 in different 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:11.980 languages, 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:12.880 different cultures 00:25:12.880 --> 00:25:13.720 to worship 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.400 Jesus as 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:14.880 Lord and 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:15.180 Savior. 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:17.859 We're part, 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:18.819 a tiny part 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.819 of God's 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:20.599 global church. 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:23.680 But because 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.220 God is an 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:24.880 international 00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:25.579 God, we 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:26.839 also remember 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:27.839 that there is 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:28.319 a task 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:28.799 unfinished. 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:29.240 So while 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.900 one billion 00:25:29.900 --> 00:25:31.019 are worshipping 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.640 Jesus as 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:31.900 Lord, 00:25:32.120 --> 00:25:32.799 over three 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:33.579 billion people 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.839 today are 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.220 completely 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:36.000 untouched by 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.419 the message 00:25:36.419 --> 00:25:36.819 of Jesus, 00:25:36.939 --> 00:25:37.439 have never 00:25:37.439 --> 00:25:39.039 heard of 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:39.460 the love 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.000 of God 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:40.619 in the 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.139 sending of 00:25:41.139 --> 00:25:41.480 his own 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.159 son Jesus 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:44.319 into our 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:44.980 world. 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:47.099 And so as 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:48.220 people of 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.819 the king, 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:49.779 we are 00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:50.699 called into 00:25:50.699 --> 00:25:51.879 mission to 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:52.759 make Jesus 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:53.519 known. 00:25:54.159 --> 00:25:54.960 Sometimes that 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.500 means going 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.639 to different 00:25:56.639 --> 00:25:57.220 parts of the 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.539 world. 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.220 Sometimes that 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.319 means sharing 00:26:00.319 --> 00:26:00.960 the good news 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:01.259 with a 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:01.539 neighbor, 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:02.480 with a 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:02.720 friend, 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.259 with someone 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:04.299 in our 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:04.900 community. 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.500 Towards the 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:06.759 end of 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.200 January, 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:08.059 in church, 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:08.279 we're going 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:08.559 to have a 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.240 missions day. 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.400 And one of 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:10.700 the things 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:10.960 we'll be 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.440 thinking about 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:11.640 are the 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:12.200 opportunities 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:12.539 that we 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.240 have for 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:15.039 sharing the 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:15.480 gospel, 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:16.019 sharing the 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:16.319 good news 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.620 of Jesus 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:17.440 across different 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:17.980 cultures, 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.059 as God 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:20.259 brings people 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:20.819 from lots of 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.559 different countries 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:23.620 into Edinburgh. 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:26.019 But as we 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:27.120 are given 00:26:27.120 --> 00:26:29.299 this wonderful 00:26:29.299 --> 00:26:30.539 picture of 00:26:30.539 --> 00:26:30.920 God's 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:32.240 Messiah in 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:33.139 Isaiah 11, 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:33.759 God's 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.099 Savior, 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:35.819 we appreciate 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.700 Jesus is 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:37.519 this long 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:39.559 expected king. 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.559 We're invited 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.879 to worship 00:26:41.879 --> 00:26:42.720 Jesus as 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.039 God's unique 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:45.559 and universal 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:46.680 king. 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:49.339 The one who 00:26:49.339 --> 00:26:50.379 is both 00:26:50.379 --> 00:26:51.019 spirit-filled 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:51.879 and spirit-giver. 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:52.980 The one who 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:53.599 is truly 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.960 righteous and 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.619 faithful. 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:56.500 The one who 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.319 brings peace 00:26:57.319 --> 00:26:57.879 with God 00:26:57.879 --> 00:26:58.659 and promises 00:26:58.659 --> 00:27:01.019 life marked 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:01.879 by peace 00:27:01.879 --> 00:27:02.960 forever 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:04.059 one day. 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:04.919 And he is 00:27:04.919 --> 00:27:05.439 the king 00:27:05.439 --> 00:27:06.799 for all 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:08.059 the nations. 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:09.740 This is the 00:27:09.740 --> 00:27:10.619 Jesus who 00:27:10.619 --> 00:27:11.039 came into 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.539 the world 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.720 as a baby, 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:13.439 a baby born 00:27:13.439 --> 00:27:14.139 to be king, 00:27:14.659 --> 00:27:15.639 born to be 00:27:15.639 --> 00:27:16.740 God's 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.799 Savior king.