WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:04.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:07.799 equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:10.000 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:11.720 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.800 insightful sermons from the Word of God, 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:16.760 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.760 --> 00:00:19.640 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:22.320 All right. Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:22.320 --> 00:00:24.879 Today, we are continuing 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:27.839 our sermon series through the Book of Ezra. 00:00:27.839 --> 00:00:30.079 We've been going through a wild ride. 00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:31.879 We've been going through verse by verse, 00:00:31.879 --> 00:00:34.320 line by line through this amazing 00:00:34.320 --> 00:00:36.880 and incredible Book of the Old Testament. 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:38.799 This last week, we've been going 00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:41.200 over chapter 4 of Ezra. 00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:44.039 And this is a heavier chapter. 00:00:44.039 --> 00:00:46.359 It is a time where there was 00:00:46.359 --> 00:00:48.600 so much movement that was happening. 00:00:48.600 --> 00:00:51.480 The exiles were returning to Jerusalem 00:00:51.480 --> 00:00:54.719 from their exiles in Babylonia, 00:00:54.719 --> 00:00:56.519 returning to Jerusalem to 00:00:56.520 --> 00:01:00.280 rebuild the altar and to rebuild the temple. 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:02.480 In chapter 4, we had found 00:01:02.480 --> 00:01:05.079 that the adversaries came in 00:01:05.079 --> 00:01:07.240 and they tried to infiltrate 00:01:07.240 --> 00:01:09.400 the progress that was being made 00:01:09.400 --> 00:01:11.200 from the people of God. 00:01:11.200 --> 00:01:15.439 The leaders, they stood firm. 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:16.960 They said, no, thank you. 00:01:16.960 --> 00:01:19.760 They stood firm in their convictions 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:21.560 and they rejected the attempt 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:24.879 to infiltrate the project. 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:26.879 And when this happened, 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:29.319 the adversaries, they decided 00:01:29.319 --> 00:01:31.599 they were going to continue 00:01:31.599 --> 00:01:34.519 trying to be against opposing 00:01:34.519 --> 00:01:35.479 the people of God. 00:01:35.479 --> 00:01:37.759 They escalated things further. 00:01:37.759 --> 00:01:39.599 They frustrated and discouraged 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:42.599 the people of God in the process. 00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:44.799 And eventually what happens is 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:46.640 these adversaries went so far 00:01:46.640 --> 00:01:48.239 as to write a letter to the king 00:01:48.239 --> 00:01:49.759 accusing the people of God. 00:01:49.759 --> 00:01:53.959 They were slandering the names. 00:01:53.959 --> 00:01:55.839 How many of us have been slandered before? 00:01:55.839 --> 00:01:58.439 Don't raise your hand. 00:01:58.439 --> 00:02:01.239 But they were playing dirty, so to speak. 00:02:01.239 --> 00:02:03.799 And today we will see 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:07.359 King Artisirksis responding. 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:09.919 We will see how sometimes 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:11.919 earthly authorities 00:02:11.919 --> 00:02:14.799 will stop the progress 00:02:14.799 --> 00:02:17.400 of God's people temporarily. 00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:18.599 Sometimes there are people 00:02:18.599 --> 00:02:21.560 that have a hardened heart, 00:02:21.560 --> 00:02:23.479 evil intent, 00:02:23.479 --> 00:02:25.439 and they will try to stop you 00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:27.000 in the progress that you're making 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:29.319 in the name of Christ. 00:02:29.319 --> 00:02:31.719 And we'll see that when these evil people 00:02:31.719 --> 00:02:33.959 do terrible things 00:02:33.959 --> 00:02:37.359 that doesn't stop the will of God. 00:02:37.359 --> 00:02:39.719 And that may temporarily 00:02:39.719 --> 00:02:42.280 put a stop or put a halt to things. 00:02:42.280 --> 00:02:45.479 But God's will will be done, amen. 00:02:45.479 --> 00:02:47.199 So let us pray 00:02:47.199 --> 00:02:48.399 before we go any further. 00:02:48.399 --> 00:02:51.399 And let's ask God to be with us 00:02:51.399 --> 00:02:52.159 at this time. 00:02:52.159 --> 00:02:55.919 Let's ask that truth is spoken here. 00:02:55.919 --> 00:02:58.919 And that together we may all learn something 00:02:58.919 --> 00:03:00.240 and apply something to our lives. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:01.439 Let's pray together. 00:03:01.439 --> 00:03:02.680 Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:05.039 the Creator of the heavens and the earth, 00:03:05.039 --> 00:03:06.840 we thank you for giving us this time 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:08.719 and this opportunity to come together 00:03:08.719 --> 00:03:10.919 as the body of Christ. 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:12.039 I pray today, Father, 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:15.120 that you will give us guidance today. 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:17.960 You will give us wisdom and insight. 00:03:17.960 --> 00:03:19.840 Let this message be preached 00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:21.560 in such a way that people 00:03:21.560 --> 00:03:23.080 will understand 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:25.319 that their ears will be open, so to speak. 00:03:25.319 --> 00:03:27.479 We pray that you will lead and guide us 00:03:27.479 --> 00:03:29.199 as you always have. 00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:31.400 And Father, we pray that we can trust in you 00:03:31.400 --> 00:03:33.800 in your timing, 00:03:33.800 --> 00:03:36.719 knowing that even though man or people 00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:38.599 or even governments or kingdoms 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:42.560 may try to stop what we are doing, 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:44.800 we know that it's temporary 00:03:44.800 --> 00:03:48.280 because you God are in control. 00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:50.599 Sometimes, Father, we realize 00:03:50.599 --> 00:03:53.439 and we recognize that there are seasons of trials 00:03:53.439 --> 00:03:56.039 and tribulations or storms that we face 00:03:56.039 --> 00:03:57.879 in our very lives. 00:03:57.879 --> 00:04:00.680 May we trust in you and your timing. 00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:03.079 And even though we may not fully understand 00:04:03.079 --> 00:04:05.039 what is happening, 00:04:05.039 --> 00:04:06.879 may we rely on you. 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:09.519 May you provide comfort and peace and understanding 00:04:09.519 --> 00:04:13.280 and wisdom and insight and even discernment at times, 00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:15.280 knowing that we are not alone 00:04:15.280 --> 00:04:17.399 and that we are not forsaken, 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:19.920 but you are there with us. 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:21.600 It is in the name of Jesus Christ 00:04:21.600 --> 00:04:24.080 that we say together, can I get an amen? 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:27.400 So we're gonna go ahead and turn to 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:30.160 Ezra, if you haven't already. 00:04:30.160 --> 00:04:33.800 It's page 461 in your Bibles. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:38.879 And so I'll go ahead and start reading here. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:44.240 So in verse 17, it says, the king sent an answer 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:47.720 to Raham, the commander, 00:04:47.720 --> 00:04:50.560 and Shimshi, the scribe, and the rest of the associates 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:52.760 who live in Samaria and the rest of the province 00:04:52.760 --> 00:04:54.720 beyond the river greeting. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:57.560 And now, the letter that you sent to us 00:04:57.560 --> 00:04:59.960 has been plainly read before me. 00:04:59.960 --> 00:05:03.000 And I made a decree and search has been made 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:06.320 and it has been found that this city from of old 00:05:06.320 --> 00:05:08.640 has risen against kings and that rebellion 00:05:08.640 --> 00:05:11.400 and sedition have been made in it. 00:05:11.400 --> 00:05:13.520 And mighty kings have been over Jerusalem 00:05:13.520 --> 00:05:16.280 who ruled over the whole province beyond the river, 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:20.319 to whom tribute, custom, and toll were paid. 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:25.039 Therefore, make a decree that these men be made to cease 00:05:25.039 --> 00:05:27.679 and that this city will not be rebuilt 00:05:27.679 --> 00:05:29.639 until a decree is made by me. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:33.079 So basically it's gonna stop 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:35.079 and he's not gonna say anything. 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:39.679 He goes on in verse 22, and take care not to be slack 00:05:39.679 --> 00:05:41.000 in this matter. 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:44.959 Why should damage grow to the hurt of the king? 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:49.199 Then, when the copy of King Artisirksi's letter 00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:52.239 was read before Raham and Shemshai, the scribe, 00:05:52.239 --> 00:05:55.359 and their associates, they went in haste 00:05:55.359 --> 00:05:59.599 to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power 00:05:59.599 --> 00:06:02.199 made them cease. 00:06:02.199 --> 00:06:07.199 Then, the work of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:11.240 it stopped and it ceased until the second year 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:15.680 of the reign of Darius, the king of Persia. 00:06:16.840 --> 00:06:19.120 These are our verses that we are going over. 00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:23.639 Let's start off with, we start off with the king's response. 00:06:23.639 --> 00:06:27.079 It's verses 17 through 19, right? 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:29.759 The king is responding. 00:06:30.720 --> 00:06:33.319 And from there, we have the king is decreeing 00:06:33.319 --> 00:06:34.759 to halt the work. 00:06:34.759 --> 00:06:38.319 And then because of this, there is the immediate effect 00:06:38.319 --> 00:06:39.720 upon the work. 00:06:39.720 --> 00:06:44.200 So he's responding, the king, King Artisirksi's 00:06:44.200 --> 00:06:47.440 is responding to the adversaries and he means business. 00:06:47.440 --> 00:06:50.720 He did not ignore the letter, he responded accordingly. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:52.280 The letter has been read before him. 00:06:52.280 --> 00:06:54.640 He made a decree to search out the matter. 00:06:54.640 --> 00:06:57.160 He did this because the adversaries were saying, 00:06:57.160 --> 00:06:59.720 search the records and you'll see that Jerusalem 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:01.000 was a wicked city. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:03.160 And he found that in searching in the records that, 00:07:03.160 --> 00:07:05.480 yes, Jerusalem was the wicked city, 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:10.240 but what was happening was that it was a misunderstanding 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:13.960 because what happened before the Jewish people were exiled, 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:16.840 there was evil that was happening within the city. 00:07:16.840 --> 00:07:19.040 So they're placing the blame in other words 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:22.240 on the Jewish people, on the people of God. 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:24.720 And they're saying it's your fault. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:25.840 That's what's happening here. 00:07:25.840 --> 00:07:29.879 And so King Artisirksi's, he's finding the records here 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:32.520 and he's saying, well, it must be, 00:07:32.520 --> 00:07:33.879 these must be the wicked people 00:07:33.879 --> 00:07:36.519 that the adversaries are talking about. 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:38.680 And so he found the record, 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:41.519 he recognizes the accusation that the adversaries made. 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:45.639 He's confirming, yes, Jerusalem is a wicked city. 00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:48.040 Again, it's not mentioning the people of God, 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:51.839 it's mentioning what had happened within the city. 00:07:51.839 --> 00:07:53.639 Blame was cast upon the people 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:56.360 regarding the destruction of the temple and the city. 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:58.959 The king recognizes, right, he searched through the records. 00:07:58.959 --> 00:07:59.800 That's what he's saying here. 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:04.800 We then go into the king's decree to halt the work. 00:08:04.879 --> 00:08:07.920 Right, we see in here that King recognized 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:10.160 that Jerusalem was once a powerful city. 00:08:10.160 --> 00:08:12.040 If you go into, what is that? 00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:16.600 Verse 20, mighty kings have been over Jerusalem 00:08:16.600 --> 00:08:18.319 who ruled over the whole province 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:21.600 to whom tribute, custom and toll were paid. 00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:24.800 So in other words, Jerusalem, they paid their taxes, right? 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:28.240 They paid their fair share or they paid their tribute. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:30.240 Whatever you want to call it at that point. 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:32.560 This is very significant to King Artisirxes. 00:08:32.560 --> 00:08:34.759 He didn't want to lose their income. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:36.840 Because you have to remember the adversaries were saying 00:08:36.840 --> 00:08:38.759 that if this city is rebuilt, 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:39.840 they're going to rebel against you. 00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:41.600 They're going to do things on their own. 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:43.720 They're not going to pay their tribute. 00:08:43.720 --> 00:08:46.680 They're not going to pay their taxes as it were. 00:08:46.680 --> 00:08:51.680 And so because of this, look, King Artisirxes realized 00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:55.759 that Jerusalem is of great importance to the king. 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:58.840 And so in verse 21, right? 00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:02.879 He made a decree that these men be made to cease. 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:05.399 He's saying you need to stop and you need to stop now. 00:09:05.399 --> 00:09:08.000 Stop a building of this work immediately. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:11.720 The people of God, they are going to face a situation 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:15.240 where they'll have to stop what they're doing 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:17.399 based upon this decree. 00:09:17.399 --> 00:09:19.679 It goes into verse 22 where it says, 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:22.319 and take care not to be slack in this matter, right? 00:09:22.319 --> 00:09:23.840 He's saying, don't be lazy, right? 00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:25.039 Don't be slow in this. 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:27.000 Be fast in this to respond. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:30.159 Why should damage go to the hurt of the king? 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:31.639 This has got to be taken care of now. 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:33.360 I don't want to see this destruction. 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:35.599 This damage to continue much longer. 00:09:35.599 --> 00:09:37.439 So the king is basically putting pressure 00:09:37.439 --> 00:09:38.319 on these adversaries. 00:09:38.319 --> 00:09:39.439 You've made your point. 00:09:39.439 --> 00:09:41.719 Now you need to go out and stop them. 00:09:41.719 --> 00:09:44.839 And then we see on here the immediate effect of the work, 00:09:44.839 --> 00:09:46.599 right, which is those last two verses. 00:09:46.599 --> 00:09:48.120 And this is significant here. 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:51.000 This is where the immediate effect, right? 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:54.039 Of stopping the rebuilding of the temple happens. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:57.839 It says here that the copy of the letter was read 00:09:57.839 --> 00:10:01.519 before Raham and Shem Shai, the scribe and their associates. 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:02.360 And what did they do? 00:10:02.360 --> 00:10:04.839 Did they walk really slowly? 00:10:04.839 --> 00:10:08.039 No, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:11.959 and by force and by power they made them see. 00:10:11.959 --> 00:10:15.399 So it's one thing, and I think of this analogy, right? 00:10:15.399 --> 00:10:18.039 It's almost like you get the letter from the king 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:20.079 and it's like you're ready to go walk in and say, 00:10:20.079 --> 00:10:22.480 hey, you got to stop immediately. 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:23.879 That's not what happened. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:26.000 They had their letter as it were, 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:28.799 and they used force and power to stop. 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:31.439 So if you can imagine that kind of imagery 00:10:31.439 --> 00:10:36.279 of what's happening at the project site, at the temple site, 00:10:36.279 --> 00:10:39.320 what I'm sure you guys have imaginations, right? 00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:42.120 You can think of what that would look like. 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:43.799 And so that letter was read. 00:10:43.799 --> 00:10:46.519 The adversaries immediately, they got what they needed 00:10:46.519 --> 00:10:48.919 to stop the people of God. 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:53.039 And so again, they use that physical force 00:10:53.039 --> 00:10:55.679 and that's what's happening here. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:58.279 That's the seriousness of what we can see happening. 00:10:58.279 --> 00:11:02.439 And I can imagine this would be extremely discouraging, 00:11:02.439 --> 00:11:06.639 disheartening to the people of God. 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:09.919 Just think about it, after 70 years of exile, 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:12.719 they came back, they rebuilt the altar, 00:11:12.719 --> 00:11:16.079 they started praising the Lord with their burnt sacrifices. 00:11:16.079 --> 00:11:20.039 They started observing their ceremonial times, right? 00:11:20.039 --> 00:11:22.679 They got back in the groove of things 00:11:22.679 --> 00:11:25.120 and yet it stopped again. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:26.599 What's going on here? 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:31.319 We see in verse 24, then it goes on. 00:11:31.319 --> 00:11:33.879 It says, then the work of the house of God 00:11:33.879 --> 00:11:36.000 that is in Jerusalem stopped. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:37.799 And it ceased until the second year 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:41.479 of the reign of Darius, the king of Persia. 00:11:41.479 --> 00:11:43.399 It started out as infiltration. 00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:45.479 And I want you to take for a moment, 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:51.679 the adversaries tactics, it started by simple infiltration. 00:11:51.679 --> 00:11:53.479 Saying, hey, we want to work with you, 00:11:53.479 --> 00:11:57.519 we worship God as you do, but the leader said no. 00:11:58.799 --> 00:12:00.919 They kept escalating it, 00:12:00.919 --> 00:12:04.919 discouraging the people of God by bribing the counselors. 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:09.599 This may hit home for a lot of us in reading this, 00:12:09.599 --> 00:12:11.719 especially with, let's face it, 00:12:11.719 --> 00:12:15.199 what happened a few years ago when a great pause button 00:12:15.199 --> 00:12:19.599 was pushed with the work that we were doing in ministry. 00:12:19.600 --> 00:12:23.279 And maybe you can identify with the people of God. 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:26.080 Maybe you were working, doing great things 00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:27.440 in the name of Christ. 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:29.519 And you had to stop. 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:33.759 We can see here that this is nothing new. 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:36.040 And this is something that has happened before 00:12:36.040 --> 00:12:39.840 and you might have experienced that as well. 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:42.840 And in the word of God, there are times 00:12:42.840 --> 00:12:46.399 when people who have power or influence over us 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.200 will use their power for evil. 00:12:48.200 --> 00:12:52.000 That's a big reason why it is so important 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:55.680 for us to pray for our political leaders, 00:12:55.680 --> 00:12:59.200 those who are in the government for that matter, 00:12:59.200 --> 00:13:03.400 those in state, local, national, even international, 00:13:03.400 --> 00:13:07.000 we pray that the heart of the King will be softened. 00:13:09.200 --> 00:13:12.800 And in this circumstance, we find that 00:13:14.400 --> 00:13:16.720 there's so many lessons, 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:18.240 so many truths that we can see here. 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:20.399 And I realize this is a very heavy lesson for us, 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:23.040 but it's truth nonetheless. 00:13:23.040 --> 00:13:24.560 So we have to think here for a moment, 00:13:24.560 --> 00:13:26.879 okay, well, what are the lessons here? 00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:29.480 What can we learn from this? 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:33.759 Well, we start off by the power of political authority 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:35.720 is the first one. 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:38.519 Political authority can impact God's work, 00:13:38.519 --> 00:13:43.399 but ultimately it is under God's, His control. 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:48.199 These verses, they show us how political authority 00:13:48.199 --> 00:13:50.959 can have a significant influence or impact 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:54.000 on the work of God's people. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:56.799 This can be done for good or it can be done for evil. 00:13:56.799 --> 00:13:59.799 And in this case, it's not being done for good. 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:04.639 We can think about, we can very easily think about 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:06.799 politicians in our own lives. 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:09.360 They have a position of power that they can use 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:10.720 for good or evil. 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:15.720 And hopefully we pray that those who are in those positions 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.560 that they do the right thing, 00:14:19.560 --> 00:14:21.680 that they do good and not evil. 00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:25.160 They can use their power for good and not evil. 00:14:25.160 --> 00:14:26.360 That's a prayer we should have. 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:29.399 And in this situation, we can see that people 00:14:29.399 --> 00:14:32.279 manipulated those in power for evil. 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:34.120 King Artisirksis wrote the letter. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:37.320 He made a decree saying that he's going to use his power 00:14:37.320 --> 00:14:40.200 and his influence to stop the people of God. 00:14:40.200 --> 00:14:42.800 So these adversaries, they made their case to say, 00:14:42.800 --> 00:14:45.520 hey, look, King, this is what's going on. 00:14:46.400 --> 00:14:49.560 And how easily that can happen even today. 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:52.320 There is spiritual significance in this. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:54.879 From the King's side, he's just putting an end to this. 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:57.800 He's just saying, you guys got to stop. 00:14:57.800 --> 00:15:01.160 But for the people of God, it's a time of trial. 00:15:01.160 --> 00:15:03.840 It's a season of waiting and it's even a testing 00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:05.000 of their faith. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:10.000 It's at moments like this where it requires patience 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:12.919 and waiting upon the Lord and his provision 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:16.200 and his promises and situations like this 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:18.480 can happen in our own lives. 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:20.240 Some of us can relate. 00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:22.600 Some of us more than others. 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:24.399 We're on a good trajectory. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:27.360 We're doing great things in the name of Christ. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:30.799 We're proud of what's happening. 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:32.759 And then it just stops. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:35.919 A lot of you can relate to that. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:39.279 And sometimes that great pause button, 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:42.279 if you can imagine, you probably watch those game shows 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:45.080 where you have like a red button that you push, right? 00:15:45.080 --> 00:15:47.519 I think Family Feud and all these game shows, 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:49.679 you push the big button. 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:52.759 But it's like a great pause button on life has happened. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:57.879 And sometimes people will try to interfere and to do evil. 00:15:57.879 --> 00:16:02.320 And even though they may win temporarily, 00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:06.840 we must remember that God's plan will never fail 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:09.240 for God is in control. 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:12.159 And even though we may not see it at the moment, 00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:17.039 God is outside of time and space. 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:21.279 And again, I cannot emphasize this enough. 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:26.279 Even though it's temporary, God is still in control. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:29.399 And we will see when we go into chapter five 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:31.799 and even beyond in these chapters, 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:34.399 that just because what's happening in chapter four 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:39.399 doesn't mean that the project will be completed. 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:41.839 I want you to keep that in mind. 00:16:41.839 --> 00:16:44.000 You have to look at the big picture in that. 00:16:45.079 --> 00:16:47.120 I want you to think about Proverbs 21, 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:50.600 which mentions that the king's heart is a stream of water 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:51.919 in the hand of the Lord. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:54.439 He turns it wherever he will. 00:16:54.440 --> 00:16:59.240 God's hand will be in all of this. 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:01.080 Isaiah 14, 27 says, 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:04.840 for the Lord of hosts has purposed and who can annul it? 00:17:04.840 --> 00:17:08.160 His hand is stretched out and who will turn it back? 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:10.440 So if you can imagine God's hand being stretched out, 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:13.480 who can move God's hand as it were? 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:18.480 And even with the interference of man or people 00:17:18.600 --> 00:17:23.600 or evil people, God's will will be done. 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:26.000 And we wait upon the Lord. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.639 The next one is the role of patience and faith. 00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:33.639 That patience and faith are essential during those seasons 00:17:33.639 --> 00:17:37.319 of delays and fulfilling God's promises. 00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:40.039 There is a role and there's an importance of being patient 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:43.799 and waiting upon the Lord and remaining rooted in Christ. 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:47.240 We have the testing of faith where it's almost as though 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:49.919 you have this forced stop, 00:17:49.919 --> 00:17:52.719 that great pause of the rebuilding of the temple. 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:57.240 That's something the people of God, 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:59.680 look, they had to stop a project. 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:03.640 Like I said, after 70 years of being in exile, 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:05.799 they returned to the Holy land 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:08.200 and then it's great pause button was just pushed 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:09.759 by adversaries. 00:18:10.860 --> 00:18:13.240 Don't you think they were discouraged? 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:15.600 Do you think they were depressed? 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:18.539 Thinking, well, why did the King overstep his bounds? 00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:20.559 Why did these adversaries come in? 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:24.079 They required the people to trust in their Lord 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:26.399 and God's timing. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:30.000 Think about how often we have moments 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:31.319 where our faith is tested. 00:18:31.319 --> 00:18:34.919 There are times where we have to wait for something. 00:18:34.919 --> 00:18:36.319 We have to wait upon the Lord. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:39.159 And there are times where we will even go through trials 00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:41.399 or tribulations, the testing of our faith. 00:18:41.399 --> 00:18:45.519 And it is in times like this where we focus on Christ. 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:48.000 We trust in Him and we wait upon the Lord 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:51.259 because God is constant. 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:55.759 We, human beings, are we constant? 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:59.599 I know we try to be, but we tend to change our minds 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:02.720 very often, but God remains the same yesterday, 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.920 today and forever. 00:19:06.119 --> 00:19:09.880 It may even be a time for you to grow spiritually. 00:19:09.880 --> 00:19:12.880 I know there's the great joke that we can think about 00:19:12.880 --> 00:19:15.000 is when we pray to God, hey, God, 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:17.720 I think I need some patience in my life. 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:19.640 God, I want some patience now. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:22.120 And you see the problem with that prayer. 00:19:22.120 --> 00:19:23.839 If you're asking for patience, 00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:25.880 you're not gonna ask for it now. 00:19:25.880 --> 00:19:28.400 And very often you'll even have those situations 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:31.380 where you will have to wait for something. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:35.000 For some of us, it might be waiting for an answer 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:37.839 for college application. 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:41.079 For others, it might be waiting for God's timing 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:45.600 on when will a family member ever turn to Christ? 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:50.599 It could be waiting upon, I can think of a whole bunch 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:52.599 of things and we can go on and on about that, 00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:55.879 but I'm sure you have your own, 00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:57.759 you've had your moments where you've had to wait. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:20:00.759 And look at that as an opportunity for you to grow 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:02.480 spiritually. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:06.679 James chapter one, verses three to four says, 00:20:06.679 --> 00:20:09.279 you know that the testing of your faith produces 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:10.759 steadfastness, right? 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:13.919 Let steadfastness have its full effect 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:18.000 that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:19.560 And it's in those times and waiting 00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:21.200 where we're being molded. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:22.840 It's very difficult for us to think about, 00:20:22.840 --> 00:20:25.680 difficult language, but it's very true. 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:29.900 Patience is an opportunity to be molded more in God. 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:33.000 Romans chapter five, verses three to five says that, 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:35.039 and these are very difficult verses, right? 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:36.480 Rejoicing in our sufferings, 00:20:36.480 --> 00:20:39.320 knowing that suffering produces endurance. 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:41.380 And it goes on, endurance produces character, 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:44.280 character produces hope. 00:20:44.280 --> 00:20:46.520 God's love has been poured into our hearts 00:20:46.520 --> 00:20:49.320 through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 00:20:49.320 --> 00:20:53.280 Isaiah 40, 31 saying that, I love this verse, 00:20:53.280 --> 00:20:56.400 Isaiah 40, 31, they who wait for the Lord 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.720 shall renew their strength. 00:20:57.720 --> 00:21:00.880 They shall mount up with wings like eagles. 00:21:00.880 --> 00:21:03.400 They shall run and not be weary. 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:05.880 They shall walk and not faint. 00:21:05.880 --> 00:21:09.240 Psalm 27, 14, wait for the Lord, be strong 00:21:09.240 --> 00:21:10.920 and let your heart take courage. 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:12.200 Wait for the Lord. 00:21:13.440 --> 00:21:18.120 It's a call for us to remain rooted and wait upon him. 00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:20.519 Consider for a moment, God's divine timing. 00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:23.180 When things are delayed or we wait upon the Lord, 00:21:23.180 --> 00:21:26.000 we have to think that God's hand is in this. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:31.000 God has a greater plan despite what things people can do. 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:34.200 And just because man tried to stop the will 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:37.320 and the work of God doesn't mean that it won't be completed. 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:40.359 We wait on the Lord and God will teach us patience 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:41.519 in the process. 00:21:42.359 --> 00:21:45.399 And in all of this, I want you to be encouraged to. 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.279 Trust in him. 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:52.039 Maybe you are going through a season 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:53.559 where you're waiting upon the Lord. 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:59.000 Trust in him and know that he will never abandon you. 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:02.759 Right? Just like that famous verse in scripture, 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:04.519 even though I walk through the valley 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.720 of the shadow of death, 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:10.200 I will fear no evil for you are there with me. 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:13.640 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.960 Think about that. 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:23.480 And with all of this, God's plan will come to fruition 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:26.600 at the appropriate time and Habakkuk, 00:22:26.600 --> 00:22:29.720 which is a book that a lot of us often skip over, right? 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.480 Habakkuk two, three says, 00:22:32.120 --> 00:22:34.519 for still the vision awaits its appointed time. 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:36.599 It's a point in time, right? It's talking about a vision. 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:38.519 It hastens to the end. It will not lie. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:42.519 If it seems slow, wait for it. 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:45.639 It will surely come. It will not delay. 00:22:45.639 --> 00:22:47.879 And in the context, it's talking about the vision. 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:49.720 Wait for the vision to come. 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:52.119 But we can see that even here, 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:56.039 it may seem slow into its fruition, 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:59.879 but it will happen one way or another. 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.960 And I know for a lot of us, 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:04.759 I know I think it was either last Sunday or the Sunday before, 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:07.880 I mentioned instant ramen noodles, right? 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:10.759 How many of us love top ramen, right? 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:15.000 You cook it for a few minutes and you're just ready to go, right? 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:21.960 Well, or even our subscriptions, right? 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:24.680 We get instant gratification. We all love that. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:29.799 And I think very often in our culture of text messages 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:34.119 and social media and the bombardment of the endless stream of scrolling, 00:23:34.119 --> 00:23:37.319 we tend to forget the importance of waiting for something. 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:42.440 I can think of how my father used to always tell me very often, 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:44.680 and it's not every time, when you're rushed, 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:48.279 very often there's a margin of error that can happen. 00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:49.159 It's much greater. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:52.599 A personal story I'll tell you real quick. 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:56.039 I had a guy, I was at a gas station, 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:58.680 and this guy was very, very well dressed. 00:23:58.680 --> 00:24:01.400 He drove a very, very nice car, came up to me, 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:05.880 and he gave me or was going, trying to give me a bunch of gifts. 00:24:06.600 --> 00:24:12.039 And he said it was the will of God that I give you all these gifts. 00:24:12.039 --> 00:24:16.360 I'm going to give you a new MacBook Pro, a new iPhone, 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:17.640 and he had this ring on. 00:24:17.640 --> 00:24:20.039 He's like, this is a $2,000 golden ring. 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.600 I want to give all of these to you for free. 00:24:22.600 --> 00:24:25.240 And at first I thought, oh man, 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:28.360 I can't wait to have a brand new computer and a new iPhone 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:29.719 and a golden ring. 00:24:29.719 --> 00:24:33.240 I don't know if it's my size, but I was thinking for a moment, 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:35.240 and I thought, why? 00:24:37.399 --> 00:24:39.079 Why are you doing this? 00:24:39.079 --> 00:24:42.519 And I ended up, the Holy Spirit. 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:45.639 No, don't take those things. 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:47.240 And I ended up saying no, thank you. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:50.119 And the guy got very upset that I didn't take these gifts. 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:53.240 So later on I called my dad, 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:56.039 so my dad used to work in the police force. 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:58.039 And he told me, oh, that's a scam. 00:24:58.039 --> 00:25:00.920 In fact, though, very commonly when that happens, 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:02.119 they're stolen items. 00:25:02.839 --> 00:25:04.599 And they might have stolen it, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:06.279 and they want you to get in trouble. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:10.279 Or they give them to you, and they want you to give them money. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.720 Oh, you know what, now that I gave you, 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:14.920 how about $3,000 or whatever it is? 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:19.879 We live in this culture of instant gratification. 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:22.920 I can't imagine, if I had taken those items, 00:25:22.920 --> 00:25:24.519 I would have been in a lot of trouble. 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:29.240 I even went to the local police department, 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:31.160 and I said, so what if they gave them to me? 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:32.519 What could I keep those things? 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.240 I was just curious. 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.519 He said, no, you'd have to give them back. 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.160 I'm like, all right. 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:37.879 So even if I thought I'd get it temporarily, 00:25:37.879 --> 00:25:39.160 I still would have had to give it back. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:42.039 And this is just one example. 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:45.960 We have to be mindful in our decisions. 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:47.480 There are times we have to wait. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:50.839 And in that situation, in the heat of the moment, 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:52.279 I'm like, I don't know what you're doing, 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:55.480 but I had to wait. 00:25:55.480 --> 00:26:00.359 And so kind of going back, I want to share with you Isaiah 55, 00:26:00.359 --> 00:26:01.079 8 through 9. 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.079 This is a beautiful verse. 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:08.200 The Lord is saying, my thoughts are not your thoughts. 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:11.160 Neither are your ways, my ways, declares the Lord. 00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:13.399 As the heavens are higher than the earth, 00:26:13.399 --> 00:26:17.319 so are my ways higher, and my thoughts are higher than yours. 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:20.920 It is all saying that God's ways are higher. 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:24.200 So when we're in those seasons of waiting, 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:27.960 we trust in Him because God's way is higher. 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:32.360 Psalm 37.7 says, be still before the Lord, 00:26:32.360 --> 00:26:34.360 and wait patiently for Him. 00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:37.640 Fret not yourself over the one who prospers in His way, 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:40.039 over the man who carries out evil desires. 00:26:41.400 --> 00:26:44.039 Sometimes when we see somebody who seems to be winning 00:26:45.400 --> 00:26:50.120 by doing evil, we may get, we may fret over it. 00:26:50.119 --> 00:26:51.719 But the Lord here is saying, 00:26:51.719 --> 00:26:55.079 don't fret yourself over the man who carries out evil desires. 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:57.159 So be patient in the Lord. 00:26:58.199 --> 00:27:01.000 We trust in Him and to the ones who do evil, 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:02.839 they will reap what they sow. 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:05.639 We then go into spiritual and emotional strain. 00:27:05.639 --> 00:27:07.399 Delays can cause strain. 00:27:07.399 --> 00:27:10.359 There are opportunities for spiritual growth. 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:14.439 When we have to wait, when we go through that season of trial, 00:27:14.439 --> 00:27:17.159 or tribulation of testing or waiting, 00:27:17.159 --> 00:27:19.399 that puts a strain on our lives. 00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:21.080 Spiritually or even emotionally. 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:25.000 Many of us have experienced seasons of waiting. 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.680 Seasons where people did bad things 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:29.720 and it affected us on an emotional level. 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:31.160 And we remember those things. 00:27:32.840 --> 00:27:35.480 Just consider the discouragement among the people of God 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:38.600 at that time after waiting 70 years. 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:41.640 They had hopes and dreams of finishing the temple, 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:44.200 and yet they were stopped by political influence. 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:47.480 There was frustration and uneasiness and discouragement. 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:53.000 It shows that there are challenges that come with setbacks. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:53.480 Right? 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:57.480 And it just requires us to continue in the Lord. 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:59.559 When we are down, when we are discouraged, 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:02.920 when we are facing emotional or spiritual strain, 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:05.400 seek God and His comfort. 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:09.559 Think of the imagery of streams of living water. 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:12.200 That there's comfort in Him. 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:17.799 When you're going through a trial or tribulation, 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:22.360 the last thing you want to do is to not go to the Lord, 00:28:22.360 --> 00:28:23.720 or to go away from the Lord. 00:28:24.519 --> 00:28:26.519 It's in times where we are vulnerable, 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:29.080 where we seek God and His comfort. 00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:33.880 Can you imagine if you do not seek God and His comfort 00:28:33.880 --> 00:28:35.240 when you're going through a trial? 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:38.920 The feeling of no one being there? 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:41.160 That's why we seek God. 00:28:41.160 --> 00:28:44.920 Knowing that He's there for us, that He is with us, 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:47.880 He knows what's going on. 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:49.800 In going to the Lord, 00:28:49.800 --> 00:28:52.680 you can find comfort and peace and safety and security 00:28:52.680 --> 00:28:56.120 instead of feeling alone, separated or hopeless. 00:28:56.120 --> 00:29:00.440 God provides for us even in those times of trials and tribulation. 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:02.279 Psalm 42.5 says, 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:04.600 Why are you cast down, O my soul? 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:06.840 And why are you in turmoil within me? 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:10.039 Hope in God, for I say again, praise Him, 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:12.039 my salvation and my God. 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:14.519 2 Corinthians 4.8-9 says, 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:17.559 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:19.639 perplexed, but not driven to despair, 00:29:19.639 --> 00:29:22.119 persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:23.319 but not destroyed. 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:24.759 Romans 8.28 says, 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:27.319 We know that for those who love God, 00:29:27.319 --> 00:29:29.480 all things were worked together for good, 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:32.519 for those who are called according to His purpose. 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:34.279 Hebrews 10.36. 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:38.039 You have the need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God, 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:41.160 you will receive what is promised. 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:44.200 It's all connected here. 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:45.720 During those season, 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:47.559 it's a time for you to grow in the Lord. 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:49.000 You continue in the Lord, 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:51.480 no matter what happens in your life, 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:54.599 the good, the bad, or let's face it, even the ugly, 00:29:54.599 --> 00:30:00.440 we remain in Christ like roots that are planted deeply into the ground. 00:30:01.160 --> 00:30:04.200 How many of us have made the same mistake? 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:08.360 Maybe been at a house where there's a giant tree that provides shade, right? 00:30:08.360 --> 00:30:10.360 It's grounded in there. 00:30:10.360 --> 00:30:13.799 So too should our faith be like that. 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:15.559 Rooted in Christ. 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:18.279 We remain in Christ and we seek the higher things. 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:20.600 We continue progressing toward Christ 00:30:20.600 --> 00:30:23.720 and having Him mold us into who we are meant to be. 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:27.240 And even though man may try to stop you in what you are doing, 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:29.640 you keep going, you never give up. 00:30:29.640 --> 00:30:33.720 You stand firm, you don't abandon what you're doing. 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:35.480 You remain in Him. 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:40.360 James 1-2-4, count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds. 00:30:40.360 --> 00:30:44.360 Know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, right? 00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:47.480 That's a verse that I read before, Hebrews 12-11. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:51.799 From the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, 00:30:51.799 --> 00:30:56.680 but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.880 It says though you're going, 00:30:58.759 --> 00:31:01.480 it says though you're being disciplined in those times, 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:02.600 that's very difficult. 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:05.319 Even I struggle with that, those kind of verses. 00:31:06.199 --> 00:31:08.359 We are a work in progress, my friends, 00:31:09.159 --> 00:31:12.199 that God is going to continue to work in and through your lives. 00:31:12.199 --> 00:31:14.039 That's why first and foremost, 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:16.519 you come to Jesus Christ, believe in Him, 00:31:17.159 --> 00:31:21.559 believe in the Lord and be saved beyond a path of growing in Him 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:24.199 and being moved to do good in His holy name. 00:31:24.839 --> 00:31:28.599 And understand that look, when you believe in Jesus Christ, 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:31.159 it's not the end, it's the beginning, 00:31:31.159 --> 00:31:37.079 the beginning of a wonderful journey in Christ being that work in progress. 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:41.240 And so the question then comes up is, how can I apply and live these outs? 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:44.439 The first thing is responding to governmental authority. 00:31:44.439 --> 00:31:45.399 This is a very difficult one. 00:31:45.399 --> 00:31:49.079 It's submitting to authority while trusting in God's sovereignty. 00:31:49.959 --> 00:31:51.559 It's going to be very difficult for us, right? 00:31:51.559 --> 00:31:54.439 There are going to be times when people in positions of power, 00:31:54.439 --> 00:31:57.240 they might restrict you or they might see you. 00:31:57.240 --> 00:32:00.680 They might restrict you or they might see to it that they stop the work that you're doing. 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:05.160 We stand firm in the Word, we deal in love, we stand firm together, 00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:07.160 we even speak out at times. 00:32:07.160 --> 00:32:09.720 But we also, there's this balance that has to happen, 00:32:09.720 --> 00:32:12.200 even when it comes to submission to authority. 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:18.359 There are times where we do have to trust in God's sovereignty and God's divine plan. 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:20.120 That's what the people of God had to do. 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:23.720 The whole accusation was that these people are rebellious. 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:28.440 And that when they rebel, they're going to overthrow the king. 00:32:29.319 --> 00:32:31.480 So it wasn't a cut and dry situation. 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:33.480 It is in the waiting. 00:32:33.480 --> 00:32:36.519 That doesn't mean that we abandon the mission of Christ. 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:38.279 It doesn't mean that we retreat. 00:32:38.279 --> 00:32:42.200 It means that we stand firm while we patiently wait upon the Lord. 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:47.559 It's a time for us that we seek God's wisdom in navigating these kinds of challenges. 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:51.880 And I realized that this is just one of many examples in scripture. 00:32:51.880 --> 00:32:57.480 How we respond to, or how you respond to your own unique situation might be different. 00:32:58.360 --> 00:33:02.520 Some of you may be facing a situation where someone is trying to stop you, 00:33:02.520 --> 00:33:06.760 or someone has stopped you in the trajectory that you have in Christ. 00:33:07.400 --> 00:33:12.600 Consider this might be a time for you to pray for those that do evil against you. 00:33:13.160 --> 00:33:18.120 Consider it might be a time for you to focus on your efforts to grow in that season, 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:22.519 the season of waiting to rely on the Lord and his promises. 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:27.000 It's very difficult for me even to say this. 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:29.799 I think of how often I want to fight back. 00:33:31.479 --> 00:33:33.559 But the word of God is very clear here. 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.679 It's difficult, but true. 00:33:34.679 --> 00:33:37.399 You cannot stop the will of God. 00:33:37.399 --> 00:33:42.039 Daniel 2 21 says he changes times and seasons. 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:44.839 He removes kings and sets up kings. 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:48.839 He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. 00:33:49.879 --> 00:33:52.199 I think of Proverbs 16 9. 00:33:52.199 --> 00:33:56.279 The heart of the man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:59.000 We pray for everyone. 00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:02.039 Even those who are in high positions. 00:34:02.039 --> 00:34:07.240 One very good verse to think of is 1 Timothy 2 1 through 2. 00:34:08.279 --> 00:34:10.360 Prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving. 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:11.799 Let it be made for all people. 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:17.640 And then it goes on saying for kings and those in high positions that we may lead a peaceful 00:34:17.640 --> 00:34:21.080 and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 00:34:21.080 --> 00:34:24.680 It shows in the word of God how important it is for us to pray for our leaders. 00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:28.920 When's the last time you have prayed for your mayor? 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:30.840 When's the last time you've prayed for your governor? 00:34:31.720 --> 00:34:32.220 Right. 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:35.560 Those who serve in any sort of leadership capacity. 00:34:35.560 --> 00:34:39.560 The next one is trusting in God during periods of delay. 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:42.759 Use delays to deepen your trust in God's perfect timing. 00:34:44.759 --> 00:34:50.039 When you encounter a delay, a trial or a tribulation, this is a time and an opportunity 00:34:50.039 --> 00:34:54.519 for you to deepen your relationship with the living God engage in prayer, 00:34:54.519 --> 00:34:59.719 seek his will, grow in the Lord and trust in his divine timing. 00:34:59.719 --> 00:35:03.159 And even in his intervention, because God intervenes as well. 00:35:04.039 --> 00:35:07.799 Remember that just because you have to wait doesn't mean that God is saying no. 00:35:07.800 --> 00:35:09.560 Many of you have heard that before. 00:35:09.560 --> 00:35:13.960 Sometimes God will say yes, no, or not yet in seasons of waiting. 00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:15.720 It's certainly a not yet. 00:35:15.720 --> 00:35:17.640 Just wait and see what will happen. 00:35:19.320 --> 00:35:20.280 You might be waiting. 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:22.440 You might be in that season. 00:35:23.640 --> 00:35:27.800 And in those times, just know that God will deliver. 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:35.000 Instead of being anxious or worried or impatient, this is a time for you to lean on and rely 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:39.559 on the Lord and maybe consider what can you learn in this season of waiting? 00:35:40.440 --> 00:35:47.000 Psalm 37, seven again, be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:53.159 Galatians six, nine, let us not grow weary of doing good for in due season. 00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:56.840 We will reap if we do not give up. 00:35:56.840 --> 00:35:59.639 There's a great treasure that we receive in heaven. 00:36:00.280 --> 00:36:01.639 We believe in the Lord, right? 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:03.079 We are saved. 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:05.719 We grow in the Lord and we do good in the name of Christ. 00:36:05.719 --> 00:36:06.840 We don't ever give up. 00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:12.360 We keep moving forward in the things of God and letting God mold us. 00:36:12.360 --> 00:36:16.599 The next one here is persevering in the face of opposition, right? 00:36:16.599 --> 00:36:18.440 It's showing faithfulness to God. 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:22.599 Some people are going to oppose you no matter what you do, right? 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:25.960 If you're a student or if you're not a student, if you're employed or unemployed, 00:36:25.960 --> 00:36:28.920 there's going to be people who are going to oppose you. 00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:32.519 Even if you're a banker or a farmer, whatever it is, 00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:35.159 we will face opposition in our lives, right? 00:36:36.199 --> 00:36:38.840 Especially when we're considering our walk with the Lord. 00:36:39.719 --> 00:36:42.360 It's just going to happen and quite frankly, it's, 00:36:43.079 --> 00:36:46.280 it will happen even in our spiritual walk in the Lord. 00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:50.840 Delays and being patient and waiting upon the Lord is another aspect of it. 00:36:50.840 --> 00:36:54.920 It's a time to remain rooted in Christ just as a tree, right? 00:36:54.920 --> 00:36:58.759 When I gave you that imagery of a tree, it will go through storms. 00:36:58.759 --> 00:37:01.800 The leaves and branches will be moving to and fro. 00:37:01.800 --> 00:37:04.920 But yet it's still remaining rooted, right? 00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:06.280 It's still standing firm. 00:37:06.920 --> 00:37:11.880 Many of us, we can think of storms where things are just flying all over the place, right? 00:37:11.880 --> 00:37:14.440 Or a windstorm or whatever it is that's happening. 00:37:14.440 --> 00:37:16.280 But trees remain firm. 00:37:17.320 --> 00:37:19.240 Now I know, granted, some trees get uprooted. 00:37:19.240 --> 00:37:21.880 I get that, but you get the idea though. 00:37:22.760 --> 00:37:24.440 First Corinthians 1558, 00:37:24.440 --> 00:37:32.519 therefore my, my beloved brothers be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the 00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:36.920 Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain. 00:37:37.639 --> 00:37:40.519 Everything you do for the Lord is going to matter. 00:37:40.519 --> 00:37:43.880 And in considering persevering and standing firm in the Lord, 00:37:45.159 --> 00:37:47.159 we remain in God's truth. 00:37:47.159 --> 00:37:52.679 God recognizes that the next one is encouraging one another in times of waiting, 00:37:52.679 --> 00:37:55.719 supporting and encourage one another during times of delay. 00:37:55.719 --> 00:38:01.480 This is something that's very important because when we're going through a trial or tribulation, 00:38:01.480 --> 00:38:07.319 it's an opportunity for us to comfort one another, to pray for one another, to be present. 00:38:07.319 --> 00:38:11.719 There is a ministry of listening and being present. 00:38:11.719 --> 00:38:15.319 Sometimes people say, I don't know what to say if someone's going through a trial, 00:38:15.319 --> 00:38:18.119 just be there with them, just sit next to them. 00:38:19.239 --> 00:38:20.279 You can just do that. 00:38:20.280 --> 00:38:23.000 You can pray with them immediately. 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:28.360 Just say, you can say, Father, I don't have the words to say, 00:38:29.240 --> 00:38:34.360 but I know you are in control and I know you are there with whoever it is. 00:38:35.640 --> 00:38:40.840 Sitting next to somebody, being present, that is part of our ministry. 00:38:41.320 --> 00:38:43.640 That is part of the care of the saints, right? 00:38:43.640 --> 00:38:45.640 That we build up one another. 00:38:46.519 --> 00:38:49.000 You can encourage someone in the season of waiting. 00:38:49.000 --> 00:38:52.039 And help one another when they're going through a trial. 00:38:52.039 --> 00:38:53.719 We build up one another. 00:38:54.280 --> 00:38:59.400 If you're experiencing a season of delay or trial or tribulation, 00:38:59.880 --> 00:39:03.639 do not be afraid to reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:39:03.639 --> 00:39:07.239 That is something that is so profoundly beautiful about the church. 00:39:08.360 --> 00:39:12.840 Is that knowing we are there to encourage one another, to celebrate one another? 00:39:14.599 --> 00:39:17.639 And in those, in all seasons, 00:39:17.639 --> 00:39:19.879 we have God at the center of our lives. 00:39:19.879 --> 00:39:23.799 We are there to help one another, to be united in Christ, to love one another, 00:39:23.799 --> 00:39:25.400 just as Christ has loved us. 00:39:26.440 --> 00:39:28.599 Encourage one another in times of waiting. 00:39:29.639 --> 00:39:34.440 And I want all of us to keep in mind that be encouraged to trust in the living God 00:39:34.440 --> 00:39:36.599 and his divine plan for your life. 00:39:37.400 --> 00:39:39.239 Even when man tries to stop you. 00:39:39.239 --> 00:39:41.639 Yes, those are things that are outside of our control. 00:39:41.639 --> 00:39:46.119 But I believe in a God that is more powerful than what any man 00:39:46.119 --> 00:39:47.719 will try to do to me. 00:39:48.920 --> 00:39:52.039 That is how strong our faith should be in Christ. 00:39:53.559 --> 00:39:56.359 When things happen, we trust in the living God, 00:39:56.359 --> 00:39:59.239 knowing that he will deliver on his promises. 00:40:00.119 --> 00:40:01.719 God will remain victorious. 00:40:02.119 --> 00:40:08.279 That's why he offers his arms openly to come to him, to come and see. 00:40:08.279 --> 00:40:10.519 Well, that's why we have our Bible, 00:40:10.519 --> 00:40:14.839 knowing that in these dark seasons and times that God is still there. 00:40:14.840 --> 00:40:17.400 And that God will be victorious at the end. 00:40:17.400 --> 00:40:19.559 If you've ever read the end of the book, right? 00:40:20.440 --> 00:40:23.640 Knowing that God will be victorious. 00:40:25.960 --> 00:40:27.320 We are stronger together. 00:40:28.120 --> 00:40:31.559 Just like I've mentioned this analogy before, the bundle of sticks, 00:40:31.559 --> 00:40:32.760 we are stronger together. 00:40:32.760 --> 00:40:35.480 We believe in the Lord, we trust in him, 00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:39.000 and we encourage one another in the building of the saints. 00:40:39.640 --> 00:40:42.039 Are you trusting in God, the great shepherd? 00:40:42.039 --> 00:40:45.400 Perhaps this is a time for you to believe in the living God. 00:40:45.400 --> 00:40:48.199 Perhaps this is a time for you to return to him, 00:40:48.199 --> 00:40:51.960 or maybe if you're going through that trial or that tribulation 00:40:51.960 --> 00:40:53.559 or that season of waiting, 00:40:54.360 --> 00:40:57.800 perhaps it's a time for you to trust in him more fully. 00:40:57.800 --> 00:41:00.279 I think of the one verse that says, 00:41:01.480 --> 00:41:05.559 be reminded of this imagery that I look to the hills. 00:41:05.559 --> 00:41:07.800 Where does my help come from? 00:41:08.440 --> 00:41:10.039 It comes from God. 00:41:10.039 --> 00:41:12.279 It comes from God alone. 00:41:12.279 --> 00:41:14.360 I know there's many different variations of that. 00:41:15.719 --> 00:41:19.239 Look at the mountains and look at the sun that's shining down on us. 00:41:19.960 --> 00:41:22.759 Just because there are clouds that are in our way, 00:41:22.759 --> 00:41:24.759 doesn't mean that the sun doesn't exist. 00:41:25.400 --> 00:41:31.000 Because the love and the light and the truth of Christ still shines, 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:35.320 even in dark days, even when clouds and storms 00:41:35.320 --> 00:41:40.920 are seems to be all around us, the light, love and truth of Christ is still there. 00:41:41.640 --> 00:41:45.960 It comes from God alone, knowing that he's there with us 00:41:45.960 --> 00:41:47.720 in every season of life. 00:41:47.720 --> 00:41:48.519 Let's pray together. 00:41:49.720 --> 00:41:51.080 And dear Lord and Heavenly Father, 00:41:51.080 --> 00:41:54.200 we thank you for once again this time and this opportunity 00:41:54.200 --> 00:41:56.120 to allow us to gather together. 00:41:56.120 --> 00:41:58.519 We pray that in seasons of waiting, 00:41:59.240 --> 00:42:02.200 when man interferes with what good we are doing, 00:42:02.199 --> 00:42:04.839 when it seems like there's a great pause that has happened, 00:42:06.439 --> 00:42:11.480 we pray that we can rely on you and trust in you more fully in every season of life. 00:42:11.480 --> 00:42:14.839 We pray that we can find strength in you, comfort in you, 00:42:14.839 --> 00:42:19.559 peace from you, joy in you and patience during times of delays. 00:42:20.279 --> 00:42:23.000 May we trust in you and your timing, 00:42:23.639 --> 00:42:25.879 even though we may not see what's going on. 00:42:25.879 --> 00:42:28.039 May we fully rely on you, Father, 00:42:28.599 --> 00:42:30.919 for we know that you're working behind the scenes 00:42:30.920 --> 00:42:32.920 and we pray that we as a church, 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:35.800 we can support one another in this faith that we have. 00:42:36.920 --> 00:42:41.320 And it's all in all of these things we say in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:42:41.320 --> 00:42:43.960 the cornerstone of our faith, and we all say together, 00:42:43.960 --> 00:42:45.000 can I get an amen? 00:42:45.000 --> 00:42:49.159 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:42:49.159 --> 00:42:53.320 For more about our church and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:42:53.320 --> 00:42:56.920 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:42:56.920 --> 00:43:06.920 May God's blessings be with you.