WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.520 for complicated words. 00:00:03.020 --> 00:00:04.799 Isaiah 40, 1-11. 00:00:04.980 --> 00:00:07.219 Would somebody like to come and read that for us? 00:00:08.939 --> 00:00:10.939 Thank you, Louise. 00:00:17.219 --> 00:00:19.440 Isaiah 40, 1-11. 00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:20.600 Thanks very much. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.280 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 00:00:37.299 --> 00:00:40.700 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her 00:00:40.700 --> 00:00:43.759 that her hard service has been completed, 00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:46.219 that her sin has been paid for, 00:00:46.219 --> 00:00:49.039 that she has received from the Lord's hand 00:00:49.039 --> 00:00:50.900 double for all her sins. 00:00:51.760 --> 00:00:54.219 A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 00:00:54.579 --> 00:00:56.299 prepare the way for the Lord. 00:00:57.079 --> 00:00:59.060 Make straight in the desert 00:00:59.060 --> 00:01:01.080 a highway for our God. 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:03.600 Every valley shall be raised up, 00:01:03.940 --> 00:01:05.640 every mountain and hill made low. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:08.379 The rough ground shall become level. 00:01:09.379 --> 00:01:11.159 The rugged place is a plain. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:14.120 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed. 00:01:14.859 --> 00:01:17.500 And all people will see it together, 00:01:17.980 --> 00:01:20.040 for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 00:01:21.400 --> 00:01:23.300 A voice says, cry out. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:25.780 And I said, what shall I cry? 00:01:26.540 --> 00:01:28.620 All the people are like grass. 00:01:29.060 --> 00:01:32.079 And all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 00:01:32.799 --> 00:01:35.040 The grass withers and the flowers fall. 00:01:36.040 --> 00:01:38.460 Because the breath of the Lord blows on them. 00:01:39.659 --> 00:01:41.320 Surely the people are grass. 00:01:41.740 --> 00:01:43.680 The grass withers and the flowers fall. 00:01:44.240 --> 00:01:46.939 But the word of our God endures forever. 00:01:46.939 --> 00:01:50.420 You who bring good news to Zion, 00:01:50.679 --> 00:01:52.179 go up on a high mountain. 00:01:52.959 --> 00:01:54.739 You who bring good news to Jerusalem, 00:01:55.319 --> 00:01:56.879 lift up your voice with a shout. 00:01:57.560 --> 00:01:58.379 Lift it up. 00:01:58.539 --> 00:01:59.500 Do not be afraid. 00:02:00.500 --> 00:02:01.980 Say to the towns of Judah, 00:02:02.400 --> 00:02:03.579 here is your God. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:07.359 See the sovereign Lord comes with power. 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:10.439 And he rules with a mighty arm. 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:13.000 See his reward is with him. 00:02:13.539 --> 00:02:16.259 And his recompense accompanies him. 00:02:17.259 --> 00:02:19.060 He tends his flock like a shepherd. 00:02:19.840 --> 00:02:22.319 He gathers the lambs in his arms. 00:02:22.960 --> 00:02:25.039 And he carries them close to his heart. 00:02:25.860 --> 00:02:28.460 He gently leads those that have young. 00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:39.319 Thanks so much, Louise. 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:42.260 Please keep your Bibles open there. 00:02:43.740 --> 00:02:48.100 As we turn a corner from Christmas time 00:02:48.100 --> 00:02:49.100 and think ahead, 00:02:49.760 --> 00:02:52.400 we're going to be looking at Isaiah 40. 00:02:52.640 --> 00:02:55.379 It's perhaps a well-known chapter to some of you. 00:02:55.379 --> 00:02:58.960 And we're going to be looking at it over the next three Sundays 00:02:58.960 --> 00:03:04.719 as we think about the new year and what's ahead. 00:03:07.319 --> 00:03:10.439 So I'm going to be speaking on verses 1 to 11. 00:03:10.620 --> 00:03:14.199 And then Sam next week is going to be speaking in the middle section. 00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:17.979 And then I'm going to finish off at the end, 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:19.519 the week after that. 00:03:20.280 --> 00:03:21.579 So that's where we're going. 00:03:21.699 --> 00:03:22.300 Let's pray. 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:31.699 Father, thank you for your word. 00:03:32.879 --> 00:03:37.000 Thank you that it speaks into our lives 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:38.780 and into our circumstances. 00:03:40.379 --> 00:03:42.879 And thank you that we can trust 00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:46.180 that your word is true 00:03:46.180 --> 00:03:50.060 and that your word will do its work 00:03:50.060 --> 00:03:52.120 as you have promised. 00:03:52.120 --> 00:03:57.280 So we pray that as we look at Isaiah 40 together 00:03:57.280 --> 00:03:58.819 over these next few weeks, 00:03:59.340 --> 00:04:02.520 you would speak its truth 00:04:02.520 --> 00:04:04.539 deep into our lives 00:04:04.539 --> 00:04:08.319 so that we may be prepared and ready 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:11.879 for all that you may bring to us 00:04:11.879 --> 00:04:14.280 in our life in this coming year. 00:04:14.280 --> 00:04:20.060 And it's for our good and for your glory that we pray this. 00:04:20.899 --> 00:04:21.379 Amen. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:26.540 Well, in a few days' time, 00:04:26.759 --> 00:04:29.160 it will be the start of a new year. 00:04:29.279 --> 00:04:31.699 We're going to leave 2024 behind 00:04:31.699 --> 00:04:35.740 and we're going to march out into 2025. 00:04:35.740 --> 00:04:39.920 And of course, when it comes to a new year, 00:04:40.740 --> 00:04:42.100 if you're anything like me, 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:44.920 we always set out with great hope 00:04:44.920 --> 00:04:50.400 that the new year is going to bring better days. 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:52.800 We're going to turn a corner 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:55.759 and things are going to be different. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:05:00.779 We think that, yes, a year of less struggles, 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:03.839 a year of better health, 00:05:04.680 --> 00:05:07.019 a year of new opportunities. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:11.959 Well, as we look at our text in Isaiah 40, 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:15.259 God's people were looking into the future 00:05:15.259 --> 00:05:18.480 and their hopes, I'm sure, 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:21.639 were for better days. 00:05:21.639 --> 00:05:26.759 But it seems they're in for a rude awakening. 00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:29.019 Isaiah, God's prophet, 00:05:29.180 --> 00:05:31.659 is looking ahead to an event 00:05:31.659 --> 00:05:33.060 off in the future 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:34.959 and he's telling the people 00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:40.740 that troubles lie ahead. 00:05:42.419 --> 00:05:47.419 Look back in Isaiah 39 and verse 5. 00:05:47.420 --> 00:05:52.280 This is what he speaks to the nation 00:05:52.280 --> 00:05:53.240 through the king. 00:05:54.080 --> 00:05:56.020 Isaiah 39 verse 5. 00:05:56.100 --> 00:05:58.340 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah the king, 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:01.120 Hear the word of the Lord Almighty. 00:06:02.500 --> 00:06:04.480 The time will surely come 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:07.639 when everything in your palace 00:06:07.639 --> 00:06:10.939 and all that your predecessors 00:06:10.939 --> 00:06:13.000 have stored up until this day 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:15.620 will be carried off to Babylon. 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:18.420 Nothing will be left, 00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:19.540 says the Lord. 00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:22.060 And some of your descendants, 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:23.819 your own flesh and blood, 00:06:24.199 --> 00:06:25.540 who will be born to you 00:06:25.540 --> 00:06:27.699 will also be taken away 00:06:27.699 --> 00:06:29.860 and they will become eunuchs or servants 00:06:29.860 --> 00:06:33.720 in the palace of the king of Babylon. 00:06:35.340 --> 00:06:38.259 Babylon was the up-and-coming superpower 00:06:38.259 --> 00:06:39.780 of the time. 00:06:40.360 --> 00:06:41.120 And he's saying, 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:43.060 they're going to come 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:45.980 and they're going to destroy your city 00:06:45.980 --> 00:06:47.579 and they're going to take you 00:06:47.579 --> 00:06:48.459 from your homes 00:06:48.459 --> 00:06:50.160 and you're going to live 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:51.980 in a foreign land. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:56.500 Troubles lie ahead. 00:06:58.280 --> 00:07:00.399 And it's with these troubles in mind 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:02.379 that God now speaks 00:07:02.379 --> 00:07:06.139 through Isaiah chapter 40 verse 1. 00:07:06.139 --> 00:07:08.519 Comfort, comfort, 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:11.099 comfort, my people, 00:07:12.159 --> 00:07:13.300 says your God. 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:16.279 God will sustain you 00:07:16.279 --> 00:07:18.079 and help you. 00:07:18.839 --> 00:07:20.319 He will strengthen you 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:22.259 and he will keep you. 00:07:23.099 --> 00:07:24.699 He will be your comfort 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:28.399 in all of your troubles. 00:07:28.399 --> 00:07:32.939 You see, as we step out into 2025, 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:35.639 we're going to go through 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:39.099 all kinds of trials and struggles. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:41.759 For you it'll be different. 00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:44.379 For another it'll be something else. 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:47.199 Yes, there will be good times, 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:48.739 joyful times, 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:51.459 but mingled in between 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:53.000 the normal run of the day 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:55.779 will be days of trouble. 00:07:55.779 --> 00:07:58.239 It's the world we live in. 00:07:58.319 --> 00:07:59.599 We cannot escape it. 00:07:59.939 --> 00:08:01.539 And yet God's message 00:08:01.539 --> 00:08:02.799 remains the same. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:06.899 I will comfort you. 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:11.279 How is this comfort going to come? 00:08:14.079 --> 00:08:14.719 Well, 00:08:15.539 --> 00:08:18.500 if I can get my notes sorted out, 00:08:18.559 --> 00:08:19.139 I'll tell you. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:25.379 God promises to bring his comfort 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:26.579 to his people 00:08:26.579 --> 00:08:28.459 through his word. 00:08:29.800 --> 00:08:32.279 God's word of comfort. 00:08:33.120 --> 00:08:34.600 In verses 1 to 11, 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:37.000 we hear four voices, 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:39.600 each speaking a word of comfort. 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:41.199 So look at verse 2. 00:08:41.199 --> 00:08:42.360 The word is, 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:45.519 speak tenderly to Jerusalem. 00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:47.819 Verse 3, another voice, 00:08:47.820 --> 00:08:49.300 a voice of one calling 00:08:49.300 --> 00:08:50.680 in the wilderness. 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:52.879 And verse 6, 00:08:52.940 --> 00:08:54.080 a voice says, 00:08:54.260 --> 00:08:55.020 cry out. 00:08:56.520 --> 00:08:58.379 And then down at verse 9, 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:01.280 you who bring good news. 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:03.900 So there's four words, 00:09:04.160 --> 00:09:06.000 four voices of comfort 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:08.379 that will help us see 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:10.960 that as we face into troubles, 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.740 whatever they may be, 00:09:12.740 --> 00:09:14.799 we will not do it alone 00:09:14.799 --> 00:09:18.360 because God will be your comfort. 00:09:19.180 --> 00:09:21.539 He will be your steadfast helper. 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:24.000 He will be your faithful father. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:27.320 Listen to his word. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:30.860 And I promise each and every one of you 00:09:30.860 --> 00:09:36.139 that you will know the comfort of God. 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:40.460 So let's listen to each of these voices 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:42.059 and see the comfort 00:09:42.059 --> 00:09:45.699 that God has in store for us. 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:48.960 The first one may catch us off our guard 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:50.240 and surprise us. 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:52.939 The first is the comfort 00:09:52.939 --> 00:09:54.939 of sins forgiven. 00:09:55.939 --> 00:09:57.100 Look at verse 2. 00:09:58.100 --> 00:10:00.879 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:02.799 and proclaim to her 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:04.720 that her hard service 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:05.759 has been completed, 00:10:06.139 --> 00:10:08.600 that her sin has been paid for. 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:11.919 Isaiah is looking into the future 00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:14.200 and he knows that God's people 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:15.439 will sin, 00:10:16.299 --> 00:10:18.439 that they will disobey God. 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:20.299 But he wants them to know 00:10:20.299 --> 00:10:22.419 that when they sin, 00:10:23.159 --> 00:10:25.399 there's going to be forgiveness. 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:28.759 Verse 2, end of verse 2. 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:33.000 Her sin has been paid for. 00:10:34.439 --> 00:10:36.559 Now you and I need to know this. 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:39.939 Because as we enter into this new year, 00:10:40.319 --> 00:10:42.399 we'll make all kinds of promises 00:10:42.399 --> 00:10:45.819 of being better and doing better, 00:10:46.059 --> 00:10:47.419 that this is the time 00:10:47.419 --> 00:10:49.000 I'm going to turn over a leaf, 00:10:49.259 --> 00:10:50.799 I'm going to be a better husband, 00:10:51.200 --> 00:10:52.659 going to be a better father, 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:55.000 I'm just going to be a better person. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:57.419 I'm not going to mess up 00:10:57.419 --> 00:10:58.639 the way I normally do. 00:10:58.759 --> 00:11:01.500 But yes, 00:11:02.399 --> 00:11:03.399 we will fail 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:05.299 and we will fall. 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:08.080 We will sin in thought, 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:10.000 word and deed. 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:13.639 And because of our selfish actions, 00:11:14.039 --> 00:11:15.340 we will get ourselves 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:17.639 into all kinds of trouble. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:20.759 It's not that we set out to sin, 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:22.939 but we will sin. 00:11:23.319 --> 00:11:24.480 And when we do, 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:26.179 we need to know 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:28.620 that we have a God 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:30.719 who will forgive you 00:11:30.719 --> 00:11:32.639 and that 00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:34.559 will comfort you. 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:37.299 Now for some of us, 00:11:37.959 --> 00:11:40.059 we will find that we will sin 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:41.959 in ways that we never thought possible. 00:11:42.839 --> 00:11:44.579 We will be horrified 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:46.719 at our own actions. 00:11:47.579 --> 00:11:49.500 Things that we pointed the finger 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:50.939 at others of doing 00:11:50.939 --> 00:11:52.079 and condemned others 00:11:52.079 --> 00:11:54.939 and sat in our holier-than-thou look 00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:55.239 and go, 00:11:55.359 --> 00:11:56.899 I would never do that. 00:11:56.899 --> 00:11:58.299 And guess what? 00:11:58.379 --> 00:11:59.679 We find ourselves doing 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:00.959 those same things. 00:12:01.959 --> 00:12:04.120 And it can leave us in despair, 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:05.840 overcome 00:12:05.840 --> 00:12:08.459 with a burden of guilt and shame 00:12:08.459 --> 00:12:09.159 and think, 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:11.860 God could never forgive me. 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:14.820 How could I fall so low? 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:17.480 But know this, 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.840 look at the end of verse 2, 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:22.220 that she has received 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:23.539 from the Lord's hand 00:12:23.539 --> 00:12:26.980 double for all her sins. 00:12:28.220 --> 00:12:30.480 I don't think that this means here 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:31.899 that they've received 00:12:31.899 --> 00:12:33.240 a double punishment 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:34.919 for all their wrongs. 00:12:35.539 --> 00:12:38.820 Rather, it speaks of double grace. 00:12:38.820 --> 00:12:40.600 In other words, 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.560 God is saying, 00:12:42.180 --> 00:12:44.560 for all your sin, 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:47.900 I have paid double. 00:12:48.760 --> 00:12:51.340 I have covered it twice. 00:12:53.420 --> 00:12:53.980 You see, 00:12:54.080 --> 00:12:55.740 what has been promised then 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:57.800 has become a reality 00:12:57.800 --> 00:12:59.680 even for us today. 00:13:00.300 --> 00:13:02.500 Just have a look at Isaiah 53 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:04.240 because this is what he speaks of 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.700 a little later on. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:08.600 Isaiah 53, verse 5. 00:13:08.820 --> 00:13:12.520 Here he is looking ahead 00:13:12.520 --> 00:13:15.080 and speaking of the Saviour to come, 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:16.640 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:20.320 Isaiah 53, verse 5. 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:25.460 Hear this word of comfort. 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:30.720 He was pierced 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:34.660 from my transgressions. 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:37.120 He was crushed 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:40.139 from my iniquities. 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:43.660 The punishment that brought us peace 00:13:43.660 --> 00:13:45.519 was on him 00:13:45.519 --> 00:13:48.100 and by his wounds 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:49.960 we are healed. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:53.980 Let's go back to chapter 40. 00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:55.780 You see, 00:13:55.860 --> 00:13:56.620 this is the word 00:13:56.620 --> 00:13:57.600 we need to hear. 00:13:58.220 --> 00:13:59.240 What peace 00:13:59.240 --> 00:14:00.680 as we step into 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:01.300 2020, 00:14:01.660 --> 00:14:02.280 2025, 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:03.960 that as we look out 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:04.920 into the future, 00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:06.700 that whatever may happen, 00:14:07.160 --> 00:14:08.660 God has provided 00:14:08.660 --> 00:14:09.600 the means 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:11.259 for the forgiveness 00:14:11.259 --> 00:14:13.500 of all 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:14.920 of our sin. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:17.939 hear God's word, 00:14:18.819 --> 00:14:19.599 the comfort 00:14:19.599 --> 00:14:21.759 of sins forgiven. 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:25.779 But there's more comfort. 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:27.639 There's the comfort 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:30.500 of coming glory. 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:32.539 Look at verse 3. 00:14:32.539 --> 00:14:35.099 A voice of one calling. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:37.599 What does this voice say? 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.639 In the wilderness, 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:41.179 prepare the way 00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:42.159 for the Lord. 00:14:42.559 --> 00:14:44.019 Make straight in the desert 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:44.719 a highway 00:14:44.719 --> 00:14:45.819 for our God. 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:48.379 He's reminding the people 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:49.639 that the Lord 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.819 is coming. 00:14:52.199 --> 00:14:52.799 And of course, 00:14:52.899 --> 00:14:53.439 that has been 00:14:53.439 --> 00:14:54.639 partially fulfilled. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.319 God has already 00:14:56.319 --> 00:14:57.399 come in the person 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:57.959 of Jesus. 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.759 That's what we celebrated 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.519 on Wednesday 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.279 just gone. 00:15:01.819 --> 00:15:02.500 Emmanuel 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:04.700 God with us. 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:06.899 But there's another 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:07.940 coming that I think 00:15:07.940 --> 00:15:08.960 he's pointing to 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.100 and that we can 00:15:10.100 --> 00:15:10.960 look forward to. 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:12.559 The coming of God 00:15:12.559 --> 00:15:14.399 in all his glory. 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.320 All people 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:17.919 in all the nations 00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:19.259 in all the world 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:20.139 will see 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:21.740 his coming. 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.279 Look at verse 5. 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.940 And the glory 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:25.799 of the Lord 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:26.840 will be revealed 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:29.059 and all people 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:31.120 all the nations 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.340 will see it together 00:15:32.340 --> 00:15:34.100 for the mouth 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:34.920 of the Lord 00:15:34.920 --> 00:15:36.180 has spoken. 00:15:37.780 --> 00:15:38.540 You see, 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:39.360 when it speaks 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:40.060 of the Lord 00:15:40.060 --> 00:15:40.940 coming in all 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:41.720 his glory, 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:42.960 it's speaking 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:43.940 about his coming 00:15:43.940 --> 00:15:45.360 again to restore 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:46.080 and to renew 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:46.780 all things. 00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:47.899 He will come 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:48.680 and bring about 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:49.700 the new heavens 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:51.480 and the new earth. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:51.920 God 00:15:51.920 --> 00:15:52.480 God 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:53.480 will come 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:53.740 again, 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.740 Isaiah 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:55.860 speaks of this. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:57.300 Go to the very end 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:57.860 of the book, 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:58.639 Isaiah 00:15:58.639 --> 00:16:00.740 chapter 65. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:04.500 Isaiah 65. 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:04.860 65. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.759 And here we get 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:11.419 a glimpse 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:14.039 of the new creation, 00:16:14.039 --> 00:16:16.519 the glory 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:18.500 that will be revealed. 00:16:19.220 --> 00:16:20.360 We'll pick it up 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:21.399 in verse 17, 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:22.679 Isaiah 65, 00:16:23.019 --> 00:16:23.919 verse 17. 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:28.819 See, 00:16:28.939 --> 00:16:29.939 I will create 00:16:29.939 --> 00:16:31.579 new heavens 00:16:31.579 --> 00:16:32.799 and a new earth. 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:35.120 The former things 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:36.360 will not be remembered. 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.679 All those troubles, 00:16:38.479 --> 00:16:39.979 they will not 00:16:39.979 --> 00:16:40.959 come to mind. 00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:43.319 But be glad 00:16:43.319 --> 00:16:44.139 and rejoice 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:44.799 forever 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:46.559 in what I will create. 00:16:46.919 --> 00:16:48.419 For I will create 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:49.279 Jerusalem, 00:16:49.459 --> 00:16:50.699 that is God's people, 00:16:50.939 --> 00:16:52.219 to be a delight 00:16:52.219 --> 00:16:53.139 and its people 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:53.679 a joy. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:55.179 I will rejoice 00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:56.519 over Jerusalem 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:57.699 and take delight 00:16:57.699 --> 00:16:58.600 in my people. 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:00.759 And the sound 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:01.539 of weeping 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:03.580 and of crying 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:05.539 will be heard 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.000 in it 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:07.299 no more. 00:17:09.359 --> 00:17:10.599 God's coming 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:12.859 will be a display 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:14.839 of his glory. 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:17.160 Every injustice 00:17:17.160 --> 00:17:18.379 will be put right. 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.779 Every sickness 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.720 will be healed. 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:22.460 Every heartache 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:24.420 will be over. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.120 Now, 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:28.039 when we go through 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:28.700 our hard 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.940 and difficult days 00:17:29.940 --> 00:17:30.880 that are ahead, 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:32.660 when suffering 00:17:32.660 --> 00:17:33.720 weighs us down, 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:34.920 when trials 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:36.160 cause us to doubt, 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:38.120 we need the comforting 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:38.779 word 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:40.240 that the glory 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.480 of God 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:42.600 is coming. 00:17:43.600 --> 00:17:44.160 Life 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:45.319 is not always 00:17:45.319 --> 00:17:46.100 going to be 00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:46.900 like this. 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:48.740 Look at verse 4. 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:50.240 every valley 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:51.000 shall be 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.059 raised up. 00:17:52.859 --> 00:17:53.839 Every mountain 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.539 and hill 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:55.779 made low. 00:17:56.620 --> 00:17:57.720 The rough ground 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.440 shall become 00:17:58.440 --> 00:17:58.880 level. 00:17:59.339 --> 00:17:59.859 The rugged 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:00.620 places 00:18:00.620 --> 00:18:01.460 a plain. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.299 It's like 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.259 the new 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:05.859 motorway 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:06.579 being built 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.660 to ring a skiddy. 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.579 Every hindrance 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.259 and obstacle 00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:11.500 is being removed 00:18:11.500 --> 00:18:12.480 to make a 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.480 straight road. 00:18:13.700 --> 00:18:14.759 Where there's a dip, 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:15.559 it's filled in. 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:16.559 where there's an 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:18.019 obstacle in the way, 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:19.599 it's taken out. 00:18:20.619 --> 00:18:20.859 Well, 00:18:20.899 --> 00:18:21.779 the first coming 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:22.339 of God 00:18:22.339 --> 00:18:23.500 in Jesus Christ, 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:24.399 if you like, 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:25.279 with all that 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:26.339 preparation work, 00:18:26.659 --> 00:18:27.799 all the obstacles 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.599 and all the 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.119 hindrances 00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:30.019 are removed 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:31.500 as Jesus comes. 00:18:31.919 --> 00:18:32.399 For sin 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.279 is paid for 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.119 through the cross. 00:18:34.599 --> 00:18:34.899 Death 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:35.599 is defeated 00:18:35.599 --> 00:18:36.740 by the resurrection. 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:38.000 A highway 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:39.019 has now 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:39.740 been cut 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.200 through 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.399 for the coming 00:18:41.399 --> 00:18:42.119 of God 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:43.339 in all 00:18:43.339 --> 00:18:44.099 his 00:18:44.099 --> 00:18:45.019 glory. 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:46.940 and when 00:18:46.940 --> 00:18:47.759 he comes, 00:18:48.139 --> 00:18:48.519 he will 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.200 restore 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:49.539 this 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.200 disordered 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:50.680 world 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:51.900 and renew 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.960 our broken 00:18:52.960 --> 00:18:53.779 lives. 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:56.559 What joy 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:58.059 as we 00:18:58.059 --> 00:18:58.960 step into 00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:00.079 2025 00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.980 that a day 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.980 is 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:03.879 coming 00:19:03.879 --> 00:19:05.059 when 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:05.839 suffering 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:07.200 and sorrows 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:08.019 will be 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:08.700 no more. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.680 It'll all 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:11.339 be over. 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.039 Hear 00:19:13.039 --> 00:19:13.799 God's 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:14.240 word. 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.940 The comfort 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:17.500 of coming 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:18.000 glory. 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:22.259 So the 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:22.740 promise 00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.779 of sins 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.279 forgiven, 00:19:25.400 --> 00:19:26.379 the promise 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:28.539 of God 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:29.240 coming in 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:29.879 his glory, 00:19:30.879 --> 00:19:31.720 and then 00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:32.059 third, 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:32.859 the comfort 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:35.160 in enduring 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:36.079 promises. 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:38.400 Look at 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:39.099 verse 6. 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:40.639 Here's the 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:41.500 third voice. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:42.500 verse 6. 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:42.940 A voice 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:43.299 says, 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.119 cry out. 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:45.460 And I 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:45.839 said, 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:47.039 what shall 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:47.599 I cry? 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:50.019 All people 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.640 are like 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:51.180 grass. 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:52.960 All their 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:53.619 faithfulness 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.019 is like 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:54.599 the flowers 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:54.980 of the 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:55.420 field. 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.079 The grass 00:19:57.079 --> 00:19:57.559 withers, 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.180 the flowers 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:58.579 fall, 00:19:58.859 --> 00:19:59.460 because the 00:19:59.460 --> 00:19:59.920 breath of 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.299 the Lord 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:00.839 blows in 00:20:00.839 --> 00:20:01.000 them. 00:20:01.500 --> 00:20:01.859 Surely 00:20:01.859 --> 00:20:02.700 the people 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:03.960 are grass. 00:20:03.960 --> 00:20:04.079 grass. 00:20:05.079 --> 00:20:05.900 The grass 00:20:05.900 --> 00:20:06.480 withers, 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:07.640 the flowers 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:08.180 fall, 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:10.640 but the 00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:11.059 word of 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:11.519 God 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:14.039 endures 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:15.220 forever. 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:17.220 Do you see 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:18.220 the contrast? 00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:20.220 our life 00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:21.180 is like 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:21.960 a withering, 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:22.900 dying 00:20:22.900 --> 00:20:23.620 flower, 00:20:24.620 --> 00:20:25.720 but the 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.240 word of 00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:26.799 God 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.460 endures 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:28.980 forever. 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:30.819 You see, 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:31.579 our lifetime 00:20:31.579 --> 00:20:33.200 is short. 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:34.740 2025 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.819 will bring 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.259 us all 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:36.819 closer 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:37.819 to our 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.299 demise. 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:39.500 We don't 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:39.920 live 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:40.720 forever, 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:42.059 but the 00:20:42.059 --> 00:20:42.500 promises 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.279 of God's 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:43.700 word 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.720 remain. 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:46.319 You see, 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:46.740 the one 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.120 thing that 00:20:47.120 --> 00:20:47.500 we can 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.200 count on 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:48.840 in a 00:20:48.840 --> 00:20:49.360 world that 00:20:49.360 --> 00:20:49.740 is full 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.440 of decay 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.460 and trouble 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.440 and death 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.000 is God's 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.400 word. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:56.019 His promises 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:56.900 will not 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:58.039 fade or 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:58.380 fall. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:20:59.680 God's 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:00.279 word will 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:00.700 never 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:01.819 wither or 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:02.220 die. 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:03.660 God's 00:21:03.660 --> 00:21:04.160 promises 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:04.920 will be 00:21:04.920 --> 00:21:05.259 our 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:05.980 enduring 00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:07.180 comfort. 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:08.559 The 00:21:08.559 --> 00:21:09.000 promises 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:09.700 of sins 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:10.220 forgiven. 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:11.779 The 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.200 promises 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:12.980 of God's 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:13.400 coming. 00:21:14.620 --> 00:21:15.080 But there's 00:21:15.080 --> 00:21:15.880 more promises 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:16.500 than that. 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:17.160 Maybe 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:17.700 there's one 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:18.180 of these 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:18.620 that you 00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:18.860 will 00:21:18.860 --> 00:21:19.140 link 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:19.480 to. 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:20.940 The 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:21.360 promise 00:21:21.360 --> 00:21:21.980 of God's 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:22.640 presence 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:24.259 when our 00:21:24.259 --> 00:21:24.720 loved one 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.220 is taken 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:26.039 from us. 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.519 The 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:27.860 promise 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:28.539 of God's 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.080 grace 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:30.559 when we 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:31.279 are confronted 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:31.840 with our 00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:32.080 own 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:32.460 weakness. 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:34.120 The 00:21:34.120 --> 00:21:34.460 promise 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:35.140 of God's 00:21:35.140 --> 00:21:35.740 peace 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:37.140 when we're 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:37.680 overwhelmed 00:21:37.680 --> 00:21:38.440 with worry. 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:39.819 The 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:40.200 promise 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:40.880 of God's 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:41.400 provision 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:42.860 when we 00:21:42.860 --> 00:21:43.400 feel we 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:44.059 can take 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:45.119 no more. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:46.379 The 00:21:46.379 --> 00:21:47.119 promise 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:48.379 of God's 00:21:48.379 --> 00:21:49.099 steadfast 00:21:49.099 --> 00:21:49.559 love 00:21:49.559 --> 00:21:50.079 and 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:50.899 faithful 00:21:50.899 --> 00:21:51.919 commitment. 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:53.819 What 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:55.079 comfort 00:21:55.079 --> 00:21:56.480 for his 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:56.919 people. 00:21:58.099 --> 00:21:58.460 You see 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:58.859 this is 00:21:58.859 --> 00:21:59.299 what we 00:21:59.299 --> 00:21:59.960 need 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:01.299 as we 00:22:01.299 --> 00:22:01.759 receive 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:02.399 news of 00:22:02.399 --> 00:22:02.980 a cancer 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:03.799 diagnosis. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.299 This is 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:05.720 what we 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:06.399 need when 00:22:06.399 --> 00:22:07.059 we discover 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:07.859 our child 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:08.539 is struggling 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:09.279 in school. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:10.619 This is 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:11.019 what we 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.639 need as 00:22:11.639 --> 00:22:12.180 we care 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:12.599 for an 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:12.940 aging 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:13.500 parent. 00:22:14.359 --> 00:22:14.779 This is 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.200 what we 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:15.799 need as 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.279 our own 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:16.740 physical 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.440 bodies 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:18.299 fade 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:19.079 and fall. 00:22:20.399 --> 00:22:20.680 That 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:21.279 God's 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:21.740 word 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:22.759 endures. 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:23.420 His 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.059 promises 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:25.039 remain. 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:26.019 He will 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:26.700 sustain 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.759 you and 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.680 he will 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.359 keep you. 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.119 Here is 00:22:31.119 --> 00:22:31.839 encouragement 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.659 for us 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.359 as we 00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:34.079 step into 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:34.480 a new 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:34.879 year. 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:35.759 Hear 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.819 God's 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.339 word. 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:39.059 The 00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:39.639 comfort 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:41.339 in 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:42.079 enduring 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:43.039 promises. 00:22:47.599 --> 00:22:48.519 The 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:48.899 fourth 00:22:48.899 --> 00:22:49.420 voice 00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:50.859 that 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:51.220 brings 00:22:51.220 --> 00:22:51.879 comfort 00:22:51.879 --> 00:22:54.039 is the 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:54.379 comfort 00:22:54.379 --> 00:22:54.659 we 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:55.399 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00:26:51.700 the 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.080 match. 00:26:52.840 --> 00:26:53.080 I 00:26:53.080 --> 00:26:53.360 think 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:53.560 of 00:26:53.560 --> 00:26:53.980 Bundy 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.320 Aki, 00:26:55.100 --> 00:26:55.700 that 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.400 international 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:56.840 rugby 00:26:56.840 --> 00:26:57.280 player. 00:26:58.160 --> 00:26:58.360 You 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:58.520 ever 00:26:58.520 --> 00:26:58.820 look at 00:26:58.820 --> 00:26:58.980 his 00:26:58.980 --> 00:26:59.420 arms? 00:27:00.360 --> 00:27:00.600 They're 00:27:00.600 --> 00:27:01.240 huge. 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:01.920 He's 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.120 got 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:02.820 biceps 00:27:02.820 --> 00:27:03.100 the 00:27:03.100 --> 00:27:03.420 size 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:03.620 of 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:04.580 watermelons. 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:06.200 And 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:06.640 with all 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:06.840 his 00:27:06.840 --> 00:27:07.380 power 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:07.580 and 00:27:07.580 --> 00:27:07.740 with 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:07.960 all 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:08.140 his 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:08.500 might 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:08.720 he 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:09.860 bashes 00:27:09.860 --> 00:27:10.140 and 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:11.259 tackles 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.500 the 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.079 opposition. 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:14.120 But 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:14.299 then 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:14.600 after 00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:14.839 the 00:27:14.839 --> 00:27:15.279 match 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:16.420 you 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:16.640 see 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:16.839 him 00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:17.200 walking 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:17.660 around 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.079 holding 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:18.360 his 00:27:18.360 --> 00:27:18.640 young 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.100 daughter 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:19.319 in 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:19.500 his 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:19.980 arms. 00:27:20.980 --> 00:27:21.460 Tender, 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:22.980 caring, 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:24.759 gentle 00:27:24.759 --> 00:27:26.079 strength. 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:28.139 You 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:28.359 see, 00:27:28.439 --> 00:27:28.599 when 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:28.939 we're 00:27:28.939 --> 00:27:29.740 overwhelmed 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.379 by the 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:30.919 terrors 00:27:30.919 --> 00:27:31.319 of this 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:31.819 world 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:33.379 and the 00:27:33.379 --> 00:27:33.819 troubles 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.159 that 00:27:34.159 --> 00:27:34.500 come, 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:36.359 when we 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:36.559 are 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.199 struggling 00:27:37.199 --> 00:27:37.799 with our 00:27:37.799 --> 00:27:38.319 fears 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.859 and our 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:39.359 worries, 00:27:40.439 --> 00:27:41.199 we 00:27:41.199 --> 00:27:41.659 have a 00:27:41.659 --> 00:27:42.159 God 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:43.619 who is 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:44.000 both 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:45.240 powerful 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:45.639 and 00:27:45.639 --> 00:27:46.099 mighty, 00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:48.299 but 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:48.899 tender 00:27:48.899 --> 00:27:50.119 and 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:50.559 caring. 00:27:52.199 --> 00:27:52.839 What a 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.339 blessing 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:54.519 as we 00:27:54.519 --> 00:27:55.240 step out 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.519 into 00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:56.519 2025. 00:27:57.339 --> 00:27:57.759 Hear 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.940 God's 00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.779 word, 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:01.279 the 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:01.879 comfort 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:03.200 that 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:03.639 comes 00:28:03.639 --> 00:28:03.920 from 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:04.619 gentle 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:06.019 strength. 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:09.980 You 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:10.220 see, 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:10.619 this 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.519 year 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:13.720 I 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.119 trust 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.359 will 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:14.639 bring 00:28:14.639 --> 00:28:14.940 good 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:15.420 times 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:15.680 and 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:16.039 joyful 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:16.680 times. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:17.859 We 00:28:17.859 --> 00:28:18.099 will 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:18.539 laugh 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.180 together, 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:20.759 but 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.440 mingled 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:21.839 through 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:22.119 the 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:22.480 months 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:22.700 and 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:22.839 the 00:28:22.839 --> 00:28:23.279 weeks 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:24.700 will 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:24.879 be 00:28:24.879 --> 00:28:25.259 days 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:25.440 of 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:25.799 trouble. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.879 Some 00:28:27.879 --> 00:28:28.220 of us 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:28.420 will 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:28.619 go 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:28.900 through 00:28:28.900 --> 00:28:29.379 hard 00:28:29.379 --> 00:28:29.940 times, 00:28:30.680 --> 00:28:31.319 some 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:31.680 of us 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:31.839 it 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:32.059 won't 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:32.220 be 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.519 so 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:33.000 bad, 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.559 but 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:34.799 yet 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.160 whatever 00:28:35.160 --> 00:28:35.700 we 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:36.000 go 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.379 through, 00:28:37.119 --> 00:28:37.539 we 00:28:37.539 --> 00:28:37.740 are 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:38.259 all 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:38.660 going 00:28:38.660 --> 00:28:38.960 to 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:39.519 need 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:40.200 the 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:40.640 comfort 00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:41.299 of 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:41.480 our 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:41.879 God. 00:28:42.879 --> 00:28:43.559 He 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:43.799 is 00:28:43.799 --> 00:28:44.180 for 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:44.559 you 00:28:44.559 --> 00:28:45.720 and 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:45.940 not 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:46.359 against 00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:46.740 you. 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:48.339 Do you 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:48.680 see the 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:48.920 second 00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:49.460 part of 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:49.680 verse 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:50.059 10? 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:52.059 see 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:52.440 his 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:53.000 reward 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:53.259 is 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:53.519 with 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:53.759 him 00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:54.879 and 00:28:54.879 --> 00:28:55.119 his 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:56.179 recompense 00:28:56.179 --> 00:28:57.179 accompanies 00:28:57.179 --> 00:28:57.500 him. 00:28:58.639 --> 00:28:58.940 The 00:28:58.940 --> 00:28:59.299 picture 00:28:59.299 --> 00:28:59.639 there 00:28:59.639 --> 00:28:59.819 is 00:28:59.819 --> 00:28:59.940 of 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.099 a 00:29:00.099 --> 00:29:00.419 king 00:29:00.419 --> 00:29:01.099 who's 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:01.539 conquered 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:01.859 his 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:02.220 enemy 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:03.220 and 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:03.460 as 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:03.599 he 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:04.179 returns 00:29:04.179 --> 00:29:04.460 in 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:04.839 victory 00:29:04.839 --> 00:29:05.359 he 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:05.940 shares 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.200 the 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:06.559 riches 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:06.899 and 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:07.099 the 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:07.679 spoils 00:29:07.679 --> 00:29:07.960 with 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:08.139 his 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:08.559 people. 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.119 He 00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:09.899 blesses 00:29:09.899 --> 00:29:10.099 them 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:10.279 in 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:11.259 abundance. 00:29:12.679 --> 00:29:13.200 Well 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:13.460 our 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:13.859 God 00:29:13.859 --> 00:29:14.099 is 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:14.839 victorious 00:29:14.839 --> 00:29:15.619 in 00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:16.119 our 00:29:16.119 --> 00:29:16.679 troubles. 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:17.320 He 00:29:17.320 --> 00:29:17.580 is 00:29:17.580 --> 00:29:18.080 never 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:18.940 overcome 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:20.820 and 00:29:20.820 --> 00:29:21.060 he 00:29:21.060 --> 00:29:21.320 will 00:29:21.320 --> 00:29:21.880 share 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:22.060 of 00:29:22.060 --> 00:29:22.279 the 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:22.640 rich 00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:23.340 resources 00:29:23.340 --> 00:29:23.740 that 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:23.900 is 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:24.259 his 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.880 and 00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:25.120 he 00:29:25.120 --> 00:29:25.340 will 00:29:25.340 --> 00:29:25.779 pour 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:26.080 out 00:29:26.080 --> 00:29:26.440 his 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:27.880 comfort 00:29:27.880 --> 00:29:28.779 upon 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:29.259 you 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:30.720 every 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.440 moment 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:32.380 of 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:32.759 every 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.160 day. 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.720 How 00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:36.900 will 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:37.140 we 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:37.920 experience 00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:38.259 this 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:38.680 comfort? 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:41.900 Well 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:43.640 have 00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:43.759 you 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:43.940 got 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:44.080 your 00:29:44.080 --> 00:29:44.320 little 00:29:44.320 --> 00:29:44.860 card? 00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:47.740 that 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.660 puts 00:29:48.660 --> 00:29:49.180 together 00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:49.500 the 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:49.880 theme 00:29:49.880 --> 00:29:50.060 of 00:29:50.060 --> 00:29:50.220 what 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:50.480 we've 00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:50.700 looked 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:50.900 at 00:29:50.900 --> 00:29:51.160 this 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:51.560 morning. 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:52.759 Just 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.140 pick it 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:53.320 up 00:29:53.320 --> 00:29:53.580 there 00:29:53.580 --> 00:29:53.740 and 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:53.940 have 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:54.080 a 00:29:54.080 --> 00:29:54.320 look. 00:29:56.080 --> 00:29:56.680 You 00:29:56.680 --> 00:29:56.860 can 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:57.160 take 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:57.299 it 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:57.600 home 00:29:57.600 --> 00:29:57.880 and 00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:58.259 pin 00:29:58.259 --> 00:29:58.420 it 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:58.600 up 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.060 somewhere 00:29:59.060 --> 00:29:59.480 or 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.299 keep 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:00.460 it 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:00.820 somewhere 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:01.279 and 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:02.660 remind 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.360 yourself 00:30:03.360 --> 00:30:04.980 throughout 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:05.340 the 00:30:05.340 --> 00:30:05.700 year 00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:08.740 just 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:08.980 that 00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:09.220 little 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.759 phrase 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:09.960 at 00:30:09.960 --> 00:30:10.100 the 00:30:10.100 --> 00:30:10.420 bottom 00:30:10.420 --> 00:30:14.200 the 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:14.640 comfort 00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:14.960 of 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:15.380 God 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.620 will 00:30:16.620 --> 00:30:17.180 sustain 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:17.440 the 00:30:17.440 --> 00:30:17.800 people 00:30:17.800 --> 00:30:18.000 of 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:18.380 God 00:30:18.380 --> 00:30:19.880 as 00:30:19.880 --> 00:30:20.080 we 00:30:20.080 --> 00:30:20.520 listen 00:30:20.520 --> 00:30:21.280 to 00:30:21.280 --> 00:30:21.480 the 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:21.720 word 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:21.920 of 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:22.280 God. 00:30:24.520 --> 00:30:25.240 This 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:25.560 new 00:30:25.560 --> 00:30:25.940 year 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:27.660 be 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.500 comforted 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.660 that 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.000 all 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:30.260 your 00:30:30.260 --> 00:30:30.860 sins 00:30:30.860 --> 00:30:31.720 have 00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:31.960 been 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:32.300 paid 00:30:32.300 --> 00:30:32.640 for. 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.120 Be 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:34.740 comforted 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:35.160 by the 00:30:35.160 --> 00:30:35.440 fact 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:35.720 that 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.140 God 00:30:36.140 --> 00:30:36.360 is 00:30:36.360 --> 00:30:36.720 coming 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.020 in 00:30:37.020 --> 00:30:37.420 glory. 00:30:38.520 --> 00:30:39.080 Be 00:30:39.080 --> 00:30:39.900 comforted 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:40.960 by 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.400 His 00:30:41.400 --> 00:30:42.180 enduring 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:42.840 promises 00:30:42.840 --> 00:30:44.940 and 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:45.140 be 00:30:45.140 --> 00:30:45.860 comforted 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:47.080 by 00:30:47.080 --> 00:30:47.340 His 00:30:47.340 --> 00:30:47.780 gentle 00:30:47.780 --> 00:30:48.460 strength. 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.120 Comfort 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:51.900 comfort 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:52.420 my 00:30:52.420 --> 00:30:52.920 people 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:54.540 says 00:30:54.540 --> 00:30:54.780 your 00:30:54.780 --> 00:30:55.280 God 00:30:55.280 --> 00:30:56.700 and 00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:56.960 my 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:57.380 God 00:30:57.380 --> 00:30:58.840 Let's 00:30:58.840 --> 00:30:59.920 pray 00:30:59.920 --> 00:31:13.000 our Father God 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:17.820 we do not pretend to know the future 00:31:17.820 --> 00:31:21.000 we dare not 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:24.080 say what is going to happen 00:31:24.080 --> 00:31:25.960 or what's not going to happen 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:30.079 other than the fact that we know 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:34.319 that you have promised that as we walk this life 00:31:34.319 --> 00:31:37.140 there will be hardship 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:40.940 but you have also promised 00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:44.900 that your comfort will be sufficient 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:50.299 so Father help us to step out in faith 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:52.720 to trust you 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:55.660 that you will be our comfort 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:57.960 in everything 00:31:57.960 --> 00:32:00.980 you will not forget us 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:03.560 and you will not fail us 00:32:03.560 --> 00:32:08.120 help us to be those who listen to your word 00:32:08.120 --> 00:32:12.720 that we may experience your comfort daily 00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:18.440 Lord for those who are needing your comfort this day 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:21.880 please pour that into their life 00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:24.600 be that gentle 00:32:24.600 --> 00:32:26.940 mighty shepherd 00:32:26.940 --> 00:32:29.300 hold them close 00:32:29.300 --> 00:32:31.920 and do not forget 00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:33.900 as you have promised 00:32:33.900 --> 00:32:37.000 in Jesus name we pray 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:38.700 Amen 00:32:38.700 --> 00:32:56.580 so a helpful song to bring together our thoughts 00:32:56.580 --> 00:32:59.759 as we've looked at the beginning of Isaiah 40 00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:02.960 when I fear my faith will fail 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:04.480 Christ 00:33:04.480 --> 00:33:06.559 will hold me fast 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:07.660 he is our comfort 00:33:07.660 --> 00:33:09.680 he is our strength 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:12.420 let's stand together as we sing 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:32.440 through thé „ 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:32.440 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:33.000 Thank you.