WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.399 Well, good morning, church. It's good to be with you all this morning. 00:00:04.179 --> 00:00:11.980 Would you turn with me to Isaiah chapter 55? That's page 576 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:14.160 --> 00:00:17.879 Today we come to the end of this great middle section of the book of Isaiah, 00:00:18.679 --> 00:00:27.300 and it ends with an invitation. So let me read this for us. Isaiah chapter 55. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.820 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and he who has no money, come buy and eat. 00:00:37.960 --> 00:00:40.700 Come buy wine and milk without money and without price. 00:00:42.159 --> 00:00:48.159 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? 00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:55.519 Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:00.740 Lord, incline your ear and come to me, hear that your soul may live. 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:07.180 And I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 00:01:08.320 --> 00:01:12.719 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 00:01:13.780 --> 00:01:20.439 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you. 00:01:20.439 --> 00:01:26.980 Because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 00:01:28.340 --> 00:01:31.480 Seek the Lord while he may be found. Call upon him while he is near. 00:01:32.379 --> 00:01:35.140 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. 00:01:35.819 --> 00:01:41.459 Let him return to the Lord that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 00:01:42.319 --> 00:01:47.140 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 00:01:47.140 --> 00:01:54.099 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 00:01:55.260 --> 00:01:59.040 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there but water the earth, 00:01:59.599 --> 00:02:03.040 making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:07.200 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:12.199 It shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, 00:02:13.060 --> 00:02:15.479 and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 00:02:15.479 --> 00:02:19.859 For you shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace. 00:02:20.319 --> 00:02:23.500 The mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, 00:02:23.620 --> 00:02:25.739 and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:30.519 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress, instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle, 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:36.739 and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. 00:02:37.699 --> 00:02:38.500 Let's pray together. 00:02:38.500 --> 00:02:48.840 Father, we ask that as we come now to your word, having heard it in our ears, 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:54.500 we pray that by your spirit you would move in our hearts, and in our lives, 00:02:54.500 --> 00:03:02.780 and in our words, and in our actions, to do the very work that you have set out to do, 00:03:02.960 --> 00:03:07.120 to create a people for yourself, to bring you much praise. 00:03:09.120 --> 00:03:10.699 So God, be with us in this moment. 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:14.699 Help us to receive what your spirit is saying to us. 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:15.840 For Jesus' sake. 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:16.520 Amen. 00:03:16.520 --> 00:03:16.600 Amen. 00:03:18.760 --> 00:03:22.240 Well, maybe you've had the experience of going to your mailbox, 00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:28.180 and finding in the midst of all the junk mail, and the coupons, and whatever, 00:03:28.820 --> 00:03:31.500 one envelope that catches your attention. 00:03:32.480 --> 00:03:35.000 It's kind of thicker than all the rest of them. 00:03:35.060 --> 00:03:38.280 The envelope seems to be made of like really nice paper, 00:03:38.600 --> 00:03:42.140 and the address is handwritten, and you open it up, 00:03:42.700 --> 00:03:44.719 and it's an invitation. 00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:49.000 Something wonderful has happened or is about to happen, 00:03:49.300 --> 00:03:52.140 and this invitation says, we want you to come. 00:03:52.260 --> 00:03:53.040 Come celebrate. 00:03:53.200 --> 00:03:54.280 Come feast with us. 00:03:54.840 --> 00:03:57.560 Maybe it's a graduation, or a birthday, or a wedding. 00:03:57.960 --> 00:04:00.420 Whatever it is, something wonderful has happened, 00:04:00.500 --> 00:04:04.680 a big life-changing event, and we want you to come and join in. 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:08.780 You know, if you step back, 00:04:09.620 --> 00:04:12.280 that's really the message of the whole Bible. 00:04:13.580 --> 00:04:14.860 Something has happened. 00:04:14.860 --> 00:04:18.720 Something wonderful, something life-changing. 00:04:18.960 --> 00:04:22.680 God, through His Son, has done something in history 00:04:22.680 --> 00:04:26.960 that has changed history and can change your life, too, forever. 00:04:27.980 --> 00:04:30.500 And now you and I are invited to come. 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:34.439 And Isaiah 55 is just that. 00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:38.560 It's the invitation of the gospel, the good news. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:43.319 Since chapter 40, Isaiah has been laying before us 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:47.720 and unraveling and unfolding all that God was going to do 00:04:47.720 --> 00:04:50.480 to redeem His people, to liberate them from exile, 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:51.699 to bring them home. 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:55.639 And all of this came to its climax, you remember, in Isaiah 53, 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:59.079 with the suffering servant who would atone for His people's sins 00:04:59.079 --> 00:04:59.899 once and for all. 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:02.420 And now, with all of that prepared, 00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:04.139 with all of that completed, 00:05:04.139 --> 00:05:06.019 the invitation goes forth. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:11.379 You see, Christianity isn't like the junk mail 00:05:11.379 --> 00:05:12.399 that you and I get. 00:05:13.060 --> 00:05:14.620 You know, you pull out the flyer and it's like, 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:18.199 oh, look, I could save 20% the next time I go to Target. 00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:19.620 Isn't that kind of nice? 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:22.539 Well, I don't really need anything at Target, 00:05:22.639 --> 00:05:24.360 so, meh, and we just chuck it, right? 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:26.680 Now, maybe you're thinking, 20% at Target? 00:05:26.719 --> 00:05:27.819 Why are you throwing that coupon away? 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:28.839 That's a pretty good coupon. 00:05:28.839 --> 00:05:30.219 You've got to put that thing on the fridge. 00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:31.439 Save it for next time. 00:05:33.739 --> 00:05:34.659 But here's the point. 00:05:34.859 --> 00:05:38.379 Christianity is not a nice little offer 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:42.419 that might make our nice little lives a little bit nicer. 00:05:44.919 --> 00:05:46.879 Christianity is a summons. 00:05:47.479 --> 00:05:52.259 It's an invitation to which you and I must respond. 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:59.639 And if you have not explicitly and consciously responded 00:05:59.639 --> 00:06:03.199 to that invitation, then you're not a Christian. 00:06:05.339 --> 00:06:07.219 But what we're invited to, 00:06:08.219 --> 00:06:11.899 what this God calls us to is so great 00:06:11.899 --> 00:06:15.860 that we can't just pass it by like a piece of junk mail. 00:06:16.659 --> 00:06:18.019 We have to consider. 00:06:18.159 --> 00:06:19.319 We have to respond. 00:06:19.319 --> 00:06:24.899 So, let's look at this invitation together, then. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:29.099 First, in verses 1 through 5 of our chapter, 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:33.120 God calls you and I to come. 00:06:33.579 --> 00:06:36.699 In the first five verses, we hear the invitation. 00:06:37.659 --> 00:06:39.779 But notice that this isn't a summons 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:41.480 to a court hearing that God is making. 00:06:41.819 --> 00:06:45.459 It's not calling us to jury duty, you know, 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:47.500 or any kind of invitation like that. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:48.719 It's a summons to a feast. 00:06:49.319 --> 00:06:50.420 Are you thirsty? 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:52.599 Isaiah says. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:54.360 Come and drink. 00:06:55.259 --> 00:06:56.360 Are you hungry? 00:06:57.579 --> 00:06:58.579 Come and dine. 00:07:00.019 --> 00:07:02.459 And it's not the cheap stuff that's being laid out. 00:07:02.540 --> 00:07:03.120 It's wine. 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:03.860 It's milk. 00:07:04.779 --> 00:07:06.939 It's rich food that brings deep delight. 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:12.480 But there's also something curious about this invitation, isn't there? 00:07:12.920 --> 00:07:16.639 We're called to come and buy this wine and milk 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:20.139 without money and without price. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:23.519 It is something that must be purchased. 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:25.100 It must be bought. 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:27.699 But the price won't be paid by us. 00:07:28.899 --> 00:07:30.199 It'll be paid by another. 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:34.360 This is an essential part, you know, 00:07:34.360 --> 00:07:36.139 the nature of the gospel invitation. 00:07:36.839 --> 00:07:39.939 It comes free to us, but it's costly to another. 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:45.039 We come and buy this wine and milk without money and without price. 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:48.640 And then Isaiah asks us this question. 00:07:48.900 --> 00:07:51.780 You know, think of all that you're spending yourself on. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:54.600 Does it really satisfy? 00:07:56.939 --> 00:07:59.700 As you spend your money, as you spend your labor, 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:04.040 as you spend your life on earthly pursuits apart from God, 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:05.939 yes, maybe they're good and they're proper place, 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:08.560 but is that bread really feeding your soul? 00:08:10.019 --> 00:08:12.439 Is that water really quenching your thirst? 00:08:14.779 --> 00:08:17.259 Jesus, in the midst of his wilderness temptation, said, 00:08:17.379 --> 00:08:21.360 man cannot live on bread alone, quoting the book of Deuteronomy. 00:08:22.240 --> 00:08:24.159 The human heart was made for more. 00:08:24.480 --> 00:08:25.459 We were made for God. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:27.439 And the great tragedy of human existence 00:08:27.439 --> 00:08:31.639 is that we would spend our lives on something that does not satisfy 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:34.539 rather than come and get the wine and milk 00:08:34.539 --> 00:08:36.740 that God offers us free of charge, 00:08:36.799 --> 00:08:38.299 without money and without price, 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:44.319 because it's been purchased by him in our place, by his son. 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:49.559 Of course, this sort of invitation is humbling, isn't it? 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:52.959 To admit that everything our labors can afford 00:08:52.959 --> 00:08:54.839 is nothing but bread that can't satisfy. 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:56.740 That's kind of humbling. 00:08:59.059 --> 00:09:01.799 To admit that the only way to get the wine and the milk, 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:03.779 the real things our hearts long for, 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:06.159 is to accept it as a gift from God 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:08.980 that we cannot earn and cannot buy. 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:12.839 You know, maybe that's the hardest part, 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:17.220 to admit that we need someone else to pay our way. 00:09:20.039 --> 00:09:22.879 But while the gospel invitation may humble us, 00:09:23.439 --> 00:09:25.360 it doesn't humiliate us. 00:09:26.179 --> 00:09:29.519 Because what God offers us in verses 3 through 5 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:31.879 is the very opposite of humiliation. 00:09:32.579 --> 00:09:35.039 What is this feast that God is inviting us to? 00:09:35.199 --> 00:09:35.779 What is it? 00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:38.480 Well, in verses 3 through 5, 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:41.019 we see that it's the ancient promise of glory. 00:09:41.659 --> 00:09:43.299 This invitation is to glory. 00:09:43.579 --> 00:09:45.179 Listen again to verses 3 through 5. 00:09:45.179 --> 00:10:07.919 Here it is. 00:10:07.919 --> 00:10:08.500 Here it is. 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:09.740 Glorified you. 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:12.459 Now, in our ears, 00:10:12.539 --> 00:10:14.159 these verses may sound a bit confusing, right? 00:10:14.879 --> 00:10:16.419 But to an ancient Israelite, 00:10:16.679 --> 00:10:18.939 what was being laid out here in these verses 00:10:18.939 --> 00:10:21.059 was what it was all about. 00:10:22.439 --> 00:10:23.219 You see, 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:24.860 if you go all the way back to the beginning 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:25.979 of the biblical story, 00:10:26.419 --> 00:10:28.279 when Adam fell in the garden, 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:31.620 all creation went down into the curse with him. 00:10:33.240 --> 00:10:36.299 And that kingdom that God had established in creation 00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:37.779 with Adam at the head 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:40.379 seemed in the moment of the fall to be lost. 00:10:40.699 --> 00:10:42.419 Now, instead of life and flourishing, 00:10:42.539 --> 00:10:44.360 all was sin and judgment and death. 00:10:46.579 --> 00:10:49.039 But God in that moment made a promise. 00:10:49.980 --> 00:10:51.220 He made a binding promise. 00:10:51.360 --> 00:10:52.039 He made a covenant. 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:55.480 And this promise began in the garden 00:10:55.480 --> 00:10:59.060 and was carried on through Noah and Moses. 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:00.000 And eventually, 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:02.460 God reiterated this promise to David. 00:11:02.580 --> 00:11:04.440 And he reiterated it in a fresh way. 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:07.720 God promised that God's kingdom 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:09.060 would be established forever 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:10.860 through David and David's line. 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:12.700 That there would be a king from David's line 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:14.759 who would sit on the throne forever, 00:11:15.060 --> 00:11:16.039 a new Adam. 00:11:16.680 --> 00:11:18.899 And that king would establish God's kingdom 00:11:18.899 --> 00:11:20.879 and he would restore God's people 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:22.519 and he would even heal creation. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:26.079 But it wouldn't just stop with the people of Israel. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:28.799 Like a river kind of overflowing its banks 00:11:28.799 --> 00:11:29.740 when the rains come, 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:30.600 this promise, 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:32.419 this covenant of an everlasting kingdom 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:34.860 would overflow out to all the nations of the earth. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:36.319 And they too would come 00:11:36.319 --> 00:11:37.899 and they would enter the covenant people. 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:39.319 They would come into the kingdom 00:11:39.319 --> 00:11:40.000 and at last, 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:41.600 they would know God. 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:44.460 In other words, 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:45.879 God promised his people 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:49.259 that he would glorify them. 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:51.919 that they would be restored back 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:54.039 to what he had created them to be. 00:11:54.720 --> 00:11:56.539 That he would raise them up from the ashes 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:57.639 out of death and shame. 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:59.460 That he would restore their fortunes, 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:00.480 renew their joy, 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:02.559 and make them that light to the nations. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:08.120 And we know from the perspective 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:08.799 of the New Testament 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:10.799 that this covenant with David was fulfilled 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:13.460 when at last the eternal king 00:12:13.460 --> 00:12:15.200 did come from David's line. 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:16.460 The Lord Jesus, 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:18.500 who in his resurrection 00:12:18.500 --> 00:12:19.740 now lives forever, 00:12:20.160 --> 00:12:21.160 never to see decay. 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:22.320 That's what our first reading 00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:23.960 in our service was all about. 00:12:24.040 --> 00:12:25.040 It was the apostle saying, 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.759 that king you've been waiting for, 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:28.300 the one who is going to reign forever, 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:29.019 he's here. 00:12:29.320 --> 00:12:30.060 The Lord Jesus, 00:12:30.180 --> 00:12:30.840 how do you know? 00:12:30.900 --> 00:12:31.960 Because he's been raised 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:33.740 and he's never going to die. 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:38.980 So you see, 00:12:39.060 --> 00:12:40.720 responding to the invitation of God's gospel, 00:12:41.160 --> 00:12:41.460 you know, 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:43.400 it's not like taking up some new hobby 00:12:43.400 --> 00:12:45.220 that might provide a few hours 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:46.240 of interesting distraction. 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:47.120 You know, 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:49.639 I've got an Xbox for Saturday 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:51.600 and I've got a church for Sunday 00:12:51.600 --> 00:12:53.139 and then I've got to grind through 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:53.860 five weeks 00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:55.040 until I can get back to my Xbox 00:12:55.040 --> 00:12:55.840 and then back to church. 00:12:56.080 --> 00:12:58.480 That's not what the invitation is. 00:13:00.560 --> 00:13:00.960 Ultimately, 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:02.200 God's inviting you 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:03.920 to be restored 00:13:03.920 --> 00:13:06.000 to the ancient glory 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:07.800 that he intended humanity 00:13:07.800 --> 00:13:09.460 to have all along in creation. 00:13:10.540 --> 00:13:12.639 To be participants of his kingdom. 00:13:13.800 --> 00:13:15.040 To be the image bearers 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:16.059 we were meant to be. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:18.219 To be a human person 00:13:18.219 --> 00:13:19.319 fully alive. 00:13:22.059 --> 00:13:23.299 That's what verse three means. 00:13:23.419 --> 00:13:24.019 Incline your ear 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:24.879 and come to me here 00:13:24.879 --> 00:13:26.599 that your soul may live. 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:27.799 You know, 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:28.860 in the Old Testament, 00:13:29.219 --> 00:13:29.399 you know, 00:13:29.459 --> 00:13:30.919 your soul isn't just sort of like 00:13:30.919 --> 00:13:32.339 the immaterial part of you. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:34.539 It's the true you. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:37.159 Your very self, 00:13:37.299 --> 00:13:38.480 your very being. 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:42.379 The invitation of the gospel 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.980 God summons to come 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:46.580 is the summons to enter his kingdom 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:49.180 under the lordship of King Jesus 00:13:49.180 --> 00:13:50.960 and no life 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:52.440 and no glory. 00:13:56.440 --> 00:13:58.019 But what exactly does it look like 00:13:58.019 --> 00:14:00.360 to respond to this invitation? 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:01.320 How do we do it? 00:14:01.320 --> 00:14:03.379 Well, 00:14:03.420 --> 00:14:04.240 in verses one through five 00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:04.760 as we just saw, 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.220 God calls you and I to come. 00:14:06.300 --> 00:14:07.680 But in verses six and seven, 00:14:07.840 --> 00:14:09.140 God shows us how to come. 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:11.220 If verses one through five 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.760 are the invitation to come, 00:14:13.040 --> 00:14:14.760 then verses six and seven 00:14:14.760 --> 00:14:15.620 are the explanation 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.560 of how to come. 00:14:16.780 --> 00:14:17.400 So let me read 00:14:17.400 --> 00:14:18.640 verses six and seven again. 00:14:20.280 --> 00:14:21.100 Seek the Lord 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:22.200 while he may be found. 00:14:22.940 --> 00:14:23.600 Call upon him 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:24.300 while he is near. 00:14:25.420 --> 00:14:26.020 Let the wicked 00:14:26.020 --> 00:14:27.060 forsake his way 00:14:27.060 --> 00:14:28.460 and the unrighteous man 00:14:28.460 --> 00:14:29.000 his thoughts. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:31.080 Let him return to the Lord 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:32.919 that he may have compassion on him 00:14:32.919 --> 00:14:34.440 and to our God 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:36.259 for he will abundantly pardon. 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:39.000 Now notice the two sides 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:40.279 of responding 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.720 to God's invitation. 00:14:41.820 --> 00:14:42.659 On the one side, 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:44.500 we're told to seek the Lord, 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:45.899 to call upon him. 00:14:46.059 --> 00:14:47.500 And this action of turning to God, 00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:48.179 seeking him, 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:49.360 calling upon him, 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.960 placing our trust in him, 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:52.440 coming under his lordship, 00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:54.059 this is what the Bible calls faith. 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:56.639 But there's another side here. 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:58.080 There's not just turning to God, 00:14:58.080 --> 00:14:59.720 but there's also turning away 00:14:59.720 --> 00:15:01.300 from our old life. 00:15:02.080 --> 00:15:02.660 Verse seven says, 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:04.200 let the wicked forsake his way 00:15:04.200 --> 00:15:05.800 and the unrighteous man 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:06.420 his thoughts. 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:09.379 This is what the Bible 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.560 often calls repentance, 00:15:10.820 --> 00:15:12.440 turning away from 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:14.740 our old life without God 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:16.759 and admitting that our path 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:17.560 apart from God 00:15:17.560 --> 00:15:19.220 leads to dissolution 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:20.180 and foolishness 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:20.900 and destruction. 00:15:23.020 --> 00:15:24.540 Repentance is turning away 00:15:24.540 --> 00:15:25.460 from that path, 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:26.860 leaving that path, 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:28.639 to place our whole life 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.580 in God's hands. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.120 So here's the beauty 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:32.960 of the invitation 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:33.659 of the gospel. 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:35.360 We come to the Lord 00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:36.659 as we are, 00:15:37.320 --> 00:15:39.100 but not to stay 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:39.940 as we are. 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.980 The Lord accepts 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:43.759 everyone who comes to him, 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:45.800 but coming to him 00:15:45.800 --> 00:15:47.120 entails leaving our old life 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:48.680 behind for a new one. 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:52.739 And if we do that, 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:55.059 if we turn 00:15:55.059 --> 00:15:56.519 and seek the Lord, 00:15:57.979 --> 00:15:58.919 what do we find? 00:16:00.739 --> 00:16:02.179 If we forsake our old ways 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:03.259 and call upon the Lord Jesus, 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:04.620 how will God respond? 00:16:06.299 --> 00:16:07.219 Does he kind of put us 00:16:07.219 --> 00:16:08.539 on a probationary period 00:16:08.539 --> 00:16:09.719 to see if it might work out, 00:16:09.939 --> 00:16:10.179 you know? 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:12.699 Is it like you're a new hire, 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:13.139 you know, 00:16:13.179 --> 00:16:13.959 given 30 days 00:16:13.959 --> 00:16:14.859 to see if you're a good fit 00:16:14.859 --> 00:16:15.559 with the corporation? 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:17.219 Does he put you 00:16:17.219 --> 00:16:18.239 in the middle of tryouts 00:16:18.239 --> 00:16:19.239 to see if you're spiritually 00:16:19.239 --> 00:16:19.799 fit enough 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:20.500 to make the team? 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:23.379 Is that how God's invitation works? 00:16:25.319 --> 00:16:25.839 No. 00:16:26.919 --> 00:16:27.679 For every sinner 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:28.259 who repents 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:29.299 and calls upon the Lord, 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:30.279 who receives 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:31.399 this invitation of life, 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.839 there's no probationary period. 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:34.599 There's no trial run. 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:35.639 There's no tryouts. 00:16:36.119 --> 00:16:37.279 Everyone who returns 00:16:37.279 --> 00:16:37.879 to the Lord 00:16:37.879 --> 00:16:38.839 receives what? 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:41.000 Abundant pardon, 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:42.119 verse 7 says. 00:16:42.339 --> 00:16:44.219 He will abundantly pardon. 00:16:44.220 --> 00:16:44.340 Pardon. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.580 Not begrudgingly pardon. 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:48.519 Not basically pardon. 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:49.680 Not probably pardon. 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.879 But abundantly pardon. 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:53.060 Pardon upon pardon. 00:16:56.800 --> 00:16:58.180 Do you hear those words, 00:16:58.860 --> 00:16:59.200 Christian? 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:02.279 Brothers, sisters? 00:17:04.120 --> 00:17:05.160 Perhaps this week 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:07.160 you've fallen short. 00:17:08.100 --> 00:17:08.779 Perhaps this week 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:10.680 you've seen that there's still 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:12.100 much remaining sin 00:17:12.100 --> 00:17:12.720 in your life. 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:15.460 If that's you, 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.740 then treasure this word 00:17:16.740 --> 00:17:17.940 abundantly. 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:20.920 You know, 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:22.000 this is the natural progression 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:22.880 of the Christian life. 00:17:23.579 --> 00:17:25.240 The deeper we grow in Christ, 00:17:25.380 --> 00:17:26.680 the more we begin to see 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:27.400 of God's holiness. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:28.620 How beautiful, 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:29.400 how awesome, 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.220 how good 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:31.799 and great God is. 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:33.019 How loving 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:34.339 and wonderful God is. 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:37.380 And the more we also see 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:38.279 of our own sinfulness. 00:17:39.120 --> 00:17:40.240 How deep the idols 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.480 of our heart are lodged. 00:17:41.600 --> 00:17:42.339 How besetting 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:43.799 our habitual sins really are. 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.699 But for the Christian, 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:49.059 this doesn't lead to despair 00:17:49.059 --> 00:17:50.439 seeing these two things 00:17:50.439 --> 00:17:51.339 in increasing measure. 00:17:52.679 --> 00:17:54.079 Because as our understanding 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:54.779 of God's holiness 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:55.619 gets bigger and bigger, 00:17:56.199 --> 00:17:57.079 and as our understanding 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:57.740 of our own sin 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:59.279 gets deeper and deeper, 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:00.980 you see, 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.720 our knowledge of the cross 00:18:02.720 --> 00:18:04.419 gets greater and greater. 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:07.300 for this is a God 00:18:07.300 --> 00:18:09.180 who abundantly pardons. 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:11.840 And as the wonder 00:18:11.840 --> 00:18:13.279 of the cross grows, 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:14.279 as the wonder 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:15.640 of His abundant pardon 00:18:15.640 --> 00:18:16.840 captures our hearts, 00:18:17.840 --> 00:18:20.300 that's the engine 00:18:20.300 --> 00:18:23.180 for real change 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:23.940 in our lives. 00:18:24.940 --> 00:18:26.360 The love of God 00:18:26.360 --> 00:18:27.800 forgiving all my sins, 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:30.000 restoring me to glory, 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:31.779 giving me a place 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.980 in His eternal kingdom, 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:34.720 inviting me, 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:35.120 a sinner, 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:36.240 to join His mission 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:36.839 in the world, 00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:38.339 to proclaim the gospel 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:38.799 of peace 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:39.720 to the whole creation, 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.420 and to do the good works 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:42.740 He prepared in advance 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:43.880 for me to do. 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.400 To let a life 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:46.460 of mercy and justice 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.819 be like a mustard seed, 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:48.640 seemingly small, 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.660 seemingly insignificant, 00:18:50.120 --> 00:18:51.039 but with that, 00:18:51.099 --> 00:18:52.240 to grow into a tree 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:53.680 with the birds of the air 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:54.819 resting in its branches. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:58.879 all of this, 00:18:59.579 --> 00:19:00.779 fueled by the wonder 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.619 of the cross, 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:04.799 and God's abundant pardon 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:05.439 to sinners, 00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:06.519 to you and me. 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:12.599 But can we be sure about it? 00:19:13.919 --> 00:19:15.519 Will God really pardon? 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:17.859 Will God really give us 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:18.960 a place in His ancient 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:19.939 promise of glory? 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:22.539 Will God really make good 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.359 on His invitation? 00:19:25.859 --> 00:19:27.259 Well, if in verses 1-5 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.420 God calls us to come, 00:19:29.139 --> 00:19:30.379 and in verses 6-7 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.579 God shows us how to come, 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:34.180 in verses 8-13 00:19:34.180 --> 00:19:35.420 and the rest of our passage, 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:37.299 God gives us assurance 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:38.359 to come. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:40.839 Isaiah 55 moves 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:41.639 from invitation 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:42.899 to explanation, 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:44.059 finally to assurance. 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.359 And there are actually 00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.500 three assurances here, 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:48.119 three pairs of verses, 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.379 each starting with the word 00:19:49.379 --> 00:19:49.879 for. 00:19:49.880 --> 00:19:51.460 How do we know 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.680 God will abundantly pardon 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.260 and make good 00:19:53.260 --> 00:19:54.000 on His invitation? 00:19:54.160 --> 00:19:54.640 Well, first, 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:55.960 because God's ways 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:57.460 are not your ways. 00:19:58.360 --> 00:19:59.480 Look again at verses 8-9. 00:19:59.600 --> 00:20:00.080 For my thoughts 00:20:00.080 --> 00:20:00.980 are not your thoughts, 00:20:01.340 --> 00:20:02.240 neither are your ways 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.840 my ways, 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:03.820 declares the Lord. 00:20:04.140 --> 00:20:04.800 For as the heavens 00:20:04.800 --> 00:20:05.900 are higher than the earth, 00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:07.360 so are my ways 00:20:07.360 --> 00:20:08.340 higher than your ways, 00:20:08.520 --> 00:20:09.360 and my thoughts 00:20:09.360 --> 00:20:10.640 than your thoughts. 00:20:11.100 --> 00:20:12.140 Here's the good news, friend. 00:20:13.080 --> 00:20:13.480 God 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.560 isn't 00:20:14.560 --> 00:20:15.480 like us. 00:20:15.480 --> 00:20:18.519 We humans 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:20.200 rarely pardon, 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:22.059 let alone 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:23.140 abundantly pardon. 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.099 But God 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.839 isn't like us. 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:27.700 Do you remember 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.480 what the Apostle Paul 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:29.460 wrote in Romans 5? 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:29.819 He says, 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:30.440 scarcely 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:32.240 will someone die 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:33.319 for a righteous person. 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:35.180 Maybe for a good person 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:36.160 someone would dare 00:20:36.160 --> 00:20:36.660 to die. 00:20:37.620 --> 00:20:38.319 But God 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.000 shows His love 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:39.559 for us 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.519 in that while 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.700 we were still sinners, 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:43.220 Christ died for us. 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:45.799 God's thoughts 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.640 are not our thoughts 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:47.360 and God's ways 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:48.360 are not our ways. 00:20:49.059 --> 00:20:50.600 We want to turn away 00:20:50.600 --> 00:20:51.900 when others wrong us, 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.940 but God turns towards us. 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.200 We want other people 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:56.380 to pay when they offend us, 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.380 but God pays 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.039 what we owe 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:59.079 when we've offended Him. 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:01.880 And God isn't just 00:21:01.880 --> 00:21:03.079 a little different 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:04.420 or slightly different. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.880 God is massively, 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.900 majestically different. 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:09.380 Like the sky 00:21:09.380 --> 00:21:10.299 and clouds 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:11.279 and stars 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.819 are higher than the earth, 00:21:12.819 --> 00:21:14.779 billions of miles away, 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:16.379 that's how much higher 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:17.599 God's ways are 00:21:17.599 --> 00:21:18.460 than our ways. 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:20.079 And that means 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:22.059 God will abundantly pardon 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:23.399 all who come 00:21:23.399 --> 00:21:24.539 trusting in His Son. 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:28.079 But it's not just 00:21:28.079 --> 00:21:28.980 that God's ways 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.019 are higher than ours. 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:31.200 In verses 10-11 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:32.419 we see that God's word 00:21:32.419 --> 00:21:33.480 is more productive 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.240 and more effective 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:34.819 than ours. 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:36.720 Look again 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.319 at verse 10-11. 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.119 For as the rain 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.439 and the snow 00:21:38.439 --> 00:21:39.240 come down from heaven 00:21:39.240 --> 00:21:40.200 and do not return there 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.159 but water the earth, 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:42.580 making it bring forth 00:21:42.580 --> 00:21:43.019 and sprout, 00:21:43.140 --> 00:21:44.100 giving seed to the sower 00:21:44.100 --> 00:21:44.940 and bread to the eater, 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.980 so shall my word be 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.779 that goes out 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:48.560 from my mouth. 00:21:49.040 --> 00:21:50.060 It shall not return 00:21:50.060 --> 00:21:50.640 to me empty, 00:21:51.080 --> 00:21:52.400 but it shall accomplish 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.420 that which I purpose 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.840 and shall succeed 00:21:54.840 --> 00:21:55.380 in the thing 00:21:55.380 --> 00:21:56.380 for which I sent it. 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.380 God's word 00:21:58.380 --> 00:22:00.340 always accomplishes 00:22:00.340 --> 00:22:01.500 what God desires. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.980 It never comes back empty. 00:22:04.560 --> 00:22:06.040 Like rain that comes down 00:22:06.040 --> 00:22:07.120 and produces grain 00:22:07.120 --> 00:22:08.660 and grain that becomes bread 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.759 and bread that feeds 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.240 the hungry. 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:11.600 God's word is productive 00:22:11.600 --> 00:22:12.160 and effective 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:13.480 always without fail. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:14.940 If God says it, 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:15.500 He'll do it. 00:22:17.100 --> 00:22:18.060 In Genesis 1, 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:20.500 God's word brought forth 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:21.220 the heavens and the earth 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:21.779 in creation. 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:23.540 And Hebrews 1 says 00:22:23.540 --> 00:22:24.120 that God's word 00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:25.160 upholds the universe 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.420 and keeps it in existence. 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:28.600 And that powerful, 00:22:28.779 --> 00:22:30.040 effective word 00:22:30.040 --> 00:22:31.060 in creation 00:22:31.060 --> 00:22:32.019 and preservation 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:33.340 is the same 00:22:33.340 --> 00:22:34.180 powerful, 00:22:34.400 --> 00:22:34.960 effective word 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.560 that God speaks 00:22:35.560 --> 00:22:36.080 in redemption. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:39.159 How do you know 00:22:39.159 --> 00:22:40.159 God will do what He says? 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:44.399 Because this very word 00:22:44.399 --> 00:22:45.480 became flesh for us 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.460 and for our salvation. 00:22:47.699 --> 00:22:48.579 God spoke 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:50.099 and things came into being. 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:52.339 And when God spoke 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:53.139 a word of redemption, 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.279 what did He do? 00:22:54.439 --> 00:22:55.779 He became flesh for us. 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.679 The Son, 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.379 the word of God 00:22:58.379 --> 00:22:59.159 became incarnate 00:22:59.159 --> 00:22:59.960 in the person of Jesus 00:22:59.960 --> 00:23:01.199 and we beheld His glory. 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.679 And on the cross, 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:06.400 the incarnate crucified word 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:07.360 cried out, 00:23:07.560 --> 00:23:08.120 it's finished. 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.360 Sins are paid. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.500 Death has died. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:14.259 The enemy's been defeated. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.560 And that same word 00:23:18.560 --> 00:23:19.560 is now heralded 00:23:19.560 --> 00:23:20.680 in the preaching 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.320 of the gospel. 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:23.759 The invitation goes forth 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:25.200 from the empty tomb 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.000 of the risen Lord 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:27.560 down through the preaching 00:23:27.560 --> 00:23:28.200 of the apostles 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.880 and now being proclaimed 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.700 by the church 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.680 in every age, 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:33.120 the invitation goes forth. 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:34.399 And this word, 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.699 because it's God's word, 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:36.599 God's gospel, 00:23:36.699 --> 00:23:37.519 it cannot fail. 00:23:37.959 --> 00:23:39.219 If God says He will pardon, 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.519 then surely He will 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:42.119 abundantly pardon. 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.879 But it's not just God's ways 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:47.919 or God's word 00:23:47.919 --> 00:23:48.699 that assures us 00:23:48.699 --> 00:23:49.559 that God will make good 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.299 on His invitation. 00:23:50.719 --> 00:23:52.079 There's also God's name. 00:23:53.479 --> 00:23:54.979 Look again at verses 12-13. 00:23:55.119 --> 00:23:56.399 For you shall go out in joy 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:57.739 and be led forth in peace. 00:23:57.939 --> 00:23:58.739 The mountains and the hills 00:23:58.739 --> 00:23:59.939 before you shall break forth 00:23:59.939 --> 00:24:00.419 into singing 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.920 and all the trees of the field 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:02.980 shall clap their hands. 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:04.160 Instead of the thorn 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.200 shall come up the cypress. 00:24:05.620 --> 00:24:06.400 Instead of the briar 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.279 shall come up the myrtle 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:09.060 and it shall make a name 00:24:09.060 --> 00:24:10.259 for the Lord. 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.360 An everlasting sign 00:24:12.360 --> 00:24:13.500 that shall not be cut off. 00:24:14.560 --> 00:24:15.560 These verses show us 00:24:15.560 --> 00:24:17.039 the kind of radical transformation 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.360 that God's word brings. 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.759 This invitation of abundant pardon, 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:22.680 of God's glory and kingdom 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.740 through the crucified 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.720 and risen Jesus, 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:26.060 it brings about what? 00:24:26.120 --> 00:24:27.360 It brings about a new creation. 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:29.879 Once there were tangled thorns 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:31.119 and briars, 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:33.099 now there's a forest 00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:34.459 of cypress trees 00:24:34.459 --> 00:24:35.859 and myrtle trees. 00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:37.279 This beautiful forest 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:38.039 where once there were 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:39.059 thorns and briars. 00:24:41.459 --> 00:24:42.699 And is this not a picture 00:24:42.699 --> 00:24:45.179 of the redeemed people of God 00:24:45.179 --> 00:24:46.679 brought from death to life 00:24:46.679 --> 00:24:48.519 through the glorious gospel 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:49.299 of God's Son? 00:24:51.199 --> 00:24:52.039 But the assurance 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.779 that God will do it 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:53.619 is found at the very end. 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.099 How do we know 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:54.819 God will make good 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:55.479 on His invitation? 00:24:55.639 --> 00:24:56.039 How do we know 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:57.180 that God will abundantly pardon 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:59.000 and transform us like this? 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:02.019 Because this is going 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:02.700 to be the sign. 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:05.220 The transformation 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:07.220 of the effective word 00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:08.619 is going to be the sign, 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:10.119 the everlasting sign 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:13.000 of God's great name. 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:16.980 When the new creation erupts, 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:18.339 when God's people 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.819 are forgiven and transformed, 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.039 and ultimately, 00:25:21.680 --> 00:25:22.500 in the new heavens 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:22.940 and new earth, 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:23.799 when all of creation 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:24.980 is released from its bondage 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.480 to decay, 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:26.440 and the mountains 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:26.819 and the hills 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.940 break forth into singing, 00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:29.039 and the trees of the field 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:29.940 clap their hands, 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.360 all of that is going 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:32.400 to be a testimony 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:34.620 proclaiming the greatness 00:25:34.620 --> 00:25:35.319 of God. 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:38.120 It shall make a name 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:39.299 for the Lord. 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:42.940 You see, friends, 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.620 this is how God 00:25:43.620 --> 00:25:45.400 has chosen and ordained 00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:46.740 to display His glory, 00:25:46.860 --> 00:25:48.099 to display His name, 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.240 His nature, 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.360 who He is. 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.279 This is how God 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:52.380 has chosen to display 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.560 that for all eternity 00:25:53.560 --> 00:25:55.800 through the redemption 00:25:55.800 --> 00:25:56.500 of His people, 00:25:58.060 --> 00:25:58.660 redeeming them 00:25:58.660 --> 00:25:59.340 from sorrow 00:25:59.340 --> 00:26:00.860 and the enmity of sin 00:26:00.860 --> 00:26:02.120 into joy 00:26:02.120 --> 00:26:02.940 and peace 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:03.780 of abundant pardon. 00:26:05.300 --> 00:26:06.580 And through their redemption, 00:26:06.820 --> 00:26:08.720 God will sweep up creation 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:10.780 in freedom 00:26:10.780 --> 00:26:11.980 from sin's decay. 00:26:14.360 --> 00:26:15.060 You see, 00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:15.900 God didn't just want 00:26:15.900 --> 00:26:17.000 to reveal His glory 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:18.840 as a God who creates. 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:21.959 God chose to reveal 00:26:21.959 --> 00:26:22.799 His glory also 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.939 as a God who redeems. 00:26:26.419 --> 00:26:27.379 And if this is how 00:26:27.379 --> 00:26:28.039 God has chosen 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.259 to reveal His great name 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.019 for all eternity, 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.459 then surely it must be so. 00:26:33.919 --> 00:26:35.000 If God is choosing 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:36.439 to raise us to new life 00:26:36.439 --> 00:26:38.500 so that in the coming ages 00:26:38.500 --> 00:26:39.259 He might show 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.359 the immeasurable riches 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:41.199 of His grace, 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.959 as Paul says in Ephesians 2, 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.240 then we can have 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.079 all the assurance 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:45.579 in the world 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:47.119 that He will do so. 00:26:47.179 --> 00:26:47.439 Why? 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.860 Because God has staked 00:26:48.860 --> 00:26:49.980 His own name 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:51.180 and His own reputation 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:51.779 on it. 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.900 The masterpiece 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:56.519 that God will hold up 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:58.100 showing how awesome 00:26:58.100 --> 00:26:59.299 and how much 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:00.360 of a God He is 00:27:00.360 --> 00:27:01.039 so that His glory 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:01.500 and wisdom 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.160 and beauty 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:02.799 might shine forth 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:03.539 for all eternity 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.759 are His redeemed people 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:06.160 united to the Redeemer, 00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:06.799 our Lord Jesus. 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:08.279 He signed His name 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:08.920 on the canvas 00:27:08.920 --> 00:27:11.840 and He will surely 00:27:11.840 --> 00:27:14.039 complete every stroke 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:15.200 of that masterpiece 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:16.019 to perfection. 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:19.120 And that means 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:20.440 everyone who responds 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:21.360 to this invitation, 00:27:21.620 --> 00:27:22.660 everyone who comes, 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:24.160 leaving their old life, 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:26.080 calling upon the Lord Jesus, 00:27:26.580 --> 00:27:27.539 will be saved. 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.480 So you've gone 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:33.019 through your mail. 00:27:34.340 --> 00:27:35.140 You've opened 00:27:35.140 --> 00:27:35.779 the invitation. 00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:37.799 Here it is. 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.900 While there's still time, 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:43.000 God says through Isaiah, 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:43.980 respond. 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:45.500 Come. 00:27:46.619 --> 00:27:47.599 Come to the waters. 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.440 Come buy and eat 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.339 without money 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.400 and without price. 00:27:51.079 --> 00:27:51.759 Don't wait. 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:52.839 Come. 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.559 Call upon the Lord Jesus 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:57.740 and you will be saved. 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:00.440 And brothers and sisters, 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:01.160 those who have already 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.880 called upon the name 00:28:01.880 --> 00:28:02.359 of the Lord, 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:03.799 remember what we've been 00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:04.500 invited into, 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:05.779 a feast, 00:28:06.380 --> 00:28:07.000 a joy. 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:09.259 So celebrate today. 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:11.720 Rejoice and be glad. 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.220 Yours is a glory 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:14.420 that will not fail. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.319 Let your neighbors 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:18.160 and your coworkers 00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:18.960 and your family 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:20.119 see your joy. 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:21.599 You've been invited 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.339 to the feast. 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:24.220 The new creation's begun. 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.579 Let them see your joy 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:29.500 and let them know 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:31.900 that they're invited too. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:33.779 Let's pray together. 00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:39.639 Father in heaven, 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.859 we pray that as we've 00:28:40.859 --> 00:28:42.279 heard and considered 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:43.700 this invitation this morning, 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.940 that your spirit 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:47.039 would work in our hearts 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:49.660 to bring them 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:51.599 from death to life 00:28:51.599 --> 00:28:54.599 to respond to this call 00:28:54.599 --> 00:28:56.920 to turn and trust in you. 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:59.059 God, for those who are 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:00.160 wrestling with this call, 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:00.740 I pray 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:03.900 that you would come to them, 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:05.880 liberate them 00:29:05.880 --> 00:29:06.640 from their fears 00:29:06.640 --> 00:29:07.460 and their doubts, 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:10.839 and grant them the faith 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:12.440 to trust in you. 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:16.079 And God, for those who 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:17.599 by your mercy 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.259 have responded 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:19.160 to this invitation, 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.539 for those whom you've 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.740 brought into your church 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:23.019 through this wonderful 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:23.980 invitation to come, 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:24.839 I pray, Lord, 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:26.660 that we would have 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.359 the joy 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:30.460 that is spoken of here. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.480 and the peace 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:33.180 and the glory. 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.360 God, we know 00:29:34.360 --> 00:29:35.660 it's imperfect now, 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:38.759 but we see it. 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:40.160 We see the signs 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:40.700 of your kingdom 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.880 breaking out in our midst. 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.920 We see thorns 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:44.200 that have been turned 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:45.660 into beautiful trees, 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:47.180 so we pray for more of it, God, 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:47.799 and we pray 00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:49.079 for a great confidence 00:29:49.079 --> 00:29:49.519 in you 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.620 and a joy in you 00:29:50.620 --> 00:29:54.140 that is befitting 00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:56.240 of our Lord Jesus, 00:29:57.100 --> 00:29:58.480 the great King of joy 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.539 who has purchased for us 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.180 such a great 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:01.759 and unshakable salvation. 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:03.860 In his name we pray. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:04.400 Amen.