WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.800 Let me ask you, what's your dream? What is it that you want to be known for? What do you want to achieve? 00:00:21.800 --> 00:00:28.000 ! Maybe it's career success, to kind of get to the top of the ladder as far as you can. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:35.480 Maybe it's to become financially independent, to be able to own a home in West London, to 00:00:35.480 --> 00:00:41.659 get to that stage. If you've got that home, all our troubles would go away. And maybe 00:00:41.659 --> 00:00:50.659 it's to get that job. Where if you've got that job, life would just be so much easier. Maybe 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:57.579 it's to get married. If I got married, well, all my troubles would be gone. Maybe it's 00:00:57.579 --> 00:01:04.420 if we had that child or if we had that other child. Maybe it's to be the perfect family, 00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:12.060 to be the perfect mum. To be the mum everyone thinks, that's what I want to be like. Maybe 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:21.659 it's sporting success. Maybe it's just to be really popular. What's your dream? What are 00:01:21.659 --> 00:01:29.140 you longing for? What do you thirst for? Johnny Wilkinson was the outside half of the England 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:36.640 2003 World Cup winning team. And there's a documentary out about that at the moment. And Johnny Wilkinson 00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:42.439 says for 15 years he'd lived to win the World Cup. And you'll know the game against Australia 00:01:42.439 --> 00:01:48.200 in 2003, he went into kind of overtime. And he dropped the winning goal. And he said that 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:53.959 as he turned around, having dropped that winning goal, that was his dream. And for the next, 00:01:54.079 --> 00:02:01.259 was it I think six minutes, he lived the dream. And he talks about how at that point, the match 00:02:01.259 --> 00:02:08.259 went into slow motion. And he saw the referee, Andre Watson, pick up his whistle. And he moved 00:02:08.259 --> 00:02:14.879 the whistle to his mouth. And Johnny Wilkinson said, I wanted to scream, no, no, please don't. 00:02:15.879 --> 00:02:24.079 And Andre Watson blew the whistle. And England, very sadly, won the World Cup. But Johnny Wilkinson 00:02:24.079 --> 00:02:32.620 says, the dream died. The dream died. He'd been longing and thirsting for that moment. He'd 00:02:32.620 --> 00:02:37.799 got it. And yet he's such a fascinating character, a terrible pundit, but a fascinating character. 00:02:37.800 --> 00:02:44.180 And that he spent really the last 15 years trying to live with having achieved his dream. And yet 00:02:44.180 --> 00:02:51.240 the thirst lives on. Hold that thought, alright? Because when you come to Isaiah 55, it's all 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:58.060 about what you want. Some commentators suggest that in Isaiah chapter 55, God is like a vendor 00:02:58.060 --> 00:03:03.460 in a busy market. You've been to those busy markets? And the market holders are seeking to convince 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:09.580 passers-by to buy what they've got on offer. And he's persistent. I just want you to see 00:03:09.580 --> 00:03:20.159 that very early on. Look at verse 1. Come. Four times. Come. Come. Come. And the danger 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:25.000 for you, as you think about that illustration, is that you think, this is just one vendor in 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:31.960 a busy market of products and ideas. And we pay our money, we take our chances with one 00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:35.900 of the sellers, with something they've got to offer. And it will make a difference to 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:41.379 our lives. And I hope that what we're going to see this morning when we look at Isaiah 55 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:49.360 is it's not just some kind of sales pitch. Isaiah 55 is an invitation. And it's an invitation 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:54.120 which is beyond anything you've ever had. Because verse 1, it will cost you no money. 00:03:55.440 --> 00:03:58.640 And God promises he will satisfy your ultimate thirst. 00:04:00.860 --> 00:04:05.640 By what will cost you no money. And God will satisfy your ultimate thirst. 00:04:06.520 --> 00:04:10.100 And so we're going to think about this invitation, the true object of our thirst, the way to quench 00:04:10.100 --> 00:04:15.000 our thirst, and then the future satisfaction of our thirst. So first of all, look with me at 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:21.439 the object of our thirst. The object of our thirst. Look at verse 1. Come, everyone 00:04:21.439 --> 00:04:28.620 who thirsts. Come to the waters. Come, and he who has no money, come buy and eat. Come 00:04:28.620 --> 00:04:32.660 buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Come, all of you who are thirsty. And right 00:04:32.660 --> 00:04:38.720 away you've got a choice to make this morning. You can either admit to yourself that you are 00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:44.980 thirsty, or you can deny that you're thirsty. And the thirst that is talking about is the 00:04:44.980 --> 00:04:55.580 thirst for desire. And for meaning. And for significance. It's a thirst for love. It's a thirst 00:04:55.580 --> 00:05:01.460 for redemption. And whether you recognise it or not, it's a thirst that every single one 00:05:01.460 --> 00:05:08.180 of us here this morning is trying to quench in one way or another. And so I'm guessing that 00:05:08.180 --> 00:05:12.780 most people, the majority of our people in our culture, they still hold out somehow, don't 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:19.039 they? Do you remember Christmas? That somehow the gifts that we get at Christmas will somehow 00:05:19.039 --> 00:05:24.219 quench our thirst. We all think that, no matter how old. If I get that, I'll be satisfied. 00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:31.619 It's irrational. And we know it's irrational. It's never worked in previous years. But somehow 00:05:31.619 --> 00:05:37.359 we think, if only I can get that gift, or I get such and such, it will be different. 00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:45.120 Once we realise that Christmas gifts don't really do it, we move on to other things. 00:05:46.120 --> 00:05:54.740 Fame. Fortune. Popularity. Many people think they are the means, don't they, to a happy life. 00:05:56.199 --> 00:05:59.600 And then we hear words like these from the comic actor Jim Carrey who said, 00:05:59.600 --> 00:06:06.520 I wish everyone could get rich and famous. And everything they ever dreamed of. So that 00:06:06.520 --> 00:06:12.379 they could see it's not the answer. And then there are other things, aren't there? We fall 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:18.580 in love and we get married. When we finally break into our chosen field. When we get that 00:06:18.580 --> 00:06:26.520 job. When our children achieve great things. When we finally are able to buy our own home. 00:06:26.519 --> 00:06:34.079 And we think that all those things will finally satisfy. And when we discover that whatever 00:06:34.079 --> 00:06:41.060 it is we're longing for. No lover or career or achievement or possession. Even the best possible 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:52.919 ones can ever satisfy. They never do. The satisfaction escapes. It fades away, doesn't it? As we close 00:06:52.920 --> 00:07:00.040 our fingers around our goal. Nothing, nothing ever delivers the joy it promises. 00:07:02.640 --> 00:07:12.680 Just think about that. Is there anything in your life that has succeeded or ever come close 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:15.300 to meeting your dreams or expectations? 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:24.139 I get to meet anyone who says yes to that question. But God is saying there is an answer to your thirst. 00:07:25.540 --> 00:07:27.900 There is something that will truly satisfy. Look at verse 2. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:35.160 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread? And you labour for that which does not satisfy. 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:39.660 Listen diligent to me and eat what is good and delight yourself in rich food. 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:44.480 You incline your ear to me and come to me here that your soul may live. 00:07:46.260 --> 00:07:51.640 And God says to you this morning you keep working for, you keep spending your money on things that 00:07:51.640 --> 00:07:58.300 promise you the world but they constantly fail. You invest yourself in idols. 00:07:58.300 --> 00:08:04.900 And he's saying why would you trust your life to those lifeless idols? 00:08:06.780 --> 00:08:09.100 He says there is an answer to this thirst. 00:08:12.300 --> 00:08:14.620 But these idols they will fail you. 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:19.980 That's been the message, hasn't it? Of this section in Isaiah from chapter 40 to chapter 55. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:26.080 And Isaiah has been relentless in pointing out the sheer emptiness of life. 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:28.659 Of life without God. 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:33.519 Of life devoted to things that won't last. 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:35.419 Of the nothingness of idols. 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:40.100 And he's saying why would you trust your life? 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:43.039 But he says there is an answer. 00:08:44.360 --> 00:08:45.319 And it's not those things. 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:47.259 He says come to the water. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:49.559 There's good food. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:52.399 In fact there's the richest affair. 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:55.879 There's a banquet that he's already told us about in Isaiah chapter 25. 00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:58.759 A banquet of the best meats and of the finest wines. 00:09:00.400 --> 00:09:05.160 What are all those food and drink images pointing you to? 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:07.960 God spells it out in verse 3 doesn't he? 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:10.379 Where he says I'm inviting you to come to me. 00:09:11.420 --> 00:09:12.300 To me. 00:09:12.300 --> 00:09:12.400 To me. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:18.900 He is the one who alone can quench that thirst. 00:09:20.180 --> 00:09:23.120 He is the one alone who can satisfy your hunger. 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:27.480 He is the only one who can meet your need for significance. 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:31.740 And your need for meaning and hunger and love and redemption. 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:37.620 Listen to how C.S. Lewis suggests. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:39.259 As I've pointed to you this before. 00:09:39.340 --> 00:09:42.100 Our human experience should validate what Isaiah is telling us here. 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:43.480 Lewis writes. 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:45.440 The Christian says creatures. 00:09:45.740 --> 00:09:47.740 Human beings are not born with desires. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:50.680 Unless satisfaction for those desires exists. 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:53.340 A baby feels hunger. 00:09:53.720 --> 00:09:54.960 So there's such a thing as food. 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:57.560 A duckling wants to swim. 00:09:57.759 --> 00:09:58.759 Well there's such a thing as water. 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:00.759 Men feel sexual desire. 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:02.080 Well there's such a thing as sex. 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:07.800 And if I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy. 00:10:07.800 --> 00:10:12.160 The most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. 00:10:13.820 --> 00:10:16.639 If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy. 00:10:17.060 --> 00:10:19.200 That doesn't mean that the universe is a fraud. 00:10:20.300 --> 00:10:23.879 Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy. 00:10:24.060 --> 00:10:25.460 But only to arouse it. 00:10:25.800 --> 00:10:28.440 To suggest the real thing. 00:10:28.440 --> 00:10:30.980 And God says to you through Isaiah 55. 00:10:31.380 --> 00:10:32.960 I am the real thing. 00:10:35.160 --> 00:10:36.420 God says to you. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:39.720 I am the true object of your thirst. 00:10:41.580 --> 00:10:43.340 I am the one who can satisfy. 00:10:45.920 --> 00:10:47.240 The psalmist says of God. 00:10:47.340 --> 00:10:49.860 At my right hand there are pleasures forevermore. 00:10:52.340 --> 00:10:53.900 So how do we quench that thirst? 00:10:55.400 --> 00:10:57.800 Isaiah tells us the first step to quenching that thirst. 00:10:57.799 --> 00:10:59.699 That we feel is to come to the Lord. 00:11:01.139 --> 00:11:03.620 And specifically he says first of all listen. 00:11:03.839 --> 00:11:04.500 Can you see that? 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:06.199 Look at this through again. 00:11:07.319 --> 00:11:07.679 Listen. 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:10.279 Listen diligently to me. 00:11:11.359 --> 00:11:12.299 And eat what is good. 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:13.639 And delight yourself in rich food. 00:11:13.819 --> 00:11:14.419 Incline you. 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:15.620 Bend your ear. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:16.740 And come to me. 00:11:16.839 --> 00:11:18.419 Hear that your soul may live. 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:21.879 Can you say well what are we to listen to? 00:11:23.319 --> 00:11:23.899 Verse 6. 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:26.439 We are to listen to this. 00:11:26.440 --> 00:11:28.160 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:11:29.680 --> 00:11:31.080 Call upon him while he is near. 00:11:32.380 --> 00:11:33.620 Let the wicked forsake his way. 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:36.700 And the unrighteous woman his thoughts. 00:11:36.780 --> 00:11:37.780 Let him return to the Lord. 00:11:37.880 --> 00:11:39.340 That he may have compassion on him. 00:11:40.160 --> 00:11:40.920 And to our God. 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:42.360 For he will abundantly pardon. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:46.960 And so here is what God says you must pay attention to this morning. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.399 If your thirst will be satisfied. 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:50.320 And can you just look at the verbs. 00:11:52.180 --> 00:11:52.539 Seek. 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:54.680 Call. 00:11:56.419 --> 00:11:56.820 Forsake. 00:11:58.139 --> 00:11:58.440 Turn. 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:00.940 Seek. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:02.700 Call. 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:04.399 Forsake. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:06.059 And turn. 00:12:09.019 --> 00:12:10.059 And as you read those words. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:13.439 It almost sounds as if the quenching of our thirst is really up to us. 00:12:15.459 --> 00:12:16.959 We are to seek and call. 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:19.279 And forsake and turn. 00:12:19.959 --> 00:12:21.259 And if we do that well. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:22.860 Well enough God will satisfy the thirst. 00:12:23.079 --> 00:12:24.759 But look again how he opened the chapter. 00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:25.539 Look at verse 1. 00:12:25.539 --> 00:12:27.639 Come. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.819 Everyone who thirsts come to the waters. 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:32.339 And he who has no money. 00:12:32.539 --> 00:12:32.779 Come. 00:12:33.219 --> 00:12:33.959 Buy and eat. 00:12:34.079 --> 00:12:34.219 Come. 00:12:34.319 --> 00:12:36.699 Buy wine and milk without money and without price. 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:38.339 And that is puzzling isn't it? 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:41.319 Why is that so puzzling? 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:42.639 Why is verse 1 so odd? 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:45.199 What's he talking about? 00:12:46.419 --> 00:12:49.559 How can you buy and eat when you have no money? 00:12:51.179 --> 00:12:55.519 How do you buy wine and milk without money and without coffee? 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:55.860 Cost. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:13:00.799 And here's the point that's brilliantly expressed by Isaiah. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:05.399 That this is a purchase that is somehow free to the purchaser. 00:13:08.199 --> 00:13:09.059 But in verse 1. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:10.079 It is free. 00:13:11.779 --> 00:13:13.519 But you somehow still have to buy it. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:18.500 And Isaiah's point is not that this is a soup kitchen. 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:22.299 It's not a soup kitchen even if the customers are beggars. 00:13:23.299 --> 00:13:28.219 There is a purchase and there is a price to quench the thirst and to satisfy the hunger. 00:13:28.579 --> 00:13:30.299 It's just that it's not ours. 00:13:32.299 --> 00:13:33.620 It's not ours to pay. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.439 That it's already been paid for. 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:39.660 It's already been paid for. 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:41.120 How has it already been paid for? 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:43.180 Well because of Isaiah 53. 00:13:44.900 --> 00:13:47.280 Because of the suffering servant on the cross. 00:13:47.400 --> 00:13:51.060 Because Jesus paid the cost himself. 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:56.299 He paid the price for the feast in full. 00:13:57.299 --> 00:14:00.299 Isaiah 55 is building on Isaiah 53. 00:14:00.739 --> 00:14:01.819 That famous chapter. 00:14:02.979 --> 00:14:07.539 That prophesies the death of the suffering servant of God. 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:09.159 The Messiah. 00:14:10.500 --> 00:14:15.059 That Jesus pays the price in full on our behalf. 00:14:15.059 --> 00:14:20.519 He paid the price so that we can buy what costs us nothing. 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:24.959 So in a sense verses 6 to 7. 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:28.379 Spell out what does it mean for you and I to buy without money. 00:14:30.119 --> 00:14:33.199 And specifically it's showing us the quenching of our thirst. 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:37.299 Is dependent on you and I coming to this amazingly gracious God. 00:14:37.639 --> 00:14:39.479 To receive pardon for our wickedness. 00:14:40.439 --> 00:14:41.959 And so what does God call on us to do? 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:42.699 Look at verse 7. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:45.379 Let the wicked forsake. 00:14:46.520 --> 00:14:48.180 Let the wicked give up his way. 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:50.000 Let the wicked run away from his ways. 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:52.920 And the unrighteous man his thoughts. 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:55.280 And then return to the Lord. 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:56.780 That he may have compassion on him. 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.620 And to our God. 00:14:57.780 --> 00:14:59.200 For he will abundantly pardon. 00:15:02.200 --> 00:15:03.360 To become a Christian. 00:15:03.520 --> 00:15:05.080 To become someone who knows God. 00:15:05.560 --> 00:15:07.080 As his heavenly father. 00:15:09.140 --> 00:15:11.379 To become someone who knows that they're forgiven. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:14.960 Involves a complete shift in thinking. 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:16.519 And living. 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:20.799 It's a 180% turnaround. 00:15:22.539 --> 00:15:25.220 That God issues a challenge to the mind. 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:28.200 He says doesn't he. 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:31.139 Give up your wrong thoughts about God. 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:33.100 Give up your wrong thoughts. 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:33.799 Why? 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:34.500 Verse 8. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:37.179 For my thoughts. 00:15:38.179 --> 00:15:39.379 Are not your thoughts. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:42.860 Neither are your ways my ways. 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:43.860 Declares the Lord. 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:47.620 That before you and I become Christians. 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:49.600 We automatically. 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:52.559 Underestimate God's holiness. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.399 And God's purity. 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:57.199 And we overestimate. 00:15:57.199 --> 00:15:58.220 Our own goodness. 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:00.519 Every single one of us did it. 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:04.079 If we believed in God. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:06.959 We didn't realise really what God was like. 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:10.939 Maybe we believed in a God who watches over the world. 00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:12.500 And who created it from a distance. 00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:15.179 But he's not really involved in your life and my life. 00:16:15.179 --> 00:16:19.679 And he's not there unless you need to call on him. 00:16:19.819 --> 00:16:20.939 To sort out a big problem. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:28.620 We had very little sense of his dazzling pure holiness. 00:16:30.599 --> 00:16:32.699 And his absolute hatred of sin. 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:35.620 And so we underestimate what God is like. 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:36.859 We underestimate his holiness. 00:16:36.859 --> 00:16:38.859 Because we want to bring him down to where. 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:41.079 Well it's more manageable. 00:16:42.899 --> 00:16:44.919 And yet we overestimate our own goodness. 00:16:45.439 --> 00:16:47.019 So we're willing to admit aren't we? 00:16:47.079 --> 00:16:47.899 We were willing to admit. 00:16:47.979 --> 00:16:48.639 We're not perfect. 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.739 Because no one is. 00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:52.259 But at the back of our minds. 00:16:52.339 --> 00:16:53.559 We think well I've got my good points. 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:55.139 And they outweigh my bad points. 00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:59.319 And overall God must be pretty pleased to have me around. 00:16:59.439 --> 00:17:00.539 I'm much better than others. 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:02.459 But God says. 00:17:03.839 --> 00:17:04.399 First eight. 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:05.679 My thoughts are not your thoughts. 00:17:08.179 --> 00:17:10.000 And you are this morning. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.899 As I am. 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:12.399 Far more sinful. 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:15.079 Than I ever imagined. 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:19.620 God says. 00:17:19.820 --> 00:17:21.360 I am stunningly holy. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:25.580 I am stunningly perfect. 00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:29.340 And you are miserably sinful. 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.000 Like I am. 00:17:32.140 --> 00:17:34.140 And that is why Jesus had to die for sinners. 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:35.299 To bridge the gap. 00:17:35.420 --> 00:17:37.080 To rescue you and I from judgment. 00:17:37.079 --> 00:17:39.759 But he says. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.919 That it's not the only way. 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:42.079 My thoughts are not your thoughts. 00:17:42.139 --> 00:17:42.480 He says. 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:44.480 You may be more sinful than you ever imagined. 00:17:44.639 --> 00:17:46.419 But you are more loved. 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:48.799 Than you ever dreamt. 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:52.180 You are far more loved. 00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:52.220 You are far more loved. 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:54.960 God says. 00:17:55.139 --> 00:17:56.859 I am the God of steadfast love. 00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:58.960 I am the God of unbelievable love. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.359 And compassion. 00:18:01.619 --> 00:18:02.379 And mercy. 00:18:02.659 --> 00:18:03.379 And pardon. 00:18:03.380 --> 00:18:03.440 Pardon. 00:18:05.520 --> 00:18:07.760 And that is why Jesus had to die for sinners. 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:11.160 But it's why Jesus was glad to die for sinners. 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:14.580 Because of his love for us. 00:18:15.300 --> 00:18:16.780 Look at the last part of verse seven. 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:19.259 Then in return to the Lord. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:20.859 For he will have compassion upon him. 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:23.139 And to our God. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.500 For he will abundantly pardon. 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:26.319 God will abundantly pardon. 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:27.759 He will multiply pardon. 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:32.539 It's as though it's pardon with compound interest. 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:34.200 He is so holy. 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:34.660 Yes. 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:35.740 But he is so forgiving. 00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:39.019 And Isaiah is saying. 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:42.420 If you've tasted this forgiveness in any way. 00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:46.759 If you've tasted of his mercy. 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:50.579 There is so much more of that. 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:52.180 Where you found it the first time. 00:18:54.379 --> 00:18:55.740 So becoming a Christian. 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:57.879 Involves doesn't it. 00:18:58.639 --> 00:19:00.799 Giving up your wrong thoughts about God. 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:04.139 And it means that you. 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:08.139 You no longer get to define your God. 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:11.980 He is not a DIY God. 00:19:12.079 --> 00:19:12.720 The God of the Bible. 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:17.120 It is the God who is revealed to you. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.440 In the pages of his word. 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:23.039 And that God is far more holy. 00:19:23.600 --> 00:19:25.620 And far more loving than you ever imagined. 00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:29.539 But notice. 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:31.079 That Isaiah in that same verse tells us. 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:31.739 That becoming a Christian. 00:19:31.819 --> 00:19:33.579 Doesn't just mean giving up your wrong thoughts. 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:33.919 Does it? 00:19:35.479 --> 00:19:37.179 But also our wrong ways. 00:19:38.919 --> 00:19:40.199 For my ways. 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:41.939 My thoughts are not your thoughts. 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:43.359 Neither are your ways. 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:44.539 My ways. 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.879 Declares the Lord. 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:46.480 God. 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:49.220 So the repentance. 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:50.400 What we call that. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:51.800 Turn around. 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:54.780 Is not just a change of mind. 00:19:56.560 --> 00:19:57.520 But a change of will. 00:19:57.580 --> 00:19:58.700 It changes our habits. 00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:00.000 And our plans. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:04.720 And so here is the great challenge to you and I. 00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:05.559 Here is the challenge. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:07.619 That God is not interested. 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:10.599 In being an extracurricular activity in your life. 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:15.660 God is not interested in being an add-on. 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:20.619 God is not interested in being an accessory to your life. 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:23.220 He wants you all. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:28.480 And so God wants to be at the centre of everything in your life. 00:20:28.759 --> 00:20:31.700 He wants to be at the centre of every decision that you make. 00:20:33.100 --> 00:20:35.059 And every activity that you do. 00:20:35.160 --> 00:20:37.279 And every relationship that you are in. 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:40.940 And God wants to be at the centre of every conversation that you have. 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:45.400 And I think that takes intentional thought. 00:20:45.620 --> 00:20:46.079 Doesn't it? 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:48.019 As we see to live this out. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.000 That day by day. 00:20:51.100 --> 00:20:51.620 As Christians. 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:55.039 Is we are to orientate ourselves around God. 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:57.099 And not the other way round. 00:20:59.399 --> 00:21:02.699 To intentionally serve other people. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:05.339 And love them well. 00:21:07.159 --> 00:21:11.259 To intentionally think about our neighbours and our friends. 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:12.959 Who we might invite to church. 00:21:14.459 --> 00:21:15.839 To intentionally think. 00:21:15.939 --> 00:21:18.959 How am I going to encourage faith in my family? 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:21.220 My spouse. 00:21:21.340 --> 00:21:21.860 My children. 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:22.799 My parents. 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:27.660 How am I going to live today in a way where I do things God's way? 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:31.620 And I think thoughts. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.220 God's way. 00:21:34.880 --> 00:21:36.779 To think who are my friends and neighbours? 00:21:36.900 --> 00:21:39.740 Can I extend this Isaiah 55 invitation to? 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:41.920 Come all you who are thirsty. 00:21:41.920 --> 00:21:43.299 Come you who have no money. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.559 Come buy and eat. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:47.819 Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 00:21:49.640 --> 00:21:51.079 God's ways are not our ways. 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:53.259 And yet he invites us to live his way. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:56.920 It's nothing short is it of revolution. 00:21:58.400 --> 00:21:59.839 Of revolution in your life. 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:06.399 To bring glory to God in a no holds barred, sold out commitment to God. 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:10.879 And so God says give up your wrong thoughts. 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:14.419 And give up your wrong ways. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:18.679 Think God's thoughts. 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:21.799 Act in God's ways. 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:29.039 And so Isaiah says here is this white hot holy over the top loving God. 00:22:29.339 --> 00:22:30.240 Seek him. 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.859 That's the bottom line. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:38.379 Seek the Lord not in the sense that something is lost. 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:38.940 Okay. 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:42.000 But look with diligence. 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.680 That's the meaning of the word here. 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:48.859 Commit yourself with determination and persistence and longing. 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:52.139 To look to the Lord's presence. 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.519 And his fellowship. 00:22:58.619 --> 00:23:01.000 And Isaiah says if I were you I wouldn't delay. 00:23:02.439 --> 00:23:03.579 Don't forget on at verse 6. 00:23:05.219 --> 00:23:06.939 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:10.179 Call upon him while he is near. 00:23:13.679 --> 00:23:15.779 And so can I speak to you as clearly as I can. 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.740 If you are someone here. 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:20.160 And you know that you've not put your trust in Jesus Christ. 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:24.779 You're not relying on him. 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:29.880 You're not thinking his thoughts and walking his ways. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.700 You might be religious. 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:35.099 You might like coming to church. 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:39.559 And it is so, so easy. 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:42.660 To come to church and go out of church. 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:45.759 And think that there is no urgency to this. 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:50.079 It's so easy for you to think. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.900 I can check in with God. 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:53.440 Whenever I want. 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:56.019 So to say. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:58.000 I am interested in God. 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:59.220 But there's no great hurry. 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:02.960 And I'm not going to worry about these things for the moment. 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:03.859 It's a real danger isn't it. 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:05.220 For children and young people to think. 00:24:05.579 --> 00:24:07.400 All that kind of God stuff. 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.819 I'll do it when I'm older. 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:13.839 And God seems a bit distant to me. 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.740 And I'm very far away. 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:20.019 And so God says to you this morning. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.700 Actually there isn't a lot of time. 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:24.559 And I'm not far away. 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:28.019 I'm right here. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:32.359 God is not like the cash machine. 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.940 On Greenford Avenue. 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:38.279 The cash machine on Greenford Avenue is always there. 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.240 When I need it. 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:43.279 24 hours. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:47.240 God is not like a machine that I can just drop in on. 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:47.960 When I want to. 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.680 He is a person. 00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:53.620 And you can't get to know a person. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:55.640 By punching in numbers. 00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:58.860 People have to reveal themselves to you. 00:25:02.080 --> 00:25:03.240 So let me suggest to you. 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:05.220 The fact that you are in church this morning. 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:06.100 And here today. 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:09.580 Is perhaps maybe for the first time. 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:10.580 You sense a thirst. 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:11.740 Which has not been satisfied. 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:17.060 And in your life. 00:25:17.060 --> 00:25:19.140 There are signs that God is at work at life. 00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:19.940 Right now. 00:25:20.040 --> 00:25:21.060 In your life right now. 00:25:22.420 --> 00:25:23.820 And he is inviting you. 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:24.220 Come. 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:25.580 Come. 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.900 He's calling you now. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:31.759 And it would be the height of sin. 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:34.480 And of foolishness. 00:25:35.820 --> 00:25:37.040 And wickedness. 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:38.580 For you to say this morning. 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:39.640 God don't call me. 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:40.340 I'll call you. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:44.140 It is a wicked thing. 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:45.040 To say no to God. 00:25:46.600 --> 00:25:47.860 Because God doesn't work. 00:25:48.020 --> 00:25:48.480 Like that. 00:25:49.140 --> 00:25:52.640 If God is calling. 00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:54.480 The time to respond is now. 00:25:57.140 --> 00:25:58.040 If he's calling. 00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:58.900 The time to respond. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:00.420 Isaiah says is now. 00:26:00.620 --> 00:26:01.220 Seek him. 00:26:01.380 --> 00:26:01.720 Change him. 00:26:01.820 --> 00:26:02.900 Call on him now. 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:05.920 Change him. 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:08.940 So Isaiah says. 00:26:09.020 --> 00:26:10.500 God is the object of your thirst. 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.920 And whatever it is. 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:13.000 You've been running after. 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:14.120 God is the one. 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:15.400 Who you're really longing for. 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:19.019 Repentance is the way to quench that thirst. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.740 Turn to his ways and his thoughts. 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:21.500 The thoughts. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.339 And thirdly. 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.680 Isaiah shows us the future. 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:28.680 He shows us the future. 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.299 In this passage. 00:26:29.380 --> 00:26:29.880 And he says. 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.140 The future for those people. 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:32.420 Who have come to God. 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:36.060 His full satisfaction of our thirst. 00:26:36.300 --> 00:26:37.440 That lies before us. 00:26:38.800 --> 00:26:40.820 And that comes in the final verses of the chapter. 00:26:41.820 --> 00:26:44.680 But it's linked with what we skipped over in verses 3 to 5. 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.740 Can you see that verse 3? 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:50.599 Incline your ear to me. 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:51.079 Come to me. 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:52.220 Ensure that your soul may live. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:54.440 And I will make with you an everlasting covenant. 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:58.960 My steadfast sure love for David. 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.620 Of King David. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:02.500 Behold I made him a witness to the peoples. 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:04.579 And a leader and a commander for the peoples. 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:07.240 Behold you shall call a nation that you do not know. 00:27:07.299 --> 00:27:09.180 And a nation that you did not know shall run to you. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:11.740 Because of the Lord your God and the Holy One of Israel. 00:27:11.859 --> 00:27:13.140 For he has glorified you. 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:16.820 And then the trickiest verses in the chapter. 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:20.720 But it seems at the most basic level. 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:24.140 It is promising that those who come to God. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:26.940 Those who listen to God. 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:30.040 That he will make an everlasting covenant. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:32.120 That he will make an everlasting pledge. 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:34.940 Or bond or promise or agreement with us. 00:27:35.820 --> 00:27:39.940 And that will be in fulfillment to the promises he made to King David. 00:27:41.300 --> 00:27:42.500 And it is a covenant. 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:46.539 It is a promise that God will extend to the nations for all time. 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:51.700 And if we are in any doubt as to why this covenant is everlasting and secure. 00:27:51.819 --> 00:27:53.759 We are given an explanation of it in the New Testament. 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:57.539 And the sermon by Paul in Acts chapter 13. 00:27:57.619 --> 00:28:00.000 Where he quotes Isaiah chapter 55. 00:28:00.119 --> 00:28:00.680 If you can look at it. 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:02.440 Acts chapter 13. 00:28:03.140 --> 00:28:04.720 And verse 32 to 34. 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:06.900 Paul is preaching to his audience. 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:08.000 And this is what he says. 00:28:09.799 --> 00:28:11.660 Acts chapter 15 verse 32. 00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:14.640 Acts 13 sorry verse 32. 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:19.180 And Paul says. 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:20.799 We bring you the good news. 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:23.340 That what God promised to the fathers. 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:27.700 This he's fulfilled to us their children. 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.920 By raising Jesus. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:32.440 As also it is written in the second psalm. 00:28:32.580 --> 00:28:34.120 You are my son. 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:35.340 And today I've begotten you. 00:28:35.340 --> 00:28:38.180 And as for the fact that he raised Jesus from the dead. 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.620 No more to return to corruption. 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:41.380 He's spoken in this way. 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:46.140 I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David. 00:28:46.860 --> 00:28:49.300 That last part is a quote from Isaiah 55. 00:28:50.520 --> 00:28:55.280 And he's saying this my promise is an everlasting eternal promise. 00:28:55.540 --> 00:28:58.640 Because it's been guaranteed by an event in the past. 00:28:58.640 --> 00:29:04.300 God's promise is guaranteed by the death and resurrection of his son Jesus. 00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:08.720 It's been guaranteed by the one who comes to you and says. 00:29:08.820 --> 00:29:12.880 Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst again. 00:29:14.300 --> 00:29:15.920 It's guaranteed by the one who said. 00:29:16.020 --> 00:29:17.440 I am the bread of life. 00:29:17.780 --> 00:29:19.820 He who comes to me will never go hungry. 00:29:19.820 --> 00:29:22.320 And he who comes to me will never go thirsty. 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:29.559 Jesus is the one who has secured the everlasting covenant. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:35.220 For all those who will trust their lives to him. 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:40.079 Here's the beautiful thing here. 00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:42.240 When God makes covenants. 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:44.019 When he makes promises to his people. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.579 Throughout the Old Testament. 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:48.740 More often than not there is a sign to confirm the covenant. 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:51.740 So you remember the covenant with no other sign. 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:52.380 There was the rainbow. 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:53.319 They saw the sign. 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:54.339 They remembered the covenant. 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:57.599 For Abraham it was circumcision. 00:29:58.079 --> 00:30:00.579 For Moses and Sinai it was the sprinkled blood. 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:04.779 And Isaiah says there is a sign for this everlasting covenant. 00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:07.740 And appropriately it's an everlasting sign. 00:30:07.859 --> 00:30:08.779 Verses 12 and 13. 00:30:11.420 --> 00:30:12.759 For you will go out with joy. 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:15.880 And you will be led forth in peace. 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:19.200 And the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing. 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:21.180 And the trees of the field. 00:30:21.180 --> 00:30:21.180 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.259 They'll clap their hands. 00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:24.620 And instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree. 00:30:25.220 --> 00:30:27.279 And instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle. 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:30.319 And it shall make a name for the Lord. 00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:32.340 An everlasting sign. 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:34.420 That shall not be cut off. 00:30:35.779 --> 00:30:37.740 What is this everlasting sign? 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:42.660 It is nothing less than a transformed people. 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:45.880 In a transformed world. 00:30:47.519 --> 00:30:50.420 Which will point to who and what the Lord is. 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:55.560 And this is the fulfilment of God's great plan. 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:56.360 God's purposes. 00:30:56.600 --> 00:30:57.980 It's where history is heading. 00:30:59.820 --> 00:31:02.779 That repentance leads to a new reality. 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:08.279 That as you and I come and turn and hear and forsake. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:11.539 To the one who is the true object of our thirst. 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:13.440 We are transformed. 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:18.880 And so we receive new emotions. 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:22.259 New emotional life such as joy. 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:25.840 And we enter into new relationships. 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:29.100 And expectations which are expressed here as peace. 00:31:29.519 --> 00:31:30.980 And we are under new ownership. 00:31:32.100 --> 00:31:33.039 And new care. 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:35.160 And that is why we are led forth. 00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:40.600 And Isaiah says this personal transformation. 00:31:40.840 --> 00:31:41.680 Which begins now. 00:31:41.800 --> 00:31:44.920 Which many in this room are beginning to experience. 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:50.440 One day will be brought to completion. 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:54.800 And one day there will be a new environment. 00:31:56.500 --> 00:32:01.200 And a new earth will be released from its bondage to decay. 00:32:01.340 --> 00:32:01.940 Romans 8. 00:32:02.600 --> 00:32:04.279 And corruption and curse. 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:07.619 And it will share in the freedom and the liberty of those who belong to God. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:10.899 And that's the significance isn't it. 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:13.599 Of the disappearance of the thorn bush and the briars. 00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:18.019 It symbolises the removal of the curse. 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:21.819 That has entered the world. 00:32:22.059 --> 00:32:23.440 As a result of sin. 00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:26.700 We'll sing in a minute. 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:28.180 Joy to the world. 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:29.539 The Lord has come. 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:32.460 No more let sins or sorrows grow. 00:32:32.460 --> 00:32:34.660 Nor thorns infest the ground. 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:37.740 He comes to make his blessings flow. 00:32:38.120 --> 00:32:40.400 Far as the curse is found. 00:32:40.400 --> 00:32:46.440 One day God will take the curse away. 00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:51.320 And it's part of the sign of this everlasting covenant. 00:32:51.460 --> 00:32:52.780 That the curse will be removed. 00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:58.700 And creation will explode in fresh joy and praise. 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:02.500 Inanimate creation. 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:04.500 Trees will clap their hands. 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:09.180 Mountains will sin. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:15.839 And this will be the main focus of the rest of the book of Isaiah that we'll see in coming weeks. 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:19.899 This is the final outcome of the work of the servant. 00:33:21.959 --> 00:33:25.419 This is the outcome of his defeat of sin and death. 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:27.179 But yes on a cosmic level. 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:28.559 Not just in your little life. 00:33:31.079 --> 00:33:32.919 But through his death and resurrection. 00:33:33.220 --> 00:33:35.799 It is nothing less than the full realisation. 00:33:36.259 --> 00:33:38.199 Of all that God has promised from the beginning. 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:44.319 And that is what your future looks like if you've come to God. 00:33:45.519 --> 00:33:47.519 If you trust in Jesus. 00:33:47.779 --> 00:33:51.519 All the promises of God find their yes. 00:33:52.519 --> 00:33:53.380 In Jesus. 00:33:53.380 --> 00:34:01.160 So that in him we find final full satisfaction. 00:34:02.120 --> 00:34:03.420 Of our thirst. 00:34:04.800 --> 00:34:09.260 In him we find a place in which we look forward to. 00:34:09.340 --> 00:34:11.079 Where there will be a whole new environment. 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:17.400 And so here in Jesus is the only place. 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:21.180 That can truly make the claim to be the happiest place on earth. 00:34:23.380 --> 00:34:25.180 You become the perfect family. 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:28.180 You get the perfect job. 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:30.800 You get the perfect wife. 00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:33.420 You become the perfect man. 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:36.820 It will not satisfy. 00:34:38.640 --> 00:34:40.340 It will not satisfy. 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:44.320 Jeremiah chapter 2. 00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:45.579 And talks about. 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:51.039 That their people have committed two sins. 00:34:51.039 --> 00:34:52.700 His people have committed two sins. 00:34:53.380 --> 00:34:57.059 That one that they've forsaken the living water. 00:34:57.180 --> 00:34:59.320 They've stopped finding their satisfaction in God. 00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:01.960 And they've gone to broken systems of water. 00:35:03.579 --> 00:35:05.860 Broken systems that don't work. 00:35:05.960 --> 00:35:06.800 That don't satisfy. 00:35:07.119 --> 00:35:08.119 As Christians we do that. 00:35:08.160 --> 00:35:08.539 Don't we? 00:35:10.440 --> 00:35:11.240 We know. 00:35:11.320 --> 00:35:11.660 Don't we? 00:35:11.720 --> 00:35:12.800 That true satisfaction. 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.660 Actually we know. 00:35:13.740 --> 00:35:15.160 Can only be found in God. 00:35:15.300 --> 00:35:17.039 True security can only be found in God. 00:35:17.340 --> 00:35:19.099 True worth can only be found in Christ. 00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:20.500 And yet we think. 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:21.400 If only I get this. 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.460 If only I achieve this. 00:35:22.519 --> 00:35:23.679 If only I do that. 00:35:27.519 --> 00:35:28.659 I'll find satisfaction. 00:35:30.639 --> 00:35:31.940 But it is in Christ. 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:34.440 And Christ's new heavens and new earth. 00:35:35.319 --> 00:35:36.920 That you and I will truly be satisfied. 00:35:39.480 --> 00:35:41.019 Malcolm Muggeridge was an author. 00:35:41.179 --> 00:35:41.799 And a journalist. 00:35:41.920 --> 00:35:42.839 And a media personality. 00:35:42.960 --> 00:35:44.059 Through much of the 20th century. 00:35:44.059 --> 00:35:46.340 And he wrote this. 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:46.679 He says. 00:35:47.259 --> 00:35:47.599 I may. 00:35:47.820 --> 00:35:48.440 I suppose. 00:35:48.539 --> 00:35:49.380 Regard myself. 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.039 Or pass. 00:35:50.360 --> 00:35:52.460 For being a relatively successful man. 00:35:53.579 --> 00:35:55.920 People occasionally stare at me in the street. 00:35:56.159 --> 00:35:56.960 That's fame. 00:35:58.480 --> 00:36:00.840 I can fairly easily earn enough. 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:01.900 To qualify for admission. 00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:02.820 To the highest slopes. 00:36:02.920 --> 00:36:04.360 Of the internal revenue. 00:36:04.799 --> 00:36:05.759 That's success. 00:36:07.320 --> 00:36:08.320 Furnished with money. 00:36:08.460 --> 00:36:09.320 And a little fame. 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:10.239 Even the elderly. 00:36:10.420 --> 00:36:11.320 If they may care. 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:13.320 To partake of trendy diversions. 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:14.940 That's pleasure. 00:36:16.139 --> 00:36:17.460 It might happen once in a while. 00:36:17.539 --> 00:36:18.400 But something I said. 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:18.920 Or wrote. 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:20.099 Was sufficiently heeded. 00:36:20.179 --> 00:36:21.480 For me to persuade myself. 00:36:21.799 --> 00:36:22.799 That it represented. 00:36:22.920 --> 00:36:24.039 A serious impact. 00:36:24.159 --> 00:36:24.880 On our time. 00:36:25.599 --> 00:36:26.079 That's. 00:36:26.360 --> 00:36:27.000 Fulfillment. 00:36:29.139 --> 00:36:29.679 Yet. 00:36:29.799 --> 00:36:30.860 I say to you. 00:36:31.539 --> 00:36:32.659 And I beg you. 00:36:32.699 --> 00:36:33.400 To believe me. 00:36:33.960 --> 00:36:35.799 Multiply these tiny triumphs. 00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:36.539 By a million. 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:38.380 Add them all together. 00:36:38.759 --> 00:36:40.119 And they are nothing less. 00:36:40.119 --> 00:36:42.279 Than a positive impediment. 00:36:42.280 --> 00:36:44.580 Against that one draft. 00:36:44.800 --> 00:36:45.920 Of living water. 00:36:46.560 --> 00:36:47.560 Christ offers. 00:36:47.800 --> 00:36:49.840 To the spiritually thirsty. 00:36:50.560 --> 00:36:52.860 Irrespective of who or what they are. 00:36:55.100 --> 00:36:57.420 Here is God's extravagance. 00:36:58.880 --> 00:37:00.960 And staggering invitation. 00:37:01.220 --> 00:37:03.180 To every single one of you. 00:37:04.480 --> 00:37:06.080 He says come to me. 00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:08.699 Come to me. 00:37:09.840 --> 00:37:11.000 Buy from me. 00:37:11.739 --> 00:37:12.960 Or it will cost you no money. 00:37:14.960 --> 00:37:16.739 Because Christ has paid it all. 00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:21.360 And I will satisfy your ultimate thirst. 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:24.179 That's great.