WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.280 Forever. We hear from the angel Gabriel in Luke 1 that no word from God shall be void of power. Would you pray with me? Lord, we thank you that your word is living and active. We thank you that it's the word of our sovereign king, the Lord of all. 00:00:21.280 --> 00:00:39.480 Lord, we pray, Lord, that your sovereignty, your kingship will be so clear, so evident. Lord, if there are those today here who are outside of your kingdom, we pray that you will draw them in by the work of your Holy Spirit, which only you can do. 00:00:39.479 --> 00:00:58.199 And Lord, for those of us who forget or who it seems like it's been a while that we've recognized your lordship over our lives, that you will make it impossible for us to walk away from here without you being the established king over our lives. 00:00:58.619 --> 00:01:04.039 We ask all of this by your power, for Christ's sake and for your glory alone. Amen. 00:01:09.480 --> 00:01:10.480 Amen. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:11.480 Amen. 00:01:11.480 --> 00:01:16.200 Whenever there's a change in regime, this creates a vacuum of power. 00:01:17.460 --> 00:01:25.540 Likely some of us have experienced something like that at work in the recent past, and it's even more painful in a church context. 00:01:26.600 --> 00:01:33.180 The definition of stress is when there's change forced upon us that's out of our control. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:37.940 And that's exactly what's happened to Israel. 00:01:38.820 --> 00:01:45.180 The Lord God, the Lord of hosts has made it very clear he is their king and their deliverer. 00:01:45.920 --> 00:01:48.200 But yet the people's hearts have wondered once again. 00:01:49.040 --> 00:01:55.360 They've chosen for themselves the tallest man in the nation to be like all the other countries around them. 00:01:56.480 --> 00:01:59.060 There's been a change in regime. 00:01:59.060 --> 00:02:01.400 They have a new king. 00:02:01.960 --> 00:02:02.939 And it's Saul. 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:07.100 So beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:02:09.340 --> 00:02:12.400 The message for us today is a cautionary tale. 00:02:12.539 --> 00:02:17.240 It's a warning from this passage about when God is not king. 00:02:17.800 --> 00:02:19.800 When God is not king. 00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:25.580 I have three observations as we read through this passage one more time together. 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:34.660 And then I hope to encourage you and exhort you with the contrast between Saul and the glorious Lord Jesus, the king of kings. 00:02:35.620 --> 00:02:37.120 Here's our first observation. 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:42.760 When God is not king, freedom becomes bondage. 00:02:43.320 --> 00:02:47.400 When God is not king, freedom becomes bondage. 00:02:47.400 --> 00:02:51.319 Would you look at verses 21 and 22? 00:02:52.520 --> 00:03:01.780 After the Lord gave this great victory through Jonathan, we're told that even those dissenters, those soldiers who had abandoned their post and just gone away. 00:03:02.340 --> 00:03:05.200 And the mercenaries, most likely as who's referred to that. 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:09.020 These are Israelites who had sold their services to go fight for the Philistines. 00:03:09.379 --> 00:03:12.200 As the Philistines fighter against all the other neighboring nations. 00:03:12.199 --> 00:03:17.719 Well, now they see the tide of the war turning and they come back to fight on Israel's side as well. 00:03:18.979 --> 00:03:21.519 We left off last week with verse 23. 00:03:21.739 --> 00:03:25.799 So the Lord saved Israel that day. 00:03:26.339 --> 00:03:28.039 Do you see that in verse 23? 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:34.539 Now pick up on that phrase that day and look at where verse 24 starts again. 00:03:35.539 --> 00:03:38.239 The men of Israel were distressed that day. 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:41.939 See, that day was a day of great freedom. 00:03:42.219 --> 00:03:45.260 Their oppressors, the Philistines, had been defeated by the Lord. 00:03:46.439 --> 00:03:52.219 That same day, a day that should have been a day of freedom, became a day of bondage. 00:03:52.580 --> 00:03:54.719 Because the Lord is not their king. 00:03:55.480 --> 00:03:56.379 So verse 23. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:03:59.120 So the Lord saved Israel that day. 00:03:59.120 --> 00:04:04.000 It's an allusion to Exodus 1430, which says, listen for the similarity. 00:04:04.920 --> 00:04:08.840 So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians. 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:11.439 Referring to their bondage and slavery. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:16.079 And the battle, now we read in our passage, is shifted to Beth-Avon. 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:19.379 In Hebrew, that means the house of trouble. 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:23.680 The Exodus has now been reversed now with Saul. 00:04:24.379 --> 00:04:27.120 Stepping into the spotlight in the place of Jonathan. 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:29.480 The first half of this chapter, wonderful. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:31.439 Here's a man relying on the Lord. 00:04:31.560 --> 00:04:33.100 It's the Lord's battle to win. 00:04:33.819 --> 00:04:39.579 And as Saul steps into the spotlight in front of Jonathan, once again, house of trouble. 00:04:40.920 --> 00:04:41.939 The promised land. 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:46.360 The army of God is now distressed. 00:04:47.680 --> 00:04:48.180 Verse 24. 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:53.680 The men of Israel were distressed that day for Saul had placed the people under oath. 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:58.420 Saul is the source of their distress or their oppression or their bondage. 00:04:58.860 --> 00:04:59.920 What was it that Saul said? 00:05:00.579 --> 00:05:01.019 Cursed. 00:05:01.900 --> 00:05:05.340 First words out of his mouth on a great day of victory. 00:05:06.139 --> 00:05:09.340 Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening. 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:14.579 Now notice what Saul's motive is and the words he says next. 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:20.839 Before I, first person singular, red flag for leadership. 00:05:21.379 --> 00:05:25.199 Before I have taken vengeance on my enemies. 00:05:25.620 --> 00:05:27.199 First person singular again. 00:05:28.680 --> 00:05:31.419 Saul fails to recognize what Jonathan did recognize. 00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:33.759 That the battle is the Lord's. 00:05:35.500 --> 00:05:37.279 And he has authority to do this. 00:05:37.339 --> 00:05:37.919 He's the king. 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:39.719 The king the people wanted. 00:05:39.720 --> 00:05:43.220 So none of the people tasted food. 00:05:43.720 --> 00:05:45.540 Now listen to the similarity again here. 00:05:45.980 --> 00:05:47.060 Exodus 3, 7. 00:05:47.460 --> 00:05:51.460 The Lord said, I have surely seen the oppression. 00:05:51.640 --> 00:05:52.280 It's the same word. 00:05:52.360 --> 00:05:56.000 I have seen the distress of my people who are in Egypt. 00:05:56.200 --> 00:05:59.740 And I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. 00:06:00.220 --> 00:06:01.720 Their slave owners, the Egyptians. 00:06:02.260 --> 00:06:03.920 For I knew their sorrows. 00:06:04.340 --> 00:06:08.540 And I have come down to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians. 00:06:08.540 --> 00:06:11.540 And he brought them into the promised land. 00:06:11.640 --> 00:06:12.720 But now look what's happened. 00:06:13.520 --> 00:06:15.720 The exodus has been reversed. 00:06:16.580 --> 00:06:20.040 They're back under slavery to the king of their own choosing. 00:06:21.660 --> 00:06:25.180 The people rejected God who redeemed them. 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:30.080 Who secured their freedom in order to have a king like all the nations. 00:06:30.740 --> 00:06:31.740 And what did they get? 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:34.640 They got a king like all the other nations. 00:06:34.640 --> 00:06:38.439 They got their very own Pharaoh in the place of God. 00:06:38.540 --> 00:06:41.400 We read in verse 25. 00:06:41.580 --> 00:06:44.060 Now all the people of the land came to a forest. 00:06:44.760 --> 00:06:46.060 And there was honey on the ground. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:48.319 When the people had come into the woods. 00:06:48.960 --> 00:06:49.960 There was honey dripping. 00:06:50.660 --> 00:06:52.280 But no one put his hand to his mouth. 00:06:52.379 --> 00:06:54.500 For the people feared the oath. 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:56.720 Let me summarize for us. 00:06:56.800 --> 00:06:57.780 That this oath said. 00:06:58.060 --> 00:07:00.820 As long as we're pursuing the Philistines this day. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:02.120 During the daytime. 00:07:02.460 --> 00:07:03.500 And driving them away. 00:07:03.580 --> 00:07:04.259 Don't eat anything. 00:07:04.379 --> 00:07:05.000 That was Saul's oath. 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:06.540 It's very specific to the day. 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:07.120 In other words. 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:08.100 When it comes to the evening. 00:07:08.100 --> 00:07:09.620 And we're done driving away the Philistines. 00:07:09.760 --> 00:07:10.800 Then it's done. 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:12.700 But he's making it very clear. 00:07:12.760 --> 00:07:14.960 As they're pushing the Philistines away in the forest. 00:07:14.960 --> 00:07:16.439 There's so much honey. 00:07:16.600 --> 00:07:17.800 That the bees have made it. 00:07:17.900 --> 00:07:20.200 It's dripping from the trees onto the ground. 00:07:20.240 --> 00:07:21.160 It's just sitting there. 00:07:21.400 --> 00:07:21.900 A comb. 00:07:22.320 --> 00:07:23.280 Ready to be tasted. 00:07:25.200 --> 00:07:25.980 Verse 27. 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:31.620 Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath. 00:07:32.340 --> 00:07:34.840 What's the difference between an oath and a vow? 00:07:35.840 --> 00:07:38.140 We discussed this with the men. 00:07:38.340 --> 00:07:40.400 Our confession helps us with this. 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:42.800 An oath is among men. 00:07:42.960 --> 00:07:43.980 Or among people. 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:45.000 Before God. 00:07:45.640 --> 00:07:47.280 A vow is a promise to God. 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:50.080 So we should really say our wedding oaths. 00:07:50.140 --> 00:07:51.400 Because it's among people. 00:07:51.720 --> 00:07:52.780 In the presence of God. 00:07:52.779 --> 00:07:52.819 God. 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:56.399 But Jonathan had not heard this oath. 00:07:56.619 --> 00:07:59.219 And therefore he stretched out the end of his rod. 00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:00.439 Can you picture this children? 00:08:01.299 --> 00:08:02.619 He had this rod in his hand. 00:08:02.619 --> 00:08:04.539 As he's charging through the forest. 00:08:04.559 --> 00:08:05.839 And he dips it in the honeycomb. 00:08:06.279 --> 00:08:07.439 Brings it up and licks it. 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:10.159 And we read that. 00:08:10.459 --> 00:08:12.159 As he put his hand to his mouth. 00:08:12.359 --> 00:08:13.559 His countenance. 00:08:13.619 --> 00:08:14.839 His face or appearance. 00:08:15.419 --> 00:08:15.859 Brightened. 00:08:16.579 --> 00:08:18.000 Then one of the people said. 00:08:18.339 --> 00:08:20.839 Your father strictly charged the people with an oath. 00:08:20.839 --> 00:08:23.459 Saying cursed is the man who eats this food. 00:08:23.739 --> 00:08:24.439 This day. 00:08:27.619 --> 00:08:30.560 We have an illustration of a foolish king. 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:31.839 A foolish man. 00:08:32.559 --> 00:08:34.519 Saul's oath was most foolish. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:35.679 The result. 00:08:36.220 --> 00:08:37.199 The end of verse 28. 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:39.120 Is that the people were faint. 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:42.159 Jonathan said. 00:08:42.240 --> 00:08:45.259 My father has troubled the land. 00:08:45.259 --> 00:08:49.279 Another allusion here to. 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:52.279 When the people were invading this promised land. 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:54.019 And the Lord gave him very strict orders. 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:55.200 Of what to do with the loot. 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:56.639 And then a man named Achan. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:08:57.759 Disobeyed the Lord. 00:08:58.319 --> 00:08:59.639 That's how he was described. 00:08:59.879 --> 00:09:01.799 Achan troubled the land. 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:02.620 With his sin. 00:09:04.299 --> 00:09:05.799 And now Jonathan says this. 00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:06.740 Of King Saul. 00:09:08.159 --> 00:09:09.039 Jonathan says. 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:10.419 Look at my countenance. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:10.980 It's brightened. 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:12.720 Because I tasted a little. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:13.819 Of this honey. 00:09:13.820 --> 00:09:17.180 See Jonathan's faith in the Lord. 00:09:17.180 --> 00:09:18.800 Is associated with honey. 00:09:19.320 --> 00:09:20.760 That fills the bloodstream. 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:22.260 With healthy nutrients. 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:23.520 And brings light. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:24.680 To the eyes. 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:26.400 That's a faith. 00:09:26.520 --> 00:09:27.440 That we need more of. 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:29.080 Verse 30. 00:09:29.140 --> 00:09:29.940 How much better. 00:09:30.540 --> 00:09:31.280 Jonathan says. 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:33.440 If the people had eaten freely today. 00:09:33.600 --> 00:09:35.280 Of the spoil of their enemies. 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:36.120 Which they found. 00:09:36.720 --> 00:09:37.460 For now. 00:09:37.760 --> 00:09:38.640 Would they not have. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:40.460 Been much a greater slaughter. 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:41.540 Among the Philistines. 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:45.179 But Saul. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.039 Like Adam. 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:47.899 As we just read. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:48.799 In Romans 5. 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:50.339 Has cursed. 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:51.480 All the people. 00:09:52.339 --> 00:09:53.259 In his whole line. 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:55.000 Each man's. 00:09:55.379 --> 00:09:55.679 Sin. 00:09:56.459 --> 00:09:57.860 Led to their son's. 00:09:58.039 --> 00:09:59.120 Death sentence. 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:02.620 Right after Adam's sins. 00:10:03.079 --> 00:10:03.439 Abel. 00:10:03.819 --> 00:10:04.159 Dies. 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:05.799 Now. 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:06.799 Saul's sin. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:07.819 Publicly. 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:08.379 Leads to. 00:10:09.179 --> 00:10:09.959 A death sentence. 00:10:10.019 --> 00:10:10.759 Upon Jonathan. 00:10:13.439 --> 00:10:15.019 When God is not king. 00:10:15.819 --> 00:10:17.059 This was true of Adam. 00:10:17.319 --> 00:10:18.000 It was true of Saul. 00:10:18.059 --> 00:10:19.039 And it's true of you and me. 00:10:19.240 --> 00:10:20.620 When God is not king. 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:21.419 Freedom. 00:10:22.019 --> 00:10:22.419 Becomes. 00:10:22.899 --> 00:10:23.379 Bondage. 00:10:23.699 --> 00:10:23.939 Amen. 00:10:25.219 --> 00:10:26.000 Jesus said. 00:10:26.079 --> 00:10:26.839 In John 8. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:27.459 34. 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:29.480 Whoever commits a sin. 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:31.059 Is a slave. 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:32.000 To sin. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:35.940 It's like a college student. 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:37.779 Goes off. 00:10:37.860 --> 00:10:38.860 Away from the home. 00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:39.820 For the first time. 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.340 I'm finally free. 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:46.179 Only to learn. 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:48.059 After a couple of months. 00:10:48.059 --> 00:10:48.659 Or less. 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:50.059 That self-indulgence. 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:50.960 Quickly becomes. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:51.639 Bondage. 00:10:51.940 --> 00:10:52.759 In some cases. 00:10:52.960 --> 00:10:53.440 Addiction. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:55.480 And. 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:56.379 Christ's words. 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:57.200 Are proven true. 00:10:58.139 --> 00:10:59.419 When he is not king. 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:00.320 We are slaves. 00:11:00.639 --> 00:11:01.100 To sin. 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:04.139 That's the first. 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:04.980 Observation. 00:11:05.940 --> 00:11:06.800 The second one is this. 00:11:06.899 --> 00:11:08.139 When God is not king. 00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:10.300 Blessings become. 00:11:10.820 --> 00:11:11.300 Curses. 00:11:12.139 --> 00:11:13.500 When God is not king. 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:14.700 Blessings become. 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:15.560 Curses. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:18.480 Notice how. 00:11:19.040 --> 00:11:20.180 Saul's put a curse. 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:21.320 On the whole. 00:11:21.420 --> 00:11:21.879 Land. 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:22.480 The whole people. 00:11:23.259 --> 00:11:24.040 And his religion. 00:11:24.040 --> 00:11:25.379 Is now calling an army. 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:26.759 To fight against the enemy. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:27.800 Under the threat. 00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:28.420 Of a curse. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:30.199 That's the type of. 00:11:30.959 --> 00:11:31.439 Kingdom. 00:11:31.719 --> 00:11:32.620 The type of sovereignty. 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:33.819 Saul is establishing. 00:11:34.459 --> 00:11:35.079 In verse 31. 00:11:35.199 --> 00:11:35.759 We read now. 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:36.979 They had driven back. 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:37.699 The Philistines. 00:11:37.899 --> 00:11:38.699 That day. 00:11:39.339 --> 00:11:39.519 From. 00:11:39.899 --> 00:11:40.419 Michmash. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:41.000 To. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:41.919 Ijalon. 00:11:43.779 --> 00:11:44.279 Michmash. 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:44.639 Remember. 00:11:44.839 --> 00:11:45.599 Is in Benjamin. 00:11:46.319 --> 00:11:47.579 Is just through that pass. 00:11:47.659 --> 00:11:48.159 Where Jonathan. 00:11:48.259 --> 00:11:48.860 And his armor bear. 00:11:49.059 --> 00:11:49.500 Stormed. 00:11:49.979 --> 00:11:50.939 The garrison. 00:11:51.099 --> 00:11:52.019 Of the Philistines. 00:11:52.779 --> 00:11:53.100 And now. 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:53.620 They're pushing. 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:54.360 The Philistines. 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:55.439 Westward. 00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:56.159 Toward. 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:57.340 The Mediterranean Sea. 00:11:57.980 --> 00:11:58.399 Remember. 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.179 How the Philistines. 00:11:59.179 --> 00:12:00.059 Came from the island. 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:00.659 Of Crete. 00:12:01.059 --> 00:12:01.480 These were. 00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:02.439 Greek descendants. 00:12:03.100 --> 00:12:03.519 And they. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:04.079 They brought. 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:04.879 These traditions. 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:05.379 With them. 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:06.199 To the coast. 00:12:06.539 --> 00:12:07.240 From Egypt. 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:08.199 Up to the Mediterranean. 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:08.699 Coast. 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:10.220 And this is how far back. 00:12:10.299 --> 00:12:10.899 They pushed them. 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:13.000 I looked it up. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:13.539 And that's about. 00:12:13.799 --> 00:12:14.579 18 miles. 00:12:14.799 --> 00:12:15.000 You know. 00:12:15.059 --> 00:12:15.360 How far. 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:16.419 18 miles is. 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:17.679 Some of you. 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:18.259 Like to hop. 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:18.919 On your bicycle. 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:19.460 From here. 00:12:19.539 --> 00:12:20.159 And ride your bikes. 00:12:20.220 --> 00:12:21.139 On the Cherry Creek Trail. 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:21.519 All the way. 00:12:21.539 --> 00:12:22.460 To downtown Denver. 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:23.639 So you see. 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.620 The REI there. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.460 Or the ball arena. 00:12:25.460 --> 00:12:26.439 That's 18 miles. 00:12:26.439 --> 00:12:26.840 From here. 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:28.120 That's how far. 00:12:28.340 --> 00:12:29.139 They were driving. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:29.960 The Philistines. 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.080 If you're on a bike ride. 00:12:32.199 --> 00:12:32.960 My wife. 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:34.179 Has less reserves. 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:34.659 Than I do. 00:12:34.740 --> 00:12:34.960 You know. 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:35.720 So she might say. 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:36.419 My blood sugar. 00:12:36.419 --> 00:12:37.080 Is getting low. 00:12:37.139 --> 00:12:37.439 I need. 00:12:37.439 --> 00:12:38.639 A protein bar. 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:38.980 Some. 00:12:39.460 --> 00:12:39.580 You know. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:40.419 Maybe some honey. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.179 It's exactly. 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:42.080 What Jonathan needed. 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:42.860 The all the army. 00:12:43.059 --> 00:12:43.419 Needed this. 00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:44.919 Over 18 miles. 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:47.080 Well. 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:47.480 The people. 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:48.379 Were very faint. 00:12:48.679 --> 00:12:49.220 Verse 32. 00:12:49.319 --> 00:12:49.720 The people. 00:12:49.899 --> 00:12:50.340 Rushed. 00:12:50.340 --> 00:12:51.540 On the spoil. 00:12:51.540 --> 00:12:52.460 As they went. 00:12:53.040 --> 00:12:53.860 They took sheep. 00:12:54.280 --> 00:12:54.759 Oxen. 00:12:54.960 --> 00:12:55.500 And calves. 00:12:55.980 --> 00:12:56.920 And slaughtered them. 00:12:57.160 --> 00:12:57.800 On the ground. 00:12:58.920 --> 00:12:59.600 And the people. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:00.420 Ate them. 00:13:00.639 --> 00:13:01.399 With the blood. 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:03.120 We most likely. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:03.840 Have a room full. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:04.500 Of city people. 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:04.740 Here. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.879 Who don't understand. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.620 What these details. 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:07.120 Are saying. 00:13:07.680 --> 00:13:08.940 How is it supposed to go? 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:10.200 I remember. 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:10.860 On the farm. 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:11.800 In Brazil. 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:13.040 It was a. 00:13:13.040 --> 00:13:13.660 A cow. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:14.440 Lifted up. 00:13:14.540 --> 00:13:15.860 By one of the hind legs. 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:17.180 With a tractor. 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:17.779 In a chain. 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:18.339 Like this. 00:13:18.859 --> 00:13:20.399 And you slit the throat. 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:21.199 While the heart. 00:13:21.199 --> 00:13:21.959 Is still beating. 00:13:22.199 --> 00:13:23.139 Why do you do that kids? 00:13:24.559 --> 00:13:24.919 Well. 00:13:24.959 --> 00:13:25.279 The heart. 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:25.879 Is pumping. 00:13:26.239 --> 00:13:26.539 Blood. 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:27.539 Out of the cow. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:29.000 Till it drains out. 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:31.259 And if you don't do that. 00:13:31.319 --> 00:13:32.139 Then these muscles. 00:13:32.459 --> 00:13:32.559 Are. 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.779 Are going to have that blood. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.479 Sitting in them. 00:13:34.599 --> 00:13:35.039 And we're told. 00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:35.719 That these people. 00:13:35.839 --> 00:13:36.239 As they're. 00:13:36.599 --> 00:13:36.939 Remember. 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:37.379 Some of these. 00:13:37.439 --> 00:13:38.120 Are mercenaries. 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:38.739 And dissenters. 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:39.459 It's a rough. 00:13:39.819 --> 00:13:40.139 Crowd. 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:41.959 God has not been their king. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:42.779 For a long time. 00:13:43.099 --> 00:13:44.139 And here's these cows. 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:45.179 They probably didn't even know. 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:45.939 The ceremonial. 00:13:46.039 --> 00:13:46.799 Or civil laws. 00:13:47.199 --> 00:13:48.279 And they're just slaughtering. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:49.419 And some commentators. 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:49.720 Think. 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:50.500 They were just. 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:51.379 You know. 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:52.299 Stuffing their mouths. 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:53.120 With raw meat. 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:54.679 Can you picture an army. 00:13:54.819 --> 00:13:54.960 You know. 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:56.139 Blood on their noses. 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:56.620 And mouths. 00:13:56.699 --> 00:13:57.159 And beards. 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:57.720 And hands. 00:13:58.139 --> 00:13:58.460 And they're. 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:59.399 No wonder the Philistines. 00:13:59.460 --> 00:14:00.699 Are running away so fast. 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:02.220 But that's what they're doing. 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:05.279 So we have a lot of sins. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:05.519 Now. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:06.319 Piling up. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.519 One on top of the other. 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:13.279 Verse 33. 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.480 Then they. 00:14:14.839 --> 00:14:15.620 So someone else. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.419 Had to point out. 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:17.120 How this too. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:17.939 Is now a sin. 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:19.620 Things are not getting better. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:20.759 They. 00:14:21.199 --> 00:14:22.120 Told Saul. 00:14:23.000 --> 00:14:24.379 He did not have the conviction. 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:24.860 Nor. 00:14:25.319 --> 00:14:25.480 The. 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:26.399 The fourth. 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:27.220 Foresight. 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.819 Nor the fear of God. 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:29.319 Maybe even. 00:14:29.399 --> 00:14:30.399 Not even the knowledge. 00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:31.199 Of God's law. 00:14:31.600 --> 00:14:32.579 He's always reacting. 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.059 And they said. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:34.259 Look. 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:35.139 The people are sinning. 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:35.799 Against the Lord. 00:14:35.839 --> 00:14:36.339 By eating. 00:14:36.339 --> 00:14:37.360 With the blood. 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:39.399 Jonathan's faith. 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:40.419 Proved that. 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:41.559 Nothing can restrain. 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:41.839 God. 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:42.439 From saving. 00:14:42.439 --> 00:14:43.000 With power. 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:43.279 But. 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:44.419 Saul's religion. 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.200 Was powerless. 00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:46.500 To restrain. 00:14:46.919 --> 00:14:47.679 The lusts. 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:48.179 Of men. 00:14:48.820 --> 00:14:49.539 To satisfy. 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:50.759 The cravings. 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:52.120 Of their flesh. 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:56.679 This is a cautionary tale. 00:14:57.440 --> 00:14:58.299 Saul's religion. 00:14:58.659 --> 00:14:59.519 Is too weak. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:00.580 To satisfy. 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:01.759 And restrain. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:02.980 The cravings. 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:03.620 Of the lust. 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.379 Of the flesh. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:04.980 It can't. 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:07.639 So how does Saul handle this? 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:08.419 He said. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.759 You have dealt treacherously. 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:11.679 Roll a large stone. 00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:12.099 To me. 00:15:12.099 --> 00:15:12.099 00:15:12.099 --> 00:15:12.799 This day. 00:15:13.279 --> 00:15:14.019 So they make. 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:14.959 A stone table. 00:15:15.459 --> 00:15:16.239 At least here. 00:15:16.239 --> 00:15:17.039 You can prop up. 00:15:17.219 --> 00:15:18.019 The carcass. 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:18.959 Of this dead animal. 00:15:19.339 --> 00:15:20.259 While the heart's still beating. 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:21.339 And do what you have to do. 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:22.559 To prepare it. 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:23.739 But by now. 00:15:23.819 --> 00:15:24.339 It's too late. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:25.339 The sins already been. 00:15:25.719 --> 00:15:26.159 Committed. 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.799 We're told. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:30.039 This was the first altar. 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:30.719 That he built. 00:15:30.719 --> 00:15:31.500 To the Lord. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.379 It's just a comment. 00:15:34.579 --> 00:15:35.179 Thrown in there. 00:15:35.339 --> 00:15:35.480 But. 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:37.199 From the context. 00:15:37.339 --> 00:15:38.319 We can understand. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.000 That Saul is. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:39.459 A man. 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.120 Taking things. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.120 Into his own hands. 00:15:41.459 --> 00:15:42.319 Not listening. 00:15:42.319 --> 00:15:42.980 To Samuel. 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:43.839 Who's still alive. 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.439 And thriving. 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:45.459 And present. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.000 And doing. 00:15:47.319 --> 00:15:48.639 Whatever he sees fit. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:50.399 Approaching God. 00:15:50.439 --> 00:15:50.839 In whatever. 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:52.440 Way he deems best. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.580 He being Saul. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:55.120 It's a man. 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:55.940 Centered. 00:15:56.280 --> 00:15:56.680 Religion. 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.560 We read that. 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.600 In verse 36. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:04.759 Saul said. 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:05.680 Let us go down. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.580 After the Philistines. 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:07.100 By night. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.000 And plunder them. 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:08.980 Until the morning. 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:09.620 Light. 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:12.899 See the altar. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:13.740 Was meant to be. 00:16:13.920 --> 00:16:14.860 A place of communion. 00:16:15.740 --> 00:16:17.120 A place of grace. 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.340 Saul is simply. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.060 Reacting. 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:20.800 To the pressures. 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:21.500 Of the crowd. 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.399 And pursuing. 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:23.320 His own agenda. 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:24.240 And now. 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:24.960 He's got another. 00:16:25.100 --> 00:16:25.560 Great idea. 00:16:26.540 --> 00:16:27.440 Let's keep this. 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:28.480 Going through the night. 00:16:29.180 --> 00:16:30.360 Let's keep chasing them. 00:16:31.860 --> 00:16:32.680 And then the priest. 00:16:32.680 --> 00:16:33.500 Has to stop him. 00:16:33.540 --> 00:16:33.720 And say. 00:16:33.800 --> 00:16:34.040 Hold on. 00:16:34.080 --> 00:16:35.160 Let's draw near to God. 00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:35.340 Here. 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.280 We just built an altar. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:37.220 Remember the last time. 00:16:37.280 --> 00:16:38.519 The priest was putting his hand in. 00:16:38.680 --> 00:16:39.759 What's the will of the Lord. 00:16:40.160 --> 00:16:41.280 Saul was in too big a hurry. 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:42.300 He heard the Philistines. 00:16:42.440 --> 00:16:43.139 Didn't have time. 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:43.920 To listen to God. 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:45.259 They just built an altar. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:46.100 Now he's trying to get us. 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:46.700 To all go out. 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.120 Everybody's saying. 00:16:48.240 --> 00:16:49.000 Pump the brakes. 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:49.300 Saul. 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:55.019 We read in verse 37. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:57.299 That Saul asked. 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.339 Counsel of God. 00:16:58.779 --> 00:17:00.299 Shall I go down after the Philistines? 00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:01.519 Will you deliver them. 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.939 Into the hand of Israel? 00:17:02.940 --> 00:17:04.900 But he. 00:17:05.100 --> 00:17:05.600 The Lord. 00:17:05.799 --> 00:17:06.840 Did not answer. 00:17:07.059 --> 00:17:07.380 Saul. 00:17:07.900 --> 00:17:08.700 That day. 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:11.120 The big question. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.120 By the end of this passage. 00:17:12.120 --> 00:17:12.720 Is going to be. 00:17:12.820 --> 00:17:13.920 Whose sin. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:16.019 Is God holding to account here? 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.320 This silence. 00:17:18.860 --> 00:17:19.860 Speaks volumes. 00:17:20.860 --> 00:17:21.559 The Lord. 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:22.160 Did not. 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:22.820 Answer. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.320 Saul. 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:25.380 So verse 38. 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.019 Saul said. 00:17:26.100 --> 00:17:26.740 Come over here. 00:17:26.820 --> 00:17:27.600 All you chiefs. 00:17:27.600 --> 00:17:28.140 Of the people. 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:29.640 You know. 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:30.400 And you see. 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:31.940 What this sin was today. 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:33.740 If God won't speak to me. 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:34.860 Then I'll go ask the crowds. 00:17:35.420 --> 00:17:36.060 Let me do a poll. 00:17:36.140 --> 00:17:36.620 A survey. 00:17:38.560 --> 00:17:39.380 Instead of waiting. 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:40.460 To take your marching orders. 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.160 From the Lord. 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.140 Let's. 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:43.200 See which way. 00:17:43.280 --> 00:17:43.940 The wind's blowing. 00:17:46.860 --> 00:17:47.680 Saul's religion. 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.800 Was an outward. 00:17:49.280 --> 00:17:49.500 Show. 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:51.720 By a rejected king. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:52.980 Propping up. 00:17:53.079 --> 00:17:54.259 A rejected priest. 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:55.380 Remember the line of Eli. 00:17:55.440 --> 00:17:56.140 Had been cut off. 00:17:56.140 --> 00:17:56.720 Cut off. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:59.140 To publicly execute. 00:17:59.920 --> 00:18:00.319 The man. 00:18:00.460 --> 00:18:00.880 Jonathan. 00:18:01.160 --> 00:18:02.339 Whom God saved. 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:03.880 Used to save the nation. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:05.559 Jonathan. 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:06.319 Had a faith. 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:07.420 Built upon God. 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:09.180 Keeping his promises. 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.259 To sinners. 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:12.420 Saul. 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.099 Had a religion. 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:14.279 Built upon sinners. 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:15.940 Keeping their promises. 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:17.140 To God. 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:22.960 When God. 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:23.759 Is not king. 00:18:23.880 --> 00:18:24.319 Blessings. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.359 Become curses. 00:18:27.779 --> 00:18:28.339 Saul. 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:28.700 Turns. 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.420 This blessing. 00:18:29.619 --> 00:18:30.380 Of being gathered. 00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:31.259 Around the altar. 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:31.940 It's a picture. 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:32.599 Of Christ. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.559 His shed blood. 00:18:34.640 --> 00:18:35.359 And he. 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.319 Piles on. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:37.079 Another vow. 00:18:37.319 --> 00:18:37.960 Another attempt. 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:38.480 From man. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.299 To make a promise. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.059 To God. 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:40.900 In verse 39. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.880 For as the Lord lives. 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:43.960 He's going to swear. 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:44.759 On the living Lord. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.039 Now. 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:46.619 Who saves Israel. 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.779 Though it be. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:48.680 In Jonathan. 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:49.380 My son. 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:50.420 This sin. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.220 Then even. 00:18:51.380 --> 00:18:51.759 Jonathan. 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:52.740 Shall surely die. 00:18:55.059 --> 00:18:55.660 Beware. 00:18:55.720 --> 00:18:56.599 Of a proud man. 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:57.339 In power. 00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.839 So quick. 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:00.940 To condemn others. 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.480 Blind. 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.619 To his own sin. 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.180 Thinking. 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:05.940 That this. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:07.180 Is his. 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:07.660 Kingdom. 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:09.779 His battle. 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:10.759 And it's his. 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.099 Honor. 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:11.660 On the line. 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:14.579 He's slow. 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:15.000 To see. 00:19:15.119 --> 00:19:15.960 What is obvious. 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:16.940 To all. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:20.019 The battle. 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:20.820 Is the Lord's. 00:19:21.360 --> 00:19:22.299 This is his kingdom. 00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.420 These are his. 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.059 People. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.559 And notice. 00:19:26.820 --> 00:19:27.440 In verse. 00:19:27.820 --> 00:19:28.299 39. 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.160 He gets the same. 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:29.980 Silent treatment. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.820 From all the people. 00:19:30.820 --> 00:19:31.880 As he got from God. 00:19:32.100 --> 00:19:33.039 Not a man. 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.400 Among all the people. 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:35.299 Answered him. 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:39.400 When God is not king. 00:19:39.779 --> 00:19:40.220 Blessings. 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:40.880 Become. 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:41.759 Curses. 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:44.640 Third observation. 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:46.180 When God is not king. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.619 Even the sweetest victory. 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.099 Tastes. 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:50.140 Like bitter. 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.000 Defeat. 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:53.319 When God is not king. 00:19:53.400 --> 00:19:54.779 Even the sweetest victory. 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.160 Tastes like bitter. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.200 Defeat. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.279 So. 00:20:00.379 --> 00:20:00.619 Saw. 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:01.379 Says. 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:02.359 We're going to find out. 00:20:02.640 --> 00:20:03.579 Who committed this sin. 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:04.799 That's keeping God silent. 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:05.680 We got to find out. 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:07.460 He gathers everyone. 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.400 In front of him here. 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:10.420 In verse 40. 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:10.900 He says. 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:11.700 To all Israel. 00:20:11.900 --> 00:20:13.400 You be on one side. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:15.060 All you Israel. 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:15.860 The whole nation. 00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:17.019 And my son. 00:20:17.060 --> 00:20:17.420 Jonathan. 00:20:17.420 --> 00:20:18.740 And I will be on the other one. 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:20.039 Can you picture this courtroom. 00:20:20.580 --> 00:20:21.720 That King Saul. 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:22.620 Has now set up. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.240 To judge. 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.759 And to try to discern. 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:25.380 From God. 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.440 Who is sinning. 00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:28.180 Father and son. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.180 On one side. 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:30.380 The people. 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:31.640 Of God's kingdom. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:32.580 On the other. 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.720 They're using. 00:20:36.140 --> 00:20:37.000 Something we don't know. 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.500 A lot about. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.120 From scripture. 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:38.680 The urim. 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:39.180 And thunim. 00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:40.460 And it's kind of. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.259 A heads or tails. 00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:42.660 A way of casting lots. 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:43.220 A or B. 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:43.980 It's a binary. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.720 Way to decide. 00:20:45.820 --> 00:20:46.380 Is it this. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:46.880 Or that. 00:20:49.360 --> 00:20:50.380 And what did the people. 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:51.140 Say to John. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.279 To King Saul. 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:53.259 In verse 40. 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:54.820 Do. 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:56.400 What seems good. 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:57.100 To you. 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:00.320 That language. 00:21:00.320 --> 00:21:00.840 Is language. 00:21:00.840 --> 00:21:01.640 From judges. 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:02.840 There was no king. 00:21:02.860 --> 00:21:03.259 In the land. 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.940 Everyone did. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:05.099 What seemed good. 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:06.359 In their own eyes. 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:07.680 And that's what the people. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:08.460 Are saying back. 00:21:08.879 --> 00:21:09.339 To Saul. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.220 It's no. 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:10.900 King. 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:11.599 Language. 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.480 Verse 41. 00:21:13.660 --> 00:21:13.839 Therefore. 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:15.079 Saul said to the Lord. 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:15.879 God of Israel. 00:21:16.599 --> 00:21:17.980 Give a perfect lot. 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:20.019 So Saul and Jonathan. 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:20.599 Were taken. 00:21:21.160 --> 00:21:21.720 But the people. 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.420 Escaped. 00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:23.579 Kids. 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.180 What that means. 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:24.599 Is that. 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.720 The binary option. 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.359 Was before. 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.140 The Lord. 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.319 Casting lots. 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.119 Putting it back. 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.059 In God's hands. 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:33.399 The people. 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:33.899 Were said. 00:21:34.419 --> 00:21:34.939 You're free. 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.159 The sin. 00:21:36.219 --> 00:21:36.799 Is not among. 00:21:36.979 --> 00:21:38.019 The entire nation. 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:38.559 Of Israel. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.559 Even those eating. 00:21:39.739 --> 00:21:40.239 The meat. 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:40.839 With the blood. 00:21:40.939 --> 00:21:41.179 In it. 00:21:42.419 --> 00:21:43.219 The sin. 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.839 Lies in. 00:21:44.159 --> 00:21:45.199 One of these two. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:45.839 Over here. 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:47.119 Father. 00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:48.159 Or son. 00:21:48.459 --> 00:21:48.759 King. 00:21:49.179 --> 00:21:50.019 Or Jonathan. 00:21:50.919 --> 00:21:51.539 The prince. 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:58.059 And verse 42. 00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:58.759 Saul said. 00:21:58.939 --> 00:21:59.459 Cast lots. 00:21:59.579 --> 00:21:59.919 Between. 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:00.559 Jonathan. 00:22:00.959 --> 00:22:01.739 And me now. 00:22:02.919 --> 00:22:03.439 See now. 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.039 We set up. 00:22:04.239 --> 00:22:04.679 The next. 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:05.599 Heads or tails. 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.159 Options. 00:22:06.719 --> 00:22:07.319 We narrowed it down. 00:22:07.399 --> 00:22:07.959 To two men. 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:08.859 Among the whole nation. 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:09.399 Now. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.379 Which of these two men. 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:10.759 Is it. 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.099 A. 00:22:11.439 --> 00:22:11.879 Saul. 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:12.659 Or B. 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:13.479 Jonathan. 00:22:16.959 --> 00:22:17.759 This is what. 00:22:17.939 --> 00:22:18.719 I still don't have. 00:22:18.979 --> 00:22:19.699 The answer to this. 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.500 I'm wrestling it. 00:22:20.619 --> 00:22:21.019 In my head. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.559 In my heart. 00:22:22.699 --> 00:22:23.579 But the lots. 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.979 Were honoring to God. 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.079 And it was God's way. 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:27.299 Of revealing. 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.439 To his people. 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:29.119 In this period. 00:22:29.199 --> 00:22:29.759 In redemptive. 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:30.140 History. 00:22:30.140 --> 00:22:31.039 His will. 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.359 And because God. 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:34.599 Is the true king. 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:35.480 Over his people. 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:36.259 All along. 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:37.299 The Lord. 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:38.079 Ordained. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:40.200 That the blameless. 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:41.000 Prince. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:42.440 Be sentenced. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.079 To die. 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:45.319 This was. 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.819 The Lord's providence. 00:22:47.379 --> 00:22:48.039 For Jonathan. 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.700 The son. 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:51.359 Of this wicked king. 00:22:51.359 --> 00:22:53.419 So. 00:22:53.419 --> 00:22:53.939 Jonathan. 00:22:53.939 --> 00:22:53.959 Jonathan. 00:22:53.959 --> 00:22:54.579 Was taken. 00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:55.439 Verse 43. 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:55.699 Then. 00:22:55.699 --> 00:22:56.039 Saul. 00:22:56.119 --> 00:22:56.299 Said. 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:56.919 To Jonathan. 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.159 Tell me. 00:22:58.319 --> 00:22:59.219 What you have done. 00:22:59.719 --> 00:23:00.319 And Jonathan. 00:23:00.319 --> 00:23:00.639 Said. 00:23:00.699 --> 00:23:01.019 To him. 00:23:01.459 --> 00:23:02.579 I only tasted. 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.299 A little honey. 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:03.799 With the end. 00:23:03.819 --> 00:23:04.199 Of the rod. 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.059 That was in my hand. 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:07.039 And it's not a question. 00:23:07.159 --> 00:23:07.699 He says. 00:23:07.959 --> 00:23:08.719 So now. 00:23:08.959 --> 00:23:09.759 I must. 00:23:09.979 --> 00:23:10.240 Die. 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:13.779 He's a man of honor. 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:15.160 He's a valiant man. 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.740 Of integrity. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.839 With the fear of the Lord. 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:18.579 And the Lord. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:19.279 Is able to. 00:23:19.900 --> 00:23:20.299 Deliver. 00:23:20.299 --> 00:23:20.779 Them. 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.640 Into our hands. 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:22.480 Nothing. 00:23:22.620 --> 00:23:23.460 Can restrain the Lord. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:24.079 From saving. 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.140 That's what he just said. 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:26.319 Earlier in this chapter. 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.339 He puts his life. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:28.819 Once again. 00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:29.720 In God's hands. 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:31.920 So Saul answered. 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:33.200 God. 00:23:33.359 --> 00:23:33.819 Do so. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:34.460 And more. 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:35.000 Also. 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.299 Oh God's justice. 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:36.960 Isn't enough. 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:37.279 Let me. 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.460 Pile up my own. 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:39.480 Condemnation on you. 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:41.940 For you shall surely. 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:42.599 Die. 00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.180 Jonathan. 00:23:46.900 --> 00:23:48.140 Through Jonathan. 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:49.460 The Lord brought blessing. 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:50.880 And now. 00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:52.660 Jonathan is under a curse. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.380 By the law. 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:55.039 Because of his father's. 00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:56.160 Foolishness. 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:57.420 This. 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.779 Blameless prince. 00:23:58.880 --> 00:23:59.920 Needs to be redeemed. 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:01.920 This man's. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:02.640 Religion. 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.120 Saul. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.460 He inverted. 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.140 A day of. 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.200 Great celebration. 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:07.279 For deliverance. 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:08.779 Received from the gracious. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.480 Lord God. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:12.120 Into a day of condemnation. 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:12.940 From man. 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.680 Dale Ralph Davis. 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.360 Had this wonderful. 00:24:17.360 --> 00:24:17.940 One-liner. 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:19.940 Saul managed to snatch. 00:24:20.120 --> 00:24:20.640 Defeat. 00:24:20.860 --> 00:24:21.920 From the claws. 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.500 Of victory. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.980 The Lord had it locked in. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:27.180 And Saul spoiled it. 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:28.839 Verse 45. 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:30.059 The people said to Saul. 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:31.779 Shall Jonathan die. 00:24:31.880 --> 00:24:32.779 Who has accomplished. 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.240 This great deliverance. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.799 In Israel. 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:36.240 Certainly not. 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.319 For the Lord lives. 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.460 The same. 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:41.339 Phrase that Saul invoked. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.680 To put on a vow. 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:44.420 The people throw back at him. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:46.120 Not one hair. 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:47.400 Of Jonathan's head. 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:48.660 Shall fall to the ground. 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:49.759 For God. 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.779 For he has worked with God. 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:52.420 This day. 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:53.920 And so the people. 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:54.880 Rescued. 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:55.539 Jonathan. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.380 It's the same Hebrew word. 00:24:57.380 --> 00:24:58.480 The people ransomed. 00:24:58.700 --> 00:24:59.079 Jonathan. 00:24:59.079 --> 00:25:00.380 Or the people redeemed. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.400 Jonathan. 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:04.019 And he did not die. 00:25:05.820 --> 00:25:07.560 You see how Saul's religion. 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:09.380 Led to such injustice. 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:10.600 That sinful people. 00:25:11.360 --> 00:25:12.300 Had to redeem. 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:13.660 The one. 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:15.240 Through whom God delivered them. 00:25:15.340 --> 00:25:15.900 From their enemy. 00:25:17.280 --> 00:25:17.980 There's so many. 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:18.900 Gospel themes. 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.540 Layered in here. 00:25:19.560 --> 00:25:19.920 Aren't there? 00:25:20.280 --> 00:25:20.900 But yet it's hard. 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:22.060 To put your finger on it. 00:25:23.380 --> 00:25:24.420 Verse 46. 00:25:24.560 --> 00:25:25.040 Then Saul. 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:26.660 Returned from pursuing. 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:27.440 The Philistines. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.220 And the Philistines. 00:25:28.340 --> 00:25:29.300 Went to their own place. 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:31.539 So Saul established. 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:32.500 His sovereignty. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.480 Over Israel. 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.359 And fought against. 00:25:34.599 --> 00:25:35.399 All his enemies. 00:25:35.399 --> 00:25:36.220 On every side. 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:38.059 In verse 52. 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:38.519 We read. 00:25:38.879 --> 00:25:40.119 There was fierce war. 00:25:40.119 --> 00:25:41.099 With the Philistines. 00:25:41.159 --> 00:25:42.460 All the days of Saul. 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:44.460 And when Saul. 00:25:44.899 --> 00:25:46.480 Saw any strong man. 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:48.099 Or any valiant men. 00:25:48.859 --> 00:25:49.700 He took them. 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.440 For himself. 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.299 Just as Samuel. 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.259 Had warned the people. 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:54.399 He will take your sons. 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.579 And enlist them. 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:56.519 In his army. 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:59.579 Campaign after campaign. 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:01.839 Draining God's people. 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:03.440 Of their sons. 00:26:03.579 --> 00:26:04.059 Their daughters. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.859 Their resources. 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:07.839 Just like all the other nations. 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:10.980 Saul's religion. 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:13.220 Turned God's sweet victory. 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.900 Into bitter defeat. 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:20.000 I hope that. 00:26:20.359 --> 00:26:21.379 You'll be like me. 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:22.139 And this passage. 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.759 Stays in your heart. 00:26:23.879 --> 00:26:24.299 In your mind. 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:24.980 For a while. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:26.779 Maybe for a lifetime. 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.220 Pondering. 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.279 Plumbing the depths. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:29.900 Of God's. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.019 Glorious gospel. 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:33.500 I don't have all the answers. 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:34.579 Of the connections here. 00:26:35.880 --> 00:26:36.680 What I do. 00:26:37.059 --> 00:26:37.559 Believe is. 00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:38.420 Very clear though. 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:40.120 Is that this is not. 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:41.019 To sit well. 00:26:41.180 --> 00:26:41.900 With God's people. 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:43.039 It's to. 00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:44.299 It's to be a distortion. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.240 Of a good thing. 00:26:45.660 --> 00:26:46.500 Just as we've seen. 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:46.960 Victory. 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:49.079 Turn to defeat. 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:50.380 Blessing. 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.539 Becoming a curse. 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:52.220 Freedom. 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:55.740 Becoming bondage. 00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:58.059 For some of you. 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:58.960 Hearing this today. 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.460 You do live. 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:02.359 Like God. 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.680 Is not your king. 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:10.220 This is a very real temptation. 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.259 You and I are. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.399 More like Saul. 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:13.440 Than we want to admit. 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:14.940 If left to ourselves. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.599 And our flesh. 00:27:15.659 --> 00:27:15.960 Aren't we? 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:18.039 Saul was very. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.799 Religious. 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:21.000 Maybe. 00:27:21.200 --> 00:27:21.940 If you're like me. 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.299 Maybe you don't trust God. 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:23.740 Because. 00:27:25.859 --> 00:27:26.899 It's hard to trust. 00:27:26.899 --> 00:27:27.579 Authorities. 00:27:28.339 --> 00:27:29.259 You've been hurt. 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:31.359 You've seen power. 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:32.279 Be abused. 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.159 And misused. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.480 You've suffered. 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:34.819 Under. 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:36.339 These vacuum powers. 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:36.859 And these. 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.139 Misuses. 00:27:39.139 --> 00:27:40.019 Of the good gifts. 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:40.720 That God has put. 00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:41.740 In the hands of men. 00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:43.139 And it's most painful. 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:43.919 To hear. 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:44.579 And to watch it. 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:45.299 Happening within. 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:46.319 His kingdom. 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:47.079 His church. 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:47.159 Church. 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:50.099 Maybe some. 00:27:50.179 --> 00:27:50.399 Have. 00:27:50.939 --> 00:27:51.619 Been abused. 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:51.939 By. 00:27:52.699 --> 00:27:53.059 Power. 00:27:53.919 --> 00:27:54.399 Parents. 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.939 Church officers. 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:56.779 Family members. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:58.879 And these. 00:27:58.879 --> 00:27:59.299 Are people. 00:27:59.299 --> 00:27:59.599 Who. 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:00.939 If they're saved. 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:01.339 They. 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:02.259 Have been. 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.279 Ensnared. 00:28:03.379 --> 00:28:03.819 Once again. 00:28:03.879 --> 00:28:04.460 In the religion. 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.000 Of Saul. 00:28:06.119 --> 00:28:06.740 We need. 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:07.079 To pray. 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:08.099 For the true king. 00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:08.839 To establish. 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:09.460 His throne. 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.799 Over those places. 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:11.599 And those lives. 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.039 And in our own. 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:13.439 Hearts. 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:15.620 And so what I think. 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:16.660 This passage does. 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:17.559 For people like you. 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:17.860 And me. 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:18.559 Is it helps us. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:19.320 To desire. 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.840 A greater king. 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.519 One who is. 00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:23.320 Trustworthy. 00:28:24.140 --> 00:28:25.000 And we do this. 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:26.740 By seeing the contrasts. 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:28.200 We see how God. 00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:29.259 Is the only king. 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:29.880 That you and I. 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:30.720 Can trust. 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:33.039 And to trust God. 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.440 Like Jonathan. 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:35.840 That's a life-giving. 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:36.340 Faith. 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:39.240 Think of the gospel. 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:40.120 How that same. 00:28:40.620 --> 00:28:41.059 Stage. 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:41.779 Was set. 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:42.519 For you and me. 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:45.660 Father and son. 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.440 On one side. 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:48.639 The people. 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:49.839 Of God's kingdom. 00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:50.660 On the other. 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:53.720 In the case. 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.559 Of our passage. 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:54.940 Today. 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:55.779 Saul declared. 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:56.460 Jonathan. 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.079 Guilty. 00:28:57.879 --> 00:28:58.759 And the people. 00:28:58.900 --> 00:28:59.420 Had to redeem. 00:28:59.539 --> 00:28:59.940 Jonathan. 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:02.940 But in the gospel. 00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:04.819 God. 00:29:04.879 --> 00:29:05.359 The father. 00:29:06.079 --> 00:29:06.779 Put God. 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:07.339 The son. 00:29:08.200 --> 00:29:09.299 To the test. 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.400 And on trial. 00:29:10.400 --> 00:29:11.040 God. 00:29:11.040 --> 00:29:13.740 And he declared him. 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:14.519 Perfectly. 00:29:14.820 --> 00:29:15.340 Righteous. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.140 God. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:18.519 The son. 00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:19.840 Does not need to protest. 00:29:20.840 --> 00:29:21.300 His father. 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.300 Is most just. 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.340 Most loving. 00:29:23.800 --> 00:29:24.580 Most wise. 00:29:25.580 --> 00:29:25.820 God. 00:29:25.880 --> 00:29:26.220 The father. 00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:26.940 Declares. 00:29:27.620 --> 00:29:27.740 God. 00:29:27.800 --> 00:29:28.300 The son. 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:30.300 To be innocent. 00:29:30.299 --> 00:29:31.240 God. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.240 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:43.579 Galatians 3.13 says that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:50.079 We sing bearing shame and all my sin there in my place. 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:54.099 He stood condemned and here I am now justified. 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:57.880 My guilt is his and his grace is mine. 00:29:58.319 --> 00:29:58.559 Amen. 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:08.500 Saul's oath was most foolish and Saul's foolish, foolish misuse of his sovereign power. 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:11.579 It cursed his own helpless son. 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:14.460 What did Saul do then? 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:16.740 Well, the people protest and it just goes away. 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:20.680 Saul simply revoked the curse that he had pronounced. 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:23.660 He simply didn't keep his vow to the Lord. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:28.180 His credibility got reduced to zero. 00:30:28.180 --> 00:30:32.279 But God is most wise. 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:43.480 In his infinite wisdom, the Lord God sovereignly decreed that his only eternally begotten son would bear the curse for Adam's helpless race. 00:30:44.620 --> 00:30:48.880 And God did not revoke his curse upon sin to do this. 00:30:49.580 --> 00:30:55.060 He received the curse for his people's sin upon himself on the cross. 00:30:55.059 --> 00:30:58.859 King Jesus reverses man's curse. 00:30:59.319 --> 00:31:07.019 He replaces our bitter guilt with the sweet grace that tastes like honey every time we receive it. 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:16.480 A pastor named Brian Voss pointed out there was so much conflict in 1 Samuel 14 between the father and the son. 00:31:17.400 --> 00:31:19.740 But in God, the father and God, the son. 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:23.440 There's perfect union and salvation. 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:31.400 In Saul, we see a king who managed, who in victory manages to suffer defeat. 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:38.420 But in God, father and son are not at cross purposes from one another, but rather they share one purpose. 00:31:38.900 --> 00:31:42.039 And that's the cross to save sinners like you and me. 00:31:42.039 --> 00:31:51.779 In Jesus Christ, we have a king who even in apparent defeat on the cross has secured forever the greatest victory. 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:55.039 That's the end of Pastor Brian Voss's quote. 00:31:56.839 --> 00:32:01.299 Saul's religion focuses on what man does. 00:32:02.139 --> 00:32:03.740 Have you been around this type of religion? 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:06.299 It's exhausting. 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:16.099 That religion says, whatever is your focus, you then have the right to turn it into a grounds of boasting. 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:22.980 But the gospel calls us to focus on what God has done in the person and the work of Jesus Christ. 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:31.399 God satisfied his own justice and he ransomed, redeemed a sinful people from the torments of Satan, the great oppressor. 00:32:31.400 --> 00:32:38.019 And that's why we sing, I dare not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom. 00:32:38.360 --> 00:32:44.780 But I will boast in this one thing, Jesus Christ, his power and resurrection. 00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:47.920 Why should I gain from his reward? 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:49.640 I cannot give an answer. 00:32:50.080 --> 00:32:55.660 But this I know with all my heart, his wounds have paid my ransom. 00:32:55.660 --> 00:33:02.060 Saul's religion called an army to fight against the enemy under the threat of a curse. 00:33:02.420 --> 00:33:11.759 But King Jesus removed the curse from his army so we can fight the spiritual battle resting upon the Lord to deliver the victory. 00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:13.140 Just like Jonathan. 00:33:13.820 --> 00:33:15.220 I'll remind you one more time. 00:33:15.600 --> 00:33:19.759 Jonathan, Yahonathan, Yahweh delivers. 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:21.840 That's what his name means. 00:33:21.900 --> 00:33:22.720 And that's our faith. 00:33:22.800 --> 00:33:24.500 It's life giving and sweet. 00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:29.160 Saul starved the troops and he forced their service. 00:33:30.240 --> 00:33:36.720 King Jesus does not leave us without food to fight against sin, Satan or the world in this life. 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:39.460 His troops are willing on the day of war. 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:47.079 He gives us the honey of the gospel and he nourishes us with himself, which we'll celebrate in a moment. 00:33:48.500 --> 00:33:50.180 He is our bread from heaven. 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:53.839 And his gospel truly is sweeter than honey. 00:33:53.839 --> 00:33:55.720 It gives light to our eyes. 00:33:56.419 --> 00:34:00.019 And it says, rest in Christ alone. 00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:04.359 I alone can give you the energy and the power to press on. 00:34:05.319 --> 00:34:06.939 Follow after King Jesus. 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:09.340 He's the commander of the Lord's army. 00:34:09.739 --> 00:34:11.099 He is the Lord of hosts. 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:16.719 He's the one building his church and advancing his kingdom to the coasts and the islands. 00:34:16.719 --> 00:34:24.759 His spirit is the way he is with us. 00:34:24.759 --> 00:34:25.399 His church. 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:31.719 When two or three are gathered like an army in my name, there I am with you. 00:34:31.939 --> 00:34:32.639 How can that be? 00:34:32.799 --> 00:34:36.139 In his glorified, resurrected bodies at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:34:36.139 --> 00:34:40.239 It's because he's poured his spirit out on the church and he's with us. 00:34:40.679 --> 00:34:46.440 And he's with us in a special way around his table, which he has set up in the presence of his enemies. 00:34:46.440 --> 00:34:48.400 It's his battle. 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:52.240 And he will feed his army as we march with him. 00:34:53.320 --> 00:34:56.179 You see the contrast between these two religions. 00:34:56.720 --> 00:35:00.440 The religion of King Saul and the religion of King Jesus. 00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:10.119 That's why John Bunyan and Ralph Erskine and others have pointed out the sweet truth of the gospel in this contrast. 00:35:11.800 --> 00:35:16.800 A rigid master was the law demanding brick denying straw. 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:22.400 Run and run the law commands, but gives us neither feet nor hands. 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:26.800 Far better news the gospel brings. 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:31.600 It bids us fly and gives us wings. 00:35:36.260 --> 00:35:39.820 When God is not king, misery. 00:35:41.800 --> 00:35:48.019 When Jesus is king, no matter what else is going on, sweet celebration. 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:58.320 Let's rest in this glorious peace that we have in Jesus Christ and settle ourselves to come celebrate at his table that he set before us. 00:35:58.759 --> 00:36:00.199 Would you go to the Lord in prayer with me? 00:36:00.199 --> 00:36:00.939 Did you come to the Lord in prayer with him? 00:36:00.939 --> 00:36:01.139 Did you come to the Lord in prayer with him? 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.139 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:31.119 Thank you.