WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:10.500 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:12.500 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.539 God is made up not of you once you're bigger or older or smarter, but is made up of you just like you are right now. 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:46.399 Already, you're a big part of what He's doing in the world. 00:00:46.600 --> 00:00:49.460 So, we love you and we're thankful for that. 00:00:49.460 --> 00:00:55.460 That same thing is true in our story that we're going to talk about this morning, 00:00:55.460 --> 00:01:03.359 where God's people get together to read the Bible for six hours straight. 00:01:03.760 --> 00:01:04.560 Is that a long time? 00:01:05.700 --> 00:01:08.500 How long do you think Pastor Will usually preaches? 00:01:08.719 --> 00:01:10.719 Anybody? Anybody want to guess? 00:01:11.659 --> 00:01:14.379 Eight hours is wrong. It's wrong. 00:01:14.379 --> 00:01:15.659 Hope, how long do you think? 00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:17.780 Thirty minutes? 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:21.299 That's a great guess. I like to think so. 00:01:21.859 --> 00:01:24.659 An hour. Sometimes it feels like that. 00:01:25.779 --> 00:01:27.399 Sometimes even two hours. 00:01:27.479 --> 00:01:30.039 It's usually 30 or 35 minutes, okay? 00:01:30.679 --> 00:01:31.379 Don't complain. 00:01:32.559 --> 00:01:36.899 But that means that when they get together to read the Bible for six hours, 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:40.199 that is like ten straight sermons. 00:01:40.699 --> 00:01:41.560 Can you believe that? 00:01:42.179 --> 00:01:43.219 All at one time. 00:01:43.299 --> 00:01:44.199 And guess who's there? 00:01:44.199 --> 00:01:46.119 Is it just the old people? 00:01:47.079 --> 00:01:54.159 It's men and it's women and it's all the children too who are there for that whole thing. 00:01:54.159 --> 00:01:57.239 And we've been reading lots of stories, haven't we? 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:08.019 Stories from the Bible about Adam and Eve and Noah and Abraham and Ruth and David and Esther. 00:02:08.259 --> 00:02:09.800 And y'all have heard a lot of those stories. 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:10.780 We've talked about them. 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:12.460 They're about lots of different people. 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:15.099 But all of those stories are about God, aren't they? 00:02:15.519 --> 00:02:18.840 And about how he rescues us because of how much he loves us. 00:02:18.840 --> 00:02:22.020 How he ultimately rescues us through Jesus. 00:02:23.060 --> 00:02:29.140 So I tell you a lot that the most important part of the sermon is when we read the Bible, isn't it? 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:32.900 When we open God's Word and let him speak to us. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:35.300 And that's really important in your own lives too. 00:02:35.780 --> 00:02:39.840 To be reading the Bible for yourself so you hear from God. 00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:47.240 But this morning, before you go back to your seats, I want us to start our sermon reading from God's Word while you're sitting up here. 00:02:47.400 --> 00:02:47.560 Okay? 00:02:48.219 --> 00:02:53.460 This is going to be from the book of Nehemiah at chapter 8. 00:02:53.860 --> 00:02:56.199 And we're going to start at verse 1. 00:02:56.379 --> 00:02:56.659 Okay? 00:02:56.699 --> 00:02:59.120 I'm just going to read three verses for us. 00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:00.340 This is God's Word. 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:01.680 So listen really closely. 00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:02.080 Okay? 00:03:02.080 --> 00:03:08.280 All the people gathered as one man into the square before the water gate. 00:03:09.140 --> 00:03:14.580 And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 00:03:15.180 --> 00:03:18.000 So Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly. 00:03:18.220 --> 00:03:22.980 Both men and women and all who could understand what they heard. 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:23.980 That's all the kids. 00:03:23.979 --> 00:03:35.079 And he read from it facing the square before the water gate from early morning until midday in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. 00:03:35.979 --> 00:03:42.120 And the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:44.479 Let's pray together. 00:03:46.280 --> 00:03:47.539 God, we are here. 00:03:47.659 --> 00:03:50.780 Your people gathered around your Word. 00:03:50.780 --> 00:03:55.439 Lord, so our prayer is that you would speak, Lord. 00:03:55.599 --> 00:03:59.520 Speak for your servants are listening. 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:06.120 Your servants, young and old, we need to hear from you. 00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:08.819 And so we've opened your Word. 00:04:09.280 --> 00:04:11.840 And we ask you to speak and help us to listen. 00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:14.500 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:04:15.539 --> 00:04:20.079 All right, as y'all go back to your seats, let's keep listening to understand God's Word. 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:23.419 And some of you are going to kids' worship with Miss Anna right back there. 00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:23.959 Do you see her? 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:27.039 If you're going to kids' worship, go right back there. 00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:29.259 I think that's Miss Julia too. 00:04:30.319 --> 00:04:31.120 There you go. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:50.459 There they were for six hours. 00:04:50.459 --> 00:04:54.359 And that was just the first day. 00:04:55.939 --> 00:04:59.259 Hearing God speak to them. 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:07.779 Now there are a lot of voices clamoring around us all the time, aren't there? 00:05:09.779 --> 00:05:12.379 What voices most shape you? 00:05:13.219 --> 00:05:15.339 What do you remember? 00:05:15.339 --> 00:05:17.719 I remember hearing, fat boy. 00:05:18.719 --> 00:05:21.979 I can still hear it as a kid. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:26.019 Maybe you've heard, you're just a lazy good-for-nothing. 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:30.539 Is it from people around you? 00:05:31.339 --> 00:05:35.879 Maybe parents or friends or kids? 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:37.879 Influencers? 00:05:38.300 --> 00:05:38.819 Influencers? 00:05:40.159 --> 00:05:40.719 Advertisers? 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:47.420 Who want to shape not only who you are, but what you need to have life they'd like to tell you? 00:05:49.800 --> 00:05:55.819 I think for many of us, it's voices in our own head that argue with each other. 00:05:55.819 --> 00:05:59.839 The self-talk that often condemns. 00:06:01.060 --> 00:06:06.339 At best, it challenges us to get it together and be who you want to be. 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:13.819 You may hear, you're not enough until... 00:06:13.819 --> 00:06:16.719 Or you wake up anxious in the middle of the night. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:18.019 What voices do you hear then? 00:06:19.219 --> 00:06:20.159 Telling you who you are. 00:06:20.339 --> 00:06:21.959 Telling you what you have to do. 00:06:21.959 --> 00:06:25.359 And you can't stop the chatter or the fear. 00:06:25.539 --> 00:06:26.279 What if? 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:27.219 What if? 00:06:27.659 --> 00:06:28.839 The voices say. 00:06:31.479 --> 00:06:32.819 Or is it possible? 00:06:33.819 --> 00:06:40.459 Could it be for you and for me that you could hear God speak to you? 00:06:41.419 --> 00:06:48.639 And define you and shape you and your life into what He wants for you? 00:06:48.679 --> 00:06:49.659 The one who made you. 00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:51.159 Is that possible? 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:57.959 This is the last story this morning in our journey through the Old Testament. 00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:03.239 Where we have seen God rescuing and restoring His people. 00:07:03.539 --> 00:07:08.319 I'm so excited to share with you what God's been showing me in Nehemiah this week. 00:07:09.639 --> 00:07:11.679 But first we're going to look back. 00:07:12.099 --> 00:07:17.659 As they stood there and heard God's word 2,500 years ago or so. 00:07:17.660 --> 00:07:22.620 They would have heard some of these very stories we've looked at in the last few months. 00:07:25.020 --> 00:07:28.960 They were reading from the first five books of the Bible. 00:07:28.959 --> 00:07:35.959 Where we started this whole journey by realizing that God spoke blessing. 00:07:36.759 --> 00:07:37.379 Do you remember that? 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:39.560 All the way back in Genesis 1. 00:07:39.659 --> 00:07:43.359 It is so powerful when God speaks. 00:07:43.560 --> 00:07:43.659 Right? 00:07:43.879 --> 00:07:48.219 He made us in His image for relationship with Him. 00:07:48.220 --> 00:07:50.240 He formed us as He spoke. 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:55.840 And then with the very lips that had just spoken the entire universe into existence. 00:07:56.160 --> 00:08:01.640 He looked at us and spoke blessing to us. 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:04.980 To the man and to the woman in His image. 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:06.060 Blessing. 00:08:06.060 --> 00:08:09.980 God's people learned their reason for existence. 00:08:10.420 --> 00:08:10.540 Right? 00:08:11.139 --> 00:08:12.699 Relationship with God. 00:08:12.819 --> 00:08:14.019 In God's place. 00:08:14.160 --> 00:08:18.360 Which they were to fill everywhere with God's image. 00:08:18.740 --> 00:08:19.680 Don't forget that. 00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:21.840 God with God's people. 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:23.540 In God's place. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:25.139 Reflecting God's image. 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:25.540 Okay? 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:27.340 We're going to hear that this morning. 00:08:28.100 --> 00:08:32.139 All of that because that's what God said. 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:34.820 He spoke us into being. 00:08:34.820 --> 00:08:38.820 And He spoke blessing into our relationship with Him. 00:08:39.180 --> 00:08:42.420 Unbelievably powerful when He speaks. 00:08:44.040 --> 00:08:49.820 But then of course, we spoiled really quickly that perfect relationship and that perfect place. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:53.600 We were kicked out away from God. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:58.080 That close relationship where we walked and talked with God. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:08:59.100 Lost. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:12.420 And so what we've tracked with for story after famous story is God's insistence on rescuing and restoring that spoiled relationship. 00:09:12.540 --> 00:09:13.720 He won't let it go, will He? 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:23.779 The people in Jerusalem may have heard then of the flood and God's rescue even in the midst of judgment. 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:32.920 Of Abraham and Isaac and rescue through a substitute sacrifice to bring us to God's promised place. 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:40.579 Of Joseph and God's rescue even in the pit that seemed like it was taking us away from that place. 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:47.679 Of Moses and the Red Sea as God delivers His people out of Egypt and brings them toward that promised place. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:57.639 Then of sacrifices and feasts that would always remind them of this God who was working to restore their relationship with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. 00:09:57.719 --> 00:09:58.599 That's what He's done. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:01.219 And they're hearing of this God. 00:10:02.439 --> 00:10:04.779 Certainly many of them gathered there had heard more. 00:10:04.779 --> 00:10:09.120 Of Joshua and the entrance into God's place. 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:12.459 Of Gideon and God's rescue through weakness. 00:10:12.740 --> 00:10:17.579 Of Ruth and God's faithful restoration even when it looked like demolition. 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:22.939 Of David and God's strength and the promise of a permanent king. 00:10:23.500 --> 00:10:26.319 Of Elijah and the one true God that they had forgotten. 00:10:27.459 --> 00:10:34.279 Of Jonah and that true God's commitment to merciful rescue of even very hard-hearted people. 00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:41.240 But then something happened in the story. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:45.259 God's people started getting taken out of God's place. 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:49.399 Because they kept insisting no matter how much He pursued. 00:10:49.699 --> 00:10:51.220 They kept running further away. 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:54.419 They kept insisting on not living in relationship with Him. 00:10:54.579 --> 00:10:57.059 On not finding Him to be enough. 00:10:57.740 --> 00:11:02.079 And so Daniel and his friends then see God protect them. 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:04.199 Even in exile in Babylon. 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:10.919 Esther is placed in the king's court in Persia to preserve God's people. 00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:13.419 And now we get to the end of the Old Testament. 00:11:13.579 --> 00:11:17.480 We're just over 400 years now before Jesus is born. 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:21.100 And God is restoring His rescued people. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:22.899 Finally they're coming back. 00:11:23.159 --> 00:11:25.579 A remnant coming to His place. 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:27.179 The promised land. 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:30.459 And particularly God's city Jerusalem. 00:11:33.319 --> 00:11:34.399 Enter Nehemiah. 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:36.839 That was by way of background. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:38.719 And what they were hearing that day. 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:39.899 Now here's Nehemiah. 00:11:40.099 --> 00:11:45.500 Who you probably associate with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. 00:11:46.599 --> 00:11:47.419 That's true. 00:11:47.639 --> 00:11:50.559 This is the beginnings of restoration. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:53.079 It's a huge deal right? 00:11:53.259 --> 00:11:54.519 Because this is God's place. 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:57.139 And God's city lies in ruins. 00:11:57.879 --> 00:11:59.959 How will they come back there? 00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:04.119 How can God meet with His people there in safety when they have no walls? 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:09.740 And the first few chapters of Nehemiah detail a major construction project. 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:11.960 That's undertaken in prayer. 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:14.419 Against opposition. 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:17.019 With everyone's help. 00:12:17.419 --> 00:12:20.700 It's an amazing story of God's people banding together. 00:12:20.860 --> 00:12:21.580 Young and old. 00:12:21.679 --> 00:12:24.000 Each as we saw last week with Esther. 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:26.960 Working on his part of the wall. 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:28.360 Where God had placed him. 00:12:28.360 --> 00:12:30.960 And trusting that against all odds. 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:34.060 God was going to create a place once again. 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:36.019 Where He could be with His people. 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:37.200 To bear His image. 00:12:37.300 --> 00:12:38.759 To be that light on a hill. 00:12:38.940 --> 00:12:39.700 On Mount Zion. 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.659 There in Jerusalem. 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:41.879 Where the nations would see. 00:12:42.300 --> 00:12:43.600 And sure enough. 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:46.500 That wall is rebuilt so fast. 00:12:46.940 --> 00:12:50.940 That everyone knows it was no merely human effort. 00:12:51.560 --> 00:12:52.800 Nehemiah 6. 00:12:53.259 --> 00:12:55.539 So the wall was finished on the 25th day of the month. 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:55.879 Elul. 00:12:56.420 --> 00:12:57.980 In 52 days. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:59.639 The entire wall of the city. 00:13:00.800 --> 00:13:02.080 And when all our enemies heard of it. 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:03.759 All the nations around us. 00:13:03.940 --> 00:13:04.980 Were afraid. 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.840 And fell greatly in their own esteem. 00:13:06.940 --> 00:13:09.300 For they perceived that this work had been accomplished. 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:12.899 With the help of our God. 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:15.580 An amazing feat. 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:16.500 For sure. 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:18.639 If you think of the size of Jerusalem. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:22.840 But you and I know that God is not just focused. 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:25.039 On an impressive looking place. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:25.399 Right? 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:27.539 That's not been the whole point. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:29.939 He wants His people there. 00:13:30.219 --> 00:13:31.639 To live with Him. 00:13:32.719 --> 00:13:35.199 And that's where the rest of Nehemiah focuses. 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:40.240 Nehemiah starts moving people back into the city. 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:42.620 See God's heart for restoration. 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:44.919 Is not merely impressive walls. 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:46.639 And sparkling temples. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.899 It's rescued people. 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:48.500 It's rescued people. 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:50.399 And true relationship with Him. 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:50.620 Right? 00:13:50.799 --> 00:13:53.480 That doesn't happen merely by standing in Jerusalem. 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:57.720 When we live in relationship with God. 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:02.120 We do so at His word. 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:05.000 He speaks. 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:05.439 Right? 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:07.880 And we are shaped. 00:14:07.880 --> 00:14:11.400 And that's exactly what's going on in Nehemiah 8. 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:13.460 That we just started reading. 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:17.760 This is perhaps pictured out 50,000 or so. 00:14:18.140 --> 00:14:19.500 Of God's people. 00:14:19.980 --> 00:14:22.780 Brought back into the front of the city here. 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:26.460 Gathered to find their life from Him. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:31.139 To place themselves under God's word. 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:32.120 That's their demand. 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:32.580 Isn't it? 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.379 It's their idea. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.100 They're the ones who say. 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:36.639 Bring the book out Ezra. 00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:39.860 If Nehemiah is the mayor of Jerusalem. 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:41.519 Ezra is the preacher. 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:44.540 He opens God's law. 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:46.580 Genesis to Deuteronomy. 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:48.620 For six hours. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:52.919 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform. 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:54.539 That they had made for the purpose. 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.759 And Ezra opened the book. 00:14:57.080 --> 00:14:58.820 In the sight of all the people. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:01.120 For he was above all the people. 00:15:01.419 --> 00:15:02.519 And as he opened it. 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:03.879 All the people stood. 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:06.399 You see how even the physical place it's been set up. 00:15:06.460 --> 00:15:08.019 They wanted to come under God's word. 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:09.600 Open that book for us Ezra. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:10.820 We're going to stand down here. 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:12.060 And we're going to listen. 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:15.019 Because relationship with God for His people. 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.759 Begins with God speaking. 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:17.879 Right? 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:21.340 He defines the relationship doesn't He? 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.120 Not us. 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:24.360 But they respond. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:26.460 They respond in worship. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:27.279 It says amen. 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:27.899 Amen. 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.620 Because they didn't merely hear. 00:15:32.299 --> 00:15:33.399 They understood. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:37.539 The Levites went around explaining what it meant. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:41.720 Perhaps translating for those who lived all their lives far away. 00:15:42.560 --> 00:15:44.840 Helping with historical context. 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.779 What does it mean for us now? 00:15:46.779 --> 00:15:48.620 We've never lived here in God's city. 00:15:48.699 --> 00:15:51.360 What does it mean as we gather back as God's people? 00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:57.659 How else were they going to know how to live in God's place in relationship with their covenant God? 00:15:58.279 --> 00:15:59.839 Unless He tells them. 00:16:01.839 --> 00:16:03.339 A people of the book. 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:04.079 Right? 00:16:06.299 --> 00:16:08.339 Relationship involves not just them talking to God. 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:09.259 Telling Him what they need. 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:10.120 They got a long list. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:13.659 But His speaking to them. 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:15.200 They were desperate for that. 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:18.240 They no longer walked and talked with God in the garden. 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:18.639 Right? 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:23.320 They hadn't heard an audible voice from a burning bush. 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:24.919 This group that's gathered. 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:29.100 They didn't talk with God in the Holy of Holies. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:33.920 But they must hear from Him. 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:35.360 We've got to know. 00:16:35.420 --> 00:16:36.139 What does He say? 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:40.000 So day after day, they gather for this. 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:42.060 For hours on end. 00:16:42.060 --> 00:16:46.180 They insist on being shaped by His Word. 00:16:46.680 --> 00:16:49.480 And lest you think, yeah, well it was kind of contemporary for them. 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.680 They're standing there. 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.840 This book they pull out. 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:54.700 They're reading words a thousand years old. 00:16:56.200 --> 00:16:59.639 That are, they're convinced, the most relevant. 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:04.600 The most preeminent things for their lives. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:07.700 The most important things they could hear to shape their lives. 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:09.220 Can you imagine that? 00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:11.980 God's people. 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:14.279 Shaped by God's Word. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:16.579 That got a star on your outline. 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:17.079 Okay? 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.160 That means something. 00:17:18.160 --> 00:17:24.320 It's the foundation for the rest of these things that happen in the relationship. 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:27.420 God speaking to His people. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:30.620 He's setting the foundation of the relationship. 00:17:30.620 --> 00:17:32.000 That they may know Him. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:35.100 That they may know how to reflect His image in His world. 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:35.940 He's going to tell them. 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:39.759 But we will notice several things that result. 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:45.540 As God's people place themselves intentionally under His Word. 00:17:45.539 --> 00:17:48.700 The first is that they're moved to confession. 00:17:50.099 --> 00:17:55.920 Now before you protest, if you've read further, yes, confession is quickly trumped by rejoicing. 00:17:56.519 --> 00:17:59.099 They're told not to confess too fast. 00:17:59.659 --> 00:18:03.379 In relationship with this God, it's never mere confession. 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:05.700 This groveling sadness. 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:08.460 That's not what it looks like to relate to God. 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:10.980 Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites. 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:17.480 They help them understand that this is not a day just to mourn and weep. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:24.960 However, when they hear of what God has called His beloved people to. 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:29.840 And how they've been living their life largely ignoring Him. 00:18:30.840 --> 00:18:33.120 They can't help but confess. 00:18:34.579 --> 00:18:36.600 Read chapter 9 sometime. 00:18:36.599 --> 00:18:40.899 It's a recounting of their history as a people. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:44.119 It's like what we've walked through in the last few months. 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:46.179 And it shows what we've seen over and over. 00:18:46.439 --> 00:18:49.399 It shows their failure and God's forgiveness. 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:52.759 And their failure and God's forgiveness. 00:18:52.959 --> 00:18:54.599 Let me just give you a couple examples. 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:58.359 Even when you brought them out of Egypt, God. 00:18:58.599 --> 00:19:01.019 They and our fathers acted presumptuously. 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:04.159 And stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:06.139 They refused to obey. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:09.420 And were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them. 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:13.960 But they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. 00:19:15.520 --> 00:19:18.900 But you are a God ready to forgive. 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.820 Gracious and merciful. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:23.620 Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:25.320 And you did not forsake them. 00:19:26.139 --> 00:19:27.639 Even down to verse 30. 00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:31.019 Years later now in the promised land. 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:32.960 Many years you bore with them. 00:19:33.179 --> 00:19:35.460 And you warned them by your spirit through your prophets. 00:19:36.159 --> 00:19:37.319 Yet they would not give ear. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:40.659 Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. 00:19:40.700 --> 00:19:43.500 That's the exile we've been talking about the last couple weeks. 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:47.700 Nevertheless, even when you took them away from your land. 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:51.019 In your great mercies you did not make an end of them. 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:52.440 Or forsake them. 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:56.440 For you are a gracious and merciful God. 00:19:57.140 --> 00:19:59.140 Do you see what they're repeating as they confess? 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:00.619 What do they have to run to? 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:02.299 It's who God is. 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:07.599 How he relates to people who fail over and over. 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:09.619 Listen to Pastor John Piper. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:14.299 The reason they are focusing on Israel's failures in the past. 00:20:14.639 --> 00:20:18.179 Is that nothing is more important than to learn from this story. 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:21.980 What God is like in response to such failures. 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:26.339 What can we expect him to do in response to us? 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:30.179 So even when confession is appropriate. 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:32.500 They're being shaped by God's word to realize. 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:35.879 This always means being full of rejoicing. 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:37.359 Because of who he is. 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:38.719 Because of how he loves. 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:39.759 Verse 10. 00:20:39.859 --> 00:20:41.139 Do not be grieved. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:45.879 For the joy of the Lord is your strength. 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:48.479 Verse 12. 00:20:49.879 --> 00:20:52.339 All the people went their way to eat and drink. 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.379 And send portions. 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:56.399 And to make great rejoicing. 00:20:56.939 --> 00:20:57.419 Why? 00:20:58.199 --> 00:20:59.559 Why did they rejoice? 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:04.740 They understood, it says, what God was saying to them. 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:08.740 The longer that they keep up this rejoicing. 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:10.720 The more you'll notice the descriptions increase. 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:12.319 From rejoicing to great rejoicing. 00:21:12.420 --> 00:21:14.259 To very great rejoicing. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:16.279 To the point that at the end of chapter 12. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:20.500 We read, and they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced. 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:22.799 For God had made them rejoice with great joy. 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:24.440 The women and children also rejoiced. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:26.059 In case you haven't noticed, they were rejoicing. 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:28.200 And what happened? 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:34.859 The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:35.899 Don't you love that? 00:21:36.899 --> 00:21:40.159 They're just praising their God. 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:42.019 They're rejoicing in what he's done. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:44.259 And the nations around them. 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:47.639 Who have previously heard of the work being done on the walls. 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:51.520 And they've become fearful about Israel and their God. 00:21:51.840 --> 00:21:55.980 Now they can hear the people rejoicing in their God. 00:21:56.800 --> 00:22:01.740 See, their relationship with God has always been intended to fill the earth with his glory. 00:22:02.280 --> 00:22:04.300 And now by their deeds. 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:05.860 You may not have noticed it. 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:10.340 But they've been told to remember those who don't have enough to celebrate. 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:12.160 Share your food. 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:15.560 And by their words. 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:19.500 Declaring far and wide the greatness of God. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.060 Share good news. 00:22:22.640 --> 00:22:27.300 They give glory to his name according to his word. 00:22:28.900 --> 00:22:33.900 Two more related things that happen when God's people listen to his word. 00:22:36.320 --> 00:22:37.540 They stop for a drink. 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:42.519 And they start to obey him. 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:49.720 They realize that there are ways that God has called them to live in relationship. 00:22:50.319 --> 00:22:52.220 That they've just been neglecting. 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:54.220 We haven't been doing this. 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:56.700 And so they're standing there listening. 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:57.899 And the word is read. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.159 And with no hesitation. 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.460 Verse 16 says. 00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:00.879 So. 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:03.420 They did what it said. 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.460 The people went out. 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.940 And they brought them. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:08.019 And they made booths for themselves. 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:11.019 They're obeying what God has said. 00:23:11.100 --> 00:23:13.180 I don't know what else was on their schedules. 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:14.940 For the rest of the week. 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.940 But what's really clear. 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:20.580 Is that nothing was keeping them from God's agenda. 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:22.180 When they learned it. 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:23.240 They did it. 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.180 In this case. 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:27.279 Their obedience is especially demonstrated. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:29.400 In their feasting. 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.559 Oh right. 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:31.920 Don't have to tell me twice. 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:32.240 Right. 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.759 This is not hard obedience. 00:23:34.080 --> 00:23:34.240 Right. 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:36.059 Thanksgiving is coming. 00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:36.940 Get excited. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.579 Verse 10. 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.579 Go your way. 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:42.900 Eat the fat. 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:43.779 Drink sweet wine. 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:46.339 Send portions to anyone who has nothing ready. 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:50.120 For this day is holy to our Lord. 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.519 Feast. 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:55.319 And then they celebrate the feast of booths. 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:57.000 For seven days. 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:59.140 To remember their deliverance from Egypt. 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:01.279 God's care for them through the wilderness. 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:03.519 All the way into the promised land. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:06.960 With very great rejoicing. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.420 Do you see. 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:11.200 You starting to see why God helped them build this wall. 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:13.920 It wasn't just for the wall's sake. 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.279 Right. 00:24:14.680 --> 00:24:17.700 So they could gather back in his place. 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:19.180 To hear his voice. 00:24:19.319 --> 00:24:20.839 To remember his rescue. 00:24:21.139 --> 00:24:23.639 And to start bearing his image in the world again. 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:28.360 It's a pretty great picture. 00:24:28.520 --> 00:24:32.560 And it would be really nice to wrap this whole series up with a bow. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:37.180 This just fully and finally wrapped up God's work of restoration. 00:24:37.600 --> 00:24:40.000 All of his people coming back to himself. 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:43.759 Except that would be a lie. 00:24:43.759 --> 00:24:48.339 And we would miss the glory of what's still coming. 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:51.799 I want us to see that before we finish. 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:54.519 See if you read the end of Nehemiah. 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:58.039 The last historical record in the Old Testament. 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:01.099 It makes painfully clear. 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:04.640 That despite the hopefulness of some of God's people returning. 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:06.180 To rebuild God's city. 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:08.379 There is still a great need. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:10.000 For restoration. 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:16.059 We already know that the new temple doesn't shine like the old one. 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:20.099 There's still no Davidic king. 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:23.259 Like God has promised on the throne to lead the people. 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:28.059 They hear God's word through the voices of very imperfect leaders. 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:30.660 Like Ezra and Nehemiah. 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:32.599 And the priests. 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:36.559 Perhaps partly as a result of that. 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:39.099 Their obedience is woefully. 00:25:39.099 --> 00:25:40.779 Inconsistent. 00:25:41.439 --> 00:25:42.879 There are some great responses. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:43.319 Yes. 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.819 Where they immediately obey. 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:48.259 But there are just as many where you think this would be easy. 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:49.819 And there's plenty of parts of God's word. 00:25:49.959 --> 00:25:51.299 They just ignore them. 00:25:51.799 --> 00:25:52.619 In no time. 00:25:53.719 --> 00:25:54.559 And so Nehemiah. 00:25:54.699 --> 00:25:55.240 At the end. 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:57.659 He continues to call out for the true king. 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:58.879 The true city. 00:25:59.159 --> 00:26:00.119 The true feast. 00:26:00.219 --> 00:26:01.059 When's it going to happen? 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:05.220 I think we can still relate. 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.519 With them. 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:08.559 The great need for restoration. 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:10.480 Not just then in Nehemiah's day. 00:26:10.659 --> 00:26:12.299 But today. 00:26:12.919 --> 00:26:14.139 At our stage. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.079 In the story. 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:19.279 We do now know the identity of the true king. 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:22.599 We rejoice greatly in his victory for us. 00:26:22.879 --> 00:26:24.539 But we still await his return. 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:24.940 Don't we? 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.819 In our full restoration. 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:33.319 We're part of this pattern where we long for God to restore full purity to his church. 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:36.439 That still today has inconsistent obedience. 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:38.299 And imperfect leaders. 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:40.460 And distracted idolatry. 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:42.079 Where other things seem more important. 00:26:44.159 --> 00:26:45.700 But in the meantime. 00:26:47.339 --> 00:26:50.319 We live in relationship with him. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.839 Shaped by his word. 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:53.679 Don't we? 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:56.900 Well at least we try. 00:26:58.460 --> 00:27:01.580 We long for our lives individually. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:03.180 Our lives together. 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:07.480 To be lived under God's word. 00:27:07.840 --> 00:27:09.700 And I don't say that theologically. 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:12.060 Or theoretically alone. 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:13.259 But really. 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.940 Really practically. 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:22.000 And let me take just a minute to tell you how beautifully necessary and helpful. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.619 I've seen that be. 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:25.779 Even in the last few weeks. 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:29.000 There's been a lot of hurting. 00:27:30.420 --> 00:27:31.420 Around here lately. 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:36.380 I could hardly find someone after the service last week. 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.279 That had had a good day. 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:38.900 Or a good week. 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:44.980 I've been in more situations than I can count in the last few weeks. 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:45.619 Where I've. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:48.180 I've looked at one or more of you and said. 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:50.579 There are no words. 00:27:50.579 --> 00:27:52.679 There really are no words. 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:56.839 I've sat with some of you and just. 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:58.819 Read. 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:02.480 Sections of God's word with you. 00:28:03.199 --> 00:28:03.639 Because there was. 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:05.259 There was nothing else. 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.199 Through tears. 00:28:06.599 --> 00:28:06.939 Just said. 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:08.279 Let's just read together. 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:09.799 What does he say? 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:12.159 And you know this. 00:28:12.179 --> 00:28:13.279 If you've been there in a. 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.500 In a hospice room. 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:19.359 Or at a graveside. 00:28:21.460 --> 00:28:22.220 Or in a. 00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:23.440 Living room. 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.900 With loved ones missing. 00:28:26.680 --> 00:28:27.980 In a doctor's office. 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:28.519 When you've. 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:30.059 When you've heard news that. 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.240 You didn't see coming. 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:32.480 It makes your knees go weak. 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.359 Or in a. 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:34.460 In a boss's office. 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:35.400 And you find out that. 00:28:35.940 --> 00:28:37.339 That you're losing your job. 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:38.579 And your head is just spinning. 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:38.859 And. 00:28:39.679 --> 00:28:41.939 You don't know where you're even going to live next month. 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:43.500 Or what life's going to look like. 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:43.639 You. 00:28:43.799 --> 00:28:46.019 You can't even imagine how to go on. 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:46.579 How. 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:48.480 How do I take the next step? 00:28:48.639 --> 00:28:50.059 And there are no words. 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:54.079 There are no words. 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:54.879 I could say. 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:55.859 Except. 00:28:57.379 --> 00:28:58.960 The life giving. 00:29:01.039 --> 00:29:01.679 Sustaining. 00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:03.960 Hope filling. 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.339 Words. 00:29:05.619 --> 00:29:06.440 Of God. 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:07.819 If you've been there. 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:09.159 You know it. 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.159 It's. 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:12.200 It's a beautiful thing. 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:13.819 When of all the voices. 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:14.599 That you could hear. 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:16.440 Saying all sorts of things to you. 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:17.819 It's his voice. 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:18.799 That. 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:20.059 That he speaks. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:20.379 And. 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:22.279 And he tells you what it's like. 00:29:23.079 --> 00:29:24.279 To walk with him. 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.099 And to live. 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:25.859 Under. 00:29:26.379 --> 00:29:26.799 His. 00:29:27.180 --> 00:29:27.500 Word. 00:29:28.899 --> 00:29:29.659 That is a. 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:30.700 Big part. 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:31.579 Of. 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:33.039 Of why we urge you. 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:34.299 To read the Bible. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:34.819 Daily. 00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:37.500 To do that through the year. 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:39.480 Even when you don't think it's. 00:29:39.579 --> 00:29:40.259 Your worst day. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.240 Or you're not struggling. 00:29:42.359 --> 00:29:43.279 To hear him. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:46.099 And that's also what's going on. 00:29:46.159 --> 00:29:46.799 When we gather. 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:48.119 As God's people. 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:49.599 I hope you know this. 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:50.959 I just want to. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.679 Explain it a little bit more. 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:54.239 When we gather for worship. 00:29:54.479 --> 00:29:56.000 We're gathering to enjoy. 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:57.559 Relationship with God. 00:29:57.659 --> 00:29:58.019 Together. 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:58.539 Right. 00:29:58.699 --> 00:29:59.500 It's covenant. 00:30:00.239 --> 00:30:00.759 Conversation. 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:01.419 With God. 00:30:01.659 --> 00:30:02.239 And that means. 00:30:02.379 --> 00:30:03.239 Not just us talking. 00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:04.279 That means. 00:30:04.379 --> 00:30:05.879 We listen to him speak. 00:30:06.139 --> 00:30:07.099 Notice this in your bulletin. 00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:07.959 If you have a bulletin. 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:09.299 There's this wonderful. 00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:10.519 Left hand column. 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.859 All the way through the service. 00:30:11.859 --> 00:30:13.279 That most of you don't notice anymore. 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:14.539 If you've been here for a while. 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:16.220 But what happens. 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:17.420 When we come to worship. 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:17.899 You'll notice. 00:30:18.099 --> 00:30:19.000 We do some speaking. 00:30:19.139 --> 00:30:19.680 But so does. 00:30:19.799 --> 00:30:21.000 So does God. 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:23.119 He speaks first. 00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:24.339 To call us. 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.720 To worship. 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:27.960 We read his word. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.359 Bill read. 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.200 From his word. 00:30:30.200 --> 00:30:30.680 This morning. 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:32.500 So that we hear from him. 00:30:32.639 --> 00:30:34.159 About our relationship. 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:36.039 We preach his word. 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:37.279 To explain it. 00:30:37.319 --> 00:30:37.460 Right. 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:38.659 So that we understand it. 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:38.960 We know. 00:30:39.139 --> 00:30:39.899 We know him. 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:40.339 And how to. 00:30:40.339 --> 00:30:42.480 How to live in light of his word. 00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:43.500 And so. 00:30:43.699 --> 00:30:44.099 Friends. 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:44.759 One reason. 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:46.259 That you need to be here. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.559 On Sunday morning. 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:49.019 And that's not the only time. 00:30:49.159 --> 00:30:49.819 You hear from God. 00:30:50.199 --> 00:30:50.839 But one reason. 00:30:51.019 --> 00:30:51.740 You need to be here. 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:53.299 Is because we are gathering. 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.839 Around God's word. 00:30:55.199 --> 00:30:56.519 To have our lives. 00:30:56.939 --> 00:30:57.399 Shaped. 00:30:57.959 --> 00:30:59.399 And when we don't. 00:30:59.879 --> 00:31:01.220 All the other voices. 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:03.299 Are the ones doing all the shaping. 00:31:03.639 --> 00:31:05.019 And you know what that feels like. 00:31:05.899 --> 00:31:07.459 When that's all you're hearing. 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:09.039 The voices in our heads. 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:10.420 The voices around us. 00:31:10.599 --> 00:31:12.299 They're the only ones shaping. 00:31:12.700 --> 00:31:13.559 Our hearts. 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:14.740 And our lives. 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:18.039 So we gather around God's word. 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:21.559 To have our lives shaped. 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.940 Our confessions offered. 00:31:24.139 --> 00:31:26.119 After we hear God's word read. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:28.240 But always trumping our confession. 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:30.579 To have our pardon assured. 00:31:30.940 --> 00:31:32.139 Every time. 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:33.240 With great rejoicing. 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:34.240 Right. 00:31:34.599 --> 00:31:36.159 What could be more exciting. 00:31:36.379 --> 00:31:38.639 Than the darkest things you've confessed. 00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:39.920 Being washed away. 00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:41.360 By the blood of Jesus. 00:31:41.620 --> 00:31:43.520 And then our obedience is directed. 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:45.320 Often our feast. 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:46.400 Celebrated. 00:31:46.600 --> 00:31:48.080 So that our rejoicing. 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:49.640 Is heard far away. 00:31:49.800 --> 00:31:52.020 Even by those who don't yet know King Jesus. 00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:53.320 That's why we gather. 00:31:53.320 --> 00:31:53.400 That's why we gather. 00:31:58.980 --> 00:31:59.540 But. 00:31:59.920 --> 00:32:01.759 As wonderful as that is. 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:04.820 As much as I love gathering with you. 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:07.500 We don't always long to be here. 00:32:08.039 --> 00:32:08.619 Don't raise your hand. 00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:13.220 We don't long to sit under God's word. 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:14.779 No matter how long it lasts. 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:15.980 Give me 30 more minutes. 00:32:16.039 --> 00:32:16.939 I'll prove it to you. 00:32:18.419 --> 00:32:19.339 I'm not going to try. 00:32:19.339 --> 00:32:24.139 And even when we do. 00:32:24.859 --> 00:32:25.759 Long to gather. 00:32:26.959 --> 00:32:29.299 And we come under God's word. 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:32.059 My voice cracks sometimes. 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:36.000 And it confuses people. 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:37.119 Other times. 00:32:39.179 --> 00:32:41.480 It's not perfectly God's voice. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:46.360 Our obedience is still imperfect. 00:32:46.839 --> 00:32:47.680 So our confession. 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:49.839 Constantly continues. 00:32:50.660 --> 00:32:51.900 And our feast is. 00:32:53.019 --> 00:32:54.039 It's great. 00:32:54.160 --> 00:32:55.440 But it's sample sized. 00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.759 If you will. 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.980 And so that points us. 00:33:02.000 --> 00:33:03.819 As the end of Nehemiah does. 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:06.279 And as all these stories do. 00:33:06.940 --> 00:33:08.920 To the completion of restoration. 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:11.140 By the God who insists. 00:33:11.320 --> 00:33:12.460 On restoring us. 00:33:12.680 --> 00:33:14.100 To relationship with himself. 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.100 To that day. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:17.039 When God is with his people. 00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:18.259 In his place. 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:19.759 To reflect his image. 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:20.740 To that day. 00:33:20.900 --> 00:33:23.340 When there is a full size feast. 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:23.800 Listen. 00:33:24.080 --> 00:33:25.279 Isaiah tells us about it. 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:26.320 On this mountain. 00:33:26.779 --> 00:33:27.440 Think of it there. 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:28.039 In Jerusalem. 00:33:28.039 --> 00:33:29.220 The Lord of hosts. 00:33:29.380 --> 00:33:30.360 Will make for all peoples. 00:33:30.560 --> 00:33:31.640 A feast of rich food. 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:33.820 A feast of well aged wine. 00:33:33.940 --> 00:33:35.460 Of rich food full of marrow. 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:37.460 Of aged wine well refined. 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:39.740 And he will swallow up. 00:33:39.860 --> 00:33:40.460 On this mountain. 00:33:40.559 --> 00:33:42.400 The covering cast over all peoples. 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:44.440 The veil spread over all nations. 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:46.640 He will swallow up death. 00:33:47.059 --> 00:33:47.579 Forever. 00:33:48.380 --> 00:33:49.920 And the Lord God will wipe away. 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:51.539 Tears from all faces. 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:53.380 And the reproach of his people. 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:54.340 He will take away. 00:33:54.340 --> 00:33:55.299 From all the earth. 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:58.480 For the Lord has spoken. 00:33:59.039 --> 00:34:00.660 A feast he says. 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:02.019 That's what he speaks. 00:34:02.180 --> 00:34:03.019 Into existence. 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:04.039 Where all peoples. 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:06.079 Those from every nation. 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:06.960 Tribe. 00:34:07.259 --> 00:34:07.759 People. 00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:08.820 And language. 00:34:08.960 --> 00:34:09.279 Gather. 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:10.400 Because they've heard. 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.699 Of our rejoicing. 00:34:11.840 --> 00:34:13.259 And entered into relationship. 00:34:13.259 --> 00:34:14.139 With our God. 00:34:14.259 --> 00:34:15.619 By washing their robes. 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:16.659 And the blood of the Lamb. 00:34:16.719 --> 00:34:17.239 Who came. 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.639 And once and for all. 00:34:18.759 --> 00:34:19.619 He accomplished. 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:21.699 What all of those other sacrifices. 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:23.320 Were seeking to accomplish. 00:34:24.320 --> 00:34:26.079 He actually brought us back. 00:34:26.279 --> 00:34:27.320 To relationship. 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:28.519 With God. 00:34:29.639 --> 00:34:31.000 Where we now obey him. 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:31.880 Gladly. 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:33.039 And feast. 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:34.119 On his goodness. 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:36.679 It's this feast. 00:34:36.840 --> 00:34:38.340 The wedding supper. 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:39.300 Of the Lamb. 00:34:39.699 --> 00:34:40.820 That will be held. 00:34:41.440 --> 00:34:42.500 In a new city. 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:44.360 The new Jerusalem. 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:46.119 Revelation tells us. 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:49.559 Has gloriously secure walls. 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:50.860 Keeping us safe. 00:34:50.860 --> 00:34:51.739 From all harm. 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:53.139 From any sorrow. 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:53.820 Why? 00:34:54.019 --> 00:34:55.039 How does that happen? 00:34:55.599 --> 00:34:56.760 Because this city. 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:58.780 Has firm foundations. 00:34:58.780 --> 00:34:59.920 Its builder. 00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:01.060 And maker. 00:35:01.800 --> 00:35:03.140 Is God. 00:35:03.700 --> 00:35:04.300 Himself. 00:35:05.080 --> 00:35:05.840 In fact. 00:35:06.500 --> 00:35:07.820 We're not just going to be. 00:35:08.240 --> 00:35:10.000 In God's place. 00:35:10.220 --> 00:35:11.920 In the new Jerusalem. 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:14.160 But we as God's people. 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:15.920 Are the new Jerusalem. 00:35:16.860 --> 00:35:17.920 He is building. 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:19.060 Right now. 00:35:19.300 --> 00:35:20.920 Even as we speak. 00:35:21.100 --> 00:35:21.800 Right here. 00:35:21.900 --> 00:35:23.700 The bride of Christ. 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.160 Perfected. 00:35:25.280 --> 00:35:26.040 In his image. 00:35:26.140 --> 00:35:26.460 To live. 00:35:26.460 --> 00:35:27.320 In obedient. 00:35:27.579 --> 00:35:28.079 And intimate. 00:35:28.420 --> 00:35:29.099 Relationship. 00:35:29.099 --> 00:35:29.500 With him. 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:30.340 Forever. 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:32.039 In God's place. 00:35:32.280 --> 00:35:33.559 The place he made. 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:36.720 The place where you never have to worry. 00:35:37.380 --> 00:35:38.980 About which voice to listen to. 00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:42.500 There's no more competition. 00:35:43.300 --> 00:35:44.579 There's no more static. 00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.320 In your head. 00:35:46.599 --> 00:35:48.800 You don't have to fear the voice. 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:50.159 Of condemnation. 00:35:50.500 --> 00:35:51.579 From yourself. 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:53.980 Or from someone else. 00:35:54.320 --> 00:35:56.099 Being the thing that defines you. 00:35:56.460 --> 00:36:00.199 You don't even have to settle. 00:36:01.119 --> 00:36:02.960 For reading his word. 00:36:05.380 --> 00:36:06.720 You will hear. 00:36:08.220 --> 00:36:08.860 His. 00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:10.440 Voice. 00:36:12.599 --> 00:36:13.480 Do you know what he'll say? 00:36:14.139 --> 00:36:16.500 Can you guess what he will speak. 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:17.320 To you? 00:36:19.480 --> 00:36:20.039 Blessing. 00:36:20.639 --> 00:36:21.440 He will give you. 00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:22.639 Himself. 00:36:23.340 --> 00:36:24.280 Revelation 21. 00:36:24.280 --> 00:36:25.100 Just listen. 00:36:25.100 --> 00:36:26.800 I saw the holy city. 00:36:26.980 --> 00:36:27.680 New Jerusalem. 00:36:27.940 --> 00:36:29.580 Coming down out of heaven from God. 00:36:29.880 --> 00:36:30.900 Prepared as a bride. 00:36:30.960 --> 00:36:32.080 Adorned for her husband. 00:36:32.180 --> 00:36:33.440 That's all of you. 00:36:33.740 --> 00:36:34.820 Connected to Jesus. 00:36:35.460 --> 00:36:36.420 By faith. 00:36:37.740 --> 00:36:38.900 And what does he say? 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:40.160 A loud voice from the throne. 00:36:40.320 --> 00:36:40.500 Saying. 00:36:40.640 --> 00:36:40.900 Behold. 00:36:40.980 --> 00:36:42.300 The dwelling place of God. 00:36:42.360 --> 00:36:42.940 Is with man. 00:36:43.160 --> 00:36:44.480 He will dwell with them. 00:36:44.660 --> 00:36:46.120 And they will be his people. 00:36:46.320 --> 00:36:47.200 And God himself. 00:36:47.200 --> 00:36:48.220 Will be with them. 00:36:48.220 --> 00:36:48.980 As their God. 00:36:49.120 --> 00:36:50.200 This will sound familiar. 00:36:50.199 --> 00:36:53.099 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:36:53.480 --> 00:36:54.839 And death shall be no more. 00:36:55.159 --> 00:36:56.339 Neither shall there be mourning. 00:36:56.500 --> 00:36:57.259 Nor crying. 00:36:57.519 --> 00:36:58.419 Nor pain anymore. 00:36:58.559 --> 00:37:00.460 For the former things have passed away. 00:37:00.919 --> 00:37:02.480 He who's seated on the throne said. 00:37:02.559 --> 00:37:03.019 Behold. 00:37:03.159 --> 00:37:05.859 I am making all things new. 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:07.179 Do you hear what he's describing? 00:37:07.699 --> 00:37:08.599 It's God. 00:37:08.679 --> 00:37:09.719 With his people. 00:37:10.119 --> 00:37:11.239 In his place. 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.859 Reflecting his image. 00:37:13.219 --> 00:37:14.839 Because the one on the throne says. 00:37:14.839 --> 00:37:16.279 He's making all things new. 00:37:16.379 --> 00:37:17.399 And that includes you and me. 00:37:17.400 --> 00:37:21.240 That one on the throne later says. 00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:23.740 Let me define our relationship. 00:37:24.300 --> 00:37:24.579 He says. 00:37:24.740 --> 00:37:26.200 I will be his God. 00:37:27.559 --> 00:37:29.260 And he will be my son. 00:37:30.599 --> 00:37:31.099 The heir. 00:37:32.099 --> 00:37:33.460 To my image. 00:37:34.760 --> 00:37:35.500 My family. 00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:37.000 My place. 00:37:37.480 --> 00:37:38.200 My home. 00:37:38.480 --> 00:37:39.480 My presence. 00:37:39.660 --> 00:37:40.800 My love. 00:37:41.800 --> 00:37:44.740 Because I say so. 00:37:45.780 --> 00:37:46.480 Says the Lord. 00:37:47.400 --> 00:37:52.780 As we pray. 00:37:54.059 --> 00:37:54.780 Together now. 00:37:54.860 --> 00:37:55.619 I just want you to. 00:37:56.380 --> 00:37:57.960 Listen to God's voice. 00:37:58.340 --> 00:37:59.260 For a couple minutes. 00:38:00.160 --> 00:38:01.360 It's the one we need to hear. 00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:07.160 Thus says the Lord. 00:38:08.360 --> 00:38:09.240 Fear not. 00:38:09.240 --> 00:38:11.780 For I have redeemed you. 00:38:12.579 --> 00:38:14.039 I have called you by name. 00:38:14.340 --> 00:38:15.139 You are mine. 00:38:15.139 --> 00:38:17.279 When you pass through the waters. 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.599 I will be with you. 00:38:19.359 --> 00:38:20.299 And through the rivers. 00:38:20.299 --> 00:38:21.960 They shall not overwhelm you. 00:38:22.920 --> 00:38:24.299 When you walk through fire. 00:38:24.440 --> 00:38:25.579 You shall not be burned. 00:38:25.699 --> 00:38:28.079 And the flames shall not consume you. 00:38:28.400 --> 00:38:30.500 For I am the Lord your God. 00:38:30.639 --> 00:38:32.420 The Holy One of Israel. 00:38:32.859 --> 00:38:33.659 Your Savior. 00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:37.119 Because you are precious in my eyes. 00:38:37.119 --> 00:38:38.159 And honored. 00:38:38.400 --> 00:38:39.759 And I love you. 00:38:39.760 --> 00:38:42.300 I give men in return for you. 00:38:42.420 --> 00:38:44.300 Peoples in exchange for your life. 00:38:44.600 --> 00:38:45.420 Fear not. 00:38:46.040 --> 00:38:47.300 For I am with you. 00:38:48.880 --> 00:38:50.300 I am the good shepherd. 00:38:51.580 --> 00:38:54.460 The good shepherd lays down his life. 00:38:54.720 --> 00:38:55.820 For the sheep. 00:38:56.400 --> 00:38:57.640 I am the good shepherd. 00:38:57.820 --> 00:38:58.880 I know my own. 00:38:58.960 --> 00:39:00.080 And my own know me. 00:39:00.200 --> 00:39:01.900 Just as the Father knows me. 00:39:02.020 --> 00:39:03.360 And I know the Father. 00:39:04.300 --> 00:39:05.900 And I lay down my life. 00:39:06.520 --> 00:39:07.320 For the sheep. 00:39:07.320 --> 00:39:09.019 And I have other sheep. 00:39:09.019 --> 00:39:10.340 That are not of this fold. 00:39:10.980 --> 00:39:12.320 I must bring them also. 00:39:12.519 --> 00:39:13.760 And they will listen. 00:39:14.080 --> 00:39:15.300 To my voice. 00:39:17.280 --> 00:39:18.559 In a time of favor. 00:39:18.559 --> 00:39:19.600 I have answered you. 00:39:19.960 --> 00:39:21.019 In a day of salvation. 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:22.100 I have helped you. 00:39:22.320 --> 00:39:23.320 I will keep you. 00:39:23.400 --> 00:39:24.620 And give you as a covenant. 00:39:24.620 --> 00:39:25.500 To the people. 00:39:25.840 --> 00:39:27.240 To establish the land. 00:39:27.460 --> 00:39:28.559 They shall not hunger. 00:39:28.559 --> 00:39:29.460 Or thirst. 00:39:29.780 --> 00:39:30.980 Neither scorching wind. 00:39:30.980 --> 00:39:31.620 Nor sun. 00:39:31.620 --> 00:39:32.680 Shall strike them. 00:39:33.120 --> 00:39:34.740 For he who has pity on them. 00:39:34.740 --> 00:39:35.600 Will lead them. 00:39:35.599 --> 00:39:37.619 And by springs of water. 00:39:37.619 --> 00:39:38.519 Will guide them. 00:39:39.239 --> 00:39:41.019 I will not forget you. 00:39:42.659 --> 00:39:44.380 Behold I have engraved you. 00:39:44.799 --> 00:39:46.559 On the palms of my hands. 00:39:47.259 --> 00:39:49.239 Your walls are continually. 00:39:49.960 --> 00:39:50.699 Before me. 00:39:52.679 --> 00:39:54.739 Behold the dwelling place of God. 00:39:54.819 --> 00:39:55.559 Is with man. 00:39:56.279 --> 00:39:57.659 He will dwell with them. 00:39:58.219 --> 00:39:59.619 And they will be his people. 00:39:59.779 --> 00:40:00.579 And God himself. 00:40:00.779 --> 00:40:01.519 Will be with them. 00:40:01.559 --> 00:40:02.259 As their God. 00:40:02.420 --> 00:40:03.380 He will wipe away. 00:40:03.380 --> 00:40:04.960 Every tear from their eyes. 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:06.619 And death shall be no more. 00:40:06.720 --> 00:40:08.000 Neither shall there be mourning. 00:40:08.240 --> 00:40:09.039 Nor crying. 00:40:09.220 --> 00:40:10.360 Nor pain anymore. 00:40:10.679 --> 00:40:12.900 For the former things have passed away. 00:40:13.320 --> 00:40:16.000 Behold I am making all things new. 00:40:16.340 --> 00:40:17.400 I am the Alpha. 00:40:17.639 --> 00:40:18.519 And the Omega. 00:40:18.740 --> 00:40:20.139 The beginning and the end. 00:40:20.619 --> 00:40:21.360 To the thirsty. 00:40:21.519 --> 00:40:22.740 I will give from the spring. 00:40:22.800 --> 00:40:24.019 Of the water of life. 00:40:24.119 --> 00:40:25.019 Without payment. 00:40:25.400 --> 00:40:26.360 The one who conquers. 00:40:26.460 --> 00:40:27.500 Will have this heritage. 00:40:28.159 --> 00:40:29.539 And I will be his God. 00:40:30.699 --> 00:40:32.059 He will be my son. 00:40:32.059 --> 00:40:33.059 Father. 00:40:37.380 --> 00:40:38.259 Father today. 00:40:38.380 --> 00:40:39.440 As we hear your voice. 00:40:42.960 --> 00:40:44.179 May we not harden. 00:40:44.440 --> 00:40:45.139 Our hearts. 00:40:46.440 --> 00:40:48.320 May we know no other voice. 00:40:48.539 --> 00:40:49.079 May we not. 00:40:50.000 --> 00:40:51.099 Push yours away. 00:40:51.199 --> 00:40:52.139 In order to believe. 00:40:52.659 --> 00:40:54.420 Something that someone else says. 00:40:56.659 --> 00:40:57.759 May your voice even. 00:40:58.099 --> 00:40:59.679 Break our stony hearts. 00:40:59.679 --> 00:41:05.599 Would we run back to you. 00:41:06.859 --> 00:41:07.679 Would we delight. 00:41:08.619 --> 00:41:09.879 In life with you. 00:41:11.779 --> 00:41:13.259 Now and forever. 00:41:14.619 --> 00:41:16.119 We ask in Jesus name. 00:41:16.940 --> 00:41:17.219 Amen. 00:41:17.219 --> 00:41:22.219 For more information, visit us online at southwood.org.