WEBVTT 00:00:00.380 --> 00:00:11.279 Well, it's a blessing to be here with you guys. Wonderful. It's been a while. I think the last time I spoke with you, I brought the Word of God on a Sunday was over a year ago, maybe two or three years ago even. 00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:18.460 So I'm glad I get to be here with you. It's a delight. And I bring greetings from King of Grace Church and Haverhill Mass. 00:00:19.199 --> 00:00:22.839 And we're grateful for the connection with you guys and all that God's doing here. 00:00:22.839 --> 00:00:32.980 What I want to look at this evening is the book of Malachi. It's a book written for the people of God struggling with spiritual lethargy. 00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:40.519 It teaches us that we wake up out of spiritual slumber by seeing God for who He really is. 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:44.780 And that's really what the book is about. It's a call from God around many different topics. 00:00:45.019 --> 00:00:52.260 But a call for the people of God to return to the Lord, to wake up and to see Him for who He really is. 00:00:52.840 --> 00:01:00.940 It was given to a people who had replaced God-fueled hope and vitality with myopic cynicism and slumber. 00:01:01.640 --> 00:01:09.040 And I think it applies to us today because we, like those who are the original audience from Malachi's prophetic word, 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:15.420 we too can trade hope and vitality for cynicism and slumber. 00:01:16.640 --> 00:01:22.240 Jason Dusing, in his book, Mere Hope, Life in the Age of Cynicism, writes the following. 00:01:22.840 --> 00:01:28.740 With instant global interconnectedness alerting us to all forms of tragedy and conflict, 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:35.060 our society appears to have defaulted either to resigned despair or distracted indifference. 00:01:35.780 --> 00:01:45.180 When regularly our leaders disappoint us by their actions and their human flaws are flouted and magnified due to our relentless and merciless scrutiny, 00:01:45.180 --> 00:01:51.980 it's easy to see why many have come to a collective understanding that no one can stand with a message of hope. 00:01:52.820 --> 00:02:04.180 Once a small genre of fiction literature, dystopian-themed novels, games, and movies seem now to be the predominant world in which entertainment takes place, 00:02:04.700 --> 00:02:07.260 and increasingly in the real world as well. 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:12.219 Hope, rather than dystopia, is the fiction of our day. 00:02:13.180 --> 00:02:13.840 What happened? 00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:17.719 Going to quote Mohamed Farouz, he writes, 00:02:17.800 --> 00:02:21.780 The age of anxiety has given way to an age of cynicism. 00:02:22.819 --> 00:02:25.819 Among my generation, cynicism is no longer a bad word. 00:02:25.920 --> 00:02:29.580 It's being celebrated, and it is often mistaken for intelligence. 00:02:29.580 --> 00:02:39.340 The age of cynicism, Farouz continues, is where it is better to be wry and distrustful than to be open and trusting. 00:02:40.620 --> 00:02:41.360 And Ducing says, 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:46.900 Christians should take heed, for we, as those living in this world, are prone to bend toward it. 00:02:47.900 --> 00:02:51.800 Often the pull toward cynicism is easier to follow than the struggle to resist. 00:02:51.800 --> 00:02:55.500 Sarcasm comes too easily. 00:02:55.680 --> 00:03:00.920 Complaining is default small talk, and despair can mark us more than joy. 00:03:02.640 --> 00:03:04.460 I think he's right in his assessment. 00:03:05.660 --> 00:03:09.280 And God does not leave us alone to kind of figure this out on our own. 00:03:09.500 --> 00:03:10.640 He gives us his word. 00:03:11.300 --> 00:03:17.900 And his word has truth, and his word has power to address us in our cynicism, in our struggle with cynicism. 00:03:17.900 --> 00:03:22.240 And this book was written for people who were struggling with cynicism. 00:03:22.420 --> 00:03:27.120 If you don't know the storyline, what had gone on with the people of God at the time, 00:03:27.200 --> 00:03:32.159 they had come back from exile, and there had been wonderful promises of restoration. 00:03:33.319 --> 00:03:37.060 There were wonderful promises for the people of God going back hundreds and hundreds of years, 00:03:37.200 --> 00:03:39.219 and God had blessed them in so many ways. 00:03:39.340 --> 00:03:44.379 They had rebelled, and after really hundreds of years of gross rebellion, 00:03:44.379 --> 00:03:46.379 God finally brought what he said he would. 00:03:46.920 --> 00:03:47.819 He brought discipline. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:49.099 And exile on them. 00:03:49.599 --> 00:03:53.020 But then miraculously, he brought them back. 00:03:53.159 --> 00:03:56.680 He restored them as a people after military devastation. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:59.819 It really is just an amazing miracle, even just historically, 00:04:00.719 --> 00:04:04.319 what God did in bringing his people back and putting them back in the land. 00:04:05.200 --> 00:04:10.620 But something happened along the way, and you can read it in other books of the Bible besides Malachi, 00:04:10.620 --> 00:04:12.719 and the book of Nehemiah and Ezra. 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:18.480 They came back with wonderful promise, wonderful anticipation of what God might do, 00:04:18.839 --> 00:04:21.819 but things didn't pan out quite how they expected. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:23.040 They ran into opposition. 00:04:23.040 --> 00:04:28.280 There were those opposing them around them. 00:04:28.280 --> 00:04:31.160 They were still under a foreign rule. 00:04:31.160 --> 00:04:32.939 They didn't have their own king. 00:04:34.360 --> 00:04:39.060 Another people group there, the Edomites, had stabbed them in the back in the process, 00:04:39.160 --> 00:04:40.780 then taken over much of their territory. 00:04:40.779 --> 00:04:44.659 The governors of the surrounding territories were making life hard for them. 00:04:45.099 --> 00:04:46.599 The city was broken down. 00:04:46.699 --> 00:04:48.739 The walls were not put together. 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:54.139 They were struggling economically, and there were some bad harvests and pest infestations. 00:04:54.139 --> 00:05:04.060 And in face of all this adversity and their heartfelt disappointment, cynicism crept in and took over. 00:05:04.839 --> 00:05:09.000 And spiritual malaise became the M.O. of the day for the people of God. 00:05:09.099 --> 00:05:10.379 It polluted everything. 00:05:11.039 --> 00:05:16.039 And instead of believing in God and experiencing hope for the future and joy in the present, 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:19.500 cynicism became the trait that marked them. 00:05:20.219 --> 00:05:22.759 And that's where we'll pick up from God's Word. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:26.539 I encourage you to read this whole book, maybe this week even, to read through it. 00:05:26.560 --> 00:05:30.379 But I'm going to start in chapter 3, verse 13, as God addresses the people. 00:05:30.839 --> 00:05:35.439 And this is the end of the book, and so he's in many ways bringing everything together to address them 00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:39.339 and address their hearts and call them to something besides cynicism. 00:05:40.199 --> 00:05:43.300 The title of the message is, Wake Up Cynic. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:46.219 And it's a message for us as well today. 00:05:46.279 --> 00:05:49.740 So let's pray before we read God's Word that we might hear and respond. 00:05:49.740 --> 00:05:51.099 Lord, we thank you for your Word. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:56.480 We thank you, Lord, that you don't leave us alone. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:06:05.199 You love us enough to confront us, to speak to our thoughts and our heart, 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:07.699 and to draw us back to yourself. 00:06:07.899 --> 00:06:12.399 Thank you for your Word that's living and active, that works in our lives. 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:14.620 And, Lord, we need to hear from you. 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:20.899 We need the fresh repentance and faith and hope and joy that you intend for us. 00:06:21.259 --> 00:06:27.060 All of us, O Father, have been affected by cynicism, and some of us are deep in it. 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:30.980 And we pray, Lord, lift us out and make us your holy people. 00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:34.920 Draw all to yourself this evening, we pray in Christ's name. 00:06:35.480 --> 00:06:35.759 Amen. 00:06:36.759 --> 00:06:39.540 Malachi chapter 3, verse 13. 00:06:39.540 --> 00:06:43.220 Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:46.920 But you say, how have we spoken against you? 00:06:47.540 --> 00:06:50.300 You have said, it's vain to serve God. 00:06:50.640 --> 00:06:55.379 What is the profit of our keeping his charge of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 00:06:56.140 --> 00:06:58.020 And now we call the arrogant blessed. 00:06:58.780 --> 00:07:02.180 Evildoers not only prosper, but they put God to the test and they escape. 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:06.379 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. 00:07:07.139 --> 00:07:09.019 The Lord paid attention and heard them. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:14.780 And a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:20.980 They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:24.340 and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 00:07:25.220 --> 00:07:28.540 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:31.519 between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. 00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:36.000 For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, 00:07:36.799 --> 00:07:39.599 when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:45.120 The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, 00:07:45.159 --> 00:07:47.180 that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 00:07:48.240 --> 00:07:51.299 But for you who fear my name, 00:07:52.479 --> 00:07:58.339 the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. 00:07:58.339 --> 00:08:01.459 You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall, 00:08:01.539 --> 00:08:02.879 and you shall tread down the wicked, 00:08:03.179 --> 00:08:06.539 for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act, 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:07.679 says the Lord of hosts. 00:08:09.419 --> 00:08:12.399 Remember the law of my servant Moses, 00:08:12.719 --> 00:08:16.399 the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:22.899 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes, 00:08:23.039 --> 00:08:25.399 and he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:27.279 and the hearts of the children to their fathers, 00:08:27.379 --> 00:08:30.939 lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction. 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:35.159 God's word from Malachi 3 and 4. 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:38.740 What I submit to you, the central message here, 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:41.060 is a call to not grow cynical, 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:43.539 but to realize that God has this. 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:44.360 God's got this. 00:08:44.440 --> 00:08:45.159 Don't grow cynical. 00:08:45.659 --> 00:08:47.000 God's got this. 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:52.720 So I want to first just look at this reality of cynicism in the text and in our lives. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.299 He tells the Israelites in the beginning, 00:08:55.440 --> 00:08:57.720 your words have been hard against me. 00:08:58.220 --> 00:09:00.620 He says it earlier actually in chapter 2 as well, 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:03.580 that their words have wearied him. 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:05.820 The wording here is stronger. 00:09:05.820 --> 00:09:10.480 These are not words that are just slightly off, 00:09:10.800 --> 00:09:12.520 but these are words full of grumbling. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:16.700 God is stepping up his rebuke 00:09:16.700 --> 00:09:20.240 and summarizing the core problem with the Israelites in Malachi's day. 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:22.460 They've lost sight of God, 00:09:23.220 --> 00:09:25.940 and they've exchanged faith and hope and love 00:09:25.940 --> 00:09:30.300 for doubt and cynicism and compromise. 00:09:31.920 --> 00:09:35.700 And brothers and sisters, this is happening in our age as well, 00:09:35.820 --> 00:09:38.320 and it happens in our lives as well. 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:40.379 They had lost sight of God, 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:43.820 and they can only see themselves and their problems. 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:47.040 Any mention of God is to blame him. 00:09:47.520 --> 00:09:50.100 Any thought of God only brings deeper bitterness. 00:09:51.760 --> 00:09:55.640 Now they're facing difficulties that are part of God's discipline on their lives 00:09:55.640 --> 00:09:58.720 because they are wandering and God's seeking to bring them back. 00:09:58.720 --> 00:10:02.279 But they're also facing difficulties that are just part of life. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:07.399 Life in this world until Christ returns and makes all things right 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:10.879 has trials, has difficulties. 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:15.879 And those difficulties come in seasons on both the wicked and the good. 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:19.100 And as they struggle with these difficulties, 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:20.899 whatever they might be in particular, 00:10:21.820 --> 00:10:25.279 they're turning away from God, not towards him. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:30.379 The Lord calls us to turn towards him. 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:33.860 He calls us to build our houses on the rock, not on the sand. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:38.059 The storms and the floods come against both houses, 00:10:38.179 --> 00:10:39.860 the one on the rock and one on the sand, 00:10:39.940 --> 00:10:41.559 but the one on the rock stands, 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:43.599 the one on the sand is washed away. 00:10:45.059 --> 00:10:49.139 And often that experience of being washed away is not so dramatic. 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:57.219 It's often a gradual cynicism and bitterness 00:10:57.219 --> 00:10:59.659 and a loss of hope 00:10:59.659 --> 00:11:02.219 and just going through the motions 00:11:02.219 --> 00:11:04.399 that eventually leads to walking away. 00:11:05.579 --> 00:11:06.699 Think about it, right? 00:11:07.699 --> 00:11:09.699 If you know people that are older 00:11:09.700 --> 00:11:12.740 and perhaps bitter have become cynical 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:14.160 and walked away from the faith 00:11:14.160 --> 00:11:15.420 or walked away from hope, 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:17.180 they weren't always like that. 00:11:18.160 --> 00:11:20.940 Most people at some point in life have hope 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:23.220 and are optimistic about the future. 00:11:23.540 --> 00:11:25.879 And it's how they deal with the difficulties in life 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:27.160 that will shape and mold them 00:11:27.160 --> 00:11:28.900 and determine whether they end up 00:11:28.900 --> 00:11:31.660 fruitful and faithful or bitter and cynical. 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:35.420 That's what's going on here. 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:37.700 They've faced difficulty 00:11:37.700 --> 00:11:40.300 and instead of turning to the Lord, 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:41.640 they're turning away, 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:42.780 they're turning to cynicism. 00:11:43.100 --> 00:11:44.180 So listen to how they talk. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:45.660 It's vain to serve God. 00:11:46.700 --> 00:11:49.259 What is the profit of our keeping his charge 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:50.780 or of walking as in mourning 00:11:50.780 --> 00:11:52.020 before the Lord of hosts? 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:54.520 And now we call the arrogant blessed. 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:56.860 Evildoers not only prosper, 00:11:56.960 --> 00:11:58.080 but they put God to the test 00:11:58.080 --> 00:11:59.180 and they escape. 00:12:01.180 --> 00:12:02.680 You might not say it that way. 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:05.780 Maybe you or I would say it this way. 00:12:05.779 --> 00:12:09.299 It's a waste of time to follow God. 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:11.799 What do you really get 00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:14.059 for all this constant repenting 00:12:14.059 --> 00:12:15.259 and attempts at holiness? 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:17.360 Why go to church? 00:12:17.459 --> 00:12:18.839 Why give up a weekend day? 00:12:19.100 --> 00:12:20.000 Why go to small group? 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:21.699 I'm too busy for this stuff. 00:12:22.919 --> 00:12:24.360 Why should I tithe? 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:25.319 No one else does 00:12:25.319 --> 00:12:27.740 and they all seem perfectly fine without it. 00:12:28.360 --> 00:12:30.839 Even the worst sort of people are doing well. 00:12:30.840 --> 00:12:35.180 How can it be that God cares? 00:12:36.160 --> 00:12:37.220 And if he doesn't care, 00:12:37.300 --> 00:12:37.899 why should I? 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:39.200 Forget it. 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:42.580 If God doesn't keep up his end of the deal, 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:44.639 I'm not keeping up mine. 00:12:45.100 --> 00:12:45.800 I'm done. 00:12:46.940 --> 00:12:48.759 More or less what the Israelites were saying 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:51.620 and maybe what enters our own minds at times. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:53.399 The bane of the believer actually 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:55.940 is to be walking with God 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:57.280 or at least appearing to walk with God 00:12:57.280 --> 00:12:59.120 while you forget God. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:01.039 while you turn away from him. 00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:03.740 Such a person is to be pitied. 00:13:04.580 --> 00:13:06.500 There are many better ways to live 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:08.940 than in that place of pretending 00:13:08.940 --> 00:13:10.000 and going through the motions 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:12.639 and yet feeling like it's not worth it. 00:13:14.440 --> 00:13:16.299 But the problem in all this, 00:13:16.440 --> 00:13:17.700 the problem with the Israelites, 00:13:17.940 --> 00:13:18.980 the problem with us, 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:21.960 is the goal of our faith is off. 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:24.799 What's the expectation of someone 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.960 with that orientation? 00:13:25.960 --> 00:13:27.780 I think often 00:13:27.780 --> 00:13:31.900 it's a sort of pragmatic 00:13:31.900 --> 00:13:33.840 self-realization program 00:13:33.840 --> 00:13:35.139 that we've signed up for 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.740 thinking it's Christianity. 00:13:38.180 --> 00:13:40.180 We think if we put enough effort 00:13:40.180 --> 00:13:42.900 into believing and doing good, 00:13:43.420 --> 00:13:45.480 we'll get back something in reward. 00:13:46.400 --> 00:13:47.639 And those things are often things 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:49.040 like success in life, 00:13:49.139 --> 00:13:50.259 a good job, 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:51.000 friends, 00:13:51.300 --> 00:13:52.860 maybe a spouse and kids, 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:55.300 whatever else we might think 00:13:55.300 --> 00:13:56.659 constitutes the good life. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:58.600 And we forget in this 00:13:58.600 --> 00:14:00.560 what it's really all about. 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:02.620 And we set ourselves up 00:14:02.620 --> 00:14:04.159 for cynicism. 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:07.440 Now the people of God 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:09.139 would have been well served 00:14:09.139 --> 00:14:09.980 in the day of Malachi 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:11.580 to turn to Psalm 73. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:12.519 And we as well 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:13.399 are well served 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:14.800 to turn to Psalm 73. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:15.740 For this is a psalm 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:17.080 written by a cynic 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.940 who learns the answer 00:14:18.940 --> 00:14:20.639 to the root of his cynicism. 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:22.460 It says in Psalm 73, 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:24.860 Truly God is good to Israel, 00:14:25.539 --> 00:14:27.000 to those who are pure in heart. 00:14:27.080 --> 00:14:28.120 But as for me, 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:29.879 my feet had almost stumbled, 00:14:29.980 --> 00:14:31.620 my steps had nearly slipped. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:34.059 For I was envious of the arrogant 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:35.360 when I saw the prosperity 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.059 of the wicked. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:39.080 All in vain have I kept 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:39.799 my heart clean 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:41.059 and washed my hands in innocence. 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:42.539 For all the day long 00:14:42.539 --> 00:14:43.340 I've been stricken 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:44.659 and rebuked every morning. 00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:47.019 Then he goes on, 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.240 When my soul was embittered, 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:49.340 when I was bricked in heart, 00:14:49.340 --> 00:14:51.160 I was brutish and ignorant. 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:52.840 I was like a beast toward you. 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:55.040 Nevertheless, 00:14:56.300 --> 00:14:57.620 this is the turning point 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:58.379 for the psalmist, 00:14:59.280 --> 00:14:59.620 Nevertheless, 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:04.220 I am continually with you. 00:15:05.280 --> 00:15:07.500 You hold my right hand. 00:15:08.680 --> 00:15:10.600 You guide me with your counsel. 00:15:11.660 --> 00:15:12.259 And afterward, 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:13.900 you will receive me to glory. 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:16.060 Whom have I in heaven but you? 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:18.079 And there is nothing on earth 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:21.419 that I desire besides you. 00:15:22.839 --> 00:15:25.339 My flesh and my heart may fail, 00:15:25.479 --> 00:15:28.459 but God is the strength of my heart 00:15:28.459 --> 00:15:31.739 and my portion forever. 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:35.159 You see, 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.560 God has something way better 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:39.639 than a good career, 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:41.799 stable friends, 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:43.500 the good life. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:45.200 And those things aren't bad, 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:46.840 but God has something better 00:15:46.840 --> 00:15:48.720 and he wants us to set our heart 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:50.460 on that thing that is better 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:51.840 and it is the only thing 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:52.779 that will sustain you 00:15:52.779 --> 00:15:54.100 and protect you from 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:55.399 cynicism. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.320 He gives us 00:15:58.320 --> 00:15:59.659 himself. 00:15:59.659 --> 00:15:59.839 himself. 00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:03.120 He gives us 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.519 himself. 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:06.719 That in him 00:16:06.719 --> 00:16:07.399 we might have 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:08.480 true life 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:09.679 and overcome 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:10.559 and recognize 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.600 all these other things 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:13.100 are so much lesser 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:14.719 that I can hold my hands 00:16:14.719 --> 00:16:16.139 open to them. 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:17.539 And if I have them, 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:17.879 great. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:18.740 And if I don't, 00:16:18.799 --> 00:16:19.679 that's okay too. 00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:21.019 I've learned the secret 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:23.539 of being content 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.319 because I have him 00:16:25.319 --> 00:16:26.579 and he has me. 00:16:26.580 --> 00:16:28.740 Jesus defines 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:29.680 eternal life this way. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.540 This is eternal life 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:31.639 that they may know you, 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:33.960 the only true God 00:16:33.960 --> 00:16:34.940 and Jesus Christ 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:35.879 whom you have sent. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:38.639 Paul says, 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:39.480 I've been crucified 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:40.160 with Christ. 00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:41.580 It is no longer I 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:42.000 who live, 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.660 but Christ 00:16:42.660 --> 00:16:43.800 who lives in me 00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:44.740 and the life 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:45.720 I now live in the flesh. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:46.660 I live by faith 00:16:46.660 --> 00:16:47.400 in the Son of God 00:16:47.400 --> 00:16:48.200 who loved me 00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:49.320 and gave himself 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.080 for me. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:54.800 When we are grumbling 00:16:54.800 --> 00:16:56.300 against God 00:16:56.300 --> 00:16:58.100 and tempted 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:59.300 towards cynicism, 00:16:59.900 --> 00:17:00.720 it's likely 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:02.200 we've lost sight 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:03.400 of this truth 00:17:03.400 --> 00:17:07.819 that he has given himself 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.460 wholly to us, 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:12.579 bearing our sins 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.440 on the cross, 00:17:13.579 --> 00:17:14.579 living the righteous life 00:17:14.579 --> 00:17:15.460 we never could, 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:17.000 dying on that cross 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:17.720 for us, 00:17:18.340 --> 00:17:19.140 rising again, 00:17:19.140 --> 00:17:20.780 on the third day, 00:17:20.860 --> 00:17:21.740 victorious over sin 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.080 and death 00:17:22.080 --> 00:17:22.840 so that we might 00:17:22.840 --> 00:17:23.840 have his victory 00:17:23.840 --> 00:17:25.340 in us and through us. 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.500 Performing that work 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.480 and then by the Spirit 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:30.200 of God in time 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:31.360 revealing that to us 00:17:31.360 --> 00:17:32.680 that we might have him 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:34.400 holy 00:17:34.400 --> 00:17:37.100 and that he might have us. 00:17:37.099 --> 00:17:40.000 the cure 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:41.379 to cynicism 00:17:41.379 --> 00:17:43.500 is to get your eyes 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:44.500 off yourself 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:46.879 and your circumstances 00:17:46.879 --> 00:17:48.659 and get your eyes 00:17:48.659 --> 00:17:49.719 on the Lord 00:17:49.719 --> 00:17:51.339 of mercy 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:52.319 and glory 00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:54.480 who loves you so. 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.279 I think of this 00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:59.240 actually in ways 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.019 that are analogous 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.879 as a pastor 00:18:00.879 --> 00:18:01.539 who does a lot 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:02.459 of marriage counseling. 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:04.119 What I find 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:05.099 in marriages often 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:06.579 is when the spouses 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.859 have their eyes 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:08.579 on what they should 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.019 be getting 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:10.559 from that other spouse. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.679 It usually leads 00:18:12.679 --> 00:18:13.139 to failure 00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:13.779 and what can happen 00:18:13.779 --> 00:18:14.559 is over years 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:15.619 and years of doing that 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:16.500 it's just all about 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.419 how this person 00:18:17.419 --> 00:18:18.019 let me down, 00:18:18.119 --> 00:18:18.459 the other one 00:18:18.459 --> 00:18:18.980 let me down 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.399 and you live 00:18:19.399 --> 00:18:20.039 in that place 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.059 and the way 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:21.899 that you break it, 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.539 the way that they 00:18:23.539 --> 00:18:24.339 need to break it 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:25.419 is to realize 00:18:25.419 --> 00:18:26.159 you know what? 00:18:27.719 --> 00:18:28.839 The glorious God 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:29.679 has given himself 00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:30.179 for me. 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:30.939 All my sins 00:18:30.939 --> 00:18:31.480 are forgiven. 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:33.740 I'm free, 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:34.799 I'm forgiven in him 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.860 and now I'm called 00:18:35.860 --> 00:18:36.640 in him 00:18:36.640 --> 00:18:37.480 as he's given himself 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:37.860 to me 00:18:37.860 --> 00:18:38.519 to give myself 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:39.279 to my spouse. 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:41.039 So I oint myself 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.640 in this marriage 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:42.700 not to what I can get 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.880 but what I can give. 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:45.500 Certainly there's 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.200 receiving 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:47.400 in a healthy relationship 00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:48.059 but that's not 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:49.160 to be the primary 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:49.839 orientation. 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:51.519 So similarly 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.900 in our walks 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:53.519 with God 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:54.819 when we get our eyes 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:55.420 off of God 00:18:55.420 --> 00:18:56.160 you owe me 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:57.460 I need this thing 00:18:57.460 --> 00:18:58.319 this is my dream 00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:59.120 you have to fulfill 00:18:59.120 --> 00:18:59.640 my dream 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.360 but instead 00:19:00.360 --> 00:19:00.740 Lord 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:01.440 you've given 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.220 yourself to me 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:02.520 holy 00:19:02.520 --> 00:19:03.520 I give myself 00:19:03.520 --> 00:19:04.140 to you holy 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:04.900 however you want 00:19:04.900 --> 00:19:05.460 to use me 00:19:05.460 --> 00:19:07.100 when we live 00:19:07.100 --> 00:19:07.660 that way 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:09.300 it protects us 00:19:09.300 --> 00:19:10.280 from bitterness 00:19:10.280 --> 00:19:11.380 and cynicism 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:12.600 and you'll experience 00:19:12.600 --> 00:19:13.940 joy even in 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.759 your trials. 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.100 So let me ask you 00:19:18.100 --> 00:19:20.680 what is it 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.360 you've felt 00:19:21.360 --> 00:19:22.259 like God owes you? 00:19:23.340 --> 00:19:24.620 What is that thing 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:25.280 that you're holding 00:19:25.280 --> 00:19:25.820 on to? 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:27.240 What is that 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:27.920 disappointment? 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:28.019 disappointment? 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.259 Maybe there is 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:30.720 something you were 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.279 holding on to 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.759 and it fell through 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:34.180 and you're still 00:19:34.180 --> 00:19:34.820 holding on to it 00:19:34.820 --> 00:19:35.220 even though you 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:35.720 don't have it 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.460 and you never will. 00:19:37.080 --> 00:19:37.920 What is that thing? 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:40.019 Let it go 00:19:40.019 --> 00:19:41.840 and give it to him 00:19:41.840 --> 00:19:42.640 he's given himself 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:43.500 holy to you 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:44.960 and find your life 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:46.000 in loving him 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:46.860 and worshiping others 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:47.620 worshiping him 00:19:47.620 --> 00:19:48.480 and serving others 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.700 find your life 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:50.300 in him 00:19:50.300 --> 00:19:51.580 that 00:19:51.580 --> 00:19:53.120 will rescue you 00:19:53.120 --> 00:19:53.900 from cynicism. 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:56.280 don't be cynical 00:19:56.280 --> 00:19:57.360 put your eyes 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:57.960 on the Lord 00:19:57.960 --> 00:19:58.580 that's the message 00:19:58.580 --> 00:19:59.080 of Malachi 00:19:59.080 --> 00:19:59.860 that's the message 00:19:59.860 --> 00:20:00.740 of scripture 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:02.080 well Malachi 00:20:02.080 --> 00:20:02.880 goes on to give 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:03.580 other things 00:20:03.580 --> 00:20:04.420 related to this 00:20:04.420 --> 00:20:05.800 the central idea 00:20:05.800 --> 00:20:06.540 here being 00:20:06.540 --> 00:20:08.000 don't be cynical 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.060 God's got this 00:20:09.060 --> 00:20:09.800 and so what he 00:20:09.800 --> 00:20:10.480 talks about next 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:11.400 is that God's got this 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:12.820 he's paying attention 00:20:12.820 --> 00:20:13.540 this wonderful 00:20:13.540 --> 00:20:14.480 strength 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.259 that we receive 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.019 in this truth 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.820 it says in verse 16 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:19.819 then those who feared 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:20.179 the Lord 00:20:20.179 --> 00:20:21.220 spoke with one another 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:22.179 the Lord paid attention 00:20:22.179 --> 00:20:22.879 and heard them 00:20:22.879 --> 00:20:24.119 and a book of remembrance 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:25.200 was written before him 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:26.039 of those who feared 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:26.419 the Lord 00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:27.700 and esteemed his name 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:29.159 so while there were 00:20:29.159 --> 00:20:30.240 so many that were cynical 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:30.939 there were those 00:20:30.939 --> 00:20:31.740 who feared the Lord 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.460 there were those 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:33.279 who put their eyes 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:33.799 on the Lord 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.240 and said Lord 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:35.200 we're looking to you 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:36.339 in our hardship 00:20:36.339 --> 00:20:37.059 in our trials 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.079 we look to you 00:20:38.079 --> 00:20:39.419 and it says 00:20:39.419 --> 00:20:39.939 those who feared 00:20:39.939 --> 00:20:40.279 the Lord 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:41.679 spoke with one another 00:20:41.679 --> 00:20:42.919 so there were 00:20:42.919 --> 00:20:43.859 ones who regard 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:44.159 the Lord 00:20:44.159 --> 00:20:45.059 they spoke with one another 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:45.879 isn't that interesting 00:20:45.880 --> 00:20:48.720 they spoke with one another 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:51.360 and it says 00:20:51.360 --> 00:20:52.240 the Lord paid attention 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:52.920 and heard them 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:53.960 and a book of remembrance 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:55.160 was written before him 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:59.720 the Lord writes 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:01.020 a book of remembrance 00:21:01.020 --> 00:21:03.660 of his people 00:21:03.660 --> 00:21:05.320 who are fearing him 00:21:05.320 --> 00:21:06.140 and looking to him 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:09.200 they speak with one another 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:10.960 about their situation 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:12.900 probably about their temptations 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:14.060 to be cynical as well 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:14.980 this is hard 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:16.079 I'm disappointed 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:18.240 my neighbors 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.059 are all disappointed 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.759 they've been complaining 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.319 all the time 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:20.940 this is hard 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:22.640 but what are you doing 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:23.640 how can we help each other 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.920 they speak with one another 00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:26.039 it's likely actually 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.420 where it says 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.279 the Lord paid attention 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.980 and heard them 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.039 that actually 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.380 that's a quote 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.200 of what they spoke 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:31.700 to one another 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.819 because in the Hebrew 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.759 the word them 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.299 is not there 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:34.960 there's no quotes 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.680 in Hebrew 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:37.460 so I think we can read it 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:38.200 those who feared 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:39.220 the Lord spoke with one another 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.220 and said to each other 00:21:40.220 --> 00:21:41.740 the Lord's paying attention 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:44.460 and he hears us 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:46.160 they remind each other 00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:48.180 that God is paying attention 00:21:48.180 --> 00:21:49.340 that they are not 00:21:49.340 --> 00:21:50.039 on their own 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:51.019 they're not lost 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:51.640 to struggle 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.460 with these things 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:52.920 on their own 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:54.539 but God is with them 00:21:54.539 --> 00:21:56.680 and this points to a reality 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:58.299 that we need each other 00:21:58.299 --> 00:21:58.980 in all this 00:21:58.980 --> 00:22:01.120 we need encouragement 00:22:01.120 --> 00:22:02.480 we will always 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:03.019 all of us 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:04.380 will tend towards 00:22:04.380 --> 00:22:05.440 drifting away 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.600 towards disappointment 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:07.700 and towards cynicism 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:09.000 but we need each other 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.940 we need encouragement 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:11.319 and so Hebrews 3 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:12.259 13 says 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:13.359 parallel to this 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:14.939 but encourage one another 00:22:14.939 --> 00:22:15.480 daily 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:17.740 as long as it is called 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:18.079 today 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.279 so that none of you 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:20.200 may be hardened 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:22.659 by sin's deceitfulness 00:22:22.659 --> 00:22:25.099 sin will deceive us 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:26.259 and harden us 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.119 and lead us 00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:28.319 towards cynicism 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:30.740 but we need to encourage 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:31.139 one another 00:22:31.139 --> 00:22:32.299 and remind each other 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.639 that God is for us 00:22:33.639 --> 00:22:34.539 that he's given himself 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.559 for us 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.220 that he knows 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:36.839 what's going on 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:38.019 he takes note 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:39.440 he pays attention 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:41.200 here it says 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:41.960 that he has a book 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:42.559 of remembrance 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:43.900 in Psalm 56 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:44.299 it says 00:22:44.299 --> 00:22:44.900 you have kept 00:22:44.900 --> 00:22:46.119 count of my tossings 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:47.139 put my tears 00:22:47.139 --> 00:22:47.900 in your bottle 00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:48.639 are they not 00:22:48.639 --> 00:22:49.379 in your book 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:51.619 so God himself 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:52.859 is remembering 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:54.079 and keeping record 00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:55.639 of your struggles 00:22:55.639 --> 00:22:58.000 of your petitions 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.519 to him 00:22:58.519 --> 00:22:59.220 as you bring 00:22:59.220 --> 00:23:00.220 those things to him 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:00.819 and say 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.559 Lord help me 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.440 in my disappointment 00:23:02.440 --> 00:23:03.779 help me in my loss 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:06.359 and he brings comfort 00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:07.180 real comfort 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:10.320 don't trade 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:11.019 real comfort 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:12.400 for the false comfort 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.360 of cynicism 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:16.180 but come to the Lord 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:17.460 the God of all comfort 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:19.259 2 Corinthians chapter 1 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.640 it says 00:23:19.640 --> 00:23:20.560 blessed be the God 00:23:20.560 --> 00:23:21.019 and Father 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:22.519 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:24.060 the Father of mercies 00:23:24.060 --> 00:23:25.279 and God of all comfort 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:27.019 who comforts us 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.519 in all our affliction 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:30.100 so that we may be able 00:23:30.100 --> 00:23:30.840 to comfort those 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:31.860 who are in any affliction 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:32.480 with a comfort 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:33.880 with which we ourselves 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:35.420 are comforted by God 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:37.160 for as we share abundantly 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:37.960 in Christ's suffering 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:39.560 so through Christ 00:23:39.560 --> 00:23:41.200 we share abundantly 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:42.100 in comfort 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:42.940 too 00:23:42.940 --> 00:23:46.600 God is one 00:23:46.600 --> 00:23:47.759 who's there 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.880 to comfort us 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:50.279 he knows 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.180 what we're going through 00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:52.759 he's near to those 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.920 who call upon him 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:55.300 he's aware 00:23:55.300 --> 00:23:56.420 God's got this 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.360 he's paying attention 00:23:57.360 --> 00:23:59.360 you're not on your own 00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:00.580 in your trials 00:24:00.580 --> 00:24:01.759 in your loneliness 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.779 in your struggles 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.900 you're not alone 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:06.540 he is ever aware 00:24:06.540 --> 00:24:08.380 your tears are in a bottle 00:24:08.380 --> 00:24:11.240 as he notes 00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:12.100 what you're going through 00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:16.660 in the 1947 classic 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:18.000 It's a Wonderful Life 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.120 and probably a lot of you 00:24:19.120 --> 00:24:19.800 have seen this 00:24:19.800 --> 00:24:20.460 more than once 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:22.160 in the story 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:23.240 George barely reaches 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.400 the point of despair 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:24.980 and is ready 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.759 to take his life 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.560 because it seems 00:24:26.560 --> 00:24:27.320 that everyone 00:24:27.320 --> 00:24:28.140 would be better off 00:24:28.140 --> 00:24:29.019 if he were dead 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:30.799 but at that point 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.400 in the movie 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:32.539 heaven intervenes 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.839 and the heavenly dialogue 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.960 if you don't remember 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:35.759 goes like this 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:37.359 hello Joseph 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:37.799 trouble 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:39.779 looks like we'll have 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.639 to send someone down 00:24:40.639 --> 00:24:41.160 a lot of people 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:41.940 are asking for help 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:42.579 for a man named 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.259 George Bailey 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.579 George Bailey 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.059 yes 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:46.839 tonight's his crucial night 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.539 you're right 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:49.799 little does George know 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:50.400 that heaven 00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:51.500 has been watching 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.400 all along 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.440 his whole life 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:55.400 and expecting 00:24:55.400 --> 00:24:56.339 this very moment 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:57.359 of trial for him 00:24:57.359 --> 00:24:58.879 as the angel says 00:24:58.879 --> 00:25:00.179 tonight's his crucial night 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:01.199 now although 00:25:01.199 --> 00:25:02.339 entirely fiction 00:25:02.339 --> 00:25:04.240 this tale 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.319 this popular movie 00:25:05.319 --> 00:25:07.039 is based on 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:08.899 a solid biblical truth 00:25:08.899 --> 00:25:10.419 that God 00:25:10.419 --> 00:25:12.039 is not surprised 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:13.639 nor uninvolved 00:25:13.639 --> 00:25:15.539 heaven does take note 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.500 of your life 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:18.539 heaven is for you 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.899 he's paying attention 00:25:19.899 --> 00:25:20.799 and he's ready 00:25:20.799 --> 00:25:21.599 to be there 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:22.659 for you 00:25:22.659 --> 00:25:25.459 God's got this 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:27.380 so remember 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.700 that he remembers 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:30.400 remind each other 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:31.360 of this 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:33.440 speak with one another 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:35.960 encourage one another 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.460 daily 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:38.660 remind each other 00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:38.940 that 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:39.420 that 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:41.860 he is for us 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:43.240 I love the promise 00:25:43.240 --> 00:25:44.259 of Romans 8 32 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:46.220 it says 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:46.920 he who did not 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:48.340 spare his own son 00:25:48.340 --> 00:25:49.779 but gave him up 00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:50.840 for us all 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:56.079 how will he not 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:56.740 also with him 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.559 graciously give us 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:58.179 all things 00:25:58.179 --> 00:26:00.439 if he's given 00:26:00.439 --> 00:26:01.240 his very son 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:01.839 for you 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:05.159 shedding his blood 00:26:05.159 --> 00:26:06.419 for your sins 00:26:06.419 --> 00:26:09.579 paying for your sins 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:10.139 completely 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:11.480 if he's already 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.079 done that 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:12.599 given them 00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:13.480 the most precious 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.019 commodity 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.819 ever 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.659 for you 00:26:15.659 --> 00:26:16.579 how will he not 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.179 take care of all 00:26:17.179 --> 00:26:17.980 this other stuff 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:21.319 encourage each other 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:22.120 with these truths 00:26:22.120 --> 00:26:24.000 be an agent 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:25.059 of the encourager 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:25.940 the Holy Spirit 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:26.900 the Holy Spirit 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:27.779 is the encourager 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.440 and as you 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.400 encourage each other 00:26:29.400 --> 00:26:30.319 he will be working 00:26:30.319 --> 00:26:30.740 in you 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.360 to strengthen 00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:32.700 you in this 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:35.880 let us fear the Lord 00:26:35.880 --> 00:26:37.019 and speak with one another 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:38.740 let us remind each other 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.839 that God's got this 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:41.099 he's paying attention 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:44.440 and then finally 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:45.079 third point 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:46.400 God's got this 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:48.220 he will make it right 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:53.460 as it goes into chapter 4 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:56.019 Malachi says 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.700 remember the law 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:57.600 of my servant Moses 00:26:57.600 --> 00:26:58.720 the statutes and rules 00:26:58.720 --> 00:26:59.580 that I commanded him 00:26:59.580 --> 00:27:00.019 at Horeb 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:00.820 for all Israel 00:27:00.820 --> 00:27:01.980 behold I will send you 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:02.860 Elijah the prophet 00:27:02.860 --> 00:27:03.540 before the great 00:27:03.540 --> 00:27:04.480 and awesome day 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.220 of the Lord comes 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:05.860 and he will turn 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:07.140 the hearts of fathers 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:07.800 to their children 00:27:07.800 --> 00:27:08.680 and the hearts of children 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.480 to their fathers 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.720 lest I come and strike 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.640 the land with the decree 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.780 of utter destruction 00:27:12.780 --> 00:27:15.700 he calls his people 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:17.380 to realize 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:18.840 that he is making 00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:19.680 all things right 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.539 he calls them 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:21.920 to remember the law 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:24.759 this lifestyle 00:27:24.759 --> 00:27:25.799 of faith 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:26.380 and obedience 00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:27.400 that had been given 00:27:27.400 --> 00:27:28.340 to the people of Israel 00:27:28.340 --> 00:27:29.720 and then he speaks 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:30.779 of a final day 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.980 something he's going to do 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.319 where he's going to make 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:34.160 all things right 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.900 and it's throughout 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.720 the text here 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:39.480 he says that he'll send 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.380 this Elijah 00:27:40.380 --> 00:27:40.460 Elijah 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:42.380 and we know 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:43.680 from the New Testament 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.380 that this Elijah 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:45.900 actually is metaphorically 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:46.660 John the Baptist 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:49.880 and he's sent 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:52.140 before the great 00:27:52.140 --> 00:27:52.700 and awesome day 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.240 of the Lord 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:56.900 to turn the hearts 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:58.380 of the children 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:59.180 to their fathers 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.320 and the fathers 00:28:00.320 --> 00:28:00.860 to the children 00:28:00.860 --> 00:28:01.760 actually if we look 00:28:01.760 --> 00:28:02.620 at the parallel verse 00:28:02.620 --> 00:28:04.140 in Luke chapter 1 00:28:04.140 --> 00:28:05.140 we understand 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:05.860 a little bit better 00:28:05.860 --> 00:28:06.660 what's being said 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.240 it says 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:07.860 and he will turn 00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:08.460 many of the children 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:08.840 of Israel 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.640 to the Lord their God 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:10.780 and he will go before him 00:28:10.780 --> 00:28:11.240 in the spirit 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:12.120 and power of Elijah 00:28:12.120 --> 00:28:13.320 to turn the hearts 00:28:13.320 --> 00:28:13.900 of the fathers 00:28:13.900 --> 00:28:14.500 to the children 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.980 and the disobedient 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.640 to the wisdom 00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:17.360 of the just 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.340 to make ready 00:28:18.340 --> 00:28:18.980 for the Lord 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:19.860 a people prepared 00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:21.200 so this isn't literal 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:24.080 fathers and sons 00:28:24.080 --> 00:28:25.100 and fathers and children 00:28:25.100 --> 00:28:28.000 this is basically 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:30.080 spiritual fathers 00:28:30.080 --> 00:28:31.320 and spiritual children 00:28:31.320 --> 00:28:32.759 because it says 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.420 turn the hearts 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:33.800 of the fathers 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.220 to the children 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:35.259 and the disobedient 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:35.800 to the wisdom 00:28:35.800 --> 00:28:36.420 of the just 00:28:36.420 --> 00:28:38.640 so young disobedient ones 00:28:38.640 --> 00:28:39.800 to the wisdom 00:28:39.800 --> 00:28:41.100 of the word of God 00:28:41.100 --> 00:28:41.560 the wisdom 00:28:41.560 --> 00:28:42.000 of those 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.700 who have been faithful 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.480 before them 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:45.940 so that's what's going on 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:46.560 in the life 00:28:46.560 --> 00:28:47.220 of John the Baptist 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:48.060 as he prepares 00:28:48.060 --> 00:28:49.040 God's people 00:28:49.040 --> 00:28:50.040 to receive Christ 00:28:50.040 --> 00:28:50.520 as king 00:28:50.520 --> 00:28:52.080 and so it's interesting 00:28:52.080 --> 00:28:52.560 to note 00:28:52.560 --> 00:28:54.080 as you read through it 00:28:54.080 --> 00:28:55.020 Malachi is saying 00:28:55.020 --> 00:28:56.140 there will be this great day 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:56.860 that will come 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:58.480 and Elijah will go 00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:59.960 ahead of me 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.980 and work 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.520 and the people 00:29:01.520 --> 00:29:02.800 to prepare them 00:29:02.800 --> 00:29:04.420 but when did that day 00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:05.300 of Elijah happen? 00:29:05.420 --> 00:29:05.820 It happened 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:06.460 in the days 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.100 of Jesus 00:29:07.100 --> 00:29:09.640 and so we live 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.700 in the days 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:11.539 of fulfillment 00:29:11.539 --> 00:29:12.900 of the final days 00:29:12.900 --> 00:29:13.380 we live 00:29:13.380 --> 00:29:14.440 in the final days 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:15.400 when Christ came 00:29:15.400 --> 00:29:16.400 those final days 00:29:16.400 --> 00:29:16.900 started 00:29:16.900 --> 00:29:18.059 and they'll be completed 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:19.120 when he returns 00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:20.620 and so we live 00:29:20.620 --> 00:29:21.539 under the fulfillment 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:22.460 of this promise 00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.480 of God making 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.400 all things right 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:26.120 he's already started 00:29:26.120 --> 00:29:27.160 in the ministry 00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:27.759 of Christ 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:29.340 and most profoundly 00:29:29.340 --> 00:29:29.960 in his death 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:30.460 and resurrection 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.740 and he's continuing 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:32.799 to work in our lives 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:34.019 making things right 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:36.160 and he will finish it 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:37.420 when Christ comes back 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.879 rewarding the faithful 00:29:38.879 --> 00:29:40.500 and bringing recompense 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:41.019 to those 00:29:41.019 --> 00:29:41.799 who have refused 00:29:41.799 --> 00:29:42.819 to trust 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.599 and follow him 00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:46.660 he says in Malachi 4 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:48.279 but for you 00:29:48.279 --> 00:29:49.240 who fear my name 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.639 the son of righteousness 00:29:50.639 --> 00:29:51.660 will rise 00:29:51.660 --> 00:29:52.420 with healing 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.599 in its wings 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:54.839 you shall go out 00:29:54.839 --> 00:29:55.900 leaping like calves 00:29:55.900 --> 00:29:56.460 from the stall 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:57.119 and you shall tread 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:57.720 down the wicked 00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:58.879 for they will be ashes 00:29:58.879 --> 00:29:59.579 under the soles 00:29:59.579 --> 00:30:00.000 of your feet 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.660 on the day 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.339 when I act 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:02.279 as the Lord of hosts 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:04.279 again the fullness 00:30:04.279 --> 00:30:04.779 of this 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:06.879 comes upon his return 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:07.920 but it has already 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:09.599 happened in great measure 00:30:09.599 --> 00:30:11.119 the son of righteousness 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:12.480 has risen already 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:13.759 his name is Jesus 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:17.339 and he has overcome 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.240 our sin 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:19.399 and overcome death 00:30:19.399 --> 00:30:20.279 and will finalize 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:20.899 that victory 00:30:20.899 --> 00:30:22.259 and in him 00:30:22.259 --> 00:30:23.379 we have forgiveness 00:30:23.379 --> 00:30:24.519 and we have healing 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.279 in him 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:26.379 he promises 00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:28.039 that this son of righteousness 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.579 shall rise 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.180 with healing 00:30:29.180 --> 00:30:29.799 in the swings 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.859 we have healing 00:30:30.859 --> 00:30:32.399 Isaiah 53 teaches us 00:30:32.399 --> 00:30:33.319 he was pierced 00:30:33.319 --> 00:30:34.279 for our transgressions 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:35.099 he was crushed 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:36.059 for our iniquities 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:36.959 upon him 00:30:36.959 --> 00:30:37.939 was the chastisement 00:30:37.939 --> 00:30:39.000 that brought us peace 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.379 and by his wounds 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:41.500 we are healed 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:44.439 God's already been at work 00:30:44.439 --> 00:30:45.500 he's at work 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.079 in our lives 00:30:46.079 --> 00:30:47.059 he's making things right 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:48.159 he's rescuing us 00:30:48.159 --> 00:30:49.139 he's healing us 00:30:49.139 --> 00:30:50.339 he's restoring us 00:30:50.339 --> 00:30:51.699 he's leading us 00:30:51.699 --> 00:30:55.819 the promises 00:30:55.819 --> 00:30:57.179 to the people 00:30:57.179 --> 00:30:58.019 in Malachi's day 00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:59.459 are being realized now 00:30:59.460 --> 00:31:01.299 and we are part 00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:02.019 of that day 00:31:02.019 --> 00:31:03.299 and this truth 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:03.840 is important 00:31:03.840 --> 00:31:04.360 because I think 00:31:04.360 --> 00:31:05.259 it adjusts us 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:06.059 even more 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:06.960 to recognize 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:08.120 we live in this day 00:31:08.120 --> 00:31:09.200 that the Old Testament 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:09.500 people 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:10.220 the ones who feared 00:31:10.220 --> 00:31:10.539 the Lord 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.600 in Malachi's day 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:12.740 would have longed for 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:13.960 if only I could be 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:15.039 a part of what he's doing 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.819 in Cambridge 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:16.559 in 2021 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:18.900 as this work 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:19.579 as this promise 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.640 is being realized 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:22.759 that adjusts us 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:23.200 I think 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:24.079 because we recognize 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:25.400 we are so privileged 00:31:25.400 --> 00:31:27.019 in this grace 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:28.079 that we have in Christ 00:31:28.079 --> 00:31:29.179 and privileged to be 00:31:29.179 --> 00:31:30.119 part of the mission 00:31:30.119 --> 00:31:31.659 of this going forward 00:31:31.659 --> 00:31:32.259 of him making 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:33.099 all things right 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:34.220 of him winning people 00:31:34.220 --> 00:31:35.139 from all tribes 00:31:35.139 --> 00:31:35.679 and tongues 00:31:35.679 --> 00:31:37.099 people and nations 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:41.639 he is making things right 00:31:41.639 --> 00:31:42.759 and he will finalize it 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.960 and he will reward those 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.339 who have looked to him 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:46.220 and feared his name 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:48.720 those who have turned aside 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:50.399 those who have let 00:31:50.399 --> 00:31:51.500 cynicism rule them 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:52.659 and take them to its final 00:31:52.659 --> 00:31:53.759 the final destination 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.480 it takes them 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:56.720 they will receive judgment 00:31:56.720 --> 00:32:00.539 but those who have said 00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:02.480 I'm going to look to the Lord 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:04.900 I'm going to trust in the one 00:32:04.900 --> 00:32:06.599 who's given himself fully to me 00:32:06.599 --> 00:32:08.339 there will be blessing 00:32:08.339 --> 00:32:09.200 and reward 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:12.299 he has this 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:13.660 he's making all things right 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:15.160 he's working now 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:16.620 he's bringing redemption 00:32:16.620 --> 00:32:17.680 he's bringing healing 00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:19.019 and we get to be a part of that 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:20.579 don't give up 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:22.620 don't lose hope 00:32:22.619 --> 00:32:24.579 God's got this 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:26.019 and he will make it all right 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:27.199 and he is doing that 00:32:27.199 --> 00:32:28.039 now 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:31.939 in Malachi's day 00:32:31.939 --> 00:32:33.519 we could say that 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.739 they were in the first half 00:32:34.739 --> 00:32:35.579 of a football game 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:38.539 we're definitely in the second half 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.659 we might even be in overtime 00:32:39.659 --> 00:32:40.459 I don't know 00:32:40.459 --> 00:32:42.579 don't lose heart 00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:45.079 as you're called to this 00:32:45.079 --> 00:32:46.099 football game 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:46.739 so to speak 00:32:46.739 --> 00:32:47.639 now if you're 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:48.879 a Patriots fan 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:50.279 you've learned 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.179 it's not over 00:32:51.179 --> 00:32:52.399 until it's over 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:55.280 four years ago 00:32:55.280 --> 00:32:57.140 they played the Falcons 00:32:57.140 --> 00:32:58.900 and I watched it 00:32:58.900 --> 00:33:00.680 with a lot of my friends 00:33:00.680 --> 00:33:02.120 we watched the game together 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:03.000 I don't know if you watched 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:03.860 that Super Bowl game 00:33:03.860 --> 00:33:06.180 midway through the third quarter 00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:08.420 there were a lot of cynical people 00:33:08.420 --> 00:33:11.019 it was doom and gloom 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:13.019 but it all changed 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:16.259 imagine if Tom Brady 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:18.420 during halftime 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:19.480 had grown cynical 00:33:19.480 --> 00:33:21.059 you can imagine him 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:21.539 in the locker room 00:33:21.539 --> 00:33:21.980 and I don't know 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:22.779 what he would have been like 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:23.200 in the locker room 00:33:23.200 --> 00:33:23.759 but imagine him 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.319 in the locker room 00:33:24.319 --> 00:33:24.680 thinking 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:26.279 why should I continue 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:27.640 it always goes this way 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:28.700 we get behind 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.599 and then they expect me 00:33:29.599 --> 00:33:30.559 to do something about it 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:31.640 I'm sick of it 00:33:31.640 --> 00:33:32.819 it's your fault 00:33:32.819 --> 00:33:33.740 I'm done 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:36.039 I'm not going to give any try 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:36.720 it's not 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:37.720 it's not going to work 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:39.000 they're so far ahead of us 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:40.079 just forget it 00:33:40.079 --> 00:33:40.680 I give up 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:41.160 this is just 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:42.019 such a stupid game 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.420 anyhow 00:33:42.420 --> 00:33:45.940 but he didn't 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:49.480 and they came back 00:33:49.480 --> 00:33:53.380 we have someone 00:33:53.380 --> 00:33:54.600 much better than Tom Brady 00:33:54.600 --> 00:33:55.920 who's our captain 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:57.800 and he's at work 00:33:57.800 --> 00:33:59.300 and you might feel 00:33:59.300 --> 00:33:59.860 in your life 00:33:59.860 --> 00:34:01.060 that it's 28 to 3 00:34:01.060 --> 00:34:02.200 you're down right now 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:04.060 but the king of kings 00:34:04.060 --> 00:34:04.940 is for you 00:34:04.940 --> 00:34:05.720 and with you 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:06.660 and he's going to work 00:34:06.660 --> 00:34:07.240 in your life 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:07.720 and through you 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.880 to accomplish things 00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:10.220 that are beyond 00:34:10.220 --> 00:34:11.159 your imagination 00:34:11.159 --> 00:34:12.400 he wants to 00:34:12.420 --> 00:34:13.200 form you into 00:34:13.200 --> 00:34:13.900 the image of Christ 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:15.360 the most wonderful thing 00:34:15.360 --> 00:34:16.840 he wants to use you 00:34:16.840 --> 00:34:18.300 to help make things right 00:34:18.300 --> 00:34:19.119 to bring the gospel 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:19.720 to others 00:34:19.720 --> 00:34:20.300 that they might 00:34:20.300 --> 00:34:21.039 encounter him 00:34:21.039 --> 00:34:22.079 he wants to use you 00:34:22.079 --> 00:34:22.920 together corporately 00:34:22.920 --> 00:34:23.460 as a church 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:25.000 to image who Jesus is 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:25.639 to this area 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:27.159 to show the glories of God 00:34:27.159 --> 00:34:29.159 he's at work 00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:31.920 we live in an amazing time 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:34.940 God has a lot 00:34:34.940 --> 00:34:36.260 for you to do 00:34:36.260 --> 00:34:38.720 get in the game 00:34:38.720 --> 00:34:40.920 don't grow cynical 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:43.240 put your eyes 00:34:43.240 --> 00:34:43.740 on the Lord 00:34:43.740 --> 00:34:45.960 God's got this 00:34:45.960 --> 00:34:48.320 he's paying attention 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:50.539 he will make all things right 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:52.760 brother or sister 00:34:52.760 --> 00:34:53.740 I plead with you 00:34:53.740 --> 00:34:56.579 to examine your heart 00:34:56.579 --> 00:34:58.360 and see where 00:34:58.360 --> 00:34:59.800 it may have grown cynical 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:01.900 take that 00:35:01.900 --> 00:35:02.820 to God 00:35:02.820 --> 00:35:05.420 ask him to help you 00:35:05.420 --> 00:35:06.800 ask him to help you 00:35:06.800 --> 00:35:07.460 look to him 00:35:07.460 --> 00:35:10.300 ask him to help you 00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:10.780 remember 00:35:10.780 --> 00:35:13.220 he's paying attention 00:35:13.220 --> 00:35:15.160 he's making all things right 00:35:15.160 --> 00:35:16.340 let's pray 00:35:16.340 --> 00:35:20.220 Lord we thank you 00:35:20.220 --> 00:35:20.900 for your word 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:22.900 thank you for Malachi 00:35:22.900 --> 00:35:24.600 thank you for these truths 00:35:24.600 --> 00:35:26.840 thank you for your care 00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:27.220 for us 00:35:27.220 --> 00:35:28.500 Lord we need you 00:35:28.500 --> 00:35:30.019 because we do 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:32.440 tend to grow cynical 00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:34.619 and we want to 00:35:34.619 --> 00:35:35.659 have fresh hope 00:35:35.659 --> 00:35:36.559 and fresh strength 00:35:36.559 --> 00:35:38.280 and we want to follow you 00:35:38.280 --> 00:35:40.139 we want to remember 00:35:40.139 --> 00:35:41.659 we want to serve 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:42.519 we want to be in 00:35:42.519 --> 00:35:43.179 what you're doing 00:35:43.179 --> 00:35:44.780 this game so to speak 00:35:44.780 --> 00:35:45.700 this wonderful 00:35:45.700 --> 00:35:46.960 plan you have 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:48.639 so I pray 00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:50.260 work in our hearts 00:35:50.260 --> 00:35:51.920 draw us to yourself 00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:53.700 and lead us in your ways 00:35:53.700 --> 00:35:54.119 we pray 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:55.079 in Christ's name 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.760 Amen 00:35:55.760 --> 00:35:56.760 Amen