WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:23.359 The reading this morning is from Genesis 49, verses 1 to 28, 00:00:23.359 --> 00:00:28.280 and that's on page 55 of the Church Bible. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.619 So that's Genesis 49, beginning at verse 1. 00:00:34.619 --> 00:01:04.620 00:01:04.620 --> 00:01:34.620 00:01:34.620 --> 00:02:04.620 00:02:04.620 --> 00:02:34.620 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:59.280 Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:06.060 Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path that bites the horse's heels 00:03:06.060 --> 00:03:08.599 so that its rider tumbles backwards. 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:12.139 I look for your deliverance, Lord. 00:03:13.819 --> 00:03:18.280 Gad will be attacked by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels. 00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:21.159 Asher's food will be rich. 00:03:21.800 --> 00:03:24.240 He will provide delicacies fit for a king. 00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:29.240 Napthali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:37.520 Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring whose branches climb over a wall. 00:03:38.540 --> 00:03:40.780 With bitterness, archers attacked him. 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:42.960 They shot at him with hostility. 00:03:44.020 --> 00:03:45.939 But his bow remained steady. 00:03:46.420 --> 00:03:48.500 His strong arms stayed supple. 00:03:48.500 --> 00:03:52.620 Because of the hand of the mighty one of Jacob. 00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:56.060 Because of the shepherd, the rock of Israel. 00:03:57.120 --> 00:04:00.360 Because of your father's God who helps you. 00:04:00.919 --> 00:04:03.400 Because of the almighty who blesses you. 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:05.960 With blessings of the skies above. 00:04:06.939 --> 00:04:08.979 Blessings of the deep springs below. 00:04:10.259 --> 00:04:12.060 Blessings of the breast and womb. 00:04:12.060 --> 00:04:18.959 Your father's blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains. 00:04:18.959 --> 00:04:21.519 Than the bounty of the age-old hills. 00:04:22.519 --> 00:04:25.040 Let all these rest on the head of Joseph. 00:04:25.920 --> 00:04:28.279 On the brow of the prince among his brothers. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:31.899 Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:34.519 In the morning he devours the prey. 00:04:35.060 --> 00:04:37.139 In the evening he divides the plunder. 00:04:38.259 --> 00:04:40.720 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. 00:04:40.720 --> 00:04:43.920 And this is what their father said to them. 00:04:44.200 --> 00:04:45.420 When he blessed them. 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:49.240 Giving each the blessing appropriate to him. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:58.720 Thank you very much Chris. 00:05:00.240 --> 00:05:02.180 Well let's pray as we start. 00:05:02.180 --> 00:05:10.620 Oh Father God. 00:05:10.720 --> 00:05:11.420 We ask you. 00:05:11.660 --> 00:05:13.040 By your Holy Spirit. 00:05:13.379 --> 00:05:16.240 To make your grace so real. 00:05:17.060 --> 00:05:19.120 And so precious to us. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:23.399 That we receive it for ourselves. 00:05:24.399 --> 00:05:27.280 And that it will become the song of our lives. 00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:29.479 Lord in all this. 00:05:30.039 --> 00:05:32.199 We pray that you would receive. 00:05:33.139 --> 00:05:35.199 Highest praise and glory. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:36.179 In our lives. 00:05:36.719 --> 00:05:37.079 Amen. 00:05:39.799 --> 00:05:42.739 Well this is a chapter full of blessings. 00:05:43.479 --> 00:05:45.119 In his dying moments. 00:05:46.059 --> 00:05:48.919 Jacob takes the opportunity to bless. 00:05:49.599 --> 00:05:50.699 His sons. 00:05:51.299 --> 00:05:53.119 Now everybody wants blessing. 00:05:53.419 --> 00:05:53.659 Right? 00:05:53.660 --> 00:05:56.820 We ask God for health. 00:05:57.460 --> 00:05:57.900 Safety. 00:05:58.380 --> 00:05:58.740 Joy. 00:05:59.160 --> 00:05:59.640 Forgiveness. 00:06:00.420 --> 00:06:02.200 And so many other good things. 00:06:02.520 --> 00:06:03.240 Every day. 00:06:04.960 --> 00:06:08.940 But we often think that God's blessing towards us. 00:06:08.940 --> 00:06:13.080 Depends on how faithful or obedient we are to him. 00:06:13.760 --> 00:06:13.900 Right? 00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:15.420 So. 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:17.140 If I live a good life. 00:06:17.780 --> 00:06:20.220 If I give of my time and money to church. 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:23.120 Read the Bible and pray every day. 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:25.120 Then God will bless me. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:28.160 But if I don't live that obedient life. 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:29.899 Well. 00:06:30.600 --> 00:06:32.899 Then I can't expect God to bless me then. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:33.360 Can I? 00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:35.699 In essence. 00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:39.720 We think that God's blessing is something that is earned. 00:06:40.579 --> 00:06:42.600 Rather than received. 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:46.060 And I think we tend to think this way. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:49.379 Because that's how society around us works. 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:49.860 Isn't it? 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:50.540 I mean. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:51.480 In our world. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:53.960 You get what you deserve. 00:06:55.040 --> 00:06:57.240 The worker who turns up late for work. 00:06:57.319 --> 00:07:00.620 And spends more time on his phone than doing the job. 00:07:00.780 --> 00:07:01.960 He doesn't get the promotion. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:06.800 The sports person who's lazy in training during the week. 00:07:06.900 --> 00:07:08.480 They don't get picked on the team at the weekend. 00:07:10.100 --> 00:07:12.500 The student who doesn't study hard. 00:07:12.840 --> 00:07:14.439 Won't get the top grades. 00:07:14.439 --> 00:07:15.620 In our culture. 00:07:16.579 --> 00:07:19.579 Blessing comes to those who deserve it. 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:22.660 But in this chapter. 00:07:23.399 --> 00:07:26.560 That idea of blessing is turned on its head. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:29.519 Because blessing comes to those. 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:32.120 Who don't deserve it. 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:36.819 And the Bible calls this grace. 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:41.680 And grace is the theme of this whole chapter. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:45.639 Grace can be defined as this. 00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:50.340 God's sovereign undeserved favor. 00:07:51.340 --> 00:07:52.879 Given to those. 00:07:52.879 --> 00:07:56.519 Who only deserve his wrath. 00:07:56.519 --> 00:07:59.939 God's sovereign undeserved favor. 00:08:01.019 --> 00:08:02.359 Given to those. 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:04.479 Who only deserve his wrath. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:07.560 Now we've been hearing faint echoes. 00:08:07.939 --> 00:08:08.959 Of God's grace. 00:08:09.120 --> 00:08:10.099 All through Genesis. 00:08:11.159 --> 00:08:14.079 Since humanity first rebelled against God's blessing. 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:15.699 In the Garden of Eden. 00:08:15.699 --> 00:08:16.339 And there. 00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:18.439 God promised that the seed. 00:08:18.779 --> 00:08:20.019 Or descendant of Eve. 00:08:20.599 --> 00:08:22.019 Would crush the serpent. 00:08:23.019 --> 00:08:24.620 And reverse the curse. 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:27.199 And he then made promises. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:28.939 To a series of imperfect people. 00:08:29.100 --> 00:08:29.439 Abraham. 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:30.079 Isaac. 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:31.040 Jacob. 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:32.200 To bless them. 00:08:33.320 --> 00:08:34.379 And through them. 00:08:34.440 --> 00:08:35.259 To send a son. 00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:36.980 Through whom all nations. 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:38.700 Would be blessed. 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:40.100 The volume of grace. 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:41.500 Has been getting louder. 00:08:42.120 --> 00:08:43.159 And louder. 00:08:43.299 --> 00:08:45.000 The more we go through this story. 00:08:46.360 --> 00:08:46.879 And now. 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:48.720 Like a soaring symphony. 00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:50.600 Booming out your car windows. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:51.560 On a summer's day. 00:08:52.060 --> 00:08:52.539 Grace. 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:54.200 In all its beauty. 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:56.080 Is resounding. 00:08:56.480 --> 00:08:57.460 From this chapter. 00:08:57.620 --> 00:08:58.960 Once we truly hear it. 00:08:59.580 --> 00:09:01.299 And receive it for ourselves. 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:02.080 That grace. 00:09:02.379 --> 00:09:04.220 Becomes a song of your life. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:05.700 And mine. 00:09:07.039 --> 00:09:07.919 And my prayer today. 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:08.560 Is that we. 00:09:08.960 --> 00:09:10.000 Would live our lives. 00:09:10.060 --> 00:09:10.860 To the symphony. 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:12.240 Of grace. 00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:13.419 So in this chapter. 00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:15.039 We're going to hear four amazing parts. 00:09:15.100 --> 00:09:15.720 Of that symphony. 00:09:15.919 --> 00:09:16.919 There are so many others. 00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:17.860 But these are just. 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:18.600 Four. 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:19.720 That we're going to tune into. 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:20.680 We're going to hear of. 00:09:21.200 --> 00:09:23.000 Grace that chooses the undeserving. 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:25.139 Grace that redeems sinners. 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:27.039 Grace that enables. 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:27.779 Obedience. 00:09:28.559 --> 00:09:30.019 And grace that glorifies. 00:09:30.519 --> 00:09:30.980 The giver. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:32.580 Firstly. 00:09:32.740 --> 00:09:33.100 Grace. 00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:34.279 That chooses. 00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:35.960 The undeserving. 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:37.620 If you look in verse one. 00:09:37.940 --> 00:09:39.799 Jacob calls his sons near. 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:40.779 To tell them. 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:41.279 Everything. 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:43.159 That will happen to them. 00:09:43.559 --> 00:09:44.700 In the days to come. 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:46.740 And if you look. 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:47.320 At the end. 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:48.080 In verse 28. 00:09:48.360 --> 00:09:48.879 We're told that. 00:09:48.980 --> 00:09:50.020 In everything he said. 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:51.360 Jacob. 00:09:52.020 --> 00:09:52.460 Blessed. 00:09:52.680 --> 00:09:52.879 Them. 00:09:53.580 --> 00:09:54.280 Giving each. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:54.940 The blessing. 00:09:55.720 --> 00:09:56.360 Appropriate. 00:09:56.800 --> 00:09:57.300 To him. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:59.259 Now that might strike you as strange. 00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:01.600 Because some of the blessings. 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:02.680 Jacob gives. 00:10:02.800 --> 00:10:04.480 Don't sound much like blessings at all. 00:10:06.180 --> 00:10:07.200 These sons. 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:08.800 Are scoundrels. 00:10:09.180 --> 00:10:10.140 If you've read the story. 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:10.660 Up until now. 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:11.460 You'll know that. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:13.259 And Jacob. 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:14.420 Who in this moment. 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:16.220 Is speaking on behalf of God. 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:17.160 In a special way. 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.200 Jacob is real. 00:10:19.340 --> 00:10:20.060 About their sin. 00:10:21.480 --> 00:10:22.280 And he's real. 00:10:22.360 --> 00:10:23.400 About the consequences. 00:10:23.400 --> 00:10:23.800 Also. 00:10:23.940 --> 00:10:24.580 Not just for them. 00:10:24.639 --> 00:10:25.580 But for the generations. 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:26.360 After them. 00:10:28.340 --> 00:10:29.780 But did you notice. 00:10:31.040 --> 00:10:32.240 That all. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:32.820 Twelve. 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:34.180 Of Jacob's sons. 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:35.259 Regardless. 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:36.680 Of whether they did good. 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:37.940 Or evil. 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:39.460 Are truly blessed. 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:41.180 By being included. 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:42.639 In God's. 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:43.280 Chosen. 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:44.200 Nation. 00:10:46.300 --> 00:10:46.759 Now. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:47.759 If you were forming. 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:48.560 A nation. 00:10:48.560 --> 00:10:49.320 Of people. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:50.800 To declare God's glory. 00:10:50.800 --> 00:10:51.980 To the whole world. 00:10:52.280 --> 00:10:53.379 Would you really choose. 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:53.980 These guys. 00:10:54.580 --> 00:10:55.560 As its founding. 00:10:56.180 --> 00:10:56.560 Fathers. 00:10:58.440 --> 00:10:58.960 I mean. 00:10:59.200 --> 00:11:00.300 We'd have no problem. 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:01.120 Selecting Joseph. 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:02.160 He ticks all the boxes. 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:03.940 But definitely not. 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:05.500 Unstable. 00:11:05.920 --> 00:11:06.360 Reuben. 00:11:07.139 --> 00:11:07.720 Verse three. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:09.639 Who slept with his father's. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:11.040 Concubine. 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:12.599 That's how unreliable. 00:11:12.599 --> 00:11:13.219 He was. 00:11:13.219 --> 00:11:14.500 Not violent. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:15.519 Simeon. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:16.059 Or Levi. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:17.579 Verse five. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.519 Who lost control. 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:20.219 Of their anger. 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:21.480 And committed. 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:22.819 Mass murder. 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:25.199 You wouldn't choose. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.000 Comfort loving. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:27.019 Issachar either. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:27.860 Verse 14. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:29.879 Who wanted something. 00:11:30.079 --> 00:11:30.759 So bad. 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:32.199 He ends up. 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:33.379 Selling himself. 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.639 Into slavery. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:35.679 To get it. 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:38.599 Nor would you want. 00:11:38.859 --> 00:11:39.539 Dangerous. 00:11:39.539 --> 00:11:40.120 Dan. 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:41.599 Verse 16. 00:11:41.719 --> 00:11:42.359 Or Benjamin. 00:11:43.219 --> 00:11:44.179 Verse 27. 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:44.839 Who. 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:47.279 Based on this text. 00:11:47.819 --> 00:11:48.839 You wouldn't want to meet. 00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:49.439 Alone. 00:11:49.819 --> 00:11:50.979 Down a dark alley. 00:11:52.639 --> 00:11:53.599 The outlook. 00:11:53.599 --> 00:11:54.779 Is so bleak. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:56.899 That in verse 18. 00:11:57.019 --> 00:11:57.939 Midway through the list. 00:11:58.659 --> 00:12:00.159 Jacob cries out. 00:12:00.359 --> 00:12:01.319 In desperation. 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:02.060 Did you hear it? 00:12:03.200 --> 00:12:04.040 I look. 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:05.000 For your. 00:12:05.440 --> 00:12:06.000 Deliverance. 00:12:06.160 --> 00:12:06.400 Lord. 00:12:09.160 --> 00:12:10.080 These brothers. 00:12:10.320 --> 00:12:11.220 Are utterly. 00:12:11.900 --> 00:12:12.400 Undeserving. 00:12:13.140 --> 00:12:13.960 Of the blessing. 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:14.940 Of being included. 00:12:15.160 --> 00:12:15.760 In God's. 00:12:16.140 --> 00:12:16.400 People. 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:19.140 But the whole point. 00:12:19.140 --> 00:12:19.940 Of grace. 00:12:19.940 --> 00:12:21.540 Is that you get a blessing. 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:22.540 That you don't. 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:23.400 Deserve. 00:12:24.600 --> 00:12:25.620 And God. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:26.640 In his grace. 00:12:27.040 --> 00:12:27.440 Chooses. 00:12:28.080 --> 00:12:29.740 The undeserving. 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:31.480 Each of the 12 tribes. 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:31.960 Of Israel. 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:33.279 Would be fathered by. 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:34.399 And named after. 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:35.799 These men. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:38.440 And this is truly good news. 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:39.340 For you. 00:12:39.940 --> 00:12:41.060 And for me. 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:42.019 Because it shows us. 00:12:42.060 --> 00:12:43.139 That our gracious God. 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:44.139 Does not go searching. 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:44.779 Through the world. 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:45.440 For the best. 00:12:45.539 --> 00:12:46.440 And most faithful. 00:12:46.820 --> 00:12:47.519 People to bring. 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.200 Into his kingdom. 00:12:49.700 --> 00:12:50.180 Rather. 00:12:50.299 --> 00:12:51.200 He comes seeking. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:52.100 And saving. 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:53.500 Lost. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:54.100 Sinners. 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:54.740 Like us. 00:12:55.860 --> 00:12:56.960 People who could never. 00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:57.740 Earn his love. 00:12:58.539 --> 00:12:59.340 Nor ever. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:00.800 Pay it back. 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:03.280 If this blessing. 00:13:03.280 --> 00:13:03.759 Was earned. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:04.040 Well the. 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:04.899 The brothers. 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:05.860 Would never qualify. 00:13:07.160 --> 00:13:08.120 And if acceptance. 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:08.639 By God. 00:13:08.680 --> 00:13:09.060 Was something. 00:13:09.280 --> 00:13:10.000 We could earn. 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:11.360 By our works. 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.160 For God. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:12.980 Or some. 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:13.899 Innate goodness. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.840 Well we would never. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:15.480 Qualify. 00:13:15.940 --> 00:13:16.300 Either. 00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:19.160 On the board. 00:13:20.480 --> 00:13:21.280 Paul actually. 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:21.940 Picks this up. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.700 In 2nd Timothy. 00:13:22.800 --> 00:13:23.320 Chapter 1. 00:13:23.400 --> 00:13:23.700 He says. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.340 God. 00:13:24.540 --> 00:13:25.600 Has saved us. 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:27.120 And called us. 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:28.220 To a holy life. 00:13:28.220 --> 00:13:30.360 Not because of anything. 00:13:30.759 --> 00:13:31.720 We have done. 00:13:32.920 --> 00:13:35.019 But because of his own purpose. 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:36.300 And grace. 00:13:37.800 --> 00:13:39.240 And when do we receive that grace? 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:42.379 This grace was given us. 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:43.420 In Christ Jesus. 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:45.259 Before the beginning. 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:46.680 Of time. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:47.620 Isn't that amazing? 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:49.259 If you are in Christ today. 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:51.620 God chose you before time. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:53.360 To be brought into his kingdom. 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:54.320 Knowing. 00:13:54.320 --> 00:13:54.480 Knowing. 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:56.300 That you would never. 00:13:57.039 --> 00:13:57.800 Deserve it. 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:58.960 That. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:13:59.919 Is. 00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:01.019 Grace. 00:14:01.820 --> 00:14:02.840 And we don't have to earn. 00:14:02.940 --> 00:14:03.639 Something today. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.279 That's been given to us. 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.480 Since before time. 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:10.680 When grace becomes. 00:14:10.740 --> 00:14:11.720 A song of your life. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:12.100 And mine. 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:12.820 We live. 00:14:13.060 --> 00:14:14.600 In the sure certainty. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:16.560 That we are chosen by God. 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:18.259 Loved by him. 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.580 And we don't have to earn it. 00:14:19.940 --> 00:14:20.539 We can. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:21.620 Rest. 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:22.860 So the question. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:24.539 For us all. 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:26.940 Are we still trying to earn our way. 00:14:27.060 --> 00:14:27.799 Into God's love? 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:31.500 Listen to the symphony of grace. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:34.039 That chooses undeserving sinners. 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.519 Like us. 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.259 And let that grace. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:39.220 Be the song of your life. 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.100 Secondly. 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:43.259 We hear of the grace. 00:14:43.700 --> 00:14:44.639 That redeems. 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:45.600 Sinners. 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:46.759 Now even though we know. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:48.879 That God chooses undeserving sinners. 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:50.460 There are times. 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:52.340 When we may think. 00:14:52.460 --> 00:14:54.200 We've fallen too far into sin. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.400 To ever make a return. 00:14:56.900 --> 00:14:57.340 Or. 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:58.660 We look at others. 00:14:58.900 --> 00:14:59.680 And we see them. 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:00.740 Spiraling. 00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:01.720 In sin. 00:15:01.780 --> 00:15:02.660 And we write them off. 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:04.860 We think there's no chance. 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:06.259 God could redeem their life. 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:09.300 But look at the example. 00:15:09.420 --> 00:15:10.080 Of the tribe. 00:15:10.460 --> 00:15:11.080 Of Levi. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:12.860 Verse six. 00:15:13.900 --> 00:15:14.660 Jacob remembers. 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:16.100 How Levi. 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:16.860 And his brothers. 00:15:17.339 --> 00:15:18.980 Had killed men. 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:19.740 In their anger. 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:21.039 And hamstrung. 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:21.939 Oxen. 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:23.480 As they pleased. 00:15:23.579 --> 00:15:23.699 I mean. 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:24.699 How wicked is that? 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:27.000 He says. 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:27.719 In verse seven. 00:15:27.799 --> 00:15:28.000 He says. 00:15:28.299 --> 00:15:29.459 Cursed be their anger. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:30.339 So fierce. 00:15:30.519 --> 00:15:31.199 And their fury. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:31.980 So cruel. 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:34.319 I will scatter them. 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:34.980 In Jacob. 00:15:35.819 --> 00:15:37.159 And disperse them. 00:15:37.719 --> 00:15:38.379 In Israel. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:38.939 Now Levi. 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:40.039 Deserved that. 00:15:40.100 --> 00:15:40.779 For his sin. 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:43.199 You can have no complaints. 00:15:43.200 --> 00:15:45.900 And what's sad. 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:46.780 Is that the generations. 00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:47.680 After him. 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:49.420 Suffered the consequences. 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.259 Also. 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:51.460 They were scattered. 00:15:51.680 --> 00:15:52.620 Through the promised land. 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:55.300 And yet. 00:15:56.020 --> 00:15:57.560 Despite the hopeless. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.160 Outlook. 00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:58.879 For Levi. 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:01.000 You can actually read. 00:16:01.140 --> 00:16:02.580 In Exodus chapter 32. 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:03.060 How. 00:16:03.520 --> 00:16:04.780 About 400 years later. 00:16:06.040 --> 00:16:06.680 God. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:08.080 Redeems this tribe. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:08.640 Completely. 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:11.420 Levi's descendants. 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:13.779 They had a bad start. 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:16.240 But they became. 00:16:16.599 --> 00:16:17.759 Servants of God. 00:16:17.799 --> 00:16:18.439 And his temple. 00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:19.620 And the teachers. 00:16:19.620 --> 00:16:20.839 Of God's law. 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:21.719 To the whole nation. 00:16:21.719 --> 00:16:22.279 Of Israel. 00:16:22.459 --> 00:16:22.659 I mean. 00:16:23.019 --> 00:16:23.620 What. 00:16:23.719 --> 00:16:24.240 A redemption. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:27.000 That is grace. 00:16:28.839 --> 00:16:29.399 Totally. 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.399 Undeserved. 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:31.159 Favor. 00:16:31.539 --> 00:16:32.439 On those who. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.039 Only. 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:34.079 Deserved. 00:16:34.199 --> 00:16:34.799 God's wrath. 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:35.799 And does that not. 00:16:35.899 --> 00:16:36.699 Teach us today. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:38.539 That God's grace. 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:39.019 Can redeem. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.340 Any situation. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.659 No matter how hopeless. 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:43.299 God uses. 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:44.340 Our sinful past. 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:44.899 And he. 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:46.019 Redeems it completely. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.559 For his glory. 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.379 For our good. 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:52.179 We've all got mistakes. 00:16:52.179 --> 00:16:52.939 That haunt us. 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:55.340 But we don't have to despair. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:55.840 About them. 00:16:56.799 --> 00:16:57.939 Because it's never. 00:16:58.319 --> 00:16:59.120 Game over. 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:00.559 With our redeeming. 00:17:00.819 --> 00:17:01.279 God. 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:02.480 Who gives new life. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.840 And a new start. 00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:04.639 To everyone. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:05.960 Who calls. 00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:06.980 On Jesus. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.720 For forgiveness. 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.840 So just to ask. 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:10.920 Do you think. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.680 That you've fallen. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:12.519 Too far. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.779 To ever come back. 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:15.460 To God. 00:17:16.380 --> 00:17:17.460 Or is there someone. 00:17:17.600 --> 00:17:18.559 That you're writing off. 00:17:18.620 --> 00:17:19.880 For that same reason. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.259 Listen. 00:17:23.380 --> 00:17:24.180 To the symphony. 00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:25.980 Of the grace. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:26.819 That redeems. 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:27.620 Sinners. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:28.779 And let that grace. 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:30.240 Be the song. 00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:31.240 Of your life. 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:34.299 Thirdly. 00:17:34.380 --> 00:17:35.039 We learn that. 00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:35.980 Grace. 00:17:36.620 --> 00:17:37.099 Enables. 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:38.420 Obedience. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.759 So we've mentioned. 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.880 The sons who failed. 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:42.660 But what about. 00:17:43.359 --> 00:17:43.880 Joseph. 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:46.640 He seems to. 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:47.099 Have lived. 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:48.420 A very faithful life. 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:49.880 Through terrible. 00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:50.980 Times. 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:51.839 I mean. 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.559 Let's think about it. 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:53.539 As a slave. 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:54.579 And prisoner. 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:55.740 He was honest. 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.259 And trustworthy. 00:17:57.200 --> 00:17:58.220 He refused. 00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:58.680 To sleep. 00:17:58.740 --> 00:17:59.660 With his master's wife. 00:17:59.660 --> 00:18:00.480 Even when put. 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:01.640 Under tremendous. 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:02.160 Pressure. 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:02.740 To do so. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:05.140 He shows kindness. 00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:05.700 And mercy. 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:06.599 To his offending. 00:18:06.599 --> 00:18:07.000 Brothers. 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.339 When they show up. 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:08.799 In Egypt. 00:18:09.420 --> 00:18:09.779 Joseph. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.839 Is a good guy. 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.880 And the big question. 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:15.180 In Jacob's family. 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:18.200 Is which son. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.299 Will carry. 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:20.059 The promised. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:20.860 Seed. 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:22.059 The one foretold. 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:22.960 Way back. 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:23.559 In the garden. 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.039 Of Eden. 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:25.519 We know that it's. 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:26.559 Jacob's line. 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:27.900 It's got to be one of his sons. 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.720 But which son. 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.660 Will God choose. 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:31.400 And from our human perspective. 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.000 What are we thinking? 00:18:32.140 --> 00:18:32.300 Well. 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.019 Joseph. 00:18:34.820 --> 00:18:35.920 The obvious choice. 00:18:36.080 --> 00:18:36.300 Right? 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:38.240 He deserves it. 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:40.360 Compared to his brothers. 00:18:40.540 --> 00:18:41.820 He's the most faithful. 00:18:43.820 --> 00:18:47.340 But that's not how God's grace works. 00:18:48.340 --> 00:18:51.279 It's not about earning it. 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.700 Or deserving it. 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:55.880 It's a blessing. 00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:57.940 It's a gift. 00:18:57.940 --> 00:18:57.960 It's a gift. 00:18:57.960 --> 00:19:00.420 That is freely given. 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:03.180 And as we read. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.180 Joseph's. 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:05.840 Jacob's blessing of Joseph. 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:07.380 In verse 22. 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.940 We're also going to find. 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:11.519 Something very interesting. 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.480 About why. 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:14.880 Joseph was so faithful. 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:15.779 In all he did. 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:16.440 Let's pick it up. 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.319 At verse 22. 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:20.319 Joseph is a fruitful vine. 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.599 A fruitful vine. 00:19:21.679 --> 00:19:22.259 A spring. 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:23.480 Whose branches. 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:25.819 Climb over a wall. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:27.939 With bitterness. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:29.720 Archers attacked him. 00:19:30.659 --> 00:19:31.859 They shot at him. 00:19:32.439 --> 00:19:33.359 With hostility. 00:19:34.899 --> 00:19:36.379 But his bow. 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:37.539 Remained steady. 00:19:38.679 --> 00:19:40.119 His strong arms. 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:41.179 Stayed limber. 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:41.859 Why? 00:19:42.579 --> 00:19:44.359 Was that because of some. 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:46.299 Innate goodness. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.019 In himself. 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.500 Or his own strength. 00:19:48.639 --> 00:19:48.960 No. 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:50.899 Let's read on. 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:51.619 Because. 00:19:52.119 --> 00:19:53.039 Of the hand. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:53.899 Of the mighty. 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.799 One of Jacob. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:57.240 Because of the shepherd. 00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:58.779 The rock of Israel. 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:01.039 Because of your father's God. 00:20:01.119 --> 00:20:01.839 Who helps you. 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:03.480 Because of the almighty. 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.500 Who blesses you. 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.279 With blessings. 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.399 Of the skies above. 00:20:06.839 --> 00:20:07.319 Blessings. 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.519 Of the deep springs below. 00:20:08.919 --> 00:20:09.399 Blessings. 00:20:09.399 --> 00:20:10.099 Of the breast. 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:10.779 And the womb. 00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:13.220 Was it to Joseph's glory. 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:15.359 That he stayed faithful. 00:20:16.299 --> 00:20:17.919 Well it's an emphatic. 00:20:18.159 --> 00:20:18.480 No. 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:21.700 The only reason. 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:24.079 Why Joseph stood in the storm. 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:25.980 Was because God was his shepherd. 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:26.899 His rock. 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:27.740 His helper. 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:29.899 Who blessed him abundantly more. 00:20:30.159 --> 00:20:31.399 Than he could ever imagine. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:34.019 Joseph is not the hero of this story. 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.139 God is. 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:38.019 God's grace is the sustaining. 00:20:38.019 --> 00:20:39.839 Strength behind Joseph. 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:41.539 And behind you and I. 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:42.539 God's grace. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:42.940 God's grace. 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:43.819 Enabling us. 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.759 To obey. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:45.740 Even through. 00:20:46.319 --> 00:20:46.779 Terrible. 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:47.920 Suffering. 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:49.779 So there is no room for Joseph. 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:52.119 Or for any one of us. 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:54.500 In our times of obedience. 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.480 And faithfulness. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.599 To say I did this. 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.019 I deserve the credit. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:00.299 No. 00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:02.799 It was God's grace. 00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:04.740 That enabled us. 00:21:04.879 --> 00:21:05.359 To do it. 00:21:05.359 --> 00:21:09.659 Now a wrong response to this. 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:12.299 Would be to say. 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.000 Well. 00:21:14.439 --> 00:21:16.479 If God is enabling me to obey. 00:21:17.699 --> 00:21:19.379 Well I don't have to work hard at it. 00:21:19.399 --> 00:21:19.740 Do I? 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:22.019 I mean if it happens. 00:21:22.199 --> 00:21:22.959 It happens. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.899 I just have to sit back. 00:21:25.899 --> 00:21:27.579 And wait for God's enabling. 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.559 So that I can obey him. 00:21:32.159 --> 00:21:32.559 Well. 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:35.059 Let's hear what the Apostle Paul would say. 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:36.500 In response to that. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.359 First Corinthians. 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:38.819 15. 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.500 It's on the board. 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:41.519 It's what he says. 00:21:41.579 --> 00:21:41.700 He says. 00:21:41.879 --> 00:21:43.019 By the grace of God. 00:21:43.099 --> 00:21:43.839 I am. 00:21:44.039 --> 00:21:45.179 What I am. 00:21:46.139 --> 00:21:47.220 And his grace to me. 00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:48.480 Was not without effect. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:49.759 No. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:53.000 I worked harder than all of them. 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:55.179 Referring to his fellow workers. 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:55.779 For the gospel. 00:21:57.220 --> 00:21:57.559 Yes. 00:21:57.659 --> 00:21:58.299 Not I. 00:21:59.139 --> 00:22:01.339 But the grace of God. 00:22:01.659 --> 00:22:03.000 That was with me. 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:04.200 Do you see the way Paul. 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:06.180 Balances those two realities. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:06.779 He says. 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:08.460 I worked hard. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.319 Yes. 00:22:10.140 --> 00:22:10.680 It's true. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:11.340 But. 00:22:11.740 --> 00:22:13.740 It was God's grace. 00:22:13.740 --> 00:22:15.000 That enabled me. 00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:16.420 To do the work. 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:17.019 I did. 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:19.140 So God. 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.940 Gets the glory. 00:22:20.080 --> 00:22:20.940 For anything. 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:21.900 Good. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.519 In me. 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:26.600 Our sinful nature. 00:22:27.080 --> 00:22:28.319 Is to seek our own good. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:30.400 Not God's glory. 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.299 Or the good of others. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:34.059 When we do live a life. 00:22:34.159 --> 00:22:35.419 That glorifies God. 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.460 And loves. 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.240 Others. 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:39.059 That is God's enabling grace. 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.099 At work. 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:40.740 In us. 00:22:42.419 --> 00:22:42.899 And. 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:44.019 By the grace of God. 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:45.099 You are the person. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.460 Who you are. 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:48.759 God was sovereign. 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.099 Over. 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:50.339 All the circumstances. 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.319 Of your life. 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.919 The people that came across. 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:53.579 Your path. 00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:55.399 The experiences you've had. 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:57.000 All of which have shaped you. 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.200 Into the person. 00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:00.480 You are today. 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:03.559 By the grace of God. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.259 You are. 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:04.980 Who you are. 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:08.519 So here's the question for us. 00:23:10.620 --> 00:23:12.240 Do we take the glory. 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:14.039 For the times we are faithful. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.539 And obedient. 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:17.220 Or do we realize. 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:20.100 That it was God's grace. 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.980 That enabled us to obey. 00:23:22.160 --> 00:23:23.000 In the first place. 00:23:23.620 --> 00:23:24.140 Without it. 00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:25.120 We would never. 00:23:25.580 --> 00:23:26.480 Choose his way. 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:29.200 Listen to the symphony of grace. 00:23:29.380 --> 00:23:30.200 That enables. 00:23:30.839 --> 00:23:31.319 Obedience. 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.839 And let that grace. 00:23:33.380 --> 00:23:34.240 Be the song. 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:35.920 Of your life. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.319 Lastly. 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.759 We hear of the grace. 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:43.180 That brings glory. 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:44.640 To the giver. 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.460 At the end of the day. 00:23:47.880 --> 00:23:48.400 Joseph. 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:49.160 Isn't. 00:23:49.380 --> 00:23:49.740 Chosen. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:50.819 To continue. 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:52.700 The line of the promised seed. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.599 And why is that? 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:53.919 Well. 00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:55.879 As we just saw. 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:57.419 It wasn't all to his credit. 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:58.959 That he lived such a faithful life. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.099 It was ultimately God's grace. 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:02.859 At work in him. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.579 Because in Jacob's final. 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:06.619 Blessing. 00:24:06.719 --> 00:24:07.899 This is the perfect moment now. 00:24:07.959 --> 00:24:08.519 For him to. 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:10.099 Pile praise. 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:11.359 On his favorite son. 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:14.240 He directs it all. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.240 To God instead. 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:18.159 God in his grace. 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.119 Gets the glory. 00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:21.000 Not. 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:22.099 Joseph. 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.819 One author. 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:25.000 Puts it this way. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:25.719 I think it's helpful. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:27.899 We get the help. 00:24:29.239 --> 00:24:30.599 God gets the glory. 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:33.000 That's the deal. 00:24:33.479 --> 00:24:34.699 That keeps us. 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:35.459 Humble. 00:24:35.919 --> 00:24:36.379 And happy. 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.839 And keeps God. 00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:40.359 Supreme. 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.659 And glorious. 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:46.300 And I don't think that God is being. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:47.880 Egotistic. 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:48.660 Or something. 00:24:49.320 --> 00:24:49.600 Here. 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:51.860 God knows. 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:52.480 Our joy. 00:24:52.620 --> 00:24:54.240 Can only be made complete. 00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:55.940 In bringing. 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.320 Glory to him. 00:24:57.500 --> 00:24:58.160 His glory. 00:24:58.300 --> 00:24:58.920 Really is. 00:24:58.980 --> 00:24:59.620 Our ultimate. 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:00.580 Good. 00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:02.860 And when Joseph. 00:25:02.860 --> 00:25:03.740 Isn't chosen. 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:05.019 To carry the promised seed. 00:25:05.140 --> 00:25:05.680 God is. 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:06.259 Reminding. 00:25:06.580 --> 00:25:07.660 All of us. 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:11.019 That he will bring his salvation about. 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:12.100 By his grace. 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:13.580 And not by any human effort. 00:25:15.640 --> 00:25:16.740 How do we know that? 00:25:16.840 --> 00:25:18.300 Well he chooses Judah. 00:25:18.800 --> 00:25:19.160 Instead. 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:23.060 Now let's think about Judah. 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:23.600 I mean he. 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:26.980 He was the man who slept with a prostitute. 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.600 And later discovered. 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:30.400 It was his daughter-in-law. 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:34.560 The daughter-in-law that he had previously. 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:35.840 Abandoned. 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:36.820 Basically left for dead. 00:25:37.660 --> 00:25:40.220 This is the same Judah. 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:41.640 Who came up with the idea. 00:25:41.800 --> 00:25:42.800 Of selling Joseph. 00:25:43.360 --> 00:25:44.320 As a slave. 00:25:44.540 --> 00:25:45.360 It was his idea. 00:25:48.279 --> 00:25:49.800 Judah gets blessed here. 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:51.400 In a way that he never deserved. 00:25:52.200 --> 00:25:54.180 Playing all over his life. 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:55.980 Is this beautiful symphony of grace. 00:25:56.120 --> 00:25:57.640 Which brings glory to God. 00:25:58.540 --> 00:26:00.380 Let's read Jacob's blessing. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.360 Over Judah from verse 8. 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:05.200 Judah. 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.259 Judah. 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:07.680 Your brothers will praise you. 00:26:08.580 --> 00:26:10.759 Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies. 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:13.319 Your father's sons will bow down to you. 00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:14.319 Isn't that interesting? 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:16.860 Joseph. 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:20.299 Once had a dream about his brothers bowing down to him. 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.220 And that came true. 00:26:22.380 --> 00:26:24.580 Now at the end of the family story. 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:30.099 Judah is the one receiving his family's homage. 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:31.019 Not Joseph. 00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:34.359 Even though Joseph is second in command in Egypt. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.220 Isn't that interesting? 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:39.179 Judah is described in the next verse like a lion. 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:41.379 A symbol of kingship. 00:26:41.380 --> 00:26:46.180 And again we think surely Joseph deserves this. 00:26:46.260 --> 00:26:46.800 Not Judah. 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:48.540 But here it is. 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:50.760 Let's read in verse 10. 00:26:52.320 --> 00:26:54.840 The scepter will not depart from Judah. 00:26:55.300 --> 00:26:57.800 Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet. 00:26:58.620 --> 00:27:01.880 Until he to whom it belongs shall come. 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:08.600 And the obedience of the nations shall be his. 00:27:10.040 --> 00:27:12.320 Another king has come into view here. 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:14.320 A descendant of Judah. 00:27:15.780 --> 00:27:18.260 But this king he won't simply reign over Israel. 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:21.980 He'll reign over the whole earth. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.420 Verse 11. 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:26.580 He will tether his donkey to a vine. 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:28.259 His colt to the choicest branch. 00:27:28.600 --> 00:27:30.100 He will wash his garments in wine. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:31.800 His robes in the blood of grapes. 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:34.480 His eyes will be darker than wine. 00:27:34.820 --> 00:27:37.080 His teeth whiter than milk. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:39.759 This is vivid poetic imagery here. 00:27:40.560 --> 00:27:43.740 Simply describing the unparalleled wealth. 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:47.539 And beauty of this king to come. 00:27:48.600 --> 00:27:50.000 So who is this king? 00:27:50.140 --> 00:27:54.240 Well none of the kings recorded in Judah's line. 00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:56.700 Actually fit the bill. 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:58.460 Because they were all broken people. 00:27:58.600 --> 00:27:59.940 Just like their forefathers. 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:01.640 Think about David and Solomon. 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:05.700 But there is a descendant. 00:28:06.580 --> 00:28:09.960 Of the line of Judah that does match the description. 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.940 It is Jesus Christ. 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:16.220 Who in Revelation is described as. 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:20.539 The lion of the tribe of Judah. 00:28:20.539 --> 00:28:25.599 And this is what John said of him. 00:28:25.659 --> 00:28:26.659 In his epistle. 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:27.460 First chapter. 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.940 It's on the board. 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.940 The word became flesh. 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:34.859 And made his dwelling among us. 00:28:35.379 --> 00:28:37.159 We have seen his glory. 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:40.839 The glory of the one and only son. 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.819 Who came from the father. 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:46.119 Full of grace. 00:28:46.119 --> 00:28:46.199 Grace. 00:28:46.939 --> 00:28:48.239 And truth. 00:28:49.419 --> 00:28:50.359 John continues. 00:28:50.839 --> 00:28:51.919 From his fullness. 00:28:52.879 --> 00:28:54.779 We have received grace. 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:56.000 On top. 00:28:56.359 --> 00:28:57.119 Of grace. 00:28:59.039 --> 00:28:59.639 Jesus. 00:29:00.579 --> 00:29:01.759 Is a living. 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:03.779 Breathing picture. 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.839 Of God's grace. 00:29:04.959 --> 00:29:06.459 And the ultimate source. 00:29:06.959 --> 00:29:08.239 Of that grace. 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:09.859 He showed himself to be king. 00:29:10.239 --> 00:29:11.159 Over all. 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:12.259 When he healed the sick. 00:29:12.459 --> 00:29:13.219 Calmed the storm. 00:29:13.220 --> 00:29:15.559 And in the most gracious act. 00:29:15.640 --> 00:29:16.240 Ever known. 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.660 Gave his life. 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:19.140 For sinners. 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:21.440 Who deserved only God's wrath. 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.799 Rising from the dead. 00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:24.660 He defeated. 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:25.600 Satan. 00:29:26.460 --> 00:29:27.539 Winning the victory. 00:29:27.640 --> 00:29:28.680 Over sin and death. 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:31.200 So that all who put their faith in Jesus. 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:33.680 Would be made right. 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:34.960 With God. 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.900 Welcomed in. 00:29:36.299 --> 00:29:37.120 As his children. 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:38.120 Jesus. 00:29:38.600 --> 00:29:41.000 Is God's ultimate act of grace. 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:42.500 Towards this. 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:44.599 Broken world. 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:48.279 And what does all this. 00:29:48.859 --> 00:29:49.460 Grace. 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:50.279 Result in. 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:50.859 Finally. 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:51.380 Well. 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:53.400 In Revelation 5. 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.220 You can read about. 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:55.319 The angel. 00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:55.759 Who says. 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:56.759 See the lion. 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:57.519 Of the tribe. 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:58.059 Of Judah. 00:29:58.059 --> 00:29:59.619 The root of David. 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:01.059 Has triumphed. 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.119 And in heaven. 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.759 Right now. 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:06.519 Day and night. 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:07.160 Angels. 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:07.920 Saints. 00:30:08.059 --> 00:30:09.039 And living creatures. 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:10.680 Are pouring out. 00:30:10.920 --> 00:30:11.920 Endless praise. 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:13.460 Upon this conquering. 00:30:13.800 --> 00:30:14.060 King. 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:14.920 Saying worthy. 00:30:14.920 --> 00:30:15.660 Is the lamb. 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.680 Who was slain. 00:30:17.400 --> 00:30:18.700 To receive power. 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:19.519 And wealth. 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:20.560 And wisdom. 00:30:21.080 --> 00:30:21.940 And strength. 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:22.900 And honor. 00:30:23.320 --> 00:30:24.160 And glory. 00:30:24.560 --> 00:30:25.460 And praise. 00:30:25.460 --> 00:30:25.559 grace. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.980 We've heard of the grace. 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:32.279 That chooses the undeserving. 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:35.240 The grace that redeems sinners. 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:38.220 And the grace that enables obedience. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:40.559 But perhaps the most beautiful part. 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:42.799 Of the symphony of grace. 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:43.220 Is that. 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.779 It brings. 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:45.840 Endless. 00:30:46.279 --> 00:30:46.920 Glory. 00:30:47.340 --> 00:30:48.340 To the giver. 00:30:49.420 --> 00:30:50.420 Jesus Christ. 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:50.539 Christ. 00:30:51.539 --> 00:30:53.039 Is he worthy of it. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.560 More than we can imagine. 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:58.820 The God who wrote the symphony of grace. 00:30:58.900 --> 00:31:00.100 Before time began. 00:31:00.360 --> 00:31:03.300 Is the one who gets the glory forever. 00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.460 Not us. 00:31:07.380 --> 00:31:08.660 And that is why. 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:11.140 He designed us to be so utterly. 00:31:11.800 --> 00:31:12.620 And happily. 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:14.060 Reliant. 00:31:14.240 --> 00:31:15.120 On his grace. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.980 For all of life. 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:20.500 And this grace. 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.880 Has so many implications. 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.059 For. 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:25.480 Our worst days. 00:31:25.620 --> 00:31:26.200 And also. 00:31:26.400 --> 00:31:27.180 Our best days. 00:31:28.079 --> 00:31:29.319 On your worst days. 00:31:30.839 --> 00:31:31.440 Remember. 00:31:31.620 --> 00:31:32.819 God chooses people. 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:34.160 Who don't deserve him. 00:31:34.960 --> 00:31:36.240 And he redeems. 00:31:36.339 --> 00:31:37.140 Your brokenness. 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.839 On your best days. 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.279 Remember. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:42.519 It's God's grace. 00:31:42.900 --> 00:31:44.160 That enables you. 00:31:44.960 --> 00:31:45.880 To live a life. 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:46.799 Pleasing to him. 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.220 And. 00:31:48.660 --> 00:31:49.339 Every day. 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:52.059 Give glory. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:52.779 To God. 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:54.120 For the grace. 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:55.460 That he so freely. 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:56.460 Lavishes on you. 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:57.880 In Christ. 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:02.160 We've heard the symphony of grace. 00:32:02.380 --> 00:32:02.980 Ringing out. 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:04.259 In the story of Jacob. 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:05.120 And his sons. 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:07.500 Here's the question. 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:08.299 For you and I. 00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:09.279 Is that grace. 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:11.339 The song. 00:32:12.279 --> 00:32:13.480 Of our lives. 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.480 Is that grace. 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:14.819 Is that grace. 00:32:14.819 --> 00:32:15.480 Is that grace. 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:15.900 Is that grace. 00:32:15.900 --> 00:32:17.000 Or are we living. 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:18.019 To the deathly. 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:18.839 Drone. 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:21.180 Of trying to make it. 00:32:21.279 --> 00:32:21.920 On our own. 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:25.120 Receive. 00:32:25.279 --> 00:32:26.039 By faith. 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:26.779 In Jesus. 00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:28.259 The grace. 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:29.180 That he freely. 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:29.880 Offers you. 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:32.019 And live your life. 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.539 To the symphony. 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.839 Of that grace. 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:36.379 Let's pray. 00:32:50.699 --> 00:32:51.419 Lord. 00:32:51.579 --> 00:32:52.179 You leave us. 00:32:52.399 --> 00:32:52.799 Humbled. 00:32:54.079 --> 00:32:55.359 And amazed. 00:32:55.579 --> 00:32:55.919 By your. 00:32:56.579 --> 00:32:57.139 Extraordinary. 00:32:57.619 --> 00:32:58.220 Grace. 00:32:58.220 --> 00:33:01.339 We are all like Judah. 00:33:02.140 --> 00:33:03.259 We don't deserve. 00:33:03.380 --> 00:33:03.980 Your blessing. 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:07.019 And yet. 00:33:07.100 --> 00:33:07.759 We realize. 00:33:08.779 --> 00:33:09.680 This is just. 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:10.680 The way you planned it. 00:33:13.559 --> 00:33:14.839 We give you. 00:33:15.180 --> 00:33:16.220 All the glory. 00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:18.440 For giving us. 00:33:19.100 --> 00:33:20.319 What we never deserved. 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:24.039 So help us. 00:33:24.039 --> 00:33:24.339 Lord. 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.640 Every day. 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:28.680 To tune our ears. 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.700 To the symphony. 00:33:31.360 --> 00:33:32.020 Of grace. 00:33:33.060 --> 00:33:33.660 That grace. 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:34.680 Would be the song. 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:36.280 Of our lives. 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:39.080 Amen. 00:33:41.520 --> 00:33:42.759 We're going to sing. 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:45.580 What gift of grace. 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:46.620 Is Jesus. 00:33:46.900 --> 00:33:47.700 My redeemer. 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:50.700 And when grace. 00:33:50.880 --> 00:33:51.480 Becomes the song. 00:33:51.520 --> 00:33:52.240 Of our lives. 00:33:52.540 --> 00:33:53.580 We live a life. 00:33:53.660 --> 00:33:54.560 Which brings glory. 00:33:54.559 --> 00:33:56.700 To our savior. 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:58.179 And that's what this song. 00:33:58.740 --> 00:34:00.119 Is all about. 00:34:01.200 --> 00:34:02.200 So please. 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:03.259 Stand if you're able. 00:34:03.980 --> 00:34:04.639 As we sing. 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:05.899 Yet not I. 00:34:06.159 --> 00:34:06.639 Thank you.