WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:05.780 Well, good evening, everybody. Thank you to Archie and to the band for leading us so far. 00:00:06.280 --> 00:00:11.400 If you do grab a pew Bible, we're going to continue our reading in Micah in chapter 5. 00:00:11.640 --> 00:00:14.620 Just to say as we start, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Alistair. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:22.559 I have the privilege of being the assistant pastor here and the joy of leading us through this wonderful passage this evening. 00:00:22.559 --> 00:00:29.960 So continuing in the book of Micah chapter 5, if you're in the pew Bibles, that's on page 933. 00:00:31.280 --> 00:00:33.420 Just the first six verses. 00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:36.219 Micah 5, 1-6. 00:00:36.799 --> 00:00:42.480 Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. 00:00:42.480 --> 00:00:46.200 They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod. 00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:58.480 But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:04.480 whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. 00:01:04.900 --> 00:01:11.300 Therefore, Israel will not be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son. 00:01:11.299 --> 00:01:16.659 And the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:26.359 We will stand and shepherd his, he will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord, his God. 00:01:27.239 --> 00:01:28.620 And they will live securely. 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:33.120 For then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:40.019 And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. 00:01:40.019 --> 00:01:44.539 We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders. 00:01:46.159 --> 00:01:49.899 Let us pray as we think about these verses together. 00:01:52.039 --> 00:02:02.519 Father, as we come to a long passage in a book that often we, isn't our go-to, one that we wouldn't necessarily read of our own self. 00:02:02.799 --> 00:02:05.420 Lord, we ask that you would give us strength by your spirit. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:12.180 Lord, by your spirit, would you help us to understand what you would have us learn from this passage. 00:02:13.039 --> 00:02:15.099 And Father, we ask that you would be glorified. 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:20.259 That we would leave here with a greater picture of the hope that you give us in Christ. 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:23.020 And it is in his name that we pray. 00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:23.879 Amen. 00:02:23.879 --> 00:02:29.299 I recently read the story of Kerry McIntosh. 00:02:29.359 --> 00:02:32.199 Maybe some of you read this story in September as well. 00:02:32.299 --> 00:02:39.400 A mom from Livingston who for 18 years refused to leave her home, which was condemned by the council. 00:02:40.419 --> 00:02:46.419 Dean South is a housing scheme in Livingston that was earmarked for demolition in 2004 00:02:46.419 --> 00:02:50.919 due to some of the building materials that were used in construction. 00:02:50.919 --> 00:02:55.359 The whole neighborhood was told to leave. 00:02:56.079 --> 00:03:03.500 But a handful of the homeowners stuck it out, refusing to leave because they said they weren't offered enough money for their property 00:03:03.500 --> 00:03:06.179 or they weren't offered an equivalent one. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:13.459 Now, Kerry said that it felt daunting being surrounded by derelict buildings. 00:03:13.460 --> 00:03:15.560 She felt unsafe. 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:16.400 There were fires. 00:03:16.560 --> 00:03:21.379 And to quote her, there were weirdos walking around, checking the area. 00:03:22.420 --> 00:03:25.180 She lived in a condemned neighborhood. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:34.260 Now, come with me from Livingston in 2022 to the city of Jerusalem, approximately 600 BC. 00:03:34.259 --> 00:03:43.539 Now, whilst those two places are vastly different in climate, in culture and in language, they're both condemned. 00:03:44.759 --> 00:03:55.159 One was condemned by a council for unsafe building materials, whilst the other has been condemned by the almighty God for the sin of its people. 00:03:56.899 --> 00:04:01.799 See, in these chapters, we hear the voice of God's prophet, God's spokesperson, Micah. 00:04:01.800 --> 00:04:07.960 We step back into a time where the nation of Israel, once called the people of God, 00:04:08.780 --> 00:04:16.860 saved mightily by his hand from slavery and given the law so that they can live the way they were created to live, 00:04:17.819 --> 00:04:21.519 is left in a state of ruin that should bring a tear to our eye. 00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:30.719 The once united nation has been split in two for a while into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:42.199 Both kingdoms marked by rebellion and idolatry, by injustice and a complete disregard for God's word. 00:04:42.199 --> 00:04:52.199 Now, looking at the state of affairs during Micah's time, we can say that these two cities, these two countries rather, were condemned. 00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:58.419 But not because of faulty building materials, but because of pride and idolatry. 00:04:59.339 --> 00:05:02.579 Because of self-centeredness and disobedience. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:05.199 Because of bribery and rebellion. 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:13.579 Last week with Jonathan in chapters 1 and 2, we saw Micah predict the coming judgment of God against the northern kingdom. 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:21.560 That would ultimately happen in 722 BC as the Assyrian army would sweep through the land and conquer the nation of Israel. 00:05:22.579 --> 00:05:24.199 But we saw hope too, didn't we? 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:27.099 Because God's judgment is not rash. 00:05:27.819 --> 00:05:31.180 It isn't off-the-cuff anger or hatred, but it is measured. 00:05:31.180 --> 00:05:35.439 God's judgment does not come without warning. 00:05:36.920 --> 00:05:38.120 There was a promise of hope. 00:05:38.180 --> 00:05:48.120 If you look in chapters 2, verses 12 to 13, that God, like a shepherd, would gather up a faithful remnant and the Lord would be their head. 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:56.519 And now in chapters 3 to 5, again, we see the prediction of judgment and we're reminded of wonderful hope. 00:05:57.000 --> 00:05:59.319 We see the hard news and hope. 00:05:59.319 --> 00:06:07.540 In these chapters we see condemnation of a corrupt city and restoration of a redeemed city. 00:06:08.040 --> 00:06:14.139 So let's turn to chapter 3 and see condemnation of a corrupt city. 00:06:15.279 --> 00:06:17.079 Now who are the culprits? 00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:27.240 Who are the people responsible for bringing about this declaration from God that Jerusalem, that all of Judah, is condemned and corrupt? 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:39.620 In these 12 verses we see three different indictments, three different accusations against different people who are responsible for creating a corrupt city. 00:06:40.280 --> 00:06:43.500 And then we see the sentences that God brings against them. 00:06:44.379 --> 00:06:49.840 Now it may not look like it at first, but these verses are very structured as Hebrew poetry often is. 00:06:49.839 --> 00:06:52.319 It's a bit like a courtroom. 00:06:52.459 --> 00:06:54.119 The accused is standing in the dock. 00:06:54.399 --> 00:06:56.319 In this case, it's the city of Jerusalem. 00:06:57.099 --> 00:07:03.099 But when an accused person normally stands in a dock, they show humility or regret. 00:07:03.679 --> 00:07:09.519 They realize the severity of the situation and hope and pray for an innocent verdict. 00:07:09.519 --> 00:07:12.740 But Jerusalem isn't like that at all. 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:25.379 This city has been proud from the get-go, expecting that because they are the people of God, they'll get away with anything under the sun and still be under the protection of God. 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:32.959 But through Micah, God brings three indictments or accusations and three sentences against this corrupt city. 00:07:33.479 --> 00:07:38.240 We see them in verses 1 to 4, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. 00:07:38.240 --> 00:07:40.439 Now read verse 1 with me. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:47.759 Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, should you not embrace justice? 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:53.120 God is calling out the leaders and rulers of the people. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:59.699 And normally when we hear those words, we think of kings or city governors or counsellors, princes. 00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:04.759 But in this context, God is speaking about judicial leaders. 00:08:04.759 --> 00:08:10.339 Those who are given the role of ensuring justice would be served in the land. 00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:13.420 They're a bit like the high court or the parliament today. 00:08:13.539 --> 00:08:18.240 These leaders are judges who should be governing the people of Judah well. 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:21.079 But they weren't doing their job. 00:08:21.899 --> 00:08:27.579 God had made provisions in his law so that all people in the nation of Israel would be cared for properly. 00:08:28.099 --> 00:08:29.740 That justice would rule. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:32.539 That nobody should take advantage of others. 00:08:32.539 --> 00:08:35.419 But what does verse 2 say? 00:08:36.679 --> 00:08:44.339 Instead of these people leading with justice and integrity, they are people who hate good and love evil. 00:08:45.719 --> 00:08:49.000 In fact, the imagery is much more brutal than that. 00:08:50.179 --> 00:08:53.639 Verses 2 to 3 elaborate on how the leaders treated the people. 00:08:53.799 --> 00:09:00.299 God says that they tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones in verse 2. 00:09:00.299 --> 00:09:07.500 Though these rulers in verse 3 chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot. 00:09:08.939 --> 00:09:16.559 Now this is graphic imagery of how a farmer would treat a cattle in his day and age, preparing them for human consumption. 00:09:17.859 --> 00:09:25.719 God is saying, you corrupt leaders are treating my covenant people like cattle going to be taken for slaughter. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:26.720 These judicial leaders should be taking for justice. 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:36.940 These judicial leaders should be offering help to people, standing for justice, but instead they're treating them like animals. 00:09:39.060 --> 00:09:43.220 And so God gives them a sentence in verse 4, basically saying, 00:09:43.220 --> 00:09:48.920 On the day you cry out to me for help, I will remember how you treated my people. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:51.580 And no help will come to you. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:55.540 As the end of verse 4 says, 00:09:55.960 --> 00:10:00.860 At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done. 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:06.860 And the second indictment is in verses 5 to 8. 00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:11.340 This time it's against the so-called prophets. 00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:13.300 Read what God says in verse 5. 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:20.060 As for the prophets who lead my people astray, they proclaim peace if they have something to eat, 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:24.800 but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them. 00:10:24.799 --> 00:10:33.240 See, the problem is here that these so-called prophets have become religious mercenaries. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:39.099 They're prophesying for personal gain rather than truth. 00:10:39.979 --> 00:10:45.019 Speaking whatever people want to hear in order to line their own pockets and fill their own bellies. 00:10:46.259 --> 00:10:54.539 Speaking words of peace and comfort to the highest bidder when in reality there's an army on the horizon who are coming to destroy this city. 00:10:54.799 --> 00:11:01.859 These charlatans have no regard for the truth and are misrepresenting God. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:06.719 They only preach hope and never hard news. 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:12.120 They preach wealth and prosperity as long as you pay the right price. 00:11:12.479 --> 00:11:16.819 They look for the approval of man rather the approval of God. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:22.359 Now it's easy for us, isn't it, to read things like this and think of false teachers today, 00:11:22.439 --> 00:11:24.559 to make that direct line application. 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:31.059 It's easy to see these religious mercenaries and think of modern day prosperity preachers 00:11:31.059 --> 00:11:37.599 who live in mansions, who fly all over the world in private jets whilst asking their listeners to sow a seed, 00:11:38.199 --> 00:11:42.399 to donate to their ministry and receive a blessing. 00:11:42.399 --> 00:11:46.439 Now that certainly is true, but let's bring it a bit closer to home. 00:11:46.440 --> 00:11:52.920 How would those around us describe the God that we believe in? 00:11:56.440 --> 00:12:01.420 What would they say he is like based on how we live and how we talk about our God? 00:12:01.419 --> 00:12:08.219 I think we're more in danger of being like the religious mercenaries than we like to think we are. 00:12:09.819 --> 00:12:16.039 Because it's more comfortable, isn't it, to talk about love and forgiveness than it is about sin and judgment. 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:24.480 People like to hear about heaven, but hell is a no-go topic for many people, even many Christians today. 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:30.599 But there can be no true love without justice and discipline. 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:37.580 There can be no forgiveness without true repentance of sin and without the death of Jesus. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:44.700 And there can be no perfection in heaven unless the Lord punishes sin and wrongdoing in hell. 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:51.240 Brothers and sisters, we need to stay true to the whole message of God. 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:56.060 Do not bend the gospel to suit those listening. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:04.100 Do not be ashamed to hold the good news and the hard news of Jesus high and boldly for all to hear. 00:13:05.100 --> 00:13:07.460 We need to give people the whole gospel. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:11.140 And these religious mercenaries were not doing that. 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:15.419 And so the second sentence is in verses 6 to 7. 00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:16.819 Read those with me. 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:18.019 Read verse 6 with me. 00:13:18.699 --> 00:13:24.240 Therefore, God says, night will come over you without visions and darkness, without divination. 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:29.299 The sun will set for the prophets and the day will go dark for them. 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:33.179 God says the sun will go down on them. 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:35.899 Their time will come to an end. 00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:37.939 They will be eclipsed. 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:45.280 They will cover their faces, verse 7 says, which is a sign of disgrace or humiliation. 00:13:46.400 --> 00:13:48.980 Because the Lord does not answer when they call. 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:55.320 And then contrasted with these false prophets is Micah in verse 8 where it says this. 00:13:55.320 --> 00:14:01.340 But as for me, I am filled with power and with the spirit of the Lord and with justice and might 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:06.340 to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. 00:14:06.340 --> 00:14:11.300 Micah is an example of what a true prophet should be like. 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:16.340 And he can be that example because he is filled with power and justice. 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:22.879 He can be that prophet not by his own strength, but because the spirit of the Lord is with him. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:29.560 Micah boldly proclaims the message of God by the spirit of God. 00:14:29.559 --> 00:14:32.639 And his message isn't always a comforting one. 00:14:33.459 --> 00:14:36.899 This book has more verses about judgment than it does about hope. 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:41.659 Micah's message wasn't one of comfort, but it was, as verse 8 says, 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:44.679 a message that revealed transgressions and sin. 00:14:46.619 --> 00:14:50.579 People need to know the hard news in order to understand the hope. 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:55.940 He declared this message because that was what God wanted him to say, 00:14:56.100 --> 00:15:02.400 but also because people need to know the hard news to see the beauty of hope. 00:15:04.400 --> 00:15:09.460 And then the final set of indictment and sentence comes in verses 9 to 12. 00:15:09.460 --> 00:15:14.740 And this indictment or accusation goes out to all the leaders of the people. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:19.480 It starts with the leaders who have, as verse 10 says, 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:24.220 built Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with wickedness. 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:27.100 Then it goes a little bit wider in verse 11, 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:30.259 which is basically a summary sentence of this whole indictment. 00:15:30.900 --> 00:15:31.620 Read it with me. 00:15:32.420 --> 00:15:34.900 Her leaders judge for a bribe. 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:37.379 Her priests teach for a price. 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:39.740 And her prophets tell fortunes for money. 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:42.539 Yet they look for the Lord's support and say, 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:44.500 is not the Lord among us? 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:47.419 No disaster will come upon us. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:55.480 The prophets, priests, and rulers are supposed to be leading the Lord's people with justice. 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:58.980 They are to have a love for the Lord's people, but they don't. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:04.480 This whole city is seeing this corruption going on and they're partaking in it. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:09.340 Building a city, a livelihood and the foundation of bloodshed. 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:13.639 Now we're not exactly sure what that means or that looks like, 00:16:13.720 --> 00:16:18.180 but the words used here to describe the city being built on blood 00:16:18.180 --> 00:16:25.420 seem to ring of the city being built at the great cost of human life. 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:30.740 Which makes me think that this city was built or expanded through oppression, 00:16:30.919 --> 00:16:32.199 maybe even forced labor. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:39.740 This city was supposed to be a holy place where the Lord was worshipped, 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:43.120 where justice was served, where people were free from oppression 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:46.759 and free to serve the Lord as he commanded. 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:49.539 But instead it has become a place of death. 00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:56.240 A city condemned and built on blood, a pit of corruption. 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:59.039 And a place of great pride. 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:01.039 As the end of verse 11 says, 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:05.079 they have a deep-seated pride and self-righteousness. 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:08.240 They can't even tell how evil they are 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:11.680 and they assume that God's mercy and favor is in their lives 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:13.539 because they're the people of God. 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:17.840 It's as if they think that we're so great, 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:20.620 God chose us because of how great we are. 00:17:21.320 --> 00:17:23.400 It's got nothing to do with his love or his mercy. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:25.100 It's because of us. 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:28.320 They are blind to their own sin. 00:17:28.320 --> 00:17:30.680 But a day is coming, Micah says. 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:35.320 A day is coming when he, the perfect prophet, 00:17:36.060 --> 00:17:39.779 the perfect priest, the perfect king, Jesus, 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:44.279 the true Israel who stands between God and his people, 00:17:44.379 --> 00:17:47.539 who loves and will govern over his people rightly. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:50.539 The day is coming where he will come in judgment. 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:56.559 Jesus fulfills all of these offices that these leaders could not. 00:17:58.420 --> 00:18:01.240 And so the Lord delivers the sentence in verse 12. 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.599 Read that with me. 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:09.039 Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field. 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:11.659 Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble. 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:15.099 The temple hill, a mound overgrown with thickets. 00:18:17.819 --> 00:18:20.559 God says, this prestigious city where you all sit 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:22.000 and think you're untouchable, 00:18:22.619 --> 00:18:25.000 where you all think that nothing will harm you, 00:18:25.139 --> 00:18:25.899 ruin will come. 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:28.579 Disaster will before you. 00:18:28.639 --> 00:18:30.779 You and this whole city will be destroyed. 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:34.619 This is the condemnation of a corrupt city. 00:18:34.619 --> 00:18:40.159 Brothers and sisters, is this the God that you know and proclaim? 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:46.659 It's easy to hide the uncomfortable truths of the gospel from people. 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:49.900 It's easy to stop talking about sin, 00:18:50.120 --> 00:18:51.740 to stop talking about hell, 00:18:51.800 --> 00:18:54.440 to mention only grace and peace, love and heaven. 00:18:54.540 --> 00:18:57.000 And they are wonderful things that we do need to mention. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:19:02.180 But we need to stay true to the entire message of God. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:05.759 Don't bend the gospel to suit the audience. 00:19:05.900 --> 00:19:07.240 And ask yourself the question, 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:10.720 how would your friends describe the God you believe in? 00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:14.319 Are we portraying the whole picture? 00:19:16.380 --> 00:19:19.059 Because we're called to be mouthpieces of God 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:21.480 in the places that he has put us. 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:23.440 We're not to determine the message, 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:27.360 but we simply proclaim it as the word of God says. 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:30.559 There's also a warning here 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:34.620 that having a close relationship with the people of God 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:37.920 is not the same as having a close relationship with God himself. 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:41.620 These people thought that they were safe 00:19:41.620 --> 00:19:43.420 because they lived in Jerusalem. 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:46.080 They thought that they had the temple 00:19:46.080 --> 00:19:47.940 and so they were safe. 00:19:48.380 --> 00:19:49.519 But judgment was coming 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:51.880 because their hearts were not right before the Lord. 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:57.460 The warning here is that just because people sit in a church 00:19:57.460 --> 00:20:00.380 doesn't mean that they know Jesus. 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:04.360 There are people who sit in churches 00:20:04.360 --> 00:20:06.660 week in and week out all over the world 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:09.160 who do not know the Lord for themselves. 00:20:10.100 --> 00:20:11.600 They assume they're fine 00:20:11.600 --> 00:20:13.840 because of their proximity to the Lord's people. 00:20:17.340 --> 00:20:19.500 If we do not know and love the Lord Jesus, 00:20:19.620 --> 00:20:20.519 when he comes, 00:20:21.040 --> 00:20:23.779 we will find him as judge, not as savior. 00:20:25.600 --> 00:20:27.480 But there is still time to repent 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:29.800 and put our trust in him. 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:35.139 The second thing that we see in this passage 00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:37.399 is restoration of a redeemed city 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:39.419 in chapters four and five. 00:20:39.919 --> 00:20:41.700 Please do have those open in front of you. 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:43.200 We're just going to kind of skip through 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:46.440 some of the verses as we go through this. 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:49.039 Restoration of a redeemed city. 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:51.899 Now these two chapters paint for us 00:20:51.899 --> 00:20:54.460 a glorious picture of the future. 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:57.119 This is the hope element of these chapters. 00:20:57.119 --> 00:21:00.359 Micah was looking beyond his day, 00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:02.639 beyond the judgment that would befall 00:21:02.639 --> 00:21:04.259 this condemned city, 00:21:04.459 --> 00:21:06.559 to a day of wonderful restoration. 00:21:07.439 --> 00:21:09.339 A day where peace reigns, 00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:11.259 where war is but a distant memory, 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:13.199 where hunger is no more, 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:15.719 where oppression is no longer happening, 00:21:16.199 --> 00:21:17.500 and where the Lord is reigning 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:19.679 and ruling over his people. 00:21:21.219 --> 00:21:22.639 Now it's important to say 00:21:22.639 --> 00:21:24.179 when we come to passages 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:25.900 that discuss the end times 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:27.539 and the future that awaits 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.940 the Lord's people, 00:21:29.060 --> 00:21:31.539 there will be differences of opinions. 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:33.160 I know for a fact 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:34.420 that there are different opinions 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.320 in this room 00:21:35.320 --> 00:21:38.480 about how exactly the end will come about 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:39.820 and what it will look like. 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:42.820 And I can see a few people laughing 00:21:42.820 --> 00:21:43.900 so they know who they are. 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.320 But the main thing 00:21:46.320 --> 00:21:48.279 is that we stick close to the text, 00:21:48.900 --> 00:21:50.259 that we look at the imagery 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:52.259 God has given us through Micah 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.680 and instead of getting caught up 00:21:53.680 --> 00:21:55.319 in all the disagreements of it all, 00:21:55.379 --> 00:21:58.000 we stand in awe of the future 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.680 that God has prepared for us 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:02.240 and we praise him more because of it. 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:06.599 See, the truth that this passage teaches us 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:08.299 is that after a time of judgment, 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:09.359 after difficulties, 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:12.259 a wonderful restoration awaits. 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:14.859 There's both an element 00:22:14.859 --> 00:22:17.480 where this restoration happened 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:19.579 in part at the rebuilding of the temple, 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:22.139 but ultimately this is still to come about 00:22:22.139 --> 00:22:24.379 as we look forward to the eternal future 00:22:24.379 --> 00:22:26.500 that awaits all of the Lord's people. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.980 God says through Micah, 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:33.419 he has given the hard news of judgment, 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:34.480 now comes hope. 00:22:34.639 --> 00:22:36.619 Read chapter 4 verse 1 with me. 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:39.000 In the last days, 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:40.639 the mountain of the Lord's temple 00:22:40.639 --> 00:22:41.519 will be established 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:43.879 as the highest of the mountains. 00:22:43.879 --> 00:22:46.179 It will be exalted above the hills 00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:49.019 and peoples will stream to it. 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:52.060 The term in these last days 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:53.060 refer to the time 00:22:53.060 --> 00:22:54.320 when God's kingdom 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:56.060 will break into our time 00:22:56.060 --> 00:22:57.200 and into this world. 00:22:58.060 --> 00:22:59.460 It refers to a time 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.259 where God's kingdom 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:01.320 will be established 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:02.860 and continue to grow, 00:23:03.240 --> 00:23:04.060 but ultimately, 00:23:05.180 --> 00:23:08.060 it refers to the fullness 00:23:08.060 --> 00:23:10.320 of time in the end, 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.519 in the new creation 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:12.400 that we read about 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.660 in Revelation. 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.740 Chapter 4 verses 1 to 5 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.780 talk about the restoration 00:23:17.780 --> 00:23:19.240 of the temple in Jerusalem, 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:21.280 a place where nations 00:23:21.280 --> 00:23:22.400 from all over the world 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:23.560 will be drawn to see 00:23:23.560 --> 00:23:25.220 the splendor of God 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:26.180 and worship Him 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:27.840 as the one and only God. 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:31.100 Verse 2 says that many nations 00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:32.460 will come and be taught 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.540 God's ways. 00:23:35.060 --> 00:23:36.240 Read verse 3 with me. 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:38.019 They will beat their swords 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:38.400 into plowshares 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:40.120 and their spears 00:23:40.120 --> 00:23:41.340 into pruning hooks. 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:43.199 Nation will not take up 00:23:43.199 --> 00:23:44.379 sword against nation, 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.899 nor will they train 00:23:45.899 --> 00:23:47.039 for war anymore. 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:48.779 Is that not a day 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.839 we all long for? 00:23:51.439 --> 00:23:53.299 It will be a time of peace 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:54.599 where God will rule 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:55.379 over the people 00:23:55.379 --> 00:23:56.099 and there will be 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:57.559 no more need for weapons 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:59.939 because peace rules. 00:24:01.059 --> 00:24:03.019 It will be a time of security. 00:24:03.159 --> 00:24:04.000 Look at verse 4. 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.500 Everyone will sit 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.799 under their own vine 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:08.759 and under their own fig tree 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.700 and no one 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:11.119 will make them afraid 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:12.420 for the Lord Almighty 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:13.119 has spoken. 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:16.099 Now imagine hearing this 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:17.059 for the first time. 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:19.779 Sitting in an oppressive Jerusalem 00:24:19.779 --> 00:24:20.920 where leaders rob 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:22.059 and steal left, right, 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:23.220 and center from the poor. 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:24.879 Where the weak 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.619 and marginalized 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:27.200 are taken advantage of 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.319 and you hear this news 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:29.420 that one day God 00:24:29.420 --> 00:24:30.140 is going to bring you 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:31.460 peace and security. 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:35.360 each person will have 00:24:35.360 --> 00:24:37.440 what rightly belongs to them 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:39.400 and God will rule. 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:40.900 What a comfort that is. 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:45.200 And then verses 5 to 13 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:45.940 of chapter 4 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:47.440 give us multiple illustrations 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.600 of that one truth 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:50.079 that on that day 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.200 in the kingdom of God 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:52.759 the weak will be made strong, 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:55.400 the neglected will be restored, 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.900 the ruins will be rebuilt, 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:58.559 the condemned city 00:24:58.559 --> 00:25:00.779 will be redeemed. 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:04.000 Now how is all of that possible? 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.059 Verse 7 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:08.640 Because the Lord will rule over them 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:09.420 in Mount Zion 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:11.559 from that day and forever. 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:14.740 Because the Lord will be with his people, 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:16.799 he will restore a faithful remnant. 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:19.680 He will gather his people to himself 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:21.480 and there will be joy and celebration 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.579 as God's kingdom 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:24.400 is ultimately established. 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:28.940 How exactly will this happen? 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:31.320 After their time of judgment 00:25:31.320 --> 00:25:32.059 and exile, 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.460 restoration will come 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.940 through the eternal king. 00:25:36.360 --> 00:25:38.400 Read chapter 5 verse 2 with me. 00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:41.519 But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:43.880 though you are a small 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:45.100 among the clans of Judah, 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:46.980 out of you will come for me 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:50.519 one who will be a ruler over Israel, 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:53.000 whose origins are from old, 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:54.840 from ancient times. 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:57.459 This is all about Jesus 00:25:57.459 --> 00:25:58.679 and the fact that he is 00:25:58.679 --> 00:25:59.539 the promised Messiah 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.279 who would come, 00:26:00.679 --> 00:26:02.899 that Jesus is the eternal king 00:26:02.899 --> 00:26:04.439 who will bring true restoration 00:26:04.439 --> 00:26:06.720 for the Lord's faithful people. 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:09.359 How is that possible? 00:26:09.899 --> 00:26:12.480 Because Jesus has always been, 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:14.039 as the end of verse 2 says. 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:17.480 And it was in the beginning of time 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.519 that he set to obey 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.539 the Father's plan 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:20.699 that Jesus would pay 00:26:20.699 --> 00:26:22.179 blood for blood, 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:24.420 that he would pay wound 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.279 for wound, 00:26:25.880 --> 00:26:27.660 that he would make 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:29.240 our suffering his suffering, 00:26:29.380 --> 00:26:30.100 that he would make 00:26:30.100 --> 00:26:31.340 our death his death 00:26:31.340 --> 00:26:33.220 in order that we might have life. 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:36.480 That is why Jesus can be 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.779 the eternal king 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.700 who will restore 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.560 the Lord's people. 00:26:41.539 --> 00:26:43.000 And this is both now 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.860 and not yet. 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:44.860 Friends, be encouraged. 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:45.680 If you're struggling 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.560 in this life, 00:26:46.840 --> 00:26:47.840 if you're oppressed, 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:49.000 if you're downcast, 00:26:49.100 --> 00:26:50.620 if you're at your wit's end, 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:52.639 look to this eternal king 00:26:52.639 --> 00:26:55.399 because he has secured 00:26:55.399 --> 00:26:56.299 your restoration 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.779 through his death 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:58.559 and resurrection. 00:26:59.459 --> 00:27:00.719 And as verse 4 says, 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:01.479 he will stand 00:27:01.479 --> 00:27:02.739 and shepherd his flock 00:27:02.739 --> 00:27:03.599 in the strength 00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:04.719 of the Lord 00:27:04.719 --> 00:27:05.679 and in the majesty 00:27:05.679 --> 00:27:07.059 of the name of the Lord, 00:27:07.479 --> 00:27:08.139 his God. 00:27:08.959 --> 00:27:10.719 And they will live securely 00:27:10.719 --> 00:27:12.539 for then his greatness 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:13.779 will reach to the ends 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.519 of the earth. 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:16.739 If you're a Christian 00:27:16.739 --> 00:27:17.439 here this evening, 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.819 this is your future. 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:20.939 No matter how discouraged 00:27:20.939 --> 00:27:21.679 you may be, 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:23.139 no matter how hard 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:23.939 life may seem, 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:25.259 no matter how overwhelming 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:26.419 everything is, 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:28.519 Jesus is the eternal king. 00:27:30.399 --> 00:27:32.319 He is the great shepherd 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:33.139 of his sheep 00:27:33.139 --> 00:27:34.720 and he will restore 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:37.679 you to God. 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.619 Ultimately, in the end, 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:40.960 the day is coming 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:41.759 when that restoration 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.879 will be complete. 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:46.339 As Revelation 21 says this 00:27:46.339 --> 00:27:47.519 about that great future 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.920 that awaits the Lord's people, 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:51.200 I saw a holy city, 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:52.680 the new Jerusalem, 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:54.259 coming down out of heaven 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:54.900 from God, 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:56.200 prepared as a bride, 00:27:56.619 --> 00:27:57.619 beautifully dressed 00:27:57.619 --> 00:27:58.259 for her husband. 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:00.579 And I heard a loud voice 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:01.559 from the throne saying, 00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:03.220 look, God's dwelling place 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.960 is now among the people 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:06.240 and he will dwell with them. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:08.920 They will be his people 00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:10.180 and God himself 00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:11.079 will be with them 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.059 and be their God. 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.279 He will wipe away 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:15.200 every tear from their eyes. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:18.440 There will be no more death 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:19.799 or mourning 00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:20.720 or crying 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:21.580 or pain 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:23.220 for the old order of things 00:28:23.220 --> 00:28:24.720 has passed away. 00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:26.660 Brothers and sisters, 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:27.920 is this the future 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:29.539 that you have your hope in? 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:34.299 Is this the kingdom of God 00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:35.259 that you are serving 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.360 with your everyday? 00:28:38.360 --> 00:28:40.059 Look at this glorious future. 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:41.220 Please do go home 00:28:41.220 --> 00:28:42.700 and read these chapters again 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:44.440 and see the glorious future 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.680 that awaits you. 00:28:46.840 --> 00:28:47.940 Focus on the goodness 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.680 of this King 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:50.019 who despite our sin 00:28:50.019 --> 00:28:51.400 and our failings, 00:28:51.620 --> 00:28:52.660 he promised us 00:28:52.660 --> 00:28:53.440 his presence 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:54.799 and he promises 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:55.500 restoration 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.600 for those who are 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:57.480 faithful to him. 00:28:58.840 --> 00:28:59.700 All won 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:01.519 by the precious blood 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:02.920 of Jesus Christ 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:04.000 shed on the cross 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.600 for us. 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.740 And therefore, 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:08.860 when the labor pains 00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:09.640 of this world 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.819 sting as hard 00:29:10.819 --> 00:29:11.600 as they ever do, 00:29:11.599 --> 00:29:13.539 when our world 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.859 groans and longs 00:29:14.859 --> 00:29:15.480 for restoration 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.839 in the new creation 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:18.059 as Romans 8 says, 00:29:18.419 --> 00:29:19.579 the whole of creation 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:21.099 groans in eager 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:21.679 anticipation 00:29:21.679 --> 00:29:22.719 of that day. 00:29:23.919 --> 00:29:25.299 As we look out 00:29:25.299 --> 00:29:26.579 on the difficulties 00:29:26.579 --> 00:29:27.399 of war, 00:29:28.199 --> 00:29:28.619 death, 00:29:28.879 --> 00:29:29.419 illness, 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:30.659 the cost of living 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:31.119 crisis, 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.139 and so many other 00:29:32.139 --> 00:29:33.219 troubles that plague us 00:29:33.219 --> 00:29:33.839 every day, 00:29:34.139 --> 00:29:35.240 know that these signs 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:36.259 are pointing us 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:37.339 to the truth 00:29:37.339 --> 00:29:38.500 that our bodies, 00:29:39.119 --> 00:29:40.139 that our whole planet, 00:29:40.140 --> 00:29:41.100 that every single 00:29:41.100 --> 00:29:42.040 thing in creation 00:29:42.040 --> 00:29:44.020 longs to be restored, 00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:46.460 longs to be redeemed, 00:29:47.600 --> 00:29:48.520 and be encouraged 00:29:48.520 --> 00:29:49.240 that because 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.560 we have, 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:51.500 be encouraged 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.460 because we have 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.280 been promised 00:29:53.280 --> 00:29:54.480 that this world 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.380 will be restored, 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:57.460 and we will become 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:58.800 a redeemed city. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:01.220 Look at the character 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:01.900 of God 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:03.340 and the glorious future 00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:04.120 we have in him 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:05.220 and look to Christ, 00:30:05.320 --> 00:30:06.140 the eternal king 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:07.100 who loves his people. 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:09.740 Micah says, 00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.679 a corrupt city 00:30:10.679 --> 00:30:11.399 that was once 00:30:11.399 --> 00:30:11.879 condemned 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:12.859 will be redeemed 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.819 because the Lord 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.759 is good and faithful, 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:17.139 and the eternal king 00:30:17.139 --> 00:30:17.879 has already paid 00:30:17.879 --> 00:30:18.439 the price. 00:30:21.039 --> 00:30:22.000 Think back with me 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:22.579 to the story 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.539 of Kerry McIntosh. 00:30:23.639 --> 00:30:24.399 She lived in a 00:30:24.399 --> 00:30:25.379 condemned house 00:30:25.379 --> 00:30:26.419 and neighborhood 00:30:26.419 --> 00:30:27.459 for 18 years 00:30:27.459 --> 00:30:28.319 that was earmarked 00:30:28.319 --> 00:30:29.039 for demolition. 00:30:29.639 --> 00:30:30.599 She waited 00:30:30.599 --> 00:30:31.259 and waited 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:32.619 through trials 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:33.500 and insecurities, 00:30:33.659 --> 00:30:34.319 but in the end 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:35.339 it all paid off. 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:36.939 In September 00:30:36.939 --> 00:30:37.799 the developer 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:38.779 who bought the land 00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:39.259 offered her 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:39.980 a new property 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.740 in the neighborhood 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:42.039 of new builds 00:30:42.039 --> 00:30:43.259 that would suit her needs. 00:30:43.659 --> 00:30:44.419 She waited 00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:46.099 through the difficulties 00:30:46.099 --> 00:30:47.259 and the result 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:48.000 was far better 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.819 than what she started 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.399 off with. 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:51.500 Friends, 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:52.199 that is a silly 00:30:52.199 --> 00:30:52.779 illustration, 00:30:53.059 --> 00:30:53.639 but the future 00:30:53.639 --> 00:30:54.339 that awaits 00:30:54.339 --> 00:30:55.740 every single Christian 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.619 is so good, 00:30:57.139 --> 00:30:58.159 is so glorious 00:30:58.159 --> 00:30:58.859 that we cannot 00:30:58.859 --> 00:30:59.779 even begin 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:01.099 to comprehend it. 00:31:01.099 --> 00:31:04.219 the hard news 00:31:04.219 --> 00:31:04.899 is the judgment 00:31:04.899 --> 00:31:05.459 is coming, 00:31:06.399 --> 00:31:07.179 but the glorious 00:31:07.179 --> 00:31:07.779 news 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:09.039 is the hope 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:09.539 is there 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:10.000 for all 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:10.599 who would humble 00:31:10.599 --> 00:31:11.099 themselves 00:31:11.099 --> 00:31:12.259 and put their 00:31:12.259 --> 00:31:13.039 trust in Jesus. 00:31:14.439 --> 00:31:15.459 Let's pray together. 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.539 Heavenly Father, 00:31:20.619 --> 00:31:21.919 we come to passages 00:31:21.919 --> 00:31:22.480 like this 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:24.179 and we thank you 00:31:24.179 --> 00:31:24.959 that you have 00:31:24.959 --> 00:31:25.519 laid it out 00:31:25.519 --> 00:31:26.579 so clear to us 00:31:26.579 --> 00:31:27.359 your message 00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:29.199 of deliverance, 00:31:29.200 --> 00:31:31.380 the realities 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:32.120 that you 00:31:32.120 --> 00:31:33.580 warn people 00:31:33.580 --> 00:31:34.240 of judgment, 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.019 that you want 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:36.319 the whole world 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:38.700 to hear that warning 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:40.180 and yet the glorious 00:31:40.180 --> 00:31:41.840 future for all those 00:31:41.840 --> 00:31:42.480 who put their 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:43.259 trust in you. 00:31:44.819 --> 00:31:45.380 Jesus, 00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:46.120 would you give us 00:31:46.120 --> 00:31:47.140 a greater picture 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:48.720 of that eternity 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.779 spent in the presence 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:50.279 of God? 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.019 Holy Spirit, 00:31:52.120 --> 00:31:52.900 every single day 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:53.680 we ask that you 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:54.360 would help us 00:31:54.360 --> 00:31:55.640 understand it 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:56.400 more and more 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:58.180 and would we 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:58.640 never, 00:31:58.640 --> 00:31:59.920 ever tire 00:31:59.920 --> 00:32:00.759 of the thought 00:32:00.759 --> 00:32:02.980 of that wonderful 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:04.200 sacrifice that Jesus 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:05.700 was and the 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:06.480 wonderful hope 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:07.160 that we have 00:32:07.160 --> 00:32:08.100 in him. 00:32:09.160 --> 00:32:10.120 We pray this 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:11.360 in his name 00:32:11.360 --> 00:32:12.460 and for his glory. 00:32:13.040 --> 00:32:13.360 Amen. 00:32:13.360 --> 00:32:13.480 Amen. 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:13.520 Amen.