WEBVTT

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 It's the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi chapter 2.

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 If you've got a Black Church Bible, it's page 802.

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 And if you want one there, just by the door.

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 And we're just looking at the last verse of Malachi chapter 2,

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 and then into verse 5 of chapter 3.

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 Before I move to Ealing, I lived in Camberwell in South London,

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 and opposite our house in Camberwell, there was graffiti.

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 You get better quality graffiti in South London.

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 And the graffiti said this,

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 Justice just is.

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 Justice just is.

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 It's profound, isn't it?

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 Justice just is.

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 Think back on this last week.

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 Hugh Edwards, the BBC news reader,

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 convicted of crimes,

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 serious crimes, but not imprisoned.

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 The cry was, where's the justice?

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 Because of overcrowding in prison,

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 prisoners released early,

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 and victims of those crimes saying,

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 where was the justice?

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 Rioters handed severe sentences,

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 custodial sentences,

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 and the cry went out,

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 where is the justice?

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 Open any newspaper,

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 on any day of the week,

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 in any country of the world,

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 and you'll find familiar stories,

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 because justice just is.

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 You children,

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 you children,

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 some of the words,

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 the first words that you ever spoke were,

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 it's not fair.

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 Children learn those words very,

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 very quickly, don't they?

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 It's not fair,

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 because justice just is.

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 In fact,

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 pursuing justice,

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 is,

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 I'm really trendy,

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 isn't it,

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 at the moment?

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 It's really fashionable,

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 in our day and age.

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 And that's for good reasons.

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 Justice is a good thing.

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 It's a right thing.

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 And the Bible would say,

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 to you and I this morning,

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 yes,

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 justice is good and right.

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 Why?

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 Because God is just.

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 And justice,

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 is something to be pursued.

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 And what we find in this section of Malachi,

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 is that the Israelites,

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 who were living,

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 about 400 years before Christ,

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 were likewise pursuing justice.

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 And it's part of their,

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 kind of ongoing,

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 and foolish argument with God.

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 A dispute that God is getting,

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 tired of,

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 isn't it?

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 My father,

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 one of his stock phrases,

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 is,

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 I'm getting a little bit,

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 sick and tired.

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 That's what we heard as children.

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 I'm getting a bit,

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 sick and tired,

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 of being sick and tired.

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 Look at verse 17 of chapter 2.

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 God is getting,

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 sick and tired.

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 You've wearied me,

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 with your words.

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 But you say,

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 how have we,

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 wearied him?

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 By saying,

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 everyone who does evil,

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 is good in the sight of the Lord,

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 and he delights in them.

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 Or by asking,

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 where is the God of justice?

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 That's our question.

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 You see,

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 the Israelites' pursuit of justice,

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 took the form of an accusation.

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 And it was an accusation,

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 directed towards God.

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 They knew that God,

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 claimed to be just.

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 But they wanted to know,

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 where are you?

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 Where are you?

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 They were accusing God,

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 weren't they,

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 of being absent.

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 And when it came to justice,

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 where is the God of justice?

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 But it's even more than that,

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 isn't it?

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 They went as far to,

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 and suggest that God,

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 was actually pleased,

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 with people doing evil.

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 They were seeing,

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 wicked people,

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 getting away,

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 with their wickedness.

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 And so they accused God,

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 you look after the evil people.

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 You even take pleasure,

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 in what they were doing.

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 And so it's no wonder,

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 is it that God,

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 is wearied with their words.

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 He's sick and tired of them.

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 On one level,

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 I think we can understand,

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 what drove the people,

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 of Malachi's day,

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 to that point.

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 They looked at the world,

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 around them,

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 and they saw that,

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 the evil people prospered.

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 But the people around them,

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 got away with it.

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 And their question was,

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 well where is the justice?

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 Where is the justice,

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 in that?

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 If God is so just,

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 why do the wicked,

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 seem to get off scot free?

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 And of course,

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 humans have asked that question,

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 repeatedly.

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 Right down through the centuries.

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 And so it's being asked today.

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 It's not only,

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 an ancient question is it?

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 It's a modern question.

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 In fact,

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 it's a very,

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 very modern question.

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 If you've had your ears open,

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 I would be surprised,

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 if you've not,

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 heard that yourself.

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 The more that the world,

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 confronts us,

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 with the reality,

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 of injustice,

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 the more people ask,

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 well where is your God,

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 of justice?

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 And what is more,

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 we ask that question,

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 don't we?

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 Your experience,

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 our experience,

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 may be the same as the Israelites.

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 It seems to us,

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 doesn't it,

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 that incredible evil,

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 is occurring,

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 in our world,

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 and in our culture,

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 and it keeps on occurring,

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 unchecked sin.

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 And for some people,

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 that accusation,

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 that observation,

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 leads them to accuse God.

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 Like the Israelites did,

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 to be angry with God even.

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 But for others of us,

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 and maybe we don't want to be angry,

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 with God this morning,

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 we want to trust him,

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 but it's still a troubling question,

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 isn't it?

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 It's still a genuine question,

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 where is the God of justice?

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 Well as we look at the first five verses,

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 of Malachi chapter three,

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 we will see how God answers that question.

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 And along the way,

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 what I hope this sermon will achieve,

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 is it will speak to us today,

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 who might be asking,

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 that similar question,

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 or who might be hearing,

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 others ask it.

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 And God's answer,

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 to Israel's question,

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 I think comes in two words,

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 in two parts.

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 The first part,

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 is in the first half,

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 of verse one,

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 and the second part,

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 is in the second half,

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 of verse one,

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 and it's explained further,

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 in verses two to five.

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 So the first answer,

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 is in verse one,

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 he says this,

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 he says see.

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 See,

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 that's our word,

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 see.

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 Behold.

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 Behold,

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 look.

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 See,

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 I will send my messenger,

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 and he will prepare,

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 the way before you,

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 and the Lord whom you seek,

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 will suddenly,

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 come to his temple,

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 and the messenger of the covenant,

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 in whom you delight,

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 behold,

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 see,

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 he's coming.

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 Says the Lord of hosts.

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 The first part,

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 of God's answer,

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 is see,

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 look.

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 I will send my messenger.

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 If you want to see my justice,

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 says the Lord,

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 keep your eyes open,

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 and you will see.

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 And the first thing,

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 you will see,

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 will be my messenger.

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 And my messenger,

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 his task will be,

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 to prepare the way,

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 for the Lord.

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 It's a description.

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 Who is it a description of?

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 Well,

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 if you know the gospels,

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 it's clearly a description,

00:07:16.540 --> 00:07:17.220
 of John the Baptist.

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 John the Baptist,

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 who came before,

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 the Lord Jesus,

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 to prepare the way,

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 for him,

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 to point to him.

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 Let me read to you,

00:07:24.520 --> 00:07:25.160
 from Matthew 1,

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 17.

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 As they went away,

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 Jesus began to speak,

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 to the crowds,

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 concerning John.

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 What did you go out,

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 into the wilderness,

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 to see?

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 A reed,

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 shaken by the wind.

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 What then,

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 did you go out,

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 to see a man,

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 who was dressed,

00:07:38.379 --> 00:07:39.220
 in soft clothing?

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 Behold,

00:07:40.640 --> 00:07:41.140
 those who wear,

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 soft clothing,

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 they're in the king's houses.

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 What then,

00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:44.259
 did you go out,

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 to see?

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 A prophet.

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 A messenger.

00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:50.100
 Yes,

00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:50.720
 I tell you,

00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:51.640
 and more than a prophet,

00:07:51.780 --> 00:07:52.460
 this is he,

00:07:52.460 --> 00:07:53.759
 he of whom it's spoken.

00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:54.500
 Behold,

00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:55.579
 I will send my messenger,

00:07:55.579 --> 00:07:56.240
 before you,

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 who will prepare,

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 your way,

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 before you.

00:08:00.839 --> 00:08:01.719
 Jesus himself,

00:08:01.819 --> 00:08:02.920
 it's really clear,

00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:04.959
 that it was John,

00:08:05.060 --> 00:08:05.800
 who fulfilled,

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 this promise,

00:08:06.839 --> 00:08:07.420
 this prophecy,

00:08:07.639 --> 00:08:08.019
 from Malachi.

00:08:09.699 --> 00:08:11.240
 It was John the Baptist,

00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:13.139
 whose role it was,

00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.019
 to prepare the way,

00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:14.659
 for the Lord.

00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:17.079
 But of course,

00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:18.259
 the main event,

00:08:18.259 --> 00:08:18.939
 was the coming,

00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:19.500
 of the Lord.

00:08:21.719 --> 00:08:22.319
 And that's what,

00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:23.019
 the second half,

00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:23.980
 of Malachi chapter 3,

00:08:24.060 --> 00:08:24.519
 verse 1,

00:08:24.839 --> 00:08:25.180
 is about.

00:08:25.279 --> 00:08:26.459
 Let me remind you of it,

00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:27.060
 look down with me.

00:08:27.480 --> 00:08:27.800
 Behold,

00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:29.039
 chapter 3,

00:08:29.099 --> 00:08:29.480
 verse 1,

00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:29.819
 behold,

00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:31.019
 I send my messenger,

00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:32.460
 and he will prepare,

00:08:32.580 --> 00:08:33.279
 the way before me,

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 and the Lord,

00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:34.700
 who you seek,

00:08:35.620 --> 00:08:36.220
 will suddenly,

00:08:36.220 --> 00:08:36.919
 come to his temple,

00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:38.759
 and the messenger,

00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:39.799
 of the covenant,

00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:40.759
 whom you delight,

00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:41.159
 behold,

00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:41.700
 he is coming,

00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:42.860
 says the Lord of hosts.

00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:44.080
 We learn a few things,

00:08:44.100 --> 00:08:44.360
 about him,

00:08:44.379 --> 00:08:44.939
 in those verses.

00:08:44.940 --> 00:08:47.680
 We learn that,

00:08:47.900 --> 00:08:48.340
 the Lord Jesus,

00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:49.400
 he is the one,

00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:50.960
 whom they are seeking.

00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:53.180
 He's the one,

00:08:53.240 --> 00:08:53.460
 actually,

00:08:53.520 --> 00:08:54.200
 whom they desire,

00:08:55.060 --> 00:08:55.700
 the Messiah.

00:08:56.700 --> 00:08:57.820
 He is the one,

00:08:57.900 --> 00:08:58.840
 God had promised to send,

00:08:58.920 --> 00:09:00.340
 from hundreds of years before,

00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:01.400
 and he will come,

00:09:01.400 --> 00:09:02.480
 to his temple.

00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.300
 And he is the messenger,

00:09:05.420 --> 00:09:05.720
 of the covenant.

00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:08.180
 Then verse 2,

00:09:08.580 --> 00:09:08.920
 opens,

00:09:09.020 --> 00:09:09.220
 doesn't it,

00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:09.820
 with a couple,

00:09:09.900 --> 00:09:10.980
 of really powerful,

00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:12.260
 rhetorical questions.

00:09:13.660 --> 00:09:14.840
 He asks these questions,

00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:15.500
 of which,

00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:16.399
 there's no answer.

00:09:16.899 --> 00:09:18.120
 But who can endure,

00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:18.879
 the day of his coming,

00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:19.780
 and who can stand,

00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:20.500
 when he appears?

00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.200
 For he's like,

00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:23.320
 a refiner's fire,

00:09:24.460 --> 00:09:25.620
 and like fuller's soap.

00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:27.300
 He will sit,

00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:28.040
 as a refiner,

00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:29.200
 and a purifier of silver,

00:09:29.420 --> 00:09:30.340
 and he will purify,

00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:31.139
 the sons of Levi,

00:09:31.280 --> 00:09:31.820
 those priests,

00:09:32.019 --> 00:09:32.879
 and refine them,

00:09:33.040 --> 00:09:33.460
 like gold,

00:09:33.540 --> 00:09:34.040
 and silver,

00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:35.660
 and will bring,

00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:36.139
 offerings,

00:09:36.379 --> 00:09:36.860
 and righteousness,

00:09:37.420 --> 00:09:37.860
 to the Lord.

00:09:38.960 --> 00:09:39.620
 And then the offering,

00:09:39.700 --> 00:09:40.240
 of Judah,

00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:41.360
 and Jerusalem,

00:09:41.460 --> 00:09:41.940
 will be pleasing,

00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:42.400
 to the Lord.

00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:44.580
 As in the days of old,

00:09:44.580 --> 00:09:45.580
 as in former years.

00:09:47.820 --> 00:09:49.180
 When the Lord comes,

00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:50.020
 Malachi tells you,

00:09:50.060 --> 00:09:50.460
 he will come,

00:09:50.540 --> 00:09:51.080
 to purify,

00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:51.840
 to clean up.

00:09:53.300 --> 00:09:54.240
 He will do away,

00:09:54.300 --> 00:09:55.240
 with what is impure,

00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:57.259
 and he will leave,

00:09:57.340 --> 00:09:57.799
 what is pure.

00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:00.120
 Like a refiner's fire.

00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:01.379
 He will burn,

00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.320
 away the dross,

00:10:02.960 --> 00:10:04.259
 and leave the pure gold.

00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:06.680
 Like a launderer's soap,

00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:07.940
 like vanished soap,

00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:09.399
 he will get rid,

00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:10.519
 of all the dirt,

00:10:11.019 --> 00:10:11.700
 and he'll leave,

00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:12.860
 a bright clean garment.

00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:14.740
 There are images,

00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:15.279
 aren't there,

00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:16.740
 of purification?

00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:18.720
 In particular,

00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:19.180
 he says,

00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:19.899
 he will purify,

00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:20.519
 the Levites.

00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:20.919
 Do you remember?

00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:21.879
 Those are the people,

00:10:21.879 --> 00:10:22.720
 that Malachi's been,

00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:23.679
 really talking to,

00:10:23.740 --> 00:10:24.080
 in his book.

00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:24.939
 The priests.

00:10:26.639 --> 00:10:27.539
 And as we've seen,

00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:27.799
 isn't it,

00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:29.139
 the leaders of Israel,

00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:29.759
 in those days,

00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:30.220
 they needed,

00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:31.220
 lots of purifying.

00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:33.220
 They were corrupt.

00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:35.240
 They were leading,

00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:36.399
 people astray,

00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:37.220
 they were offering,

00:10:37.360 --> 00:10:38.299
 blemished sacrifices,

00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:39.379
 they were treating,

00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:40.480
 the worship of God,

00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:41.200
 like a burden.

00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:44.039
 But says Malachi,

00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:45.439
 when the Lord comes,

00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:47.559
 he'll put a stop,

00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:48.139
 to all of that.

00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:51.240
 And the coming of the Lord,

00:10:51.279 --> 00:10:52.240
 will make it possible,

00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:52.740
 again,

00:10:52.860 --> 00:10:54.319
 for acceptable sacrifices,

00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:55.539
 to be offered,

00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:56.580
 like in the good old days.

00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.699
 Priests will be righteous,

00:11:00.659 --> 00:11:01.240
 not wicked,

00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:02.120
 when the Lord comes,

00:11:02.299 --> 00:11:03.279
 because he will purify.

00:11:03.639 --> 00:11:04.860
 But then verse five says,

00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:06.600
 it won't just be the priests,

00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:07.319
 the Levites,

00:11:08.319 --> 00:11:09.600
 who will encounter,

00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:11.159
 the purifying fire of the Lord.

00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:12.139
 It will be all people.

00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:12.879
 Look at verse five.

00:11:14.059 --> 00:11:15.059
 Then I will draw neity,

00:11:15.059 --> 00:11:15.580
 for judgment.

00:11:15.580 --> 00:11:18.440
 I will be a swift witness,

00:11:18.520 --> 00:11:19.440
 against the sorcerers,

00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.560
 against the adulterers,

00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:21.759
 against those who swear falsely,

00:11:22.160 --> 00:11:23.860
 against those who oppress workers,

00:11:24.700 --> 00:11:27.600
 the widow and the fatherless,

00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:29.920
 against those who thrust aside the sojourner,

00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:30.720
 and do not fear me,

00:11:30.780 --> 00:11:31.360
 says the Lord.

00:11:32.060 --> 00:11:33.080
 There will be justice,

00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:33.740
 God is saying.

00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:36.700
 You're looking for justice,

00:11:37.100 --> 00:11:38.139
 we'll see.

00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:40.300
 See,

00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:41.240
 justice is coming.

00:11:42.540 --> 00:11:44.040
 It will come when the Lord comes.

00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:46.839
 It will come when I come,

00:11:47.339 --> 00:11:48.679
 and I will bring the justice,

00:11:48.679 --> 00:11:49.679
 that you long for.

00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:51.860
 And when that happens,

00:11:51.959 --> 00:11:52.279
 God says,

00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:54.099
 actually your questions will dry up.

00:11:55.860 --> 00:11:57.159
 Because they will have been answered.

00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:00.079
 Where is the God of justice?

00:12:01.319 --> 00:12:02.079
 On that day,

00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:02.839
 the answer will be,

00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:03.519
 I am here.

00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:06.219
 And of course,

00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:08.159
 Malachi is ultimately talking,

00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:08.879
 about the Lord Jesus.

00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:11.860
 It was Jesus,

00:12:12.059 --> 00:12:12.779
 that John the Baptist,

00:12:12.919 --> 00:12:13.719
 prepared the way for.

00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:15.639
 It was Jesus,

00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:16.000
 wasn't it,

00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:17.360
 who came as the perfect priest,

00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:19.080
 offering the perfect sacrifice,

00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:19.800
 which was himself.

00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.360
 It was Jesus,

00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:22.600
 who was the Messiah.

00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:24.040
 It was Jesus,

00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:25.440
 who they were looking for,

00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.700
 the one whom they desired.

00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:28.980
 It was Jesus,

00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:30.460
 who was the ultimate,

00:12:30.800 --> 00:12:32.040
 ultimate messenger,

00:12:32.040 --> 00:12:32.740
 of the covenant.

00:12:34.580 --> 00:12:35.519
 It was Jesus,

00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:36.920
 who brought God's justice.

00:12:36.919 --> 00:12:37.019
 Jesus.

00:12:39.459 --> 00:12:40.399
 And what is prophesied,

00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:42.079
 in our Bibles,

00:12:42.459 --> 00:12:44.360
 in just a few pages,

00:12:45.099 --> 00:12:45.819
 we all know,

00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:46.099
 don't we,

00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:47.159
 that Jesus came,

00:12:47.339 --> 00:12:48.899
 as the saviour of the world.

00:12:50.339 --> 00:12:51.579
 But as the New Testament,

00:12:51.819 --> 00:12:52.019
 makes clear,

00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:53.339
 Jesus didn't just,

00:12:53.559 --> 00:12:54.479
 come as the saviour,

00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:55.799
 he came also,

00:12:55.919 --> 00:12:56.599
 as the judge.

00:12:58.039 --> 00:12:59.139
 He came as the one,

00:12:59.199 --> 00:13:00.079
 whom God had appointed,

00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:00.959
 to judge.

00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:03.100
 And in that passage,

00:13:03.180 --> 00:13:03.800
 Reuben read for us,

00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:04.340
 from John 5,

00:13:04.780 --> 00:13:05.480
 Jesus says this,

00:13:05.540 --> 00:13:05.860
 he says,

00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:07.220
 the father has entrusted,

00:13:07.400 --> 00:13:08.560
 all judgment to the son,

00:13:08.660 --> 00:13:09.139
 that's himself.

00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:11.040
 And he's given him,

00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:12.180
 authority to judge.

00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:14.139
 And a time is coming,

00:13:14.220 --> 00:13:15.820
 when all who are in their graves,

00:13:15.940 --> 00:13:16.940
 will hear his voice,

00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:17.840
 and they'll come out,

00:13:18.560 --> 00:13:19.240
 some to life,

00:13:19.320 --> 00:13:20.240
 and some to condemnation.

00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.379
 Jesus Christ,

00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:24.360
 is God's appointed judge.

00:13:26.420 --> 00:13:27.940
 So it's in Jesus,

00:13:29.080 --> 00:13:30.460
 we see justice.

00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:32.440
 By his judgment,

00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:34.340
 that all people,

00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:34.920
 will be judged.

00:13:36.420 --> 00:13:37.780
 And when Jesus came,

00:13:37.900 --> 00:13:38.639
 2000 years ago,

00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:40.120
 he began that process.

00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:43.580
 He began to purify his people.

00:13:44.940 --> 00:13:45.840
 He began,

00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:46.360
 didn't he,

00:13:46.440 --> 00:13:48.540
 righting the world's wrongs.

00:13:49.160 --> 00:13:49.900
 He began,

00:13:50.060 --> 00:13:51.340
 making right,

00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:52.840
 that which was wrong.

00:13:53.680 --> 00:13:54.180
 But you see,

00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.139
 the work of judgment,

00:13:55.340 --> 00:13:56.080
 and purification,

00:13:56.440 --> 00:13:57.440
 isn't finished yet.

00:13:59.139 --> 00:14:00.320
 And just as the Israelites,

00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:01.200
 in Malachi's day,

00:14:01.260 --> 00:14:02.640
 they had to wait patiently,

00:14:03.280 --> 00:14:03.540
 for it.

00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:04.280
 So do we,

00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:05.700
 for judgment to come,

00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.360
 in all its fullness.

00:14:08.160 --> 00:14:09.600
 Because all is not well,

00:14:09.680 --> 00:14:10.080
 with the world,

00:14:10.140 --> 00:14:10.379
 is it?

00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:12.920
 All is not well,

00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:13.980
 in your world.

00:14:15.060 --> 00:14:16.340
 And that is still true.

00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:18.980
 God waits,

00:14:19.160 --> 00:14:19.740
 patiently,

00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:21.660
 for men and women,

00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:22.640
 and boys and girls,

00:14:22.700 --> 00:14:23.460
 to turn away,

00:14:23.540 --> 00:14:24.380
 from their sins.

00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:26.700
 But while God is waiting,

00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:28.679
 people seem to do terrible things,

00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.399
 and get away with it.

00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:31.639
 Sometimes the wicked,

00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:32.679
 get off scot-free.

00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:36.120
 But God's word is this,

00:14:37.299 --> 00:14:38.500
 they will not always,

00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.519
 get away scot-free.

00:14:41.159 --> 00:14:41.899
 The wicked,

00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.559
 will not get away,

00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:44.600
 scot-free.

00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:46.939
 One day,

00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:47.860
 Jesus Christ,

00:14:48.220 --> 00:14:49.019
 will return,

00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:50.259
 and on that day,

00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:51.240
 there will be,

00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:52.679
 perfect justice.

00:14:56.679 --> 00:14:57.840
 You will see it.

00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:01.340
 You will see justice.

00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:05.019
 God confronted,

00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:05.600
 the Israelites,

00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:06.000
 didn't he?

00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:08.600
 Those who were,

00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:09.720
 pursuing justice,

00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.620
 with this message,

00:15:10.759 --> 00:15:11.220
 God says,

00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:12.579
 I'm pursuing justice too.

00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:15.139
 And God answers,

00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:16.100
 our modern question,

00:15:16.180 --> 00:15:17.100
 this morning too.

00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:19.080
 God says,

00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:19.940
 you're looking for justice,

00:15:20.160 --> 00:15:20.800
 God says,

00:15:21.420 --> 00:15:22.800
 I'm looking for justice too.

00:15:24.160 --> 00:15:25.520
 But unlike you,

00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:28.240
 I will deliver it perfectly,

00:15:29.700 --> 00:15:31.060
 on that day,

00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:32.639
 when no secrets,

00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.060
 will be hidden.

00:15:35.180 --> 00:15:35.980
 There will be,

00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:37.200
 perfect justice.

00:15:39.300 --> 00:15:40.660
 And on the one hand,

00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:42.200
 that is a message,

00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:42.540
 isn't it?

00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:44.120
 Of great comfort to us.

00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:46.000
 Wonderful,

00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:46.920
 wonderful comfort.

00:15:48.320 --> 00:15:49.320
 That our God,

00:15:49.400 --> 00:15:50.920
 is in pursuit of justice.

00:15:52.060 --> 00:15:52.980
 For some of you,

00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:53.440
 who've been,

00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:54.759
 who've been wronged,

00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:55.720
 terribly,

00:15:56.440 --> 00:15:58.320
 and bear the scars of that,

00:15:58.600 --> 00:16:00.220
 and bear the scars of injustice,

00:16:00.700 --> 00:16:01.300
 one day,

00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:02.740
 God promises you,

00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:04.020
 there will be justice.

00:16:05.520 --> 00:16:06.759
 It's so comforting.

00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:09.379
 And yet,

00:16:09.460 --> 00:16:10.360
 it's also disturbing.

00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:10.460
 It's disturbing.

00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:12.940
 It's disturbing.

00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:15.000
 I don't want you to miss that.

00:16:16.300 --> 00:16:17.140
 I don't want you to miss,

00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:18.620
 how disturbing this message is,

00:16:18.680 --> 00:16:19.080
 for us,

00:16:19.140 --> 00:16:19.800
 and for our world.

00:16:20.060 --> 00:16:20.300
 You see,

00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.240
 there's a real twist,

00:16:21.540 --> 00:16:22.380
 in this part of Malachi.

00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:24.700
 When the Israelites,

00:16:25.160 --> 00:16:26.320
 they were pursuing justice,

00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:27.280
 their big concern,

00:16:27.400 --> 00:16:27.840
 can you see it?

00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:28.820
 In chapter 3,

00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.320
 verse 17,

00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:30.200
 it is others.

00:16:30.580 --> 00:16:31.960
 They're really concerned with others.

00:16:33.780 --> 00:16:34.899
 It incensed them,

00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:35.960
 other people's wickedness.

00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:39.540
 The wickedness they saw in the lives of other people,

00:16:39.620 --> 00:16:40.800
 and the world around them.

00:16:41.040 --> 00:16:42.200
 It made them mad.

00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:46.060
 And our modern question this morning,

00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:47.480
 is very much the same.

00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:50.340
 It's about if and when,

00:16:50.520 --> 00:16:53.379
 God is going to deal with the wickedness in others.

00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:54.420
 It incenses us.

00:16:55.680 --> 00:16:58.100
 The wickedness we see in the circumstances of our world,

00:16:58.360 --> 00:17:00.060
 and in the lives of our other people.

00:17:00.059 --> 00:17:04.000
 But here's the second word,

00:17:04.119 --> 00:17:05.319
 that Malachi has for us,

00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:05.899
 this morning.

00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:07.039
 The first was see,

00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.619
 but the second word,

00:17:09.679 --> 00:17:10.759
 is a more chilling word,

00:17:10.919 --> 00:17:12.059
 and it is the word you.

00:17:14.099 --> 00:17:15.500
 It's there in verse 5.

00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:21.119
 Then I will draw near,

00:17:22.179 --> 00:17:23.139
 to you,

00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:25.240
 for judgment.

00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:27.799
 To you,

00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:28.399
 for judgment.

00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:32.899
 The Israelites questioned God's justice,

00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:36.720
 and God's answer was far more unsettling,

00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:37.839
 than they could have ever expected.

00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.759
 And what they discovered,

00:17:40.899 --> 00:17:43.119
 is there is a great danger,

00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:44.259
 in pursuing justice,

00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:45.879
 and that is that you might get it.

00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:47.879
 You might get it.

00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:52.480
 You might also find,

00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:54.319
 it may also mean justice,

00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:56.000
 for the one who is pursuing it.

00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:58.259
 And see,

00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.059
 Malachi 3,

00:17:59.059 --> 00:18:00.659
 here's the question,

00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.899
 where is the God of justice?

00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:03.399
 And it gives us a very good answer,

00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:05.559
 but it's an answer that challenges us,

00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:07.339
 about the wisdom of the question,

00:18:07.419 --> 00:18:08.200
 in the first place.

00:18:09.919 --> 00:18:11.460
 It's an answer that reveals,

00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:13.599
 just how very dangerous,

00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:16.039
 the question itself actually is.

00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:19.059
 The Israelites were really quick,

00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:19.839
 to accuse God,

00:18:19.899 --> 00:18:20.220
 weren't they?

00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:24.579
 quick to accuse God,

00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:27.339
 but very slow,

00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.279
 to realise,

00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:29.920
 that in calling for justice,

00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:31.779
 they ran the risk,

00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.660
 of the judgment of God.

00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.380
 Falling on their own heads.

00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:38.700
 And when I think today,

00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:40.279
 of our modern question,

00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:43.759
 where is the God of justice?

00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:45.420
 In the light of that challenge,

00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:46.420
 I like you,

00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:47.800
 begin to feel a little bit nervous.

00:18:50.320 --> 00:18:51.440
 Because I'm quick,

00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:53.100
 to cry out for justice,

00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.759
 when I see evil,

00:18:54.820 --> 00:18:55.660
 in the world around me.

00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:57.940
 But I'm not,

00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:59.440
 so sure that justice,

00:18:59.580 --> 00:19:00.500
 is what I really want,

00:19:00.840 --> 00:19:01.420
 for the evil,

00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.400
 that's in my own heart.

00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:06.580
 Because I know my life,

00:19:07.320 --> 00:19:09.440
 and I know my sins,

00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:12.740
 and I know that on that day,

00:19:12.860 --> 00:19:14.019
 when the hidden secrets,

00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.100
 of my heart,

00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:16.200
 are revealed,

00:19:17.800 --> 00:19:18.680
 there will be a lot,

00:19:18.780 --> 00:19:19.440
 to be ashamed of.

00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:23.259
 And I hope,

00:19:23.420 --> 00:19:24.519
 that you are honest enough,

00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:25.680
 this morning to admit that.

00:19:26.660 --> 00:19:27.800
 To know the same thing.

00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:30.580
 You see,

00:19:30.680 --> 00:19:31.400
 Malachi chapter 3,

00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:32.620
 makes me realise,

00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:34.660
 that the pursuit of justice,

00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:36.580
 is actually very dangerous indeed.

00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:40.320
 Like I was saying,

00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:41.580
 next time you want,

00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:43.200
 to shake your fist at God.

00:19:45.080 --> 00:19:46.000
 Next time you want,

00:19:46.060 --> 00:19:47.460
 to vigorously call out,

00:19:47.540 --> 00:19:48.060
 for justice.

00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:50.320
 Just take a moment,

00:19:50.440 --> 00:19:51.280
 to ask yourself.

00:19:52.800 --> 00:19:53.920
 Do you really,

00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.160
 want God,

00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:55.780
 to be just,

00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.480
 perfectly just?

00:19:58.320 --> 00:19:59.560
 Do you really,

00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.640
 want God,

00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:01.400
 to punish,

00:20:02.280 --> 00:20:02.980
 all evil,

00:20:03.360 --> 00:20:04.100
 all evil?

00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:07.380
 Do you really,

00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:08.240
 want to come,

00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.259
 face to face,

00:20:09.380 --> 00:20:10.520
 with the God of justice?

00:20:11.020 --> 00:20:11.280
 Do you?

00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:14.900
 And perhaps,

00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:15.800
 the next time,

00:20:16.020 --> 00:20:17.360
 somebody who's not a Christian,

00:20:17.560 --> 00:20:19.220
 amusingly asks you,

00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:21.420
 where your God of justice,

00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:22.460
 is in the world.

00:20:23.540 --> 00:20:24.180
 You might,

00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.240
 gently want to point out,

00:20:25.340 --> 00:20:25.940
 how nervous,

00:20:26.060 --> 00:20:26.660
 they ought to feel,

00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.440
 at crying out,

00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:28.160
 to the God of justice.

00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:31.880
 And that of course,

00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.380
 is what Malachi,

00:20:32.540 --> 00:20:33.320
 thinks about,

00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.160
 in verse 2,

00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:34.720
 when he says,

00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:35.160
 can you see it?

00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:35.720
 Just look with me,

00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:36.180
 at verse 2.

00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.980
 Who can endure,

00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.180
 the day of his coming?

00:20:42.540 --> 00:20:43.600
 Who can stand,

00:20:44.060 --> 00:20:44.920
 when he appears?

00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:49.560
 If the God of justice,

00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:50.759
 comes,

00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:52.039
 will anybody,

00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.200
 be able to escape,

00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:53.740
 his wrath?

00:20:55.140 --> 00:20:56.060
 Who will be able,

00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:57.320
 to stand on that day?

00:20:59.340 --> 00:21:00.259
 Do you see what's happening?

00:21:00.360 --> 00:21:01.019
 In the place of that,

00:21:01.100 --> 00:21:02.080
 very dangerous question,

00:21:02.140 --> 00:21:02.680
 of chapter 2,

00:21:02.840 --> 00:21:03.440
 verse 17,

00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:04.680
 Malachi suggests,

00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:05.519
 a different question,

00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.279
 a better question,

00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:06.940
 for you to ask.

00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:08.900
 And it's a quite,

00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.740
 excellent question,

00:21:09.840 --> 00:21:10.220
 for you and I,

00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:10.600
 this morning,

00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:10.920
 isn't it?

00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.880
 Who can endure,

00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.700
 the day of his coming?

00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:16.259
 Expressed in a different day,

00:21:16.320 --> 00:21:17.060
 who can stand,

00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:18.060
 when he appears?

00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:21.160
 And that's a telling question,

00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.440
 isn't it?

00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:22.019
 Because deep,

00:21:22.080 --> 00:21:23.680
 in all of our hearts,

00:21:25.019 --> 00:21:25.779
 the answer,

00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.700
 if you are willing,

00:21:26.800 --> 00:21:27.420
 to be honest,

00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:27.980
 with yourself,

00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:28.720
 this morning,

00:21:28.860 --> 00:21:30.039
 is no one.

00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.900
 At the very least,

00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:34.340
 not me.

00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:37.779
 And Malachi leaves,

00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:39.059
 that telling question,

00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.319
 ringing in our ears.

00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:42.559
 It's actually,

00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:43.500
 a terrifying question,

00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:43.839
 isn't it?

00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:46.459
 We find ourselves,

00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:47.439
 powerless,

00:21:47.639 --> 00:21:48.480
 to do anything,

00:21:48.679 --> 00:21:49.259
 about it.

00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:53.699
 See,

00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:57.339
 justice is coming.

00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:00.919
 But justice is coming to you.

00:22:04.339 --> 00:22:04.799
 Of course,

00:22:04.879 --> 00:22:05.019
 though,

00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:05.359
 Jesus,

00:22:05.959 --> 00:22:07.079
 Jesus Christ,

00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.099
 Jesus of Nazareth,

00:22:10.459 --> 00:22:12.740
 is the judge who came.

00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:15.279
 And he brought with him,

00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:15.619
 didn't he,

00:22:15.659 --> 00:22:16.799
 words of terrific comfort.

00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:19.659
 And having called out,

00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:20.459
 for God's justice,

00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:21.019
 we realise,

00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:21.759
 all too late,

00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:22.179
 actually,

00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:23.319
 we're condemned ourselves,

00:22:23.439 --> 00:22:25.099
 to face the full fury,

00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:26.099
 of God's anger.

00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:27.339
 Unless,

00:22:28.919 --> 00:22:29.619
 unless,

00:22:29.619 --> 00:22:30.779
 the son of God,

00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.799
 should feel,

00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:34.159
 the full fury,

00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.879
 of God's anger,

00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.579
 in our place.

00:22:38.319 --> 00:22:38.940
 Unless,

00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:40.680
 the justice of God,

00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:43.079
 falls upon him,

00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:44.960
 instead of me.

00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:47.839
 Unless,

00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:48.779
 the one,

00:22:49.399 --> 00:22:50.180
 God sent,

00:22:50.379 --> 00:22:51.359
 made it possible,

00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.159
 for us,

00:22:52.240 --> 00:22:52.919
 to be forgiven,

00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:53.899
 all our sin.

00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:58.339
 Come with me,

00:22:58.379 --> 00:22:59.440
 to Romans chapter five.

00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.180
 Romans chapter five.

00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:09.919
 And in Romans chapter five,

00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.720
 verses one to eleven,

00:23:11.819 --> 00:23:13.680
 we find the apostle Paul,

00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.480
 rejoicing,

00:23:15.619 --> 00:23:16.000
 because,

00:23:16.399 --> 00:23:17.259
 that is precisely,

00:23:17.480 --> 00:23:18.119
 what God has done.

00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:20.919
 And I want you,

00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:22.019
 to feel the weight.

00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:24.200
 It's really important,

00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.220
 you feel the weight,

00:23:25.659 --> 00:23:26.799
 of these stunning words.

00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.059
 Chapter five,

00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:29.700
 in verse six.

00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.440
 Listen to these,

00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.259
 stunning words,

00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:32.460
 and feel the weight,

00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:32.779
 of them.

00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:34.720
 Verse six,

00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.200
 you see,

00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:35.940
 for while,

00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:38.299
 we were still weak,

00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.240
 at the right time,

00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:40.879
 Christ,

00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:42.240
 died for the ungodly.

00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.039
 For one will,

00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.519
 scarcely,

00:23:44.619 --> 00:23:45.420
 scarcely die,

00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.220
 for a righteous man,

00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:46.660
 though perhaps,

00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.460
 for a good person,

00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.200
 one might dare,

00:23:48.339 --> 00:23:48.819
 even to die.

00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:49.680
 But God,

00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:51.259
 shows his love,

00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:52.039
 for us,

00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:53.759
 in that while,

00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:54.440
 we were still sinners,

00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.019
 as Christ,

00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:56.019
 died for us.

00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.100
 Since therefore,

00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.380
 we've been justified,

00:23:59.380 --> 00:24:00.100
 by his blood,

00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:00.720
 much more,

00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.700
 shall we be saved,

00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.240
 by him,

00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:03.299
 from the wrath of God.

00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.140
 Those verses,

00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:06.559
 are saying,

00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:07.059
 that Jesus,

00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:08.019
 did feel,

00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:09.500
 the full fury,

00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:11.500
 of God's anger,

00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.100
 in our place.

00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.299
 The justice,

00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:14.940
 of God,

00:24:15.080 --> 00:24:16.140
 fell on him,

00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.259
 so that it doesn't,

00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.559
 need to fall on you.

00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.500
 Jesus,

00:24:20.620 --> 00:24:21.559
 did bring us,

00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.799
 full forgiveness,

00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.899
 for all our sins.

00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:26.059
 And so,

00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:27.000
 in response,

00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:27.899
 to our questions,

00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:28.659
 about God,

00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:29.720
 and his justice,

00:24:30.079 --> 00:24:30.339
 Malachi,

00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:31.680
 asks us a terrifying,

00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.659
 question in return.

00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:32.940
 He says,

00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:33.720
 who can stand?

00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:36.079
 Who can stand,

00:24:36.159 --> 00:24:36.879
 when he appears?

00:24:38.559 --> 00:24:39.440
 And the apostle Paul,

00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.220
 gives you this,

00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.099
 incredible,

00:24:41.419 --> 00:24:42.539
 and liberating answer,

00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.680
 to Malachi's question.

00:24:43.759 --> 00:24:44.500
 Who can stand?

00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:46.779
 Romans 5,

00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.159
 verse 1,

00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.299
 therefore we are justified,

00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:49.200
 by faith.

00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:50.899
 We have peace,

00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.480
 with God,

00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:53.900
 through our Lord Jesus Christ,

00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:55.700
 through whom,

00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.940
 we have also obtained,

00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:59.319
 access by the faith,

00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.620
 by faith,

00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.519
 into this grace,

00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:03.099
 in which we stand.

00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:06.319
 In which we stand.

00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:08.240
 Paul is picking up,

00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:10.160
 the language of Malachi 3.

00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:13.279
 And so,

00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:14.460
 by the grace of God,

00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.140
 this morning,

00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:17.360
 those of us,

00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:18.500
 who've come to put our faith,

00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:19.819
 in the Lord Jesus Christ,

00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:22.099
 the great news is,

00:25:22.159 --> 00:25:22.819
 we can endure,

00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:23.639
 the day of his coming.

00:25:25.619 --> 00:25:27.139
 By the grace of God,

00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:27.819
 through faith,

00:25:27.899 --> 00:25:28.899
 in Jesus Christ,

00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.339
 you and I,

00:25:30.399 --> 00:25:30.980
 can stand,

00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:31.779
 when he appears.

00:25:34.339 --> 00:25:35.700
 The miracle of the gospel,

00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.079
 is this,

00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:36.939
 that while God,

00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.419
 relentlessly pursues,

00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.679
 perfect justice,

00:25:40.679 --> 00:25:42.599
 he also pursues,

00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:43.240
 you and me,

00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.639
 in relentless,

00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:45.840
 relentless,

00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:48.180
 relentless love.

00:25:50.060 --> 00:25:51.340
 Who can stand,

00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:52.100
 when he appears?

00:25:55.120 --> 00:25:56.259
 We can stand,

00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:58.720
 by faith,

00:25:58.920 --> 00:25:59.600
 in his grace.

00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.280
 Since we've been justified,

00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:02.980
 by faith,

00:26:03.060 --> 00:26:03.900
 we have peace,

00:26:04.020 --> 00:26:04.600
 with God,

00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:06.780
 through our Lord Jesus Christ.

00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.500
 Through him,

00:26:09.080 --> 00:26:09.880
 we have also obtained,

00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:10.800
 access by faith,

00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.980
 into this grace,

00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:14.660
 in which we stand.

00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:17.440
 Since therefore,

00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.180
 we've been justified,

00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.900
 by his blood,

00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:19.480
 much more,

00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:20.299
 shall we be saved,

00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:20.759
 by him,

00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:23.000
 from the wrath of God.

00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:25.799
 Let's pause for a moment,

00:26:26.440 --> 00:26:27.279
 and then I'll pray.

00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:27.360
 Amen.

00:26:27.360 --> 00:26:27.360


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