WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.179 Okay, well good morning everyone. Lovely to see you. If you have a Bible, then please can I invite you to turn to the Song of Songs and feel zero embarrassment in turning to the contents page of your Bible. 00:00:16.179 --> 00:00:27.660 If you don't have a Bible, you haven't brought one, you're welcome to use the ones in the pews roundabouts or you can scroll on your phone if that's easier for you or you can just follow along on the screen. 00:00:27.759 --> 00:00:34.960 But as you're doing that, let me just introduce myself. My name is Graham and I'm the pastor of the church here and it's just a joy to welcome you this morning. 00:00:35.019 --> 00:00:42.420 These are always some of the highlights of our church life, mornings like this, hearing the difference that Jesus makes in people's lives. 00:00:42.420 --> 00:00:51.200 It's particularly welcome if you're new here, if this is your first Sunday with us, maybe this is even your first Sunday in church in a long, long time. 00:00:51.540 --> 00:01:00.840 You are so, so welcome and we're going to get into Song of Songs chapter 2 verse 8. We're going to read it in about 10 minutes time. 00:01:02.980 --> 00:01:09.439 But complete the saying. It's from a song. You ready? 00:01:09.439 --> 00:01:14.399 Can anybody find me? 00:01:18.179 --> 00:01:19.120 Right, so. 00:01:22.060 --> 00:01:23.900 Undoubtedly my favourite Queen song. 00:01:24.939 --> 00:01:27.500 I wonder if it's yours. Can anybody find me somebody to love? 00:01:27.560 --> 00:01:29.379 Went to see the musical a number of years ago. 00:01:30.039 --> 00:01:32.099 Fantastic if you're looking for something to watch. 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:35.140 But can anybody find me somebody to love? 00:01:35.140 --> 00:01:40.359 Imagine with me for a moment that we were to beam an alien down to planet Earth. 00:01:41.879 --> 00:01:44.859 Someone who had never interacted with a human being before. 00:01:45.819 --> 00:01:51.060 And we asked them to study human beings and our culture for a whole year. 00:01:52.340 --> 00:02:00.340 What we watch, what we do, what we listen to, how we interact, what makes us happy, what makes us sad. 00:02:00.340 --> 00:02:03.740 And at the end of that year we asked them one simple question. 00:02:03.960 --> 00:02:05.820 In 10 words or less. 00:02:06.960 --> 00:02:13.439 What do you think they think the purpose of their existence is? 00:02:15.460 --> 00:02:17.740 I reckon that they'd concur with Queen. 00:02:18.640 --> 00:02:24.340 I reckon they'd come back and tell us that human beings are on a quest for love. 00:02:24.340 --> 00:02:25.939 It's everywhere, isn't it? 00:02:26.860 --> 00:02:29.340 From love songs to dating apps. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:33.060 From novels to reality TV love shows. 00:02:33.219 --> 00:02:35.259 From sitcoms to rom-coms. 00:02:35.439 --> 00:02:39.680 We all need to find someone of whom we can say, to quote Jerry Maguire, 00:02:40.640 --> 00:02:42.539 You complete me. 00:02:44.759 --> 00:02:49.699 And the thing is, because that's the cultural air that we breathe in and out every single day, 00:02:49.699 --> 00:02:55.000 Friends, we can be duped into thinking that if we haven't found a partner, 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:59.079 Or if this kind of love isn't something that we experience, 00:02:59.799 --> 00:03:01.859 Then somehow we are missing out. 00:03:03.379 --> 00:03:07.939 I wonder if you've ever felt like that, or maybe even today you feel like that. 00:03:08.859 --> 00:03:13.239 It's the pressure that the culture puts on us. 00:03:14.099 --> 00:03:15.419 And if that is you today, 00:03:16.679 --> 00:03:19.579 If you remember last week, this is what we said. 00:03:20.659 --> 00:03:22.199 What we're doing in this series, 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:25.719 This series is all about turning down the volume of the world song, 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:32.479 And turning up the volume of what God has to say in this whole area of sex and romance, 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:34.679 In these song of songs. 00:03:35.459 --> 00:03:37.799 This eight chapter love drama, 00:03:39.139 --> 00:03:43.500 That celebrates the love and sexual intimacy that is enjoyed, 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:48.379 In an exclusive relationship between a married man and a woman. 00:03:48.379 --> 00:03:49.599 And you think to yourself, 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:50.799 Is that in the Bible? 00:03:52.219 --> 00:03:53.900 You better believe it's in the Bible. 00:03:54.039 --> 00:03:57.000 Can I give you two quick reasons why we should be glad it's in the Bible? 00:03:58.299 --> 00:04:04.039 Firstly, because this offers us God's wisdom in this whole area of sex and romance, 00:04:04.099 --> 00:04:07.579 Which is better by far than anything that you'll hear out there. 00:04:09.000 --> 00:04:10.300 Do you remember we thought about last week, 00:04:10.300 --> 00:04:11.000 If you were here, 00:04:11.240 --> 00:04:14.100 We thought about what the experts are saying, 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:15.540 And we thought about Louise Perry, 00:04:15.719 --> 00:04:17.740 And we also thought about this American, 00:04:18.280 --> 00:04:21.960 This American expert who's studying these things, 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:23.180 Called Gene Twenge, 00:04:23.340 --> 00:04:24.699 Who's written this book called Generations. 00:04:24.860 --> 00:04:26.000 And both of them are saying, 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:27.379 In this whole area, 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:29.319 Something's not working. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:32.360 Something's not quite right. 00:04:32.720 --> 00:04:33.560 And because of that, 00:04:33.560 --> 00:04:36.300 We thought about the fact that God is worth a hearing. 00:04:37.920 --> 00:04:38.860 And in particular, 00:04:39.019 --> 00:04:41.199 I want to tell you this morning, 00:04:41.319 --> 00:04:42.439 Wherever you are on this, 00:04:42.519 --> 00:04:44.420 Whatever you've come to church with, 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:47.139 However you would identify yourself as, 00:04:47.980 --> 00:04:49.779 Jesus is worth pondering. 00:04:51.840 --> 00:04:52.379 You know, 00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:53.439 In our Western world today, 00:04:53.540 --> 00:04:54.740 Being single is fine. 00:04:55.660 --> 00:04:57.199 People can get their heads around that. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:04:57.660 In fact, 00:04:57.699 --> 00:04:58.100 If anything, 00:04:58.240 --> 00:04:59.639 It's kind of celebrated, 00:04:59.899 --> 00:05:02.740 Life without limits and boundaries. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:07.259 But a life without sex is incomprehensible. 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:10.740 Surely that is to miss out on experiencing, 00:05:11.579 --> 00:05:13.560 What it is to be truly human. 00:05:14.259 --> 00:05:16.540 And yet meet Jesus in the Gospels. 00:05:18.400 --> 00:05:20.300 And he kind of says to us, 00:05:20.980 --> 00:05:21.660 Are you sure? 00:05:25.060 --> 00:05:26.220 Jesus is, 00:05:26.879 --> 00:05:29.860 The most wonderfully complete, 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:32.639 And fully alive person, 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:34.199 Who has ever existed. 00:05:35.519 --> 00:05:36.879 You look at him, 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:39.259 And you conclude, 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:40.379 Here is a man, 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:43.460 Who doesn't seem to be missing out, 00:05:43.840 --> 00:05:45.800 On all that life has to offer. 00:05:46.900 --> 00:05:47.939 Look at him, 00:05:48.100 --> 00:05:48.660 And see, 00:05:49.579 --> 00:05:51.439 A life defined by, 00:05:52.439 --> 00:05:53.240 Intimacy. 00:05:54.400 --> 00:05:55.920 Because it is a life, 00:05:56.579 --> 00:05:58.240 Full of deep friendships. 00:05:58.240 --> 00:06:00.040 And yet, 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:01.319 Here is the wonder of wonders, 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:02.680 None of those friendships, 00:06:02.879 --> 00:06:04.199 Are sexual or, 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:05.879 Romantic. 00:06:06.079 --> 00:06:06.220 Now, 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:08.240 Sam Albury is a guy, 00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:08.980 To read on this, 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:09.980 He is wonderful. 00:06:11.579 --> 00:06:13.400 He comments on Jesus' life, 00:06:13.960 --> 00:06:14.920 And he puts it like this, 00:06:14.939 --> 00:06:16.259 As he looks at our modern culture, 00:06:16.319 --> 00:06:16.960 He says this, 00:06:17.160 --> 00:06:18.199 In his wonderful book, 00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:19.540 Seven Myths About Singleness, 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:20.200 If you want it, 00:06:20.220 --> 00:06:21.140 Come and grab it from me, 00:06:21.700 --> 00:06:22.760 You can borrow it, 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:24.260 You can order it online as well. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:24.939 He says this, 00:06:25.100 --> 00:06:26.480 And try this one on for size, 00:06:27.980 --> 00:06:29.840 It is possible to have lots of sex, 00:06:29.900 --> 00:06:30.900 And no real intimacy, 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:34.260 But the reverse is also true. 00:06:35.640 --> 00:06:37.939 It is possible to have a lot of intimacy, 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:38.500 In life, 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:40.640 And for none of it to be sexual. 00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:43.580 Friends, 00:06:43.680 --> 00:06:45.500 Jesus is the wonderful stone, 00:06:45.500 --> 00:06:47.180 In the shoe to the world's soul. 00:06:47.180 --> 00:06:50.180 And here's the invitation, 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:53.800 Let Jesus intrigue you. 00:06:55.139 --> 00:06:56.500 Have you ever read about him? 00:06:56.680 --> 00:06:57.600 Maybe you're here this morning, 00:06:57.660 --> 00:06:59.280 You've never heard of this stuff before, 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:00.439 If you knew there was going to be this, 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:01.060 It wouldn't have come. 00:07:01.900 --> 00:07:03.240 But let Jesus intrigue you. 00:07:03.280 --> 00:07:04.280 Have you ever read about him? 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:06.939 Because the Song of Songs, 00:07:07.060 --> 00:07:08.660 Is one glorious melody, 00:07:09.819 --> 00:07:11.160 That lulls us, 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:13.759 Towards the far superior love, 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:16.620 That he has for us. 00:07:17.740 --> 00:07:20.019 And that's the love of which marriage love, 00:07:20.120 --> 00:07:22.400 Is but a faint echo of. 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:25.220 And that's the love, 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:27.740 That we were born to know. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:30.560 What we're thinking about today, 00:07:30.699 --> 00:07:32.819 I don't think it's any exaggeration to say, 00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:35.720 And it reaches its peak next Sunday, 00:07:35.840 --> 00:07:36.960 Please come back from that. 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:38.240 What we're thinking about today, 00:07:38.280 --> 00:07:40.139 Really is the meaning of the cosmos. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:43.819 And so as we turn to chapter two, 00:07:43.879 --> 00:07:45.319 We're back with this young couple again. 00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:48.459 If you remember last week, 00:07:48.500 --> 00:07:50.879 We thought it was kind of like their first date. 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:56.000 Next Sunday is going to be their wedding day in this song. 00:07:56.219 --> 00:07:57.939 But this week we're going to see, 00:07:58.040 --> 00:08:00.379 As they sing to us about their love for each other, 00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:03.259 We're going to see how they're going to continue to grow, 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:05.259 And mature, 00:08:05.819 --> 00:08:08.159 As they head towards being married. 00:08:08.160 --> 00:08:09.620 So we're going to pick it up at verse eight. 00:08:11.120 --> 00:08:11.439 Now, 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:15.020 Last week was the love at first sight part of the song. 00:08:15.200 --> 00:08:15.939 If you remember this, 00:08:16.840 --> 00:08:17.580 Your eyes, 00:08:17.700 --> 00:08:18.180 Your neck, 00:08:18.300 --> 00:08:18.880 Your smell, 00:08:19.040 --> 00:08:19.439 Your name. 00:08:19.480 --> 00:08:20.220 And we all giggled, 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:21.940 As Bogdan tried to read it. 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:25.540 And if it was all butterflies in the tummy last week, 00:08:25.699 --> 00:08:27.719 This week is brought to you by the words, 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:29.120 And look out for these in the reading, 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:32.320 Is brought to you by words like your voice, 00:08:33.220 --> 00:08:34.019 Your face. 00:08:34.059 --> 00:08:35.980 And all of this is trying to communicate to us, 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:39.019 That there's a maturity now to their love for each other. 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:40.039 Look out for that. 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:41.960 But the key verse today is verse 16. 00:08:42.059 --> 00:08:42.559 It's on there, 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:43.639 On the screen. 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:46.860 And this is how, 00:08:47.620 --> 00:08:48.919 I think that's 2.16. 00:08:48.919 --> 00:08:52.299 This is how she summarizes their relationship. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:53.599 She says, 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:56.759 And I think you could argue this is the key verse to the whole book. 00:08:57.620 --> 00:08:59.000 My beloved is mine, 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:01.399 And I am his. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:04.039 So Jonathan is going to come and read this now, 00:09:04.479 --> 00:09:05.860 And then we'll get into it together. 00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:12.120 Yeah, so hopefully you have it by now. 00:09:12.339 --> 00:09:13.879 It's page 681, 00:09:14.279 --> 00:09:15.259 If you're using this. 00:09:16.959 --> 00:09:18.759 Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, 00:09:18.919 --> 00:09:19.779 Song of Songs, 00:09:20.059 --> 00:09:21.120 And if you hit Isaiah, 00:09:21.500 --> 00:09:22.639 You've gone too far. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:24.000 So Song of Songs, 00:09:24.099 --> 00:09:24.759 And it'll be on the screen, 00:09:24.860 --> 00:09:28.500 So feel free just to look at that as we read. 00:09:29.439 --> 00:09:30.860 So chapter 2, verse 8. 00:09:32.139 --> 00:09:33.719 Listen, my beloved, 00:09:33.939 --> 00:09:35.319 Look, here he comes, 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:37.019 Leaping across the mountains, 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:38.699 Bounding over the hills. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:42.879 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:45.899 Look, there he stands behind our wall, 00:09:45.899 --> 00:09:47.720 Gazing through the windows, 00:09:47.899 --> 00:09:49.439 Peering through the lattice. 00:09:50.579 --> 00:09:52.799 My beloved spoke and said to me, 00:09:52.939 --> 00:09:55.279 Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:56.279 Come with me. 00:09:56.919 --> 00:09:58.679 See, the winter is past, 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:00.959 The rains are over and gone. 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:04.059 Flowers appear on the earth, 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:06.279 The season of singing has come, 00:10:06.419 --> 00:10:08.959 The cooing of doves is heard in our land. 00:10:08.960 --> 00:10:13.259 The fig tree forms its early fruit, 00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:16.639 The blossoming vines spread their fragrance, 00:10:17.340 --> 00:10:19.160 Arise, come my darling, 00:10:19.280 --> 00:10:20.300 My beautiful one, 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:21.360 Come with me. 00:10:23.280 --> 00:10:25.620 My dove in the clefts of the rock, 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:28.780 In the hiding places on the mountainside, 00:10:29.320 --> 00:10:30.519 Show me your face, 00:10:31.080 --> 00:10:32.920 Let me hear your voice, 00:10:33.400 --> 00:10:34.860 For your voice is sweet, 00:10:34.960 --> 00:10:37.060 And your face is lovely. 00:10:37.059 --> 00:10:40.199 Catch for us the foxes, 00:10:40.439 --> 00:10:43.339 The little foxes that ruin the vineyards, 00:10:43.599 --> 00:10:46.039 Our vineyards that are in bloom. 00:10:47.219 --> 00:10:48.899 My beloved is mine, 00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:50.500 And I am his. 00:10:51.539 --> 00:10:53.539 He browses among the lilies, 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:57.159 Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, 00:10:57.479 --> 00:10:58.599 Turn, my beloved, 00:10:59.239 --> 00:11:00.559 And be like a gazelle, 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:03.819 Or like a young stag on the rugged hills. 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:07.540 All night long on my bed, 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:09.900 I looked for the one my heart loves, 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:11.040 I looked for him, 00:11:11.140 --> 00:11:12.600 But did not find him. 00:11:13.560 --> 00:11:15.980 I will get up now and go about the city, 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:17.940 Through its streets and squares, 00:11:18.280 --> 00:11:21.100 I will search for the one my heart loves, 00:11:21.680 --> 00:11:22.940 So I looked for him, 00:11:23.040 --> 00:11:24.280 But did not find him. 00:11:25.660 --> 00:11:27.000 The watchmen found me, 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:28.940 As they made their rounds in the city, 00:11:28.940 --> 00:11:32.040 Have you seen the one my heart loves? 00:11:34.020 --> 00:11:35.420 Scarcely had I passed them, 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:37.580 When I found the one my heart loves. 00:11:38.060 --> 00:11:40.500 I held him and would not let him go, 00:11:41.060 --> 00:11:43.420 Till I had brought him to my mother's house, 00:11:44.160 --> 00:11:46.340 To the room of the one who conceived me. 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:48.740 Daughters of Jerusalem, 00:11:48.880 --> 00:11:49.740 I charge you, 00:11:50.140 --> 00:11:52.520 By the gazelles and by the does of the field, 00:11:53.160 --> 00:11:55.340 Do not arouse or awaken love, 00:11:55.860 --> 00:11:57.720 Until it so desires. 00:11:57.720 --> 00:12:00.379 God and Father, 00:12:00.460 --> 00:12:02.480 We just ask your blessing to be on your word, 00:12:02.759 --> 00:12:04.879 Speak to each one of us through it, 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:07.860 And help Graham as he comes back to speak to us. 00:12:08.420 --> 00:12:09.720 In the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:10.440 Amen. 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:15.440 Thanks Jonathan. 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:17.080 Folks, into verse 8. 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:20.960 Feel the anticipation, 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:23.340 And the excitement in her voice, 00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:24.519 She's singing to us, 00:12:24.940 --> 00:12:27.120 As she awaits for her man to arrive. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:27.700 Do you see it? 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:30.139 Here's the best part, 00:12:30.519 --> 00:12:31.539 It's reciprocal. 00:12:31.980 --> 00:12:33.340 It's not just her who feels this, 00:12:33.820 --> 00:12:35.679 She is singing about it, 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:37.279 He longs to see her too. 00:12:37.600 --> 00:12:38.340 Imagine the scene, 00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:41.039 He's been texting her all day, 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:42.919 Can't wait to see you, 00:12:43.080 --> 00:12:44.320 Clocking off work at 5, 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:46.340 He finishes work, 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:49.340 He's sharing his live location with her on WhatsApp, 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:50.779 Aerosmith, 00:12:50.840 --> 00:12:51.620 I don't want to miss a thing, 00:12:51.680 --> 00:12:52.779 Is playing in his earphones. 00:12:52.779 --> 00:12:56.740 See how this is communicated to us in the verbs, 00:12:57.220 --> 00:12:57.480 Right? 00:12:58.360 --> 00:12:59.860 Didn't do that well at English at school, 00:12:59.959 --> 00:13:01.059 But I remember what a verb is, 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:02.419 It's a doing word, 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:02.639 Right? 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:03.639 Leaping, 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:04.360 Bounding, 00:13:04.839 --> 00:13:05.600 Do you see the words? 00:13:06.259 --> 00:13:07.179 Like a gazelle, 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:08.839 There's the simile that she's using, 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:10.459 So she's communicating to us, 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:13.100 That her man is making an effort, 00:13:14.300 --> 00:13:15.500 He longs to see her, 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.440 And then all of a sudden, 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:17.400 Do you see in the text? 00:13:17.920 --> 00:13:18.840 He's there, 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:21.560 He's gazing through the windows, 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.879 He's looking through the curtains, 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:26.120 Which I don't think is meant to sound as creepy as it reads, 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:26.440 Okay? 00:13:28.220 --> 00:13:29.540 But verse 10, 00:13:29.780 --> 00:13:30.560 She says, 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:32.680 My beloved speaks to me, 00:13:34.300 --> 00:13:37.420 So we shift from her song now to his song, 00:13:37.519 --> 00:13:40.160 And here's what I want you to notice about their song, 00:13:40.460 --> 00:13:41.980 I want you to notice firstly, 00:13:42.540 --> 00:13:46.160 How he woos her with his words, 00:13:47.940 --> 00:13:49.660 Arise my beautiful one, 00:13:49.780 --> 00:13:50.379 Come away, 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:51.540 Do you see that's repeated? 00:13:52.360 --> 00:13:54.560 At the end of verse 13, 00:13:54.660 --> 00:13:55.940 Which is his way of saying, 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.780 I want your undivided attention, 00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:01.180 And in turn, 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:03.160 You've got mine, 00:14:04.780 --> 00:14:06.460 And what we get from verse 11, 00:14:06.560 --> 00:14:07.519 Is him talking about, 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:10.139 A changing of the season, 00:14:10.460 --> 00:14:12.180 Do you see it? 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:12.660 He's saying, 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:13.879 Summer's here, 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.080 The winter's past, 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:17.780 The flowers are appearing, 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.300 They're singing in the air, 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:20.420 The birds are out, 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:22.300 The smells are there, 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:23.860 The fig tree ripens, 00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:24.800 That's what he's saying, 00:14:24.799 --> 00:14:27.000 We don't have time to go into it, 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:27.659 But all of that, 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:29.939 All of that is faint echoes, 00:14:30.819 --> 00:14:32.000 Of Genesis 1, 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:33.539 Right, 00:14:33.599 --> 00:14:34.779 Of the Garden of Eden, 00:14:34.919 --> 00:14:37.079 That's what's meant to be communicated to us here, 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:37.659 Summer, 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.620 Is here, 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.620 Sounds very much like, 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:44.019 What we're experiencing right now, 00:14:44.079 --> 00:14:44.500 Doesn't it? 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.719 Love that every year in Edinburgh, 00:14:46.819 --> 00:14:48.419 Seeing the cherry blossom appear, 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:50.120 Even got the whiff the other day, 00:14:50.199 --> 00:14:51.299 Of freshly cut, 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:52.639 Mown grass, 00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.939 I don't know why someone's not put that, 00:14:53.979 --> 00:14:54.679 In a scented candle, 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:56.500 Because that is one of my favourite smells, 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:58.459 Do you know the smells of summer? 00:14:59.620 --> 00:15:01.000 And what he's saying to her there, 00:15:01.079 --> 00:15:02.019 Is he's communicating, 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:04.500 A change of the season, 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.659 Is he's saying, 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.799 It's now time for us, 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:09.639 To move towards a new season, 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:11.579 Of being married, 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.000 That's what he's saying, 00:15:13.679 --> 00:15:14.839 So verse 15, 00:15:14.959 --> 00:15:16.639 Put away the little foxes, 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:17.480 Again, 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:18.720 That is just the things, 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:19.759 That distract, 00:15:21.699 --> 00:15:22.600 That get in the way, 00:15:22.860 --> 00:15:22.980 So, 00:15:23.699 --> 00:15:24.319 Read it today, 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:24.699 This is, 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:25.659 Put your phone on, 00:15:25.720 --> 00:15:26.939 Do not disturb mode, 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:30.179 Stop looking at your emails, 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.600 Turn off the telly, 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:33.179 Verse 14, 00:15:33.319 --> 00:15:35.279 And let me see your face, 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:38.159 And let me hear your voice, 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:40.879 Because I want you, 00:15:41.439 --> 00:15:42.819 And I've got eyes for you alone, 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:45.160 My beloved is mine, 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:46.820 And I am his, 00:15:46.900 --> 00:15:48.320 That's what makes her sing, 00:15:48.780 --> 00:15:49.600 That refrain, 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:51.600 She's telling us about the security, 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.140 The life and acceptance, 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:55.180 That now dominates, 00:15:55.280 --> 00:15:57.060 And pervades the relationship together, 00:15:57.700 --> 00:16:00.720 And secondly, 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:02.460 See how she responds, 00:16:03.020 --> 00:16:03.760 With her heart, 00:16:05.040 --> 00:16:06.280 Now you might not get this, 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:06.840 From first reading, 00:16:06.920 --> 00:16:08.900 But what happens as you hit chapter three, 00:16:09.180 --> 00:16:10.280 Is that there's a sudden, 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:12.380 Scene shift, 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:15.080 So when she says, 00:16:15.260 --> 00:16:16.400 On my bed at night, 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:17.100 Do you see it? 00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:17.680 Verse one, 00:16:18.060 --> 00:16:19.800 She's telling us about a dream, 00:16:19.900 --> 00:16:20.560 That she had, 00:16:21.400 --> 00:16:22.580 And that dream, 00:16:22.780 --> 00:16:24.700 Was essentially a bit of a nightmare, 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:27.280 Because in that dream, 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:29.020 She thought she'd lost her man, 00:16:30.460 --> 00:16:31.600 And in the dream, 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:32.220 Verse two, 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:33.440 Do you see what she's describing, 00:16:33.560 --> 00:16:34.460 She was doing in this dream, 00:16:34.520 --> 00:16:36.040 She was running about the city, 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:38.340 Looking for him, 00:16:38.420 --> 00:16:39.220 Asking people, 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:40.540 Have you seen him? 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:41.880 And they say, 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.100 No, 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:43.139 We haven't seen him, 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:44.379 And then all of a sudden, 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.620 She does find him, 00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:47.340 And see how she responds, 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:48.639 When she finds him, 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.559 Understandably, 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:50.200 Verse four, 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:51.299 I held him, 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:54.000 And I did not, 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:56.220 Want to let him go, 00:16:57.820 --> 00:16:58.480 So great, 00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:58.860 His, 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:00.320 Her joy, 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:02.379 At finding her man, 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:05.000 And then, 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:06.019 And then she turns to her friends, 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.460 Remember these daughters of Jerusalem, 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:09.660 Who are in the background of this song, 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.880 And she says to them, 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:12.099 I adjure you, 00:17:12.180 --> 00:17:14.259 Now notice the strength of what she's saying there, 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:15.960 She's effectively saying, 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:17.319 As she wakes up from this dream, 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:19.019 She speaks to her friends, 00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:20.980 Having imagined that scenario, 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:22.420 Of losing her love, 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:23.099 She says, 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:25.240 I adjure you, 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:25.740 Which means, 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.799 I want you to promise, 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:29.659 So strongly does she feel, 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.940 About what she's about to say, 00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:32.700 And for the second time in this letter, 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:34.019 Maybe we saw it last week, 00:17:34.819 --> 00:17:35.359 She says, 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:36.119 Verse five, 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:37.919 Do not stir up, 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:39.339 Or awaken love, 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:41.519 Until it pleases, 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.720 Or in other words, 00:17:44.559 --> 00:17:46.059 Until the time is right, 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:50.279 The sexual intimacy of this song, 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:52.399 The arena that God created for it, 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.480 Is intimacy in the context, 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:55.740 Of commitment, 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:59.980 So what is God teaching us here, 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.880 In this little section, 00:18:01.380 --> 00:18:02.559 Remember we thought last week, 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:04.279 Because this is wisdom literature, 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:05.579 This is all about how to live, 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:06.839 In God's way, 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:07.740 In God's world, 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:08.519 For his glory, 00:18:08.620 --> 00:18:09.480 And for our good, 00:18:09.900 --> 00:18:11.000 We've got to ask ourselves, 00:18:11.140 --> 00:18:13.059 As we come to the wisdom literature section, 00:18:13.140 --> 00:18:13.700 Of our Bibles, 00:18:13.779 --> 00:18:15.000 What is this teaching us, 00:18:15.000 --> 00:18:17.319 What is there here for us, 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:19.720 And let me just go for this, 00:18:19.819 --> 00:18:20.000 Okay, 00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:23.799 What is God teaching us here, 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.940 I think this song, 00:18:24.940 --> 00:18:28.120 Confronts two cultural lies, 00:18:28.900 --> 00:18:31.799 And hear the first one, 00:18:31.900 --> 00:18:32.920 In her voice, 00:18:33.600 --> 00:18:36.559 Here's the first lie, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:39.700 It's that sex is just physical, 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:43.880 Now try and do this with straight face, 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:44.640 There was a song, 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.799 From a few decades ago, 00:18:45.900 --> 00:18:46.759 When I was growing up, 00:18:46.820 --> 00:18:47.820 Which had the chorus, 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:49.480 You and me baby, 00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:50.639 Ain't nothing but mammals, 00:18:50.639 --> 00:18:53.839 And you could not miss, 00:18:53.899 --> 00:18:55.740 The central idea of the song, 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:58.599 That if you have sexual urges, 00:18:58.679 --> 00:18:59.859 The natural thing to do, 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:01.619 Is to express them, 00:19:02.379 --> 00:19:03.200 Why would you think, 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.220 Anything otherwise, 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:07.680 But in her song, 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:07.980 Friends, 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:08.400 Let me say, 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.100 In love, 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:10.960 And respect, 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:12.579 Hear her say, 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:14.180 Not true, 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:17.720 For see in chapter three, 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.799 Her sing about, 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:20.360 Not her body, 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:23.440 What does she sing about, 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.960 And you get it four times, 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:27.700 It's her soul, 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:31.740 And when the Bible speaks about the soul, 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:33.319 It's talking about that place, 00:19:33.340 --> 00:19:34.220 Of our desires, 00:19:34.400 --> 00:19:34.980 Emotions, 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:35.819 And feelings, 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:37.900 It is kind of the place, 00:19:38.120 --> 00:19:39.519 Out of which we live, 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:42.059 And here's what we see, 00:19:42.120 --> 00:19:43.600 In the opening chapters of the Bible, 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.840 As God makes all things, 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:46.759 And the pinnacle of his creation, 00:19:46.900 --> 00:19:48.160 Is when he makes human beings, 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.299 In his image, 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.440 There's a difference, 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:53.920 Between human beings and animals, 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:56.600 We're made from the dust, 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:58.140 Just like the animals are, 00:19:58.240 --> 00:19:59.640 And we'll return to the dust, 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:01.019 Just like animals do, 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:03.800 But we are profoundly different, 00:20:05.380 --> 00:20:07.940 Because God made human beings, 00:20:08.340 --> 00:20:10.660 Body and soul beings, 00:20:11.800 --> 00:20:13.380 And what she is telling us, 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.300 In her song, 00:20:14.380 --> 00:20:15.480 Is that she is ready, 00:20:15.580 --> 00:20:17.039 To give herself to her man, 00:20:17.420 --> 00:20:19.640 Both body and soul, 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.640 To the one that she loves, 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:23.800 And so she's turning to her friends, 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:24.899 And she's saying, 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:27.220 Unless you're ready, 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.619 To go body and soul, 00:20:28.819 --> 00:20:30.319 With someone, 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.899 Now's not the right time, 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:35.940 And she's saying, 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.200 You've got to be so careful, 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:38.559 Who you give yourself to, 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:40.519 On this level, 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:44.119 Come back to this in a minute, 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:44.460 Okay, 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:47.000 But here's the second lie, 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:51.319 It's that dating is just casual, 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:54.079 And we hear this, 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:55.079 Not in her voice, 00:20:55.339 --> 00:20:57.779 We hear it in his voice, 00:20:57.779 --> 00:21:00.059 Now the Bible doesn't speak, 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:00.160 And we hear it in a minute, 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:00.399 And we hear it in a minute, 00:21:00.399 --> 00:21:00.740 And we hear it in a minute, 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:00.799 And we hear it in a minute, 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.299 And we hear it in a minute, 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.200 I guess what we would call, 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:04.119 Today we'd call it dating, 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:06.619 It's kind of written at a different time, 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:08.500 And place, 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:10.920 But there is wisdom here for us, 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:12.420 If we look hard enough for it, 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.799 And I take it dating, 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:16.599 Is just a normal thing that we do, 00:21:16.680 --> 00:21:17.859 Is we seek to get to know, 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:19.059 Other people better, 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:22.740 And we don't need to turn up, 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.759 To coffee number one, 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:24.680 Ready to talk about, 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:26.600 All our life expectations and plans, 00:21:27.080 --> 00:21:27.360 Okay, 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:30.420 The other person will probably run a mile, 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.240 However, 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:34.580 In this whole area of dating, 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:35.779 Friends, 00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:37.360 As believers and followers of Jesus, 00:21:37.580 --> 00:21:39.720 I think the call is that we do it differently, 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:43.860 We've always got to be thinking about, 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:45.920 Not what's in it for us, 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:49.660 But thinking about how we're treating the other person, 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:52.360 The signals that we're sending, 00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:53.420 Perhaps the expectations, 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:55.460 Expectations that we're maybe creating, 00:21:55.820 --> 00:21:58.640 I think that's what the couple in this song are telling us, 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:02.100 That dating isn't the destination, 00:22:03.160 --> 00:22:05.539 What dating should be heading to, 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:08.019 Is towards marriage, 00:22:08.620 --> 00:22:11.200 Now we don't put too much pressure, 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.480 On this kind of stuff, 00:22:13.320 --> 00:22:14.160 But honestly, 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:15.820 Just speaking honestly for a moment, 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:18.500 See some of my biggest regrets in life, 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:21.720 Are all to do with this whole area of dating, 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:25.059 And particularly before I met Alex, 00:22:25.120 --> 00:22:27.279 How casually I sometimes treated people, 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:30.240 And I wish I had my time back, 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:31.000 To do it differently, 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:35.900 Now all of us in some way or another, 00:22:35.900 --> 00:22:38.720 Are licking our wounds, 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:40.180 Or maybe hiding our faces, 00:22:40.380 --> 00:22:41.960 Or even our shoulders are dropping, 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.039 From the pain of, 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:45.220 When it goes wrong in this area, 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:49.079 And I don't want you sitting there thinking, 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:50.200 One of two things, 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:53.000 And let me just impastorally, 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:54.680 Say this to you, 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:57.119 Do not sit there thinking, 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:57.679 First of all, 00:22:57.719 --> 00:22:59.119 That this doesn't apply to me, 00:23:00.299 --> 00:23:00.579 Okay, 00:23:00.919 --> 00:23:03.319 It may well be that this is not where you're at, 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:05.419 But can I say, 00:23:05.479 --> 00:23:07.479 It may well be one day where you are at, 00:23:08.179 --> 00:23:10.059 So it's worth putting this wisdom in the bank, 00:23:10.159 --> 00:23:11.719 To call upon maybe later, 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:14.039 But it's most definitely, 00:23:14.179 --> 00:23:15.539 In a church this size, 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:17.979 The place where someone else will be at, 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:20.079 So can I advise, 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:21.359 It's always what we want to do, 00:23:21.419 --> 00:23:23.479 Is be thinking about our brothers and sisters, 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:25.579 Who we're walking with each and every day, 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:28.360 What is the wisdom here that I might learn, 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:31.400 And even though it's not directly applicable to me, 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:33.700 Is there someone else in this church, 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.700 Who I can get alongside, 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:37.559 And help them journey towards, 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:39.640 Walking with Jesus more faithfully, 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:42.940 So don't think this doesn't apply to you, 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:45.740 But I think the second thing I want to say, 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:48.160 Is don't think you're alone, 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:53.000 I get that this might be horrendously painful, 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:54.279 For so many of us, 00:23:55.060 --> 00:23:56.640 And don't believe the lie, 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:59.240 That the devil might be saying in your ear right now, 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:01.259 That you are on your own, 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.920 That no one else understands, 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:04.980 What you're going through, 00:24:05.060 --> 00:24:06.320 No one else will care, 00:24:06.560 --> 00:24:08.259 What's happened to you in the past, 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.880 No one knows what to do, 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:11.259 With the struggles that you're facing, 00:24:11.340 --> 00:24:12.540 And will face in the future, 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:14.000 Not true, 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:17.580 And I take it as a sign of a healthy church, 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:20.539 Is that whatever is going on here, 00:24:20.679 --> 00:24:23.559 We recognise that we walk through life together, 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:27.199 And that we're always thinking about, 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:29.559 How we can safely, 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.980 And appropriately, 00:24:31.639 --> 00:24:32.879 Help each other, 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:34.759 I would love this to be a church, 00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:37.399 Where we are open about the deepest things, 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:39.039 That matter to us most in life, 00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:41.759 And for so, so many of us, 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:43.079 It will be this, 00:24:43.919 --> 00:24:46.779 And there are so many people out there, 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.720 In this church family, 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:49.740 Who have all sorts of experiences, 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:51.480 And all sorts of different things, 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.420 In this area, 00:24:53.619 --> 00:24:55.460 Why not reach out to someone this morning, 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.460 Someone who you think, 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.579 Might be able to help, 00:24:58.639 --> 00:25:00.700 It is the beauty of the church, 00:25:01.359 --> 00:25:03.539 But here's the ultimate thing, 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.720 I want to say this morning, 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:08.119 Is however this lands on us, 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:09.920 Whatever's going on in our lives just now, 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:11.420 There's one thing that we have in common, 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:15.700 And it's that we need to get to Jesus, 00:25:16.380 --> 00:25:19.259 Let's be reminded, 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:20.600 Just for the last five minutes, 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.000 Okay, 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:23.519 That his grace is deep, 00:25:24.080 --> 00:25:26.000 His love is sure, 00:25:26.800 --> 00:25:28.480 His patience is long, 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:30.820 His forgiveness is great, 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:33.480 That healing is possible, 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:37.039 All because giving fresh starts, 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:39.839 Is what he specializes in, 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:42.960 And that's why this last point, 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:44.000 Is all about him, 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:46.420 Because as well as correcting, 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:47.700 Some cultural lies, 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:48.380 This song, 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:49.720 It highlights one, 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:51.039 Heavenly truth, 00:25:51.120 --> 00:25:51.799 And it's this, 00:25:52.920 --> 00:25:54.259 That there is, 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:57.860 Regardless of our marital status, 00:25:58.380 --> 00:26:00.259 Or relationship history, 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:02.460 Or sexual experiences, 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:04.140 There is a much, 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:06.140 More wonderful love, 00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:07.379 That's on offer, 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:11.519 What a time to jump in, 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:13.740 Friends, 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.819 There's something so much greater, 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.799 On offer this morning, 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:17.559 In fact, 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.940 It's the one that our desires, 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:20.079 For love and intimacy, 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:22.119 Like Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumbs, 00:26:22.119 --> 00:26:23.480 We are meant to pick up, 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:25.500 And see that it all leads to him, 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:28.200 Her line, 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:30.180 My beloved is mine, 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:31.619 And I am his, 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:33.879 Let's think about that, 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.740 For just a minute friends, 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:36.319 The passion that's at the heart, 00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:37.099 Of Christianity, 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:39.140 Is not primarily, 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:40.640 Our passion for Jesus, 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:42.140 I think that's what Grace was saying, 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:43.279 In her story this morning, 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.879 Because that will so often, 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:46.619 Blow hot and cold with the seasons, 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:48.920 The passion at the heart of Christianity, 00:26:49.259 --> 00:26:52.000 Is his passion for us, 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:54.799 And the human love of marriage, 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:57.039 Gives us one of the clearest glimpses, 00:26:57.359 --> 00:26:57.859 Of it, 00:26:57.859 --> 00:27:01.099 The moment you put your faith, 00:27:01.199 --> 00:27:01.839 In Jesus, 00:27:01.979 --> 00:27:03.899 And what he's done on the cross for you, 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:06.500 You can say that, 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.639 Of him, 00:27:08.639 --> 00:27:11.619 The Bible says, 00:27:11.779 --> 00:27:13.159 That we are united to him, 00:27:13.919 --> 00:27:15.859 That's what baptism is, 00:27:15.899 --> 00:27:16.699 Is what we've just witnessed, 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:18.179 Is what Grace was saying, 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:20.099 And I just love how she put it, 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:22.959 That my life is now wholly identified, 00:27:23.159 --> 00:27:25.159 And caught up with, 00:27:25.219 --> 00:27:26.779 And being one with Jesus, 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:29.179 That's our identity, 00:27:30.139 --> 00:27:31.899 He's taken our sin, 00:27:32.459 --> 00:27:34.699 He's extended to us his grace, 00:27:34.939 --> 00:27:37.659 We are now clothed in his righteousness, 00:27:37.939 --> 00:27:39.959 That is our status now before him, 00:27:40.959 --> 00:27:42.459 But it's better than that, 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:45.819 Do you know what would be the weirdest date night ever, 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:50.299 If Alex and I planned a romantic dinner together, 00:27:50.440 --> 00:27:51.259 We lit a candle, 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:52.160 We poured the wine, 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:53.120 And we sat down, 00:27:53.600 --> 00:27:55.940 And we both stared at our marriage certificate, 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:59.620 Instead of staring, 00:28:00.900 --> 00:28:01.740 At each other, 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:05.759 See being one with Jesus, 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:08.120 Is more than just a status, 00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:09.559 As glorious as that is, 00:28:09.620 --> 00:28:12.319 We are declared right before our maker, 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:14.660 That union that we have with Jesus, 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:16.660 Is meant to lead to, 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:19.200 Wonderful communion with Jesus, 00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:22.799 So when she declares, 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:24.180 My beloved is mine, 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:25.279 And I am his, 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:28.819 Do you trust him today? 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:30.980 You can say that of him, 00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:34.539 But here's a more wonderful thought, 00:28:34.660 --> 00:28:35.660 The one that I honestly, 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:36.880 Had never occurred to me, 00:28:36.940 --> 00:28:38.120 Until a couple of weeks ago, 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:39.019 When reading this, 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.700 Here's this thought, 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.620 Jesus says that, 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:43.940 Of us, 00:28:45.660 --> 00:28:47.480 How often we think of Jesus, 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:48.480 Like he's walking around, 00:28:48.599 --> 00:28:50.359 With a do not disturb me t-shirt on, 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:53.779 When the opposite is true, 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:57.440 Let me see your face, 00:28:58.339 --> 00:29:00.400 Let me hear your voice, 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.980 Put away the little foxes, 00:29:02.040 --> 00:29:03.080 The things that distract, 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.200 Come away with me, 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.980 Do you hear his voice, 00:29:06.040 --> 00:29:07.240 In the song of songs, 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:11.140 He is the lover of our souls, 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:14.800 Such is his love for us, 00:29:14.800 --> 00:29:18.600 And so I've been thinking all week, 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:19.340 Just as we close, 00:29:19.420 --> 00:29:20.600 How do we respond to that? 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:23.480 Well here's a cool story, 00:29:23.559 --> 00:29:23.879 I read, 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:25.779 This week, 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:28.699 Down at Embankment Station, 00:29:29.659 --> 00:29:32.339 Back in 2013 in London, 00:29:33.679 --> 00:29:35.839 They set about trying to modernise, 00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:37.659 The platform announcements, 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.319 And you know, 00:29:39.399 --> 00:29:40.159 If you've been to the underground, 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:40.719 You'll know this, 00:29:41.119 --> 00:29:42.519 This announcement always comes up, 00:29:42.699 --> 00:29:44.339 Please mind the gap, 00:29:44.699 --> 00:29:46.219 So they tried to modernise, 00:29:46.419 --> 00:29:47.919 This embankment station, 00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:49.359 Everyone thought it was a good idea, 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:51.000 Everyone thought this was a great idea, 00:29:51.379 --> 00:29:52.419 Except one lady, 00:29:53.679 --> 00:29:54.699 And her name was Margaret, 00:29:55.619 --> 00:29:57.019 And she complained about it, 00:29:57.659 --> 00:29:59.459 And everybody thought she was just being, 00:29:59.699 --> 00:30:01.699 Stuck in the mud, 00:30:02.479 --> 00:30:02.740 Right, 00:30:02.979 --> 00:30:04.839 Why is she kicking up a fuss about this? 00:30:05.719 --> 00:30:06.179 She says, 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:07.699 Can we have the old voice back? 00:30:07.939 --> 00:30:09.199 Everyone thought she's being difficult, 00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:10.500 Can't she just get with the times? 00:30:10.639 --> 00:30:11.379 Until that is, 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:12.339 She told them why, 00:30:13.719 --> 00:30:15.099 She said really simply, 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:17.399 That's the voice of my husband, 00:30:17.399 --> 00:30:20.299 So here's what she'd been doing, 00:30:20.439 --> 00:30:22.119 For years and years and years, 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:23.980 Every day after he died, 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:26.639 She would make the effort, 00:30:27.619 --> 00:30:28.459 Fight the crowds, 00:30:29.159 --> 00:30:30.079 Walk along the street, 00:30:30.639 --> 00:30:30.939 Through the, 00:30:31.019 --> 00:30:31.559 Through the, 00:30:31.959 --> 00:30:33.740 Through the park, 00:30:33.959 --> 00:30:34.740 To the station, 00:30:35.119 --> 00:30:35.819 Through the barriers, 00:30:35.939 --> 00:30:37.459 And she would just sit on the platform, 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:41.019 And she would just listen for his voice, 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:45.980 And I love that intentionality, 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:50.100 But that is what Jesus calls us to do today, 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:51.799 When it comes to hearing his voice, 00:30:53.259 --> 00:30:55.400 When we pick up our Bibles in the morning, 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:57.299 Are we listening for his voice? 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:59.819 We need to get to him, 00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:02.440 What does Jesus say? 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:05.140 What can we say is true about him? 00:31:05.140 --> 00:31:07.300 My beloved is mine, 00:31:07.840 --> 00:31:09.560 And I am his, 00:31:10.560 --> 00:31:11.860 Friends, let me pray, 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:18.040 I heard the voice of Jesus say, 00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:20.660 Come unto me and rest, 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:23.420 Lay down, O weary one, 00:31:23.540 --> 00:31:25.780 Lay down your head upon my breast, 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:27.380 I came to Jesus, 00:31:28.060 --> 00:31:29.460 As I was, 00:31:30.360 --> 00:31:31.940 Weary, worn, and sad, 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:34.880 I found in him, 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.759 A resting place, 00:31:37.020 --> 00:31:39.180 And he has made me glad, 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:42.920 And so Father, 00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:43.980 I pray that your spirit, 00:31:44.060 --> 00:31:45.780 Would be working amongst us this morning, 00:31:46.420 --> 00:31:50.240 Father, I recognize, 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:52.460 The many different ways, 00:31:52.520 --> 00:31:53.259 That this will have landed, 00:31:53.340 --> 00:31:54.600 On different people this morning, 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:57.080 Father, help us to be a church, 00:31:57.080 --> 00:31:58.520 That cares for each other well, 00:31:59.660 --> 00:32:01.200 And we just thank you for Jesus, 00:32:02.360 --> 00:32:04.200 Truly there is no one like him, 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:05.840 Thank you for celebrating this morning, 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:07.279 Hearing Grace's story, 00:32:07.680 --> 00:32:10.660 About he is the one who transforms lives, 00:32:12.120 --> 00:32:12.519 And so Father, 00:32:12.580 --> 00:32:14.340 I pray particularly for those of us here this morning, 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.680 For whom maybe that isn't true, 00:32:15.799 --> 00:32:16.940 Maybe we're sitting on the fence, 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:17.960 Maybe we're unsure, 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:20.559 Would we find in him this morning, 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:23.279 A love that surpasses anything else, 00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:26.299 We have ever experienced in life before, 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:28.259 Thank you that truly, 00:32:28.440 --> 00:32:30.019 He is the one who is gentle, 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:32.220 And lowly in heart, 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:34.039 And in him, 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:36.500 We can find rest for our souls, 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:39.799 Father, thank you that you love us, 00:32:40.639 --> 00:32:41.639 And we pray these things, 00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:42.619 In his precious name, 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:43.879 Amen, 00:32:44.820 --> 00:32:45.060 Amen. 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:45.720