WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.560 Last week we saw the ascension to heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ and we tried to lay a foundation in our thinking. 00:00:06.560 --> 00:00:16.280 ! To think about the Lord Jesus saving work as he came into the world. 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:24.480 ! And the work of the Lord Jesus encompasses his birth, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension. 00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:30.480 And his priestly ministry today in heaven and his coming again in glory at the end of the age. 00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:39.480 And we looked at two or three things. We saw the fact of the ascension and then the meaning of the ascension. 00:00:39.480 --> 00:00:49.480 And we saw that the fact of the ascension is as much of a fact as the supernatural birth or the supernatural resurrection of Jesus. 00:00:49.479 --> 00:00:56.479 That same Bible tells us that forty days after he was risen from the dead, he ascended into heaven. 00:00:56.479 --> 00:01:00.479 And we looked a little bit at the meaning of the ascension. 00:01:00.479 --> 00:01:07.479 And I think it's probably best for us to understand that in terms of what he did when he ascended into heaven. 00:01:07.479 --> 00:01:10.479 He ascended to me and he sat down. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:17.480 There's the significance of the fact that he sat down. He ascended because his work on earth was finished. 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:21.480 All that he had come to do to atone for our sins was completed. 00:01:21.480 --> 00:01:29.480 And the ascension bears witness to this fact that Christ has offered a full and a final and sufficient atonement for sin. 00:01:29.480 --> 00:01:31.480 There's nothing more to be done. 00:01:31.480 --> 00:01:36.480 But it was not only important for us to see that he sat down, but where he sat down. 00:01:36.480 --> 00:01:51.480 And so he sits on a throne that belongs in heaven to the one who is absolute and final sovereign, to the one who is king of kings and lord of lords. 00:01:51.480 --> 00:01:56.480 And thirdly we saw, and it was important, with whom he sat. 00:01:56.480 --> 00:02:01.480 That he sat and where he sat and with whom he sat. He sits down at the right hand of God. 00:02:01.480 --> 00:02:06.480 And there we would say he has the ear of the almighty. 00:02:06.480 --> 00:02:08.480 And we looked together at these themes. 00:02:08.480 --> 00:02:12.480 And I said this evening we'd look at the implications of Jesus' ascension. 00:02:12.480 --> 00:02:16.480 And I want to do that in three ways. 00:02:16.479 --> 00:02:25.479 And this is the first time in 16 and a bit years that I've had the same points in the morning as I have in the evening. 00:02:25.479 --> 00:02:27.479 I've gone to completely different topics. 00:02:27.479 --> 00:02:30.479 And so there's no excuse for forgetting the three points. 00:02:30.479 --> 00:02:34.479 The three points tonight are a prophet, a priest and a king. 00:02:34.479 --> 00:02:39.479 And I want us to look at the ascension through those lenses. 00:02:39.479 --> 00:02:45.479 You might know that those threefold offices of prophet, priest and king. 00:02:45.479 --> 00:02:50.479 Why do we talk about that? Because they were the anointed ones in the Old Testament. 00:02:50.479 --> 00:02:53.479 And that's what the word Christ means. 00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:58.479 Christ doesn't mean king, it does mean ruler, but it means specifically anointed one. 00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:04.479 And so when you look at the Old Testament, who were the three figures that were anointed to their role? 00:03:04.479 --> 00:03:07.479 Well, it was the prophet, the priest and the king. 00:03:07.479 --> 00:03:08.479 They were anointed. 00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:12.479 The prophet anointed to prophesy. 00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:15.479 The priest anointed with oil. 00:03:15.479 --> 00:03:16.479 And the king. 00:03:16.479 --> 00:03:18.479 Who was anointed to reign. 00:03:18.479 --> 00:03:21.479 And Jesus Christ is all of those three figures. 00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:26.479 He is the perfect embodiment of the prophet, the priest, the king. 00:03:26.479 --> 00:03:30.479 He's the perfect prophet who has come to teach and preach. 00:03:30.479 --> 00:03:33.479 And he enlightens us with infallible truth. 00:03:33.479 --> 00:03:34.479 He's the perfect priest. 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:36.479 He offers the perfect sacrifice. 00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:44.479 And he comes into the presence of God and he offers himself to God. 00:03:44.479 --> 00:03:47.479 He's the only priest, isn't he, who's got no sin of his own. 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:49.479 Which needs to be atoned for. 00:03:49.479 --> 00:03:51.479 And he is the perfect king. 00:03:51.479 --> 00:03:55.479 Because there's no limitation to his sovereignty. 00:03:55.479 --> 00:03:57.479 There's no end to his reign. 00:03:57.479 --> 00:04:00.479 There is nowhere that you can look. 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:02.479 There is nowhere that you can think of. 00:04:02.479 --> 00:04:06.479 There is no corner of the universe which is outside of his sovereign control. 00:04:06.479 --> 00:04:12.479 And so the Lord Jesus Christ came from heaven into the womb of the Virgin Mary. 00:04:12.479 --> 00:04:15.479 And he was born in Bethlehem to be our saviour. 00:04:15.479 --> 00:04:19.480 To be our prophet. 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:21.480 And to be our priest. 00:04:21.480 --> 00:04:23.480 And to be our king. 00:04:23.480 --> 00:04:27.480 We see this all the way through the gospels. 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:29.480 It's a brilliant way to read the gospel. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:32.480 And see these priestly roles. 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:34.480 The kingly role. 00:04:34.480 --> 00:04:35.480 The prophetic role. 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:39.480 But when Jesus enters into heaven at the ascension. 00:04:39.480 --> 00:04:42.480 He continues those threefold office. 00:04:42.480 --> 00:04:47.480 He fulfills them in a different and in a fuller way. 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:50.480 And I want us to look at that tonight. 00:04:50.480 --> 00:04:53.480 So let's say he continues his prophetic ministry. 00:04:53.480 --> 00:04:56.480 By saying the Holy Spirit. 00:04:56.480 --> 00:04:59.480 Whom he says. 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:01.480 Will teach you all things. 00:05:01.480 --> 00:05:03.480 As he addresses the disciples and the apostles. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:06.480 The apostles will go out into the world. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:08.480 And they will teach. 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:10.480 What Jesus himself taught. 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:12.480 And they will proclaim his truth. 00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:14.480 And he will remind them. 00:05:14.480 --> 00:05:15.480 Jesus says. 00:05:15.480 --> 00:05:17.480 I will remind you of the things that you've heard from me. 00:05:17.480 --> 00:05:19.480 And the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:21.480 He tells the apostles. 00:05:22.480 --> 00:05:25.480 And the apostles are going to be instruments of the Holy Spirit. 00:05:25.480 --> 00:05:27.480 Who will teach them. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:30.480 And he continues his priestly office. 00:05:30.480 --> 00:05:32.480 In heaven. 00:05:32.480 --> 00:05:33.480 So actually. 00:05:33.480 --> 00:05:35.480 He doesn't make a sacrifice on an altar. 00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:37.480 For there is one sacrifice. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:38.480 Of himself. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:40.480 And that one sacrifice of himself on the cross. 00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:42.480 Is sufficient for all time. 00:05:42.480 --> 00:05:47.480 But he acts both in relation to God. 00:05:47.480 --> 00:05:49.480 And to men and women. 00:05:49.480 --> 00:05:50.480 In those two directions. 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:54.480 In which the priest ministered. 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:58.480 The priest had a relationship with God. 00:05:58.480 --> 00:06:00.480 And a relationship with men and women. 00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:01.480 He was the mediator. 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:04.480 Between God and the sinner. 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:05.480 And so the Lord Jesus. 00:06:05.480 --> 00:06:07.480 He continues that ministry. 00:06:07.480 --> 00:06:09.480 As the high priest. 00:06:09.480 --> 00:06:12.480 And he continues that kingly ministry. 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:14.480 From the throne of heaven. 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:15.480 Where he sits. 00:06:15.480 --> 00:06:16.480 As sovereign. 00:06:16.480 --> 00:06:18.480 As sovereign Lord. 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:19.480 As sovereign Lord. 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:21.480 Now let me say a little bit. 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:22.480 About each of these. 00:06:22.480 --> 00:06:24.480 We might not have time for all three. 00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:26.480 But they sort of merge into one another. 00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:27.480 So my first point. 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:29.480 The prophetic ministry of Jesus. 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:31.480 Time and again. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:32.480 The Lord Jesus. 00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:34.480 Particularly in John. 00:06:35.480 --> 00:06:36.480 The disciples begin to understand. 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:38.480 That Jesus is going away. 00:06:38.480 --> 00:06:39.480 And they mourn it. 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:40.480 They are gutted. 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:42.480 That Jesus is going to leave them. 00:06:42.480 --> 00:06:44.480 And he says to them. 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:46.480 That it will be in lots of ways. 00:06:46.480 --> 00:06:47.480 An advantage. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:49.480 For him to no longer be with them. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:51.480 For him to go. 00:06:51.480 --> 00:06:53.480 It's better for you that I go. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:55.480 You've read that haven't you? 00:06:55.480 --> 00:06:56.480 It's better for you that I go away. 00:06:56.480 --> 00:06:58.480 He says if I do not go away. 00:06:58.480 --> 00:06:59.480 You will be disadvantaged. 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:01.480 You'll be worse off if I don't go away. 00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:04.480 And one of the primary reasons. 00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:05.480 That Jesus says he's going. 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:06.480 To go from there. 00:07:06.480 --> 00:07:08.480 Is to ascend into heaven. 00:07:08.480 --> 00:07:11.480 He's going to leave this world. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:14.480 And unless he leaves this world. 00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:16.480 The Holy Spirit will not come. 00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:19.480 The Holy Spirit will not come. 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:21.480 Unless Jesus is ascended into heaven. 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:25.480 This is the main one. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:26.480 That Jesus. 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:28.480 Is going to send the Holy Spirit. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:33.480 He is the one who gives the Holy Spirit to them. 00:07:33.480 --> 00:07:35.480 He is the one who asks his father. 00:07:35.480 --> 00:07:36.480 And he and his father. 00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:38.480 Pour out the Holy Spirit. 00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:39.480 The Holy Spirit. 00:07:39.480 --> 00:07:43.480 But it all depends on the purpose of God. 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:47.480 On Jesus being ascended back into heaven. 00:07:47.480 --> 00:07:51.480 And you find that in repeated in many different places in the Gospels. 00:07:51.480 --> 00:07:53.480 That one of the purposes of Jesus ascending. 00:07:53.480 --> 00:07:55.480 And sending the Holy Spirit. 00:07:55.480 --> 00:07:58.480 Was this teaching ministry. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:01.480 That the Holy Spirit was going to have in the church. 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:05.480 That's something we read about in Ephesians 4. 00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:08.480 The glorious thing is you look through Acts. 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:09.480 And the epistles. 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:12.480 You discover that the Holy Spirit is at work. 00:08:12.480 --> 00:08:16.480 In laying hold of these apostles. 00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:18.480 In all of their weakness. 00:08:18.480 --> 00:08:19.480 In all of their frailty. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:23.480 And making them the most amazing heralds of the Gospel. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:26.480 What happened. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:28.480 When Jesus went to heaven. 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:30.480 Was that he sent down his Holy Spirit. 00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:33.480 Who filled these very ordinary men. 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:37.480 The Spirit of Jesus. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:38.480 Went with them. 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:41.480 And so as they went out into the world. 00:08:41.480 --> 00:08:43.480 The Gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:08:43.480 --> 00:08:45.480 Becomes this flame in their hearts. 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:47.480 And they become beacons of light. 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:51.480 With a burning desire to proclaim Christ. 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:52.480 To the nations. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:53.480 To Jerusalem. 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:54.480 To Samaria. 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:55.480 To the ends of the earth. 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:57.480 Like you see at the end of Acts. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:01.480 And of course for the apostles. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:03.480 This coming of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:03.480 --> 00:09:05.480 Not only that they went out. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:07.480 Like men. 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:08.480 Like Peter and Paul. 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:09.480 And proclaimed and heralded the truth. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:11.480 And preached it so powerfully. 00:09:11.480 --> 00:09:12.480 But they also wrote it down. 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:13.480 Didn't they? 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:15.480 It's what you have. 00:09:15.480 --> 00:09:16.480 In your laps. 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:17.480 In the New Testament. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:19.480 Now you see. 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:21.480 Even from that area alone. 00:09:21.480 --> 00:09:23.480 How much of an advantage it was. 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:24.480 For the disciples. 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:26.480 That Jesus should ascend into heaven. 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:29.480 If I do not go away. 00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:31.480 The Holy Spirit will not come to you. 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:34.480 And when he does. 00:09:34.480 --> 00:09:36.480 He will show you all things. 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:37.480 He says to the apostles. 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:40.480 He will remind you of the things that I taught you. 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:43.480 Both Peter and Paul. 00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:45.480 Not only preaching the Gospel. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:46.480 That the Holy Spirit gave them. 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:47.480 The Holy Spirit gave them. 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:47.480 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:49.480 I received from the Lord. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:50.480 What I also delivered unto you. 00:09:52.480 --> 00:09:54.480 That is the authoritative Gospel. 00:09:54.480 --> 00:09:55.480 Which they wrote down. 00:09:57.480 --> 00:09:58.480 And so tonight. 00:09:58.480 --> 00:10:00.480 As we hear that passage read. 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:02.480 We are listening to the very passages. 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:04.480 Which people like Peter and Paul. 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:06.480 And the writer to the Hebrews. 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:07.480 Wrote in the scripture. 00:10:07.480 --> 00:10:10.480 Jesus ascended. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:14.480 So that the prophetic ministry of Jesus would continue. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.480 And of course you'll notice in Ephesians chapter 4. 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:19.480 If you look there with me. 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:21.480 Ephesians chapter 4. 00:10:21.480 --> 00:10:23.480 In verse 7. 00:10:23.480 --> 00:10:25.480 In verse 7. 00:10:27.480 --> 00:10:29.480 Paul tells us that this is a direct outcome. 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:32.480 Of Jesus ascension to each one of us. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:33.480 Verse 7. 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:34.480 Verse 7. 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:39.480 But grace was given. 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:41.480 To each one of us. 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:43.480 According to the measure. 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:46.480 Of Christ's gift. 00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:48.480 Therefore it says. 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:50.480 When he ascended on high. 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:52.480 He led a host of captives. 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:53.480 And he gave gifts. 00:10:53.480 --> 00:10:54.480 To men. 00:10:54.480 --> 00:10:55.480 To men. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:00.480 It's a picture. 00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:02.480 That comes from the world of a Roman army. 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:04.480 A Roman army does want to battle. 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:05.480 The conqueror. 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:07.480 Returns. 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:09.480 Or the conqueror moves into the city. 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:11.480 And he is exalted. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:13.480 He is paraded through the streets. 00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:14.480 He is exalted. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.480 Before the citizens. 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:19.480 And then he returns back to Rome. 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:21.480 And he is greeted victoriously. 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:23.480 And he has gained the spoils of victory. 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:25.480 And he distributes the spoils. 00:11:25.480 --> 00:11:27.480 And the plunder of victory. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.480 To his people. 00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:30.480 It's part of the whole system. 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:32.480 Of welcoming back the conquering hero. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:34.480 In Rome. 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:36.480 And what Paul is saying here. 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:38.480 Is that Jesus is that conquering hero. 00:11:40.480 --> 00:11:41.480 And Paul uses that picture. 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:44.480 To say this is what the ascended Christ. 00:11:45.480 --> 00:11:46.480 Is doing. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:47.480 When he goes into glory. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:48.480 He is giving gifts. 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:50.480 He is giving of his plunder. 00:11:50.480 --> 00:11:51.480 To men. 00:11:51.480 --> 00:11:52.480 What are these gifts? 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:55.480 In verse 11. 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:57.480 What gifts does he give? 00:11:57.480 --> 00:11:59.480 And he gave. 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:00.480 The apostles. 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:01.480 The prophets. 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:02.480 The evangelists. 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:03.480 The shepherds. 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:05.480 And teachers. 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:07.480 To equip the saints. 00:12:08.480 --> 00:12:09.480 For the work of ministry. 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:11.480 For building up the body. 00:12:12.480 --> 00:12:13.480 Of Christ. 00:12:13.480 --> 00:12:14.480 The church. 00:12:14.480 --> 00:12:15.480 The church. 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:16.980 So why then did Jesus go back to heaven? 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:19.560 Why did he ascend from earth? 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:23.379 Why were they to see him no more in this world? 00:12:23.460 --> 00:12:24.840 It was because, can you see it? 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:28.220 He intended to build up his church. 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:35.460 But the Lord Jesus is involved, isn't he, in church expansion and church planting. 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:39.120 So do you remember the Gospel of Luke? 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:39.860 How does it begin? 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:42.620 It begins the Gospel of Luke. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.300 What is it? 00:12:44.299 --> 00:12:47.819 It's what Jesus began to do and to teach. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:52.819 And then you come to the Book of Acts, written by Dr. Luke again. 00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:54.179 And what does Luke say? 00:12:54.479 --> 00:12:58.599 He says the Book of Acts is what Jesus continues to do and to teach. 00:13:00.199 --> 00:13:01.279 And how did he do that? 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:04.319 He ascended into heaven, chapter 1. 00:13:04.319 --> 00:13:11.359 He did it through those whom the Holy Spirit fills to be Christ's ambassadors and servant. 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:14.460 That's the glorious thing. 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:17.300 If you look at the gifts in Ephesians 4. 00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:20.480 That are given by the ascended Christ. 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:23.460 They are mainly gifts of the ministry of the Word. 00:13:25.159 --> 00:13:28.139 It was he who gave some to be apostles. 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:29.279 Some to be prophets. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.539 Some to be evangelists. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:32.039 Some to be shepherds. 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:33.039 And teachers. 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:33.299 And teachers. 00:13:34.299 --> 00:13:36.599 To equip the saints for the work of ministry. 00:13:37.199 --> 00:13:39.419 For building up the body of Christ. 00:13:41.219 --> 00:13:44.139 That is the ascended Christ's purpose. 00:13:44.699 --> 00:13:47.599 In sending the Holy Spirit into the world and upon the church. 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:54.779 These apostles were anointed by the Spirit to proclaim salvation. 00:13:57.560 --> 00:14:00.340 In the same way as Jesus was anointed. 00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:04.740 To procure salvation. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:06.580 To obtain salvation. 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:09.720 And the two things need to be seen together. 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:12.320 Not only does he have a prophetic office. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.300 He has a priestly office. 00:14:14.299 --> 00:14:17.719 We read about that in Hebrews chapter 4. 00:14:19.099 --> 00:14:20.699 Hebrews is full. 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:21.639 Isn't it when you read it? 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:22.459 Of fulfilment. 00:14:24.579 --> 00:14:26.939 And Jesus brought that to the ministry of the priest. 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:27.759 In the Old Testament. 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:30.939 So again let me point out to you. 00:14:31.199 --> 00:14:32.240 The priest he acts. 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:34.319 In relation to God. 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:36.219 And he acts in relation. 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:37.599 To God's people. 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:40.079 He acts before God. 00:14:40.179 --> 00:14:41.039 As an intercessor. 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:44.240 And he also acts before the people. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.299 As a carer. 00:14:46.519 --> 00:14:47.219 Have you noticed? 00:14:47.819 --> 00:14:48.579 That in the Old Testament. 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:50.719 That it's part of the ministry of the priest. 00:14:50.879 --> 00:14:52.299 Part of the role of the priest. 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:54.319 Was to be sympathetic with the people. 00:14:56.219 --> 00:14:58.159 That's part of the qualification. 00:14:58.319 --> 00:14:59.240 To be a priest. 00:15:00.579 --> 00:15:01.219 In the Old Testament. 00:15:01.299 --> 00:15:03.519 To have a sympathetic heart for the people. 00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:06.759 Not just a relationship with the God who's called you. 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:08.600 But a relationship with his people. 00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:11.200 For whom he needs to have sympathy and understanding. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:14.759 And isn't that why. 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:18.039 The Lord Jesus is the priest par excellence. 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:19.620 We noticed it last week. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:23.500 That how in his ministry in heaven. 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:26.259 As the great high priest. 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:29.120 The writer of the Hebrews says. 00:15:29.279 --> 00:15:30.200 That he is not a priest. 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:32.580 Who is unable to sympathise with us. 00:15:32.659 --> 00:15:33.259 In our weaknesses. 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:37.279 That he was in all points tempted. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:38.000 Or tested. 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:39.299 Just as we are. 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:42.120 Yet without sin. 00:15:44.139 --> 00:15:45.620 And when he went into heaven. 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:46.460 He went into heaven. 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:48.860 To fulfil the function of a priest. 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:49.759 To God's people. 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:53.879 It was us Jesus. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:55.139 In our human nature. 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:56.840 That he ascended into heaven. 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.580 That Heidelberg Catechism says. 00:15:58.899 --> 00:16:01.039 He is the one in heaven. 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:02.399 In our flesh. 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:05.100 And he is in our flesh. 00:16:05.200 --> 00:16:06.279 In the sense that it is. 00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.899 In our human nature. 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:10.759 That Jesus is ascended into the presence of God. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.220 And therefore. 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:14.299 Tonight in heaven. 00:16:14.439 --> 00:16:15.179 There is a man. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:17.019 Who bears the reality. 00:16:17.519 --> 00:16:18.240 Of humanity. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:21.240 In a glorified state. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:25.679 He is a glorified human being. 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:27.220 In the presence of God. 00:16:28.679 --> 00:16:30.860 And that's why he relates to people like you and I. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:34.899 He is able. 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:38.700 To say when we suffer. 00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:40.300 Not. 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:41.800 I know nothing of that. 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:46.000 I'm above and beyond the things that you are going through. 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:48.740 He doesn't say that does he? 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.519 No he says. 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:52.340 I have stood precisely where you are. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:56.800 If you look in the place of. 00:16:57.280 --> 00:16:58.280 Your suffering. 00:16:58.500 --> 00:16:59.320 And your anguish. 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:00.720 And your anxiety. 00:17:00.920 --> 00:17:01.540 And your agony. 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:06.120 And if you watch the place where your tears have been shed. 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:07.819 You'll see my footmarks. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:12.259 You'll see that my tears have dropped in the same place. 00:17:14.439 --> 00:17:15.200 You'll see. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:18.079 That the aching of my broken heart. 00:17:18.179 --> 00:17:19.799 Was in the same situation as you were in. 00:17:21.879 --> 00:17:22.619 And so therefore. 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:23.759 The writer to Hebrews. 00:17:23.879 --> 00:17:25.919 Tells us that he is able to have compassion. 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:29.099 He is able to understand. 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:31.039 We frequently long for that. 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:31.399 Don't we? 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:34.720 When we are in some situation. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:36.019 Like Hebrews has got in mind. 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:39.420 We do not have a high priest. 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:40.200 Who is unable. 00:17:41.100 --> 00:17:42.420 To sympathize with our weaknesses. 00:17:46.320 --> 00:17:47.560 You know this problem. 00:17:47.780 --> 00:17:48.420 Let me tell you. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.080 You know this problem. 00:17:50.580 --> 00:17:51.460 You know this problem. 00:17:51.600 --> 00:17:53.140 Because when you have compassion on people. 00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:56.460 And for brothers and sisters. 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:57.780 In their time of need. 00:17:57.780 --> 00:17:59.980 When they are really going through something. 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:04.320 And you go to sit with them. 00:18:05.580 --> 00:18:06.960 You go to talk with them. 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:08.519 How do you find yourself? 00:18:10.100 --> 00:18:11.540 When you go to write to them. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.759 What do you find? 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:14.960 What do you say to people? 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:15.240 You say. 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:16.820 I felt totally helpless. 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:18.440 Isn't that true? 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:21.880 We say this. 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:22.700 I went to see them. 00:18:22.780 --> 00:18:23.500 But I just. 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:25.340 I didn't know what to say. 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.940 I couldn't think of what to say. 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:32.900 And then when we see the same kind of situation. 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:33.900 That there was. 00:18:34.820 --> 00:18:35.920 Something I could do. 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.299 And that. 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.320 We often feel. 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:45.380 I just didn't know what to say. 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:46.420 I don't know what to do. 00:18:48.820 --> 00:18:50.420 But our Lord Jesus is not like that. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:56.000 Professor M. John Murray says. 00:18:56.140 --> 00:18:58.060 He describes Jesus' compassion. 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:59.340 As omnipotent. 00:19:00.300 --> 00:19:00.860 Compassion. 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:03.420 Because in his compassion. 00:19:03.580 --> 00:19:05.100 Not only of the perfect priest. 00:19:06.100 --> 00:19:07.600 But of the perfect king. 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.820 And the perfect sovereign. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:14.700 There is nothing. 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.559 On which. 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.299 The Lord Jesus cannot draw. 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:19.079 Omnipotence. 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:20.419 Has servants everywhere. 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.559 And what it means. 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:25.099 Is that the sovereign Lord. 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.899 Who sits on the throne. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.899 As he's gone into heaven. 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:32.899 When he has compassion. 00:19:34.539 --> 00:19:35.639 The sovereign Lord. 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:37.039 Is able to speak a perfect word. 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:40.920 That's why sometimes. 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:41.659 You find. 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:43.200 That God speaks to you. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.619 When you read the Bible. 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:46.099 Or when you hear a sermon. 00:19:46.399 --> 00:19:47.019 And you say. 00:19:47.659 --> 00:19:48.779 That was for me. 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:50.899 That was for me. 00:19:52.119 --> 00:19:53.059 Of course it was. 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.119 It's God who spoke it. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:58.139 And that is why. 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.680 We are able to come to the throne. 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.359 Of grace. 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:01.440 And obtain mercy. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.519 And find grace. 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:03.119 To help. 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:04.119 In our time of need. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:07.019 Because we have such a high. 00:20:07.019 --> 00:20:07.480 High priest. 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:09.059 At the right hand of God. 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:13.200 And that is the implication. 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.200 Of the ascension. 00:20:17.480 --> 00:20:19.180 That is why Jesus ascended. 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:19.960 Upon high. 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:22.839 It was because. 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:23.559 To the sufferer. 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:24.500 He sends relief. 00:20:26.139 --> 00:20:27.639 He is the perfect prophet. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:31.039 He is the perfect high priest. 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:32.079 Not only because. 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:33.500 He sympathizes with us. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:35.059 And has compassion. 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:35.460 And. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:37.220 But because also. 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:38.279 He intercedes for us. 00:20:44.159 --> 00:20:44.980 I guess. 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:45.700 There is not a person. 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.299 Here tonight. 00:20:47.919 --> 00:20:48.559 Who is not. 00:20:48.919 --> 00:20:49.919 Deeply conscious. 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:51.039 Of the frailty. 00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:52.220 Of their prayer life. 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:55.519 Some way to humble people. 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:57.100 Ask them about their prayer life. 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:00.620 And the weakness. 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:02.259 We find in ourselves. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:02.799 When we. 00:21:02.860 --> 00:21:03.680 When we seek to pray. 00:21:03.680 --> 00:21:04.600 For those who are going through. 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.539 Kind of tough times. 00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:06.279 And deep waters. 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:08.740 That we know nothing about. 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:12.519 But there is an intercessor. 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:13.660 In heaven this evening. 00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:15.980 Who understands. 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.380 Every area of your need. 00:21:17.380 --> 00:21:20.760 There is no facet. 00:21:20.840 --> 00:21:21.720 Of your situation. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.340 That he does not perfectly know. 00:21:25.280 --> 00:21:25.960 And you know. 00:21:26.060 --> 00:21:27.760 For him to have the ear of God. 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:27.960 Is. 00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:28.900 Well that's quite unique. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.860 You can see instances of it. 00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:34.520 In the New Testament. 00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:35.060 Think of. 00:21:36.020 --> 00:21:37.160 Places like John 17. 00:21:38.540 --> 00:21:39.700 Jesus is humble enough. 00:21:39.840 --> 00:21:39.900 That. 00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:40.020 To. 00:21:40.020 --> 00:21:40.200 To. 00:21:41.520 --> 00:21:42.540 Let the disciples. 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.520 Overhear him pray. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.780 I'm sure he did it partly. 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:45.779 Because. 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:48.019 He wanted them to know. 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:49.079 That when he ascended. 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:50.200 In his ascension glory. 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:51.099 He would pray for them. 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:54.740 He cries out. 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:55.099 He says. 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:55.619 To his father. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.420 I have kept them. 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.059 In your name. 00:21:57.139 --> 00:21:58.019 None of them are lost. 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.200 Except the son of perdition. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:00.819 Now father. 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:01.440 You keep them. 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:03.819 You keep them. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:04.759 I do not pray. 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:05.700 That you would take them. 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:06.200 Out of the world. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.660 But I pray. 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.500 That you would keep them. 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:09.059 From the evil one. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.339 I wonder. 00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:13.740 Have you ever thought. 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:16.440 Why it is. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:19.379 In some moment. 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:19.859 Of. 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.019 High kind of. 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:21.759 Tension. 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:22.779 And distress. 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:23.519 And temptation. 00:22:23.839 --> 00:22:24.500 Why is it. 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:25.559 That you haven't fallen. 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:30.000 Why is it. 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:30.680 You haven't become. 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:32.119 One of the kind of. 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.619 Spiritual car crashes. 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.480 That there are out there. 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:39.180 I have two friends. 00:22:39.359 --> 00:22:39.940 That have recently. 00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:40.319 Kind of. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:42.279 Crashed out of Christian ministry. 00:22:42.379 --> 00:22:43.200 And have left their wives. 00:22:43.200 --> 00:22:44.759 It's a total disaster. 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.620 Both were ministers. 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:46.759 Why is it. 00:22:46.860 --> 00:22:46.980 That. 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:52.640 They have fallen. 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.039 I have. 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:53.920 Why is that. 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:55.160 It's certainly not. 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:56.120 Because I'm better than them. 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:56.600 I lived with them. 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.000 I know them. 00:22:58.940 --> 00:23:00.019 I can tell you one of the reasons. 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.620 I can tell you one of the reasons. 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.660 Why you haven't fallen. 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:04.940 And that is because. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.100 At the right hand of God. 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:06.539 Tonight. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:07.279 There is one. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.120 Whoever lives. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:10.340 To make intercession for you. 00:23:10.339 --> 00:23:13.199 And he is therefore. 00:23:13.199 --> 00:23:13.980 Able to save. 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:14.720 To the uttermost. 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:21.659 But there is one other thing. 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:23.079 It's that Hebrews teaches. 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:23.659 That not only. 00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:24.639 This great high priest. 00:23:24.699 --> 00:23:26.179 Has gone into the presence of God. 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.359 To fulfil this ministry. 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:29.579 And he has omnipotent. 00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:30.659 And kingly compassion. 00:23:31.919 --> 00:23:32.799 But he's gone there. 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:33.740 As the forerunner. 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.359 So come with me. 00:23:34.399 --> 00:23:35.439 Let's look at some passages. 00:23:35.619 --> 00:23:36.019 As we close. 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:37.119 Hebrews chapter 6. 00:23:37.179 --> 00:23:37.759 Verse 20. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:42.079 Here's the writer. 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:43.299 And he's describing. 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:45.740 What Jesus is doing. 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:46.960 When he went into heaven. 00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:51.920 And he says. 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:53.180 There doesn't he. 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:54.619 He says. 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.799 We have this hope. 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:57.519 We have. 00:23:57.619 --> 00:23:58.420 Verse 19. 00:23:58.740 --> 00:24:00.039 A sure and steadfast. 00:24:00.140 --> 00:24:01.339 Anchor of the soul. 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:02.879 A hope that enters. 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:03.819 Into the inner place. 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:04.980 Behind the curtain. 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:07.660 Where Jesus is gone. 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:09.700 As a forerunner. 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.839 On our behalf. 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:15.160 And that forerunning. 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.079 Ministry. 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:17.420 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:20.119 Is what I read at funerals. 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:23.140 You know this. 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:24.799 Very famous passage. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.279 Don't you? 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:29.539 Let not your hearts. 00:24:29.619 --> 00:24:30.059 Be troubled. 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:32.200 Believe in God. 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.339 Believe also in me. 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.960 In my father's house. 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.619 Jesus says. 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.480 There are many rooms. 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.420 There's plenty of room. 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:39.559 If it were not so. 00:24:39.619 --> 00:24:40.420 But I have told you. 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:41.480 That I go to prepare. 00:24:41.640 --> 00:24:42.819 A place for you. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:45.160 And if I go and prepare. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:45.920 A place for you. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.879 I will come again. 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.539 And will take you to myself. 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:50.660 That where I am. 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:52.019 You may be. 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:52.900 Also. 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:58.240 And that is the cast iron promise. 00:24:58.240 --> 00:25:00.620 Of the eternal son of God. 00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:01.099 His people. 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:05.339 That is why there is absolutely no question. 00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:05.339 00:25:05.459 --> 00:25:07.219 Is there of a child of God. 00:25:07.339 --> 00:25:08.919 Having an inheritance in glory. 00:25:09.379 --> 00:25:10.639 It is because Christ has said it. 00:25:10.719 --> 00:25:11.219 If I go. 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:12.039 If I ascend. 00:25:12.239 --> 00:25:12.579 Literally. 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:14.720 I will come again 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:17.379 and receive you unto myself 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:19.159 and where I am you may be also 00:25:19.159 --> 00:25:21.399 and it means that our entry is secured 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:24.980 but I'll tell you something else 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:27.559 one of the implications 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:29.319 of the ascension of Jesus is that 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:31.399 having entered into heaven where he lives 00:25:31.399 --> 00:25:33.339 and reigns and is guaranteed 00:25:33.339 --> 00:25:35.439 to us that that 00:25:35.439 --> 00:25:37.399 will one day be our home we need to hear 00:25:37.399 --> 00:25:38.299 his voice don't we 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:41.559 we need to hear his voice when he 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:43.759 says do not 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.879 store up for yourselves treasures on earth 00:25:45.879 --> 00:25:49.720 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven 00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:53.679 the New Testament constantly is pointing this to you 00:25:53.679 --> 00:25:55.779 it's saying to you let your manner of life 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:57.579 be consistent with those 00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:59.339 who are citizens of heaven 00:25:59.339 --> 00:26:02.000 from where we look for the Lord Jesus Christ 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:05.720 and this perhaps is one of the most telling 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:07.700 and thrilling things that the ascension 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:09.039 of the Lord Jesus tells us 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:11.559 that he is forming a people 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:13.000 for his own glory 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:15.619 and he reigns 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:16.539 in heaven tonight 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:17.619 as prophet 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.279 and priest 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:18.899 and king 00:26:18.899 --> 00:26:21.159 and so that one day 00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:22.039 he will see a people 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:23.319 who are eagerly 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.319 pressing forward 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:27.539 because our true home 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.039 is where 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:28.980 he is 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:31.519 and may God 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:32.059 teach us 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:32.920 on his son's 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:33.879 ascension to heaven 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:37.260 that we made true of our citizenship there 00:26:37.260 --> 00:26:38.640 let's pray 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.080 let's pray 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.080 00:26:39.079 --> 00:27:09.059 Thank you.