WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.679 Thanks, Fiona. So as Fiona's already mentioned, we're going through quite a chunk of 1 Samuel this evening, 00:00:07.679 --> 00:00:15.220 and I thought it would be good to give you just a little bit of context and things to look out for as we sit through such a long reading. 00:00:15.380 --> 00:00:24.019 So up until now in the book of Samuel, it's kind of focused on Eli and his sons and their lack of devotion 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:30.160 and the blasphemies that Eli's sons committed in the temple with their mockery of the priesthood. 00:00:30.759 --> 00:00:37.560 And then in chapter 3, it focuses in on Samuel and how the Lord calls Samuel and sets him apart as a prophet, 00:00:37.740 --> 00:00:41.539 a person set apart by God to speak his message to his people. 00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:51.159 And now in chapter 4, it changes in chapters 4 through to 6, and it focuses on the Ark of the Covenant. 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:57.019 So we've got a physical symbol for the nation of Israel of God's presence here on earth. 00:00:57.859 --> 00:01:03.079 So as we read through this passage, there are a few things I'd like for you to keep your eye out for. 00:01:03.259 --> 00:01:10.719 Look for indications of God's power, God's might, and look for an indication of two different reactions, 00:01:10.939 --> 00:01:19.159 two different responses to God's power and God's might, and ultimately God's glory of being the sovereign Lord of this earth. 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:24.479 So as we do those readings, as we hear those readings, keep an eye out for those things. 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:28.799 And I pray and know that God will bless the reading of his words to us. Thank you. 00:01:28.799 --> 00:01:35.239 Thank you very much to everyone who's read and participated in the service. 00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:37.700 That was a long reading, wasn't it? 00:01:38.140 --> 00:01:42.359 I wonder if just before we dive into this passage, if we pray together. 00:01:42.859 --> 00:01:45.879 But to do that, I wonder if we could stand as we pray. 00:01:46.219 --> 00:01:49.239 We've been sitting down for quite a wee while now, so let's stand and pray together. 00:01:49.239 --> 00:01:58.839 Lord God and Heavenly Father, we come before you this evening, the Holy God, the powerful Creator God. 00:01:59.259 --> 00:02:05.759 And Lord, we are not worthy, but we thank you that we have the privilege of gathering this evening to hear your word. 00:02:06.340 --> 00:02:13.959 We ask that you would speak to us this evening and that we would leave here, leave this building with a greater view of your majesty. 00:02:13.960 --> 00:02:18.980 We ask this in your son's holy and precious name. Amen. 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:20.600 Please take your seats. 00:02:22.420 --> 00:02:30.060 I wonder if I asked you this evening to close your eyes and picture the biggest and most grand thing you could. 00:02:30.800 --> 00:02:31.520 What would it be? 00:02:31.520 --> 00:02:46.980 Maybe for some of you, it's the thundering noise of Niagara Falls with 567,811 litres of water falling over the edge per second. 00:02:48.420 --> 00:02:58.600 Or maybe it's the staggering height of Mount Everest that sits 29,029 feet above sea level. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:07.379 For me, as I was thinking this week, the sheer size and vastness of our universe came to mind. 00:03:08.379 --> 00:03:17.639 So on any given clear night in Edinburgh, as you look up to the sky, you can see approximately 2,500 stars. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:24.699 Of the estimated 200 billion stars that are in our galaxy. 00:03:27.219 --> 00:03:28.280 The Milky Way. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:37.319 This is a picture of our galaxy, which is just one of the estimated 100 billion galaxies that make up our universe. 00:03:38.819 --> 00:03:43.299 Now to put this into context, here's where we are. 00:03:46.799 --> 00:03:54.159 This earth that we call home, which seems huge to us, looks like a speck of dust in comparison to our galaxy. 00:03:54.159 --> 00:03:57.639 And then consider all the other galaxies that make up our universe. 00:03:59.460 --> 00:04:00.300 It's huge. 00:04:00.300 --> 00:04:10.100 But whilst the size of our universe should make us be in wonder and be speechless at the beautiful and wonderful creation that God has made. 00:04:10.099 --> 00:04:18.240 The thing that I was thinking about this week is that the universe is only one thought of our almighty creator God. 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:23.060 God is bigger than we think he is. 00:04:23.060 --> 00:04:24.340 God is not a global God. 00:04:24.439 --> 00:04:26.040 God is a galactic God. 00:04:26.040 --> 00:04:27.360 God is bigger than we think he is. 00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:27.819 God is bigger than we think. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:28.420 God is bigger than we think. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:35.200 And so the question that I think these chapters in 1 Samuel lead us to ask is, how big is your God? 00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:37.199 God is bigger than we think he is. 00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:40.420 I think far too often we put God in a box. 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:51.039 We have a nice, neat little box that we put him in because we feel somewhat insecure unless we have God contained within a structure of our own thinking. 00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:57.200 And the result of that is our view of God is far, far too small. 00:04:58.720 --> 00:05:06.060 We minimize God to fit neatly into our own minds, but he is far greater and far bigger than we could ever comprehend. 00:05:07.480 --> 00:05:16.160 So if God made the universe, the size of which we will never comprehend, how much greater and bigger is he? 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:22.200 And this week as I studied these chapters, I was amazed at the greatness of God. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:38.520 And these chapters, I think, invite us to fling wide the doors and windows of our minds and make some failed attempt to see the greatness, majesty and splendor and holiness of the one true God. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:41.220 How big is your God? 00:05:41.220 --> 00:05:51.060 So the first thing that we see in this passage in chapter four is an unexpected outcome, an unexpected outcome. 00:05:52.080 --> 00:05:55.700 So up until now, Israel has heard the word of the Lord again. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:06:01.080 God has called Samuel and he's been delivering God's word to his people. 00:06:01.079 --> 00:06:08.680 And so surely you'd expect Israel to be obedient, to listen to the word of the Lord again. 00:06:09.539 --> 00:06:20.879 You'd expect them to praise God as the holy God, especially after they've heard of his judgment on those who do not see him as such. 00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:32.819 The judgment that he predicted on Eli and his sons is because of their lack of religious leadership and their lack of devotion and sincere worship of God being holy. 00:06:34.579 --> 00:06:40.719 And then we see almost a kind of flippancy as they fulfill their priestly duties. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:47.880 Israel go to war with the Philistines, but Israel is defeated. 00:06:47.880 --> 00:06:57.500 And in verse three, we see a little glimmer of hope because they say in verse three, why did the Lord bring defeat on us today? 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:04.200 Now, I say this is a glimmer of hope because they understand that God is not fighting for them. 00:07:04.199 --> 00:07:11.819 They seem to realize that they're not basking in the favor of God, but that something isn't right. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:19.139 Some form of sin or some disobedience is preventing God's blessing and presence to be upon them. 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:21.579 And so how do they respond? 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:25.419 Do they fall on their knees? 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:28.360 Do they weep and mourn in repentance? 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:35.620 Do they call Samuel God's messenger to come and speak godly wisdom into their situation? 00:07:36.740 --> 00:07:43.220 Do they take time to reflect on their actions and question whether there's any sin within their camp? 00:07:43.800 --> 00:07:44.120 No. 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:50.560 But in the same breath of their realization that God's actions are actually against them, 00:07:51.100 --> 00:07:53.500 they say, bring the ark of the Lord's covenant. 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:59.879 And at first glance, this might seem like a good thing because the ark of the Lord's covenant, 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:06.300 which would have looked something like this, was a visible sign of God's presence. 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:13.100 So the ark was a golden chest that contained the tablets of God's law given to Moses. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:17.959 It served both practical and symbolic purposes. 00:08:17.959 --> 00:08:26.060 It was used instrumentally in both the worship of God, day in and day out in the tabernacle and then later in the temple, 00:08:26.419 --> 00:08:31.680 but also in miracles, the fall of the walls of Jericho and things like that. 00:08:32.659 --> 00:08:35.960 The ark of the covenant was symbolic of God's throne. 00:08:36.679 --> 00:08:41.299 And it was a physical reminder to Israel that God's presence was with them. 00:08:41.299 --> 00:08:48.740 In Exodus 25, God says that he would speak to Moses by sitting on the top of this, 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:50.339 which is known as the mercy seat. 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:58.939 This is not just a box, but it is a symbol of God and his presence on earth. 00:09:00.319 --> 00:09:07.339 And so in verse 3, when we find out Israel's real motive for wanting the ark of the covenant there, 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.359 we get confused. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:17.300 In verse 3, they say they want the ark so that God may go with us and save us from our enemies. 00:09:18.820 --> 00:09:20.060 Do you see the problem? 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:25.620 They aren't treating God as the sovereign God who is in control of all things, 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:27.759 who is to be revered and praised, 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:30.980 who is to be obeyed, loved and feared, 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:35.379 but they treat the ark of the covenant as their lucky charm. 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:44.139 The Israelites are treating this physical symbol of God's presence as some people nowadays treat a rabbit's foot. 00:09:44.939 --> 00:09:47.500 Or that lucky coin that you've always got in your pocket. 00:09:47.500 --> 00:09:53.039 Some people think that if they have their lucky, whatever it may be, 00:09:53.460 --> 00:09:54.639 then nothing can go wrong. 00:09:54.639 --> 00:10:00.699 You know that saying, find a penny, pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck? 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:04.799 That's what Israel is saying about the Lord's ark of the covenant. 00:10:04.799 --> 00:10:09.839 They wanted God on their own terms. 00:10:11.039 --> 00:10:16.039 Only if God acted in the way we want him to, do we really want him. 00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:23.539 Only if he did what they expected, which was to save them and fight for them, 00:10:23.579 --> 00:10:25.240 did they want him in their camp. 00:10:26.819 --> 00:10:30.099 And so at this point, a few alarm bells should be ringing in our minds. 00:10:30.199 --> 00:10:31.579 Something's not quite right. 00:10:32.599 --> 00:10:36.079 This is completely irreverent and totally unacceptable. 00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:39.139 They're treating God like a cheap trinket. 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:44.720 And in verse 4, we get another sign that something isn't right. 00:10:46.220 --> 00:10:50.379 Hophni and Phinehas are walking with the ark as it arrives. 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:55.179 And at this point, every single alarm bell in our head should be ringing like mad. 00:10:58.019 --> 00:11:02.319 These men have committed blasphemy against the Lord in chapter 2. 00:11:03.200 --> 00:11:05.000 They'd made a mockery of the priesthood. 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:08.759 They were not God-fearing men by any stretch of the word. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:13.600 God has even spoken judgment against them. 00:11:13.779 --> 00:11:16.919 And the whole of Israel heard about it in chapter 3. 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:19.819 But they don't seem to care. 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:24.460 They're too focused on their desired outcome. 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:27.340 On what they think should happen. 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:32.019 That they bypass any thought of God. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:36.019 Or any right worship of or devotion to him. 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:44.939 So as the ark arrives in Israel, in their camp, a shout of joy can be heard. 00:11:45.019 --> 00:11:46.740 And the Philistines are so afraid. 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:50.860 And in verse 7, they say that a God has come into the camp of Israel. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:55.179 See, they have heard of everything that God has done. 00:11:55.179 --> 00:11:58.179 By bringing them out of Egypt. 00:11:58.639 --> 00:12:02.439 But their focus is not God's goodness and God's grace to Israel. 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:08.279 Their focus is God's destruction on Egypt for not letting Israel go. 00:12:10.079 --> 00:12:14.679 Stories of God's power and might precede him wherever his name is mentioned. 00:12:14.679 --> 00:12:19.459 And in verse 8, they say that they are doomed. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:21.799 Because God is with Israel. 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:24.859 But they go up to fight. 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:27.279 And again, the Philistines win. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:29.419 Unexpected by the Israelites. 00:12:30.539 --> 00:12:31.879 Hophni and Phinehas die. 00:12:32.199 --> 00:12:33.699 And the ark of the Lord is captured. 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:35.259 And you see that in verse 11. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:42.580 God's judgment on these priests foretold in chapters 2 and 3 has passed. 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:45.840 God has remained faithful to his promises. 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:52.659 And a man ran from the battlefield to tell Eli and the people of Shiloh everything that had happened. 00:12:53.700 --> 00:13:02.580 And in verse 13, it says that Eli was sitting and watching because his heart feared for the ark of the Lord. 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:08.600 Something seems to have changed in Eli since chapters 2 and 3. 00:13:09.280 --> 00:13:11.940 His main focus back then was his sons. 00:13:12.800 --> 00:13:17.200 He cared more about honoring them than he did about honoring the Lord. 00:13:18.520 --> 00:13:20.960 But now his main focus is God. 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:28.160 And in verse 17, when he's told that his sons have died and that the ark of the Lord was captured. 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:31.620 He's distraught. 00:13:32.580 --> 00:13:40.860 But in verse 18, it says that only when the ark of the God was mentioned, did he fall off his chair, break his neck and die. 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:46.400 Eli's biggest concern was not his sons, but it was the ark. 00:13:47.040 --> 00:13:49.420 It was the presence of God. 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:55.220 Such a difference in attitude and devotion to God from chapters 2 and 3. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:56.540 God is faithful. 00:13:56.539 --> 00:14:00.939 Those promises of judgment were fulfilled on Eli and his sons. 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:07.959 And then this news is too much for Phineas' wife, who was pregnant and soon to deliver. 00:14:08.959 --> 00:14:17.959 Upon hearing the bad news that the ark was captured, that her father-in-law was dead, that her husband had died, she went into labor and died as a result. 00:14:17.960 --> 00:14:26.560 But in her final words in verses 21 and 22, you'll find a summary of the state of Israel at this time. 00:14:26.559 --> 00:14:29.659 And you see some deep theology. 00:14:30.939 --> 00:14:36.739 She named her son Ichabod, which means no glory or where is the glory. 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:44.039 And she's saying that because the ark of God has gone, God's glory has departed from Israel. 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:48.700 But the truth is that God's glory had already departed. 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:58.080 Because the nation of Israel didn't care about God, his law, his majesty or his glory. 00:14:58.580 --> 00:15:00.120 He was just their lucky charm. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:05.679 They thought that the ark was the thing that would bring them victory. 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:12.820 They placed their trust in a physical item instead of putting their trust in the living God. 00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:16.379 This is not the outcome that they expected. 00:15:17.399 --> 00:15:22.600 And the truth that Israel had not yet grasped was that if you feel far away from God, 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:26.200 one thing we need to remember is that it is not God who has moved. 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:32.140 God has promised that if his people draw near to him, then he will draw near to them. 00:15:33.680 --> 00:15:35.280 How big is your God? 00:15:37.640 --> 00:15:44.160 Now maybe you're thinking that we're not in danger of concluding that God is some kind of good luck charm. 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:47.540 But how often do we put God in a box? 00:15:47.539 --> 00:15:57.799 How often do we confine God to the rationale of our own minds and put boundaries on who he is and what he can do? 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:07.139 We seem to feel a little bit insecure about God unless we have him contained neatly in a box. 00:16:07.980 --> 00:16:11.539 And the result of that is that we have a tiny view of God. 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:19.159 Maybe we pray twice a week about the big things and big problems in our life. 00:16:19.439 --> 00:16:23.099 But we don't mention the little stuff because we can sort that out. 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:26.839 God doesn't really care about the little things in my life. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:30.659 That's a tiny view of God. 00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:39.839 Or maybe we pray and when we're asking for forgiveness, do we just give a two second, 00:16:40.179 --> 00:16:44.219 sorry God I messed up again, I'll try my best not to do it anymore? 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:48.459 Or do we weep? 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:58.879 Do we mourn and get on our knees because we realize that we have fallen short of the standards of the holy God? 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:07.299 Or maybe we only go to God in prayer as a last resort when we're at the end of our tether. 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:09.980 How big is your God? 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:14.799 Let's not forget for a moment who we are talking to when we pray. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:18.299 We are not speaking to a person who's just normal. 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:23.039 But we are speaking to God who is powerful. 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:24.680 A God who cares. 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.680 A God who loves. 00:17:25.779 --> 00:17:28.779 A God whose word works in the lives of people. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:33.599 A God whose word carries weight and carries action. 00:17:35.399 --> 00:17:41.119 We are speaking to the God for whom all the nations of this world are but a drop in a bucket. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:43.559 As Isaiah 40 reminds us. 00:17:44.899 --> 00:17:51.940 And having this big, majestic, glorious view of God will lead us to praise him for who he is. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:55.059 The God whose power is unfathomable. 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:58.759 The God whose splendor is beyond compare. 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:04.039 And the God whose glory is incomparable with anything in this world. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:06.859 This is the God that we serve. 00:18:07.679 --> 00:18:09.099 The God that we worship. 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.879 The God that we love. 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:12.819 And do you know what the best news is? 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:17.960 This is the God that cares about you and me. 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:24.839 This is the God who patiently waits for us and doesn't chastise us when we disobey. 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:29.099 But this is the God who is calling us to himself. 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:33.159 Remember how big God is. 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:38.879 Remember that you could have the grandest and biggest view of God ever possible. 00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:43.359 And it would come nowhere near how great our God is. 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:48.539 Our words fail to describe him and his awesomeness. 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:51.819 Don't put God in a box like Israel did. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:57.159 But see him in all of his splendor as revealed in the whole Bible. 00:18:58.500 --> 00:19:01.519 As the God who we should be in awe of. 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:03.720 Who is to be revered. 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:06.480 And who is worthy of all of our praise. 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:08.200 How big is your God? 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:14.240 And the second thing that we see in these chapters is an unexpected response. 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.980 In chapters 5 and 6. 00:19:16.100 --> 00:19:17.380 An unexpected response. 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:23.440 So in chapter 4 the outcome of defeat was completely unexpected by the Israelites. 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:28.380 And we saw a declaration that God's glory had departed from Israel. 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:30.100 Devastating news. 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:36.440 But in these two chapters we see God's glory being revealed to those outside of Israel. 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:38.320 And not only that. 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:41.200 But their response after seeing God's glory. 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.759 After seeing God's power. 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:45.860 Is actually the response that we should be seeing from Israel. 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:50.120 After the Philistines defeat Israel in battle. 00:19:50.259 --> 00:19:51.740 They take the ark. 00:19:53.120 --> 00:19:58.259 And verse 5 tells us that they put it in the temple of their God Dagon in Ashdod. 00:19:59.220 --> 00:20:01.080 Now this was quite a normal thing to do. 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:03.580 If one people defeated another in battle. 00:20:04.039 --> 00:20:06.160 They would take the gods of the losers. 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:09.340 And put them in the temple of the winners. 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:09.920 God. 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:14.960 So though the ark of the Lord is not an idol like Dagon is. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:16.620 The Philistines treat it as one. 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:18.500 And think that they've won the battle. 00:20:18.600 --> 00:20:20.140 Because Dagon was on their side. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:22.120 But how wrong they are. 00:20:23.580 --> 00:20:26.980 They think that God is weak and inferior. 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:31.220 But what do they see when they wake up early in the morning? 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:38.940 In verse 3 they see their so-called God fallen face down before the ark of the Lord. 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:44.759 This was supposed to be a presentation of Dagon's power and might. 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:48.920 That the ark of God is in his house. 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:53.820 But instead this idol who has a mouth but cannot speak. 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:56.500 Who has hands but cannot move. 00:20:56.500 --> 00:21:01.220 Is lying flat out before the holy true God. 00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:04.100 And it's as if. 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:09.579 And it's as if it's an ornament that's been knocked off by a clumsy cat walking along the windowsill. 00:21:09.880 --> 00:21:12.019 Or mantelpiece in your living room at home. 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:14.279 A lifeless piece of decoration. 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.839 Because the Philistines. 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:20.079 Have to go and pick up their God and put him back in his place. 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:23.779 And the following morning. 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:26.639 God leaves no room for doubt in their mind. 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.879 Who is more powerful. 00:21:28.519 --> 00:21:33.359 Because they find their false God dashed to bits on the floor of his own temple. 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:40.119 The Philistines needed to rush to put their so-called God in place. 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:43.319 Without the intervention of people. 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:47.119 This God would be lying on his own temple floor gathering dust. 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:52.299 But God is just about to prove to the Philistines. 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:55.500 Just how powerful and glorious he really is. 00:21:57.399 --> 00:22:00.759 God does not need assistance to get back to Israel. 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:04.199 God does not need help from humans. 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:08.679 God is not dependent on the army of Israel to rescue him from this temple. 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:12.659 But God will demonstrate that he can bring a whole nation to its knees. 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:15.399 Even though an army couldn't defeat them. 00:22:16.099 --> 00:22:16.399 Why? 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:19.159 Because he is powerful. 00:22:19.739 --> 00:22:20.859 He is glorious. 00:22:21.679 --> 00:22:23.299 And when the Philistines realized that. 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:25.679 Their response is completely unexpected. 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:29.419 See the Philistines had not yet met God. 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:32.599 But they'd only heard of his dealing with Egypt. 00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:35.500 They didn't know really what to make of this whole situation. 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:40.279 I imagine it's like the scene in the Chronicles of Narnia. 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:41.239 Or the page on the book. 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:43.739 Where Mr. Beaver is speaking about Aslan. 00:22:44.459 --> 00:22:45.759 As the king of the woods. 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:48.640 And all the children assume that he's a man. 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:50.160 But he's actually a lion. 00:22:51.379 --> 00:22:53.420 And upon hearing this they are afraid. 00:22:54.480 --> 00:23:00.440 And Lucy says or asks one of the probably one of the most quoted questions in the whole book. 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:03.039 Is he quite safe? 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:06.840 To which Mr. Beaver replies safe? 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:09.920 Who said anything about safe? 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:12.019 Of course he isn't safe. 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:14.019 But he's good. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.080 He's the king. 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:21.980 Up until this point the Philistines have thought that God was safe. 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:24.159 That he was just another idol. 00:23:25.199 --> 00:23:26.819 Made by the hands of men. 00:23:27.159 --> 00:23:30.359 To satisfy their natural desire to worship something. 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:35.779 But God will not be tamed by friend or by foe. 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:40.539 God demonstrates his sovereignty. 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:44.720 Causing the Philistines to feel the weight of his hand in judgment. 00:23:46.440 --> 00:23:48.639 And in verse 6 we see the beginning. 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:52.539 We see God beginning to afflict the cities with tumors. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:57.859 That are probably caused by a rat infestation sent by God. 00:23:58.059 --> 00:24:00.259 And that's hinted in chapter 6 verse 5. 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:04.279 And the Philistines want rid of the Ark of the Lord. 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:06.700 And the reason they want rid of it. 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:08.859 In chapter 5 verse 7. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:11.299 Is because they know that neither they. 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:13.579 Nor their fake God Dagon. 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:16.000 Can stand against his judgment. 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:20.180 Of the one true glorious powerful God. 00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:24.460 And so they decide to send the Ark away. 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:28.759 Here's a little map of where the Ark traveled in the seven months. 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:32.440 Between the capturing of it in Ebenezer. 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:33.660 And it being returned. 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:38.160 So they send the Ark to a different city. 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:39.779 It goes from Ashdod to Gath. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:41.879 And from Gath to Ekron. 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:47.599 It's as if the Philistines think that God's unhappy with a particular city. 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:49.140 Because they've done something wrong. 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:53.940 But that thought quickly goes out of their minds. 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:57.020 Because every single city the Ark enters. 00:24:57.780 --> 00:24:59.960 The same curses follow. 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.960 In chapter 6 verse 1. 00:25:04.060 --> 00:25:07.259 We see that the Ark was with the Philistines for seven months. 00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:08.780 And during that time. 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:10.160 They came to the conclusion. 00:25:10.560 --> 00:25:11.280 Quite rightly. 00:25:11.820 --> 00:25:13.820 That God is not to be trifled with. 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:18.619 When the Philistines see the power. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:20.179 And glory of God. 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.379 Their response is. 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:23.119 That they want rid of the Ark. 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:25.099 They want nothing to do with it. 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.879 Send it back to Israel they say. 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:31.099 This response is unexpected. 00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:33.099 Because of the way they send it back. 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:36.899 They cannot suffer the judgment any longer. 00:25:37.179 --> 00:25:38.839 But they won't send it back flippantly. 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.919 They've learned their lesson. 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:42.300 So they gather their priests. 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:44.500 And they're advised to send it back. 00:25:44.660 --> 00:25:45.860 With a guilt offering. 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:48.320 With golden rats and golden tumors. 00:25:48.560 --> 00:25:51.140 Which is a bit of a strange gift if you ask me. 00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:58.880 And by these gifts they're acknowledging their own wrongdoing. 00:25:59.340 --> 00:26:01.720 But it would appear in chapter 6 verse 3. 00:26:01.820 --> 00:26:03.920 That they thought that these golden trinkets. 00:26:05.080 --> 00:26:07.720 Hold some form of magical powers. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:10.480 That would somehow grant them healing from their afflictions. 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.579 But all of this. 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:14.819 Is to be done in a way. 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:16.680 And verse 5 says. 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:19.079 Is to be done in a way that gives glory. 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:20.759 To the God of Israel. 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.720 Isn't that shocking? 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:27.860 Do you see the sharp contrast here? 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:31.059 But also do you see the great abundance of God? 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:34.859 God's abundant grace. 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:39.819 Because Israel's failure to honor God. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:42.099 And handle the ark properly. 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:44.879 Led him to remove the ark from them. 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:49.720 But now that the Philistines are giving glory to God. 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:51.279 God is in his grace. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:53.720 Letting the ark return to a people who are unworthy. 00:26:53.720 --> 00:27:00.759 The stark contrast between these two people is almost unreal. 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:04.920 Israel have been recipients of God's blessing. 00:27:05.640 --> 00:27:06.500 God's grace. 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:08.740 God's love and his laws for years. 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:11.539 He saved them from slavery. 00:27:12.180 --> 00:27:16.059 He fed them in the wilderness for 40 years. 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:21.000 He gave them their own land and promised to bless them. 00:27:21.319 --> 00:27:25.960 But they flippantly and irreverently dismiss him as a trinket. 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.879 But now the Philistines. 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:31.579 Who've only been recipients of God's judgment. 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:35.659 Say that everybody should give glory to the God of Israel. 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:40.759 The Philistines are giving glory when Israel should be. 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:43.079 This is unexpected. 00:27:43.079 --> 00:27:48.000 And so they take cows who've had young. 00:27:48.599 --> 00:27:49.960 And they hook them up to a cart. 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:50.899 And they send them off. 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:55.000 That way if the cows do what they normally do. 00:27:55.179 --> 00:27:57.059 And follow the cry of their young. 00:27:57.619 --> 00:28:00.679 Then they'll know that it is not God who is afflicting them. 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:06.000 But if they go. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:08.240 Then they know that God is against them. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:09.119 And what happens? 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:11.119 Verse 12 says. 00:28:11.119 --> 00:28:15.119 They did not turn to the left or to the right. 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:19.239 They now know without a shadow of a doubt. 00:28:20.479 --> 00:28:22.519 That God has been afflicting them. 00:28:23.659 --> 00:28:25.879 And so the ark arrives in Beth Shemesh. 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:28.679 Which is a city assigned to the Levites. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:30.940 Those who've been. 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:32.220 Those who should be. 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:34.259 Fulfilling their priestly roles. 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:37.740 And who are supposed to be dedicated to serving God. 00:28:38.360 --> 00:28:39.460 And in verse 14. 00:28:39.620 --> 00:28:40.740 When they see the ark coming. 00:28:40.880 --> 00:28:41.519 They rejoice. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:44.740 And they offer burnt offerings to God. 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:49.120 But even here we can see that they haven't learned their lesson. 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:53.299 The sacrifice is not done according to the law. 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:55.619 And then in verse 19. 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.519 You see again. 00:28:56.899 --> 00:28:58.419 A sheer lack of reverence. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:29:02.960 Because a number of people decide to have a glance inside the ark. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:09.500 They didn't learn their lesson from the initial presumptuous handling of the ark. 00:29:09.659 --> 00:29:11.839 That led to its capture in chapter 4. 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:15.639 And now a similar presumptuous handling of the ark. 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:18.480 Leads to God delivering a heavy blow. 00:29:19.179 --> 00:29:21.399 By killing those who disobeyed God. 00:29:21.679 --> 00:29:22.740 And didn't revere him. 00:29:26.199 --> 00:29:27.759 Their lack of respect. 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.879 Their lack of humility. 00:29:30.159 --> 00:29:34.240 Their lack of understanding of how holy God is. 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:40.339 Their lack of desire to praise God properly. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.599 Resulted in them. 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:45.419 Looking inside this symbol of God's presence. 00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:48.359 And God's judgment falling upon them. 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.480 And in verse 20. 00:29:50.899 --> 00:29:52.500 We see how the people respond. 00:29:53.459 --> 00:29:55.359 How can people stand. 00:29:55.799 --> 00:29:57.339 In the presence of the Lord. 00:29:57.439 --> 00:29:58.419 This holy God. 00:29:59.699 --> 00:30:02.039 And they do exactly what the Philistines do. 00:30:02.399 --> 00:30:04.000 And pass it on to another city. 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:07.459 Who can stand. 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:09.720 In the presence of the Lord. 00:30:10.339 --> 00:30:12.179 The most holy God. 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:15.379 How big is your God? 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:19.939 Today we no longer have the ark of the covenant. 00:30:21.139 --> 00:30:22.899 But don't we fall into this thinking? 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:27.180 So often we forget that God is holy. 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:29.080 And we don't ponder the significance. 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:30.820 Or implications of that. 00:30:32.080 --> 00:30:33.420 God is perfect. 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:34.980 His word. 00:30:35.100 --> 00:30:35.680 His works. 00:30:35.800 --> 00:30:36.340 His will. 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.100 His plan. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:38.220 His very being. 00:30:38.580 --> 00:30:40.560 Is perfection defined. 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:45.519 Who can stand before such a God? 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:45.619 God. 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:48.619 Our culture tells us. 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.980 That people are generally good. 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.980 That there's nothing wrong with us. 00:30:52.099 --> 00:30:52.759 We're all fine. 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:55.700 But the Bible tells us. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:57.000 The uncomfortable truth. 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:58.740 That we all need to hear. 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:00.660 We are corrupt. 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:02.619 Broken sinners. 00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:04.180 And our wrongdoing. 00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:05.819 And rebellion against God. 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:07.779 Are like filthy rags. 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:09.139 Before him. 00:31:09.139 --> 00:31:10.899 In all of his purity and perfection. 00:31:14.099 --> 00:31:14.579 Reading. 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:16.420 These three chapters. 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:18.759 We can get a sense of the danger. 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:20.599 Of being in God's presence. 00:31:21.879 --> 00:31:22.859 God is not safe. 00:31:23.639 --> 00:31:24.799 God is not tame. 00:31:25.619 --> 00:31:26.759 But God is good. 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:28.660 God is the king. 00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:29.660 God is the king. 00:31:29.660 --> 00:31:30.960 Jonathan Edwards. 00:31:31.080 --> 00:31:31.580 A pastor. 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.660 And theologian. 00:31:32.820 --> 00:31:33.360 From years ago. 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:34.019 Said this. 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.800 It is the absence. 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:37.440 Of godly fear. 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:39.100 That signifies. 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:39.740 A lack. 00:31:39.860 --> 00:31:40.580 Of the knowledge. 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:41.300 Of God. 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:44.100 It is the absence. 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:45.300 Of godly fear. 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:46.840 That signifies. 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:47.480 A lack. 00:31:47.560 --> 00:31:48.400 Of the knowledge. 00:31:48.580 --> 00:31:49.120 Of God. 00:31:51.840 --> 00:31:53.160 I think too often. 00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:54.460 We can be so irreverent. 00:31:54.540 --> 00:31:55.460 And come before God. 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.560 In a casual way. 00:31:57.040 --> 00:31:58.200 Just as we would maybe. 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:58.640 Start a conversation. 00:31:58.660 --> 00:32:00.380 With our best buddy. 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:02.920 But let's not forget. 00:32:03.060 --> 00:32:03.840 Who we're talking to. 00:32:04.980 --> 00:32:06.160 We need to share. 00:32:06.320 --> 00:32:06.740 An element. 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.519 Of the attitude. 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:08.240 Of the people. 00:32:08.360 --> 00:32:09.180 Of Beth Shemesh. 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:10.740 And each morning. 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:11.600 As we wake up. 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:13.120 As we open our Bibles. 00:32:13.200 --> 00:32:13.980 As we pray. 00:32:14.380 --> 00:32:15.180 Ask ourselves. 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.400 Who can stand. 00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:17.100 In the presence. 00:32:17.100 --> 00:32:17.960 Of the Lord. 00:32:18.060 --> 00:32:19.120 The most holy. 00:32:19.420 --> 00:32:19.720 God. 00:32:22.540 --> 00:32:23.500 There's a danger. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.440 Of becoming too. 00:32:24.880 --> 00:32:25.860 Familiar with God. 00:32:26.580 --> 00:32:27.420 He is holy. 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:28.640 We are not. 00:32:28.640 --> 00:32:31.580 He is pure. 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:33.000 We are not. 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:34.240 He is perfect. 00:32:34.800 --> 00:32:35.759 We are not. 00:32:37.620 --> 00:32:38.940 But we are not left. 00:32:39.040 --> 00:32:39.520 In despair. 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:41.500 We are not left. 00:32:41.560 --> 00:32:42.140 Without hope. 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:42.940 We're not left. 00:32:43.360 --> 00:32:44.520 Standing on the sidelines. 00:32:44.520 --> 00:32:45.360 Looking in. 00:32:45.620 --> 00:32:46.140 To glory. 00:32:46.140 --> 00:32:46.240 glory. 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:49.040 But as Christians. 00:32:49.040 --> 00:32:49.700 Through the death. 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:50.300 And resurrection. 00:32:50.300 --> 00:32:50.920 Of Jesus. 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:52.140 We can be brought. 00:32:52.300 --> 00:32:53.380 Into that glory. 00:32:54.380 --> 00:32:55.440 Into the family. 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:55.980 Of God. 00:32:56.120 --> 00:32:57.380 And as Romans 8. 00:32:57.380 --> 00:32:57.860 Tells us. 00:32:57.860 --> 00:32:58.840 The glorious truth. 00:32:58.900 --> 00:32:59.480 That should take us. 00:32:59.480 --> 00:32:59.740 Back. 00:32:59.740 --> 00:33:00.980 Every single day. 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:02.420 We can come before God. 00:33:02.420 --> 00:33:03.000 And call him. 00:33:03.140 --> 00:33:03.440 Father. 00:33:06.640 --> 00:33:08.079 We can have intimacy. 00:33:08.079 --> 00:33:08.720 With God. 00:33:08.759 --> 00:33:09.640 Because of his son. 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:12.099 Can we stand. 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:13.140 Before a holy God. 00:33:13.880 --> 00:33:14.380 Yes. 00:33:14.920 --> 00:33:15.579 And one day. 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.279 We all will. 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:19.140 And on that final day. 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:20.120 As we stand. 00:33:20.120 --> 00:33:20.779 Before God. 00:33:20.900 --> 00:33:22.059 Christ will declare. 00:33:22.059 --> 00:33:22.900 Us bought. 00:33:23.099 --> 00:33:24.079 By his sacrifice. 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:26.319 And free. 00:33:26.319 --> 00:33:27.399 From the condemnation. 00:33:27.399 --> 00:33:28.279 Of our sins. 00:33:28.460 --> 00:33:29.460 Can we stand. 00:33:29.579 --> 00:33:30.059 In the presence. 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.899 Of a holy God. 00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:31.379 Yes. 00:33:31.659 --> 00:33:32.720 That is our blessed. 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.220 Future. 00:33:33.220 --> 00:33:33.759 That awaits. 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:34.599 Every Christian. 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:37.539 Not by our own works. 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.839 Not by our merit. 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:40.539 But by the sacrifice. 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.439 Of God himself. 00:33:42.939 --> 00:33:44.159 Who took the place. 00:33:44.159 --> 00:33:44.919 Of corrupt. 00:33:45.399 --> 00:33:46.399 Sin stained people. 00:33:46.399 --> 00:33:46.960 Like you. 00:33:47.039 --> 00:33:47.699 And like me. 00:33:48.439 --> 00:33:50.059 So that we can be clothed. 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:51.000 In righteousness. 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:54.039 So that we can. 00:33:54.039 --> 00:33:55.240 Be declared free. 00:33:55.639 --> 00:33:56.460 And so that we can. 00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:57.319 One day rejoice. 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:58.480 With all of God's people. 00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:59.339 Before the throne. 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:00.059 As we sing. 00:34:00.159 --> 00:34:01.019 In one voice. 00:34:01.680 --> 00:34:02.200 Holy. 00:34:02.619 --> 00:34:03.059 Holy. 00:34:03.519 --> 00:34:03.879 Holy. 00:34:03.879 --> 00:34:05.059 Is the Lord God. 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.619 Almighty. 00:34:08.820 --> 00:34:10.440 This is our God. 00:34:11.759 --> 00:34:12.559 Isn't he. 00:34:13.059 --> 00:34:13.579 Marvelous. 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:14.940 Isn't he. 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:15.619 Glorious. 00:34:15.800 --> 00:34:16.340 Isn't he. 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:17.860 Full of splendor. 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:21.539 How big is your God. 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:21.639 God. 00:34:23.139 --> 00:34:23.820 The God. 00:34:23.820 --> 00:34:24.860 Who flung the stars. 00:34:24.860 --> 00:34:25.900 Into space. 00:34:26.320 --> 00:34:27.019 The God. 00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:28.279 Who created the universe. 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:29.099 The size of which. 00:34:29.179 --> 00:34:30.360 We will never comprehend. 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:31.099 The God. 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:32.199 Who is so big. 00:34:33.039 --> 00:34:33.940 That the universe. 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:34.659 Can be described. 00:34:34.739 --> 00:34:35.840 Just as one thought. 00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:36.320 Of his. 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:39.739 Can you call him father. 00:34:40.779 --> 00:34:42.139 Or is he your foe. 00:34:43.940 --> 00:34:45.179 Let's leave this evening. 00:34:45.179 --> 00:34:45.559 With. 00:34:46.179 --> 00:34:46.860 A massive. 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:48.179 View of God. 00:34:48.179 --> 00:34:50.359 And see the seriousness. 00:34:50.799 --> 00:34:52.239 Of having an unbiblical. 00:34:52.480 --> 00:34:53.059 And unhealthy. 00:34:53.319 --> 00:34:53.960 Familiarity. 00:34:53.960 --> 00:34:54.539 With God. 00:34:55.399 --> 00:34:56.159 But also. 00:34:56.299 --> 00:34:57.519 Let's see the grace of God. 00:34:58.199 --> 00:34:59.299 And his goodness. 00:34:59.299 --> 00:35:00.799 Because we can come before him. 00:35:00.839 --> 00:35:01.659 And call him father. 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:04.119 Let's pray together. 00:35:09.399 --> 00:35:09.919 God. 00:35:10.279 --> 00:35:11.399 You are good. 00:35:12.199 --> 00:35:13.019 We are not. 00:35:14.579 --> 00:35:15.799 You are holy. 00:35:15.800 --> 00:35:17.600 And we are unclean. 00:35:20.340 --> 00:35:21.640 You are perfect. 00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:23.539 And we are fallen. 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.560 And yet. 00:35:27.660 --> 00:35:28.519 The glorious news. 00:35:28.620 --> 00:35:29.720 That your word tells us. 00:35:29.860 --> 00:35:30.180 Is that. 00:35:30.780 --> 00:35:31.420 Even though. 00:35:31.580 --> 00:35:32.560 We are sin stained. 00:35:32.740 --> 00:35:33.340 And corrupt. 00:35:33.460 --> 00:35:34.260 Human beings. 00:35:34.580 --> 00:35:35.720 We can come before. 00:35:35.840 --> 00:35:37.000 Your glorious presence. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:37.880 Because of your son. 00:35:37.960 --> 00:35:38.680 Jesus Christ. 00:35:40.340 --> 00:35:40.820 Father. 00:35:40.920 --> 00:35:41.780 We thank you. 00:35:42.740 --> 00:35:43.900 For that privilege. 00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:44.000 For that privilege. 00:35:45.760 --> 00:35:46.500 Forgive us Lord. 00:35:46.559 --> 00:35:47.099 For the times. 00:35:47.180 --> 00:35:47.660 Where we have. 00:35:47.800 --> 00:35:48.579 A small view. 00:35:48.579 --> 00:35:49.420 Of who you are. 00:35:50.460 --> 00:35:51.059 Forgive us. 00:35:51.099 --> 00:35:51.519 For the times. 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:52.400 We confine you. 00:35:52.500 --> 00:35:53.639 To a neat little box. 00:35:54.900 --> 00:35:55.440 But Lord. 00:35:55.500 --> 00:35:55.820 I pray. 00:35:55.920 --> 00:35:56.340 That you would. 00:35:56.420 --> 00:35:57.420 Rip that box open. 00:35:57.920 --> 00:35:58.619 And that we would. 00:35:58.720 --> 00:35:59.079 See you. 00:35:59.180 --> 00:35:59.940 For who you are. 00:36:01.160 --> 00:36:02.160 The glorious. 00:36:02.639 --> 00:36:03.460 Creator God. 00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:05.220 Who is all powerful. 00:36:06.820 --> 00:36:07.740 Who is deserving. 00:36:07.740 --> 00:36:08.740 Of all praise. 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:10.639 And who is glorious. 00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:10.920 This. 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:13.319 Lord. 00:36:13.440 --> 00:36:14.079 We bring you. 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:15.440 Our praise. 00:36:15.699 --> 00:36:16.239 This evening. 00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:19.179 In Jesus name. 00:36:19.879 --> 00:36:20.219 Amen. 00:36:20.639 --> 00:36:20.960 Amen. 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:21.960 Amen.