WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.740 We're going to begin our worship by singing to God's praise. We sing in Psalm 147 in the 00:00:07.740 --> 00:00:16.080 Sing Psalms version, page 192 of the Psalm book, Psalm 147, and we're going to sing from verse 1 00:00:16.080 --> 00:00:24.580 to verse 7. The tune is Free Church. O praise the Lord, how good it is to sing him songs of praise, 00:00:24.579 --> 00:00:30.919 how pleasant to give thanks to him for all his gracious ways. The Lord builds up Jerusalem, 00:00:31.459 --> 00:00:39.000 and he it is alone who reaches out to Israel to bring the exiles home. A song that reminds us of 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:45.000 God reaching out to those who are lost in this world, reaching out to bring them home. So we'll 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:49.679 sing from verse 1 to verse 7, and we stand to sing to God's praise. 00:00:54.579 --> 00:01:24.560 O praise the Lord, how good it is to sing him songs of praise, how pleasant to give thanks to him for all his gracious ways. 00:01:24.579 --> 00:01:54.560 The Lord builds up Jerusalem, and he it is alone. Who reaches out to Israel to bring the exiles home. 00:01:54.579 --> 00:02:24.560 He hymns this people's broken heart, restores the fruit and blame. He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:26.560 And he it is alone. He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:28.560 He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:30.560 He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:30.560 --> 00:02:32.560 He sets the number of the stars, and he it is alone. He sets the number of stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:32.560 --> 00:02:34.560 He sets the number of stars, and he it is alone. He sets the number of stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:36.560 He sets the number of stars, and he it is alone. He sets the number of stars, and he it is alone. 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:52.560 It is alone. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:03:05.560 The weak, the cast, the wicked to the count. 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:21.520 Sing to the Lord with hand, with joy his praise proclaim. 00:03:21.520 --> 00:03:39.700 And with the music of the heart, give glory to his name. 00:03:43.700 --> 00:03:47.320 Let's unite our hearts in prayer. Let us come to God in prayer. 00:03:51.520 --> 00:03:59.660 Lord, our gracious God, our loving Father in heaven, we thank you for the joy that there is in singing praise to you. 00:04:00.219 --> 00:04:06.000 And we pray that you will fill our hearts with joy and thankfulness at this evening hour as we come. 00:04:06.640 --> 00:04:16.400 To worship your name, to praise you for who you are, for all that you have done for us, all that you are doing for us, and all that you will do for us. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:23.419 We are reminded in your word that you remind us of the past in so many ways, how you have been with your people. 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:27.759 How the word was given maybe so long ago in our eyes. 00:04:28.599 --> 00:04:36.579 But yet your word reminds us how relevant it is for our day to day, and how important it is for our future, and indeed for our eternity. 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:45.139 For we know that your word comes as a blessing to us, but it also comes with many warnings in its midst as well. 00:04:45.139 --> 00:04:57.060 But we thank you that we have sung praise to you as the one who is reaching out, that you are the one who is calling the exile's home, as the psalmist describes. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:03.419 And we thank you that that is the call that still goes out to this day, to all ends of the earth. 00:05:03.959 --> 00:05:07.860 We thank you how it has gone out already here in this place. 00:05:08.599 --> 00:05:13.000 Today we thank you for how it goes out week by week and in so many different ways. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:21.560 We thank you, you know, this last week how we've enjoyed sharing your word with so many young people coming in through our doors. 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:30.480 We thank you for that privilege and that delight that we have had in seeing them and getting to know them and in sharing with them. 00:05:30.939 --> 00:05:41.639 And for today as well and this morning, for the joy of seeing so many coming in through our doors here and engaging with a time of worship and with your people here. 00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:45.279 Seeing and hearing the joy in their voices and in their lives. 00:05:45.959 --> 00:05:49.099 And we pray, Lord, that you will encourage us in this. 00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:52.439 That you will encourage us that you are the one who is working. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:05:55.680 That you are the one who we have sung about here. 00:05:55.779 --> 00:06:01.819 Who is the one who heals the brokenhearted, who restores the bruised and lame. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:07.279 You are the one who sets the number of the stars and calls them each by name. 00:06:07.779 --> 00:06:11.439 We thank you that we come to you who is a mighty God. 00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:14.420 A God who is almighty. 00:06:15.420 --> 00:06:19.500 And yet a God who is all gracious and all loving towards his people. 00:06:20.439 --> 00:06:24.279 And so we pray, Lord, that you will encourage us and bless us in our hearts. 00:06:24.800 --> 00:06:28.379 That in the midst of everything that goes on around us and even within us. 00:06:28.379 --> 00:06:31.519 That you will still us in your presence for this time. 00:06:32.079 --> 00:06:34.740 That you will encourage us, Lord, as we hear your word. 00:06:34.819 --> 00:06:36.180 As we sing your praise. 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:38.740 As we offer up our prayers to you together. 00:06:39.420 --> 00:06:42.180 For you are the God who hears and answers prayer. 00:06:42.920 --> 00:06:46.680 You are the God who we are reminded again and again. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:49.199 Whose will we pray to be done. 00:06:49.779 --> 00:06:51.980 And your kingdom to come with power. 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:56.939 And so we pray, Lord, that to all ends of the earth today and each and every day. 00:06:57.480 --> 00:06:59.100 That as your name goes forth. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:01.680 Your name will be praised. 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:03.040 That your word will be blessed. 00:07:03.700 --> 00:07:06.860 That sinners will come to call upon you in repentance. 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:10.060 That your saints will be built up in their faith. 00:07:10.660 --> 00:07:12.960 That your church will grow. 00:07:13.640 --> 00:07:15.640 Even as it is promised in your word. 00:07:15.639 --> 00:07:20.079 So we ask all these things looking not to ourselves and our strength. 00:07:20.659 --> 00:07:25.120 But the one who is able to do abundantly more than all that we ask or imagine. 00:07:25.779 --> 00:07:29.300 We thank you that we commit all our prayers into your hands. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:32.199 We commit all that we do into your hands. 00:07:32.680 --> 00:07:36.240 We commit all our needs and our burdens to you, O Lord, in prayer. 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:38.800 And we thank you for that privilege. 00:07:39.339 --> 00:07:41.800 Even in these moments to be able to pray together. 00:07:41.800 --> 00:07:47.199 So that when one person misses something out, another is praying for different things. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:50.060 Whether it's locally, nationally or internationally. 00:07:50.840 --> 00:07:54.680 We thank you that your voices are heard by you. 00:07:55.040 --> 00:07:56.800 All of our voices collectively. 00:07:57.660 --> 00:08:00.740 Even in the silence of our hearts as we offer up our prayers. 00:08:00.860 --> 00:08:03.560 There is no word that is missed by you. 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:05.660 Every prayer is heard. 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:09.560 And we pray, Lord, that you will hear us in all our different cries. 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:12.699 For we know that there are people in need around us. 00:08:12.759 --> 00:08:17.939 That there are many who are in pain and grief and anguish of different kinds. 00:08:18.379 --> 00:08:23.780 We know day by day, O Lord, that there are people who suffer in so many different ways. 00:08:24.600 --> 00:08:29.620 And yet, O Lord, we thank you that you are a great shepherd to your people. 00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:33.019 That you surround us with your presence at all times. 00:08:33.299 --> 00:08:37.399 That you are there for your people no matter what situation they are in. 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:40.860 And that they would know, O Lord, a praying people with them. 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:44.759 And that they would know what it is to call upon the Lord themselves as well. 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:45.600 Even in their weakness. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:48.059 We pray, Lord, that you will give them strength. 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:50.000 Even to praise your name this night. 00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:54.340 We do ask, O Lord, for particular needs for those who are grieving. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:58.019 For those who are unwell, either at home or in hospital. 00:08:58.579 --> 00:09:01.299 For those who are going through times of trial just now. 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:06.079 We pray, O Lord, that you will surround them with your grace and with your love. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:15.519 We pray, too, for many young people who in these coming days will be receiving exam results on Tuesday this week. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:19.099 Throughout our community here, our islands and our nation. 00:09:19.819 --> 00:09:24.659 We pray, Lord, your blessing on all who wait in anticipation for that. 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:27.659 And we pray that you will encourage them and strengthen them. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:33.860 Help those who are returning to school after the summer to be encouraged in their results. 00:09:34.079 --> 00:09:38.019 And if they're disappointed, Lord, to go on in your strength. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:43.939 Help those who are preparing to go away to university or returning to university again, Lord. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:46.600 We pray that you will prepare the way for them. 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:55.779 And as we were reminded last week, not to forget their upbringing, the word that they've heard, the encouragement and prayers that they've received. 00:09:56.159 --> 00:09:59.960 We ask, O Lord, that you surround them with your presence and with your love. 00:10:00.700 --> 00:10:04.580 We thank you, too, even as we've enjoyed a week of holiday club. 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:07.580 We thank you for others who will be doing likewise in the coming week. 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:17.320 We are reminded on the notice sheet of work going on in North Harris Congregation this week on Monday to Wednesday with their own youth holiday club there. 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:21.240 We pray that you will bless them and the leaders and the children who attend. 00:10:22.020 --> 00:10:26.820 We thank you, too, for the outreach work going on in North and South Uist in this coming week. 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:29.759 Thank you for OM being there over this week. 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:39.439 We pray for all the communities there as there is youth work and different outreach work going on, that you will surround them and be with them and bless them with your presence. 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:43.980 That we would see and hear of fruit for all of these labors. 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:50.759 We thank you, Lord, that you are a God who is good, that we can look to you, that we can lean upon you. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:11:01.740 And we pray that you will continue to watch over us all in our homes and in our families, in all our needs and our cares as we come, confessing our sins before you and you. 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:06.240 How we fall short in so many ways in thought, word, and in deed. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:13.679 How often, O Lord, we sin and help us, Lord, to know what it is to truly repent and turn to you. 00:11:13.679 --> 00:11:25.679 We thank you that you have that great forgiveness on offer to us through your Son, Christ Jesus, that we have hope, not just for this life, but as we look to your word this evening for eternity. 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:31.679 Bless through him that we will forever praise his name around the throne in heaven. 00:11:32.319 --> 00:11:39.179 We pray, Lord, that you will give us eyes of faith to see, even as it is through that glass dimly just now. 00:11:39.179 --> 00:11:43.739 But that you will encourage us, Lord, give us the faith that we need day by day. 00:11:44.839 --> 00:11:47.039 Uphold us and strengthen us, we ask. 00:11:47.579 --> 00:11:51.279 So go with us now, continue to bless us as we further sing your praise. 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:57.339 The Amurda as he leads us and us all together, help us all to lift our hearts to you in praise. 00:11:58.279 --> 00:12:04.620 Acknowledging all your ways that are prepared for us, help us to follow you and to walk in them. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:11.940 So we ask all these things in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for his glory always. 00:12:12.440 --> 00:12:12.840 Amen. 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:21.039 We further sing to God's praise in Psalm 27. 00:12:21.560 --> 00:12:23.179 This is in the Scottish Psalter. 00:12:24.960 --> 00:12:28.799 Psalm 27, page 236. 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:35.120 We're going to sing from verse 1 to the end of double verse 4. 00:12:35.839 --> 00:12:37.319 And the tune is Argyle. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:40.159 Psalm 27 at verse 1. 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:42.779 The Lord's my light and saving health. 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:44.379 Who shall make me dismayed? 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:46.799 My life's strength is the Lord of whom? 00:12:47.259 --> 00:12:48.679 Then shall I be afraid. 00:12:49.199 --> 00:12:52.159 When as my enemies and foes, most wicked persons all, 00:12:52.699 --> 00:12:57.000 to eat my flesh against me rose, they stumbled and did fall. 00:12:57.000 --> 00:13:01.980 Psalm goes on to speak in verse 4 of the great desire of the Lord's people to, 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:08.200 seeking to obtain that all days of my life I may within God's house remain, 00:13:08.299 --> 00:13:12.620 that I the beauty of the Lord behold me and admire. 00:13:12.740 --> 00:13:16.360 We'll sing verse 1 to double verse 4 to God's praise. 00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:17.559 We stand to sing. 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.559 Amen. 00:13:18.559 --> 00:13:18.879 Amen. 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:31.860 The Lord's my light and saving health. 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:40.080 Who shall make me dismayed? 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:49.340 My life's strength is the Lord of whom? 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:56.060 Then shall I be afraid. 00:13:56.059 --> 00:14:07.199 When as my death, hear me, son of Lord, 00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:15.119 O, sweet, good persons all, 00:14:15.119 --> 00:14:24.939 To lead thy flesh against me rose, 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:31.940 They stand the land and fall. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:42.980 Against me, Lord, and host and come, 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:49.980 My heart yet fearlessness. 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:57.980 Though war against me rise, 00:14:57.980 --> 00:15:07.980 I will be confident in this. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:17.980 One thing I know the Lord desire, 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:24.980 And will seem to obtain, 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:35.980 That all is all my life I may, 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:42.980 Within God's house remain, 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:48.980 That I the beauty of the Lord be holy and admire, 00:15:48.980 --> 00:16:00.980 That I the beauty of the Lord be holy and admire, 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:19.980 And that I in his holy place may reverend be in fire. 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:28.980 If we can turn together to the word of God, 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:30.980 We're going to read two passages, 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:32.980 Our first in the Old Testament, 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:34.980 In the book of Isaiah, 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:36.980 And then our second reading in the New Testament, 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.980 In the book of Revelation. 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:41.980 Isaiah chapter 35, 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:43.980 Our first reading, 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:45.980 We can read the whole of this chapter, 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:49.980 And then we'll turn to a few verses in Revelation chapter 7. 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:55.980 Isaiah 35 at verse 1, 00:16:55.980 --> 00:17:25.980 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:55.980 00:17:55.980 --> 00:18:25.980 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:34.980 And we'll turn into the New Testament, 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:37.980 And the everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:41.980 They shall obtain gladness and joy, 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:45.980 And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:47.980 And we'll turn into the New Testament, 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:49.980 Into the book of Revelation. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:52.980 And we're reading in chapter 7. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:58.980 Revelation chapter 7. 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:01.980 We take up our reading at verse 9, 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.980 Down to the end of this chapter. 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.980 After this I looked, 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:11.980 And behold, 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:14.980 A great multitude that no one could number, 00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:15.980 From every nation, 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.980 From all tribes, 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:18.980 And peoples and languages, 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:20.980 Standing before the throne, 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:22.980 And before the Lamb, 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:24.980 Clothed in white robes, 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:26.980 With palm branches in their hands, 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:28.980 And crying out with a loud voice, 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:31.980 Salvation belongs to our God, 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:33.980 Who sits on the throne, 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:35.980 And to the Lamb. 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:38.980 And all the angels were standing round the throne, 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:40.980 And round the elders, 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:42.980 And the four living creatures. 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:44.980 And they fell on their faces before the throne, 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:46.980 And worshipped God, 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.980 Saying, Amen. 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:50.980 Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving, 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:53.980 And honour and power and might, 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:55.980 Be to our God for ever and ever. 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.980 Amen. 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:59.980 Then one of the elders addressed me, 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:00.980 Saying, 00:20:00.980 --> 00:20:03.980 Who are these clothed in white robes? 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:05.980 And from where have they come? 00:20:05.980 --> 00:20:06.980 I said to him, 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:08.980 Sir, you know. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:10.980 And he said to me, 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:13.980 These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.980 They have washed their robes, 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:18.980 And made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.980 Therefore, 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.980 They are before the throne of God, 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:24.980 And serve him day and night in his temple. 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:26.980 And he who sits on the throne 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:28.980 Will shelter them with his presence. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.980 They shall hunger no more, 00:20:30.980 --> 00:20:32.980 Neither thirst any more. 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:35.980 The sun shall not strike them, 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:37.980 Nor any scorching heat. 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:39.980 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.980 Will be their shepherd. 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:46.980 And he will guide them to springs of living water. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:51.980 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:52.980 Amen. 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:56.980 And may God bless that reading from his word. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.980 Before we turn back to look at, 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:01.980 In particular, Revelation, 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:04.980 We're going to sing again to God's praise. 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:06.980 In Psalm 23, 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.980 In the Scottish Psalter. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:14.980 Psalm 23. 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:18.980 All our singings this evening have the theme, 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:22.980 In them of being in the presence of God. 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:23.980 In this well-known Psalm, 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.980 We know it well. 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:28.980 But it reminds us of our eternal presence in God's house. 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:32.980 For evermore my dwelling place shall be. 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:34.980 We're going to sing the whole of the Psalm. 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:35.980 Psalm 23. 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.980 The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want. 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:39.980 He makes me down to lie. 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:41.980 In pastures green, he leadeth me. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:44.980 The quiet waters by. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.980 And the tune is, 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.980 The base of Harris, 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:49.980 We sing the whole of the Psalm. 00:21:49.980 --> 00:22:04.980 The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want. 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:12.980 He makes me down to lie. 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:31.980 The quiet waters by. 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:41.980 My soul, ye God, restore again, 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:50.980 And me to walk of me, 00:22:50.980 --> 00:23:00.980 Within the paths of righteousness, 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:09.980 In for his own insane. 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:12.980 For thy house is peeing. 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:17.980 He'll share it with me. 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:19.980 The council, ye as now God's work, 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:20.980 Ye though I walk in thres, dar'd fill, 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:24.980 Yet will thy sign not allele. 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:28.980 Hear, hear, hear. 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:34.980 For thou who art with me, 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:41.980 And thy rock and stuff, 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:47.980 Be come for still. 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:53.980 My table, Lord, 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:58.980 Has worthy shed 00:23:58.980 --> 00:24:06.980 In presence of my foes, 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:12.980 My heaven, thou trust, 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:17.980 With all the light, 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:26.980 And my cup, O her foes, 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:32.980 Goodness and mercy, 00:24:32.980 --> 00:24:37.980 All my life, 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:45.980 Shall surely follow me, 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:50.980 And in God's heart, 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:55.980 For evermore, 00:24:55.980 --> 00:25:05.980 My dwelling place shall be. 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:10.980 We can turn back together to our reading, 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:13.980 In particular the reading in Revelation chapter 7, 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:18.980 But we're going to be tying it in with our reading in Isaiah 35 as well. 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:22.980 I'm sure you will have noticed the overlap between the two, 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:26.980 The same theme in both the readings that we've had. 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:29.980 But in Revelation chapter 7, 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:32.980 And at verse 14 we have these words, 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:33.980 I said to him, 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.980 Sir, you know. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:36.980 And he said to me, 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.980 These are those, 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:40.980 The ones coming out of the great tribulation. 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:44.980 They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:47.980 Therefore they are before the throne of God, 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:50.980 And serve him day and night in his temple. 00:25:50.980 --> 00:25:54.980 And he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.980 They shall hunger no more, 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:58.980 Neither thirst any more. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:00.980 The sun shall not strike them, 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:02.980 Not any scorching heat. 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:06.980 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:10.980 And he will guide them to springs of living water. 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:16.980 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:23.980 We're going to look at these two passages together under the heading of a glimpse of heaven. 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:27.980 Both Isaiah and John here in Revelation, 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:31.980 Is given this glimpse into heaven by God. 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:36.980 It doesn't answer all the questions that we might have of what heaven will be like, 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:37.980 And what we will have there. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:44.980 But it gives us a glimpse into it that reminds us that it's a place that we should all desire. 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:48.980 If I was to ask the question this evening here, 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.980 Who wants to go to heaven? 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:52.980 To give me a show of hands of that question, 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:55.980 I'm sure every hand would go up. 00:26:55.980 --> 00:27:00.980 Everyone here, I'm sure, has a desire, a longing for heaven. 00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:02.980 And indeed in the world in which we live, 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:05.980 If you ask people just in a general sense, 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:09.980 On the idea of heaven and a place after death, 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:13.980 There are many people, probably the majority of people, 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:17.980 Who would long for a place of heaven called heaven. 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:23.980 There are many different religions that have their own idea of what heaven will be like. 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:27.980 A paradise for their people. 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:32.980 But there's a difference in what our thoughts are on what heaven is, 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:36.980 And of the woes in the world in a general sense. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:38.980 There's so much of a difference. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:44.980 And especially when it comes to the idea of how do we get to heaven. 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:51.980 It says here that the people will be before the throne of God in verse 15. 00:27:51.980 --> 00:27:54.980 But who are they? 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.980 Who are these people? 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:58.980 And where is the throne of God? 00:27:58.980 --> 00:28:01.980 Is a natural question that comes out of this. 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:06.980 But there are people who are before the throne of God. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:12.980 In the Bible we read that people must come before God in different ways. 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:15.980 People are to come to God in worship. 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:18.980 It is a command that the Lord gives to us. 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:23.980 Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:25.980 We are told in the Catechism. 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:27.980 But that is not everyone's desire. 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:32.980 Not everyone wants to come to God in this way of worship. 00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:36.980 We are told to come to God in repentance. 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:41.980 To approach Him in this way, seeking forgiveness of our sin. 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:45.980 When we realize how far short we fall from His glory. 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:48.980 But again, not everyone sees it. 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:53.980 Not everyone wants to come before God in this way of repentance. 00:28:53.980 --> 00:29:00.980 We are told in the word of God that everyone must appear before the judgment seat of God. 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:05.980 That the day of God's judgment will come when every knee will bow before God. 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:09.980 And every tongue confess that He is Lord. 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:16.980 There is a command and a way for us all where we are to come before God. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:21.980 But what about after the judgment? 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:28.980 Unlike the judgment seat where everyone will appear, there is a place where only the Lord's people will be. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:32.980 And that is before the throne of God. 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:37.980 And for all eternity in the place called heaven. 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:41.980 And it leads us to have many questions. 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:45.980 A bit like the day of judgment, which we read of in the scriptures. 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:50.980 But we can't fully comprehend just what it's going to be like. 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:54.980 When the Lord returns with the angels and comes down. 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:56.980 And everyone comes before this throne. 00:29:56.980 --> 00:30:02.980 It's just hard for us to imagine what this day is going to be like. 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:05.980 But the word tells us that we will all see. 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:08.980 We will all see the Lord in His coming. 00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:11.980 And when we think of heaven as well. 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:14.980 Appearing before the throne of God there. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.980 Seeing the lamb in the midst. 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.980 And all of these things. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:20.980 It leads us to so many questions. 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:25.980 We've probably got many unanswered questions when it comes to heaven. 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:34.980 But what the scripture does tell us about it is it's a place the Lord's people should all long for. 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:40.980 It's something we have as the Lord's people with a sense of anticipation. 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:43.980 We look forward to it. 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:47.980 We have this place to look forward to. 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:54.980 As a place we are reminded in scripture there will be no disappointment when we get there. 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:58.980 There will be nothing that will leave us disappointed. 00:30:58.980 --> 00:31:02.980 It's a place that the Lord's people can look forward to. 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:07.980 And especially just being able to behold the beauty of our Lord. 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:17.980 The lamb in the midst of the throne as we sang in Psalm 27 of gazing on the beauty of the Lord all of our days. 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:20.980 It's hard to imagine. 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:25.980 We sometimes say we get a taste of heaven here on earth. 00:31:25.980 --> 00:31:29.980 We know God's blessing upon us now in a special way. 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:32.980 But it's just a little taste. 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:37.980 It's nothing like what it's going to be when we are with him forever. 00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:41.980 One person once described heaven in this way. 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:47.980 An unknown region with a well-known inhabitant. 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:55.980 And in some ways we could say well an unknown region in some ways because we are told a bit about heaven. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:59.980 But certainly a well-known inhabitant. 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:02.980 The Lord will be there. 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:09.980 Richard Baxter, another theologian back in the 1600s, he put it in this way. 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.980 He said, 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:13.980 My knowledge of that life is small. 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:15.980 The eye of faith is dim. 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:19.980 But it's enough that Christ knows all. 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:22.980 And I shall be with him. 00:32:22.980 --> 00:32:24.980 There is that confidence and faith. 00:32:24.980 --> 00:32:28.980 Even though we don't see it in completeness just now. 00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:31.980 As the word says, we see like through a glass darkly. 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:34.980 But we shall be with him. 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:41.980 And both Isaiah in the Old and John in the New Testament were given glimpses of heaven for themselves. 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:46.980 And they were visions that made certain things clear for us. 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:52.980 But even in a way when you read through Revelation and you see John trying to describe heaven, he says, 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:56.980 Well, it's like the streets are like gold. 00:32:56.980 --> 00:32:59.980 He just doesn't have the words to do it justice. 00:32:59.980 --> 00:33:06.980 And we never do have the words to do it justice when we come to think of heaven. 00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:11.980 It's awesome in so much ways, so many ways, in every way. 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:17.980 But there are three things I want us to take from these portions that we've read together this evening. 00:33:17.980 --> 00:33:20.980 Consider about a glimpse into heaven this evening. 00:33:20.980 --> 00:33:23.980 And thinking of Jesus being there. 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:27.980 And whether our desire is to be there with him. 00:33:27.980 --> 00:33:32.980 And the first thing we're going to look at is the right to heaven. 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:35.980 The second thing is the joy of heaven. 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:39.980 And the third thing is the way to heaven. 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:43.980 So firstly, we see the right to heaven. 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:47.980 We want to be clear about this. 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:51.980 The question of who has the right to be there. 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:56.980 We could go from one extreme to the other and the world does. 00:33:56.980 --> 00:34:01.980 We could say, well, no one can say they have the right to be in heaven. 00:34:01.980 --> 00:34:02.980 And we don't. 00:34:02.980 --> 00:34:04.980 We know that of ourselves. 00:34:04.980 --> 00:34:08.980 We don't have the right in and of ourselves to go to heaven. 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:15.980 But then you go to the other end of the spectrum and people say, well, everyone can go to heaven. 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:17.980 And everyone does go to heaven. 00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:18.980 But can that be right? 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:26.980 Well, not the way the word of God makes it clear to us. 00:34:26.980 --> 00:34:28.980 It's not for everyone. 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:30.980 And it's not for no one. 00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:33.980 Because there is a way to heaven. 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:37.980 And that is what the Lord came into this world for. 00:34:37.980 --> 00:34:39.980 To make that way for us. 00:34:39.980 --> 00:34:43.980 So we could say, of course, we don't deserve heaven. 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:49.980 But through faith in the Lord, we can know heaven for ourselves. 00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:57.980 But that right to heaven that seems to be more prevalent in our world today is, well, everyone goes to heaven. 00:34:57.980 --> 00:35:02.980 And it's one of the most tragic things you hear people speak about. 00:35:02.980 --> 00:35:08.980 This sure knowledge of heaven without any knowledge of Christ. 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:14.980 And what he has done to open the way to heaven for us. 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:17.980 We see it so often. 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:21.980 Where we see the idea of heaven appeals to everyone. 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:25.980 The idea of a place where everything is made well. 00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:28.980 A place of peace, of restoration. 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:34.980 We see it so often in tragic experiences in people's lives. 00:35:34.980 --> 00:35:36.980 People who don't know anything of the word of God. 00:35:36.980 --> 00:35:39.980 But the idea of heaven just appeals to them. 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:41.980 Well, they're up there now. 00:35:41.980 --> 00:35:44.980 You know, they're still with us in a way. 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.980 They're looking down. 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:48.980 They're enjoying themselves in this place. 00:35:48.980 --> 00:35:50.980 They're with all their friends. 00:35:50.980 --> 00:35:53.980 This idea of heaven appeals. 00:35:53.980 --> 00:35:57.980 But you can't have that without Christ. 00:35:57.980 --> 00:36:01.980 And that's what the word makes clear for us. 00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:06.980 The word makes clear that this is not a place we put in. 00:36:06.980 --> 00:36:09.980 We prepare for ourselves. 00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:13.980 It's not even a place we really prepare ourselves for. 00:36:13.980 --> 00:36:15.980 The Lord does not work in us. 00:36:15.980 --> 00:36:21.980 But it's certainly in no way do we prepare this place for ourselves. 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:26.980 In Psalm 23 where we sang these well-known words. 00:36:26.980 --> 00:36:28.980 It speaks at the end of, 00:36:28.980 --> 00:36:33.980 In God's house forevermore my dwelling place shall be. 00:36:33.980 --> 00:36:35.980 It's not our house. 00:36:35.980 --> 00:36:39.980 It's not the place that we've prepared with our own hands. 00:36:39.980 --> 00:36:42.980 It's not something we've built up for ourselves. 00:36:42.980 --> 00:36:45.980 It is God's house. 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:51.980 And that's made clearer for us then when we come in to the Gospel of John, chapter 14. 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:54.980 We were looking at it a few weeks ago, the end of that chapter. 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:57.980 But it's at the beginning it speaks of Jesus saying, 00:36:57.980 --> 00:37:01.980 In my Father's house are many rooms. 00:37:01.980 --> 00:37:04.980 In my Father's house. 00:37:04.980 --> 00:37:07.980 And if it were not so, I would have told you. 00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:12.980 I am going to prepare a place for you. 00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:18.980 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again. 00:37:18.980 --> 00:37:24.980 So he is preparing a place for his people. 00:37:24.980 --> 00:37:28.980 For those who will come and trust. 00:37:28.980 --> 00:37:32.980 It is not a place for everyone. 00:37:32.980 --> 00:37:36.980 But it's a place for anyone who will come. 00:37:36.980 --> 00:37:40.980 Isaiah and John here in Revelation make that clear for us. 00:37:40.980 --> 00:37:43.980 They both tell us these things. 00:37:43.980 --> 00:37:46.980 It is for those who are clean. 00:37:46.980 --> 00:37:49.980 In Isaiah 35, verse 8, it says, 00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:51.980 A highway will be there. 00:37:51.980 --> 00:37:54.980 It will be called the way of holiness. 00:37:54.980 --> 00:37:57.980 The unclean will not journey on it. 00:37:57.980 --> 00:38:01.980 It will be for those who walk in that way. 00:38:01.980 --> 00:38:07.980 There is a people who will go that way, but it's not everyone. 00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:11.980 Revelation 7, here, verse 14 again. 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:16.980 It reminds us that these are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. 00:38:16.980 --> 00:38:21.980 They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 00:38:21.980 --> 00:38:23.980 They have been cleansed. 00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:27.980 And so what are they saying to us here? 00:38:27.980 --> 00:38:33.980 What's Isaiah saying to us here when he speaks about the unclean will not journey on it? 00:38:33.980 --> 00:38:35.980 It will be for those who walk in the way. 00:38:35.980 --> 00:38:42.980 Well, in the Old Testament, there were ceremonies that the people held where people had to prepare for these ceremonies. 00:38:42.980 --> 00:38:52.980 If you were unclean, and there were many ways you could be unclean, you weren't able to partake in these ceremonies until you went through a cleansing ritual. 00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:58.980 That's why in the temple as you came in, there was the laver of water where you could be cleansed. 00:38:58.980 --> 00:39:02.980 And without that, you couldn't go any further. 00:39:02.980 --> 00:39:07.980 But here, there's a more final view here. 00:39:07.980 --> 00:39:11.980 The unclean will not journey on it. 00:39:11.980 --> 00:39:14.980 It's too late. 00:39:14.980 --> 00:39:18.980 Your time is up. 00:39:18.980 --> 00:39:27.980 The only way is to have been cleansed by walking in that way. 00:39:27.980 --> 00:39:37.980 By having her robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. 00:39:37.980 --> 00:39:40.980 So there's this final picture here. 00:39:40.980 --> 00:39:44.980 It is not for everyone. 00:39:44.980 --> 00:39:48.980 Not everyone has the right to heaven. 00:39:48.980 --> 00:39:53.980 And that's the warning that rings out in Scripture. 00:39:53.980 --> 00:39:58.980 And that's the warning we hear again and again. 00:39:58.980 --> 00:40:00.980 To be prepared. 00:40:00.980 --> 00:40:04.980 To be ready for the day of the Lord's return. 00:40:04.980 --> 00:40:05.980 To be cleansed. 00:40:05.980 --> 00:40:11.980 To be washed in the blood of the Lamb through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:40:11.980 --> 00:40:15.980 We have no right to heaven of ourselves. 00:40:15.980 --> 00:40:18.980 It is a place prepared for us. 00:40:18.980 --> 00:40:21.980 It is God's house. 00:40:21.980 --> 00:40:24.980 And so we have to look for that way. 00:40:24.980 --> 00:40:27.980 And we'll return to that shortly. 00:40:27.980 --> 00:40:30.980 But there is not everyone has this right. 00:40:30.980 --> 00:40:34.980 And we don't earn it by being good. 00:40:34.980 --> 00:40:36.980 There is a particular way. 00:40:36.980 --> 00:40:43.980 But before we come back to that, I want us to think of a second thing that we see coming across clearly here. 00:40:43.980 --> 00:40:46.980 And it's the joy of heaven. 00:40:46.980 --> 00:40:51.980 What kind of experience is it going to be coming into heaven? 00:40:51.980 --> 00:40:55.980 And again, this is something that we can always have questions about. 00:40:55.980 --> 00:40:58.980 We'll all have our own different questions about heaven. 00:40:58.980 --> 00:41:00.980 Will we know each other in heaven? 00:41:00.980 --> 00:41:03.980 I see no reason why we won't. 00:41:03.980 --> 00:41:07.980 But it's one of these questions we still try and tease out. 00:41:07.980 --> 00:41:09.980 Will we work in heaven? 00:41:09.980 --> 00:41:11.980 What will we be doing in heaven? 00:41:11.980 --> 00:41:13.980 What will the place be like? 00:41:13.980 --> 00:41:15.980 There are so many questions that we can have. 00:41:15.980 --> 00:41:17.980 And we don't always have answers. 00:41:17.980 --> 00:41:22.980 And very often we don't have answers to these questions in a definite way. 00:41:22.980 --> 00:41:29.980 But there are things that are clear for us of what kind of place it will be. 00:41:29.980 --> 00:41:33.980 It will be a new place. 00:41:33.980 --> 00:41:37.980 It will be a place of joy. 00:41:37.980 --> 00:41:44.980 A place where sin and sorrow and sadness will be no more. 00:41:44.980 --> 00:41:50.980 You could say it's a place where we are fully and finally healed. 00:41:50.980 --> 00:41:52.980 God's people. 00:41:52.980 --> 00:41:56.980 Sin has ruined our lives. 00:41:56.980 --> 00:42:00.980 Sin has ruined the world in which we live. 00:42:00.980 --> 00:42:06.980 From our own hearts we see the pain and the grief that sin causes. 00:42:06.980 --> 00:42:09.980 We see it ruining lives in this world. 00:42:09.980 --> 00:42:14.980 Broken through sickness and sorrow of so many different kinds. 00:42:14.980 --> 00:42:19.980 We see people struggling in so many different ways. 00:42:19.980 --> 00:42:25.980 Physically, mentally, with addiction, with all kinds of struggles in life. 00:42:25.980 --> 00:42:29.980 We see relationships breaking down so often. 00:42:29.980 --> 00:42:30.980 Marriages. 00:42:30.980 --> 00:42:32.980 Parents and children. 00:42:32.980 --> 00:42:36.980 Workplaces where their work relationships break down. 00:42:36.980 --> 00:42:41.980 We see all kinds of difficulties that people experience on a regular basis. 00:42:41.980 --> 00:42:43.980 Ongoing. 00:42:43.980 --> 00:42:46.980 And the same is true of creation itself. 00:42:46.980 --> 00:42:51.980 We read in God's word that the earth is groaning under the burden of sin. 00:42:51.980 --> 00:42:54.980 Sin has brought drought and famine. 00:42:54.980 --> 00:42:56.980 Natural disasters. 00:42:56.980 --> 00:42:57.980 Pollution. 00:42:57.980 --> 00:42:58.980 Wars. 00:42:58.980 --> 00:43:02.980 All kinds of things that ruin the world in which we live. 00:43:02.980 --> 00:43:14.980 But when you read Isaiah and Revelation here, what you see is a picture of restoration and of joy being given back to God's people. 00:43:14.980 --> 00:43:19.980 Isaiah 35 speaks of it in this way. 00:43:19.980 --> 00:43:21.980 They will enter Zion with singing. 00:43:21.980 --> 00:43:26.980 Everlasting joy will crown their heads. 00:43:26.980 --> 00:43:29.980 Gladness and joy will overtake them. 00:43:29.980 --> 00:43:32.980 And sorrow and sighing will flee away. 00:43:32.980 --> 00:43:34.980 What a wonderful image. 00:43:34.980 --> 00:44:03.980 John has that same image here for us in verse 16 and 17. 00:44:03.980 --> 00:44:06.980 They shall hunger no more, neither shall they thirst anymore. 00:44:06.980 --> 00:44:10.980 The sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 00:44:10.980 --> 00:44:13.980 For the lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd. 00:44:13.980 --> 00:44:17.980 He will guide them to springs of living water. 00:44:17.980 --> 00:44:23.980 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:44:23.980 --> 00:44:29.980 It's a wonderful image of the care of God. 00:44:29.980 --> 00:44:30.980 God will wipe away every day. 00:44:30.980 --> 00:44:32.980 The lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd. 00:44:32.980 --> 00:44:37.980 The lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd. 00:44:37.980 --> 00:44:44.980 Leading them to springs of living water. 00:44:44.980 --> 00:44:48.980 We will feast with him. 00:44:48.980 --> 00:44:49.980 With him. 00:44:49.980 --> 00:44:54.980 There's an author by the name Leo Bascaglia. 00:44:54.980 --> 00:45:00.980 And he told the story about his own life experience when he was a young boy. 00:45:00.980 --> 00:45:03.980 An experience he saw with his mother at one time in their life. 00:45:03.980 --> 00:45:11.980 It was a night after his father had come home and said that they were looking likely to go into bankruptcy. 00:45:11.980 --> 00:45:17.980 His father owned a business, but his business partner had done a runner. 00:45:17.980 --> 00:45:20.980 And he had taken the money with them. 00:45:20.980 --> 00:45:23.980 There were no more funds to see them through. 00:45:23.980 --> 00:45:29.980 What his mother did on that day after they had been told, she went out and sold some jewelry. 00:45:29.980 --> 00:45:33.980 And she bought food for a great feast. 00:45:33.980 --> 00:45:38.980 There were other members in the family who thought she was crazy. 00:45:38.980 --> 00:45:43.980 Doing this when they just told they were facing up to bankruptcy. 00:45:43.980 --> 00:45:45.980 They scolded her. 00:45:45.980 --> 00:45:50.980 But she said, the time for joy is now. 00:45:50.980 --> 00:45:52.980 When we need it most. 00:45:52.980 --> 00:45:54.980 Not next week. 00:45:54.980 --> 00:45:59.980 And what she did rallied the family to keep going. 00:45:59.980 --> 00:46:05.980 We were looking on Wednesday evening at the woman who poured out the ointment on Jesus. 00:46:05.980 --> 00:46:07.980 She did what she could. 00:46:07.980 --> 00:46:12.980 It seemed extravagant and she was scolded for that. 00:46:12.980 --> 00:46:14.980 This woman similar. 00:46:14.980 --> 00:46:16.980 She wanted her family to have joy. 00:46:16.980 --> 00:46:19.980 So she sold what was precious to her. 00:46:19.980 --> 00:46:21.980 So they could enjoy a feast together. 00:46:21.980 --> 00:46:27.980 But when we remember that he has gone to prepare a feast for us. 00:46:27.980 --> 00:46:30.980 We can have joy. 00:46:30.980 --> 00:46:35.980 Though that joy is tempered just now in so many ways. 00:46:35.980 --> 00:46:40.980 We know that the day will come when we will have joy everlasting. 00:46:40.980 --> 00:46:45.980 We look forward to the Lord's Supper, God willing, in a few weeks time. 00:46:45.980 --> 00:46:50.980 A time when we feast around God's word and sacrament. 00:46:50.980 --> 00:46:56.980 But even then we know sin can spoil it for us in so many ways. 00:46:56.980 --> 00:47:00.980 But we are reminded of our great feast. 00:47:00.980 --> 00:47:03.980 Being prepared for all of God's people. 00:47:03.980 --> 00:47:05.980 They shall hunger no more. 00:47:05.980 --> 00:47:13.980 We will have joy when we are there before the throne with the shepherd who will guide us all the way. 00:47:13.980 --> 00:47:19.980 There's a song that some of you will be familiar with that says this. 00:47:19.980 --> 00:47:22.980 We will feast in the house of Zion. 00:47:22.980 --> 00:47:25.980 We will sing with our hearts restored. 00:47:25.980 --> 00:47:28.980 He has done great things. 00:47:28.980 --> 00:47:34.980 We will say together, we will feast and weep no more. 00:47:34.980 --> 00:47:37.980 Who is there for us? 00:47:37.980 --> 00:47:43.980 The Lamb of God in the midst of the throne. 00:47:43.980 --> 00:47:49.980 He who sits on the throne, it says in verse 15, will shelter them with his presence. 00:47:49.980 --> 00:47:54.980 He will be with us always. 00:47:54.980 --> 00:47:58.980 The joy of heaven for his people. 00:47:58.980 --> 00:48:01.980 Joy everlasting. 00:48:01.980 --> 00:48:05.980 Sighing, sorrow and sighing will flee away. 00:48:05.980 --> 00:48:08.980 Just as we have there at the end of chapter 7 too. 00:48:08.980 --> 00:48:13.980 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:48:13.980 --> 00:48:16.980 No more sorrow. 00:48:16.980 --> 00:48:19.980 Our healing complete. 00:48:19.980 --> 00:48:22.980 And our joy fully restored. 00:48:22.980 --> 00:48:27.980 There is joy in heaven for the Lord's people. 00:48:27.980 --> 00:48:34.980 The third thing and final thing we want to just come back to is the way to heaven. 00:48:34.980 --> 00:48:38.980 As we hear these things, we are left with that final question. 00:48:38.980 --> 00:48:41.980 How can I get there? 00:48:41.980 --> 00:48:44.980 If it is only for certain people. 00:48:44.980 --> 00:48:47.980 If it is a place of such joy. 00:48:47.980 --> 00:48:52.980 How can we be sure to be found there when the day the Lord makes up his crown? 00:48:52.980 --> 00:48:56.980 How can we be there? 00:48:56.980 --> 00:49:01.980 Well, Isaiah and John again both make it plain for us. 00:49:01.980 --> 00:49:06.980 As we've looked at, we see it's for those who have been cleansed. 00:49:07.980 --> 00:49:10.980 Isaiah 35, the unclean will not journey on. 00:49:10.980 --> 00:49:14.980 It will be for those who walk in that way. 00:49:14.980 --> 00:49:18.980 And verse 9 makes clear again. 00:49:18.980 --> 00:49:22.980 The redeemed of the Lord will walk there. 00:49:23.980 --> 00:49:26.980 Redemption is key. 00:49:27.980 --> 00:49:34.980 During this week of the holiday club, we've been enjoying so much of learning about who Jesus is. 00:49:34.980 --> 00:49:39.980 We learned each day a little more about what he had done for us. 00:49:39.980 --> 00:49:40.980 How he was king. 00:49:40.980 --> 00:49:42.980 How he had power and authority. 00:49:42.980 --> 00:49:44.980 How he was able to forgive sins. 00:49:44.980 --> 00:49:49.980 How to do that he went to the cross and gave his life. 00:49:49.980 --> 00:49:51.980 And then we saw his power over death. 00:49:51.980 --> 00:49:54.980 That he rose from the grave. 00:49:54.980 --> 00:49:56.980 That took us up to Thursday. 00:49:57.980 --> 00:50:00.980 But then there's a question on Friday. 00:50:00.980 --> 00:50:04.980 A question for the young people and for all the parents. 00:50:04.980 --> 00:50:05.980 For all of us. 00:50:05.980 --> 00:50:08.980 And the question was this. 00:50:08.980 --> 00:50:10.980 Will you follow him? 00:50:12.980 --> 00:50:15.980 Because he is the way. 00:50:15.980 --> 00:50:22.980 There is no other way to heaven but through faith in him. 00:50:22.980 --> 00:50:27.980 And on Friday at the holiday club, Scott was doing the talk. 00:50:27.980 --> 00:50:33.980 And he was speaking to the children about what it means to follow Jesus. 00:50:33.980 --> 00:50:39.980 And to illustrate it, he took three children, four children and put blindfolds on them. 00:50:40.980 --> 00:50:42.980 They were perfectly safe at all times. 00:50:43.980 --> 00:50:45.980 But they were following Scott. 00:50:46.980 --> 00:50:49.980 And he was calling out to them with his voice to follow him. 00:50:49.980 --> 00:50:53.980 But then there was other voices that started calling out. 00:50:53.980 --> 00:50:55.980 Saying, come this way. 00:50:55.980 --> 00:50:56.980 Over here. 00:50:56.980 --> 00:50:58.980 Don't go that way. 00:50:58.980 --> 00:51:00.980 And there was all these voices crying out to the children. 00:51:00.980 --> 00:51:04.980 And you could see the children who were blindfolded were confused. 00:51:04.980 --> 00:51:06.980 They didn't know which way to go. 00:51:06.980 --> 00:51:09.980 And they started following different voices. 00:51:12.980 --> 00:51:14.980 And that is the way we are too, so often. 00:51:14.980 --> 00:51:19.980 We hear all these different voices calling out to us. 00:51:19.980 --> 00:51:20.980 Here is the way. 00:51:20.980 --> 00:51:21.980 Don't go that way. 00:51:21.980 --> 00:51:22.980 Go this way. 00:51:22.980 --> 00:51:25.980 And we follow all these different voices. 00:51:25.980 --> 00:51:27.980 And we get confused. 00:51:28.980 --> 00:51:33.980 But what Scott did in his talk was then to bring the children who were blindfolded back to him. 00:51:33.980 --> 00:51:36.980 And said to them, put your hand on here. 00:51:36.980 --> 00:51:38.980 And hold on to this. 00:51:38.980 --> 00:51:39.980 A Bible. 00:51:39.980 --> 00:51:41.980 The Word of God. 00:51:41.980 --> 00:51:43.980 And he was saying, don't let go. 00:51:43.980 --> 00:51:45.980 And follow me now. 00:51:45.980 --> 00:51:47.980 And the children followed him. 00:51:47.980 --> 00:51:49.980 And all these voices started shouting again. 00:51:49.980 --> 00:51:50.980 Over here. 00:51:50.980 --> 00:51:51.980 Come this way. 00:51:51.980 --> 00:51:52.980 But they didn't sway. 00:51:52.980 --> 00:51:54.980 They didn't go any other way. 00:51:54.980 --> 00:51:56.980 Because they were holding on to the Word. 00:51:56.980 --> 00:51:58.980 And Scott was holding on to. 00:51:58.980 --> 00:52:00.980 And he was leading them. 00:52:00.980 --> 00:52:05.980 And that is a reminder of what God has done for us. 00:52:06.980 --> 00:52:10.980 He goes to prepare the way for us. 00:52:10.980 --> 00:52:12.980 But he doesn't leave us. 00:52:12.980 --> 00:52:15.980 He is always with us. 00:52:15.980 --> 00:52:18.980 To guide us on the way. 00:52:18.980 --> 00:52:23.980 Because he is the one who has paid the price. 00:52:23.980 --> 00:52:27.980 The verse we learned at the Holiday Club was Mark 10, verse 45. 00:52:27.980 --> 00:52:35.980 For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:52:35.980 --> 00:52:45.980 For the many who would put their trust in the Lord. 00:52:45.980 --> 00:52:49.980 The many who would come through the tribulation. 00:52:49.980 --> 00:52:51.980 The trials of this life. 00:52:51.980 --> 00:52:56.980 But have their robes washed in the blood of the Lamb through faith. 00:52:56.980 --> 00:53:03.980 We are reminded that there is one way to God. 00:53:03.980 --> 00:53:12.980 And it is through the shed blood of Christ that cleanses us from all our sin. 00:53:12.980 --> 00:53:17.980 Again, remind you what Richard Baxter said. 00:53:17.980 --> 00:53:21.980 My knowledge of that life is small. 00:53:21.980 --> 00:53:23.980 The eye of faith is dim. 00:53:23.980 --> 00:53:26.980 But it is enough that Christ knows all. 00:53:26.980 --> 00:53:29.980 And I shall be with him. 00:53:29.980 --> 00:53:34.980 Do you want to be there? 00:53:34.980 --> 00:53:41.980 What kind of heaven are you looking for? 00:53:41.980 --> 00:53:43.980 Is it one of your own making? 00:53:43.980 --> 00:53:44.980 And your own building? 00:53:44.980 --> 00:53:47.980 And you are struggling to find the way. 00:53:47.980 --> 00:53:54.980 Are you listening to all the different voices telling you to go in all kinds of different directions? 00:53:54.980 --> 00:53:58.980 Well, the Word of God cries out. 00:53:58.980 --> 00:54:03.980 There is only one way. 00:54:03.980 --> 00:54:07.980 And we are not alone when we feel confused. 00:54:07.980 --> 00:54:12.980 These things, so many of them are beyond our understanding. 00:54:12.980 --> 00:54:16.980 And even when you go back to the Gospel of John chapter 14, 00:54:16.980 --> 00:54:25.980 the disciples themselves were confused when Jesus was saying that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father's house. 00:54:25.980 --> 00:54:31.980 And Thomas, he said, Lord, we don't know where you are going. 00:54:31.980 --> 00:54:34.980 How can we know the way? 00:54:34.980 --> 00:54:37.980 And perhaps that's the way we are tonight. 00:54:37.980 --> 00:54:40.980 How do we know the way? 00:54:40.980 --> 00:54:48.980 If this place, if not everyone has the right to it, how can we know the way? 00:54:48.980 --> 00:54:56.980 If this place is where our joy will be full and complete, how can we know the way? 00:54:56.980 --> 00:55:00.980 Well, Jesus gave the answer. 00:55:00.980 --> 00:55:07.980 He said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. 00:55:07.980 --> 00:55:12.980 No one comes to the Father except through me. 00:55:12.980 --> 00:55:19.980 And that's what we see in both Isaiah and Revelation. 00:55:19.980 --> 00:55:21.980 There is a way. 00:55:21.980 --> 00:55:25.980 We don't have all the answers of what heaven will be like. 00:55:25.980 --> 00:55:28.980 But we have a glimpse. 00:55:28.980 --> 00:55:33.980 And as a reminder to us, not everyone can go. 00:55:33.980 --> 00:55:38.980 Not everyone has the right to it. 00:55:38.980 --> 00:55:43.980 We have to find the way that is through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:55:43.980 --> 00:55:49.980 And when we do, we begin to realize the joy of heaven. 00:55:49.980 --> 00:55:52.980 Incomplete just now. 00:55:52.980 --> 00:55:55.980 But the day when it will be complete. 00:55:55.980 --> 00:56:00.980 When God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. 00:56:00.980 --> 00:56:10.980 When we will be brought with gladness, everlasting, and joy and singing into the presence of our Lord. 00:56:10.980 --> 00:56:17.980 And be there before the throne of God with the Lamb in the midst of the throne. 00:56:17.980 --> 00:56:23.980 The shepherd who will guide us to living water. 00:56:23.980 --> 00:56:27.980 He is the way. 00:56:27.980 --> 00:56:35.980 We look to him and trust in him that by faith we will be there with him. 00:56:35.980 --> 00:56:40.980 May he open our eyes to see the way and walk in that way. 00:56:40.980 --> 00:56:42.980 Let us pray. 00:56:42.980 --> 00:56:46.980 Our Father in heaven, we thank you for your word. 00:56:46.980 --> 00:56:51.980 How it gives us a vision when we are blind to it. 00:56:51.980 --> 00:56:54.980 It gives us a knowledge when we have no understanding. 00:56:54.980 --> 00:56:58.980 It gives us an insight to even the things that are beyond us. 00:56:58.980 --> 00:57:02.980 But we thank you, Lord, for the beauty of your word. 00:57:02.980 --> 00:57:04.980 The beauty of the Lord that we see in it. 00:57:04.980 --> 00:57:08.980 And the wonder even of a glimpse into heaven. 00:57:08.980 --> 00:57:11.980 Of the Lamb at the throne of God. 00:57:11.980 --> 00:57:15.980 Who will lead us to the waters of everlasting life. 00:57:15.980 --> 00:57:18.980 So we pray, Lord, that you will lead us to him. 00:57:18.980 --> 00:57:22.980 And bless us to know faith in him. 00:57:22.980 --> 00:57:25.980 Not because we have done anything of ourselves. 00:57:25.980 --> 00:57:27.980 But because he has done it for us. 00:57:27.980 --> 00:57:34.980 We praise your name for the one who came and gave his life as a ransom for many. 00:57:34.980 --> 00:57:36.980 Hear our prayers. 00:57:36.980 --> 00:57:38.980 Lord, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:57:38.980 --> 00:57:39.980 Amen. 00:57:39.980 --> 00:57:49.980 We're going to conclude by singing in Psalm 16 in the Sing Psalms version. 00:57:49.980 --> 00:57:56.980 Again, it's a psalm that reminds us of the beauty of the Lord and delighting in him. 00:57:56.980 --> 00:58:02.980 And how he is able to lead us in the path of life divine. 00:58:02.980 --> 00:58:07.980 Verse 8, Before me constantly I set the Lord alone. 00:58:07.980 --> 00:58:11.980 Because he is at my right hand, I'll not be overthrown. 00:58:11.980 --> 00:58:15.980 And verse 11, You have made known to me the path of life divine. 00:58:15.980 --> 00:58:18.980 Bliss shall I know at your right hand. 00:58:18.980 --> 00:58:22.980 Joy from your face will shine. 00:58:22.980 --> 00:58:25.980 We'll sing verse 8 to 11, the tune of Selma. 00:58:25.980 --> 00:58:27.980 And we stand to sing. 00:58:27.980 --> 00:58:28.980 Amen. 00:58:28.980 --> 00:58:29.980 Amen. 00:58:29.980 --> 00:58:30.980 Amen. 00:58:30.980 --> 00:58:31.980 Amen. 00:58:31.980 --> 00:58:32.980 Amen. 00:58:32.980 --> 00:58:33.980 Amen. 00:59:02.980 --> 00:59:04.980 Amen. 00:59:32.980 --> 00:59:49.400 For you will not allow my soul in death to stay. 00:59:49.400 --> 01:00:05.139 Nor will you lead your holy one to see her to see her. 01:00:05.139 --> 01:00:21.159 You have made known to me the path of life divine. 01:00:21.159 --> 01:00:37.460 Let shall I know at your right hand joy of your grace will shine. 01:00:40.219 --> 01:00:42.960 After the benediction I'll go to the door to my right. 01:00:43.079 --> 01:00:44.719 We'll close with a benediction. 01:00:44.719 --> 01:00:55.599 Now may grace, mercy and peace from God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon and abide with you all now and forevermore. 01:00:56.139 --> 01:00:56.599 Amen.