WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.419 Reading Psalm 26 today. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.759 And go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud and telling all your wondrous deeds. 00:00:36.840 --> 00:00:41.420 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. 00:00:42.179 --> 00:00:46.340 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:51.320 in whose hands are evil devices and whose right hands are full of bribes. 00:00:51.960 --> 00:00:54.439 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity. 00:00:55.140 --> 00:00:56.820 Redeem me and be gracious to me. 00:00:56.820 --> 00:00:59.179 For my foot stands on level ground. 00:00:59.679 --> 00:01:01.740 In the great assembly, I will bless the Lord. 00:01:08.260 --> 00:01:09.620 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:14.039 My name is Dave. 00:01:14.539 --> 00:01:15.579 Welcome if you're visiting. 00:01:15.700 --> 00:01:18.039 Really hope you can stay for lunch after the service. 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:22.760 Well, why don't we pray as we come to God's word. 00:01:23.120 --> 00:01:23.560 Let's pray together. 00:01:26.819 --> 00:01:46.239 Father, if we take this psalm seriously, we can struggle to think that we're allowed to pray this psalm from our own lips. 00:01:46.239 --> 00:01:55.560 And so I ask for your spirit's help in understanding why you've given us this psalm to pray to you. 00:01:56.199 --> 00:02:02.340 And I pray that you would fill us all, all of your people, with confidence to pray this to you. 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:03.679 In Jesus' name. 00:02:03.879 --> 00:02:04.119 Amen. 00:02:04.120 --> 00:02:04.240 Amen. 00:02:07.740 --> 00:02:20.180 Well, let's say a woman wants to leave church as soon as the formal service is over because those she once trusted and called friends, 00:02:21.520 --> 00:02:26.500 she finds out are gossiping untrue things about her past. 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:30.659 She just wants to get out of here each week as soon as she can. 00:02:30.659 --> 00:02:42.340 A couple who've been in the church for years find out through social media that everyone in their peer group were invited to this social gathering. 00:02:42.479 --> 00:02:45.659 Everyone, not just a few, just except for them. 00:02:45.659 --> 00:03:05.319 A man decides to live stream church because he fears showing up because he's pretty sure that anyone who sees him is going to see right through him that he's had a horrible week with his lust. 00:03:05.319 --> 00:03:08.439 He just doesn't want to show his face. 00:03:10.060 --> 00:03:16.699 A teenager, even the song we just sang, feels just hypocritical taking those words on their lips. 00:03:18.079 --> 00:03:22.099 Just the expression of absolute faith with the emotion. 00:03:22.680 --> 00:03:24.000 They feel unworthy. 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:26.939 They're more sure of God's rejection than his embrace. 00:03:27.819 --> 00:03:29.400 There are so many things. 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:31.659 These are just a few examples, I think. 00:03:32.420 --> 00:03:42.020 There are so many things that can threaten us to make us feel like I'm not the Lord's or I'm not fully, I'm not fully part of the Lord's people. 00:03:42.020 --> 00:03:52.780 From false accusation to being socially not treated as one of God's people. 00:03:53.780 --> 00:04:04.860 From the internal shame of true accusations or just a pervasive fear that the great promises of God can't be for me. 00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:06.080 They're for others but not for me. 00:04:06.080 --> 00:04:21.920 And many believers through history, they have been executed in the name of God, being excluded, cut off from God's people. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:31.800 I think of William Tyndale in the Reformation who paved the way, pioneered the way for us to be reading God's word in English today. 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:36.220 Hunted by the church authorities of the time. 00:04:38.340 --> 00:04:47.160 And at age 42, I won't describe how, given the kids in the room, but executed. 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:55.860 Certainly he could pray in that moment his dying breath, vindicate me, O Lord. 00:04:56.740 --> 00:04:57.600 Vindicate me. 00:04:57.600 --> 00:05:03.860 I think this longing for vindication is pretty deep in us. 00:05:06.820 --> 00:05:12.100 We want to be publicly recognised that I am the Lord's, I fully belong. 00:05:14.379 --> 00:05:16.220 I'm not on the fringe, I'm in the core. 00:05:16.320 --> 00:05:20.120 Not that there is a fringe in the core, but we feel like there is a fringe in the core. 00:05:20.120 --> 00:05:26.720 Well, I think this is, it's a universal desire for vindication, isn't it? 00:05:26.780 --> 00:05:29.800 Like, it seems to be human nature. 00:05:29.920 --> 00:05:34.699 People spend so much money and so much of their lives in court to clear their name. 00:05:35.319 --> 00:05:43.280 Like, people bring up in conversation as often as they can past hurts to try and vindicate. 00:05:43.279 --> 00:05:46.919 Vindication of, you should accept me. 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:51.859 It's really core to us as people, I think. 00:05:53.079 --> 00:06:00.799 Psalm 26, I think it offers us a different pathway to vindication than grasping at vindication ourselves. 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:09.199 It's, don't go down the path of putting on a mask of religious observance. 00:06:11.780 --> 00:06:19.139 Make sure the mask is thick enough so that it covers any sense of guilt for particular sins or lack of assurance. 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:21.840 Don't just try and work harder to cover that. 00:06:21.839 --> 00:06:31.519 Don't rally people around you into your corner to get those with influence on your side to try and get vindication. 00:06:32.039 --> 00:06:35.759 Psalm 26 says, it gives us words to pray. 00:06:39.959 --> 00:06:46.599 Don't try and grasp at ourselves or put our trust in people ultimately, but pray and wait for the Lord. 00:06:46.600 --> 00:07:16.580 Don't try and wait for the Lord. 00:07:16.600 --> 00:07:20.879 When I'm standing there in the great multitude praising him, those threats are gone. 00:07:21.780 --> 00:07:24.340 I am knowing the Lord's unreserved embrace. 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:27.939 Internally, there will be no more doubts or fear or shame. 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:33.800 Publicly treated, welcomed as a full member of that worshipping community. 00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:36.480 I think vindication is part of our Christian hope. 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:42.800 We talk a lot about the restoration of our bodies, but that vindication is going to be good. 00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:52.500 Right now, we're plagued by accusation inside and out. 00:07:53.340 --> 00:08:00.080 We may not always feel this, but I don't think you can get through life without sometimes feeling this pretty deeply. 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:04.659 So we need Psalm 26. 00:08:04.859 --> 00:08:12.360 God has given us Psalm 26 to put in our lips to pray back to him. 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:20.420 So have a look with me if you've got a Bible or just listen along. 00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:21.520 Verses 1 to 3. 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:24.759 This is the fundamental grounds of King David's appeal. 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:30.480 I have walked in my integrity. 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:36.740 I have trusted in the Lord without wavering, without my foot slipping. 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:40.559 And then he invites the Lord, look inside. 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:47.240 Look at the thoughts of my mind and the desires and the will of my heart. 00:08:47.439 --> 00:08:48.100 Prove me. 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:48.879 Test me. 00:08:49.019 --> 00:08:49.759 Refine me. 00:08:49.759 --> 00:09:03.879 When you do, Lord, you're going to see a direct correlation at the core of my being with how I'm trying to live. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:05.659 You're going to see wholeness. 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:08.019 Not pretense, but wholeness. 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:10.100 Integrity is about wholeness. 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:16.100 Does that fill you with confidence to pray this? 00:09:17.340 --> 00:09:19.559 Who can possibly pray this Psalm? 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:23.759 Lord, look inside at my core. 00:09:26.620 --> 00:09:28.240 See that it's sincere. 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:42.679 These prayers and songs are given to us to speak to God, and yet I don't feel like I'm one of the righteous with David. 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:50.939 But have a look at what is the essence of David's integrity. 00:09:51.199 --> 00:09:53.299 What is he saying is at his core? 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:56.500 Verse 3. 00:09:56.500 --> 00:10:00.559 It's the steadfast love. 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:05.080 It's the Lord's promise-keeping nature. 00:10:05.220 --> 00:10:06.100 That's his name. 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:08.000 It's the Lord. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:12.299 It's his faithfulness that's at his core. 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:15.980 Integrity isn't appealing to perfection. 00:10:16.200 --> 00:10:18.460 It's not saying pure. 00:10:18.460 --> 00:10:21.960 Otherwise, none of us. 00:10:22.060 --> 00:10:23.220 David couldn't have prayed this. 00:10:24.920 --> 00:10:31.040 He's saying, Lord, your steadfast love, your faithfulness is at the core of my being. 00:10:31.160 --> 00:10:32.300 I can't get away from it. 00:10:33.420 --> 00:10:34.420 I don't want to. 00:10:34.419 --> 00:10:46.059 I think we see five marks of the Lord's steadfast love being at the core of David's being. 00:10:46.059 --> 00:10:56.979 I hope going through this, by the end, it helps you take this psalm and take many of the psalms on your lips. 00:10:57.839 --> 00:10:59.979 So let's have a look at these five marks. 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:08.259 So sincerity, integrity in the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:17.740 Well, if first, I don't know if it's first, but one of the marks is that it willingly bears the cost of not belonging. 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:24.639 Not to the church, but not belonging to the world and hypocritical religion. 00:11:24.779 --> 00:11:25.860 There's a real cost. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:33.679 Let's imagine someone plagued by shame in their lust. 00:11:33.679 --> 00:11:42.599 They're feeling ashamed right now, sitting in church of their lust. 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:51.379 But they can look at our society, which just wants to eradicate all social norms about what's sexually right, 00:11:51.539 --> 00:11:56.039 and just look at that society and go, I don't belong. 00:11:56.679 --> 00:11:58.219 I can't value that. 00:11:58.319 --> 00:12:00.459 I can't agree with that. 00:12:00.460 --> 00:12:08.560 Despite my guilt, even because of my convicted conscience, I don't belong to that. 00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:18.560 I can't accept the falsehood about God that would permit me to live and even embrace that kind of behaviour. 00:12:20.160 --> 00:12:22.700 There's a cost to allegiance to the Lord. 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:29.800 Even because of my convicted conscience, I can look at other society not based on God. 00:12:29.799 --> 00:12:32.339 I can't go there either. 00:12:33.219 --> 00:12:34.199 I don't belong. 00:12:38.419 --> 00:12:46.159 In a strange way, the assembly, the gathering of people who don't have the steadfast love of the Lord before their eyes, 00:12:46.699 --> 00:12:50.099 it shines this contrasting light on those who do. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:13:01.019 Now, I don't think this is saying we can't eat dinner with such people. 00:13:02.300 --> 00:13:04.139 Jesus was called friend of sinners. 00:13:04.540 --> 00:13:06.340 We should accept invitations. 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:09.159 This is not about socialising. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:11.680 This is about allegiance. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:16.559 I don't feel at home in the world. 00:13:18.299 --> 00:13:25.599 People who just attend church and don't care about their lust the rest of the week, 00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:31.519 that hypocritical religion, I can't do that. 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:37.519 It shows a spiritual allegiance. 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:41.159 I don't belong to the world. 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:43.840 I don't belong to hypocritical religion. 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:48.600 In a strange way, that helps to see. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:54.320 The steadfast love of the Lord is at my core. 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:57.440 I don't belong. 00:13:57.680 --> 00:14:03.120 And I bear the painful marks in career and friends and family who cut you off. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:06.820 That's the first mark. 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:08.180 I don't belong. 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:12.360 The second mark is repentance. 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:18.279 I think in verse 6 to 8, we should be picturing the tabernacle. 00:14:18.460 --> 00:14:20.000 Picture the inner court of the tabernacle. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:22.419 You've got the altar for sacrifices for sin. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:24.060 Then you've got the wash basin. 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:28.039 And then you've got the tent of meeting to be in God's presence. 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:33.940 And when you read the laws of the sacrifices in the Old Testament, 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:35.639 there's a lot of joy in there. 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:38.279 Verse 6, 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:40.620 I wash my hands. 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:43.379 I think we're meant to be picturing that wash basin. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:48.759 I wash my hands in innocence and I go around your altar, O Lord. 00:14:49.659 --> 00:14:52.139 Integrity is not claiming perfection. 00:14:54.299 --> 00:15:00.019 It requires openly confessing known sins and failures. 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:07.899 And the previous psalm, verse 11 of chapter 25, David prays, 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:10.799 Pardon my guilt for it is great. 00:15:13.799 --> 00:15:18.199 The claim to integrity is not saying perfection. 00:15:19.740 --> 00:15:20.299 It's saying, 00:15:21.779 --> 00:15:22.679 I love your altar. 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:26.600 I love your provision of cleansing. 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:32.319 Psalm 32 is even more clear by David. 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:34.820 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven. 00:15:36.760 --> 00:15:37.960 Whose sin is covered. 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:44.379 It was when David tried to hide his sin that he was tormented inside. 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:45.760 But once he confessed it, 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:46.080 Oh, 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:51.040 the peace and joy that came through the means God has given to cleanse him. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:59.079 Someone with a steadfast love of the Lord repents and they rejoice. 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:00.360 They give thanksgiving. 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:07.699 Thank you for washing me for your atonement. 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:17.580 Hypocritical religion wants the spotlight to be on my wondrous deeds. 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:29.360 But true religion will openly confess and repent because you want the spotlight to be on his wondrous deeds. 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:32.660 And part of that is his provision for washing. 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:40.019 So another mark of David's integrity that he's claiming for is repentance. 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:46.419 I love washing in your atonement. 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:52.379 I don't belong to the world. 00:16:53.539 --> 00:16:54.419 Repentance. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:55.579 And third, 00:16:56.339 --> 00:16:58.379 David looks to the Lord for rescue. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:02.439 That the Lord is his refuge. 00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:03.120 Verse 11. 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.519 Redeem me. 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:10.000 Be gracious to me. 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:16.740 Where do you go when you're under threat? 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:21.480 Who do you look to for safety? 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.000 Now, 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:26.339 David was a warrior. 00:17:26.339 --> 00:17:31.220 He had a lot of battles under his belt. 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:32.559 He was no chicken. 00:17:32.939 --> 00:17:33.919 He had courage. 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:37.659 But we don't see him here fighting for control. 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:39.179 Whatever's going on, 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:40.339 we're not told the exact situation. 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:44.519 But he's not fighting for control. 00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:49.959 We don't see him politically amassing people into his corner. 00:17:51.879 --> 00:17:52.959 He could have done that. 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:54.699 He was quite popular in his day. 00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:58.799 But he does something much more wise. 00:18:00.340 --> 00:18:05.380 He cries to the one who can bring true and lasting vindication, 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:06.440 and he waits. 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:09.019 Redeem me. 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:10.920 You're my refuge. 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:21.340 When false accusation and gossip makes every fibre of your being, 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:23.080 just want to defend yourself. 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:28.300 When the steadfast love of the Lord is at your core, 00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:33.019 you do want to defend yourself. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:35.160 You really hope people will come to your aid, 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:39.500 but ultimately you know that the Lord's the only place to go. 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:41.360 He's your safety. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.420 He's your refuge. 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.019 He's your rescue. 00:18:46.060 --> 00:18:50.580 That's a mark that the Lord's at your core. 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:57.399 Not belonging to the world, 00:18:57.639 --> 00:18:58.159 repentance, 00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:01.179 the Lord's rescue and refuge. 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:06.059 And the fourth mark we see here is his daily walk, 00:19:06.159 --> 00:19:09.159 that if the steadfast love of the Lord is at your core, 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:12.039 it's got to impact your daily walk. 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:18.859 David can't be around hypocritical worship. 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:24.240 He's not going to be one thing in public and in public worship 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:28.899 and then accepting bribes and perverting justice in his business deals 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:29.559 or whatever else. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.799 He can't do that. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:37.460 If you were caught, 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:39.139 I'll give you another example. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:41.240 If you were caught as a witness in court, 00:19:42.399 --> 00:19:44.279 I'm not sure if they still do this, 00:19:44.619 --> 00:19:45.139 but anyway, 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:47.019 a lawyer can correct me after this, 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:50.579 but let's say you're given the option to give a vow. 00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:54.299 I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give 00:19:54.299 --> 00:19:55.279 will be the truth, 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:57.279 the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 00:19:57.279 --> 00:20:02.220 In the Sermon on the Mount, 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:04.599 Jesus calls his people to always, 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:06.700 in every situation, 00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:08.660 in every conversation, 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:11.379 whether in private with family or in public, 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:14.079 whether in person or online, 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:17.819 around the dinner table or in court, 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:22.639 you're in the presence of Almighty God. 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:28.120 You might be more careful in court 00:20:28.120 --> 00:20:31.060 because the consequences are pretty high, 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:33.720 but the Lord's presence is constant. 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:36.700 That vow almost doesn't make a difference. 00:20:40.840 --> 00:20:42.560 Now, I'm guessing if you're like me, 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:44.080 that's probably convicting your conscience. 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:45.500 I'm hoping it's convicting our conscience. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:47.460 And we go back to that wash basin. 00:20:47.840 --> 00:20:48.940 I love your altar. 00:20:49.340 --> 00:20:50.480 I love your wash basin. 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:59.740 But a mark of God's being at your core is, 00:20:59.839 --> 00:21:01.920 it's got to impact daily life. 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:04.599 You can't just push him out because he's present. 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:08.940 You can't switch God off. 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:11.240 You don't want to. 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.640 It might convict you of sin, 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:15.240 but you don't want to switch God off. 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:18.240 It affects his walk. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.779 Not perfection, remember, 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:26.880 but it really does impact his daily walk. 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:29.559 So fifth and finally, 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:31.200 not belonging to the world, 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:32.960 we've got repentance. 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.960 The Lord is his rescue. 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:36.079 We've got his daily walk. 00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:38.660 And I think the final mark we see here is 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:41.200 that the Lord's at his core. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:45.860 It affects his greatest desire and his delight. 00:21:45.859 --> 00:21:50.939 Let's imagine that he prayed this 00:21:50.939 --> 00:21:53.139 when Saul was hunting him. 00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:57.619 Now, what is the main thing that he would want? 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.519 A cleared name? 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:02.259 Safety? 00:22:04.459 --> 00:22:06.039 Inner peace? 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:10.420 I'm not saying there's anything wrong with these desires, 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:15.240 but we see his ultimate desire at the end of verse 12. 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.859 In the great assembly, 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:22.519 I will bless the Lord. 00:22:24.899 --> 00:22:27.960 God's at the center of his greatest desire. 00:22:28.659 --> 00:22:29.559 Look at verse 8. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:30.859 Look at what he loves. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.139 Look at what he delights in. 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:35.460 Oh Lord, I love the habitation of your house 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:40.860 and the place where your glory dwells. 00:22:40.900 --> 00:22:42.120 He's picturing the tabernacle. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:46.120 He's picturing the community who are focused on God. 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.980 That is his delight. 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.960 He wants to be there. 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:52.960 That's his greatest desire in the end. 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.600 In our day, 00:22:57.800 --> 00:22:59.360 I think we should be picturing Christ, 00:22:59.359 --> 00:23:02.619 where God's glory dwells. 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:05.959 The assembly of people who worship Christ. 00:23:06.699 --> 00:23:08.979 I love your house. 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:13.339 I want to be part of that great assembly in the end. 00:23:13.919 --> 00:23:15.159 That's my greatest desire. 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:16.500 Yes, I want a cleared name. 00:23:17.439 --> 00:23:18.859 I want that sense of safety, 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:25.019 but he's central to my greatest desire. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:32.759 A pastor once visited a man 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:34.240 who hadn't been to church in a while 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:36.379 and apparently while they were sitting by the fire, 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:39.039 a coal rolled out 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:42.660 and after burning a bit, 00:23:42.879 --> 00:23:45.039 it went out 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:47.039 or got cold 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:50.799 and he picked it up with the tongs 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:53.079 and placed that coal back into the fire 00:23:53.079 --> 00:23:54.740 and he just used it as an illustration. 00:23:55.379 --> 00:23:56.220 When you're by yourself, 00:23:57.619 --> 00:23:59.980 your love and delight in God, 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:02.599 it quickly gets cold. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:06.139 But when you put that coal back in 00:24:06.139 --> 00:24:07.559 with the other coals, 00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:12.220 it quickly fans into flame again. 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:17.059 So be careful how you measure this delight and desire. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:20.140 It doesn't take me long to lose it. 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:21.420 When I'm by my, 00:24:21.420 --> 00:24:22.440 I miss a few weeks, 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.740 because whatever else, 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:25.839 of being with the Lord's people. 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:27.160 It can go cold, 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:28.759 but when we're together, 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:31.960 it fans into flame again. 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:34.539 I love your house, 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.500 not the building. 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:37.600 The people who focus on Jesus, 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:38.259 I love, 00:24:39.439 --> 00:24:42.819 I love being here. 00:24:52.179 --> 00:24:53.759 So these are the marks of someone 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:57.019 who can't run away 00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:58.559 from the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:24:58.659 --> 00:25:00.079 It's at their core identity. 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:02.659 It's too core to who they are. 00:25:04.139 --> 00:25:04.899 Not pure, 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:06.860 small, 00:25:07.700 --> 00:25:08.620 needs refining, 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:11.340 but it's there. 00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:16.060 But in the end, 00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:17.380 this is a psalm of David, 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:20.500 God's chosen king. 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:24.480 David was vindicated 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:26.019 before the unbelieving world 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:27.720 when he struck down Goliath. 00:25:28.100 --> 00:25:28.800 And what happened 00:25:28.800 --> 00:25:29.740 when he was vindicated? 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:31.780 Peace 00:25:31.780 --> 00:25:34.380 showered on all Israel. 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:37.880 When Saul 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:40.180 raged against him 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:41.560 with false accusations, 00:25:43.140 --> 00:25:44.280 he didn't 00:25:44.280 --> 00:25:47.160 take it by force, 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:47.900 although he had 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:49.140 great opportunity 00:25:49.140 --> 00:25:51.900 to strike Saul down 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.980 and just take the throne. 00:25:53.180 --> 00:25:53.720 He didn't. 00:25:53.840 --> 00:25:55.180 He waited for the Lord 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:56.540 and the Lord vindicated him. 00:25:56.620 --> 00:25:57.120 What happened? 00:25:58.600 --> 00:25:59.120 Peace 00:25:59.120 --> 00:26:00.560 came to Israel. 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:02.299 His reign, 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.960 justice, 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.039 mercy. 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:10.700 When Absalom, 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:11.259 his son, 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:13.019 tried to usurp his throne, 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:15.819 David was a weak king 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.500 at that point 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.960 because of his failures 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:19.779 with Bathsheba and Uriah. 00:26:20.779 --> 00:26:22.179 He deserved 00:26:22.179 --> 00:26:24.019 losing the kingdom, 00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:26.539 but he was God's chosen king. 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:27.619 And when God 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.579 vindicated him 00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:29.119 in the end, 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:32.779 Israel 00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:34.799 were blessed 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:36.980 in the height 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:37.619 of their kingdom 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:38.720 under his son, 00:26:39.079 --> 00:26:39.420 Solomon. 00:26:40.159 --> 00:26:40.759 Peace, 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.059 prosperity, 00:26:42.299 --> 00:26:42.680 blessing. 00:26:43.099 --> 00:26:43.740 When God 00:26:43.740 --> 00:26:44.859 vindicates the king, 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:45.659 the king, 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:47.019 all the king's people 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:47.599 are blessed. 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:48.220 Ultimately, 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:50.600 you can pray this psalm 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:51.980 if you delight 00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:52.559 in the fact 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:53.360 that these words 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.700 make the most sense 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:56.700 coming from Jesus. 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:58.920 When he's vindicated, 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:02.900 we're blessed 00:27:02.900 --> 00:27:03.600 under him. 00:27:04.440 --> 00:27:05.720 Blessing showers down. 00:27:10.819 --> 00:27:11.720 I imagine 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.839 that lonely walk 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:13.360 of Jesus 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:15.200 from Pilate 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:17.259 outside 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:18.140 Jerusalem 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:19.519 carrying his cross. 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.160 Each step 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:24.720 vindicate me, 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.180 O Lord. 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:28.420 I've walked 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.259 in my integrity. 00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:31.539 I've trusted 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:31.980 in you, 00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:32.299 Lord, 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.180 without wavering. 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:34.200 I imagine 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.240 when his feet 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:36.119 were lifted up 00:27:36.119 --> 00:27:36.839 on that cross, 00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:38.200 he can say 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.640 at the end, 00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:40.079 my foot stands 00:27:40.079 --> 00:27:41.059 on level ground. 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:44.700 In the great assembly, 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:45.460 I will bless 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:45.920 the Lord. 00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:48.740 it's his vindication. 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:51.480 This makes sense 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:52.019 of this psalm. 00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:53.380 It's his vindication 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:53.860 that means 00:27:53.860 --> 00:27:55.200 I can take this psalm 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:56.980 and know 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.840 all his blessings 00:27:57.840 --> 00:27:58.480 are mine 00:27:58.480 --> 00:28:00.180 and I can pray this. 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:01.140 Peace 00:28:01.140 --> 00:28:01.840 and justice 00:28:01.840 --> 00:28:02.539 and mercy, 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.279 every blessing 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:04.200 is showered down 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:05.560 because our king 00:28:05.560 --> 00:28:06.259 was vindicated. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:14.339 so fix 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.220 your hope 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:17.119 on your king's 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:17.579 integrity 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:19.319 that he was vindicated 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:20.220 in his resurrection 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:22.259 and you have 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.079 every right 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:24.160 to pray 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:25.000 Psalm 26. 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:28.980 can I encourage 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.180 us, 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:30.079 pray it above 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:30.900 our feelings. 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.480 I was listening 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:35.380 to a sermon 00:28:35.380 --> 00:28:35.940 the other day 00:28:35.940 --> 00:28:37.400 and someone said, 00:28:38.059 --> 00:28:39.279 most of the Christian life 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:40.740 is telling your feelings 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:41.599 where to get off, 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:44.519 to take God's word 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:47.859 and say it above it 00:28:47.859 --> 00:28:48.619 and we're not just 00:28:48.619 --> 00:28:49.579 saying it to some 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:50.279 abstract thing, 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:50.880 we're praying, 00:28:51.039 --> 00:28:51.920 these words are given 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:52.340 to us 00:28:52.340 --> 00:28:52.820 to pray 00:28:52.820 --> 00:28:54.420 to the Lord. 00:28:54.820 --> 00:28:55.539 Pray it above 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:56.660 false accusation. 00:29:01.180 --> 00:29:02.039 Pray it above 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:03.240 true accusation 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.779 of your known sin. 00:29:05.019 --> 00:29:05.519 Pray it above 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.420 your lack of assurance. 00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:08.519 Vindicate me Lord 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:09.860 because of Jesus' sake. 00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:14.840 Vindicate that I am yours. 00:29:14.839 --> 00:29:22.559 and wait for him. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:27.839 We look forward 00:29:27.839 --> 00:29:28.539 to his return 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:31.519 when our king 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:32.379 comes back 00:29:32.379 --> 00:29:33.019 and we'll be 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:34.019 in that great assembly. 00:29:37.699 --> 00:29:38.419 Vindicate me 00:29:38.419 --> 00:29:38.919 oh Lord 00:29:38.919 --> 00:29:39.899 that I am yours. 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.319 Will you pray 00:29:42.319 --> 00:29:42.539 with me? 00:29:42.659 --> 00:29:43.000 Let's pray. 00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:50.299 Father again 00:29:50.299 --> 00:29:51.079 I pray for 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.839 those 00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:53.059 those of us 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:53.919 who are 00:29:53.919 --> 00:29:55.240 keenly 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:56.039 feeling 00:29:56.039 --> 00:29:57.539 unworthy 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:59.519 to believe 00:29:59.519 --> 00:30:00.619 that they are yours 00:30:00.619 --> 00:30:02.339 for whatever reason. 00:30:02.459 --> 00:30:03.139 I pray that 00:30:03.139 --> 00:30:05.480 the 00:30:05.480 --> 00:30:07.839 the blessings 00:30:07.839 --> 00:30:08.459 that Jesus 00:30:08.459 --> 00:30:09.579 has won for us 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:11.699 would shower down 00:30:11.699 --> 00:30:12.939 upon our souls 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:14.600 and I pray 00:30:14.600 --> 00:30:15.600 that you would 00:30:15.600 --> 00:30:18.299 fill us 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:19.220 with your spirit 00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.559 to pray this 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:21.180 in the name 00:30:21.180 --> 00:30:21.920 of the Lord Jesus 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:23.000 with confidence 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:25.059 knowing that 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:26.779 we are yours. 00:30:27.980 --> 00:30:29.059 In Jesus' name. 00:30:29.259 --> 00:30:29.500 Amen. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:29.620 Amen. 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:29.660 Amen. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:31.120 Amen. 00:30:31.120 --> 00:30:31.779 Amen. 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:34.259 Amen. 00:30:55.259 --> 00:30:57.040 Amen.