WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.320 Well, we begin our worship this morning. We're going to sing to God's praise in Psalm 115. 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:17.460 ! In the Sing Psalms version, page 152 of the psalm books. We're going to sing from verse 1 to verse 9, 00:00:17.460 --> 00:00:25.240 ! The tune is Belmont. Psalm 115, Lord, not to us, O not to us, to your name be the praise, 00:00:25.239 --> 00:00:31.379 because your love and faithfulness endure, O Lord, always. We'll sing from verse 1 to 9, 00:00:31.419 --> 00:00:33.859 and we stand to sing to God's praise. 00:00:55.240 --> 00:01:13.340 He knows your love and faithfulness, and you, O Lord, always. 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:31.340 Why do the nations question us? Where is the God we sing? 00:01:31.340 --> 00:01:49.340 Our God in heaven's heaven light, and over all who swear, 00:01:49.340 --> 00:02:19.340 their voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voyque voy voyque voyque voy voyque voyque voyque voy voyque voy voyque voy voy voyque voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy 00:02:19.340 --> 00:02:49.319 Thank you. 00:02:49.340 --> 00:03:19.319 Thank you. 00:03:19.340 --> 00:03:49.319 Thank you. 00:03:49.340 --> 00:03:51.340 Thank you. 00:03:51.340 --> 00:04:07.340 He is the mighty health and shield of all who are his own. 00:04:07.340 --> 00:04:09.340 Thank you. 00:04:37.339 --> 00:04:39.339 Thank you. 00:04:39.339 --> 00:04:41.339 Thank you. 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:43.339 Thank you. 00:04:43.339 --> 00:04:45.339 Thank you. 00:04:45.339 --> 00:05:15.339 00:05:15.339 --> 00:05:17.339 Thank you. 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:19.339 Thank you. 00:05:19.339 --> 00:05:19.339 00:05:19.339 --> 00:05:21.339 Thank you. 00:05:21.339 --> 00:05:23.339 Thank you. 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:23.339 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:25.339 Thank you. 00:05:25.339 --> 00:05:25.379 Please, voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy 00:05:55.339 --> 00:06:00.379 Have you ever played the game Chinese whispers? 00:06:00.779 --> 00:06:03.279 At least that's what it was called when I was younger. 00:06:03.339 --> 00:06:04.919 Maybe it's not called the same thing now. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:06.459 Some people just call it whispers. 00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:10.199 Other places I think they call it telephone. 00:06:10.639 --> 00:06:12.079 It's kind of a wee strange thing to say, 00:06:12.159 --> 00:06:14.299 but it's about sharing something, 00:06:14.500 --> 00:06:16.779 whispering something into somebody's ear, 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:20.139 and then they pass on what they've heard to the next person. 00:06:21.059 --> 00:06:23.939 So very often you might be sitting in a circle, 00:06:24.420 --> 00:06:25.719 and there's a few of you in a circle, 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:28.219 and one person is given something, 00:06:28.279 --> 00:06:29.920 maybe on a bit of paper, to say, 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:32.719 and they have to say it to the person beside them, 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:34.860 but they're not allowed to let anybody else hear. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:37.779 And so they whisper it in their ear. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:39.879 For example, you might say, 00:06:40.300 --> 00:06:41.939 I'm going to school, 00:06:42.620 --> 00:06:45.339 and you whisper that into somebody's ear. 00:06:45.860 --> 00:06:48.040 And then the person beside you hears, 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:50.360 David's going to school, 00:06:50.839 --> 00:06:53.240 and that's what they pass on to the next person, 00:06:53.240 --> 00:06:54.579 but is that what they hear? 00:06:55.019 --> 00:06:56.019 Not very often. 00:06:56.480 --> 00:06:59.120 It might be David's playing in school. 00:06:59.579 --> 00:07:01.439 And then by the time it comes all the way around, 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:03.780 instead of being, I'm going to school, 00:07:03.920 --> 00:07:05.980 it's something like David's playing pool. 00:07:06.699 --> 00:07:08.980 And it's just lost its whole meaning. 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:11.660 It's not what the first person said at all. 00:07:11.699 --> 00:07:13.699 It's completely different. 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:16.560 But it's what people's ears are picking up 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:17.519 as they're going along, 00:07:17.579 --> 00:07:19.800 when you're whispering it in their ears. 00:07:19.800 --> 00:07:21.800 And it can happen quite often. 00:07:21.960 --> 00:07:24.420 Maybe even you're speaking to someone who's beside you, 00:07:24.439 --> 00:07:25.420 and you say something, 00:07:25.819 --> 00:07:27.699 and they pick it up completely wrong, 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:29.860 and they misunderstand everything. 00:07:30.639 --> 00:07:33.379 Now, how would the last person who maybe said, 00:07:33.720 --> 00:07:35.340 David's playing pool, 00:07:35.900 --> 00:07:37.060 know that they're wrong? 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:40.180 Or how would the person who's beside them 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:41.480 know where it's gone wrong? 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:44.000 They would have to go back to the piece of paper 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:45.720 that it was written on. 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:48.000 I'm going to school. 00:07:48.700 --> 00:07:49.860 And there they would see, 00:07:50.260 --> 00:07:51.580 well, that's what was right. 00:07:51.700 --> 00:07:52.980 That's what was true. 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:56.180 And yet we made all these mistakes along the way 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.060 and got it wrong. 00:07:57.940 --> 00:08:00.700 Well, what about when we think of the Bible? 00:08:01.560 --> 00:08:04.260 Imagine if the Bible was only spoken 00:08:04.260 --> 00:08:05.680 and shared in that way, 00:08:05.740 --> 00:08:07.060 where we passed it on to others 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:09.540 just by whispering in their ear. 00:08:10.140 --> 00:08:13.120 How many mistakes would be made along the way? 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:14.800 How many things would we get wrong? 00:08:15.720 --> 00:08:17.060 And that's what often happens. 00:08:17.220 --> 00:08:19.579 People just hear something of the Bible, 00:08:19.699 --> 00:08:21.480 and they misunderstand it, 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:22.899 and they pick it up wrong, 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:24.800 and therefore they don't understand 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:27.500 maybe who God is, how real he is. 00:08:27.840 --> 00:08:29.620 They don't understand Jesus 00:08:29.620 --> 00:08:31.259 and what he's done for us. 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:34.299 They don't understand what our lives mean 00:08:34.299 --> 00:08:35.440 and what's important, 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:38.100 and that there's an eternity before us 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:40.419 because it's picked up wrong, 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:42.060 or it's passed on wrong. 00:08:42.059 --> 00:08:44.079 So what do we have to do? 00:08:45.339 --> 00:08:47.559 Well, we come back to the Bible, 00:08:47.599 --> 00:08:49.139 and we read the Bible, 00:08:49.219 --> 00:08:50.219 and that's why it's important 00:08:50.219 --> 00:08:53.399 that we always have our focus on the Bible. 00:08:53.619 --> 00:08:55.799 Otherwise, we would make mistakes. 00:08:56.639 --> 00:08:58.239 In John chapter 17, 00:08:58.859 --> 00:09:01.799 Jesus is there praying for his people, 00:09:01.859 --> 00:09:03.559 and he's teaching his people, 00:09:03.939 --> 00:09:05.659 and he says something very important 00:09:05.659 --> 00:09:07.719 in verse 17 of John 17. 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:08.200 He says, 00:09:08.720 --> 00:09:10.940 Your word is truth. 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:13.139 Your word, the Bible, 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:15.840 your word is truth. 00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:18.680 So this is what we always have to come back to. 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:20.639 It's not about Chinese whispers 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:22.920 where we end up getting it all wrong, 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:25.800 but always coming back to the word of God, 00:09:25.860 --> 00:09:26.420 the Bible, 00:09:26.419 --> 00:09:29.740 and seeing his word is truth. 00:09:30.459 --> 00:09:32.519 And that's where we learn from today 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:34.699 and every day as we share together. 00:09:34.699 --> 00:09:36.459 We learn from the word of God, 00:09:36.599 --> 00:09:38.539 which is truth. 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:41.039 So if we think we've got things wrong, 00:09:41.099 --> 00:09:42.399 we can come back and see 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:44.079 what God's word says, 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:46.079 and that is where we find what is right 00:09:46.079 --> 00:09:47.659 and what is true. 00:09:48.219 --> 00:09:49.819 So it's important for us always 00:09:49.819 --> 00:09:51.959 not just to listen to what other people are saying. 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:53.899 We might pick things up wrong, 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:56.079 but to listen to what God is saying 00:09:56.079 --> 00:09:57.459 through his word 00:09:57.459 --> 00:09:58.620 and to read the Bible 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:02.620 and see here is God's truth to us 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:04.879 that he has shared with us. 00:10:04.939 --> 00:10:06.519 And what a blessing it is for us today 00:10:06.519 --> 00:10:07.600 and every day we come 00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:11.079 to learn more about God's truth. 00:10:11.199 --> 00:10:12.480 And may you be blessed today 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:15.959 as you continue to hear from God's truth 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:20.300 about the amazing love of Jesus towards us. 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:23.400 Well, we'll say the Lord's Prayer together now. 00:10:25.180 --> 00:10:27.500 Our Father, which art in heaven, 00:10:27.920 --> 00:10:29.340 hallowed be thy name. 00:10:29.780 --> 00:10:31.019 Thy kingdom come. 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:32.920 Thy will be done on earth 00:10:32.920 --> 00:10:34.300 as it is in heaven. 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:37.100 Give us this day our daily bread 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:39.100 and forgive us our debts 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:41.300 as we forgive our debtors. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:43.580 And lead us not into temptation, 00:10:44.120 --> 00:10:45.720 but deliver us from evil. 00:10:45.960 --> 00:10:47.500 For thine is the kingdom, 00:10:47.900 --> 00:10:50.100 the power and the glory forever. 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:51.280 Amen. 00:10:53.680 --> 00:10:55.860 Well, we'll sing again to God's praise 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:57.100 now in Psalm 96. 00:10:57.400 --> 00:10:59.400 This is in the Scottish Psalter version, 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:01.759 page 358. 00:11:02.820 --> 00:11:04.160 Psalm 96. 00:11:04.900 --> 00:11:08.160 We're going to sing from verse 1 to verse 6. 00:11:08.540 --> 00:11:11.460 Psalm 96, page 358. 00:11:11.460 --> 00:11:13.100 O sing a new song to the Lord. 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:14.960 Sing all the earth to God. 00:11:15.379 --> 00:11:17.040 To God sing, bless his name, 00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:19.680 show still his saving health abroad. 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:22.540 We'll sing from verse 1 to verse 6. 00:11:22.660 --> 00:11:23.820 And the tune is Newington. 00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:26.379 Stand to sing to God's praise. 00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:47.419 singing singing, singing singing, 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.419 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:50.419 our sing-blessed 00:11:50.419 --> 00:11:51.419 sing-blessed 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:53.419 chosen 00:11:53.419 --> 00:11:54.419 his 00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:56.419 singing 00:11:56.419 --> 00:11:57.419 help 00:11:57.419 --> 00:11:58.419 our 00:11:58.419 --> 00:12:00.419 heart 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:02.419 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:04.419 the 00:12:04.419 --> 00:12:05.419 heathen 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:08.419 nations 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:09.419 his 00:12:09.419 --> 00:12:11.419 glory 00:12:11.419 --> 00:12:12.419 to 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:12.419 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:14.419 prayer 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:15.419 our 00:12:15.419 --> 00:12:16.419 our 00:12:16.419 --> 00:12:29.059 To all the people show His words that wondrous are. 00:12:29.059 --> 00:12:43.939 For great the Lord and great thee is to be glorified. 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:59.380 Yea, worthy to the dear is He, that the Lord was beside. 00:12:59.380 --> 00:13:13.920 For all the consarites come, which Thine invitations fear. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:28.940 But her God is the Lord by whom the Hens created were. 00:13:28.940 --> 00:13:42.940 Great honour is before His face, and majesty divine. 00:13:42.940 --> 00:13:57.940 Strength is with His holy grace, and their blood and beauty shine. 00:13:57.940 --> 00:14:08.460 We turn to read God's Word together. 00:14:08.540 --> 00:14:12.640 Now we're reading in the Old Testament, in the book of Micah. 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:21.799 the book of Micah the prophet we're reading in chapter 4 taking up our reading at verse 6 00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:29.379 and reading into chapter 5 down to verse 6 you find it about page 941 of the church bibles 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:40.919 Micah chapter 4 taking up our reading at verse 6 Micah was a prophet the same time as Isaiah 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:47.819 and he came with a message to the people of God a people who were prospering in many ways but yet 00:14:47.819 --> 00:14:54.439 turning away from God and he comes with a powerful warning to them but also a great promise as we're 00:14:54.439 --> 00:15:00.679 going to look at together today the promise of a ruler who would come from Bethlehem so we're going 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:07.879 to take up our reading in chapter 4 and at verse 6 in that day declares the Lord I will assemble the 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:14.100 lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted and the lame I will 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:20.879 make the remnant and those who are cast off a strong nation and the Lord will reign over them 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:30.059 in Mount Sion from this time forth and forevermore and you O tower of the flock hill of the daughter 00:15:30.059 --> 00:15:37.339 of Sion to you shall it come the former dominion shall come kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem 00:15:37.339 --> 00:15:46.599 now why do you cry aloud is there no king in you has your counselor perished the pain seized you like 00:15:46.599 --> 00:15:54.419 a woman in labor writhe and grow no daughter of Sion like a woman in labor for now you shall go out from 00:15:54.419 --> 00:16:02.599 the city and dwell in the open country you shall go to Babylon there you shall be rescued there the Lord 00:16:02.599 --> 00:16:09.899 will redeem you from the hand of your enemies now many nations are assembled against you saying let her 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:16.759 be defiled and let her eyes gaze upon Sion but they do not know the thoughts of the Lord they do not 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:25.059 understand his plan that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor arise and thresh O daughter 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:33.120 of Sion for I will make your horn iron and I will make your hooves bronze you you shall beat the the 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:41.019 pieces many peoples and shall devote their grain their gain to the Lord their wealth to the Lord of the 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:50.319 whole earth now muster your troops O daughter of troops siege is laid against us with a rod they strike 00:16:50.319 --> 00:16:58.799 the judge of Israel on the cheek but you O Bethlehem Ephathra you who are too little to be among the 00:16:58.799 --> 00:17:06.059 clans of Judah from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel whose origin is from of 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:14.139 old from ancient days therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who was in labor has given 00:17:14.139 --> 00:17:22.159 birth then the rest of the brothers shall return to the people of Israel and he shall stand and shepherd 00:17:22.159 --> 00:17:29.220 his flock in the strength of the Lord in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God and they shall dwell 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:39.259 secure for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth and he shall be their peace when the Assyrian 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:46.600 comes into our land and threads in our places then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight 00:17:46.600 --> 00:17:54.059 princes of men they shall shepherd the land of Assyria with a sword and the land of Nimrod at its 00:17:54.059 --> 00:18:01.819 entrances and he shall deliver us from the Assyrian when he comes into the land and threads within our 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:10.139 border and so on and may God bless that reading from his word again bow our heads in a word of prayer let us 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:10.579 pray 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:19.899 our gracious father in heaven we do continue to praise your name for the truth that you have given to us 00:18:19.900 --> 00:18:26.160 in your word through the prophets of old as we read here in Micah we thank you for the wonderful 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:35.000 promises that we see told to our people long before they would come to fruition and we thank you that your 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:43.720 promises are both warnings but also promises of your glory being revealed to us and especially through 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:52.339 the revelation of your son Jesus Christ the one who would be king and ruler of all and so we thank you 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:59.700 that in your word we have that message that has passed on to all generations that that truth that is shared 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:08.940 and retained in in its in its wonderful power and in its authority and in all that it has to say to us 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:17.920 we thank you that there is no mistake with your truth but your word is truth and so help us to hear 00:19:17.920 --> 00:19:26.100 it and to receive it as such to understand the wonder of it the wonder of your voice speaking to us anew today 00:19:26.100 --> 00:19:33.820 and the wonder of your salvation that it offers to a people who have as we all have like sheep gonna stray 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:40.480 but we thank you for that shepherd who has promised who will gather his people in and may you gather even 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:48.879 this day may you bring into your fold those who are your people those who are called to be saved we thank 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:54.599 you that you have your people even here and throughout our islands and throughout the nations of the world a 00:19:54.599 --> 00:20:01.879 people that you are calling to yourself and we pray that your voice will be heard far and wide that you 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:09.400 would help us to have that faith to understand and to heed your call and to come and follow you 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:16.680 so may you bless the preaching of your word near and far as we thank you for all who go out with your 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:23.700 truth today to all ends of the earth we thank you that although we live in a day that seems so far 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:30.540 removed from your truth that there are glimmers of hope as it were that your truth is is impacting a 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:38.460 people and generations and nations and peoples all to to all ends of the earth that as your word goes 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:45.180 out there is that promise behind it that it will accomplish all things for your purpose and we do pray 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:53.359 lord that you would continue to pour out your blessing on us to guide us as a people to help us in all our 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:59.539 different needs today to see that you are one who is able to provide and we thank you that that is 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:05.259 through even for ourselves here individually and collectively that whether it's in our homes or our 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:12.539 families where we might have worries and concerns of ill health or grief or anxieties about work or 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:17.940 money all these different things that come our way day by day we thank you that we can come to you in 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:24.720 prayer and collectively too that as a congregation of your people we can pray for your leading and guiding 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:30.259 and help in these days but also for the community around us that we can pray oh lord that we would 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:37.640 know your spirit working and moving among us in power to bring people to hear the good news of the gospel to 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:46.799 bring people to understand their need of a savior that sin is a curse in this world a curse that brings with it 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:54.139 the pain of death but we thank you that in jesus we have one who is the cure one who has defeated that 00:21:54.139 --> 00:22:02.159 curse one who came to lay down his life but also to take it up again as we remember even this day your day 00:22:02.159 --> 00:22:09.279 the first day of the week that we come to worship our risen savior one who is at your right hand even now 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:17.420 as we pray we pray in his name so we thank you for all the gracious benefits you give to us each and 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:23.379 every day and may we not forget them but may we remember all of them and especially to remember you 00:22:23.379 --> 00:22:30.700 and give thanks to you for all the desires from your hand and through your son so hear our prayers and 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:36.319 continue with us throughout this day we pray your blessing on the preaching of the word this evening as 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:41.339 we look forward to reverend joe hall being with us we pray that you'll be with him this morning in 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:47.639 calanish and then as he is with us this evening here lord that we would again hear your voice speaking 00:22:47.639 --> 00:22:55.339 to us so continue with us lord watch over us we pray refresh us in your day by your spirit lord guide 00:22:55.339 --> 00:23:01.740 us and lead us that's all we ask we ask with the forgiveness of our sin in jesus name amen 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:09.400 but before we turn back to look at this passage in micah we're going to sing again to god's praise in 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:14.559 psalm 47 we sing psalm's version on page 62 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:22.180 psalm 47 on page 62 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:27.180 we sing the whole of this psalm the tune is warrington 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:34.920 all nations clap your hands and shout let joyful cries to god ring out how awesome is the lord most 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:41.240 high great king who rules the earth throughout we'll sing the whole of this psalm to god's praise 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:48.980 all nations 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:48.980 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:48.980 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:53.980 clap your hands and shout 00:23:53.980 --> 00:24:03.339 let joyful cries to god ring out 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:08.980 how awesome is the lord most high 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:10.980 the lord most high 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:21.720 great king who rules the earth throughout we have 00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:24.720 yea as a duty 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:28.720 our feet 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:31.720 the nations 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:44.460 the nations 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.460 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:53.819 A heritage for us he chose. 00:24:54.819 --> 00:25:02.600 God has gone up with shouts of joy, 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:10.460 The Lord and the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, the Lord. 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:18.460 Sing praise, sing praise to God, O Son, 00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:27.460 To God our King, let grace abide. 00:25:29.079 --> 00:25:36.640 For God is King of all the air, 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:45.000 Sing sounds of praise to Him alone. 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:52.640 For whose the nations come on high, 00:25:53.640 --> 00:26:01.640 He sits upon His holy throne. 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:10.500 The leaders of the nations come, 00:26:10.940 --> 00:26:18.740 To hear themselves to heaven's God. 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:25.740 To Him belong, and she is over. 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:34.740 Exalted with me is the Lord. 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:45.059 We can turn back to a reading in Micah in chapter 5, 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:46.740 At the beginning of this chapter. 00:26:48.299 --> 00:26:52.539 I'm going to look at verse 1 to 5 of this chapter today. 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:54.799 We see the promise of a ruler given, 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:58.980 A promise in the midst of the threat that's around them, 00:26:59.039 --> 00:27:03.099 Of an invading army, as well as you see in chapter 4. 00:27:03.099 --> 00:27:06.079 But then it says in the beginning of chapter 5, 00:27:06.179 --> 00:27:09.019 Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops. 00:27:09.199 --> 00:27:10.819 Siege is laid against us. 00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:14.439 With a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek. 00:27:15.119 --> 00:27:17.959 But you, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:21.019 Who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, 00:27:21.119 --> 00:27:22.759 From you shall come forth. 00:27:23.179 --> 00:27:26.000 For me, one who is to be ruler in Israel, 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:31.019 Whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:32.480 And so on. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:39.220 In the midst of the great nations that are around in Micah's day, 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:43.639 There is this promise of one who will come from a small place, 00:27:43.700 --> 00:27:46.519 A place of almost insignificance. 00:27:47.059 --> 00:27:50.660 And yes, a place of such importance as we know ourselves, 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:53.599 As you see the name Bethlehem. 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:58.740 And yet it was a place that nobody would expect much to come from. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:28:03.319 And when you think of the scale of the world in which we live in today, 00:28:03.400 --> 00:28:05.960 And the population of the world today, 00:28:06.579 --> 00:28:08.960 You hear of the numbers in our world, 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:11.259 8.2 billion people. 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:14.220 And you look at the scale of the world, 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:16.400 The size of the nations and the continents, 00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:17.720 And all of these things. 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:20.859 The enormity of it. 00:28:20.859 --> 00:28:24.819 And yet you think of little places. 00:28:25.479 --> 00:28:27.459 Even think of our own island here, 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:31.039 Tiny in comparison to the rest of the world. 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:34.139 A population of 8.2 billion in the world, 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:37.079 And we've got about just over 20,000 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:39.199 Between Lewis and Harris. 00:28:39.699 --> 00:28:42.419 In many ways it seems so insignificant. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.779 And yet, 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:45.839 This is an important place, 00:28:46.179 --> 00:28:47.479 With an important people. 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:50.640 Because it's a place where God is. 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:53.319 A place where we know that God is speaking to us, 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:55.539 And that God has his people. 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:55.940 So, 00:28:56.319 --> 00:28:58.140 It's an important place. 00:28:58.420 --> 00:28:58.740 In fact, 00:28:58.779 --> 00:29:00.360 You can see it as an important place, 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:02.079 In so many different ways. 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:03.299 When you think of the wealth, 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.460 Of knowledge, 00:29:04.920 --> 00:29:05.799 In our islands. 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:08.559 The wealth of talents and produce, 00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:10.779 That our islands is known for. 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:12.259 Far and wide. 00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:13.900 You think of how many people, 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:15.180 Have gone away from here, 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:17.940 To works in all ends of the earth. 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:20.759 Using their gifts and their talents, 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:24.460 To bring their gifts to others, 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:25.319 Throughout the world. 00:29:25.379 --> 00:29:27.259 Or to be used in various industries, 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:29.500 And fields throughout the world. 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:31.259 There's a wealth of talent. 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.539 You think of the produce, 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.460 That comes from our island. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.779 You think of Harris Tweed. 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:37.039 You think of black pudding. 00:29:37.200 --> 00:29:38.980 You think of all the different produce, 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.460 That goes far and wide, 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:42.960 To all ends of the earth. 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:44.039 It's quite remarkable, 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.900 That from such a small place, 00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:48.000 Comes so much. 00:29:48.880 --> 00:29:49.900 And you think even of, 00:29:50.160 --> 00:29:51.600 People who have gone from here, 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:52.900 With the gospel, 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:55.240 To different parts of the world. 00:29:55.799 --> 00:29:56.680 We have Muriel, 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:58.440 From our own congregation here, 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.440 Who is in Cambodia, 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:01.380 Ministering there, 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:02.880 To the children there, 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:04.220 And to others around, 00:30:04.340 --> 00:30:05.620 Being a witness for Christ, 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:08.380 Having come from this small place, 00:30:08.860 --> 00:30:09.920 Insignificant place, 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:10.519 In many ways, 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:11.500 But being used, 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:12.600 By the Lord, 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:13.640 For his glory. 00:30:14.300 --> 00:30:15.519 If you come along this evening, 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.279 To the fellowship, 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.420 After the service, 00:30:17.900 --> 00:30:19.880 You'll hear from Andrew McKeever, 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:21.539 As he speaks about his work, 00:30:21.840 --> 00:30:22.400 In Myanmar. 00:30:23.060 --> 00:30:23.480 Again, 00:30:23.600 --> 00:30:24.720 A place far off, 00:30:24.779 --> 00:30:25.300 And yet here, 00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:25.940 We have someone, 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:26.800 Who has gone away, 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:28.039 To these places. 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:28.900 It's remarkable, 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:30.680 What small places, 00:30:30.840 --> 00:30:31.720 Can produce. 00:30:32.779 --> 00:30:33.600 And we think here, 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.740 Of just how people, 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:36.560 Would see and hear, 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:38.019 Of Bethlehem, 00:30:38.359 --> 00:30:39.179 As Micah, 00:30:39.179 --> 00:30:40.639 Is giving this prophecy, 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.440 To the people, 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:42.019 But you, 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:43.119 O Bethlehem, 00:30:43.139 --> 00:30:45.039 As he says in verse 2 there, 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.159 Bethlehem, 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:47.599 Ephrathah, 00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:49.359 Who are too little, 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.819 To be among the clans, 00:30:50.879 --> 00:30:51.220 Of Judah. 00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:51.700 It's almost like, 00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:53.720 This place is just so small, 00:30:54.099 --> 00:30:55.059 And insignificant, 00:30:55.059 --> 00:30:56.339 In so many ways, 00:30:56.720 --> 00:30:57.419 And yet it says, 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.079 From you, 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:59.940 Shall come forth for me, 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:01.879 One who is to be ruler, 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:03.200 In Israel. 00:31:03.980 --> 00:31:05.100 And it goes on, 00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:06.780 To speak then in verse 3, 00:31:06.900 --> 00:31:07.620 About therefore, 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:08.920 He shall give them up, 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:09.820 Until the time, 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:11.420 When she who is in labor, 00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:13.220 Has given birth. 00:31:13.280 --> 00:31:14.440 So there's this ruler, 00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:16.180 Who's going to come, 00:31:16.580 --> 00:31:17.760 From Bethlehem, 00:31:17.820 --> 00:31:19.340 From one of the most unlikely, 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:20.560 Of places, 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:22.240 As the people would see it, 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:23.580 And who is it, 00:31:23.640 --> 00:31:24.780 That is going to come? 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:25.600 Who is it, 00:31:25.940 --> 00:31:27.600 That is going to be this ruler? 00:31:28.300 --> 00:31:29.460 Well it's none other, 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:31.280 Than the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:32.359 Himself. 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:34.359 The one who is promised, 00:31:34.879 --> 00:31:36.500 Through scripture. 00:31:37.119 --> 00:31:37.799 The ruler, 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:39.299 Of the world. 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:41.220 We hear so much, 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:42.160 In these days, 00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:42.779 Of rulers, 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:43.819 And authorities, 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:44.839 And the powers, 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.099 That they have, 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:47.460 The control that they have, 00:31:47.839 --> 00:31:48.680 In our world. 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:50.220 We're tired, 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.139 Maybe of hearing, 00:31:51.220 --> 00:31:52.379 Of the different powers, 00:31:52.859 --> 00:31:53.619 And authorities, 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.539 Of this world, 00:31:54.599 --> 00:31:55.480 And what they are doing, 00:31:55.639 --> 00:31:57.399 And the uncertainty, 00:31:57.399 --> 00:31:58.299 In our world, 00:31:58.299 --> 00:31:59.200 The uncertainty, 00:31:59.399 --> 00:32:00.339 All of these decisions, 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.240 That are being made, 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.700 Whether it's, 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:03.039 For peace, 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:03.920 Or war, 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.700 There's so much, 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:06.000 Going on around us, 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:07.839 And so many of these people, 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:09.019 They will come across, 00:32:09.139 --> 00:32:10.099 As being full, 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:10.960 Of promises, 00:32:10.960 --> 00:32:12.099 For good, 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.460 Promises, 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.779 That all will go well, 00:32:14.960 --> 00:32:16.339 If we trust them, 00:32:16.379 --> 00:32:17.119 And that they know, 00:32:17.319 --> 00:32:18.240 What they are doing, 00:32:18.339 --> 00:32:19.079 And we see it, 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:19.819 All over the world, 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:20.439 We see it, 00:32:20.439 --> 00:32:21.960 In our own nation, 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.579 You think of, 00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:24.480 Times of general election, 00:32:25.059 --> 00:32:25.960 When there are so many, 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:27.639 Promises put across, 00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:28.599 That if we vote, 00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:30.480 For a certain person, 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:31.579 Or a certain party, 00:32:31.679 --> 00:32:33.039 That things are going, 00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:33.919 To go well, 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:35.019 A brighter, 00:32:35.200 --> 00:32:36.419 And better future, 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:37.819 And yet, 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:38.559 The reality, 00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:39.519 Is so often, 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.579 Different, 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.460 Promises are broken, 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:44.319 Things change, 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:46.619 But it was the same, 00:32:47.019 --> 00:32:48.039 In Micah's day, 00:32:48.119 --> 00:32:48.659 It's the same, 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:50.439 Down through all the generations, 00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:52.019 Where there are so many, 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:53.439 Man made promises, 00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.740 That cannot be kept, 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:56.019 Or are broken, 00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:57.519 So quickly, 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:59.179 And yet here, 00:32:59.279 --> 00:33:00.119 As we see Micah, 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:01.519 Bringing the word of God, 00:33:01.659 --> 00:33:02.139 To the people, 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.039 And to ourselves, 00:33:03.639 --> 00:33:04.019 Today, 00:33:04.139 --> 00:33:05.599 It is with this promise, 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:07.059 Of a king, 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:09.179 One who would rule, 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:11.200 One who would fulfill, 00:33:11.559 --> 00:33:12.700 All the promises, 00:33:12.939 --> 00:33:14.299 Given by the prophets, 00:33:14.319 --> 00:33:15.839 By the word of God, 00:33:16.179 --> 00:33:17.279 That will be fulfilled, 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.240 In him, 00:33:19.019 --> 00:33:19.659 And even though, 00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:21.319 As Micah is writing here, 00:33:21.399 --> 00:33:21.939 It's going to be, 00:33:22.299 --> 00:33:23.980 700 years later, 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:25.039 Before this promise, 00:33:25.119 --> 00:33:25.659 Is seen, 00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:26.799 In the person, 00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:27.859 Of Jesus coming, 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:30.079 It is still a promise, 00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:30.939 That is secure, 00:33:31.119 --> 00:33:31.799 For their day, 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:33.259 That there is going, 00:33:33.299 --> 00:33:34.119 To be restoration, 00:33:34.439 --> 00:33:34.839 That there is going, 00:33:34.859 --> 00:33:35.460 To be healing, 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:36.619 That there is going, 00:33:36.619 --> 00:33:37.359 To be good, 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:39.220 For all the people of God, 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:40.299 To put their trust, 00:33:40.639 --> 00:33:41.599 In this king, 00:33:42.079 --> 00:33:43.259 In this ruler, 00:33:43.259 --> 00:33:44.940 So Micah, 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:46.860 Has an important message, 00:33:46.860 --> 00:33:47.900 For the people then, 00:33:48.180 --> 00:33:49.480 He has an important message, 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:51.400 For ourselves today, 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:53.140 From a small place, 00:33:53.779 --> 00:33:55.039 Bethlehem would come, 00:33:55.460 --> 00:33:56.100 This ruler, 00:33:56.680 --> 00:33:57.640 And in many ways, 00:33:57.799 --> 00:33:58.920 We look at smallness, 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.539 Here as well, 00:33:59.640 --> 00:34:01.039 In Micah himself, 00:34:01.900 --> 00:34:02.700 Someone who people, 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.400 Would have seen as, 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:05.360 Almost insignificant to, 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:06.779 Micah was, 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:08.119 A farmer's son, 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:10.539 He lived in, 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.900 In a farming community, 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:13.480 About 20 miles south, 00:34:13.859 --> 00:34:14.679 Of Jerusalem, 00:34:14.799 --> 00:34:15.460 A place of, 00:34:15.719 --> 00:34:16.739 Real insignificance, 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:17.440 In many ways, 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.079 Itself, 00:34:18.880 --> 00:34:19.359 And yet, 00:34:19.380 --> 00:34:20.059 He was called, 00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:20.639 By God, 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:21.880 To minister the word, 00:34:22.219 --> 00:34:23.319 Throughout the nation, 00:34:23.380 --> 00:34:23.960 Of Judah, 00:34:24.779 --> 00:34:25.880 This small, 00:34:26.259 --> 00:34:26.960 Farmer, 00:34:27.359 --> 00:34:28.779 From a small community, 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:30.739 Called by God, 00:34:30.859 --> 00:34:32.319 To minister the word, 00:34:32.319 --> 00:34:32.900 Of God, 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:33.880 To a people, 00:34:34.339 --> 00:34:34.920 Who initially, 00:34:34.920 --> 00:34:35.819 Would not listen, 00:34:35.820 --> 00:34:37.580 But who would see, 00:34:37.740 --> 00:34:38.360 The importance, 00:34:38.360 --> 00:34:39.519 Of listening, 00:34:39.760 --> 00:34:40.360 To the word, 00:34:40.820 --> 00:34:41.500 Of God, 00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:43.380 Micah was a prophet, 00:34:43.440 --> 00:34:44.320 At the same time, 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:45.680 As Isaiah, 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:46.780 And yet, 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:48.019 Maybe in many ways, 00:34:48.260 --> 00:34:48.960 Little known, 00:34:49.220 --> 00:34:50.660 Compared to Isaiah, 00:34:51.640 --> 00:34:52.480 But his name, 00:34:52.680 --> 00:34:54.180 Is even interesting itself, 00:34:54.300 --> 00:34:54.780 His name, 00:34:55.420 --> 00:34:56.160 Micah means, 00:34:56.340 --> 00:34:57.660 Who is the Lord, 00:34:58.380 --> 00:34:59.400 And so even his name, 00:34:59.400 --> 00:35:00.740 Would speak to the people, 00:35:01.200 --> 00:35:02.500 And it speaks to us today, 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.720 We're hearing from the prophet, 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:04.320 Micah, 00:35:04.700 --> 00:35:05.780 Whose name means, 00:35:06.240 --> 00:35:07.559 Who is the Lord, 00:35:08.200 --> 00:35:09.080 And that's immediately, 00:35:09.220 --> 00:35:10.700 A question for ourselves, 00:35:11.660 --> 00:35:13.000 As we hear the word of God, 00:35:13.140 --> 00:35:14.100 Through Micah here, 00:35:14.660 --> 00:35:16.620 Who is the Lord, 00:35:17.580 --> 00:35:19.460 The psalms which we've sung today, 00:35:19.559 --> 00:35:21.059 Have all had an emphasis, 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:22.600 On that God is king, 00:35:22.720 --> 00:35:24.039 He reigns over all, 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:26.200 But is that true for us, 00:35:26.340 --> 00:35:28.080 Who is the Lord, 00:35:28.820 --> 00:35:30.440 Chapter seven of Micah, 00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:31.740 Ends on that theme, 00:35:32.320 --> 00:35:33.059 The question, 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:34.280 Who is a God, 00:35:34.420 --> 00:35:35.440 Like you, 00:35:35.820 --> 00:35:37.019 There is no one, 00:35:37.019 --> 00:35:38.340 Who compares, 00:35:39.140 --> 00:35:39.840 To God, 00:35:40.519 --> 00:35:41.920 So here we're hearing, 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:43.440 From a farm boy, 00:35:43.580 --> 00:35:44.059 Called, 00:35:44.340 --> 00:35:45.080 To the city, 00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:46.559 To the people of Judah, 00:35:46.700 --> 00:35:48.240 To minister among the people, 00:35:48.340 --> 00:35:49.059 They are people, 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.559 Who are comfortable, 00:35:50.920 --> 00:35:51.559 Well off, 00:35:51.880 --> 00:35:53.420 Rich in so many ways, 00:35:54.420 --> 00:35:55.680 And yet spiritually, 00:35:56.200 --> 00:35:56.880 Falling, 00:35:57.140 --> 00:35:57.840 To pieces, 00:35:58.140 --> 00:35:58.780 Spiritually, 00:35:59.160 --> 00:36:00.039 At a low, 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.820 Eb, 00:36:00.820 --> 00:36:02.519 And it just speaks, 00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:03.279 Of the day, 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:04.099 In which we live, 00:36:04.239 --> 00:36:05.039 Ourselves, 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:07.519 Micah was speaking out, 00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:08.820 Against idolatry, 00:36:09.320 --> 00:36:10.059 The idolatry, 00:36:10.139 --> 00:36:10.659 Of the people, 00:36:10.820 --> 00:36:12.099 Were involved in, 00:36:12.239 --> 00:36:13.599 Is a huge problem, 00:36:14.699 --> 00:36:16.279 Worshipping all kinds, 00:36:16.639 --> 00:36:17.500 Of gods, 00:36:18.300 --> 00:36:19.340 Our world, 00:36:19.659 --> 00:36:20.519 Is the same, 00:36:20.920 --> 00:36:22.139 We are many gods, 00:36:23.059 --> 00:36:24.259 Many different gods, 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:24.840 And idols, 00:36:24.840 --> 00:36:26.300 He speaks, 00:36:26.300 --> 00:36:27.400 Against the way, 00:36:27.500 --> 00:36:28.300 That they are wrongly, 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:30.140 Seizing people's property, 00:36:30.260 --> 00:36:31.539 And people's lands, 00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:32.940 Again, 00:36:33.200 --> 00:36:33.980 It speaks, 00:36:33.980 --> 00:36:35.300 Into our world today, 00:36:35.900 --> 00:36:36.460 He speaks, 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:37.200 Of the failure, 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:38.380 Of government leaders, 00:36:38.880 --> 00:36:39.460 He speaks, 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.160 Of the failure, 00:36:40.160 --> 00:36:40.780 Of priests, 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:41.620 And prophets, 00:36:41.880 --> 00:36:43.120 Who are going against, 00:36:43.280 --> 00:36:44.360 The word of God, 00:36:44.780 --> 00:36:46.240 And speaks so clearly, 00:36:46.600 --> 00:36:47.840 To our day as well, 00:36:47.900 --> 00:36:48.720 When we turn away, 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:49.440 From the word, 00:36:49.900 --> 00:36:50.559 Of God, 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:52.440 People doing things, 00:36:52.500 --> 00:36:53.600 With wrong motives, 00:36:53.599 --> 00:36:54.839 It speaks, 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:55.759 He speaks against, 00:36:55.900 --> 00:36:57.420 Corrupt business practice, 00:36:57.920 --> 00:36:58.440 Again, 00:36:58.900 --> 00:37:00.639 It speaks into our world, 00:37:01.519 --> 00:37:02.839 But the question is, 00:37:03.139 --> 00:37:04.199 Do we listen? 00:37:05.279 --> 00:37:06.259 He could be speaking, 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:07.739 To our day and he is, 00:37:07.799 --> 00:37:08.960 As much as he was speaking, 00:37:09.440 --> 00:37:10.360 Into his own, 00:37:10.440 --> 00:37:11.519 And so what he's saying, 00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:13.519 Is important for ourselves, 00:37:13.719 --> 00:37:14.079 Today, 00:37:14.619 --> 00:37:15.199 As well, 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:16.259 And I want us to hear, 00:37:16.779 --> 00:37:17.739 Three things, 00:37:17.880 --> 00:37:18.519 Three points, 00:37:18.639 --> 00:37:19.900 About what he's speaking, 00:37:20.279 --> 00:37:21.539 About in verse one, 00:37:21.980 --> 00:37:23.139 To verse five, 00:37:23.599 --> 00:37:24.659 And the first thing, 00:37:24.659 --> 00:37:25.460 We see with him, 00:37:25.539 --> 00:37:27.579 Is he has a resounding truth, 00:37:28.480 --> 00:37:30.000 Is an amazing truth, 00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:31.839 To bring to the people, 00:37:32.639 --> 00:37:33.259 And initially, 00:37:33.400 --> 00:37:34.599 It's not a truth, 00:37:34.839 --> 00:37:35.900 That they would want, 00:37:36.019 --> 00:37:36.819 To hear, 00:37:37.639 --> 00:37:38.860 If there's one thing, 00:37:38.940 --> 00:37:40.079 We so often see, 00:37:40.559 --> 00:37:41.019 Lacking, 00:37:41.599 --> 00:37:43.299 In our day and age, 00:37:44.179 --> 00:37:44.619 It's, 00:37:44.960 --> 00:37:45.739 And it's been the case, 00:37:45.819 --> 00:37:46.719 For a long time, 00:37:47.139 --> 00:37:48.019 It's truth, 00:37:48.019 --> 00:37:48.119 Truth, 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:50.920 What is truth, 00:37:51.599 --> 00:37:53.019 What can we believe, 00:37:53.820 --> 00:37:55.019 What can we read, 00:37:55.119 --> 00:37:55.400 And say, 00:37:55.480 --> 00:37:56.519 Well that must be true, 00:37:56.599 --> 00:37:57.820 Because we've read it there, 00:37:58.179 --> 00:37:59.119 Or we've heard it, 00:37:59.139 --> 00:37:59.980 On our televisions, 00:38:00.059 --> 00:38:00.679 Or we've seen it, 00:38:00.880 --> 00:38:01.559 On the internet, 00:38:01.639 --> 00:38:02.619 It must be true, 00:38:02.699 --> 00:38:02.920 And yet, 00:38:03.320 --> 00:38:04.559 Today we're so confused, 00:38:04.659 --> 00:38:05.440 Because we don't know, 00:38:05.539 --> 00:38:06.539 What to believe, 00:38:07.179 --> 00:38:08.059 What's real, 00:38:08.099 --> 00:38:09.579 You can even watch things now, 00:38:09.880 --> 00:38:11.639 You can see people speaking, 00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:12.719 And you think it's them, 00:38:12.759 --> 00:38:13.440 It must be, 00:38:13.440 --> 00:38:15.200 But artificial intelligence, 00:38:15.200 --> 00:38:16.619 Can make someone look, 00:38:16.700 --> 00:38:17.519 As if they're speaking, 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:18.519 And saying what you want, 00:38:19.619 --> 00:38:20.380 So we live, 00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:22.400 In a world that's confused, 00:38:23.679 --> 00:38:24.619 We live in a world, 00:38:24.700 --> 00:38:25.920 That's looking for truth, 00:38:25.960 --> 00:38:26.880 But doesn't know, 00:38:27.159 --> 00:38:28.300 Where to find it, 00:38:28.780 --> 00:38:30.340 It's like the Chinese whispers, 00:38:30.480 --> 00:38:31.940 We were speaking about before, 00:38:32.340 --> 00:38:34.360 One person's passing on a message, 00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:35.539 And it's being misunderstood, 00:38:36.300 --> 00:38:38.280 But it's being heard as truth, 00:38:39.639 --> 00:38:41.079 So what is true today, 00:38:41.200 --> 00:38:42.820 What do you believe, 00:38:42.820 --> 00:38:44.380 What is the truth, 00:38:44.420 --> 00:38:45.840 Of the situation we're in, 00:38:46.120 --> 00:38:48.300 It's a case of, 00:38:48.420 --> 00:38:49.460 This is my truth, 00:38:49.620 --> 00:38:50.840 Now tell me yours, 00:38:51.400 --> 00:38:53.160 Because there's no standard, 00:38:54.180 --> 00:38:56.000 And that's the situation, 00:38:56.200 --> 00:38:57.519 That Micah was in too, 00:38:58.320 --> 00:38:59.000 The truth, 00:38:59.240 --> 00:39:00.640 That was here before them, 00:39:00.640 --> 00:39:01.460 In the word of God, 00:39:01.519 --> 00:39:02.580 They were pushing away, 00:39:03.120 --> 00:39:03.700 They were worshipping, 00:39:03.700 --> 00:39:04.460 Their own idols, 00:39:04.600 --> 00:39:05.880 Listening to their own wisdom, 00:39:06.539 --> 00:39:08.120 And it was at a cost, 00:39:09.620 --> 00:39:11.420 And so Micah brings, 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:13.460 A resounding truth, 00:39:13.460 --> 00:39:14.200 To them, 00:39:15.200 --> 00:39:16.760 And for ourselves today, 00:39:16.960 --> 00:39:18.619 That's what we hear as well, 00:39:18.680 --> 00:39:20.019 This resounding truth, 00:39:20.119 --> 00:39:22.780 Speaking into our situation today, 00:39:22.780 --> 00:39:24.700 The need to see that truth, 00:39:24.760 --> 00:39:26.280 As we look for it, 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:28.280 Is found in the word of God, 00:39:28.940 --> 00:39:30.159 In the word of God, 00:39:30.159 --> 00:39:31.019 As we hear it, 00:39:31.019 --> 00:39:31.840 And as we read it, 00:39:31.840 --> 00:39:33.880 We see here is truth, 00:39:34.120 --> 00:39:35.720 Here is all the warnings, 00:39:35.820 --> 00:39:36.700 That we are to heed, 00:39:37.039 --> 00:39:38.220 And here is the reality, 00:39:38.220 --> 00:39:39.240 Of what we need, 00:39:39.600 --> 00:39:41.840 For our salvation as well, 00:39:43.120 --> 00:39:43.980 So Micah, 00:39:44.160 --> 00:39:45.940 Is coming among the people, 00:39:46.039 --> 00:39:46.880 Here of Judah, 00:39:47.300 --> 00:39:48.420 He's speaking to them, 00:39:48.460 --> 00:39:49.420 And he's warning them, 00:39:49.640 --> 00:39:50.720 Of their actions, 00:39:50.900 --> 00:39:52.100 And of their behaviours, 00:39:52.160 --> 00:39:53.260 And all of these things, 00:39:53.579 --> 00:39:54.200 And he's saying, 00:39:54.460 --> 00:39:55.559 It's going to come, 00:39:55.760 --> 00:39:56.760 At a cost, 00:39:56.760 --> 00:39:58.860 They've enjoyed, 00:39:58.860 --> 00:40:00.240 So much prosperity, 00:40:00.400 --> 00:40:01.040 They're rich, 00:40:01.120 --> 00:40:02.380 In so many ways, 00:40:03.060 --> 00:40:04.420 But Micah comes, 00:40:04.500 --> 00:40:05.480 To point the finger, 00:40:05.600 --> 00:40:06.080 And say, 00:40:06.740 --> 00:40:07.880 There is disaster, 00:40:08.160 --> 00:40:09.300 Coming upon you, 00:40:11.180 --> 00:40:12.640 A time of humbling, 00:40:13.120 --> 00:40:13.780 Is coming, 00:40:13.860 --> 00:40:15.260 And that's highlighted for us, 00:40:15.660 --> 00:40:16.960 In verse one, 00:40:17.740 --> 00:40:18.640 Where you see him, 00:40:18.780 --> 00:40:19.540 Say there, 00:40:20.040 --> 00:40:21.240 Muster your troops, 00:40:21.340 --> 00:40:22.320 O daughter of troops, 00:40:22.520 --> 00:40:24.100 Siege is laid against us, 00:40:24.520 --> 00:40:25.740 The armies are there, 00:40:25.740 --> 00:40:26.200 Coming, 00:40:26.199 --> 00:40:27.480 To invade, 00:40:27.819 --> 00:40:28.719 And it says there, 00:40:28.799 --> 00:40:29.500 With a rod, 00:40:29.639 --> 00:40:31.500 They strike the judge of Israel, 00:40:31.699 --> 00:40:33.159 On the cheek, 00:40:33.219 --> 00:40:34.059 What's he saying, 00:40:34.480 --> 00:40:34.980 He's saying, 00:40:35.019 --> 00:40:36.619 A time of humiliation, 00:40:37.219 --> 00:40:37.980 Is coming, 00:40:38.839 --> 00:40:40.179 They have felt strong, 00:40:40.299 --> 00:40:40.939 They have felt, 00:40:41.179 --> 00:40:42.199 Untouchable, 00:40:42.259 --> 00:40:43.319 In so many ways, 00:40:43.659 --> 00:40:44.239 But he's saying, 00:40:44.319 --> 00:40:45.559 You are going to be humbled, 00:40:46.079 --> 00:40:47.839 You are going to be humiliated, 00:40:48.839 --> 00:40:49.539 The judge, 00:40:49.659 --> 00:40:50.239 Who has, 00:40:50.639 --> 00:40:51.319 The rod, 00:40:51.819 --> 00:40:53.500 That rod is going to strike, 00:40:53.919 --> 00:40:54.659 His cheek, 00:40:54.659 --> 00:40:55.460 What does it mean? 00:40:56.199 --> 00:40:57.480 What does that mean? 00:40:57.579 --> 00:40:57.739 Well, 00:40:58.039 --> 00:40:58.699 The judge, 00:40:58.839 --> 00:40:59.399 The king, 00:40:59.599 --> 00:41:00.919 Of that time in Israel, 00:41:01.039 --> 00:41:02.119 He would have a rod, 00:41:02.379 --> 00:41:03.439 In his hand, 00:41:04.059 --> 00:41:05.299 And that would be the symbol, 00:41:05.299 --> 00:41:06.039 Of power, 00:41:06.460 --> 00:41:07.159 And authority, 00:41:07.159 --> 00:41:08.119 That he had, 00:41:08.759 --> 00:41:10.419 And what Micah is saying, 00:41:10.759 --> 00:41:12.199 Your day of humiliation, 00:41:12.199 --> 00:41:12.899 Is coming, 00:41:13.000 --> 00:41:14.000 Because that rod, 00:41:14.299 --> 00:41:15.319 Is going to be snatched, 00:41:15.319 --> 00:41:16.359 From your hand, 00:41:16.859 --> 00:41:17.819 And it's going to be used, 00:41:17.879 --> 00:41:18.799 To strike you, 00:41:18.799 --> 00:41:19.639 On the cheek, 00:41:19.639 --> 00:41:21.179 It's going to be used, 00:41:21.239 --> 00:41:22.119 To defeat you, 00:41:22.379 --> 00:41:23.400 To take you hostage, 00:41:23.559 --> 00:41:24.359 And to take you in, 00:41:24.599 --> 00:41:25.359 To captivity, 00:41:25.579 --> 00:41:26.579 As they're told later, 00:41:26.960 --> 00:41:28.359 You will be going into Babylon, 00:41:29.139 --> 00:41:30.659 A powerful nation, 00:41:31.139 --> 00:41:31.779 Their enemy, 00:41:32.239 --> 00:41:33.819 Was going to bring humiliation, 00:41:34.359 --> 00:41:35.139 Upon them, 00:41:36.039 --> 00:41:37.779 It's the equivalent today, 00:41:37.920 --> 00:41:38.480 Of seeing, 00:41:38.940 --> 00:41:40.319 Russia or America, 00:41:40.480 --> 00:41:41.420 Brought to their knees, 00:41:41.559 --> 00:41:42.480 Humiliated, 00:41:42.699 --> 00:41:44.159 By somebody else, 00:41:44.699 --> 00:41:46.179 Losing all their power, 00:41:46.339 --> 00:41:47.420 All their authority, 00:41:47.420 --> 00:41:48.579 It would seem, 00:41:48.639 --> 00:41:49.800 It seems impossible, 00:41:49.800 --> 00:41:51.440 For us that that could happen, 00:41:51.760 --> 00:41:53.000 And it seemed impossible, 00:41:53.000 --> 00:41:54.240 In the day of Micah, 00:41:54.400 --> 00:41:55.880 That this could happen, 00:41:55.880 --> 00:41:56.840 To Israel, 00:41:56.880 --> 00:41:57.740 That this could happen, 00:41:57.740 --> 00:41:58.920 To God's people, 00:41:59.519 --> 00:41:59.960 They wouldn't, 00:42:00.019 --> 00:42:01.280 They couldn't believe it, 00:42:01.539 --> 00:42:02.659 It was unbelievable, 00:42:03.180 --> 00:42:04.440 That this could happen, 00:42:05.619 --> 00:42:06.860 And yet that's the warning, 00:42:07.340 --> 00:42:08.019 That they're given, 00:42:08.119 --> 00:42:09.039 It's an uncomfortable, 00:42:09.559 --> 00:42:10.880 Truth for them, 00:42:12.059 --> 00:42:13.059 But it's a truth, 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:14.960 That they need to hear, 00:42:16.400 --> 00:42:17.380 And that's the truth, 00:42:17.420 --> 00:42:19.300 That the Bible tells us, 00:42:19.300 --> 00:42:20.559 Of today as well, 00:42:21.340 --> 00:42:22.300 The truth that, 00:42:22.619 --> 00:42:23.420 We too, 00:42:23.780 --> 00:42:24.880 Will face, 00:42:25.099 --> 00:42:26.579 This humiliation ourselves, 00:42:27.099 --> 00:42:28.400 This being brought down, 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:29.480 If we do not turn, 00:42:29.820 --> 00:42:30.740 From our wickedness, 00:42:30.840 --> 00:42:32.740 Turn from the path, 00:42:32.800 --> 00:42:33.860 Of going away from God, 00:42:33.920 --> 00:42:34.619 Instead turn, 00:42:35.059 --> 00:42:35.920 Back to him, 00:42:36.800 --> 00:42:37.960 There is consequences, 00:42:38.360 --> 00:42:39.119 For our sin, 00:42:39.180 --> 00:42:40.800 Of the rejection of God, 00:42:41.639 --> 00:42:42.840 And the consequences, 00:42:43.700 --> 00:42:44.280 Are dire, 00:42:44.280 --> 00:42:46.740 But what, 00:42:47.100 --> 00:42:48.420 Do we believe, 00:42:49.200 --> 00:42:50.340 What do we listen to, 00:42:50.400 --> 00:42:51.000 Do we hear, 00:42:51.360 --> 00:42:52.060 This word, 00:42:52.160 --> 00:42:53.620 That for so many people, 00:42:53.900 --> 00:42:54.720 Is irrelevant, 00:42:55.920 --> 00:42:57.320 There was a survey done, 00:42:57.600 --> 00:42:58.680 Of Christian beliefs, 00:42:58.780 --> 00:42:59.660 In the United Kingdom, 00:42:59.760 --> 00:43:00.160 In 2019, 00:43:00.159 --> 00:43:01.000 In 2019, 00:43:02.079 --> 00:43:03.779 And in that survey, 00:43:03.879 --> 00:43:05.039 Those who were surveyed, 00:43:05.299 --> 00:43:07.480 Only 19% of the population, 00:43:07.599 --> 00:43:08.279 Said the Bible, 00:43:08.359 --> 00:43:09.480 Had any relevance, 00:43:11.339 --> 00:43:12.139 Just being, 00:43:12.279 --> 00:43:13.599 Kind of relevant, 00:43:14.079 --> 00:43:14.879 For our day, 00:43:15.339 --> 00:43:16.420 But that relevance, 00:43:16.619 --> 00:43:17.460 Is not enough, 00:43:18.679 --> 00:43:19.219 And then there was, 00:43:19.279 --> 00:43:20.139 Another question, 00:43:20.819 --> 00:43:21.420 Asking, 00:43:21.559 --> 00:43:21.980 Do you believe, 00:43:22.039 --> 00:43:23.359 The Bible is true, 00:43:23.360 --> 00:43:26.059 And only 5%, 00:43:26.059 --> 00:43:27.360 Of that survey, 00:43:27.460 --> 00:43:28.660 Said they believed, 00:43:28.760 --> 00:43:29.519 It was true, 00:43:30.700 --> 00:43:31.300 We have gone, 00:43:31.539 --> 00:43:32.200 So far, 00:43:32.720 --> 00:43:33.260 Away, 00:43:34.420 --> 00:43:35.320 And yet there are, 00:43:35.400 --> 00:43:35.880 Glimmers, 00:43:36.380 --> 00:43:37.680 Of hope as well, 00:43:38.700 --> 00:43:39.740 Even just this week, 00:43:39.820 --> 00:43:40.539 There was a newspaper, 00:43:40.640 --> 00:43:41.519 Article speaking, 00:43:41.640 --> 00:43:43.059 About the change, 00:43:43.220 --> 00:43:43.579 There is, 00:43:43.700 --> 00:43:45.000 In the sale of Bibles, 00:43:45.700 --> 00:43:46.120 That there is, 00:43:46.220 --> 00:43:47.440 An uprise of people, 00:43:47.539 --> 00:43:48.140 Who are looking, 00:43:48.260 --> 00:43:48.860 And searching, 00:43:49.039 --> 00:43:49.700 For truth, 00:43:50.099 --> 00:43:50.780 And it was saying, 00:43:50.860 --> 00:43:52.440 That since 2019, 00:43:52.440 --> 00:43:54.079 Sales of the Bible, 00:43:54.380 --> 00:43:56.200 Have gone up 87%, 00:43:56.200 --> 00:43:58.420 So there is, 00:43:58.420 --> 00:43:59.500 Something going on, 00:43:59.599 --> 00:44:01.179 People are looking, 00:44:01.340 --> 00:44:02.340 For truth, 00:44:03.659 --> 00:44:04.740 And instead of, 00:44:04.740 --> 00:44:05.500 Looking for it, 00:44:05.519 --> 00:44:06.119 In the world, 00:44:06.220 --> 00:44:06.700 They are starting, 00:44:06.800 --> 00:44:07.400 To return, 00:44:07.539 --> 00:44:08.240 To look for it, 00:44:08.519 --> 00:44:09.880 In the word of God, 00:44:10.519 --> 00:44:11.220 So we do not, 00:44:11.300 --> 00:44:12.200 Lose heart, 00:44:12.980 --> 00:44:13.420 And that is, 00:44:13.519 --> 00:44:14.220 The hope, 00:44:14.360 --> 00:44:14.900 That Micah, 00:44:14.900 --> 00:44:16.059 Had here as well, 00:44:16.539 --> 00:44:17.240 Even as he is, 00:44:17.240 --> 00:44:17.820 Telling them, 00:44:17.980 --> 00:44:18.320 Of this, 00:44:18.619 --> 00:44:19.820 Astonishing truth, 00:44:19.860 --> 00:44:21.119 Of what is going to come, 00:44:21.559 --> 00:44:22.220 That siege, 00:44:22.219 --> 00:44:22.980 Is going to be laid, 00:44:23.039 --> 00:44:23.599 Against them, 00:44:23.639 --> 00:44:23.959 That they are going, 00:44:23.980 --> 00:44:24.959 To be taken captive, 00:44:25.959 --> 00:44:28.239 We are still to hear, 00:44:28.739 --> 00:44:29.980 That there is hope, 00:44:31.039 --> 00:44:32.039 But it is, 00:44:32.119 --> 00:44:33.559 What do we believe, 00:44:34.639 --> 00:44:35.859 Do we believe, 00:44:36.119 --> 00:44:37.459 Truth apart from, 00:44:37.859 --> 00:44:38.980 The word of God, 00:44:39.439 --> 00:44:40.739 Or do we believe, 00:44:41.099 --> 00:44:42.299 The word of God, 00:44:43.579 --> 00:44:45.379 All the promises, 00:44:46.159 --> 00:44:47.259 Apart from God, 00:44:47.319 --> 00:44:48.039 Are lies, 00:44:48.039 --> 00:44:50.300 As Jesus says, 00:44:50.300 --> 00:44:51.360 In Mark 8, 00:44:51.420 --> 00:44:52.539 He asks the question, 00:44:53.059 --> 00:44:53.960 What does it profit, 00:44:54.059 --> 00:44:54.460 A man, 00:44:54.559 --> 00:44:56.219 To gain the whole world, 00:44:56.900 --> 00:44:57.940 And yet forfeit, 00:44:58.340 --> 00:44:59.119 His soul, 00:45:00.059 --> 00:45:01.320 And so that's a challenge, 00:45:01.659 --> 00:45:02.400 For us here, 00:45:02.500 --> 00:45:03.759 From Micah as well, 00:45:04.119 --> 00:45:04.860 What profit, 00:45:05.000 --> 00:45:05.880 Is for us, 00:45:06.420 --> 00:45:07.599 If we gain everything, 00:45:07.679 --> 00:45:08.259 That this world, 00:45:08.320 --> 00:45:09.019 Has to offer, 00:45:09.079 --> 00:45:10.019 And yet do not listen, 00:45:10.079 --> 00:45:10.820 To the truth, 00:45:11.239 --> 00:45:12.380 Of the consequences, 00:45:12.380 --> 00:45:13.219 Of our sin, 00:45:13.219 --> 00:45:15.179 That brings humiliation, 00:45:15.819 --> 00:45:17.139 That brings disaster, 00:45:17.679 --> 00:45:19.359 So we need to hear, 00:45:19.739 --> 00:45:20.419 The danger, 00:45:20.919 --> 00:45:21.699 That we're in, 00:45:23.279 --> 00:45:24.439 And that leads us then, 00:45:24.480 --> 00:45:25.299 Into the second thing, 00:45:25.359 --> 00:45:26.159 Where we see Micah, 00:45:26.500 --> 00:45:28.039 He gives us a restoration, 00:45:28.319 --> 00:45:28.739 Shown, 00:45:29.579 --> 00:45:30.919 That there is a way, 00:45:31.819 --> 00:45:33.079 We see here Micah, 00:45:33.419 --> 00:45:34.480 He tells the truth, 00:45:34.519 --> 00:45:35.779 Of the dire situation, 00:45:36.219 --> 00:45:37.079 But there is also, 00:45:37.079 --> 00:45:37.799 The truth, 00:45:37.799 --> 00:45:38.719 That will lead them, 00:45:38.879 --> 00:45:39.899 Out of it, 00:45:40.679 --> 00:45:41.179 And lead them, 00:45:41.279 --> 00:45:42.059 In a better way, 00:45:42.199 --> 00:45:42.539 A truth, 00:45:42.539 --> 00:45:43.460 That is also, 00:45:43.820 --> 00:45:45.239 Hard to believe, 00:45:46.219 --> 00:45:47.719 We think of living, 00:45:47.840 --> 00:45:48.460 In a generation, 00:45:48.699 --> 00:45:50.219 Who have neglected, 00:45:50.460 --> 00:45:51.579 God for so long, 00:45:51.719 --> 00:45:52.719 Pinning hopes, 00:45:52.800 --> 00:45:53.539 On prosperity, 00:45:53.900 --> 00:45:54.480 And freedom, 00:45:54.599 --> 00:45:55.559 And a better life, 00:45:55.940 --> 00:45:57.500 In so many different ways, 00:45:58.259 --> 00:45:59.039 All the things, 00:45:59.079 --> 00:45:59.579 That we've offered, 00:45:59.679 --> 00:46:01.259 Over these last number, 00:46:01.259 --> 00:46:01.800 Of years, 00:46:01.900 --> 00:46:02.460 You think of, 00:46:02.759 --> 00:46:03.360 Lottery, 00:46:03.460 --> 00:46:04.420 And how that's come in, 00:46:04.420 --> 00:46:05.699 And that phrase, 00:46:05.840 --> 00:46:06.900 It could be you, 00:46:07.539 --> 00:46:08.420 It's going to transform, 00:46:08.420 --> 00:46:09.400 Your life, 00:46:09.840 --> 00:46:10.800 Could be you, 00:46:11.199 --> 00:46:12.480 Giving that hope, 00:46:12.480 --> 00:46:13.059 Of money, 00:46:13.159 --> 00:46:13.840 Being the cure, 00:46:13.940 --> 00:46:14.579 For everything, 00:46:15.539 --> 00:46:16.340 Yet so often, 00:46:16.440 --> 00:46:16.960 It ends, 00:46:17.039 --> 00:46:17.659 In tears, 00:46:17.659 --> 00:46:20.440 And you think, 00:46:20.500 --> 00:46:21.480 Of all the promises, 00:46:21.480 --> 00:46:22.420 That we've seen, 00:46:22.599 --> 00:46:23.760 From politicians, 00:46:23.760 --> 00:46:24.639 Over the year, 00:46:24.760 --> 00:46:25.079 Whether it's, 00:46:25.219 --> 00:46:25.639 Brexit, 00:46:25.760 --> 00:46:26.599 Or independence, 00:46:26.800 --> 00:46:27.079 Or all, 00:46:27.280 --> 00:46:28.320 The different views, 00:46:28.360 --> 00:46:29.300 That are put across, 00:46:29.380 --> 00:46:30.260 Of what we need, 00:46:30.500 --> 00:46:31.420 For our good, 00:46:31.480 --> 00:46:32.219 And for the better, 00:46:32.219 --> 00:46:33.199 Of our nation, 00:46:33.199 --> 00:46:34.599 It's all about, 00:46:34.599 --> 00:46:35.679 What we can do, 00:46:37.679 --> 00:46:38.199 It's like, 00:46:38.219 --> 00:46:39.039 We were thinking last week, 00:46:39.099 --> 00:46:40.480 That DIY disaster, 00:46:40.559 --> 00:46:41.639 If we try and do everything, 00:46:41.719 --> 00:46:42.480 Ourselves, 00:46:43.480 --> 00:46:43.699 And we, 00:46:43.899 --> 00:46:44.299 The psalm, 00:46:44.319 --> 00:46:45.179 That we sing at the end, 00:46:45.299 --> 00:46:46.459 Psalm 146, 00:46:46.519 --> 00:46:47.419 A quote from it, 00:46:47.879 --> 00:46:48.719 We are told, 00:46:48.819 --> 00:46:49.439 In that psalm, 00:46:49.500 --> 00:46:50.759 Do not put your trust, 00:46:50.859 --> 00:46:51.439 In princes, 00:46:52.039 --> 00:46:52.839 Mortal men, 00:46:52.939 --> 00:46:54.059 Who cannot save, 00:46:54.219 --> 00:46:55.599 All their plans, 00:46:55.659 --> 00:46:56.799 Will come to nothing, 00:46:56.800 --> 00:46:58.200 When they perish, 00:46:58.720 --> 00:46:59.519 In the grave, 00:46:59.620 --> 00:47:00.539 There's that warning, 00:47:00.720 --> 00:47:01.120 To us, 00:47:01.480 --> 00:47:02.300 In that psalm, 00:47:02.360 --> 00:47:03.039 That that is not, 00:47:03.039 --> 00:47:04.440 Where our hope is found, 00:47:06.019 --> 00:47:07.260 And that's the warning, 00:47:07.380 --> 00:47:08.680 That Micah is giving to, 00:47:09.120 --> 00:47:10.480 Do not put your trust, 00:47:10.600 --> 00:47:11.120 In princes, 00:47:11.300 --> 00:47:12.519 Do not put your trust, 00:47:12.840 --> 00:47:13.860 In mortal men, 00:47:14.740 --> 00:47:15.320 Instead, 00:47:15.480 --> 00:47:16.720 He gives them this hope, 00:47:17.039 --> 00:47:18.240 Of the one who has come, 00:47:18.340 --> 00:47:19.160 From Bethlehem, 00:47:19.480 --> 00:47:20.880 The ruler who would come, 00:47:21.000 --> 00:47:21.260 There is, 00:47:21.280 --> 00:47:22.640 There is good news, 00:47:23.220 --> 00:47:24.120 That the way, 00:47:24.340 --> 00:47:25.200 To hope, 00:47:25.240 --> 00:47:26.360 And the way to salvation, 00:47:26.800 --> 00:47:28.400 Is found in God, 00:47:28.440 --> 00:47:29.400 Who is going to provide, 00:47:29.840 --> 00:47:31.220 A ruler for them, 00:47:32.000 --> 00:47:33.180 One who would bring, 00:47:33.600 --> 00:47:34.720 Restoration, 00:47:35.560 --> 00:47:36.519 And you would expect, 00:47:36.640 --> 00:47:37.900 The people to listen to this, 00:47:37.960 --> 00:47:38.180 And think, 00:47:38.260 --> 00:47:38.380 Well, 00:47:38.680 --> 00:47:39.860 Where is this ruler, 00:47:39.860 --> 00:47:40.940 Going to come from, 00:47:40.980 --> 00:47:41.720 He must come, 00:47:41.860 --> 00:47:42.840 From a powerhouse, 00:47:42.880 --> 00:47:43.519 He must come, 00:47:43.860 --> 00:47:44.780 From Jerusalem, 00:47:45.260 --> 00:47:46.060 Our own city, 00:47:46.140 --> 00:47:46.860 Or you must come, 00:47:47.100 --> 00:47:48.560 From a powerful nation, 00:47:48.660 --> 00:47:50.019 A powerful place, 00:47:51.320 --> 00:47:52.760 But Micah says, 00:47:52.860 --> 00:47:53.360 But you, 00:47:53.800 --> 00:47:54.720 O Bethlehem, 00:47:55.160 --> 00:47:55.820 Ephathra, 00:47:55.820 --> 00:47:57.740 You who are too little, 00:47:57.740 --> 00:47:58.920 To be among the clans, 00:47:58.980 --> 00:47:59.380 Of Judah, 00:47:59.480 --> 00:48:00.160 From you, 00:48:00.620 --> 00:48:01.500 Shall come forth, 00:48:01.559 --> 00:48:01.940 For me, 00:48:02.039 --> 00:48:03.200 One who is to be ruler, 00:48:03.620 --> 00:48:04.440 In Israel, 00:48:05.300 --> 00:48:06.380 It would have been, 00:48:06.420 --> 00:48:07.100 A shock, 00:48:07.519 --> 00:48:08.400 To them all, 00:48:09.300 --> 00:48:10.600 The hope of the world, 00:48:10.740 --> 00:48:11.660 Was going to come, 00:48:11.860 --> 00:48:13.460 From little Bethlehem, 00:48:14.360 --> 00:48:15.320 The most unlikely, 00:48:15.860 --> 00:48:16.640 Of places, 00:48:16.840 --> 00:48:17.180 David, 00:48:17.380 --> 00:48:18.840 Was an unlikely king, 00:48:19.019 --> 00:48:20.080 That came from Bethlehem, 00:48:20.100 --> 00:48:21.360 And now Micah is saying, 00:48:22.200 --> 00:48:23.720 Even through David's line, 00:48:23.719 --> 00:48:24.639 Is going to come, 00:48:25.059 --> 00:48:25.459 Another, 00:48:26.459 --> 00:48:28.019 The son of God, 00:48:28.639 --> 00:48:29.739 Jesus Christ, 00:48:29.739 --> 00:48:33.500 And it speaks here, 00:48:33.500 --> 00:48:34.259 About the one, 00:48:34.379 --> 00:48:36.039 Who is going to be born, 00:48:36.179 --> 00:48:37.539 When she who is in labor, 00:48:37.619 --> 00:48:38.699 Has given birth, 00:48:39.639 --> 00:48:40.819 So it's looking ahead, 00:48:40.980 --> 00:48:42.639 To the coming of Christ, 00:48:42.639 --> 00:48:45.659 And in Matthew chapter 2, 00:48:46.359 --> 00:48:47.699 When Herod hears, 00:48:47.699 --> 00:48:48.659 From the wise men, 00:48:48.719 --> 00:48:49.440 That they are coming, 00:48:49.980 --> 00:48:50.779 Because they have seen, 00:48:50.839 --> 00:48:52.859 A star of the new born king, 00:48:53.099 --> 00:48:54.079 Of the Jews, 00:48:54.179 --> 00:48:55.879 He asks his own wise men, 00:48:56.559 --> 00:48:58.019 Where is this Messiah, 00:48:58.199 --> 00:48:59.539 Supposed to be born, 00:49:00.559 --> 00:49:01.859 And they all have the answer, 00:49:01.860 --> 00:49:04.620 In Bethlehem of Judea, 00:49:04.660 --> 00:49:05.320 For it is written, 00:49:05.440 --> 00:49:06.099 By the prophet, 00:49:06.200 --> 00:49:06.599 And you, 00:49:06.980 --> 00:49:07.599 O Bethlehem, 00:49:07.620 --> 00:49:08.539 In the land of Judah, 00:49:08.620 --> 00:49:09.780 Are by no means least, 00:49:09.860 --> 00:49:11.660 Among the rulers of Judah, 00:49:11.880 --> 00:49:13.039 From you shall come, 00:49:13.079 --> 00:49:14.420 A ruler who will shepherd, 00:49:14.880 --> 00:49:15.539 My people, 00:49:15.539 --> 00:49:16.140 They're looking, 00:49:16.640 --> 00:49:17.120 To Micah, 00:49:17.200 --> 00:49:18.480 They're listening to Micah, 00:49:19.640 --> 00:49:21.260 Do they believe it though? 00:49:22.539 --> 00:49:23.340 It's just like, 00:49:23.440 --> 00:49:24.380 This Chinese whisper, 00:49:24.480 --> 00:49:25.500 Well we've heard this, 00:49:26.240 --> 00:49:27.260 But is it true? 00:49:27.260 --> 00:49:30.220 And that's true for ourselves, 00:49:30.220 --> 00:49:31.340 Today as well, 00:49:31.400 --> 00:49:32.300 We're hearing this, 00:49:32.720 --> 00:49:33.920 That a ruler will come, 00:49:34.000 --> 00:49:35.420 One who will save his people, 00:49:35.640 --> 00:49:37.240 But do we believe it? 00:49:38.140 --> 00:49:40.300 He has come to save his people, 00:49:40.580 --> 00:49:41.940 From their sins, 00:49:42.060 --> 00:49:42.760 There is a way, 00:49:43.280 --> 00:49:44.200 To restoration, 00:49:45.720 --> 00:49:46.740 Micah was called, 00:49:47.180 --> 00:49:48.420 To minister to the people, 00:49:48.560 --> 00:49:49.660 Because God saw, 00:49:50.100 --> 00:49:50.640 Their need, 00:49:50.900 --> 00:49:51.540 He saw that, 00:49:51.740 --> 00:49:53.000 They were wandering off, 00:49:53.040 --> 00:49:54.020 In the wrong direction, 00:49:54.840 --> 00:49:56.140 And he's calling them back, 00:49:56.220 --> 00:49:56.800 To himself, 00:49:56.920 --> 00:49:57.160 Because, 00:49:57.260 --> 00:49:58.440 The Lord has, 00:49:58.680 --> 00:50:00.300 This view over us all, 00:50:01.580 --> 00:50:02.220 In the same way, 00:50:02.280 --> 00:50:03.320 As he does today, 00:50:04.520 --> 00:50:06.140 It's, 00:50:06.140 --> 00:50:07.920 Coming into spring, 00:50:08.080 --> 00:50:08.800 We hope now, 00:50:09.200 --> 00:50:09.920 When you see, 00:50:10.120 --> 00:50:11.120 The day is getting longer, 00:50:11.240 --> 00:50:12.640 And the weather is starting to change, 00:50:12.720 --> 00:50:13.480 And it will soon be, 00:50:13.900 --> 00:50:15.340 Lambing time once again, 00:50:16.280 --> 00:50:16.900 And, 00:50:17.000 --> 00:50:18.460 One thing about lambing time, 00:50:18.540 --> 00:50:19.700 Is it's a busy time, 00:50:19.800 --> 00:50:20.720 Checking on the sheep, 00:50:20.820 --> 00:50:21.400 Day and night, 00:50:21.460 --> 00:50:22.080 To make sure, 00:50:22.400 --> 00:50:23.780 That things are going well, 00:50:24.880 --> 00:50:25.380 And I remember, 00:50:25.520 --> 00:50:26.620 When we were down in Uist, 00:50:26.619 --> 00:50:27.339 At this time, 00:50:27.380 --> 00:50:28.139 It was always busy, 00:50:28.239 --> 00:50:28.359 But, 00:50:28.779 --> 00:50:29.679 Some of them had started, 00:50:29.679 --> 00:50:31.139 To use different ways, 00:50:31.139 --> 00:50:32.359 Of checking on their sheep, 00:50:32.440 --> 00:50:33.440 Rather than just going out, 00:50:33.500 --> 00:50:34.900 And walking around the croft, 00:50:35.259 --> 00:50:36.179 Crofts that could be, 00:50:36.440 --> 00:50:37.619 A fair size, 00:50:37.960 --> 00:50:38.519 There was a few, 00:50:38.579 --> 00:50:40.039 Who had started using drones, 00:50:40.039 --> 00:50:42.360 They could just watch, 00:50:42.360 --> 00:50:43.460 From their house, 00:50:43.519 --> 00:50:44.880 Put the drone down the field, 00:50:44.980 --> 00:50:45.880 And just hover, 00:50:46.039 --> 00:50:47.460 And see where all the sheep were, 00:50:47.500 --> 00:50:48.460 And what was happening, 00:50:49.719 --> 00:50:50.460 And it was, 00:50:50.900 --> 00:50:52.059 There was wisdom in it, 00:50:52.079 --> 00:50:52.699 In so many ways, 00:50:52.759 --> 00:50:54.119 Because you were seeing from above, 00:50:54.199 --> 00:50:55.139 What was going on, 00:50:55.699 --> 00:50:57.019 So when you were on the ground, 00:50:57.099 --> 00:50:58.300 Maybe you would miss a sheep, 00:50:58.800 --> 00:51:00.199 A sheep had maybe rolled over, 00:51:00.259 --> 00:51:00.699 In a ditch, 00:51:00.739 --> 00:51:01.860 And you couldn't see it, 00:51:02.619 --> 00:51:04.099 A drone would reveal it, 00:51:04.099 --> 00:51:06.319 And in many ways, 00:51:06.380 --> 00:51:07.179 That's what we see, 00:51:07.559 --> 00:51:08.679 When we think of God, 00:51:08.719 --> 00:51:10.119 And how he sees us, 00:51:10.779 --> 00:51:12.460 He is seeing things from above, 00:51:13.539 --> 00:51:15.059 And Micah is being used, 00:51:15.360 --> 00:51:17.019 To reveal God's word, 00:51:17.119 --> 00:51:17.659 To the people, 00:51:17.739 --> 00:51:18.539 Because he's seeing, 00:51:18.819 --> 00:51:19.819 The bigger picture, 00:51:20.839 --> 00:51:21.619 They might think, 00:51:21.699 --> 00:51:23.519 Their restoration is in themselves, 00:51:23.779 --> 00:51:25.420 Their own riches, 00:51:25.639 --> 00:51:26.619 Their own power, 00:51:26.699 --> 00:51:27.339 And authority, 00:51:27.480 --> 00:51:27.960 But no, 00:51:28.699 --> 00:51:29.440 God is saying, 00:51:29.559 --> 00:51:30.380 If you look from above, 00:51:30.460 --> 00:51:31.839 There's a greater threat, 00:51:32.259 --> 00:51:33.019 There is Babylon, 00:51:33.019 --> 00:51:34.759 And so you have to listen, 00:51:34.920 --> 00:51:35.340 To me, 00:51:36.579 --> 00:51:38.380 And God sees their need, 00:51:39.239 --> 00:51:41.320 And God sees our need, 00:51:42.139 --> 00:51:43.960 God sees his people, 00:51:44.420 --> 00:51:46.159 Just like in the days of Moses, 00:51:46.460 --> 00:51:48.079 God saw his people, 00:51:48.280 --> 00:51:49.039 In Egypt, 00:51:49.139 --> 00:51:50.320 And God took action, 00:51:50.679 --> 00:51:51.860 We think of our own day, 00:51:51.960 --> 00:51:53.119 God sees our need, 00:51:53.139 --> 00:51:54.639 And he's taking action too, 00:51:55.500 --> 00:51:56.599 In Hebrews 1, 00:51:56.679 --> 00:51:57.159 Verse 1, 00:51:57.199 --> 00:51:57.539 It says, 00:51:57.900 --> 00:51:58.400 Long ago, 00:51:58.480 --> 00:51:59.320 At many times, 00:51:59.380 --> 00:52:00.280 And in many ways, 00:52:00.679 --> 00:52:02.420 God spoke to our fathers, 00:52:02.420 --> 00:52:03.440 By the prophets, 00:52:03.599 --> 00:52:04.599 Just like Micah, 00:52:05.480 --> 00:52:06.300 But he says, 00:52:06.380 --> 00:52:07.400 In these last days, 00:52:07.700 --> 00:52:08.860 He has spoken to us, 00:52:08.860 --> 00:52:09.820 By his son, 00:52:11.539 --> 00:52:12.119 His son, 00:52:12.200 --> 00:52:13.400 Who is speaking to us, 00:52:13.700 --> 00:52:14.820 Through the word, 00:52:14.940 --> 00:52:15.860 Of God, 00:52:15.860 --> 00:52:18.760 But are we listening, 00:52:18.820 --> 00:52:19.460 Are we listening, 00:52:20.099 --> 00:52:21.760 To the way of restoration, 00:52:21.960 --> 00:52:22.460 And the one, 00:52:22.539 --> 00:52:23.180 Who would be ruler, 00:52:23.320 --> 00:52:24.260 One who would be born, 00:52:24.619 --> 00:52:25.639 In Bethlehem, 00:52:26.059 --> 00:52:26.680 The king, 00:52:27.019 --> 00:52:28.159 Of the world, 00:52:28.159 --> 00:52:29.819 Well, 00:52:29.859 --> 00:52:30.500 If we begin, 00:52:30.719 --> 00:52:31.399 To listen, 00:52:31.500 --> 00:52:32.279 The final thing, 00:52:32.379 --> 00:52:33.139 We see here, 00:52:33.219 --> 00:52:34.279 Is a ruler, 00:52:34.440 --> 00:52:35.239 Will reign, 00:52:35.940 --> 00:52:36.940 And he will reign, 00:52:37.059 --> 00:52:37.679 For the good, 00:52:38.000 --> 00:52:39.259 Of his people, 00:52:40.079 --> 00:52:41.460 What happens today, 00:52:41.539 --> 00:52:42.319 When a new ruler, 00:52:42.319 --> 00:52:43.239 Is installed, 00:52:43.399 --> 00:52:43.819 Whether it's, 00:52:43.819 --> 00:52:44.920 Prime minister, 00:52:45.039 --> 00:52:45.659 A president, 00:52:45.839 --> 00:52:46.460 Or a king, 00:52:47.059 --> 00:52:48.219 We see it in so many, 00:52:48.219 --> 00:52:49.019 Different ways, 00:52:49.039 --> 00:52:49.940 Around the world, 00:52:50.500 --> 00:52:52.099 Does it bring peace, 00:52:52.099 --> 00:52:54.299 So often, 00:52:54.360 --> 00:52:55.059 It's the opposite, 00:52:56.299 --> 00:52:56.880 So often, 00:52:56.980 --> 00:52:57.659 It's anarchy, 00:52:58.339 --> 00:52:58.960 So often, 00:52:59.059 --> 00:52:59.839 It's a rejection, 00:53:00.619 --> 00:53:01.900 A turning against them, 00:53:02.299 --> 00:53:03.619 You see protests, 00:53:03.860 --> 00:53:04.480 In countries, 00:53:04.599 --> 00:53:05.119 And cities, 00:53:05.219 --> 00:53:06.179 All over the world, 00:53:07.059 --> 00:53:08.500 Not my prime minister, 00:53:08.659 --> 00:53:09.099 Is the slogan, 00:53:09.219 --> 00:53:10.759 Or not my president, 00:53:10.980 --> 00:53:11.920 Not my king, 00:53:12.179 --> 00:53:13.759 We don't want this person, 00:53:13.759 --> 00:53:15.239 To rule over us, 00:53:16.500 --> 00:53:18.039 And here in verse four, 00:53:18.139 --> 00:53:18.619 We're told, 00:53:18.719 --> 00:53:19.380 That this ruler, 00:53:19.579 --> 00:53:20.960 Is going to come, 00:53:20.960 --> 00:53:23.059 And he shall stand, 00:53:23.179 --> 00:53:24.760 And shepherd his flock, 00:53:24.820 --> 00:53:25.980 In the strength of the Lord, 00:53:26.039 --> 00:53:26.720 In the majesty, 00:53:27.119 --> 00:53:28.320 Of the name of the Lord, 00:53:28.400 --> 00:53:28.960 His God, 00:53:29.380 --> 00:53:30.460 And they shall dwell, 00:53:30.639 --> 00:53:31.940 Secure for now, 00:53:32.280 --> 00:53:33.260 He shall be great, 00:53:33.320 --> 00:53:34.659 To the ends of the earth, 00:53:34.679 --> 00:53:35.860 And he shall be, 00:53:35.980 --> 00:53:36.980 Their peace, 00:53:37.000 --> 00:53:38.119 You see this ruler, 00:53:38.240 --> 00:53:38.820 Who's offered, 00:53:40.039 --> 00:53:41.539 He shall shepherd his flock, 00:53:41.639 --> 00:53:42.800 He'll be their strength, 00:53:43.199 --> 00:53:44.420 The majesty of the name, 00:53:44.440 --> 00:53:44.920 Of the Lord, 00:53:44.960 --> 00:53:45.720 Will be in their midst, 00:53:45.800 --> 00:53:46.800 They will be secure, 00:53:47.199 --> 00:53:48.260 They will have peace, 00:53:48.699 --> 00:53:49.940 All these promises, 00:53:50.960 --> 00:53:53.539 But what do the people say? 00:53:54.920 --> 00:53:55.960 So many of them say, 00:53:56.059 --> 00:53:56.300 No, 00:53:57.240 --> 00:53:58.619 We will not have, 00:53:58.780 --> 00:53:59.760 This man, 00:54:00.199 --> 00:54:01.340 Rule over us, 00:54:01.380 --> 00:54:01.960 Even though you have, 00:54:02.139 --> 00:54:02.920 All these promises, 00:54:02.920 --> 00:54:04.220 Of great things, 00:54:05.220 --> 00:54:05.740 Shepherding, 00:54:05.840 --> 00:54:06.420 And the care, 00:54:06.480 --> 00:54:07.039 And attention, 00:54:07.039 --> 00:54:08.199 Of the Lord, 00:54:08.280 --> 00:54:09.460 The majesty of God, 00:54:09.519 --> 00:54:10.199 In their midst, 00:54:10.860 --> 00:54:11.579 The security, 00:54:11.579 --> 00:54:12.940 That he is able to bring, 00:54:13.019 --> 00:54:13.599 And the peace, 00:54:13.659 --> 00:54:14.519 That he offers, 00:54:15.539 --> 00:54:16.720 And yet people say, 00:54:17.059 --> 00:54:18.619 Not my ruler, 00:54:18.619 --> 00:54:22.559 He will give them peace, 00:54:22.599 --> 00:54:23.119 And you think of, 00:54:23.380 --> 00:54:24.460 The time of the birth, 00:54:24.500 --> 00:54:25.079 Of Jesus, 00:54:25.279 --> 00:54:26.659 When the shepherds, 00:54:26.920 --> 00:54:27.799 Were out in the field, 00:54:27.880 --> 00:54:28.940 They heard the angels, 00:54:29.079 --> 00:54:30.380 Singing glory to God, 00:54:30.420 --> 00:54:31.019 In the highest, 00:54:31.400 --> 00:54:32.539 And on earth peace, 00:54:33.619 --> 00:54:35.099 That there is a way, 00:54:35.420 --> 00:54:36.359 To peace, 00:54:37.039 --> 00:54:37.900 That he has come, 00:54:38.259 --> 00:54:39.639 To bring peace, 00:54:40.639 --> 00:54:41.779 And yet we say, 00:54:41.900 --> 00:54:42.119 No, 00:54:43.739 --> 00:54:45.460 A parable that Jesus tells, 00:54:45.579 --> 00:54:46.440 In Luke 19, 00:54:46.440 --> 00:54:48.200 It says there, 00:54:48.280 --> 00:54:49.599 His citizens hated him, 00:54:49.639 --> 00:54:50.519 And sent a delegation, 00:54:50.519 --> 00:54:51.240 After him, 00:54:51.300 --> 00:54:51.500 Saying, 00:54:51.960 --> 00:54:53.340 We do not want this man, 00:54:53.340 --> 00:54:54.700 To reign over us, 00:54:55.420 --> 00:54:56.860 We want nothing, 00:54:56.860 --> 00:54:57.679 Of this man, 00:54:58.139 --> 00:54:59.099 And that's just the way, 00:54:59.179 --> 00:55:00.440 Jesus was received, 00:55:00.559 --> 00:55:01.420 He was not received, 00:55:01.519 --> 00:55:02.039 By his own, 00:55:02.099 --> 00:55:02.980 They rejected him, 00:55:03.159 --> 00:55:04.559 We don't want this man, 00:55:04.700 --> 00:55:05.960 To reign over us, 00:55:07.260 --> 00:55:08.039 And you see it, 00:55:08.059 --> 00:55:08.760 At the cross, 00:55:08.900 --> 00:55:09.920 As they crucify him, 00:55:11.159 --> 00:55:12.179 John 19, 00:55:12.280 --> 00:55:13.019 Verse 15, 00:55:13.900 --> 00:55:14.500 As he's, 00:55:14.500 --> 00:55:16.960 There before Pilate, 00:55:17.099 --> 00:55:18.519 Jesus is before Pilate, 00:55:18.559 --> 00:55:19.679 And the crowd are there, 00:55:20.460 --> 00:55:21.500 The crowd cry out, 00:55:21.579 --> 00:55:22.320 Away with him, 00:55:22.360 --> 00:55:22.980 Away with him, 00:55:23.079 --> 00:55:23.960 Crucify him, 00:55:25.320 --> 00:55:26.320 And Pilate said to them, 00:55:26.360 --> 00:55:27.940 Shall I crucify your king? 00:55:29.380 --> 00:55:30.760 And the chief priest answered, 00:55:30.900 --> 00:55:32.019 We have no king, 00:55:32.380 --> 00:55:33.360 But Caesar, 00:55:34.079 --> 00:55:35.139 He's no king, 00:55:35.139 --> 00:55:36.380 Of ours, 00:55:36.380 --> 00:55:40.380 I can say, 00:55:40.840 --> 00:55:42.440 With all confidence, 00:55:42.440 --> 00:55:42.960 Today, 00:55:42.960 --> 00:55:44.820 That everyone here, 00:55:46.079 --> 00:55:47.000 And everyone throughout, 00:55:47.200 --> 00:55:48.019 All the world, 00:55:48.200 --> 00:55:49.240 And every generation, 00:55:49.539 --> 00:55:49.900 Past, 00:55:50.099 --> 00:55:50.480 Present, 00:55:50.920 --> 00:55:51.820 And future, 00:55:52.480 --> 00:55:54.320 Will one day acknowledge, 00:55:54.840 --> 00:55:55.940 That he is Lord, 00:55:56.460 --> 00:55:59.240 That is the truth, 00:55:59.480 --> 00:56:01.039 That the word of God says, 00:56:01.119 --> 00:56:02.140 For in Philippians, 00:56:02.700 --> 00:56:03.619 Chapter 2, 00:56:03.619 --> 00:56:04.019 We read, 00:56:04.119 --> 00:56:06.400 Therefore God has highly exalted him, 00:56:06.739 --> 00:56:07.380 That's Jesus, 00:56:07.500 --> 00:56:08.519 And bestowed on him, 00:56:08.859 --> 00:56:10.599 The name that is above every name, 00:56:10.679 --> 00:56:11.839 So that the name of Jesus, 00:56:11.960 --> 00:56:13.159 Every knee should bow, 00:56:13.539 --> 00:56:14.599 In heaven and on earth, 00:56:14.639 --> 00:56:15.420 And under the earth, 00:56:15.779 --> 00:56:17.420 And every tongue confess, 00:56:17.519 --> 00:56:19.440 That Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:56:19.900 --> 00:56:21.299 To the glory of God, 00:56:21.400 --> 00:56:22.059 The Father, 00:56:22.059 --> 00:56:24.960 The day is coming, 00:56:25.460 --> 00:56:26.900 When that will be, 00:56:28.559 --> 00:56:30.559 Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:56:30.559 --> 00:56:33.480 But the question is, 00:56:34.299 --> 00:56:35.119 Do we see, 00:56:35.639 --> 00:56:36.599 Jesus Christ, 00:56:36.679 --> 00:56:37.299 As the ruler, 00:56:37.440 --> 00:56:38.679 Who is promised here, 00:56:39.139 --> 00:56:40.239 The one who would come, 00:56:40.460 --> 00:56:41.219 From Bethlehem, 00:56:41.519 --> 00:56:42.420 The one who would be born, 00:56:42.519 --> 00:56:43.480 Into this world, 00:56:44.019 --> 00:56:44.880 The one who would live, 00:56:44.920 --> 00:56:45.940 Among his people, 00:56:46.039 --> 00:56:46.960 The one who would die, 00:56:47.179 --> 00:56:48.000 On the cross, 00:56:48.079 --> 00:56:49.159 The one who rose again, 00:56:49.219 --> 00:56:50.219 On the third day, 00:56:51.739 --> 00:56:52.699 Is he, 00:56:53.360 --> 00:56:54.039 The ruler, 00:56:54.380 --> 00:56:55.639 Of your heart today, 00:56:57.159 --> 00:56:58.360 The word, 00:56:59.119 --> 00:56:59.960 Is truth, 00:57:00.559 --> 00:57:01.639 It speaks, 00:57:01.699 --> 00:57:03.079 A resounding truth, 00:57:03.079 --> 00:57:03.579 To us, 00:57:03.599 --> 00:57:04.920 That there is consequences, 00:57:05.380 --> 00:57:06.579 For turning away, 00:57:07.019 --> 00:57:07.960 From God, 00:57:09.239 --> 00:57:10.000 But we see, 00:57:10.079 --> 00:57:11.619 A restoration promised, 00:57:12.320 --> 00:57:13.039 A hope, 00:57:13.659 --> 00:57:14.539 That there is a ruler, 00:57:14.659 --> 00:57:15.259 Who would come, 00:57:15.400 --> 00:57:16.079 For his people, 00:57:16.159 --> 00:57:17.159 And to his people, 00:57:17.960 --> 00:57:18.820 And is none other, 00:57:18.900 --> 00:57:19.500 Than the king, 00:57:20.039 --> 00:57:21.579 The Lord Jesus Christ, 00:57:22.480 --> 00:57:25.299 The ruler is here, 00:57:26.159 --> 00:57:27.799 And he is speaking, 00:57:27.920 --> 00:57:28.619 His truth, 00:57:28.619 --> 00:57:30.359 The truth, 00:57:30.359 --> 00:57:31.039 That this world, 00:57:31.139 --> 00:57:32.079 Needs to hear, 00:57:33.179 --> 00:57:34.739 The question is, 00:57:35.339 --> 00:57:36.639 Is he your king, 00:57:37.539 --> 00:57:38.699 Is he your ruler, 00:57:38.799 --> 00:57:39.839 Is he your lord, 00:57:40.639 --> 00:57:42.579 Before it's too late, 00:57:42.579 --> 00:57:45.360 The day will come, 00:57:45.360 --> 00:57:46.840 When we will all confess, 00:57:46.980 --> 00:57:47.980 That Jesus Christ, 00:57:48.099 --> 00:57:48.639 Is lord, 00:57:49.159 --> 00:57:51.799 But may that day, 00:57:51.900 --> 00:57:52.960 Be a day where you say, 00:57:53.739 --> 00:57:54.840 He is my lord, 00:57:55.400 --> 00:57:57.099 And my king, 00:57:57.539 --> 00:57:58.960 My ruler, 00:57:59.659 --> 00:58:00.960 Who came, 00:58:01.199 --> 00:58:01.980 For me, 00:58:02.860 --> 00:58:03.599 Let us pray, 00:58:03.599 --> 00:58:08.019 Our father in heaven, 00:58:08.119 --> 00:58:08.779 We thank you, 00:58:09.259 --> 00:58:09.860 For the truth, 00:58:09.900 --> 00:58:10.480 Of your word, 00:58:10.579 --> 00:58:11.159 And pray that, 00:58:11.559 --> 00:58:12.139 Your spirit, 00:58:12.319 --> 00:58:13.099 Will apply it, 00:58:13.259 --> 00:58:14.039 To our hearts, 00:58:14.659 --> 00:58:15.599 That you would help us, 00:58:15.679 --> 00:58:16.619 To understand, 00:58:16.819 --> 00:58:18.119 That we are in, 00:58:18.119 --> 00:58:19.159 Great danger, 00:58:19.159 --> 00:58:19.819 In the world, 00:58:19.900 --> 00:58:20.759 In which we live, 00:58:21.319 --> 00:58:22.400 Not because of the, 00:58:23.059 --> 00:58:23.639 Human threats, 00:58:23.679 --> 00:58:24.480 Alone that we see, 00:58:24.559 --> 00:58:25.079 Around us, 00:58:25.119 --> 00:58:26.339 But because of the power, 00:58:26.400 --> 00:58:26.880 Of sin, 00:58:27.400 --> 00:58:28.699 Even in our own hearts, 00:58:29.500 --> 00:58:30.359 And that warning, 00:58:30.460 --> 00:58:31.299 Is there for us, 00:58:31.339 --> 00:58:32.359 But we thank you too, 00:58:33.000 --> 00:58:33.779 That there is one, 00:58:33.819 --> 00:58:34.359 Who has come, 00:58:34.439 --> 00:58:35.960 To save us from our sin, 00:58:36.579 --> 00:58:37.219 That ruler, 00:58:37.359 --> 00:58:38.219 Who would be born, 00:58:38.779 --> 00:58:39.919 Into this world, 00:58:40.279 --> 00:58:40.719 A ruler, 00:58:40.859 --> 00:58:42.299 Who came from Bethlehem, 00:58:42.939 --> 00:58:43.719 A place so small, 00:58:43.779 --> 00:58:44.419 And insignificant, 00:58:44.419 --> 00:58:45.439 In many ways, 00:58:45.539 --> 00:58:46.779 And yet so important, 00:58:46.899 --> 00:58:47.319 For us, 00:58:47.839 --> 00:58:48.599 To know that, 00:58:49.000 --> 00:58:50.279 You sent your son, 00:58:50.799 --> 00:58:51.960 From that place, 00:58:52.000 --> 00:58:52.879 Into this world, 00:58:53.039 --> 00:58:53.500 To come, 00:58:53.960 --> 00:58:55.239 And save his people, 00:58:55.919 --> 00:58:57.119 So help us to hear, 00:58:57.279 --> 00:58:57.399 Lord, 00:58:57.480 --> 00:58:57.899 Your word, 00:58:58.019 --> 00:58:58.679 Speaking to us, 00:58:58.699 --> 00:59:00.019 Help us to understand, 00:59:00.759 --> 00:59:01.500 And what it means, 00:59:01.579 --> 00:59:02.899 To put our trust in you, 00:59:03.379 --> 00:59:04.460 So that when the day comes, 00:59:04.539 --> 00:59:05.199 We will say, 00:59:05.759 --> 00:59:06.599 That Jesus Christ, 00:59:06.719 --> 00:59:07.719 Is not just Lord, 00:59:08.299 --> 00:59:09.619 Not just our ruler, 00:59:10.339 --> 00:59:11.500 But that he is my Lord, 00:59:11.779 --> 00:59:12.739 And my God, 00:59:13.159 --> 00:59:14.599 Help us to confess, 00:59:14.879 --> 00:59:15.819 Even these words, 00:59:15.899 --> 00:59:17.359 As we ask in Jesus name, 00:59:17.899 --> 00:59:18.279 Amen. 00:59:22.539 --> 00:59:23.799 We're going to conclude, 00:59:23.919 --> 00:59:25.099 By singing to God's praise, 00:59:25.199 --> 00:59:26.980 In Psalm 146, 00:59:26.980 --> 00:59:29.039 Sing Psalm's version, 00:59:29.039 --> 00:59:30.440 Page 191, 00:59:30.440 --> 00:59:35.199 Psalm 146, 00:59:35.940 --> 00:59:37.840 Sing from verse 1, 00:59:38.039 --> 00:59:39.139 To verse 6, 00:59:39.219 --> 00:59:40.519 These words of verse 3, 00:59:40.619 --> 00:59:41.920 We quoted in the sermon, 00:59:42.920 --> 00:59:44.119 Do not put your trust, 00:59:44.199 --> 00:59:44.679 In princes, 00:59:44.860 --> 00:59:45.559 Mortal men, 00:59:45.659 --> 00:59:46.679 Who cannot save, 00:59:47.179 --> 00:59:48.199 Or their plans, 00:59:48.320 --> 00:59:49.380 Will come to nothing, 00:59:49.940 --> 00:59:50.960 When they perish, 00:59:51.039 --> 00:59:51.800 In the grave, 00:59:51.800 --> 00:59:53.019 But instead, 00:59:53.140 --> 00:59:53.820 We are seeing there, 00:59:53.920 --> 00:59:54.360 In verse 5, 00:59:54.460 --> 00:59:55.620 Blessed is the one, 00:59:55.680 --> 00:59:57.240 Who truly looks for help, 00:59:57.460 --> 00:59:58.860 To Jacob's God, 00:59:58.980 --> 01:00:00.019 Blessed is the one, 01:00:00.060 --> 01:00:00.740 Who places, 01:00:01.220 --> 01:00:02.180 All his hope, 01:00:02.500 --> 01:00:03.420 Upon the Lord, 01:00:03.480 --> 01:00:04.519 We'll sing from verse 1, 01:00:04.600 --> 01:00:05.120 To 6, 01:00:05.260 --> 01:00:06.340 To God's praise, 01:00:06.340 --> 01:00:14.620 Praise the Lord, 01:00:14.720 --> 01:00:16.300 My soul, 01:00:16.300 --> 01:00:18.400 Praise him, 01:00:18.400 --> 01:00:24.320 I excel him all my days, 01:00:24.680 --> 01:00:28.519 While I live to God, 01:00:28.620 --> 01:00:30.200 My Savior, 01:00:30.199 --> 01:00:33.079 From my heart, 01:00:33.219 --> 01:00:37.219 I will sing praise, 01:00:37.219 --> 01:00:41.859 Do not put your trust, 01:00:42.259 --> 01:00:43.379 In princes, 01:00:44.000 --> 01:00:49.480 For the men who cannot save, 01:00:49.859 --> 01:00:52.159 All their plans, 01:00:52.159 --> 01:00:55.399 Will come to nothing, 01:00:55.659 --> 01:00:58.619 When they perish, 01:00:58.619 --> 01:01:00.639 In the grave, 01:01:00.639 --> 01:01:06.579 Blessed is the one, 01:01:06.579 --> 01:01:10.980 Who truly looks for help, 01:01:11.119 --> 01:01:14.259 To Jacob's God, 01:01:14.579 --> 01:01:18.239 Blessed is the one, 01:01:18.239 --> 01:01:20.159 Who places, 01:01:20.539 --> 01:01:22.659 All his hope, 01:01:22.839 --> 01:01:26.639 Upon the Lord, 01:01:26.639 --> 01:01:31.099 He who made the earth, 01:01:31.099 --> 01:01:33.099 And heaven's, 01:01:33.099 --> 01:01:35.460 And the sea's, 01:01:35.460 --> 01:01:37.659 With all earth's, 01:01:37.659 --> 01:01:41.319 For he who teaches, 01:01:41.319 --> 01:01:44.440 Every promise, 01:01:44.839 --> 01:01:47.019 Who is faithful, 01:01:47.019 --> 01:01:50.599 Evermore. 01:01:51.980 --> 01:01:52.980 After the benediction, 01:01:53.079 --> 01:01:54.420 I'll go to the door to my right, 01:01:54.500 --> 01:01:55.679 We'll close with a benediction. 01:01:56.359 --> 01:01:56.919 Let me pray, 01:01:56.919 --> 01:01:57.279 Let your grace, 01:01:57.480 --> 01:01:57.739 Mercy, 01:01:57.859 --> 01:01:58.460 And peace, 01:01:58.579 --> 01:01:59.159 From God, 01:01:59.359 --> 01:01:59.719 Father, 01:01:59.919 --> 01:02:00.179 Son, 01:02:00.259 --> 01:02:01.199 And Holy Spirit, 01:02:01.199 --> 01:02:02.219 Rest upon, 01:02:02.779 --> 01:02:03.879 And abide with you all, 01:02:03.980 --> 01:02:05.059 Now and forevermore, 01:02:05.539 --> 01:02:06.019 Amen. 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:06.019 --> 01:02:06.019 01:02:25.679 --> 01:02:55.659 Thank you.