WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.060 Turn, if you will, to the passage, part of the Bible that we read together in Psalm 57. 00:00:07.060 --> 00:00:08.400 ! Psalm 57. 00:00:10.980 --> 00:00:13.419 The title of the psalm is, 00:00:13.419 --> 00:00:22.980 To the choir master according to Do not destroy a miktam of David when he fled from Saul in the cave. 00:00:23.400 --> 00:00:29.900 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge. 00:00:30.500 --> 00:00:35.939 In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge till the storms of destruction pass by. 00:00:35.939 --> 00:00:41.060 I cry out to God, Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 00:00:41.519 --> 00:00:44.019 He will send from heaven and save me. 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:47.439 He will put to shame him who tramples on me. 00:00:47.960 --> 00:00:53.740 God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness. 00:00:53.740 --> 00:01:09.799 Concerts are put on usually in places like the O2 Arena or Wembley or places like that. 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:18.799 And in the past there have been very peculiar venues where concerts, places of praise, have happened. 00:01:18.959 --> 00:01:21.399 Places of praise have taken place. 00:01:22.140 --> 00:01:27.420 Mumford and Sons, a very famous band, they played a gig on a train at one time. 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:31.560 The Beatles apparently played on a rooftop. 00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:43.340 And Johnny Cash famously had a concert in a prison, in Folsom Prison back in 1968. 00:01:43.340 --> 00:01:55.640 But the oddest place that I ever heard a concert taking place in was about a band called Queen of the Stone Age. 00:01:55.719 --> 00:01:56.900 I never ever heard them. 00:01:57.180 --> 00:01:58.359 Maybe you know about them. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:03.560 Who played a concert in a salt mine in Malta. 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:08.819 And it was two and a half thousand feet below ground. 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:14.719 So they played this concert in a cave to a very, very small audience. 00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:17.680 Very, very odd and very, very unusual. 00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:20.080 Psalm 57. 00:02:21.580 --> 00:02:28.300 In Psalm 57 we have David and it sounds like he is having a concert. 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:32.319 He is having a time of praise in a cave. 00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:38.620 He is having this time of praising God in a place that you would never expect. 00:02:39.039 --> 00:02:40.319 In a cave. 00:02:40.699 --> 00:02:44.139 The title tells us he is fleeing from Saul. 00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:45.620 He was trying to kill him. 00:02:46.620 --> 00:02:48.759 And he fled to a cave. 00:02:48.939 --> 00:02:51.719 How do we know that he is praising? 00:02:52.139 --> 00:02:54.219 Because verse 7 to 11 tell us. 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:56.379 My heart is steadfast, O God. 00:02:56.599 --> 00:02:57.680 My heart is steadfast. 00:02:57.799 --> 00:02:58.519 I will sing. 00:02:58.719 --> 00:02:59.840 Remember where he is. 00:03:00.280 --> 00:03:01.340 He is in the cave. 00:03:02.319 --> 00:03:03.599 He is fleeing persecution. 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:06.019 I will sing and make melody. 00:03:06.379 --> 00:03:07.599 Awake my glory. 00:03:08.259 --> 00:03:09.639 Awake harp and lyre. 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:11.659 He is calling the musicians to play. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:13.280 I will awake the dawn. 00:03:13.579 --> 00:03:16.400 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples. 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:20.120 I will sing praises to you among the nations. 00:03:20.959 --> 00:03:26.799 David is having a concert, as it were, in a cave. 00:03:26.800 --> 00:03:29.420 In the most difficult of circumstances. 00:03:29.420 --> 00:03:33.560 And my question for us tonight is, how on earth can he do that? 00:03:34.200 --> 00:03:35.860 How can he do that? 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:39.960 In the face of trouble and persecution and his life is in danger. 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:44.740 How can he praise the Lord in such a strange place? 00:03:44.740 --> 00:03:49.080 Well, verses 1 to 3 give the answer. 00:03:49.219 --> 00:03:50.180 And it's very simple. 00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:52.620 And it's going to be very simple tonight. 00:03:53.420 --> 00:03:54.379 He can do so. 00:03:54.460 --> 00:03:57.600 He can concert in a cave because he knows three things. 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:59.500 He believes three things. 00:03:59.700 --> 00:04:01.520 He focuses on three things. 00:04:01.800 --> 00:04:02.360 Three things. 00:04:02.640 --> 00:04:05.379 He reminds himself of three things. 00:04:05.379 --> 00:04:07.500 God's protection. 00:04:08.859 --> 00:04:09.879 God's purpose. 00:04:10.900 --> 00:04:13.060 And God's... 00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:16.500 And I've forgotten the third thing. 00:04:16.860 --> 00:04:17.379 Promise. 00:04:18.839 --> 00:04:19.959 God's protection. 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:22.100 God's purpose. 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:24.079 And God's promise. 00:04:24.180 --> 00:04:26.139 And each of these is reflected in the verses. 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:29.079 Each of the verses that we're going to look at tonight. 00:04:30.180 --> 00:04:32.839 And what was true for David is true for you and for me. 00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:36.319 If it's true for David, it is true for us tonight. 00:04:36.479 --> 00:04:38.279 If we have a cave experience. 00:04:38.459 --> 00:04:40.179 If we have a challenging experience. 00:04:40.299 --> 00:04:43.060 If we're in an experience where life is really tough. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:44.479 And life is really difficult. 00:04:44.619 --> 00:04:47.120 And who isn't in that situation tonight? 00:04:48.060 --> 00:04:50.239 Can we praise the Lord? 00:04:51.379 --> 00:04:52.239 Yes, we can. 00:04:52.859 --> 00:04:56.079 When we follow David's example. 00:04:56.419 --> 00:05:01.539 First of all, he reflects on God's protection in verse 1. 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:03.939 Be merciful to me, O God. 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:05.460 Be merciful to me. 00:05:05.520 --> 00:05:09.780 For in you my soul takes refuge in the shadow of your wings. 00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:16.580 I will take refuge till the storms of destruction pass by. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:20.259 Where David was in a place of real danger. 00:05:20.680 --> 00:05:22.000 In a place of real dilemma. 00:05:22.400 --> 00:05:25.420 He focuses on the fact that he is actually safe. 00:05:25.420 --> 00:05:26.020 He is safe. 00:05:26.699 --> 00:05:31.939 He is safe under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty. 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:33.580 Not that God has wings. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:34.939 Friends, you know that. 00:05:35.420 --> 00:05:36.660 God doesn't have wings. 00:05:36.980 --> 00:05:38.120 God is not a bird. 00:05:38.560 --> 00:05:39.780 But it's imagery. 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:44.319 It's images that the Bible uses to depict what God does. 00:05:44.400 --> 00:05:45.879 And how God is a protector. 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:48.780 Just like a bird protects her young. 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:54.139 So God protects all those who will come and take refuge under his wings. 00:05:54.219 --> 00:05:55.559 And I love that image. 00:05:56.699 --> 00:06:01.019 I love that image because it's very much a maternal image. 00:06:01.739 --> 00:06:03.759 Even though God does not have gender. 00:06:04.099 --> 00:06:04.799 You know that. 00:06:05.159 --> 00:06:06.500 God is not male or female. 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:07.559 God is spirit. 00:06:07.959 --> 00:06:09.979 Infinite, eternal and unchangeable. 00:06:09.980 --> 00:06:16.240 But he chooses to describe himself in ways that are both paternal, like a father. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:20.040 And also maternal, like a mother. 00:06:20.160 --> 00:06:30.960 And he uses that imagery particularly when he describes God as having wings under which he can find safety and protection. 00:06:32.040 --> 00:06:35.360 And the Bible uses this imagery again and again. 00:06:35.360 --> 00:06:41.319 In the image of God's wings and protection and safety under the wings of God. 00:06:41.840 --> 00:06:44.020 Under the wings of the Almighty. 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:47.360 In Exodus 19, Moses says, 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:50.819 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:55.720 How I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 00:06:56.160 --> 00:06:57.379 A beautiful passage. 00:06:57.920 --> 00:07:03.400 A beautiful picture of God carrying the Israelites on his wings. 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:05.759 Taking them to safety. 00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:10.159 Taking them to a place of safety under a place of protection. 00:07:11.039 --> 00:07:16.359 And in Psalm 91, we sang it together there tonight in verses 1 to 4. 00:07:16.839 --> 00:07:22.099 The psalmist David talks about being covered under the wings of the Almighty. 00:07:23.979 --> 00:07:32.239 Friends, tonight, David was able to sing because he knew God's protection. 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:43.060 God's protection surrounding him like wings surrounding the wings of a bird surrounding her little ones. 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:49.460 Doesn't it echo the words of Jesus outside of Jerusalem? 00:07:50.040 --> 00:07:57.019 Where Jesus in Matthew 23, he's looking at this city that's bound for destruction. 00:07:57.019 --> 00:07:58.500 And he says, 00:07:58.560 --> 00:08:03.799 Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you. 00:08:03.839 --> 00:08:07.060 How often I would have longed to protect you. 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:08.659 Longed to save you. 00:08:09.339 --> 00:08:10.639 Longed to gather you. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:16.180 As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. 00:08:16.319 --> 00:08:17.379 But you would not. 00:08:17.379 --> 00:08:26.699 But that same protection that the Lord depicts and that David depicts for us is the protection that we are offered tonight. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:29.139 That we are promised tonight. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:31.500 That we are provided tonight. 00:08:32.019 --> 00:08:33.500 In our cave. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:36.379 Whatever our cave is. 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:38.480 Whatever our challenge is. 00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:40.019 Whatever our difficulty is. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:45.639 We can be assured of the Lord's protection. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:48.980 Which is maternal and majestic. 00:08:49.699 --> 00:08:53.299 Which is personal and permanent. 00:08:54.360 --> 00:08:57.199 You know, recently we'll have heard. 00:08:57.319 --> 00:08:59.899 It's been in the news over the last couple of years. 00:08:59.899 --> 00:09:05.799 How Prince Harry, when he stood down from his royal duties. 00:09:05.959 --> 00:09:12.100 One of the problems with that was that his close protection was removed. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:17.939 He no longer had the promise and provision of close protection wherever he went. 00:09:18.059 --> 00:09:22.120 Because he was no longer deemed to be undertaking royal duties. 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:23.319 And he complained. 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:25.379 And I think he went to court about that. 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:27.059 Because he wanted to be protected. 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:28.659 But he didn't have it anymore. 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:32.819 That will never happen to you or me tonight, friends. 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:38.199 In Christ, we are children of the living God. 00:09:38.779 --> 00:09:40.779 And we are children of the King. 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:42.980 We are royal children. 00:09:43.299 --> 00:09:46.620 And his protection will never ever be taken from us. 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:50.179 He will never ever remove his close protection. 00:09:50.340 --> 00:09:53.279 He will never ever lift off his wings. 00:09:53.579 --> 00:09:56.019 So that we are not protected. 00:09:56.419 --> 00:09:57.759 That does not mean to say. 00:09:57.759 --> 00:10:01.120 That we are not going to go through hard times and difficult times. 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:04.740 It does not mean to say that we will not be hurt either. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:07.580 But we will not be harmed. 00:10:08.860 --> 00:10:09.519 There is a difference. 00:10:09.639 --> 00:10:10.819 We will be hurt. 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:12.620 Things will cause us pain. 00:10:12.740 --> 00:10:15.200 But they will not be for our harm. 00:10:15.299 --> 00:10:15.539 Why? 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:19.700 Because we are under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty. 00:10:19.700 --> 00:10:26.080 He has promised never ever to leave us vulnerable in that respect. 00:10:27.660 --> 00:10:29.379 It is an amazing story. 00:10:29.420 --> 00:10:31.040 You remember that story. 00:10:31.100 --> 00:10:33.720 I am sure the kids here tonight will have heard this. 00:10:34.160 --> 00:10:36.700 The story of the mother hen. 00:10:36.700 --> 00:10:41.540 A farm yard went on fire. 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:45.400 And everything in the farm yard was lost. 00:10:45.520 --> 00:10:50.200 The farmer was at his woods end because everything was burnt to a cinder. 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:51.740 And he lost everything. 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:57.300 And all his sheep and cattle and stock and barns and everything else was lost. 00:10:57.299 --> 00:11:05.219 And as he was surveying this awful scene of just total devastation. 00:11:06.579 --> 00:11:09.939 He hears the chirping of these little chicks. 00:11:10.219 --> 00:11:13.219 And he was wondering where is this noise coming from? 00:11:13.939 --> 00:11:18.479 And he sees this burnt to death mother hen. 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:25.539 And he realizes the chirping of these chicks is coming from under this hen. 00:11:25.779 --> 00:11:29.259 And lifts the dead body of this poor hen. 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:31.759 And finds these little chicks underneath. 00:11:32.920 --> 00:11:34.980 The mother hen refused to move. 00:11:35.800 --> 00:11:39.860 Even though fire came upon her and upon her chicks. 00:11:40.139 --> 00:11:44.139 Refused to move so that she would save her little ones. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:50.000 You see they knew protection under the shadow of her wings. 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:54.939 And that friends is the protection that you and I have tonight. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:56.019 We are protected. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:12:02.319 It was George Whitefield I think who said that we are immortal until God says otherwise. 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:03.539 Believe that. 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:06.240 We are absolutely immortal. 00:12:06.419 --> 00:12:09.200 Nothing can touch us unless God allows it. 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:13.519 And we will never be taken away from this world until God says that is the time. 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:16.319 We know the Lord's protection. 00:12:16.679 --> 00:12:18.679 Do you know the Lord's protection tonight? 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:23.779 Do you know the protection of Jesus? 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:28.720 Which has taken away God's judgment from us ultimately and forever. 00:12:29.460 --> 00:12:33.240 Because he bore that fire of hell for us. 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:36.120 So that we would never ever suffer that. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:46.820 And promises to be that protective loving presence for us and to us all the days of our lives. 00:12:47.019 --> 00:12:54.159 David could sing concert in a cave because he knew God's protection. 00:12:55.279 --> 00:13:01.600 David could sing or concert in a cave because he also believed in God's purpose. 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:02.820 Look at verse 2. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:05.379 I cry out to God most high. 00:13:05.900 --> 00:13:10.600 To God who fulfills his purpose for me. 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:17.260 So David is in this cave and he believes that he's in this cave according to the purpose of God. 00:13:17.520 --> 00:13:18.980 Remember what it is friends. 00:13:19.400 --> 00:13:22.700 Remember what is chasing him or who is chasing him. 00:13:23.040 --> 00:13:27.700 He doesn't dismiss the fact that that is all under the purpose of God. 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:32.020 He attributes this to the purpose of God. 00:13:32.300 --> 00:13:34.700 Even where he is at that time. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:36.420 He doesn't see it as random. 00:13:36.820 --> 00:13:38.300 He doesn't see it as accidental. 00:13:38.660 --> 00:13:40.140 He doesn't see it as meaningless. 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:43.480 He sees this cave experience. 00:13:43.480 --> 00:13:58.039 This fearful experience as part of a loving, sovereign, omnipotent father who chooses motherly imagery to communicate his deep love. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:14:00.840 As well as fatherly imagery as well. 00:14:01.199 --> 00:14:02.720 To impress upon him, 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:07.540 I love you and I'm going to look after you. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:16.580 Stuart Townend's hymn, The Perfect Wisdom of Our God, describes this idea of purpose perfectly and wonderfully. 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:46.560 A line goes, 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:51.259 And that's what David is saying. 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:58.400 Lord, I'm choosing your perfect will in your perfect way and I can praise you for that. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:07.080 I'm choosing to believe that nothing happens by accident and everything happens by design and it's all according to your purpose. 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:12.280 And that gives me stability and strength to be able to praise you in the cave. 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:16.699 Even when Saul was trying to kill him, 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:22.740 He was able to praise God because of his purpose. 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:26.879 So what is God's purpose? 00:15:27.419 --> 00:15:31.080 What are we to remember when we're in this cave? 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:34.320 When we're in this place of challenge and difficulty? 00:15:34.659 --> 00:15:35.240 How are we? 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:39.080 What are we to remember so that we too can maybe even move? 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:40.840 Sometimes it can't happen immediately. 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:43.600 Sometimes we take a time to get to that place. 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:48.899 But to, like David, concert in that cave. 00:15:49.960 --> 00:15:52.340 Praise from that prison. 00:15:53.159 --> 00:15:58.580 What is God's purpose in each of our circumstances and situations? 00:15:58.779 --> 00:15:59.620 There's three things. 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:03.340 The first is God's glory. 00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:07.840 Everything is for God's glory. 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:10.519 That's the supreme purpose of our lives. 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:15.460 Remember the shorter catechism opens with what is the purpose of our lives? 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:19.060 Or it's actually what is the chief end of man? 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.779 Man's chief end. 00:16:21.179 --> 00:16:28.100 Our purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:32.019 That's the whole reason for our living. 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:38.100 Everything God does, therefore, is ultimately to display his glory. 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:40.740 And that means to display who he is. 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:42.299 His holiness. 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:43.980 His majesty. 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.440 His wisdom. 00:16:45.919 --> 00:16:46.700 His justice. 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:48.080 His love. 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:53.720 So that in all that God does in creation or in redemption or in providence, 00:16:54.039 --> 00:16:56.039 which just means how our lives work out, 00:16:56.039 --> 00:17:03.279 we need to have God's glory in mind. 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:05.539 So when David says, 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:09.399 praying to God who fulfills his purpose for me, 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:10.559 for me rather, 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:12.819 David isn't saying that God's, 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:16.759 God's going to help me achieve my goals in life. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:19.200 But what he is saying is, 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:23.000 God is going to achieve his glory through my life. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.799 Even in a cave. 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.980 Even through a cave, 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:30.339 God is going to achieve his glory. 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:35.920 Creation displays the glory of God, doesn't it, friends? 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:38.099 The heavens, God's glory, do declare. 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:42.319 The cross displays God's glory. 00:17:42.919 --> 00:17:44.519 There's no greater place, I don't believe, 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:47.379 that the glory of God is seen than in the cross, 00:17:47.919 --> 00:17:51.039 where God's justice and love kiss together, 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:53.639 where Jesus takes the justice of God, 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:56.319 and through that, taking our sins upon himself, 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:58.240 we can know the love of God, 00:17:58.919 --> 00:18:02.599 being kissed by God in mercy and love. 00:18:02.740 --> 00:18:06.099 What glory is seen upon the cross? 00:18:06.099 --> 00:18:11.779 And your life and my life in the cave, 00:18:13.159 --> 00:18:19.399 our cave experience shows the glory of God. 00:18:20.459 --> 00:18:26.279 How can your cave experience tonight reflect God's glory? 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:28.179 What is it about that experience 00:18:28.179 --> 00:18:31.379 that's going to show who God is 00:18:31.379 --> 00:18:34.240 and show how wonderful he is? 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:35.759 He works in the cave, 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:39.400 and he works through the cave at all times. 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:42.220 And what we need to do is reflect on that 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:47.400 and remember that it is all for God's glory. 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:50.059 So God's purpose is his glory. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.680 Secondly, it's our good. 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:55.359 God's purpose is for our good. 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:56.700 David knew that. 00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:58.079 We know that. 00:18:58.500 --> 00:19:00.120 We know Romans 8 and 28, 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:03.339 that in all things God works. 00:19:03.399 --> 00:19:04.719 God works all things together 00:19:04.719 --> 00:19:06.759 for the good of those who love him. 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:08.439 It's not that all things are good. 00:19:09.239 --> 00:19:11.579 Certainly Saul seeking to kill David, 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:13.219 you couldn't say that was good. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.699 Certainly wasn't good. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:18.839 But he works all things for good. 00:19:19.659 --> 00:19:21.519 God takes the worst things of life, 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:23.419 the cave experiences of life, 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:25.379 the awful things of life, 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:28.500 and he will work them out for our good. 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:29.420 Everything. 00:19:30.040 --> 00:19:31.920 Not just some things or even most things, 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:33.200 but all things. 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:35.380 God's purposes, friends, 00:19:36.260 --> 00:19:38.000 are never bare sovereignty, 00:19:38.800 --> 00:19:42.600 but they are fatherly sovereignty, 00:19:44.040 --> 00:19:45.360 loving sovereignty. 00:19:45.820 --> 00:19:46.740 He loves us. 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:48.340 He cares for us. 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:51.800 And he will work all of our cave-like experiences, 00:19:52.320 --> 00:19:53.460 like he did with David, 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:56.740 for his glory and for our good. 00:19:58.420 --> 00:20:00.759 Think of Joseph in prison. 00:20:01.799 --> 00:20:03.720 Joseph had a tough deal. 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:07.079 I mean, he was in a pit with his brothers 00:20:07.079 --> 00:20:08.140 who were going to kill him, 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:10.400 and then he went to Egypt, 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:12.200 and then he was thrown into another pit 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:14.360 through no fault of his own. 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.079 He was faithful. 00:20:15.340 --> 00:20:16.920 And for years and years, 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:17.920 he was in a cave, 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:19.340 in a pit-like experience. 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.279 He was struggling, 00:20:20.680 --> 00:20:22.740 not just day after day or week after week, 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:24.160 but year after year. 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:26.120 And at the end of it, 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:27.960 what was the good in that? 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:29.259 What was the good in that? 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:30.160 Well, 00:20:31.140 --> 00:20:33.039 Joseph's experience meant 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:35.000 that he was risen to prominence, 00:20:35.339 --> 00:20:37.339 and he then fed the world. 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.500 Remember that song, 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:39.359 Feed the World. 00:20:40.039 --> 00:20:40.180 Well, 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:43.240 Joseph literally did feed the known world 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:44.359 because it was in famine. 00:20:44.359 --> 00:20:47.839 But that was for his good. 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:50.700 That was the experience for his good eventually. 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:54.120 Or think of Paul and Silas in prison. 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:55.799 Paul and Silas. 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:57.500 David is running away. 00:20:58.279 --> 00:20:59.880 Paul and Silas couldn't run away. 00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:01.640 They were in Philippi, 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:03.339 and they were preaching the gospel, 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:06.480 and they were arrested, 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:08.200 and they were flogged. 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:09.360 And friends, 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:09.860 listen, 00:21:11.080 --> 00:21:13.539 flogging is not beating somebody up. 00:21:13.920 --> 00:21:15.460 Flogging was horrendous. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.700 You could be flogged 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:18.400 to within an inch of your life. 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:19.960 They were flogged, 00:21:20.080 --> 00:21:20.680 and mocked, 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.279 and beaten, 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:23.019 and put in the inner stocks, 00:21:23.080 --> 00:21:23.860 in this most, 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:24.400 most, 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:25.279 you know, 00:21:25.340 --> 00:21:27.220 high security part of a prison. 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.539 Couldn't get any worse. 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:31.019 And what are they doing? 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:33.460 They're singing hymns, 00:21:34.100 --> 00:21:35.360 and praising God. 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:37.200 And we might look in this scenario, 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:38.000 and say, 00:21:38.100 --> 00:21:40.000 what are you doing singing hymns, 00:21:40.080 --> 00:21:40.840 and praising God? 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:43.440 You're in a terrible cave-like experience. 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:44.519 Well, 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:47.160 look at the good that came out of that. 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:49.980 What good came out of that experience, 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:50.360 friends? 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:53.500 The jailer was saved. 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:55.880 It was through that experience, 00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:57.420 through Paul and Silas, 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:59.019 going into that jail, 00:21:59.120 --> 00:22:00.559 that the Philippine jailer said, 00:22:01.080 --> 00:22:02.819 what must I do to be saved? 00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:03.600 And Paul said, 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:04.840 believe in the Lord Jesus, 00:22:04.840 --> 00:22:06.240 and you will be saved. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:08.019 You might have thought, 00:22:08.160 --> 00:22:09.099 what was the good in that? 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:10.259 And here's the answer. 00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:12.799 A jailer was saved. 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.660 And ultimately, 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:15.099 I think, 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:16.019 think of Jesus. 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.740 You look at his experiences, 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:19.720 a man of sorrow, 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:21.259 acquainted with suffering, 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:23.759 who plumbed the deepest cave, 00:22:24.839 --> 00:22:25.799 the deepest depths, 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:27.019 who went to hell itself, 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:27.700 friends. 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:28.380 That's what he did. 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:30.259 The darkness on the cross 00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:31.480 is hell. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:33.599 It's been banished 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:35.019 from the presence of God forever. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.140 He went there. 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:37.259 And you might look at that 00:22:37.259 --> 00:22:37.400 and think, 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.519 what was the point in that? 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.819 What was the good in that? 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:41.200 Well, 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:42.620 so that you could be saved 00:22:42.620 --> 00:22:44.759 and that I can be saved. 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:46.259 You see, 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:47.500 God does work 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.940 all things together 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:50.799 for our good. 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:53.019 And he works our cave experiences 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:53.599 together 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:55.259 for our good. 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.339 He does so 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.240 so that we can, 00:22:57.599 --> 00:22:58.220 through time, 00:22:58.379 --> 00:22:58.839 also, 00:22:59.359 --> 00:23:00.039 with David, 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.079 concert 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:02.980 in the cave. 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.319 His purposes 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:05.259 are his glory 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:06.759 and his good, 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:07.839 our good rather, 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:09.019 and then 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:10.059 our growth. 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:12.279 He takes us 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.079 into these caves 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:14.420 as he did with David 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:16.440 to transform our lives, 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.759 to grow us. 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.379 Basically, 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.579 I think it's 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:22.119 to save 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:24.160 and to sanctify us. 00:23:24.160 --> 00:23:24.980 That's really why. 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.160 How many people 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:28.339 have come to know Christ 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:29.980 through the most difficult 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:30.559 and challenging 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.519 of circumstances? 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:32.299 Cave-like. 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.400 Very often, 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:35.319 he takes us 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:36.200 to fearful pits 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:36.980 and mighty clay. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:37.940 He takes us 00:23:37.940 --> 00:23:38.980 to Woodsen Corner 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.879 to take us 00:23:39.879 --> 00:23:40.740 to an end of ourselves. 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.299 And often, 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.460 that is where 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:44.140 we cry out to the Lord. 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:45.140 Psalm 107 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:46.579 says it again and again 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.599 as he depicts 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.299 the experiences 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:49.160 of these people. 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.859 They cry out to the Lord. 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.279 The Lord uses 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.940 cave-like experiences 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.480 to save us. 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.420 Maybe tonight 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:58.319 you're in a cave, 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.420 an awful cave, 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.240 a dark cave, 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:01.339 a terrible cave, 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.619 and you're not saved. 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.420 And the reason is, 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.440 that's what God 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:05.299 is going to use 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:07.000 for his glory 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:08.319 and for your good 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.180 and ultimately 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:10.000 for your growth, 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:10.700 for you to come 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.299 to Christ 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:13.579 and to believe in him 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:15.599 and to rest in him 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:17.279 and to know peace 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.319 and joy 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:20.839 in following him 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:22.500 and living for him. 00:24:23.439 --> 00:24:24.759 He uses these caves 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:26.139 like experiences 00:24:26.139 --> 00:24:27.179 to save us 00:24:27.179 --> 00:24:29.159 but also to sanctify us. 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:32.039 Those of us here tonight 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:34.480 who are grey-headed 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.899 or getting there, 00:24:37.439 --> 00:24:39.740 you know more than any 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:41.759 that the hard experiences 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:42.459 of life 00:24:42.459 --> 00:24:43.799 are the ones 00:24:43.799 --> 00:24:45.539 that have matured 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:47.559 and refined 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:50.079 and grown us up 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.440 in ways 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.059 that we wouldn't 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:53.980 otherwise choose. 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.940 Life experience 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:57.879 with the Lord 00:24:57.879 --> 00:24:58.759 teaches us 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.879 that. 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.079 And the Lord 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:03.960 in cave-like experiences 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.779 for us 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.920 is actually, 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:07.259 the ultimate purpose 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.879 for us 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:09.059 is to become 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:09.879 Christ-like. 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:11.720 that we will become 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.800 conformed 00:25:12.800 --> 00:25:14.160 to the likeness 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:15.320 of Jesus 00:25:15.320 --> 00:25:16.580 who himself suffered 00:25:16.580 --> 00:25:18.040 like no man suffered. 00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:20.300 So that he not only 00:25:20.300 --> 00:25:21.240 walks with us 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:21.840 in suffering 00:25:21.840 --> 00:25:22.940 but he begins 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:24.200 to make us like him 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:25.640 in suffering. 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:27.300 In suffering 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:27.860 in ways 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:28.900 we would not choose 00:25:28.900 --> 00:25:30.400 and we would not ask for 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:31.480 but the Lord 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.240 chooses 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:34.260 in his sovereign purpose 00:25:34.260 --> 00:25:35.900 to bring us 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:36.820 to them. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.240 So, 00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:39.280 how can David 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:40.500 sing 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.559 or concert 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:42.859 in that cave? 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.319 How can he do that? 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:46.779 He can do that 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:48.200 by knowing God's protection 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:50.420 by knowing God's purpose 00:25:50.420 --> 00:25:51.680 by reflecting 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:52.639 on God's purpose 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:53.940 in that experience 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:55.299 and I ask us all 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:55.660 tonight 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:56.339 to reflect 00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:57.700 on God's purpose 00:25:57.700 --> 00:25:58.240 for us 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:59.279 where we are 00:25:59.279 --> 00:26:01.960 that we might also 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.839 like David 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:04.139 be able 00:26:04.139 --> 00:26:05.240 to move forward 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:06.519 in praise. 00:26:07.160 --> 00:26:08.000 So it's God's 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:08.599 protection 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:10.199 and God's purpose 00:26:10.199 --> 00:26:11.019 and the third 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:12.099 and final reason 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:13.219 that David 00:26:13.219 --> 00:26:14.339 is able to concert 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:15.519 in the cave 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:17.279 is because he trusted 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:18.419 in God's promise 00:26:18.419 --> 00:26:19.199 in verse 3. 00:26:20.199 --> 00:26:21.039 He will send me 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.599 from heaven. 00:26:21.699 --> 00:26:22.879 He will send from heaven 00:26:22.879 --> 00:26:24.579 and save me. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:27.419 He will put to shame 00:26:27.419 --> 00:26:29.399 him who tramples on me. 00:26:29.639 --> 00:26:30.980 God will send out 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:32.719 his steadfast love 00:26:32.719 --> 00:26:34.579 and his faithfulness 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.759 and he uses these words 00:26:35.759 --> 00:26:37.019 steadfast love 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.759 and faithfulness 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:39.399 again throughout the psalm. 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.199 These are very, 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.500 very important words. 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:42.960 David knew 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:44.319 and could sing 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.119 God's praise 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:46.379 because he believed 00:26:46.379 --> 00:26:47.439 that God was going, 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:48.679 God's promise was 00:26:48.679 --> 00:26:49.759 he was going to save him 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:51.379 from the cave-like experience. 00:26:52.339 --> 00:26:53.199 He says, 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:54.819 he will send from heaven. 00:26:55.699 --> 00:26:56.859 He will save me. 00:26:57.659 --> 00:26:58.599 There's no may 00:26:58.599 --> 00:26:59.319 or might 00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:00.500 or perhaps 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:02.079 90% sure 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:04.500 he will save. 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:06.259 How does he believe that? 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:07.439 Because that 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:09.439 is God's promise. 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:12.000 God always promises 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.000 to save. 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:15.019 God always promises 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.460 to redeem. 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:18.299 And he does so 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:20.200 as David says, 00:27:20.339 --> 00:27:21.539 sending from heaven 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:23.039 his steadfast love 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:24.819 and his faithfulness. 00:27:25.179 --> 00:27:26.679 These are two very important words 00:27:26.679 --> 00:27:27.619 in the Bible. 00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:29.579 Chesed and Emet. 00:27:29.699 --> 00:27:31.139 Two words that describe 00:27:31.139 --> 00:27:32.579 they're variously translated. 00:27:32.819 --> 00:27:33.879 But when Jesus 00:27:33.879 --> 00:27:35.039 comes into the world 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:36.079 full of grace 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:36.639 and truth, 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:37.979 that's what's been echoed. 00:27:39.839 --> 00:27:41.219 David is looking forward 00:27:41.219 --> 00:27:41.819 to the time 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.819 when God is going 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:44.099 to send forth 00:27:44.099 --> 00:27:46.219 his steadfast love 00:27:46.219 --> 00:27:46.959 and faithfulness 00:27:46.959 --> 00:27:48.259 in the person of Jesus 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:50.519 to save us, 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.239 to redeem us, 00:27:52.679 --> 00:27:53.559 to take us 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:54.519 from a fearful pit 00:27:54.519 --> 00:27:55.879 and from the mighty clay 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:58.460 as Psalm 40 says. 00:27:58.560 --> 00:27:59.780 And to set our feet 00:27:59.780 --> 00:28:00.520 upon a rock 00:28:00.520 --> 00:28:01.640 establishing 00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:03.220 my way. 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:05.140 And so David 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:06.720 could sing 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:07.920 in a cave 00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:09.600 because he knew 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:10.340 and trusted 00:28:10.340 --> 00:28:11.260 God's promise 00:28:11.260 --> 00:28:13.060 that this cave 00:28:13.060 --> 00:28:14.620 is temporary. 00:28:15.800 --> 00:28:17.080 It's not going to last 00:28:17.080 --> 00:28:18.240 forever. 00:28:19.020 --> 00:28:20.480 He believed that God 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.520 would bring him out 00:28:21.520 --> 00:28:22.620 into a spacious 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:24.379 place 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:26.359 because he always 00:28:26.359 --> 00:28:28.039 and inevitably 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:29.599 does. 00:28:30.379 --> 00:28:30.979 Do you remember 00:28:30.979 --> 00:28:32.759 that awful 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:35.819 incident 00:28:35.819 --> 00:28:37.059 way back 00:28:37.059 --> 00:28:38.039 in 2018? 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:39.739 The young boys, 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:41.079 the Thai soccer team, 00:28:42.139 --> 00:28:43.079 this soccer team, 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:43.739 these boys, 00:28:44.159 --> 00:28:45.339 12 boys 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:46.479 of age 11 00:28:46.479 --> 00:28:47.179 to 16, 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.619 they were training 00:28:48.619 --> 00:28:50.219 football, 00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:51.299 doing football training 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.019 and they went 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:53.000 into this cave 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:54.419 and the caves 00:28:54.419 --> 00:28:54.960 in that part 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.319 of the world 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.379 go kilometers 00:28:56.379 --> 00:28:58.019 down and deep. 00:28:58.559 --> 00:28:59.079 And they went 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.460 in there 00:28:59.460 --> 00:28:59.859 and then there 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:00.519 was this awful 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:00.960 flood 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.680 and they got 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:02.180 trapped. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.639 They got trapped 00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:04.359 in this cave 00:29:04.359 --> 00:29:05.799 about four kilometers, 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.599 I think it was, 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:08.419 below ground 00:29:08.419 --> 00:29:09.980 or into the rock 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.480 and they couldn't 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:10.960 get out. 00:29:12.099 --> 00:29:13.019 There was no way 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:13.480 that they could 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:13.859 get out. 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:15.039 They were truly 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.079 trapped in a cave 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:17.980 and then through 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:19.940 amazing ingenuity 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:21.420 and incredible 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.480 bravery. 00:29:23.620 --> 00:29:24.100 They were there 00:29:24.100 --> 00:29:25.259 for nine days. 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.400 They were brought 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:27.740 out one by one. 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.519 One by one 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.360 in the most amazing 00:29:30.360 --> 00:29:30.620 way. 00:29:30.799 --> 00:29:31.420 Check it out 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:32.160 for yourselves 00:29:32.160 --> 00:29:32.680 how it happened. 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.440 But they were 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:34.019 brought out 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:34.940 one by one 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:35.880 to safety, 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:36.860 much to the praise 00:29:36.860 --> 00:29:37.700 and thankfulness 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.779 of the world 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.779 around them. 00:29:39.840 --> 00:29:40.700 But it's a wonderful 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.460 picture of what 00:29:41.460 --> 00:29:42.140 God does. 00:29:43.600 --> 00:29:44.259 We're like these 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:44.580 boys. 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.880 We cannot save 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.320 ourselves. 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:48.539 We need a rescuer. 00:29:48.539 --> 00:29:49.559 We need somebody 00:29:49.559 --> 00:29:50.759 to carry us 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:52.339 out one by one. 00:29:53.539 --> 00:29:54.879 And that is 00:29:54.879 --> 00:29:55.700 Jesus 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:57.579 who does that. 00:29:57.680 --> 00:29:58.379 He saves us 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.299 individually 00:29:59.299 --> 00:30:00.659 in our cave-like 00:30:00.659 --> 00:30:01.659 experiences. 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:02.819 He touches our 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:04.019 heart individually 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:05.359 in our cave-like 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:06.319 experiences. 00:30:06.599 --> 00:30:07.700 He speaks to us 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:08.240 generally 00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:09.599 and corporately 00:30:09.599 --> 00:30:10.680 but he will always 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:11.279 deal with us 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:11.920 individually. 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.139 Take us 00:30:14.139 --> 00:30:14.920 one by one 00:30:14.920 --> 00:30:16.700 out of this 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:17.480 cave that we're 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:17.720 in. 00:30:17.720 --> 00:30:19.180 and into 00:30:19.180 --> 00:30:20.620 a spacious 00:30:20.620 --> 00:30:21.100 place. 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:21.920 And one day 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:24.940 one day 00:30:24.940 --> 00:30:26.640 he will lead us 00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:27.360 into the most 00:30:27.360 --> 00:30:28.140 spacious place 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:28.640 of all. 00:30:30.360 --> 00:30:31.480 Into that place 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:32.380 without boundary. 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:34.220 Into that place 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:35.140 without time. 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.740 Into that place 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.620 which is the new 00:30:38.620 --> 00:30:39.000 heavens 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.680 and the new 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:40.980 earth. 00:30:41.059 --> 00:30:41.700 When Jesus 00:30:41.700 --> 00:30:42.819 died 00:30:42.819 --> 00:30:43.980 he went into 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.380 the ground. 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:44.940 He died. 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:45.680 He suffered for 00:30:45.680 --> 00:30:46.059 our sins. 00:30:46.059 --> 00:30:47.019 He went down 00:30:47.019 --> 00:30:47.619 into the grave 00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:48.019 and then he 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.779 came up again 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.240 and he says 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:50.240 just as I have 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:50.839 died and risen 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.659 again so you 00:30:51.659 --> 00:30:52.579 too when you 00:30:52.579 --> 00:30:53.039 die you will 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:53.679 rise again 00:30:53.679 --> 00:30:54.059 and you will 00:30:54.059 --> 00:30:55.579 go and be 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.259 with me 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:57.700 forever 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.940 and forever. 00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:01.740 And so 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:02.460 tonight on this 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.119 Lord's Day 00:31:03.119 --> 00:31:04.000 evening as we 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:04.879 begin another 00:31:04.879 --> 00:31:06.259 week there's one 00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:06.940 thing for sure 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:07.740 friends tonight. 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:08.659 We are all 00:31:08.659 --> 00:31:09.539 either in or 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:10.539 going to experience 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.720 a cave-like 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.960 experience at 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.700 some point in 00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:14.039 time. 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:17.019 And through 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.859 Christ and in 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:18.539 Christ we need 00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:20.000 to learn that 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:20.599 we can 00:31:20.599 --> 00:31:23.480 concert in 00:31:23.480 --> 00:31:24.139 that cave. 00:31:24.839 --> 00:31:25.799 We can sing. 00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:27.799 We can rise 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:29.159 above what the 00:31:29.159 --> 00:31:29.720 world and the 00:31:29.720 --> 00:31:30.200 flesh and the 00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:31.139 devil is pressing 00:31:31.139 --> 00:31:31.859 in on us to 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.420 think and to 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:34.240 feel and to 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:35.000 focus our minds 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:35.720 and our hearts 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:37.779 on the Lord 00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:39.019 on his 00:31:39.019 --> 00:31:39.559 protection 00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:41.140 and on his 00:31:41.140 --> 00:31:41.680 purpose 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:43.380 and on his 00:31:43.380 --> 00:31:44.460 promises to 00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.160 us all 00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:46.720 in Christ. 00:31:47.079 --> 00:31:47.539 And so our 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:48.640 Father in 00:31:48.640 --> 00:31:49.440 heaven we thank 00:31:49.440 --> 00:31:50.000 you that your 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:51.140 word remains 00:31:51.140 --> 00:31:51.839 true to us 00:31:51.839 --> 00:31:52.220 tonight. 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:53.460 Thank you that 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:54.039 though these 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:54.920 words of David 00:31:54.920 --> 00:31:55.420 were written 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:56.400 thousands of 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:56.960 years ago 00:31:56.960 --> 00:31:58.339 they reflect 00:31:58.339 --> 00:31:58.880 our own 00:31:58.880 --> 00:31:59.539 experiences 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:01.000 tonight and 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:01.740 we recognize 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.319 that your 00:32:02.319 --> 00:32:02.940 word speaks 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.880 to us for 00:32:03.880 --> 00:32:04.660 that reason 00:32:04.660 --> 00:32:05.960 life does not 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:07.019 change and 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:07.759 the Lord does 00:32:07.759 --> 00:32:08.620 not change and 00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:09.580 therefore we 00:32:09.580 --> 00:32:10.519 can trust in 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:10.779 you. 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.360 Will you help 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:12.880 us Lord? 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.420 Will you help 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.759 us to like 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.800 David reflect 00:32:16.800 --> 00:32:17.519 his attitude? 00:32:18.140 --> 00:32:18.840 Will you teach 00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:20.100 us and help 00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:20.779 us to encourage 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:21.640 one another so 00:32:21.640 --> 00:32:22.460 to do as well 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:24.240 so that in 00:32:24.240 --> 00:32:24.840 Christ and 00:32:24.840 --> 00:32:25.560 through Christ 00:32:25.560 --> 00:32:26.600 we might all 00:32:26.600 --> 00:32:27.060 grow in 00:32:27.060 --> 00:32:27.580 maturity. 00:32:28.380 --> 00:32:29.120 We might all 00:32:29.120 --> 00:32:30.140 be led to 00:32:30.140 --> 00:32:30.820 help others 00:32:30.820 --> 00:32:31.680 to lift up 00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:32.300 our eyes to 00:32:32.300 --> 00:32:33.680 God to lift 00:32:33.680 --> 00:32:34.240 up our eyes 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:34.779 to heaven 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:36.160 and to 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:36.759 even in 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.920 the worst 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:38.519 cave-like 00:32:38.519 --> 00:32:39.559 experience to 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:40.500 know that 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:40.980 we can 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:42.220 praise your 00:32:42.220 --> 00:32:42.680 name for 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.480 your steadfast 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:44.759 love and 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:45.620 your faithfulness. 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.099 We ask 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:46.640 these things 00:32:46.640 --> 00:32:47.500 in Jesus' 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:47.940 name. 00:32:48.420 --> 00:32:48.819 Amen. 00:32:51.059 --> 00:32:51.660 We're going 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:52.660 to sing our 00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:53.960 final item of 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:54.460 praise now and 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:55.019 this is Psalm 00:32:55.019 --> 00:32:56.019 23 in the 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:56.880 Scottish Psalter. 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:58.500 Psalm 23. 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.500 We're singing 00:33:00.500 --> 00:33:01.200 the whole of the 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:01.759 psalm and the 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.539 tune is Amazing 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:03.139 Grace. 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.879 Page 229. 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:09.759 Page 229 in 00:33:09.759 --> 00:33:10.200 our psalm 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:10.480 books. 00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:14.879 Psalm 23. 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:15.779 The Lord's my 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:16.440 shepherd I'll 00:33:16.440 --> 00:33:17.000 not want. 00:33:18.359 --> 00:33:18.740 And it 00:33:18.740 --> 00:33:19.159 ends in 00:33:19.159 --> 00:33:19.639 verse 6. 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.299 Goodness and 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:21.099 mercy all my 00:33:21.099 --> 00:33:21.680 life shall 00:33:21.680 --> 00:33:22.399 surely follow 00:33:22.399 --> 00:33:23.819 me and in 00:33:23.819 --> 00:33:24.500 God's house 00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:26.539 forevermore my 00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:27.440 dwelling place 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:29.119 shall be. 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:30.180 Psalm 23. 00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:30.839 If you can't 00:33:30.839 --> 00:33:31.379 stand, let's 00:33:31.380 --> 00:33:31.960 stand and we'll 00:33:31.960 --> 00:33:32.920 sing this to 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.580 God's praise. 00:33:33.580 --> 00:33:40.900 The Lord's my 00:33:40.900 --> 00:33:45.240 shepherd I 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:48.000 not want. 00:33:48.500 --> 00:33:49.240 He 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:52.080 makes me 00:33:52.080 --> 00:33:54.600 down to 00:33:54.600 --> 00:33:56.780 lie. 00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:58.319 In 00:33:58.319 --> 00:33:59.180 pastor 00:33:59.180 --> 00:34:00.720 drink 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:03.299 he 00:34:03.299 --> 00:34:18.079 e 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.079 00:34:26.780 --> 00:34:37.660 Again, I need to walk just there 00:34:37.660 --> 00:34:47.740 Within the paths of righteousness 00:34:47.739 --> 00:34:57.739 In far his own things say 00:34:57.739 --> 00:35:08.739 Yet though I walk in death's dark air 00:35:08.739 --> 00:35:17.739 Yet when I fear the death 00:35:17.739 --> 00:35:28.739 For thou art with me on thy wall 00:35:28.739 --> 00:35:37.739 Has thou become for still 00:35:37.739 --> 00:35:48.739 My table high has furnished 00:35:48.739 --> 00:35:57.739 In presence of my cross 00:35:57.739 --> 00:36:03.739 My day blower does 00:36:03.739 --> 00:36:09.739 With oil anoint 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:18.739 And mine above her cross 00:36:18.739 --> 00:36:29.739 Goodness and mercy all my life 00:36:29.739 --> 00:36:38.739 Shall surely follow me 00:36:38.739 --> 00:36:48.739 And in God's eyes forevermore 00:36:48.739 --> 00:36:58.739 My dwelling place shall be 00:36:58.739 --> 00:37:02.739 And now may grace and mercy and peace 00:37:02.739 --> 00:37:05.739 From Father, Son and Holy Spirit 00:37:05.739 --> 00:37:07.739 Be with you all. Amen. 00:37:08.739 --> 00:37:10.739 Okay. 00:37:10.739 --> 00:37:12.739 Okay. 00:37:12.739 --> 00:37:14.739 Okay. 00:37:14.739 --> 00:37:18.739 Okay. 00:37:18.739 --> 00:37:20.739 Okay. 00:37:20.739 --> 00:37:22.739 Thank you. 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:22.739 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:23.739 Thank you. 00:37:23.739 --> 00:37:24.739 Thank you. 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:24.739 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:25.739 Thank you. 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:25.739 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:25.739 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:25.739 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:25.739 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:25.739 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:25.739 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:26.739 Thank you. 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:26.739 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:26.739 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:26.739 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:31.739 Thank you. 00:37:31.739 --> 00:37:31.739 00:37:31.739 --> 00:37:31.739 00:37:31.739 --> 00:37:31.739 00:37:31.739 --> 00:37:31.739 00:37:31.739 --> 00:37:31.739 00:37:31.739 --> 00:38:01.719 Thank you.