WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.299 Isaiah 65. Children, you know what it's like to play hide and seek, don't you? 00:00:05.060 --> 00:00:10.519 We talked about it. Hide and seek, where somebody is hiding and somebody is seeking. 00:00:11.240 --> 00:00:17.059 ! What you've got in this chapter, I don't know whether you picked it up, is God playing a form of hide and seek. 00:00:18.339 --> 00:00:23.940 But it's a strange hide and seek. It's a hide and seek with eternal consequences. 00:00:24.699 --> 00:00:29.420 But God's version of hide and seek for the people of Isaiah's day was, I don't hide. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.020 And you don't seek. I don't hide. And you don't seek. 00:00:35.399 --> 00:00:40.019 We played it in Sunday school. It's a pretty boring game, isn't it? And a dull version of that game. 00:00:41.079 --> 00:00:45.060 But in a moment, you'll see what it looks like in Isaiah 65. 00:00:45.060 --> 00:00:47.859 Now we've travelled a long way to get to this passage, haven't we? 00:00:48.740 --> 00:00:53.179 You are to be commended for persevering through the book of Isaiah with me. 00:00:53.179 --> 00:01:03.219 And in chapter 66, we see this glorious eternal home that God has in store for all his people, that he is secured by his resurrection. 00:01:03.219 --> 00:01:13.120 But in the smallings section, Isaiah is really determined to kind of nail down whose home is it going to be. 00:01:14.500 --> 00:01:22.019 That is, who is it that can call this eternal and stunning and beautiful heavenly home? 00:01:22.620 --> 00:01:23.759 Who can call it my home? 00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:26.400 And here's what we're going to see today. 00:01:26.540 --> 00:01:31.140 We're going to see that God's rich blessings, or God's home, if we want to describe it that way, 00:01:31.240 --> 00:01:36.180 God's rich blessings are reserved for his chosen servants who seek him. 00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:42.120 God's rich blessings are reserved for his chosen servants who seek him. 00:01:42.800 --> 00:01:44.540 We'll think about the God who doesn't hide. 00:01:45.320 --> 00:01:47.219 We'll think about the servants who do seek. 00:01:48.219 --> 00:01:50.140 And then we'll think about the outcome of our choosing. 00:01:50.680 --> 00:01:52.180 So first of all, the God who doesn't hide. 00:01:52.180 --> 00:01:57.460 Last week we saw, didn't we, Isaiah pleading with God to act. 00:01:58.080 --> 00:01:59.420 God, look down from heaven. 00:01:59.540 --> 00:02:01.840 In fact, no God, come down from heaven. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:04.580 No longer restrain yourself. 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:07.660 Split the heavens and come down. 00:02:08.460 --> 00:02:12.480 Reveal your glory and your beauty to the world and rescue. 00:02:13.080 --> 00:02:15.819 But here is the question that Isaiah's prayer finished with. 00:02:15.819 --> 00:02:18.240 Look at chapter 64 and verse 12. 00:02:19.159 --> 00:02:21.260 Will you restrain yourself at these things, O Lord? 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:27.140 Will you keep silent and afflict us so terribly? 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:30.240 From appearances. 00:02:30.780 --> 00:02:32.319 It looks like God is absent. 00:02:33.439 --> 00:02:35.060 It seems as if God is distant. 00:02:36.060 --> 00:02:40.060 And God is restraining himself from acting on behalf of his people. 00:02:40.060 --> 00:02:43.300 But appearances can be deceiving, can't they? 00:02:44.479 --> 00:02:47.780 Because here God answers the prayer and he explains that that was far from the truth. 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:49.420 Chapter 65 and verse 1. 00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:55.680 He says, I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me. 00:02:56.520 --> 00:03:00.980 I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. 00:03:00.979 --> 00:03:03.819 I said, here I am. 00:03:04.959 --> 00:03:05.879 Here I am. 00:03:07.019 --> 00:03:09.179 So far from being removed or distant. 00:03:09.899 --> 00:03:13.859 God says, I was eager to reveal myself. 00:03:14.839 --> 00:03:17.500 I was found by those who weren't even looking for me. 00:03:18.439 --> 00:03:19.479 I wasn't hiding. 00:03:19.479 --> 00:03:23.159 But they weren't seeking and yet they still found me. 00:03:24.399 --> 00:03:26.719 And God says, I was actually doing the opposite of hiding. 00:03:27.099 --> 00:03:28.399 I was standing there. 00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:31.819 Like in a game of hide and seek, doing the exact reverse. 00:03:31.979 --> 00:03:34.000 Waving my arms and saying, here I am. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:35.259 Here I am. 00:03:35.259 --> 00:03:41.879 So who is God talking about when he mentions those who found him that weren't even seeking him? 00:03:43.259 --> 00:03:48.199 Well very helpfully Paul, the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 10 says, 00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:49.939 God is speaking here about the Gentiles. 00:03:50.039 --> 00:03:51.680 People like you and I, non-Jews. 00:03:52.459 --> 00:03:54.319 And it's a stunning picture of grace. 00:03:55.699 --> 00:04:01.759 That instead of demanding that they would adopt towards him the respectful attitude of a servant. 00:04:02.079 --> 00:04:03.299 Towards their master. 00:04:03.300 --> 00:04:05.700 Saying, here I am Lord. 00:04:06.500 --> 00:04:08.380 Here I am Master, your servant. 00:04:08.660 --> 00:04:10.120 God reverses the roles. 00:04:11.780 --> 00:04:15.580 And God offers himself to them as a servant. 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:18.900 And he says to people like you and I, here I am. 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:23.600 God takes initiative to be found by a people who are not even looking. 00:04:25.040 --> 00:04:26.800 Because God is not a hiding God. 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:32.100 And if you are here this morning and you've not committed your life to God. 00:04:33.300 --> 00:04:36.180 He is not trying to make this a puzzle for you. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:40.319 God never wants to play games with you. 00:04:41.480 --> 00:04:43.699 God is not wanting to trick you in any way. 00:04:44.180 --> 00:04:47.000 God is never in the business of hiding himself away. 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:51.699 He says, I even reveal myself to those who didn't look for me. 00:04:51.699 --> 00:04:56.139 And so perhaps today as we go through Isaiah 65. 00:04:59.019 --> 00:05:01.099 Saying amongst his people here in Hanwell. 00:05:01.219 --> 00:05:03.019 God is saying to you today, here I am. 00:05:04.579 --> 00:05:05.399 Here I am. 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:09.599 And God said here, I didn't just extend my grace to the Gentiles. 00:05:09.600 --> 00:05:11.120 All day long. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:11.800 Look at verse 2. 00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:13.220 All day long. 00:05:14.320 --> 00:05:16.280 I held out my hands for stubborn people. 00:05:18.040 --> 00:05:21.160 Who walk in ways that are not good. 00:05:22.640 --> 00:05:25.720 And they pursue their own devices, their imaginations. 00:05:26.820 --> 00:05:29.100 The Apostle Paul quotes that verse in Romans 10 as well. 00:05:29.100 --> 00:05:33.040 As a demonstration of God's gracious invitation. 00:05:33.800 --> 00:05:34.980 Towards the people of Israel. 00:05:35.080 --> 00:05:35.480 His people. 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:40.340 But what he says here that he did is actually stunning. 00:05:40.439 --> 00:05:42.360 Because when God said, I held out my hands. 00:05:42.439 --> 00:05:45.400 It is literally, I spread out my hands. 00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:49.760 And in the overwhelming majority of cases in the Old Testament. 00:05:50.400 --> 00:05:52.320 That means adopting an attitude of prayer. 00:05:53.400 --> 00:05:55.080 Lifted up holy hands to the Lord. 00:05:55.079 --> 00:05:58.279 It is God saying, I was praying. 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:04.419 And I spread out my hands to the stubborn, hard-hearted people. 00:06:05.859 --> 00:06:08.699 I have not just allowed myself to be found with them. 00:06:08.839 --> 00:06:10.360 I have pleaded with them. 00:06:11.399 --> 00:06:12.659 I have petitioned them. 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:16.060 I have appealed to them to return to me. 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:21.259 But he says there has been no positive response. 00:06:21.259 --> 00:06:26.300 Instead the response is negative and resistant and dismissive. 00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:28.899 God hadn't hid himself at all. 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:32.360 But they have actively remained a disobedient. 00:06:33.219 --> 00:06:34.300 An obstinate people. 00:06:34.399 --> 00:06:35.599 So look at verses 3 to 7. 00:06:36.899 --> 00:06:39.560 God lays out the proof of their explicit disobedience. 00:06:40.539 --> 00:06:41.599 Of the people of Israel. 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:43.420 We've read all the verses. 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:44.920 We don't go through the things he mentions. 00:06:45.039 --> 00:06:47.319 But he says they've been involved in DIY religion. 00:06:48.620 --> 00:06:50.159 It's involved consulting the dead. 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:52.420 Practicing the occult. 00:06:53.240 --> 00:06:57.060 He says you've got this obnoxious, holier-than-thou attitude. 00:06:57.700 --> 00:06:59.380 You've stood aloof from your neighbours. 00:07:00.400 --> 00:07:01.540 You've been divisive. 00:07:02.380 --> 00:07:04.820 You've thought that you were better than others. 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:09.420 When you weren't practicing any holiness in your life. 00:07:09.520 --> 00:07:11.140 It's outrageous idolatry. 00:07:12.640 --> 00:07:15.220 They would whistle as the sound of music as they watched it. 00:07:15.320 --> 00:07:16.480 Climb every mountain. 00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:18.520 While failing to go up the one mountain. 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:21.020 To meet with the holy true God. 00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:24.400 But the hub of the problem is stated in verse 2. 00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:26.259 It's a people. 00:07:26.360 --> 00:07:26.939 Can you see it? 00:07:27.840 --> 00:07:30.280 Who followed at the end of the verse their own devices. 00:07:30.520 --> 00:07:31.420 And their imaginations. 00:07:31.700 --> 00:07:32.220 And their desires. 00:07:32.220 --> 00:07:36.420 And that is the hub of the problem for every human being. 00:07:36.740 --> 00:07:37.600 For you and for me. 00:07:39.020 --> 00:07:41.200 That we will not let God. 00:07:42.440 --> 00:07:43.420 Be God. 00:07:45.260 --> 00:07:47.340 We will not let God be God. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:49.839 So we might say. 00:07:49.939 --> 00:07:51.319 Oh I like to think of God as. 00:07:52.079 --> 00:07:55.199 Or I could never believe in a God who dot dot dot. 00:07:57.639 --> 00:08:00.019 I believe in a God who would dot dot dot. 00:08:01.339 --> 00:08:04.199 Tim Keller says we've created a Stepford God. 00:08:04.319 --> 00:08:06.620 You know that book and film Stepford Wives? 00:08:07.679 --> 00:08:08.979 The husbands of Connecticut. 00:08:09.519 --> 00:08:11.379 Have turned their wives into robots. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:13.159 Who will never cross them. 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:15.120 Who will never disagree with them. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:19.259 And the result is that the Stepford Wives are wonderfully compliant. 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:21.300 They are beautiful. 00:08:22.399 --> 00:08:24.000 But the reality is. 00:08:24.079 --> 00:08:25.500 There's no personal relationship. 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:28.160 There's no intimacy there. 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:30.780 Because there's no truly personal relationship. 00:08:31.840 --> 00:08:34.740 The other person has to be able to contradict you. 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:37.060 And that is true with God. 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:40.759 We create Stepford Gods. 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:44.840 Gods who essentially are of our own making. 00:08:45.399 --> 00:08:47.220 Who are in our own image. 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:48.799 Who never contradict us. 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:50.679 Who never contradict our culture. 00:08:51.820 --> 00:08:52.679 It's amazing. 00:08:53.460 --> 00:08:55.399 People's Gods never disagree with them. 00:08:57.639 --> 00:08:59.679 But you'll never have a relationship with them. 00:09:00.820 --> 00:09:03.060 Because they are a figment of your imagination. 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:10.439 Only if God is and does and says things that you disagree with. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:11.459 Or struggle with. 00:09:11.699 --> 00:09:13.319 Or outrage you at points. 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:16.739 Will you know that you've got hold of the real God. 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:20.539 Who's not a figment of your own imagination. 00:09:21.979 --> 00:09:24.099 God in his grace does not hide himself away. 00:09:24.399 --> 00:09:26.659 He passionately pursues people. 00:09:26.979 --> 00:09:28.079 That they might find him. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:30.980 But neither does God hide himself. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:33.340 Or hide when it comes to the exercise of judgment. 00:09:33.460 --> 00:09:34.520 Look at verses 6 and 7. 00:09:37.400 --> 00:09:39.340 Behold it is written before me. 00:09:39.420 --> 00:09:40.420 I will not keep silent. 00:09:40.480 --> 00:09:41.120 But I will repay. 00:09:42.280 --> 00:09:44.480 I will indeed repay into their lap. 00:09:45.040 --> 00:09:46.139 Both their iniquities. 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:48.180 And your father's iniquities together. 00:09:48.180 --> 00:09:48.980 Says the Lord. 00:09:48.980 --> 00:09:52.120 Because they made offerings on the mountains. 00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:53.460 And insulted me on the hills. 00:09:53.820 --> 00:09:55.120 I will measure into their lap. 00:09:55.259 --> 00:09:56.680 Payment for their former deeds. 00:09:58.139 --> 00:10:00.039 To the kind of disobedience. 00:10:00.200 --> 00:10:00.680 That God. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:02.480 That Isaiah has just spelled out. 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:04.259 God's reaction is unequivocal. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:06.980 He says God will judge. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:09.480 Those. 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:11.720 Provocative flirts. 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:14.580 Those pious. 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:16.240 Religious. 00:10:17.060 --> 00:10:18.240 Church going flirts. 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:19.759 Will face the judgment of God. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:23.220 And notice what he says about the judgment. 00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:25.060 He says it is absolutely certain. 00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:26.399 He says it is written. 00:10:27.940 --> 00:10:29.159 He says it is personal. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.740 I will not be silent. 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:35.279 He says it is a measured justice. 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:37.080 I will pay them back. 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:38.759 In full. 00:10:39.560 --> 00:10:41.500 He says it is individual in their application. 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:43.740 That it is into their individual lap. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:45.019 It is not impersonal. 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:45.960 Forces of faith. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:50.100 God's wrath is not an impersonal. 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:51.360 Out of control. 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:52.659 Cranky explosion. 00:10:52.659 --> 00:10:55.240 No God's wrath is his measured. 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:56.120 Personal. 00:10:56.439 --> 00:10:56.919 Settled. 00:10:57.059 --> 00:10:58.600 Opposition to the cancer of sin. 00:10:59.679 --> 00:11:02.240 That is eating out the insides of the human race. 00:11:04.279 --> 00:11:05.120 He loves. 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:06.740 With his whole being. 00:11:08.319 --> 00:11:11.719 God does not hide in salvation or judgment. 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:15.960 He speaks of himself as the God who doesn't hide. 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:16.500 And not then. 00:11:16.580 --> 00:11:17.600 God moves our direction. 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:18.879 To the servants who seek. 00:11:18.960 --> 00:11:20.000 Look at verses 8 to 10. 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:22.680 He says thus says the Lord. 00:11:24.139 --> 00:11:25.980 As the new wine is found in the cluster. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:27.420 And they say do not destroy it. 00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:29.120 For there is a blessing in it. 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:31.919 So I will do for my servants sake. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:33.159 And not destroy them all. 00:11:34.440 --> 00:11:36.000 I will bring forth offspring from Jacob. 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:36.799 And from Judah. 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:38.039 Possessors of my mountains. 00:11:38.440 --> 00:11:39.899 My chosen shall possess it. 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:41.679 And my servants shall dwell there. 00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:44.259 Sharon will become a pastor of her flocks. 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:46.700 And the valley of Acre a place for herds to lie down. 00:11:47.019 --> 00:11:48.440 For my people who sought me. 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:49.060 Who seek me. 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:51.179 Do you see that amazing image? 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:57.319 God picks up on that picture of the warrior servant. 00:11:57.659 --> 00:11:58.479 So in chapter 3. 00:11:59.739 --> 00:12:02.359 The one who treads the winepress of God's wrath. 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:03.179 Do you remember that picture? 00:12:03.979 --> 00:12:05.179 On the final day of judgment. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:06.819 When God will judge the earth. 00:12:08.459 --> 00:12:10.979 But here he offers this world a word of hope. 00:12:12.219 --> 00:12:15.839 That the winepress of God's wrath discriminates. 00:12:17.539 --> 00:12:19.159 I'm no expert on wine at all. 00:12:19.159 --> 00:12:21.519 But I discovered that the best champagne uphouses. 00:12:21.719 --> 00:12:24.159 Only use the juice that comes out of the grape. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:24.799 Initially. 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.240 You know you kind of. 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:27.399 It squirts in your eye. 00:12:27.459 --> 00:12:28.639 When you crush it for your children. 00:12:28.839 --> 00:12:30.139 That juice there. 00:12:30.839 --> 00:12:32.199 It's that bit of the juice. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:33.699 It's the best juice. 00:12:33.939 --> 00:12:34.459 Supposedly. 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:35.600 According to winemakers. 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:38.240 That juice is the finest. 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:39.959 And the sweetest. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:41.219 And that seems to be the image here. 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:45.620 That every one of us merits the winepress. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:48.799 But in God's kindness. 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:50.059 And in God's mercy. 00:12:50.179 --> 00:12:51.139 Some are saved from it. 00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:54.559 Some he calls a blessing here. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.899 The destruction will not be total. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:12:59.479 But God will fulfill his promise. 00:12:59.599 --> 00:13:01.059 By saving a remnant. 00:13:01.199 --> 00:13:02.079 By saving a part. 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:05.120 In order that his purposes will be fulfilled. 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.120 Now the question of course. 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:07.099 Is who's going to be saved? 00:13:09.639 --> 00:13:11.359 It's a question that should interest all of us. 00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:14.419 Who will avoid the winepress of God's wrath? 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:17.379 Well look at the verses again. 00:13:17.479 --> 00:13:19.519 Because God refers to those whom he will save. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:21.120 As my servants. 00:13:22.479 --> 00:13:23.579 My chosen people. 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.639 My servants. 00:13:25.819 --> 00:13:26.399 My people. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.860 So the question is again. 00:13:29.079 --> 00:13:30.979 Who are his servants? 00:13:30.980 --> 00:13:31.080 Servant. 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:34.820 And here's where going through the book of Isaiah. 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:36.320 Pays big dividends. 00:13:37.279 --> 00:13:39.100 It's why it's so important to go through a book of the Bible. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:42.320 Because if you need to do a study of the word servant. 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:44.259 In the book of Isaiah. 00:13:44.360 --> 00:13:45.320 You find something really interesting. 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:48.500 The first time the word servant. 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.879 That is plural. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:50.740 Is used. 00:13:50.920 --> 00:13:51.879 Is chapter 54. 00:13:53.440 --> 00:13:54.139 Verse 17. 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:56.319 But prior to that. 00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:57.939 In verses 14 to 53. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.039 Which we've worked through. 00:13:59.439 --> 00:14:01.620 The word servant appears 20 times. 00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:03.080 But it's always in the singular. 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:03.840 Do you get it? 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:05.960 20 times in the singular. 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:07.720 54 verse 17. 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:08.439 Plural. 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.340 So we know who the servant is. 00:14:12.399 --> 00:14:12.699 Don't we? 00:14:13.679 --> 00:14:15.980 We know who the servant singular is. 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:16.899 It is the Lord Jesus. 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:18.700 He is the suffering servant. 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:19.460 Chapter 53. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:21.519 He is the one who is. 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:23.779 Going to be pierced for our transgressions. 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:25.139 Who is crushed for our iniquities. 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:27.899 Who will bear the full penalty for our sins. 00:14:29.319 --> 00:14:30.679 Of all who trust in him. 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:32.059 Servant of course is Jesus. 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:35.439 But from chapter 54 onwards. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.819 The word servant. 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:38.919 Only appears in Isaiah in the plural. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:42.480 It's always servants from then on. 00:14:43.419 --> 00:14:45.179 And the clear implication is. 00:14:45.419 --> 00:14:47.000 Who are these servants? 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:49.699 Well these servants. 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:51.079 Are the ones. 00:14:51.279 --> 00:14:53.220 Who have put their trust in the servant. 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:56.120 In the suffering servant. 00:14:56.259 --> 00:14:57.139 Who have their sins forgiven. 00:14:58.579 --> 00:15:00.679 Who have had their judgment day paid for. 00:15:01.959 --> 00:15:03.720 So when God refers to my servants. 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.740 My chosen people. 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:06.179 He's not thinking of a group. 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:08.059 That's defined by nationality. 00:15:08.939 --> 00:15:10.159 Or by ethnicity. 00:15:11.459 --> 00:15:13.220 Or by history. 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:14.620 Or by ritual. 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:17.240 It is the elect of God. 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.519 It is all those. 00:15:18.639 --> 00:15:19.699 Who have put their trust. 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:21.100 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:24.740 So if you are able to say in sincerity this morning. 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:25.759 Yes that is me. 00:15:25.860 --> 00:15:27.420 I have trusted my life to him. 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:29.779 I love him. 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:32.300 I follow him. 00:15:33.420 --> 00:15:35.720 God has incredibly good news for you. 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:37.360 He says to you. 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:39.100 I promise to rescue you. 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:40.120 From the winepress. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.259 Of my wrath. 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:43.659 And save you. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:45.360 And give you. 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:46.000 My blessings. 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:47.000 And my eternal home. 00:15:48.079 --> 00:15:49.620 If you will trust. 00:15:50.459 --> 00:15:51.719 In my servant. 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:55.059 We are servants. 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:56.799 Of the suffering servant. 00:15:57.939 --> 00:15:59.719 And we are the only ones. 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:00.459 Who are the recipients. 00:16:00.459 --> 00:16:01.879 Of God's eternal blessing. 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:04.159 So God here gives one verb. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.519 To summarise what the servants. 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:06.639 Of the suffering do. 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:07.639 Can you see it? 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:11.399 Can you see it? 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:12.199 It's they. 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:13.379 Seek. 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:14.419 God. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.899 That's what they do. 00:16:18.580 --> 00:16:20.139 Before God rescued us. 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.460 God wasn't hiding. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:22.939 We weren't seeking. 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:25.460 But still in his grace. 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.779 God revealed himself. 00:16:26.899 --> 00:16:27.879 So that we found him. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:31.879 But now that God has rescued us. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:34.240 We actively. 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:35.799 Consciously. 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:38.100 With laser beam intensity. 00:16:38.439 --> 00:16:39.820 We will seek the Lord. 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:41.279 That's what a Christian is. 00:16:42.439 --> 00:16:43.700 We take on the attitude. 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:44.659 Of the apostle Paul. 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.759 In Philippians 3. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:46.159 Who says. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:47.419 I press on. 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:48.259 To take hold. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.200 Of that. 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:50.220 For which Christ Jesus. 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:50.980 Took hold of me. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:53.059 I press on. 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:54.039 Towards the goal. 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:54.879 To win the prize. 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:55.980 Which God has called me. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:56.419 Heavenwards. 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:57.240 In Christ Jesus. 00:16:58.419 --> 00:16:59.139 Paul goes on. 00:16:59.179 --> 00:16:59.519 In that letter. 00:16:59.600 --> 00:16:59.779 To say. 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:00.720 I want you to follow. 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:01.840 My example in this. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.860 I want you to live. 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:05.720 With laser beam intensity. 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.700 Where life is gathered in. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:08.660 And pushed out. 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:09.599 Towards God. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:12.859 And maybe that for you. 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:13.240 This morning. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.519 Just sounds over the top. 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:17.460 Just preachers talk. 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:20.319 And you may say. 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:20.599 Yeah. 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:21.339 I'm a Christian. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.579 And my Christianity. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.940 Is actually more of a private thing. 00:17:26.359 --> 00:17:27.759 I keep my head down. 00:17:27.859 --> 00:17:28.279 I actually. 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:29.740 I don't want to talk about it too much. 00:17:30.660 --> 00:17:31.619 I don't want to make it. 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:32.139 A big thing. 00:17:32.899 --> 00:17:33.659 Let's live. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.699 And let live. 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:36.059 It's the best you can do. 00:17:38.239 --> 00:17:39.299 Do you know what the problem is with that? 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:39.939 The problem with that. 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.299 Is that. 00:17:40.459 --> 00:17:41.500 It assumes that Christianity. 00:17:41.919 --> 00:17:42.459 Is just. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.959 A piece of your life. 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:46.419 As if Christianity. 00:17:46.679 --> 00:17:47.719 Is just a compartment. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:48.959 It fits nicely. 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:49.899 On a Sunday morning. 00:17:51.239 --> 00:17:52.159 But it's got nothing to do. 00:17:52.179 --> 00:17:53.099 With the rest of your life. 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:53.879 It's got nothing to do. 00:17:53.879 --> 00:17:54.779 With how you spend your money. 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:57.579 Or how you do your work. 00:17:58.619 --> 00:17:59.759 Or your sex life. 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.759 Or your social life. 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:02.480 Or your temper. 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.220 Or how you treat the poor. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.019 And the disadvantaged. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.559 And Paul says. 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:10.079 You need to rethink that. 00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:12.399 Because this is not the way. 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.480 That God has set you up. 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:14.000 To live. 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:17.160 To be a Christian. 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:20.000 To be somebody who is in Christ. 00:18:20.119 --> 00:18:22.039 Means that your entire life. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:25.119 Is gathered in. 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.660 And pushed out. 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.920 Towards seeking God. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:30.579 In every area of your life. 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:33.759 And so the servants of the Lord. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:34.920 Are rescued from the wrath of God. 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:36.160 But God then flips the coin. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:37.019 Isaiah 65. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:39.859 And just in case. 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:41.819 You're unsure of what I'm talking about. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:43.019 Let me show you the pattern. 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.680 Of those who are destined. 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:46.779 For the wrath of God's winepress. 00:18:48.099 --> 00:18:49.079 And that's the third point. 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:50.379 The outcome of our choosing. 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:51.799 Look at verses 11 and 12. 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:55.920 But you who forsake the Lord. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:57.160 You who don't seek the Lord. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:58.259 To forsake is the opposite. 00:18:58.379 --> 00:18:58.759 To seek. 00:19:00.639 --> 00:19:01.900 You who forsake the Lord. 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:03.039 And forget my holy mountain. 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:04.519 Who set a table for fortune. 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:06.220 And fill cups of mixed wine. 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:06.839 For destiny. 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:09.400 I will destiny you to the sword. 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:13.359 And all of you shall bow down. 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:14.059 To the slaughter. 00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:16.500 Because when I called. 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.259 You did not answer. 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:19.480 And when I spoke. 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:20.160 You did not listen. 00:19:21.660 --> 00:19:23.639 But you did what was evil in my eyes. 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:27.079 And you chose what I did not delight in. 00:19:29.599 --> 00:19:31.480 Isaiah leaves them and you. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.460 In no doubt. 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:36.019 For there is a coming day of judgment. 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:41.759 And on that day there will be a final and irrevocable separation. 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:45.299 Between those who are God's servants. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:48.140 Who have trusted in his servant. 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:49.379 And those who have not. 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:55.160 And it isn't arbitrary. 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:59.380 We are not going to be able to say. 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:00.300 None of us saw this coming. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:03.079 No long before that day. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:04.619 The choice that people have made. 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:06.399 Regarding their final destiny. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.200 Becomes clear. 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:10.639 That if you or I. 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:11.980 Choose to live in a way. 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:13.480 That forsakes the Lord. 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:16.720 We must be under no illusion. 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.920 That our destiny will be judgment. 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.700 And the eternal sword. 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:26.360 The pattern is already set. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.860 I called God says. 00:20:27.920 --> 00:20:29.000 And you did not answer. 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.160 The pattern is. 00:20:31.220 --> 00:20:32.019 I spoke. 00:20:32.140 --> 00:20:33.299 And you did not listen. 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:36.359 And some of you might say. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:36.980 This morning. 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:38.279 I don't think he's ever called me. 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:41.139 I don't think he's ever given me the chance. 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:42.819 To respond. 00:20:42.879 --> 00:20:43.740 But the thing he has. 00:20:44.919 --> 00:20:45.759 He's doing it right now. 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:47.139 Every time you open this book. 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:50.059 Every time you read it. 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:53.099 Every time someone reads it to you. 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:55.500 Every time you hear someone proclaim this book. 00:20:55.599 --> 00:20:56.279 The Bible to you. 00:20:56.299 --> 00:20:57.399 God is calling you. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.480 He is speaking to you. 00:20:58.480 --> 00:21:02.079 He says the pattern is this. 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:04.000 You do evil in God's sight. 00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:05.059 You choose. 00:21:05.599 --> 00:21:07.059 What displeases him. 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:08.819 Now that's a sobering reality. 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:12.640 But Isaiah is telling us here. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.420 In the end. 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:15.440 That hell. 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:18.319 Is simply God. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:20.460 Giving people what they've chosen. 00:21:23.079 --> 00:21:24.860 If you choose this morning. 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:27.740 What you know displeases God. 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:29.980 And God is clear. 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:31.400 That the final destiny. 00:21:31.860 --> 00:21:33.360 Of those who choose. 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:35.000 What displeases him is hell. 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:37.200 Then hell. 00:21:38.259 --> 00:21:39.180 Is God. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:41.640 Simply giving people. 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:43.360 What they themselves have chosen. 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.259 Can you see that? 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:49.099 C.S. Lewis in the problem of pain. 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:50.440 Writes this. 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.420 He says. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:53.180 In the long run. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.759 The answer to all those who object. 00:21:54.860 --> 00:21:55.720 To the doctrine of hell. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.839 Is itself a question. 00:21:56.839 --> 00:22:00.220 What are you wanting God to do? 00:22:02.179 --> 00:22:04.159 To wipe out their past sins. 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.299 And at all costs. 00:22:05.379 --> 00:22:06.500 Give them a fresh start. 00:22:07.599 --> 00:22:08.759 Smoothing every difficulty. 00:22:08.939 --> 00:22:10.839 And offering every miraculous help. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:13.279 That he has done so. 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.619 On Calvary. 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:15.559 On Calvary. 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.359 To forgive them. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:19.539 But they don't ask for forgiveness. 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:22.480 But to leave them alone. 00:22:24.139 --> 00:22:24.500 Alas. 00:22:24.639 --> 00:22:25.399 I am afraid. 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:26.720 That is what he does. 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:30.079 Christianity asserts. 00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:31.399 That we are going to live on forever. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:33.119 That must either be true or false. 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:33.700 If it is true. 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.859 There are many good things. 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:36.220 Which would not be worth bothering about. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:38.339 If I was only going to live 80 years or so. 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:40.619 But which I better bother about. 00:22:40.659 --> 00:22:41.559 If I am going to live forever. 00:22:41.559 --> 00:22:44.839 Perhaps my bad temper. 00:22:45.879 --> 00:22:47.240 Or my jealousy. 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:49.179 Are gradually getting worse. 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:51.139 So gradually. 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.839 That the increase in my life in time. 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:54.220 Will not be very noticeable. 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:57.799 But it might be absolute hell. 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:58.899 In a million years. 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:00.700 In fact. 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.759 If Christianity is true. 00:23:01.899 --> 00:23:02.859 Then hell is precisely. 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:03.559 The correct. 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:05.319 Technical term for it. 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:08.519 Do you see what C.S. Lewis is saying. 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.819 Hell is simply. 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:13.679 Giving. 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:15.399 God giving people. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.500 What they have chosen. 00:23:17.939 --> 00:23:19.339 They have chosen a path. 00:23:19.419 --> 00:23:21.000 That displeases God. 00:23:22.099 --> 00:23:24.000 And it leads to an ever increasing. 00:23:24.419 --> 00:23:24.980 Disintegration. 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:27.059 And alienation. 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:27.740 And isolation. 00:23:30.539 --> 00:23:32.779 So no one goes to hell. 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:34.899 Who doesn't choose to. 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:38.619 Hell is the greatest monument. 00:23:38.939 --> 00:23:39.579 To freedom. 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:41.779 That there is. 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:43.599 God says. 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:44.859 If you want to build your life. 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:46.000 Around something else. 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:46.980 Other than me. 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:50.039 If you want to live without me. 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.240 Okay. 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:54.919 But you need to see at least. 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:55.759 Where that leads you. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.319 So Lewis again. 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:58.939 Puts it like this. 00:23:59.019 --> 00:24:00.119 There are only two sets of people. 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:01.379 Those who say to God. 00:24:02.399 --> 00:24:03.720 Thy will be done. 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:07.619 And those of whom God says. 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:09.359 Thy will be done. 00:24:09.439 --> 00:24:10.220 That is brilliant. 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:13.159 There are only two types of people. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:15.079 Those who say to God. 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:16.740 Thy will be done Lord. 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:19.639 And those of whom God says. 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.460 Thy will be done. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:22.000 All who are in hell. 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.519 Choose it. 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.559 The doors of hell. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.700 Are locked from the inside. 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:28.319 That is really helpful. 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.500 It has been really interesting. 00:24:31.620 --> 00:24:32.380 For me to study this. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.100 That the Bible gives actually. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.319 No evidence. 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:36.660 That there are souls in hell. 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.539 Saying let me out. 00:24:38.259 --> 00:24:38.799 Let me out. 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:42.500 You know there are popular pictures. 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.580 There are kind of fire pits. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.019 Isn't there. 00:24:45.140 --> 00:24:45.779 And there are people. 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:47.299 Kind of clambering out. 00:24:48.580 --> 00:24:50.400 And God is throwing people in. 00:24:50.620 --> 00:24:52.120 That is not the picture of the Bible at all. 00:24:52.119 --> 00:24:55.739 Because no one goes to hell. 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.739 Except those who want to. 00:24:59.099 --> 00:25:00.819 Hell is simply God giving people. 00:25:00.979 --> 00:25:02.019 What they themselves have chosen. 00:25:03.679 --> 00:25:04.519 So let me ask you. 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.419 What path have you chosen? 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:07.839 And some of us. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.799 You might want to say to me. 00:25:08.899 --> 00:25:09.179 This morning. 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:09.959 Paul I have not chosen. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:12.059 I have not worked it out yet. 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:16.039 But the truth is. 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:17.219 If you actually haven't made a choice. 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.039 You have made a choice. 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:21.680 The human default is what? 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.379 We know what it is. 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:22.619 Isn't it? 00:25:22.659 --> 00:25:24.279 Our human default is to please ourselves. 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.240 To do what pleases us. 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:29.119 And to do what displeases God. 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:30.839 It's to listen to your own voice. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:33.259 And not listen to God's voice. 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:37.059 But unless you make that conscious decision. 00:25:37.159 --> 00:25:37.980 To seek God. 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:39.059 To be a servant. 00:25:39.659 --> 00:25:40.799 Of the suffering servant. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:42.079 You are on your way. 00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:43.819 To the wrath of God's wine press. 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.940 Now I am not saying this to you today. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:48.820 Because it's a big emotional push on you. 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:52.860 I am not trying to twist your arm. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.080 Through emotions this morning. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:57.559 I am simply trying to say to you. 00:25:57.620 --> 00:25:58.299 As clearly. 00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:59.700 And as simply as I can. 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:00.779 What is at stake here. 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:03.600 And so God lays out. 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.299 What is at stake. 00:26:04.360 --> 00:26:05.900 Look at verses 13 to 15. 00:26:06.360 --> 00:26:07.880 And it couldn't be clearer. 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:09.279 Verse 13. 00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:12.500 Therefore thus says the Lord God. 00:26:12.580 --> 00:26:14.500 Behold my servants shall eat. 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:16.980 But you shall be hungry. 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:20.000 Behold my servant shall drink. 00:26:20.099 --> 00:26:21.180 But you shall be thirsty. 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:23.799 Behold my servant shall rejoice. 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:25.400 But you shall be put to shame. 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:28.019 Behold my servant will sing for gladness of heart. 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:30.180 But you shall cry out for pain of heart. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.700 You shall wail for breaking of spirit. 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:35.079 You shall leave your name. 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:37.380 To my chosen for a curse. 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:40.339 The Lord God will put you to death. 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:43.819 But his servants will be called by another name. 00:26:43.879 --> 00:26:44.779 It couldn't be clearer if it is. 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:48.899 Isaiah is drawing on material. 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:51.079 That he has written already. 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:55.079 About how his people will feast in the new Jerusalem. 00:26:56.179 --> 00:26:56.459 Do you remember? 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.459 Come you who have no money. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.399 Come buy and eat. 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:00.779 The invitation of Isaiah 55. 00:27:02.119 --> 00:27:04.179 You'll eat and you'll drink without money and without cost. 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:06.179 You'll enter into the new heavens and the new earth. 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:08.720 And there will be unbelievable joy. 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:11.360 That God has given to his people a new name. 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:14.519 Because he's bringing them into a new city. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.860 And there will be a new people. 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:25.160 But that is all in total contrast to those who have not sought the Lord, isn't it? 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:29.080 Those who have forsaken the Lord. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:30.080 Those who have not listened. 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:32.700 Those who haven't answered when he called. 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:35.960 For them he says it will be eternal hunger. 00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:36.980 And eternal thirst. 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:37.900 And eternal shame. 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:38.840 And eternal anguish. 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:40.059 And eternal brokenness. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:40.980 And curse and death. 00:27:43.380 --> 00:27:45.400 And if this description does not move you. 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.700 If you are in that position. 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.660 Or it doesn't move you. 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.480 If you're a Christian. 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:52.539 To think that maybe you need to be a little bit more proactive in sharing your faith. 00:27:52.600 --> 00:27:53.700 Then I don't know what will. 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:57.740 But I want you to notice. 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:59.660 As we come to the Lord's table. 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:01.700 That even in this description. 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:03.680 There is a gracious call. 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:08.600 Because God is saying to you through this passage. 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.960 Won't you be my servant? 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.980 He's saying to you this morning. 00:28:14.080 --> 00:28:15.200 Doesn't this world. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:18.120 Food and drink. 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:19.279 Of joy and singing. 00:28:19.600 --> 00:28:20.319 And gladness. 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:22.859 Doesn't that world sound more beautiful. 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:23.579 And more attractive. 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.460 And more desirable. 00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:25.559 Than the other one over there. 00:28:27.339 --> 00:28:28.379 Don't you want. 00:28:28.859 --> 00:28:30.379 A future that is characterized. 00:28:30.379 --> 00:28:31.539 By feasting. 00:28:32.179 --> 00:28:33.279 By rejoicing. 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:34.079 And by singing. 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:36.879 And you say yes. 00:28:38.619 --> 00:28:39.379 And God says. 00:28:39.439 --> 00:28:40.200 It's not complicated. 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:41.939 I just ask you to trust. 00:28:42.679 --> 00:28:43.539 Your life. 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.519 To my servant. 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:49.579 I ask you to repent of your sins. 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:52.939 And to put your hope in him. 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:56.159 And to become a servant. 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:57.899 Of the suffering servant. 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:58.799 And to seek me. 00:28:58.879 --> 00:28:59.399 And to love me. 00:28:59.439 --> 00:29:00.059 And to trust me. 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:03.240 Jesus called the crowd to him. 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:03.519 And he said. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.559 If anyone would come after me. 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:05.419 Let him deny himself. 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.279 And take up his cross. 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:06.899 And follow me. 00:29:08.399 --> 00:29:09.980 For whoever will save his life. 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.339 Will lose it. 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:14.240 But whoever loses his life. 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:14.819 For my sake. 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:15.599 And for the gospels. 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.439 Will save it. 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:19.880 Following God. 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:21.460 Is not some suicidal gesture. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:23.920 Some people think that. 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.180 Don't they? 00:29:24.220 --> 00:29:25.460 They think you give your life to Jesus. 00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:26.539 Young people sometimes think that. 00:29:26.600 --> 00:29:27.400 I give my life to Jesus. 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.400 It ruins everything. 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.380 It ruins my fun. 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:32.440 It's the exact opposite of that. 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.759 It's the path to saving your life. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:38.140 And the reason that you and I. 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:39.160 Are tempted to create. 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:40.339 Statford gods. 00:29:40.799 --> 00:29:41.819 Is because we think that. 00:29:41.879 --> 00:29:42.460 The God of the Bible. 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:43.400 Doesn't really love us. 00:29:45.079 --> 00:29:46.000 The God of the Bible. 00:29:46.079 --> 00:29:48.119 Doesn't really have my best interests at heart. 00:29:48.180 --> 00:29:48.900 And that is a lie. 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.859 And Jesus says. 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:52.240 No. 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:53.779 Seeking me. 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:55.980 Is the way to real life. 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:58.180 I do love you. 00:29:59.619 --> 00:30:01.420 I do have your best interests at heart. 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:02.140 I gave. 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:03.480 My son. 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:06.980 Isn't that what this table says to us. 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:08.279 God gave his son. 00:30:08.379 --> 00:30:09.279 There was nothing. 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.420 More costly. 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:11.379 For him to give. 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:12.299 Than his son. 00:30:13.900 --> 00:30:15.400 He gave his only son. 00:30:16.660 --> 00:30:17.819 The suffering servant. 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:20.220 My eternal son. 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.299 As the means. 00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:23.460 To secure for you. 00:30:23.539 --> 00:30:24.579 What is best for you. 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:27.599 Because God longs. 00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:28.680 For you and for me. 00:30:28.759 --> 00:30:29.279 To feast. 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:31.559 To feast. 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:33.200 To rejoice. 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.779 To sing. 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:38.720 And he pleads with us. 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:39.100 This morning. 00:30:40.519 --> 00:30:42.279 And he lays out his arms. 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:43.080 Before us. 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.640 He says. 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.160 Forsake the path. 00:30:47.460 --> 00:30:47.960 That leads. 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.059 To eternal hunger. 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:51.620 Leave the things. 00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:53.440 That will not satisfy. 00:30:55.819 --> 00:30:56.759 Leave the path. 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:57.200 To shame. 00:30:58.400 --> 00:30:59.500 Leave the path. 00:30:59.580 --> 00:31:00.160 To anguish. 00:31:00.160 --> 00:31:01.060 And brokenness. 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:01.720 And curse. 00:31:01.860 --> 00:31:02.480 And death. 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:05.680 And he says. 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:06.259 Here I am. 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.759 Here I am. 00:31:11.060 --> 00:31:12.100 There's nothing more powerful. 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:12.400 Is that? 00:31:12.640 --> 00:31:14.019 It is the Lord's supper. 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:15.620 It is the Lord's table. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:17.200 It is the risen Christ. 00:31:17.259 --> 00:31:18.080 Who feeds us. 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.920 At his table. 00:31:21.600 --> 00:31:22.360 And he says. 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:22.940 To you stay. 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.480 Here I am. 00:31:24.820 --> 00:31:25.580 Would you trust me? 00:31:25.579 --> 00:31:28.579 He is not hiding. 00:31:30.379 --> 00:31:31.099 He is not hiding. 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.740 Let's pray.