WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.560 pray. 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:13.019 Now we're going to read, spend some time in Luke chapter 13, verses 10 to 21. I should have said 00:00:13.019 --> 00:00:18.019 there's church Bibles available at the back. If you're using one of those Bibles, we're on page 00:00:18.019 --> 00:00:26.940 1046 as we continue to think about knowing the times, the times that we happen to find ourselves 00:00:26.940 --> 00:00:34.500 living in. Verses 10 to 21 of Luke 13. On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 00:00:34.899 --> 00:00:40.560 and a woman was there who'd been crippled by a spirit for 18 years. She was bent over and could 00:00:40.560 --> 00:00:45.579 not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, women, 00:00:46.040 --> 00:00:51.960 you are set free from your infirmity. Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened 00:00:51.960 --> 00:00:58.240 up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said 00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:03.060 to the people, there are six days for work, so come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath. 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:09.780 The Lord answered him, you hypocrites, doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:15.260 the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:21.840 whom Satan has kept bound for 18 long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her? 00:01:22.779 --> 00:01:28.359 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:34.039 wonderful things he was doing. Then Jesus asked, what is the kingdom of God like? What shall I 00:01:34.039 --> 00:01:40.500 compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and 00:01:40.500 --> 00:01:46.419 became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches. Again, he asked, what shall I compare the kingdom of 00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:54.019 God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about 30 kilograms of flour until it worked all 00:01:54.019 --> 00:02:02.540 through the dough. Amen. So this morning, what I want us to do is to use the story that we've just 00:02:02.540 --> 00:02:10.680 read to provide a lens on the world that we live in. Think back to that song that we were eventually 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:18.400 able to sing in its first line, do we feel the world is broken? And I would suggest it's almost 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:25.819 impossible not to. Suffering is all around us, whether we're thinking globally or personally. 00:02:25.819 --> 00:02:32.759 There is the brokenness inside of us that maybe only we are aware of. The world seems to be infected 00:02:32.759 --> 00:02:42.639 by evil. The realities of distress and disability are normal in our days. 00:02:42.639 --> 00:02:49.739 But there's hope in our story, isn't there? You know, if we feel the world is broken, do we also 00:02:49.739 --> 00:02:57.159 know that all the dark won't stop the light from getting through? There is in this story a reminder 00:02:57.159 --> 00:03:05.199 that with the coming of Jesus, God's Son and King, this great mission of mercy, this establishing of 00:03:05.199 --> 00:03:12.319 His kingdom, He is restoring, He is redeeming, and we see Him stopping Satan in His tracks. 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:21.039 And so this story is also giving us a lens by which to see God's plan for His world. 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:29.060 Because we need to remember that suffering and evil, while it seems normal to us, is abnormal, 00:03:29.899 --> 00:03:37.099 in that it was never part of God's good creation at the beginning. And so this miracle helps us to 00:03:37.099 --> 00:03:48.259 see the promise from Jesus of a new normal, of a world free of suffering, of a world free of evil. 00:03:48.819 --> 00:03:56.859 So let's watch and listen together that King Jesus might bring hope, bring hope to us when we feel broken 00:03:56.860 --> 00:04:08.900 and weary. Four scenes for us to consider. The first is of this woman who has been crippled by cruelty. 00:04:09.980 --> 00:04:17.400 The story begins on a Sabbath with Jesus teaching. Jesus was the great teacher. So He's in a synagogue, 00:04:17.620 --> 00:04:26.840 a place of worship, and into that scene of teaching shuffles this woman. She's 00:04:26.860 --> 00:04:37.660 been crippled by a spirit for 18 years, bent over, unable to straighten. 18 years of desperate need. 00:04:38.939 --> 00:04:47.100 Let's try and picture for a moment the impact of this on every part of her experience. Her ability to do 00:04:47.100 --> 00:05:03.340 her everyday tasks. Her ability to get a good night's sleep. Her relationships. Her ability to worship. Her sense of contentment. Perhaps her dignity. Her standing. 00:05:03.980 --> 00:05:10.060 All affected for 18 years. And notice, 00:05:10.060 --> 00:05:22.139 So the man who wrote this gospel was a medical doctor, Dr. Luke. So notice that Dr. Luke wants to take us beyond just her physical suffering to point out, 00:05:22.180 --> 00:05:25.019 and this is the only time that he points this out, 00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:27.899 she'd been crippled by a spirit 00:05:27.899 --> 00:05:29.600 for 18 years. 00:05:30.300 --> 00:05:34.079 He recognizes there's a spiritual dimension, there's spiritual attack. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:36.800 Notice that Jesus agrees, verse 16. 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:39.699 This woman is a daughter of Abraham, 00:05:40.099 --> 00:05:43.199 whom Satan has kept bound for 18 long years. 00:05:44.659 --> 00:05:47.419 Okay, so the very fact that this is the only time it's mentioned, 00:05:47.519 --> 00:05:48.079 it means that we 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:50.060 can't draw a straight line and say, 00:05:50.339 --> 00:05:51.680 every time someone suffers, 00:05:52.099 --> 00:05:53.519 there's spiritual attack. 00:05:53.899 --> 00:05:55.699 But it means it can be the case. 00:05:57.199 --> 00:05:58.000 And certainly, 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:01.439 Luke and Jesus want to shed light on the reality 00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:05.180 of the presence of our evil enemy, 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:05.819 Satan. 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:08.860 Described in the Bible as our adversary. 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:11.920 Or as the accuser. 00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:13.740 The one who hates God and hates 00:06:13.740 --> 00:06:15.740 God's people and hates 00:06:15.740 --> 00:06:17.680 God's image bearers. 00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:21.019 And we need to understand that because that helps to explain 00:06:21.019 --> 00:06:23.000 the world as it is. 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:25.699 It's been pointed out that one of the 00:06:25.699 --> 00:06:28.339 the weaknesses of modern materialism, 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:29.439 you know, 00:06:29.800 --> 00:06:31.920 all that we see is all that there is, 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:33.439 ignoring the spiritual dimension, 00:06:34.199 --> 00:06:36.680 it means it's very limited in its ability 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:39.659 to explain the depths of evil. 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:43.240 Because if it's only explained in physical terms, 00:06:43.279 --> 00:06:44.759 then the problem must be with us. 00:06:45.099 --> 00:06:46.079 Therefore, what we need is 00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:47.699 maybe a little bit more education. 00:06:47.699 --> 00:06:50.480 Or if we could just change social conditions, 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:52.719 or if we could offer better treatments, 00:06:52.839 --> 00:06:54.919 then we would expect more progress. 00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:59.620 But the modern technological West is not seeing progress, 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:00.060 are we? 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:02.879 Because the problem runs much deeper 00:07:02.879 --> 00:07:05.420 and is much darker than that. 00:07:06.959 --> 00:07:09.240 Someone said to me recently that the West 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:12.779 is actually getting more Christian in the last 10 years 00:07:12.779 --> 00:07:14.480 without even trying, 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:15.719 in part, 00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:17.560 as people are recognizing 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:21.000 the depth and scale of evil and wickedness is so great, 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:25.420 there has to be a better place to find answers 00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:26.980 than just in us 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:29.139 and our own abilities and intelligence. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:32.839 Notice that the Bible and Jesus 00:07:32.839 --> 00:07:36.319 helps to account for how deep and complex 00:07:36.319 --> 00:07:37.800 the problem of evil is 00:07:37.800 --> 00:07:39.899 by honestly showing us 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:41.800 our adversary, the devil, 00:07:42.319 --> 00:07:44.339 pointing to the reality and power of Satan. 00:07:44.339 --> 00:07:46.439 We need to recognize 00:07:46.439 --> 00:07:49.039 that there is a personal Satan 00:07:49.039 --> 00:07:49.879 who hates God, 00:07:49.979 --> 00:07:51.379 who attacks image bearers, 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:53.219 who wants to steal dignity 00:07:53.219 --> 00:07:55.299 and hope and life. 00:07:55.859 --> 00:07:58.399 And we see his work in this woman 00:07:58.399 --> 00:08:00.639 as she has been crippled 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:03.419 by his cruelty. 00:08:03.420 --> 00:08:08.920 Now let's use that as a picture 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:10.319 because in truth, 00:08:10.400 --> 00:08:11.699 that can help us to understand 00:08:11.699 --> 00:08:13.680 something of the same method 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:15.220 that Satan or the devil 00:08:15.220 --> 00:08:17.340 still likes to apply today. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:19.740 He would love to cripple us 00:08:19.740 --> 00:08:21.400 and to crush us, 00:08:21.460 --> 00:08:22.639 perhaps not physically, 00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:25.439 but perhaps mentally 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:27.280 or emotionally. 00:08:28.840 --> 00:08:30.500 Perhaps with weaknesses 00:08:30.500 --> 00:08:32.440 that we can't escape from, 00:08:32.440 --> 00:08:34.820 those chains that can bind us 00:08:34.820 --> 00:08:35.600 so tightly. 00:08:37.760 --> 00:08:39.460 Perhaps crippled by a sense 00:08:39.460 --> 00:08:40.480 of self-hate. 00:08:42.060 --> 00:08:44.340 Perhaps crippled by the scars 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:46.180 of past evil acts. 00:08:47.420 --> 00:08:48.940 Perhaps crippled and crushed 00:08:48.940 --> 00:08:51.060 by our doubts or our fears. 00:08:52.820 --> 00:08:54.400 Perhaps crippled and unable 00:08:54.400 --> 00:08:55.420 because of an addiction. 00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:58.020 Perhaps weakened by sinful habits 00:08:58.020 --> 00:08:58.840 and patterns. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:02.120 We need to recognize the reality 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:03.440 and the power of Satan. 00:09:03.799 --> 00:09:05.419 But we need to recognize 00:09:05.419 --> 00:09:07.440 that he is not equal 00:09:07.440 --> 00:09:08.679 to Jesus. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:11.100 C.S. Lewis 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:12.820 in the Screwtape Letter 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:13.879 said that people can make 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:15.779 two equal and opposite mistakes 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:16.700 when it comes to the devil. 00:09:16.820 --> 00:09:18.539 One, we can deny 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:19.779 that the devil exists. 00:09:20.799 --> 00:09:21.419 But secondly, 00:09:21.500 --> 00:09:23.379 we can take an unhealthy interest 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:23.779 in him 00:09:23.779 --> 00:09:24.480 and we can live 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:25.940 in great fear of him 00:09:25.940 --> 00:09:27.560 when the one who we should honor 00:09:27.559 --> 00:09:28.059 and fear 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:29.359 is the one who is far greater. 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:30.059 It's Jesus. 00:09:34.739 --> 00:09:35.639 Maybe you feel like 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:36.500 this woman today. 00:09:37.319 --> 00:09:38.019 Maybe you feel like 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:39.119 you've dragged yourself 00:09:39.119 --> 00:09:39.839 to church 00:09:39.839 --> 00:09:40.579 and you feel 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:41.699 that sense of 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:42.859 being spiritually 00:09:42.859 --> 00:09:44.379 crippled. 00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:48.619 You've come to the right place 00:09:48.619 --> 00:09:50.559 because in Jesus 00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:52.099 there is the hope 00:09:52.100 --> 00:09:53.000 and the promise 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:54.920 of deep healing. 00:09:56.720 --> 00:09:58.540 Because our second scene 00:09:58.540 --> 00:10:00.540 moves us from this woman 00:10:00.540 --> 00:10:01.279 being crippled 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:02.100 by cruelty 00:10:02.100 --> 00:10:03.340 to being cured 00:10:03.340 --> 00:10:05.360 by the compassion 00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:06.300 of Christ. 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:08.460 We don't know 00:10:08.460 --> 00:10:09.379 what the woman's expectation 00:10:09.379 --> 00:10:10.440 was that day 00:10:10.440 --> 00:10:11.420 as she went to worship 00:10:11.420 --> 00:10:12.540 but we do know 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:13.600 that she met Jesus. 00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:15.540 Jesus, the friend 00:10:15.540 --> 00:10:16.960 of sinners and sufferers. 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:18.759 Jesus, a saviour 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:19.559 of compassion. 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:20.919 Jesus, the Lord 00:10:20.919 --> 00:10:21.539 of King, 00:10:22.200 --> 00:10:23.179 the Lord and King 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:24.059 of mercy. 00:10:25.220 --> 00:10:26.799 And she was wonderfully cured. 00:10:27.439 --> 00:10:28.000 Look with me 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:29.580 at verses 12 and 13. 00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:31.399 When Jesus saw her 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:33.200 he called her forward 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:33.919 and said to her 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:35.059 woman you are set free 00:10:35.059 --> 00:10:36.159 from your infirmity. 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:37.980 Then he put his hands 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:38.399 on her 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:39.759 and immediately 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:41.220 she straightened up 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:41.980 and praised God. 00:10:42.879 --> 00:10:43.460 Notice again 00:10:43.460 --> 00:10:44.259 how often we're told 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:45.220 Jesus saw her. 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:47.299 Jesus picked her 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:47.960 out of the crowd. 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:49.939 We don't know 00:10:49.939 --> 00:10:50.419 if this woman 00:10:50.419 --> 00:10:51.419 and her condition 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:52.360 mattered to anyone else 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:53.620 but it mattered to Jesus. 00:10:55.720 --> 00:10:57.120 Jesus wasn't scanning 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:58.100 the room 00:10:58.100 --> 00:10:59.120 for the very important 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:00.220 person section. 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:02.460 No, he has his eyes 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:03.879 on those who need 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:04.580 his mercy. 00:11:05.819 --> 00:11:06.460 Notice too 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:06.919 that Jesus 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:07.659 didn't just see her 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:09.179 Jesus saved her. 00:11:09.259 --> 00:11:10.299 Look at the freedom language. 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:12.299 You are set free. 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:14.360 That prison of her pain 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.740 Jesus has ripped 00:11:15.740 --> 00:11:17.080 the door open 00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:18.480 and given her release. 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:21.039 That slavery to Satan 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:22.740 instantly broken. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:26.220 Notice here 00:11:26.220 --> 00:11:27.120 is one of the times 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:28.019 when Jesus 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:29.200 doesn't just speak 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:29.919 he also acts 00:11:29.919 --> 00:11:30.779 he put his hands out 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:31.600 and he touched it. 00:11:32.659 --> 00:11:33.899 Jesus loves crossing 00:11:33.899 --> 00:11:35.100 barriers to show 00:11:35.100 --> 00:11:36.120 how much 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.279 he loves people. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:38.580 There was a great 00:11:38.580 --> 00:11:39.139 stigma 00:11:39.139 --> 00:11:40.500 about disability. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:42.059 There was a great 00:11:42.059 --> 00:11:43.159 stigma of men 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:44.000 in their dealings 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:44.419 with women 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:45.139 but Jesus 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:45.759 crosses 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:47.120 those barriers 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:48.559 to show 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:50.339 his compassion 00:11:50.339 --> 00:11:51.719 and his care. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:54.339 Jesus 00:11:54.339 --> 00:11:56.219 triumphed 00:11:56.219 --> 00:11:57.500 in her also. 00:11:58.379 --> 00:11:58.959 There was a 00:11:58.959 --> 00:11:59.519 spiritual 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:00.639 battle 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:02.199 taking place 00:12:02.199 --> 00:12:03.639 over her heart 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:04.719 and her life 00:12:04.719 --> 00:12:06.159 and wonderfully 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:07.939 there was no 00:12:07.939 --> 00:12:08.419 context. 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:09.799 Jesus 00:12:09.799 --> 00:12:09.819 Jesus 00:12:09.819 --> 00:12:11.159 is the light 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:12.360 who always 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:13.559 drives out 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:14.479 the darkness. 00:12:16.279 --> 00:12:17.139 That's why 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:17.719 he came. 00:12:18.599 --> 00:12:19.019 Remember 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:19.839 Jesus is on 00:12:19.839 --> 00:12:20.500 this journey 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:21.579 to Jerusalem 00:12:21.579 --> 00:12:23.079 and he knows 00:12:23.079 --> 00:12:23.779 that that road 00:12:23.779 --> 00:12:24.839 is going to take him 00:12:24.839 --> 00:12:25.819 to Calvary. 00:12:26.779 --> 00:12:27.799 He is the king 00:12:27.799 --> 00:12:28.860 who will go 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:30.000 to the cross 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:31.479 and there 00:12:31.479 --> 00:12:32.339 on the cross 00:12:32.339 --> 00:12:33.120 a great 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:34.279 spiritual battle 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:35.299 will take place 00:12:35.299 --> 00:12:35.799 and Jesus 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:36.519 will fight 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:37.099 and Jesus 00:12:37.099 --> 00:12:37.899 will defeat 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:38.819 Satan. 00:12:39.219 --> 00:12:39.439 Jesus 00:12:39.439 --> 00:12:40.099 will deal 00:12:40.099 --> 00:12:40.919 with sin. 00:12:41.459 --> 00:12:41.679 Jesus 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:42.240 will win 00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:42.939 the battle 00:12:42.939 --> 00:12:43.740 over death 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:44.879 in his suffering 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:45.959 in his dying 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:47.179 in his rising 00:12:47.179 --> 00:12:49.719 so that he is 00:12:49.719 --> 00:12:50.859 able to give 00:12:50.859 --> 00:12:51.620 as a gift 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:53.539 his merciful 00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:54.500 love 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:55.399 and salvation 00:12:55.399 --> 00:12:56.079 to you 00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:56.859 and to me. 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.439 This woman's 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:00.159 story 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:01.899 though unique 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:02.699 to her 00:13:02.699 --> 00:13:04.139 is a story 00:13:04.139 --> 00:13:04.799 big enough 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:05.479 to include 00:13:05.479 --> 00:13:06.439 your story 00:13:06.439 --> 00:13:07.019 and mine 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:08.759 when we 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:09.319 understand 00:13:09.319 --> 00:13:10.099 that Jesus 00:13:10.099 --> 00:13:10.759 who is 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:11.799 the creator 00:13:11.799 --> 00:13:12.500 of us all 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:13.500 is the one 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.779 who sees us. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:17.000 He sees us 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:17.620 today 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:19.679 however you 00:13:19.679 --> 00:13:20.319 came in 00:13:20.319 --> 00:13:21.799 however you 00:13:21.799 --> 00:13:22.539 feel about 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:23.059 yourself 00:13:23.059 --> 00:13:24.639 whatever those 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:25.799 crippling 00:13:25.799 --> 00:13:26.679 effects of 00:13:26.679 --> 00:13:27.259 suffering 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:28.099 and weakness 00:13:28.099 --> 00:13:29.240 you live 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:29.620 with 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.279 Jesus 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:32.219 sees you 00:13:32.220 --> 00:13:34.580 and Jesus 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.240 came 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:36.879 to save 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:37.220 you 00:13:37.220 --> 00:13:39.100 to break 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:40.139 that power 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:41.240 of evil 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:42.420 and darkness 00:13:42.420 --> 00:13:43.580 to give hope 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:44.580 and light 00:13:44.580 --> 00:13:45.540 and life 00:13:45.540 --> 00:13:46.560 to forgive sin 00:13:46.560 --> 00:13:47.660 and guilt 00:13:47.660 --> 00:13:48.960 to restore 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.980 the image 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:50.759 of God 00:13:50.759 --> 00:13:51.440 in us 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:52.019 to set us 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.480 free 00:13:52.480 --> 00:13:53.800 from shame 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:55.240 and condemnation 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:56.259 to bring 00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:57.939 God's love 00:13:57.939 --> 00:14:00.080 to you. 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.460 The heart 00:14:04.460 --> 00:14:05.139 of Jesus 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:06.600 in the synagogue 00:14:06.600 --> 00:14:07.659 was a heart 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:08.100 moved by 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:08.740 compassion. 00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:10.000 The heart 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:10.519 of Jesus 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.159 in heaven 00:14:11.159 --> 00:14:12.919 is unchanged. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:14.360 He still 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:15.200 loves. 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:16.299 He still 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:17.419 shows mercy. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:20.039 I just want 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:20.539 to pause 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.299 on this 00:14:21.299 --> 00:14:22.340 scene 00:14:22.340 --> 00:14:24.120 to ask 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.899 a couple 00:14:25.899 --> 00:14:26.560 of questions. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:26.980 The first 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:27.460 question is 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:28.780 what about 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:29.399 healing? 00:14:30.180 --> 00:14:30.460 That is an 00:14:30.460 --> 00:14:31.060 important thing. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:31.660 Maybe many 00:14:31.660 --> 00:14:31.940 of us 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:32.860 have wrestled 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:33.280 with this 00:14:33.280 --> 00:14:33.840 in our own 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:34.500 experience 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:35.040 or with 00:14:35.040 --> 00:14:35.280 others. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:36.040 Why doesn't 00:14:36.040 --> 00:14:37.460 he fix 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:37.879 me 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:38.700 personally 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:39.500 or why 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:39.860 does he 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:40.560 permit so 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:40.899 much 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:42.060 suffering 00:14:42.060 --> 00:14:42.960 either 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:43.480 in my 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:43.820 family 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:44.139 or in 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:44.519 the world? 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:45.180 Does he 00:14:45.180 --> 00:14:45.580 even 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:46.420 care? 00:14:47.960 --> 00:14:48.240 Many 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:48.480 people 00:14:48.480 --> 00:14:48.680 even 00:14:48.680 --> 00:14:49.180 Christian 00:14:49.180 --> 00:14:49.560 people 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:50.440 have 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:51.259 those 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:52.460 questions. 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:54.100 They're not 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:54.740 just questions 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:55.039 that are 00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:55.620 talked about 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:55.860 in a 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:56.399 philosophy 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:56.980 class. 00:14:57.259 --> 00:14:57.439 They're 00:14:57.439 --> 00:14:57.960 deeply 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:58.360 personal 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.139 questions. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:01.460 Questions 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:01.840 with no 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:02.500 easy answers. 00:15:02.600 --> 00:15:02.840 But there 00:15:02.840 --> 00:15:03.379 are some 00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:04.299 thoughts 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:05.159 to share 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:06.240 briefly. 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:07.500 One to 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:07.939 encourage us 00:15:07.939 --> 00:15:08.439 to recognize 00:15:08.439 --> 00:15:08.879 that Jesus 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:09.659 can still 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:10.019 heal. 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:12.539 Sometimes 00:15:12.539 --> 00:15:13.159 Jesus heals 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:13.960 people instantly. 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:15.700 Sometimes 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:16.139 he does 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:16.700 that through 00:15:16.700 --> 00:15:17.819 modern medicine 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:18.360 and over 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:18.919 time. 00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:21.679 but he 00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:21.959 doesn't 00:15:21.959 --> 00:15:22.339 always 00:15:22.339 --> 00:15:22.659 heal 00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:23.120 in this 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:23.379 life. 00:15:23.439 --> 00:15:23.639 For the 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.000 people of 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:24.179 God 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:24.439 there is 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:24.799 promise 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:25.459 for healing 00:15:25.459 --> 00:15:26.000 that is 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.839 eternal. 00:15:27.459 --> 00:15:27.759 But he 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:28.000 doesn't 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:28.319 always 00:15:28.319 --> 00:15:28.639 heal 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.120 in this 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:29.519 life. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:31.759 It's 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:32.079 important 00:15:32.079 --> 00:15:32.379 for us 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:32.939 to recognize 00:15:32.939 --> 00:15:33.439 that Jesus 00:15:33.439 --> 00:15:34.139 at the 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:34.319 same 00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:34.539 time 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:34.879 does 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:35.459 care 00:15:35.459 --> 00:15:36.259 about 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:36.979 our 00:15:36.979 --> 00:15:37.439 physical 00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:37.799 needs 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:38.279 and 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:38.620 our 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:39.000 spiritual 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:39.360 needs. 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:40.679 We see 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.059 that through 00:15:41.059 --> 00:15:41.279 his 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:41.779 ministry. 00:15:42.339 --> 00:15:42.579 And we 00:15:42.579 --> 00:15:42.959 see that 00:15:42.959 --> 00:15:43.399 because our 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.339 future hope 00:15:44.339 --> 00:15:45.279 is a 00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:45.579 physical 00:15:45.579 --> 00:15:46.059 hope. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:47.419 Perfect 00:15:47.419 --> 00:15:47.939 physical 00:15:47.939 --> 00:15:48.439 life 00:15:48.439 --> 00:15:48.719 and a 00:15:48.719 --> 00:15:49.079 renewed 00:15:49.079 --> 00:15:49.599 physical 00:15:49.599 --> 00:15:50.179 creation 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:50.599 where we 00:15:50.599 --> 00:15:50.799 have 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:51.419 perfect 00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:51.860 physical 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.439 resurrection 00:15:52.439 --> 00:15:53.240 bodies 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.939 where we 00:15:54.939 --> 00:15:55.419 meet our 00:15:55.419 --> 00:15:55.779 risen, 00:15:55.919 --> 00:15:56.479 perfected, 00:15:56.579 --> 00:15:57.159 glorified 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:58.159 Jesus. 00:15:59.639 --> 00:15:59.799 The 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:00.079 physical 00:16:00.079 --> 00:16:00.659 matters. 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:02.959 We also 00:16:02.959 --> 00:16:03.259 know that 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:03.959 Jesus does 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:05.120 care about 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:05.699 suffering. 00:16:06.959 --> 00:16:07.839 Isaiah 53, 00:16:07.959 --> 00:16:08.299 that great 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:09.000 reflection on 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:09.459 the suffering 00:16:09.459 --> 00:16:09.879 servant. 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:10.719 He took 00:16:10.719 --> 00:16:11.319 up our 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:11.799 pain 00:16:11.799 --> 00:16:13.339 and bore 00:16:13.339 --> 00:16:13.740 our 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:14.159 suffering. 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:15.539 We can 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:16.219 never say 00:16:16.220 --> 00:16:16.560 of our 00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:16.899 God and 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:17.100 our 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:17.379 Savior 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:17.720 that he 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.100 doesn't 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:18.420 care, 00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:18.740 that he 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:18.920 is 00:16:18.920 --> 00:16:19.379 distant. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.120 He knows 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:20.480 by 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:21.600 experience 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:23.060 suffering. 00:16:25.100 --> 00:16:25.700 We have 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:26.040 a God 00:16:26.040 --> 00:16:26.300 that we 00:16:26.300 --> 00:16:26.860 pray to 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:27.019 who 00:16:27.019 --> 00:16:27.820 understands. 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:30.860 But we 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:31.279 also need 00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:31.860 to recognize 00:16:31.860 --> 00:16:32.320 that in 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:32.820 this world 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:33.259 as it's 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:33.700 scarred 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.300 by sin, 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:34.759 suffering 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:35.600 will always 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.120 be 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.500 normal. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:39.519 And that 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.580 explains 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:42.240 the priority 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.899 that sometimes 00:16:42.899 --> 00:16:44.040 surprises people 00:16:44.040 --> 00:16:45.019 when it 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:45.519 comes to 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:45.899 Jesus. 00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:47.000 Jesus' 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.540 first and 00:16:48.540 --> 00:16:49.340 most important 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.139 priority is 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.060 for the 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:51.620 deeper 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.220 healing, 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:53.540 for 00:16:53.540 --> 00:16:54.580 spiritual 00:16:54.580 --> 00:16:55.139 healing, 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.360 dealing with 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:56.899 the problem 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:57.620 of sin 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.759 that separates 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.300 us from 00:16:59.300 --> 00:16:59.940 our God. 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:01.820 I got that 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:02.200 phrase, 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.060 deeper healing, 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:03.940 from Joni 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:04.620 Erickson 00:17:04.620 --> 00:17:05.400 Tadda. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.680 Many of you 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:07.059 may have 00:17:07.059 --> 00:17:08.180 heard of 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:08.519 Joni. 00:17:08.620 --> 00:17:09.079 She has 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:10.480 been paralyzed 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.160 for over 00:17:11.160 --> 00:17:12.039 50 years. 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:12.400 She has 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:13.019 gone through 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:14.600 bouts of 00:17:14.600 --> 00:17:15.400 cancer. 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:15.800 She's 00:17:15.800 --> 00:17:16.740 always a 00:17:16.740 --> 00:17:17.640 wise and 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.420 mature voice 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:18.900 to listen 00:17:18.900 --> 00:17:19.280 to on 00:17:19.280 --> 00:17:20.580 questions of 00:17:20.580 --> 00:17:21.440 suffering. 00:17:22.820 --> 00:17:23.200 She is 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:23.660 somebody who 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:24.340 longed for 00:17:24.340 --> 00:17:24.840 a number of 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:25.480 years for 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:27.080 physical healing 00:17:27.080 --> 00:17:28.780 until she 00:17:28.780 --> 00:17:29.280 read actually 00:17:29.280 --> 00:17:29.600 in Luke 00:17:29.600 --> 00:17:30.460 chapter 5, 00:17:31.060 --> 00:17:31.700 the story, 00:17:31.800 --> 00:17:32.320 if you remember, 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.420 when there was 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:33.980 a paralyzed 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:34.720 man let 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:36.160 down from 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:37.820 into a 00:17:37.820 --> 00:17:38.240 room where 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:38.780 Jesus was 00:17:38.780 --> 00:17:39.160 teaching. 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:40.480 and everybody 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.200 could see 00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:42.180 what this 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:42.680 man's great 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:43.279 need was 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:43.759 or so they 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:45.380 thought until 00:17:45.380 --> 00:17:46.100 Jesus said 00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:46.360 to him, 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:46.580 son, 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:47.279 your sins 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:47.900 are forgiven. 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:49.500 And Joni 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.300 understood then 00:17:50.300 --> 00:17:50.700 that as 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:52.100 significant as 00:17:52.100 --> 00:17:53.300 being freed 00:17:53.300 --> 00:17:54.840 from being 00:17:54.840 --> 00:17:55.400 unable to 00:17:55.400 --> 00:17:55.920 move, 00:17:56.800 --> 00:17:57.480 it's not as 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.000 significant 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:00.200 eternally as 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:00.660 being free 00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:01.279 from sin. 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:03.220 She talked 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.380 about fixing 00:18:04.380 --> 00:18:05.000 a back or 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:05.800 fixing legs or 00:18:05.800 --> 00:18:06.420 fixing a body 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:06.720 as like 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:07.519 finger work, 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.600 easy work 00:18:08.600 --> 00:18:10.019 for Jesus. 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:11.720 But forgiving 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:13.400 sin was the 00:18:13.400 --> 00:18:14.259 hard work 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:15.700 requiring the 00:18:15.700 --> 00:18:16.920 strong arm 00:18:16.920 --> 00:18:17.759 of salvation. 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:19.320 Our redemption 00:18:19.320 --> 00:18:20.180 required the 00:18:20.180 --> 00:18:21.140 blood of Jesus 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:22.100 to be spilled, 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:23.900 those strong 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.920 and loving arms 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:25.740 to be stretched 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.259 out on the 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:26.960 cross for that. 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:29.060 But in that 00:18:29.060 --> 00:18:30.200 deeper healing, 00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:30.840 and we need to 00:18:30.840 --> 00:18:32.039 understand this, 00:18:32.620 --> 00:18:33.640 in that deeper 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:34.500 healing when we 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.440 are right with 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:36.340 Jesus, 00:18:36.420 --> 00:18:36.740 when we are 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.180 right with 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:37.360 God, 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:37.840 there is the 00:18:37.840 --> 00:18:38.519 promise that 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:40.200 one day in 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:40.580 the new 00:18:40.580 --> 00:18:41.240 creation, 00:18:41.840 --> 00:18:42.640 there will be 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:43.940 complete healing 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:45.039 for all eternity 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.920 of body and 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:47.360 mind. 00:18:47.680 --> 00:18:48.120 No more 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:48.700 paralysis, 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:50.019 no more being 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.600 crippled, 00:18:50.900 --> 00:18:51.300 there will be 00:18:51.300 --> 00:18:52.340 joy that 00:18:52.340 --> 00:18:53.940 lasts forever. 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:55.060 There is the 00:18:55.060 --> 00:18:55.860 promise in the 00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:57.320 gospel of that 00:18:57.320 --> 00:18:59.200 new normal. 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:03.560 Let's move to 00:19:03.560 --> 00:19:04.000 our third 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:04.360 scene. 00:19:04.359 --> 00:19:04.419 criticism. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.659 And it may 00:19:06.659 --> 00:19:07.199 take us by 00:19:07.199 --> 00:19:08.099 surprise as we 00:19:08.099 --> 00:19:10.000 meet cold-hearted 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.659 criticism. 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:13.759 So imagine the 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.459 drama that's just 00:19:14.459 --> 00:19:15.099 happened in this 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:15.439 synagogue. 00:19:15.679 --> 00:19:16.500 Jesus is teaching, 00:19:17.559 --> 00:19:18.639 woman walks in, 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:20.119 he stops to pay 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:20.879 attention, he 00:19:20.879 --> 00:19:21.519 talks to her, he 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:23.439 touches her, her 00:19:23.439 --> 00:19:24.500 back straightens. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.019 And if we were to 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.899 stop the action 00:19:25.899 --> 00:19:26.599 there and to ask 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:26.979 the question, 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:28.259 what happens next? 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.980 I imagine we're 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:31.759 expecting what we 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:32.519 see at the end of 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:34.140 verse 17, the 00:19:34.140 --> 00:19:34.680 people were 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:35.599 delighted with all 00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:35.980 the wonderful 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.579 things he was 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:36.740 doing. 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:37.240 That seems to 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:37.900 make absolute 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:38.559 sense, doesn't 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:38.700 it? 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:41.220 But we also get 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:41.680 that other 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.299 reaction. 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.720 We get the 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.559 reaction of the 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:46.460 super-religious, 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:50.079 living by rule 00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:50.819 keeping as a way 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:51.599 to be right with 00:19:51.599 --> 00:19:52.079 God. 00:19:52.619 --> 00:19:53.319 Listen to this 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.519 man, indignant, 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:56.480 angry, upset, 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.240 because Jesus 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:57.759 had healed on 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.140 the Sabbath, 00:19:58.279 --> 00:19:58.660 the synagogue 00:19:58.660 --> 00:19:59.440 leader said to 00:19:59.440 --> 00:19:59.799 the people, 00:20:00.360 --> 00:20:01.000 there are six 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:01.799 days for work, 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:02.400 so come and be 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:03.019 healed on those 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:04.740 days, not on 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:05.299 the Sabbath. 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.400 Not celebrating, 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.400 he's criticizing. 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:09.900 This is the 00:20:09.900 --> 00:20:10.539 wrong day of the 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:10.960 week to be 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.539 healing someone. 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:14.980 It got me 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.460 thinking about 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.500 the badge that 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:17.140 sometimes you see, 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:17.819 the sticker that 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:18.500 sometimes you see, 00:20:18.759 --> 00:20:19.980 not all disabilities 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.000 are visible. 00:20:22.620 --> 00:20:23.839 The women's 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:24.940 spiritual disability 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:25.920 was really clear 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.940 for all to see. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:30.880 But these 00:20:30.880 --> 00:20:31.740 Pharisees, 00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:33.740 unable to see 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.440 their spiritual 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:35.320 disability and 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:35.860 inability, 00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:37.279 nor were the 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:37.860 people around 00:20:37.860 --> 00:20:38.060 them. 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.400 They were 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:38.840 slaves. 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.580 This man was a 00:20:39.580 --> 00:20:40.200 slave, but he 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:41.220 couldn't see it. 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:43.080 He was far 00:20:43.080 --> 00:20:43.660 from God's 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.600 heart of mercy. 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:45.960 He was far 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.100 from God's 00:20:47.100 --> 00:20:48.000 kingdom. 00:20:51.660 --> 00:20:52.560 This synagogue 00:20:52.560 --> 00:20:53.300 leader, 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:55.839 when he 00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:56.680 criticizes 00:20:56.680 --> 00:20:57.460 Jesus about 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:57.819 what he's 00:20:57.819 --> 00:20:58.359 doing on the 00:20:58.359 --> 00:20:59.240 Sabbath, he 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:00.259 has lost the 00:21:00.259 --> 00:21:02.039 plot, both of 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.019 God's plan for 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:04.399 the Sabbath and 00:21:04.399 --> 00:21:06.139 God's plan of 00:21:06.139 --> 00:21:06.940 salvation. 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.980 Jesus has 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.639 called himself 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:11.639 the Lord of the 00:21:11.639 --> 00:21:11.940 Sabbath. 00:21:12.119 --> 00:21:12.559 And if we were to 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:13.220 ask Jesus, he 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:13.899 would say, the 00:21:13.899 --> 00:21:14.500 Sabbath is a 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:16.639 perfect day for a 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:16.899 miracle. 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:18.059 It's the perfect 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:19.099 day to set someone 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.379 free. 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:19.820 Why? 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:21.500 Because the 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:23.400 Sabbath always 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:23.960 spoke about 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.960 rest. 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:27.200 A rest to 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.560 enjoy and to 00:21:28.560 --> 00:21:29.760 worship creation 00:21:29.760 --> 00:21:31.000 and to worship 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:31.840 and to enjoy the 00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:32.720 creator God. 00:21:33.520 --> 00:21:33.920 And what's 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:34.620 happened on this 00:21:34.620 --> 00:21:35.460 Sabbath, this 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:35.980 woman has been 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.060 given rest. 00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:38.680 Rest from her 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.320 pain. 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.600 Resting so she's 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:43.020 able to glorify 00:21:43.020 --> 00:21:43.560 God. 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:44.720 And, 00:21:45.140 --> 00:21:45.820 wonderfully, she's 00:21:45.820 --> 00:21:46.840 become a new 00:21:46.840 --> 00:21:47.500 creation. 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:47.619 redemption. 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:49.200 It's a great 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.819 day for this 00:21:49.819 --> 00:21:50.140 miracle. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.920 The Sabbath also 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:54.920 spoke of redemption 00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:56.640 and rescue. 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.220 The people of God 00:21:58.220 --> 00:21:59.420 were told, every 00:21:59.420 --> 00:22:01.420 Sabbath, you are to 00:22:01.420 --> 00:22:02.460 remember that once 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:03.299 upon a time you 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:04.180 were slaves, but 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:05.500 God set you free. 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:09.119 Jesus, the 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:10.420 Savior King, has 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:11.940 acted to give this 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:13.200 woman freedom and 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:13.599 rescue. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:16.339 It's a great day for 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.000 this miracle. 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:17.980 mercy. 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.119 And the Sabbath 00:22:19.119 --> 00:22:21.319 also spoke of 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:21.819 mercy. 00:22:22.759 --> 00:22:23.460 Look with me at 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:24.220 verse 15. 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.279 It says, you 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:27.059 hypocrites, doesn't 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:27.799 each of you on the 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.680 Sabbath untie your 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.539 ox or donkey from 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.240 the stall and lead 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:30.940 it out to give it 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.440 to water? 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:32.940 Then you should have 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:33.500 done the same. 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:36.339 Jesus is saying, God 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:37.259 made provision for 00:22:37.259 --> 00:22:38.660 mercy for animals in 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.460 the Old Testament. 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:40.980 Mercy for them. 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:43.160 There must be, by 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:44.920 God's design, mercy 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:46.080 for suffering people 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:46.660 too. 00:22:50.660 --> 00:22:51.820 So when we think 00:22:51.820 --> 00:22:53.960 about how we use 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:55.900 our Sunday, don't 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:56.759 we see it as a 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.920 wonderful gift from 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.400 God? 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.940 Here we have this 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:01.100 moment in the hustle 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:02.080 and bustle and the 00:23:02.080 --> 00:23:02.820 busyness of our 00:23:02.820 --> 00:23:03.000 weeks. 00:23:03.400 --> 00:23:04.380 Here is a time to 00:23:04.380 --> 00:23:06.620 rest, to worship. 00:23:08.100 --> 00:23:09.519 Here is a time to 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:11.619 remember our salvation 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:13.220 and our Savior. 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:16.519 And we have Sunday 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:18.039 as a day for showing 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:19.859 mercy, for showing 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:21.539 kindness to one 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:23.440 another and also to 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:24.379 others too. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.680 We can give the gift 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:27.000 of Sabbath to other 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:28.180 people as we seek to 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:29.660 show mercy. 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:33.879 But in this synagogue 00:23:33.879 --> 00:23:34.980 leader, we are being 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:35.819 reminded, aren't we, 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:36.619 of the danger of 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.879 cold-hearted religion, 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:40.300 of a lack of love 00:23:40.300 --> 00:23:41.340 and grace towards 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:43.540 others, of a desire 00:23:43.540 --> 00:23:45.900 to find fault, of a 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:47.340 failure to celebrate 00:23:47.340 --> 00:23:48.720 God's work in the 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:49.560 lives of someone 00:23:49.560 --> 00:23:49.920 else. 00:23:51.260 --> 00:23:53.160 We also see a level 00:23:53.160 --> 00:23:55.340 of foolishness, a 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.140 foolishness that 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:59.540 presumes that the 00:23:59.540 --> 00:24:01.620 problems of evil can 00:24:01.620 --> 00:24:04.620 be sorted by us. 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:07.519 The problem lies too 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:07.859 deep. 00:24:07.939 --> 00:24:08.859 We need to be running 00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:11.199 to Jesus to find 00:24:11.199 --> 00:24:11.679 help. 00:24:11.979 --> 00:24:13.019 He is the only 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:13.899 Savior. 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.919 Jesus calls him a 00:24:16.919 --> 00:24:17.459 hypocrite. 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:20.019 He was wearing a 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.259 mask, looking really 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.679 religious, while his 00:24:22.679 --> 00:24:23.799 heart was not right 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.759 towards God, not 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:26.159 looking to him for 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:26.719 salvation. 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.739 And that too stands as 00:24:28.739 --> 00:24:29.699 a warning, doesn't it? 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:32.319 We can so easily fool 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:34.439 others with how we are, 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:34.840 how we're doing 00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:35.299 spiritually. 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.559 We can even fool 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.299 ourselves. 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:40.000 But we need to 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:40.820 understand that we can 00:24:40.820 --> 00:24:42.140 never fool God. 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:45.259 We need humility. 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.880 We need repentance to 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:48.940 turn from our sin to 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:49.960 trust in Jesus. 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:51.900 That we would run to 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:52.500 him to find the 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.380 compassion that this 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:54.140 woman found. 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:57.980 Last scene, and it's 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:58.740 about the coming of 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.620 the kingdom in verses 00:24:59.620 --> 00:25:00.759 18 to 21. 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.319 So in this scene, 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:03.180 Jesus moves from 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:04.819 being the hero and 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.480 the focus of the 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:06.259 story to become a 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:06.920 storyteller. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:10.059 And these stories are 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:10.900 connected to what's 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:11.539 just happened. 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:14.079 He wants us to 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.779 understand the 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.740 significance of the 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:17.220 woman's story for our 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:18.019 story and for the 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:19.019 story of the world. 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:19.839 Because what's 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:21.720 happened here in this 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:22.700 synagogue is that 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.759 Jesus, in this 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.200 moment, he's 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:24.900 interrupted the 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:25.240 normal. 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:27.819 suffering and evil 00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:29.380 is normal until 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:31.359 Jesus arrives. 00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:33.599 And his grace 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:35.059 touches the broken 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:36.180 and healing comes. 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:38.079 Suffering and evil 00:25:38.079 --> 00:25:39.380 is normal until the 00:25:39.380 --> 00:25:40.559 kingdom of God breaks 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.519 into the present. 00:25:42.279 --> 00:25:42.839 That's what we see 00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:43.440 happening in that 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:43.759 synagogue. 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:45.779 And these parables, 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.339 really simple 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:49.400 parables about small 00:25:49.400 --> 00:25:50.319 things that grow, 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.400 you know, the tiny 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:52.279 seed that becomes the 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.680 huge tree, the little 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.599 bit of yeast with that 00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:55.980 spreading influence 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.519 that goes through 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.500 the dough, is 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:59.119 intended to say to 00:25:59.119 --> 00:26:00.859 us that the miracle 00:26:00.859 --> 00:26:02.719 is like that seed, 00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:03.619 it's like that yeast. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.579 What we saw in the 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.339 synagogue on that day 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:07.679 was one victory of 00:26:07.679 --> 00:26:09.559 Jesus over Satan in 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.619 the life of one. 00:26:10.879 --> 00:26:12.779 But that brings with 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:14.000 it the promise of 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.039 greater victory. 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.959 It anticipates the 00:26:16.959 --> 00:26:17.599 cross and the 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.139 resurrection. 00:26:18.619 --> 00:26:19.399 It points to his 00:26:19.399 --> 00:26:20.819 ultimate victory, to 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:22.039 his return, having 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:23.599 dealt with sin and 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:24.419 evil and Satan 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:26.420 forever to establish a 00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:28.340 perfect world and a 00:26:28.340 --> 00:26:29.200 kingdom with no end. 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:32.320 These stories are 00:26:32.320 --> 00:26:33.400 saying to us that what 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.560 Jesus does in that one 00:26:34.560 --> 00:26:36.019 woman's life, he will 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:37.840 do in the lives of 00:26:37.840 --> 00:26:39.300 billions of people 00:26:39.300 --> 00:26:39.940 since her. 00:26:40.660 --> 00:26:42.140 He would do in our 00:26:42.140 --> 00:26:44.220 lives today if we 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:45.039 would ask him. 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:47.340 Jesus is saying what 00:26:47.340 --> 00:26:48.440 happened in that 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:50.800 synagogue will spread 00:26:50.800 --> 00:26:52.539 across the globe. 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:53.960 hope so that there are 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:54.960 hundreds of millions of 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.839 followers of Jesus 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:57.059 worshipping him today 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:58.259 from every nation. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.899 That the mercy and 00:27:00.899 --> 00:27:01.740 compassion that was 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.819 shown in that 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:05.240 synagogue, that that 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:06.680 influence would spread, 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:09.259 would spread by the 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:10.159 work of the Spirit. 00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:12.839 It would spread through 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:13.759 the work of the people 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.339 of God. 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.359 It would spread as men 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:17.220 and women and boys and 00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:18.220 girls who love Jesus 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:20.319 would seek to live like 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:22.099 Jesus, to show kindness 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:23.259 and compassion and 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:23.619 mercy. 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.879 And as people would 00:27:24.879 --> 00:27:26.119 come to hear the good 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:26.859 news that there is a 00:27:26.859 --> 00:27:29.960 Savior for them, bringing 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:31.220 healing and hope and 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:32.460 comfort and joy. 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:37.019 Jesus in this story and 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:39.960 in his stories, Jesus in 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:41.919 his journey to the cross is 00:27:41.919 --> 00:27:44.139 preparing us for that 00:27:44.139 --> 00:27:45.500 wonderful promise of a 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.159 new normal. 00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:49.779 that in Jesus' kingdom, the 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:51.060 kingdom that has no end, 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.460 there will be no sickness, 00:27:53.080 --> 00:27:56.060 no pain, no disease, no 00:27:56.060 --> 00:27:59.440 brokenness, no fear, no 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.580 suffering, no death. 00:28:01.800 --> 00:28:02.920 That in the coming of 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:06.620 Jesus is the answer to the 00:28:06.620 --> 00:28:07.480 problem of evil. 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.540 It will not be fixed by 00:28:09.540 --> 00:28:10.160 education. 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:12.420 It will not be fixed by 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:13.240 peace treaties. 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:14.740 It will not be fixed by 00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:16.059 better health care or 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:17.799 moral self-improvement. 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:19.519 It will only be fixed in 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:21.200 and through the work of 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:23.180 King Jesus in his first 00:28:23.180 --> 00:28:24.480 coming at the cross and 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:25.880 the resurrection as he 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:27.539 comes into hearts and 00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:28.819 lives and as he comes 00:28:28.819 --> 00:28:30.700 again as the king of 00:28:30.700 --> 00:28:31.299 glory. 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:37.640 Jesus is good news for 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:40.359 broken, weary, suffering 00:28:40.359 --> 00:28:40.960 people. 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:42.920 for people like us. 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:46.059 He promises mercy, 00:28:46.900 --> 00:28:49.279 compassion, salvation 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:52.279 with the hope of future 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:53.180 glory to come. 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:56.360 Let's pray and give thanks. 00:28:58.120 --> 00:29:00.660 Lord Jesus, we thank you 00:29:00.660 --> 00:29:03.500 that this story gives us a 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:06.620 window into your plans and 00:29:06.620 --> 00:29:08.880 purposes, your mission of 00:29:08.880 --> 00:29:09.280 mercy. 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:12.340 Lord, we thank you that you 00:29:12.340 --> 00:29:13.880 saw and you saved. 00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:15.380 You touched and you 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:16.220 triumphed. 00:29:16.300 --> 00:29:17.280 Lord, thank you for your 00:29:17.280 --> 00:29:19.900 glory displayed in that 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:22.800 woman's healing and pushing 00:29:22.800 --> 00:29:24.640 back the darkness of Satan 00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:26.580 and letting the light of 00:29:26.580 --> 00:29:31.420 God shine on that day. 00:29:32.140 --> 00:29:33.100 Lord, thank you that that 00:29:33.100 --> 00:29:34.840 light continues to shine. 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:37.720 Thank you for the promise 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:41.259 that we have of certain 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:43.159 salvation when we trust in 00:29:43.159 --> 00:29:45.819 Jesus, of the forgiveness 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:49.179 of sin, of the removal of 00:29:49.179 --> 00:29:52.099 guilt and condemnation, of 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:55.259 the hope of a new heavens and 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:56.000 a new earth. 00:29:57.279 --> 00:30:00.480 Lord, we pray that in our 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:02.959 weakness we would come to you 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:06.319 for grace and strength, that 00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:07.720 we would keep looking to 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:09.779 Jesus, or you'd help us to 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:11.400 look to Jesus as Savior for 00:30:11.400 --> 00:30:13.920 the very first time today, that 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:16.759 we would turn from our sin and 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:20.059 depend on him and live with 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:22.759 hope for that new normal that 00:30:22.759 --> 00:30:25.259 the Bible promises, that Jesus 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:27.460 promises through his death and 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:27.940 resurrection. 00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:30.519 We pray all in Jesus' name. 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.279 Amen. 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:37.160 Now, we'll finish our time this 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:38.279 morning with a hymn. 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:41.039 Our God will go before us. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:43.079 Just a reminder, we have tea and 00:30:43.079 --> 00:30:45.259 coffee after the service, and we 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:48.099 meet again at 5.30, if you're 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:48.400 able. 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:50.039 So let's stand and let's sing 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.359 together. 00:30:50.359 --> 00:31:09.240 Our God will go before us and guide 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:13.199 us by his presence. 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:19.840 What confidence this promises, we will 00:31:19.840 --> 00:31:23.700 never walk alone. 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:30.960 The unknown pass through shadows, our 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:35.240 hearts fear not tomorrow. 00:31:35.900 --> 00:31:42.240 For every step is faithfulness, is the 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:45.880 truth that lies away. 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:52.380 Our God will go before us. 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:57.880 The Lord of hosts is with us. 00:31:57.880 --> 00:31:59.520 God will go before us and guide us. 00:31:59.520 --> 00:32:01.520 The Lord of hosts is with us. 00:32:01.520 --> 00:32:03.520 The Lord of hosts is with us and guide us. 00:32:03.520 --> 00:32:08.520 For his grace will bring us home. 00:32:08.520 --> 00:32:13.520 The Lord of hosts is with us and guide us. 00:32:13.520 --> 00:32:17.520 The Lord of hosts is with us and guide us. 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:23.160 Though evil forms against us. 00:32:23.160 --> 00:32:28.420 Though heaven will defend us. 00:32:28.660 --> 00:32:33.160 The gates of hell shall not prevail. 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:39.079 For the battle is the life. 00:32:39.079 --> 00:32:42.720 Our God will go before us and guide us. 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:44.720 Our God will go before us. 00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:50.220 The Lord of hosts is with us. 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:55.720 Though praise the one who leads us on. 00:32:55.720 --> 00:33:00.220 For his grace will bring us home. 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:09.860 For his grace will bring us home. 00:33:09.860 --> 00:33:14.860 Now send us with your presence. 00:33:14.859 --> 00:33:16.500 And lead us home. 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:18.500 And lead us home. 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:20.500 To heaven. 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:26.000 Where songs of sorrow strain no more. 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:31.219 And thy revery breath is praise. 00:33:31.219 --> 00:33:36.659 Our God will go before us. 00:33:36.659 --> 00:33:42.059 The Lord of hosts is with us. 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:47.700 Oh praise the one who leads us on. 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:52.200 For his grace will bring us home. 00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:58.059 Our God will go before us. 00:33:58.059 --> 00:34:03.419 The Lord of hosts is with us. 00:34:03.419 --> 00:34:09.119 Oh praise the one who leads us on. 00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:14.759 For his grace will bring us home. 00:34:18.339 --> 00:34:20.500 Close with these words from Romans 15. 00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:25.460 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 00:34:25.460 --> 00:34:26.839 as you trust in him. 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:29.739 So that you may overflow with hope 00:34:29.739 --> 00:34:31.759 by the power of the Holy Spirit.