WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.100 in Ezekiel chapter 22. 00:00:04.719 --> 00:00:10.439 Ezekiel chapter 22, the end of this chapter from verse 23 down to the end. 00:00:11.179 --> 00:00:13.919 In particular, just that verse we mentioned before, verse 30. 00:00:14.839 --> 00:00:20.640 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach 00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:24.300 before me for the land, but I should not destroy it. 00:00:25.019 --> 00:00:26.760 But I found none. 00:00:26.760 --> 00:00:32.240 And what's the biggest gap in our society today? 00:00:32.780 --> 00:00:37.800 You think about all the different things that are going on around us in our day and in our time. 00:00:38.240 --> 00:00:42.540 We hear talk of many different kinds of gaps that exist. 00:00:42.900 --> 00:00:44.960 There's gaps in wealth. 00:00:45.299 --> 00:00:47.060 There's gaps in education. 00:00:47.380 --> 00:00:49.359 There's gaps in housing. 00:00:49.640 --> 00:00:51.299 There's gaps in leadership. 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:56.260 There's all kinds of social gaps and various different kinds. 00:00:56.759 --> 00:00:57.579 Of gaps. 00:00:58.339 --> 00:01:00.259 But they're not new to our day. 00:01:00.879 --> 00:01:05.299 There are gaps that have been there for generation after generation. 00:01:06.319 --> 00:01:12.280 And even when you look back here in Ezekiel's day, there were these gaps in society then. 00:01:13.099 --> 00:01:17.479 There was gaps in all kinds of ways in his day as well. 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:28.060 But there's a gap that's common in Ezekiel's day and a gap that's common in our day that is probably the most serious of all the gaps that exist. 00:01:29.100 --> 00:01:33.780 And it's a gap that if it were filled would make such a difference. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:37.460 And it's that gap we find in verse 30. 00:01:38.460 --> 00:01:50.760 Looking for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach, stand in the gap before me for the land that I should not destroy it. 00:01:50.760 --> 00:01:57.460 Ezekiel's day was a day when leadership changed quite often. 00:01:57.900 --> 00:01:59.859 Kings would come and kings would go. 00:02:00.700 --> 00:02:04.100 And the nation would be blessed under a king who was a godly king. 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:10.640 As we're looking here at Ezekiel's time, it was a time as an ungodly king ruling over them. 00:02:11.540 --> 00:02:17.819 And because of this, there wasn't one who was standing in the breach, as he says here. 00:02:17.819 --> 00:02:25.299 When we think of our own day-to-day as well, and we look around us and we think of our nation and the nations of the world. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:29.459 And the leaderships that we have over us in different places. 00:02:30.500 --> 00:02:32.840 Leaders that have come, leaders that have gone. 00:02:33.680 --> 00:02:36.379 Times of great blessing under good godly leadership. 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:42.780 But times of such great uncertainty when God is neglected and when God is rejected. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:49.599 And what Ezekiel is saying to us here is so relevant to our day-to-day as well. 00:02:50.099 --> 00:02:54.580 And it's this urgency, this great need to cry out to God. 00:02:54.979 --> 00:02:56.280 To call upon him. 00:02:56.979 --> 00:03:03.599 And to see, not that we're looking for one who will fill the gap, as Ezekiel was in his day. 00:03:03.599 --> 00:03:08.299 But that today we have one who has filled the breach. 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:10.780 Who has filled the gap for us. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:15.840 What we read of in the book of Hebrews chapter 7. 00:03:16.519 --> 00:03:19.500 The one who is a priest in the order of Melchizedek. 00:03:19.939 --> 00:03:22.639 The one who is a priest forevermore. 00:03:23.539 --> 00:03:29.840 In Ezekiel's day, there were kings and prophets and priests who so often failed the people. 00:03:29.840 --> 00:03:31.879 Failed to lead them well. 00:03:32.039 --> 00:03:34.560 Failed to lead them in prayer. 00:03:35.640 --> 00:03:40.379 But here today we come together as people who we would long to stand in the gap. 00:03:40.480 --> 00:03:43.240 And we feel unworthy of it. 00:03:43.960 --> 00:03:47.560 Even as we ask men to come up and pray here. 00:03:47.780 --> 00:03:49.180 As we lead in prayer. 00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:52.360 We're not worthy to stand in the gap. 00:03:53.140 --> 00:03:56.000 But we pray in the name of the one who is. 00:03:56.520 --> 00:03:59.620 We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:59.840 --> 00:04:03.379 The one who fills the breach for us. 00:04:04.200 --> 00:04:07.700 And we're taught much of prayer in God's word. 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:10.379 The importance of it individually. 00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:12.860 The importance of it as a church. 00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:16.439 The importance of it nationally for a nation and our nation. 00:04:17.319 --> 00:04:19.819 And not least are we taught in the Lord's prayer. 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:22.620 There we are taught of our dependence. 00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:25.600 And our focus being on the Lord. 00:04:26.180 --> 00:04:28.199 On the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:32.199 And remembering that every need can be met in him. 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.300 So as we look ahead to a national day of prayer. 00:04:35.899 --> 00:04:37.680 This later this month. 00:04:37.920 --> 00:04:38.959 We've been reminded in the prayers. 00:04:39.039 --> 00:04:40.240 We remind ourselves again. 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:42.319 It's not just a focus on one. 00:04:42.819 --> 00:04:44.079 Special day of prayer. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:45.579 Important as that is. 00:04:45.579 --> 00:04:50.419 It's the importance of continuing in ongoing prayer. 00:04:51.419 --> 00:04:53.519 And the question this evening for us. 00:04:53.979 --> 00:04:56.419 Are we construction workers? 00:04:57.259 --> 00:05:03.099 Are we involved in the work of construction here in our church and in our society? 00:05:03.959 --> 00:05:05.219 And what do I mean by that? 00:05:05.299 --> 00:05:06.919 Well, I mean just what it means here. 00:05:06.920 --> 00:05:09.680 To stand in the breach. 00:05:09.879 --> 00:05:11.400 To fill the gap. 00:05:11.520 --> 00:05:13.500 To build up the wall. 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:17.100 That's what Ezekiel was talking about here. 00:05:18.180 --> 00:05:23.319 The example, illustration of a wall was what the cities were formed with. 00:05:23.439 --> 00:05:25.900 And when a place was broken down in the wall. 00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:28.439 It was weak to attack the city. 00:05:29.519 --> 00:05:33.000 And so today we think of the breach in our society. 00:05:33.179 --> 00:05:34.379 That godly breach. 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:36.899 Where there's a lack of godly wisdom. 00:05:37.159 --> 00:05:37.959 Godly hunger. 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:39.479 Godly leadership. 00:05:39.699 --> 00:05:40.899 And prayerful people. 00:05:41.739 --> 00:05:44.679 The challenge to us today and always is. 00:05:44.939 --> 00:05:48.259 To be a people who stand in the gap. 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:52.560 And who stand in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:52.560 --> 00:05:52.759 Blessed. 00:05:53.420 --> 00:05:55.639 So Ezekiel has this great challenge. 00:05:55.959 --> 00:05:59.019 But also a great reminder to us as well. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:00.680 That when we seek the Lord. 00:06:01.040 --> 00:06:03.639 He is so able to bless. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:07.240 So from our reading here in Ezekiel. 00:06:07.500 --> 00:06:11.019 We're seeing Ezekiel writing to a day and a people. 00:06:11.259 --> 00:06:14.980 Very much like our own day and people around us as well. 00:06:15.100 --> 00:06:16.759 God being shunned. 00:06:16.840 --> 00:06:17.899 Leadership lacking. 00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:19.899 Sin being rife. 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:21.620 And much prayer. 00:06:21.620 --> 00:06:23.480 Being needed. 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:27.019 And so our thoughts are going to turn to this passage. 00:06:27.379 --> 00:06:30.160 But also remembering what we read in Hebrews. 00:06:30.980 --> 00:06:34.420 That here we have a Lord and a God. 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:36.379 Who is there for us. 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:39.300 Who is there to be called upon. 00:06:40.120 --> 00:06:42.280 The people here in Ezekiel's day. 00:06:42.680 --> 00:06:43.740 Just like our own world. 00:06:43.840 --> 00:06:45.840 So many people live with this attitude that. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:47.840 Everything's going to be okay. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:51.040 Everything's going to work out in the end. 00:06:51.700 --> 00:06:53.879 Everything's going to fall into place for me. 00:06:54.260 --> 00:06:56.319 Hoping that things are going to change. 00:06:56.439 --> 00:07:01.020 But not seeing where ultimately we need to look for this change to come. 00:07:01.520 --> 00:07:04.600 Where ultimately our greatest hope is found. 00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:07.700 And if our nation does at all look to God. 00:07:07.760 --> 00:07:10.720 It's so often just a token gesture. 00:07:11.280 --> 00:07:14.960 So often just when something needs to be done. 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:21.180 You just look back a few weeks now to the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen. 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:26.860 And how the word was so central to all that was done on that day. 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:30.400 How much she had given instruction of what would be read. 00:07:30.600 --> 00:07:31.819 What would be sung. 00:07:31.920 --> 00:07:32.960 The order of things. 00:07:33.080 --> 00:07:35.520 The word of God would be central. 00:07:36.340 --> 00:07:37.600 And that was followed. 00:07:38.020 --> 00:07:40.639 And people had to read the word of God. 00:07:40.699 --> 00:07:43.639 I'm sure many of them against their own desires. 00:07:44.080 --> 00:07:47.340 Not understanding the power of what they were reading. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:49.679 And yet there we saw leaders. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:52.560 And many powerful people involved. 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:55.739 In praying and in reading the word of God. 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:58.199 And we pray that that would impact. 00:07:58.560 --> 00:07:59.659 That that would change. 00:07:59.739 --> 00:08:01.579 So it's not just a token gesture. 00:08:01.579 --> 00:08:06.359 But that our nation, our people would be turned towards God. 00:08:07.039 --> 00:08:08.680 So there's a call here. 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:14.279 For a prayerful individual to come into the midst of the people in Ezekiel's day. 00:08:14.579 --> 00:08:17.819 But today as we come in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:21.779 We are all called to be a praying people. 00:08:22.659 --> 00:08:24.879 So we're going to look at this passage. 00:08:24.979 --> 00:08:29.479 And just see how frightening it is in many ways. 00:08:29.480 --> 00:08:35.180 But also to see the glory of the grace of God in this as well. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:36.879 It's a call for us to pray. 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:39.220 But as you look at this passage as a whole. 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:42.080 You see just how serious this call is. 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:46.300 For all that's happening and taking place in their midst. 00:08:46.840 --> 00:08:50.879 The first thing I want us to see is from verse 24. 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:56.940 There's an image there that speaks to us in a powerful way. 00:08:56.940 --> 00:09:00.520 Son of man say to her. 00:09:00.880 --> 00:09:08.060 You are a land that is not cleansed or rained upon in the day of indignation. 00:09:08.740 --> 00:09:12.260 There's a word here for the nation then. 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:15.820 There's also a word here for our own nation too. 00:09:17.420 --> 00:09:19.480 When you look at this version. 00:09:19.700 --> 00:09:21.260 When it speaks about rain. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:23.900 Especially throughout the Old Testament. 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:26.660 Rain was withheld by God. 00:09:26.659 --> 00:09:29.219 To bring a judgment upon the people. 00:09:29.799 --> 00:09:31.719 And rain was poured down from heaven. 00:09:31.959 --> 00:09:34.399 To bring blessing on the people. 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:37.579 So often the image that you see that God uses. 00:09:37.799 --> 00:09:39.519 And here there's a reminder to us. 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:42.480 Of not just one aspect of this. 00:09:42.579 --> 00:09:44.139 But many different aspects. 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:48.259 Of both blessing and curse on the people. 00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:49.819 Son of man say to her. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:52.780 You are a land that is not cleansed. 00:09:52.960 --> 00:09:54.440 Or rained upon. 00:09:54.760 --> 00:09:57.280 In the day of indignation. 00:09:57.680 --> 00:09:58.500 As I said. 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:02.180 The blessing of God comes with rain so often. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:04.600 In Deuteronomy chapter 28. 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:07.080 You have two examples in that passage. 00:10:07.420 --> 00:10:10.879 One where it speaks of the blessing of God pouring out rain. 00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:12.500 In verse 12. 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:14.220 The Lord will open the heavens. 00:10:14.220 --> 00:10:16.559 The storehouse of his bounty. 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:19.419 To send rain on your land and season. 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:22.939 And to bless all the work of your hands. 00:10:23.259 --> 00:10:26.600 So when the people follow God's instruction. 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:28.360 Follow God's commands. 00:10:29.100 --> 00:10:32.100 The Lord is able to pour down a blessing. 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:34.820 But then later on in that chapter. 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:37.519 In verse 23 of Deuteronomy 28. 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:38.000 It says. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:40.560 The sky over your head will be bronze. 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:42.899 The ground beneath you iron. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:45.860 The Lord will turn the rain of your country. 00:10:45.860 --> 00:10:47.399 Into dust and powder. 00:10:48.060 --> 00:10:51.860 It will come down from the skies. 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:54.220 Until you are destroyed. 00:10:55.420 --> 00:10:57.139 There's both an image there of drought. 00:10:57.899 --> 00:10:59.600 And a devastating flood. 00:10:59.940 --> 00:11:00.860 From God. 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:04.060 And here in this verse in Ezekiel. 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:04.960 In verse 24. 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:07.960 It's almost like there's a reminder to the nation. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:09.879 Of all the different ways. 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:12.560 In which God is working in their midst. 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:16.279 The reminder that he has blessed them in the past. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:18.960 What he has done for them. 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.800 How he has led them. 00:11:20.800 --> 00:11:22.379 How he has been with them. 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:24.879 There's also the reminder too. 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:26.580 Of how there's a time of need. 00:11:26.740 --> 00:11:28.019 To bring judgment. 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:28.779 And drought. 00:11:29.019 --> 00:11:30.159 And famine upon them. 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:33.680 Even a time of devastating flood. 00:11:33.680 --> 00:11:37.419 It's almost like God is using every means possible. 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:40.019 To bring his people to their senses. 00:11:41.139 --> 00:11:43.580 It's a reminder of God's anger. 00:11:43.680 --> 00:11:44.340 And his judgment. 00:11:44.460 --> 00:11:46.320 And you just read through this chapter. 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:48.899 It's full of God's judgment. 00:11:48.899 --> 00:11:51.720 Because the people have turned away. 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:55.440 Turned away on every level of society in their day. 00:11:55.440 --> 00:11:57.320 From the leadership at the top. 00:11:57.320 --> 00:11:59.080 Right down to the people. 00:11:59.320 --> 00:12:01.279 They've turned away from God. 00:12:02.040 --> 00:12:04.420 And God is using every means possible. 00:12:04.420 --> 00:12:07.080 To try and bring them back to their senses. 00:12:08.600 --> 00:12:10.420 Devastation on a large scale. 00:12:10.680 --> 00:12:13.420 Right down to individual things going on. 00:12:13.419 --> 00:12:15.459 When you think of our own times. 00:12:15.459 --> 00:12:16.860 Our own age just now. 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:20.019 The way God has spoken to us. 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:23.279 The way God continues to speak to us. 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:25.279 Through so many different things. 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:28.639 In all the needs around us. 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:31.519 When we think of the devastation of COVID. 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:33.159 The financial crisis. 00:12:33.319 --> 00:12:34.599 The wars going on. 00:12:34.979 --> 00:12:35.579 Natural disasters. 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:37.920 Disasters almost on a weekly basis. 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:40.980 God's voice is speaking powerfully. 00:12:42.020 --> 00:12:43.540 God is reminding us. 00:12:43.680 --> 00:12:46.460 Of the power and authority that he has. 00:12:46.820 --> 00:12:48.759 He is shaking us as a people. 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:50.860 And yet are we listening? 00:12:52.040 --> 00:12:54.020 We're just like the days of Ezekiel. 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:56.900 God is looking to see if there's one. 00:12:57.340 --> 00:12:59.000 Who will stand in the bridge. 00:12:59.580 --> 00:13:00.960 Before me for the land. 00:13:01.040 --> 00:13:02.660 That I should not destroy it. 00:13:03.320 --> 00:13:05.020 But there was none to be found. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:08.240 It's a great reminder to us. 00:13:08.460 --> 00:13:11.000 Of our need to call upon the Lord. 00:13:11.820 --> 00:13:13.160 God is shaking us. 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.580 With a purpose. 00:13:15.480 --> 00:13:17.180 But as well as reminding us. 00:13:17.259 --> 00:13:19.080 Of God's judgment. 00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:20.560 And our need to call upon him. 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:22.500 There's a reminder to us here. 00:13:22.540 --> 00:13:24.040 Of God's grace. 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:27.680 He's not destroyed. 00:13:27.680 --> 00:13:28.879 The people. 00:13:30.320 --> 00:13:31.980 And you think of that psalm. 00:13:32.040 --> 00:13:32.620 That we sang. 00:13:32.800 --> 00:13:34.600 Psalm 106. 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:37.400 And there we were reminded of. 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:40.580 The grace of God towards his people. 00:13:41.060 --> 00:13:42.120 In all that he had done. 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:43.020 What did they do? 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:45.080 They formed an idol. 00:13:45.280 --> 00:13:47.680 And made it of an ox out of gold. 00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:50.020 This was their God. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:52.940 God would have destroyed them. 00:13:52.940 --> 00:13:55.100 But there was one to stand in the breach. 00:13:55.820 --> 00:13:56.220 Moses. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.040 And you think. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:00.080 Now here he is. 00:14:00.420 --> 00:14:02.420 Is there anyone who will stand in the gap? 00:14:02.460 --> 00:14:03.200 And he says no. 00:14:04.260 --> 00:14:05.980 And judgment is poured out. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:08.440 But not full destruction. 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:11.120 And in our day and age. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:12.160 Today as well. 00:14:12.280 --> 00:14:13.160 We see this. 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:15.140 But ourselves as well. 00:14:16.140 --> 00:14:18.380 There is a need for us. 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:20.300 To listen to God. 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:22.060 Because his judgment. 00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:24.300 Is all around us. 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:26.840 But we have a great message. 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:27.840 Of hope too. 00:14:28.400 --> 00:14:29.600 A rejection of God. 00:14:29.660 --> 00:14:31.680 Deserves his anger against us. 00:14:32.060 --> 00:14:33.620 But he withholds it. 00:14:33.680 --> 00:14:34.420 For a time. 00:14:35.180 --> 00:14:36.480 He gives every opportunity. 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:37.240 To turn. 00:14:38.180 --> 00:14:38.960 And that's a day. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:40.740 We're living in today as well. 00:14:41.180 --> 00:14:42.940 To call upon a people. 00:14:43.180 --> 00:14:44.800 To turn to the Lord. 00:14:45.279 --> 00:14:46.060 And twice. 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:47.379 In the book of Ezekiel. 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:47.879 You have us. 00:14:48.019 --> 00:14:48.940 The same verse. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.120 Repeated. 00:14:50.940 --> 00:14:52.180 And it reminds us. 00:14:52.180 --> 00:14:53.639 Of the grace of God. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.700 And you read through Ezekiel. 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:57.180 There's so much judgment. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:58.460 But twice. 00:14:58.580 --> 00:14:59.360 He says this. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.340 In chapter 18. 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:01.320 Verse 32. 00:15:02.060 --> 00:15:03.460 And in chapter 33. 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:04.240 Verse 11. 00:15:05.180 --> 00:15:05.639 He says. 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:06.740 Say to them. 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:08.639 As surely as I live. 00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:10.259 Declares the sovereign Lord. 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:12.000 I take no pleasure. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:13.179 In the death of the wicked. 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:15.220 But rather that they turn. 00:15:15.220 --> 00:15:16.019 From their ways. 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:16.419 And live. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.419 Turn. 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:19.899 Turn from your evil ways. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:21.539 Why will you die? 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:23.299 O house of Israel. 00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:25.539 That is the mercy of God. 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:27.240 That is his call. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:28.580 To a people today. 00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:29.620 Turn. 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:31.980 Turn from your evil ways. 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:33.159 Why will you die? 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.860 O house of Israel. 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:35.060 God. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.200 Today. 00:15:37.560 --> 00:15:39.240 We recognize God. 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:40.820 Withholding his wrath. 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:41.879 To a point. 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:43.960 As he calls on us. 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.019 To turn. 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:46.440 And no greater. 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:47.580 Do we see that. 00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:48.460 In what he has done. 00:15:48.659 --> 00:15:49.919 Through Jesus Christ. 00:15:50.860 --> 00:15:52.100 Who for our sake. 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:53.820 Went to the cross. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:55.919 Who stood in the gap. 00:15:55.980 --> 00:15:57.800 That we could never stand in. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.840 Who bore our sins. 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:01.600 And we are to call. 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.960 On the name of the Lord. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:04.759 Through Jesus Christ. 00:16:05.540 --> 00:16:07.060 That he would spare us. 00:16:07.300 --> 00:16:08.480 And many people. 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:10.000 From that great wrath. 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:12.139 Poured out on the day of judgment. 00:16:13.060 --> 00:16:14.420 We see our nation. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.840 And the nations of the world. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.320 And the great need. 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.540 Of prayer. 00:16:19.220 --> 00:16:20.240 And that the breach. 00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:21.700 Would be rebuilt. 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:23.680 That there would be people. 00:16:24.060 --> 00:16:25.400 To stand in the gap. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:27.879 To stand in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:16:27.879 --> 00:16:30.460 And know his power. 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.439 But we also see here. 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:34.139 Just how. 00:16:34.559 --> 00:16:35.879 The wrath of God. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.799 Is deserved. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.320 Again when you. 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.779 Continue reading down. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:41.279 From verse 24. 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:42.240 You just see. 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:44.179 How the whole of society. 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:45.720 Is rotten to the core. 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:47.779 There is corruption. 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.899 From the top. 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:49.659 To the bottom. 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:51.259 And the cause. 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:52.720 A rejection. 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:54.220 Of God. 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:55.220 They have completely. 00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:56.220 Turned. 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.299 Away. 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.379 And. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:58.939 Ezekiel. 00:16:58.939 --> 00:16:59.519 Is looking. 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:01.419 To the people of God. 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:02.679 To the children of Israel. 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.079 And describing. 00:17:04.380 --> 00:17:05.180 The kind of place. 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.059 That it's become. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:08.160 And if you just read through. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.099 About the prophets. 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:10.319 The priests. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.319 The princes. 00:17:11.619 --> 00:17:12.619 The people there. 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:14.279 You see the mentioned. 00:17:15.059 --> 00:17:16.420 Through verse 25. 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:18.319 The conspiracy of her prophets. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:20.099 Verse 26. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:21.839 Her priests have done violence. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.359 Verse 27. 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.680 Her princes in her midst. 00:17:24.720 --> 00:17:25.640 Are like wolves. 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:27.200 Her prophets again. 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:28.100 In verse 28. 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:29.600 Have smeared whitewash. 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.200 For them. 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:31.400 Verse 29. 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:32.620 The people of the land. 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:34.100 Have practiced extortion. 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:35.059 And committed robbery. 00:17:35.680 --> 00:17:36.759 It's just a list. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:38.039 Of one thing. 00:17:38.400 --> 00:17:39.259 After another. 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:40.420 The nation. 00:17:40.580 --> 00:17:41.819 Is thoroughly corrupt. 00:17:42.340 --> 00:17:43.100 From top. 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:43.940 To bottom. 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:45.299 The government. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:46.140 You would call it. 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:46.480 Today. 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:47.840 Has become greedy. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:49.740 Accepting bribes. 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:51.580 Ruling in their own interest. 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:53.500 They've become dishonest. 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.500 For their own gain. 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:56.779 You look at the priests. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:58.339 They've failed in their duty. 00:17:58.779 --> 00:18:00.740 They were supposed to represent God. 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.559 To the people. 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:02.519 But instead. 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:04.480 They're looking after their own interests. 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:06.279 They began to deny. 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:08.519 The supremacy of God. 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.579 And instead. 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.380 Looking at things. 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:12.220 In a very materialistic. 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:12.880 Kind of way. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:15.059 They're more interested. 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:17.279 In their own physical needs. 00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:18.440 And the spiritual needs. 00:18:18.440 --> 00:18:19.200 Of the people. 00:18:19.880 --> 00:18:20.680 The prophets. 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:21.980 They've become liars. 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:23.039 It says. 00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:24.200 The prophets have smeared. 00:18:24.500 --> 00:18:24.980 Whitewashed. 00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:26.299 For them. 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:27.839 Seeing false visions. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:28.980 And divining lies. 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:29.500 For them. 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:29.960 Saying. 00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:32.200 Thus says the Lord God. 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:34.079 That powerful voice. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:34.599 And yet. 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:36.120 What does the Lord say? 00:18:36.559 --> 00:18:38.279 The Lord has not spoken. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.860 You're speaking lies. 00:18:40.860 --> 00:18:41.519 To the people. 00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:42.360 You're deceiving. 00:18:42.579 --> 00:18:43.400 The people. 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:45.000 You're giving them false hope. 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:45.660 Predicting. 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:46.819 Prosperity. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:48.839 When God has taken so much away. 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:50.400 Predicting victory. 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:52.019 When God is bringing defeat. 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.759 Upon them. 00:18:54.080 --> 00:18:55.500 So there's a seriousness. 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:56.660 On all the leadership. 00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:58.080 Of the people. 00:18:58.120 --> 00:18:58.840 And then you see. 00:18:59.180 --> 00:19:00.280 This runs down. 00:19:00.580 --> 00:19:01.320 To the people. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.660 In verse 29. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:03.880 The people of the land. 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:05.400 Have practiced extortion. 00:19:05.860 --> 00:19:06.759 Committed robbery. 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:07.580 They have oppressed. 00:19:07.580 --> 00:19:08.780 The poor and the needy. 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:10.060 They have extorted. 00:19:10.060 --> 00:19:11.060 From the sojourner. 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:12.680 Without justice. 00:19:13.660 --> 00:19:14.600 Corrupt leaders. 00:19:14.600 --> 00:19:16.100 Leads to corrupt followers. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.540 And so. 00:19:17.800 --> 00:19:19.000 It goes on. 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:20.279 Society. 00:19:20.279 --> 00:19:20.400 Society. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.720 Has turned away from God. 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:24.259 And the ripple effect. 00:19:24.339 --> 00:19:25.539 Just goes right down. 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:26.079 Through. 00:19:26.559 --> 00:19:27.900 All the people. 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.480 On every level. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:31.059 Of society. 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:34.019 That's the kind of day. 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.519 That we're living in. 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:37.559 How does it not resonate. 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:39.619 Into our own day to day. 00:19:40.420 --> 00:19:41.700 From the very top. 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:43.779 Down through all the levels. 00:19:43.779 --> 00:19:45.180 Of life and society. 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:47.720 Right down through all the people. 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:49.319 There is this corruption. 00:19:50.600 --> 00:19:52.460 There is this self-interest. 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:53.259 And a denying. 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:54.640 Of God. 00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:55.860 It's like a volcano. 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.720 Which erupts. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:57.960 The lava. 00:19:58.579 --> 00:20:00.019 Spews out from the top. 00:20:00.120 --> 00:20:01.579 And begins to run down. 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:02.600 Right down. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.640 The side of the mountain. 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:05.160 Into all the valleys. 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:05.819 And channels. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:06.460 It'll find. 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.200 Destroying. 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:08.880 Everything in its way. 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:11.680 That's what moral corruption. 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:12.759 A moral decline. 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:13.799 Is like. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:14.600 Destructive. 00:20:14.599 --> 00:20:17.699 But instead of that. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.480 What do we need? 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:20.740 We need to stand. 00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:22.059 In the breach. 00:20:22.959 --> 00:20:24.119 We need to look. 00:20:24.379 --> 00:20:25.599 To the Lord Jesus. 00:20:26.699 --> 00:20:27.939 Without Christ. 00:20:28.199 --> 00:20:29.679 Our lives are deserving. 00:20:29.679 --> 00:20:30.480 Of judgment. 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.659 We are to look. 00:20:32.899 --> 00:20:33.399 To him. 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.500 Being careful. 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:37.359 Not being deceived. 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:38.980 By the ways of this world. 00:20:39.459 --> 00:20:41.059 But looking for blessing. 00:20:41.419 --> 00:20:42.539 That's found in him. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.960 So instead of the volcano. 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:44.819 With its lava. 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:46.200 Spewing down. 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:47.079 And destroying. 00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:48.519 We are looking. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.339 To pray. 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:51.159 For the blessing of God. 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:51.859 That we sing. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:53.000 And hear of. 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:54.799 In Psalm 133. 00:20:54.879 --> 00:20:55.579 We're going to sing it. 00:20:55.599 --> 00:20:56.139 At the end. 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:58.740 That Herman's Jew. 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:00.159 Upon the hill. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:00.740 Of Zion. 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.639 It descends. 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:03.460 The Lord bestows. 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:04.639 His blessing there. 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:05.700 The life. 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:06.680 That never ends. 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:07.399 That's what we want. 00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:08.339 To pray for. 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:09.759 And so. 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:10.700 The devastation. 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.420 And destruction. 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:12.779 Of our moral corruption. 00:21:13.380 --> 00:21:14.019 That instead. 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:14.900 We would pray. 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.480 The Lord's blessing. 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:18.720 The Lord's peace. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.880 Peace to descend. 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:20.940 Like the Jew. 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:22.180 On Herman's hill. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:24.380 And to see that peace. 00:21:24.380 --> 00:21:25.080 Of God. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.700 Just wiping away. 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.559 All the tears. 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.420 Wiping away. 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.819 All the suffering. 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:32.140 By people turning. 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:33.319 To the Lord. 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:34.480 Jesus Christ. 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:36.460 That is to be. 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.759 Our prayer. 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.340 And just finally. 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:40.400 That's what we want to see. 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:41.920 God's search here. 00:21:42.380 --> 00:21:43.160 For a people. 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.280 To pray. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:46.420 One who will stand. 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.019 In the gap. 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:48.280 Lest the nation. 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.280 To be destroyed. 00:21:49.360 --> 00:21:49.700 And he says. 00:21:49.780 --> 00:21:50.519 But I found. 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.360 None. 00:21:52.320 --> 00:21:52.940 What a day. 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:53.940 They were living in. 00:21:54.580 --> 00:21:55.600 When there was no one. 00:21:55.780 --> 00:21:57.040 To stand in the gap. 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:58.900 Praise God. 00:21:58.980 --> 00:21:59.759 We have one. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:01.019 Who has stood. 00:22:01.580 --> 00:22:02.700 We have a great. 00:22:02.700 --> 00:22:03.560 High priest. 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:04.440 Over us. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.680 In whose name. 00:22:05.780 --> 00:22:06.380 We pray. 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.580 Our Lord. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.780 Jesus Christ. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:08.980 Christ. 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:10.799 And we must remember. 00:22:10.799 --> 00:22:11.559 The power. 00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:12.700 That there is. 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:13.399 In prayer. 00:22:13.399 --> 00:22:14.279 Through him. 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:16.160 As we live in a day. 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:18.200 Of such moral corruption. 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:20.660 And we think of our leadership. 00:22:20.660 --> 00:22:22.619 And all that's going on around us. 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.420 And think. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:23.899 Is there any. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.879 Who will stand. 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.539 And pray. 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:27.119 Well. 00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:28.079 We are called. 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:29.879 You and I. 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:31.119 To stand. 00:22:31.199 --> 00:22:32.239 In the name of Christ. 00:22:32.399 --> 00:22:32.959 And pray. 00:22:33.419 --> 00:22:34.679 For God's healing. 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:35.899 On our land. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:37.599 For godly wisdom. 00:22:37.599 --> 00:22:38.139 And leadership. 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:38.879 To come in. 00:22:38.959 --> 00:22:40.019 From the very top. 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:41.199 Right down. 00:22:41.659 --> 00:22:42.959 Through our society. 00:22:43.619 --> 00:22:44.539 To pray. 00:22:44.679 --> 00:22:45.559 To this God. 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.859 Who is able. 00:22:48.159 --> 00:22:49.259 There is a gap. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:50.599 That needs to be filled. 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:52.519 By a praying people. 00:22:53.319 --> 00:22:54.119 But sometimes. 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:56.379 The devil will have us think. 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.379 What difference. 00:22:57.979 --> 00:22:59.319 Will my prayer make. 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:00.599 Well. 00:23:00.639 --> 00:23:01.479 We must remember. 00:23:02.119 --> 00:23:03.459 To whom we are praying. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:04.879 And the power. 00:23:05.459 --> 00:23:06.500 That he has. 00:23:07.559 --> 00:23:08.099 And sometimes. 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:09.079 It's good for us. 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:10.459 Just to remind ourselves. 00:23:10.959 --> 00:23:11.899 Of the power. 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:13.079 Of answered prayer. 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:14.799 And I'm sure. 00:23:14.879 --> 00:23:15.519 Many of you. 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:16.739 Can look back. 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:17.599 In your own life. 00:23:17.719 --> 00:23:18.239 And see. 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:20.000 The wonderful ways. 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:20.740 In which God. 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:21.880 Has answered prayer. 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:24.240 Be it in a personal sense. 00:23:24.319 --> 00:23:24.819 For someone. 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.779 Around you. 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:26.099 Or even. 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:27.839 Hearing of other stories. 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:28.420 Around you. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:28.859 Of people. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:30.420 Who have had wonderful answers. 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.700 Of prayer. 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:32.960 Being answered. 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:34.440 Maybe you've read. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.259 Of stories. 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:36.440 Of praying people. 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:37.240 In the past. 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.240 You've got your own. 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:39.339 Favorite story. 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:40.559 You like to go back to. 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:41.400 Well. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:41.819 There's a couple. 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:42.880 I was reading recently. 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.920 I just want to share them. 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:44.240 With you. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.779 As we come. 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:45.740 To a close. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.839 Just to remind us. 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:48.500 Sometimes how. 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.259 Simple prayer. 00:23:51.099 --> 00:23:51.980 Can achieve. 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:52.900 So much. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.059 And the two little stories. 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:55.160 I want to share with you. 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:56.599 Both involve. 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:58.240 Little children. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:58.920 Praying. 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:01.160 As a reminder to us. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.000 That that's the way. 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:03.539 We come to God. 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.019 In prayer. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:05.120 As little children. 00:24:05.640 --> 00:24:06.740 Dependent on God. 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.620 As our father. 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:08.700 In heaven. 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:10.400 The first was a story. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:12.240 Told by Helen Rosevear. 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:13.759 I mentioned it. 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:14.660 A few weeks ago. 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:16.160 In a different story. 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.160 That she told. 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:18.300 About her own suffering. 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:19.800 When she was a missionary. 00:24:20.040 --> 00:24:22.019 But she told this wonderful story. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.759 Of answered prayer. 00:24:24.380 --> 00:24:24.720 She said. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.060 A mother. 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.740 At her mission station. 00:24:26.860 --> 00:24:28.060 Had died giving birth. 00:24:28.360 --> 00:24:30.000 To a premature baby. 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:32.460 And we tried to improvise. 00:24:32.580 --> 00:24:33.320 An incubator. 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:35.160 To keep the infant alive. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:37.720 But the only hot water bottle. 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.340 We had. 00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:39.840 Was leaking. 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.019 Beyond. 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.259 Repair. 00:24:42.460 --> 00:24:42.940 Repair. 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.519 So she said. 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:45.660 We asked the children. 00:24:45.660 --> 00:24:47.080 To pray for the baby. 00:24:47.080 --> 00:24:48.759 And for her sister. 00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:50.580 And one of the girls. 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:51.940 Responded in prayer. 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.620 And said this. 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:53.840 Dear God. 00:24:54.340 --> 00:24:55.259 Please send. 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:57.000 A hot water bottle. 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:57.580 Today. 00:24:59.380 --> 00:24:59.900 Tomorrow. 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:01.120 Will be too late. 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:01.960 Because then. 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:02.480 The baby. 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.220 Will be dead. 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.960 And dear Lord. 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:06.259 Please send. 00:25:06.340 --> 00:25:06.759 A doll. 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:08.100 For her sister too. 00:25:08.539 --> 00:25:09.640 So she won't feel. 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:10.460 So lonely. 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:13.019 It's a simple. 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.240 Little prayer. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:14.700 Isn't it? 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:16.680 Well that afternoon. 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:18.279 A package arrived. 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:19.000 From England. 00:25:19.600 --> 00:25:20.500 This was all the way. 00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:21.160 To Africa. 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:21.680 To Sair. 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.559 And the children. 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.680 Watched as the package. 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:25.340 Was opened. 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.799 And much to their surprise. 00:25:27.799 --> 00:25:29.059 Under some of the clothing. 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:30.519 Was a hot water bottle. 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.420 And immediately. 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:32.980 The girl. 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.579 Who had prayed. 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.160 So earnestly. 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:35.539 She started to dig. 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.440 Into the box. 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:38.019 All excited. 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:40.460 If God sent that. 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:40.839 She said. 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:42.319 I'm sure he sent a doll. 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:45.000 And there it was. 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:46.160 At the bottom of the box. 00:25:46.359 --> 00:25:46.819 A doll. 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:48.379 For the little sister. 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.680 It's amazing. 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.099 How. 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.539 Five months. 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:54.059 Before that time. 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:55.559 Back in England. 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:56.440 A group. 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.319 Who had been praying. 00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:58.099 For this mission. 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.740 In Africa. 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:00.079 Had packed up. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:00.900 This box. 00:26:01.539 --> 00:26:02.259 With a doll. 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:04.259 And a hot water bottle. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:05.879 And it arrived. 00:26:05.879 --> 00:26:06.879 The very day. 00:26:06.880 --> 00:26:08.060 They needed it. 00:26:09.140 --> 00:26:10.040 It's a reminder. 00:26:10.040 --> 00:26:10.740 To us. 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:12.300 That God hears. 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:12.960 And answers. 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:13.420 Prayer. 00:26:13.600 --> 00:26:14.740 Simple prayers. 00:26:15.320 --> 00:26:15.740 Offered. 00:26:15.900 --> 00:26:16.540 In faith. 00:26:17.540 --> 00:26:18.400 Another story. 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:18.700 I read. 00:26:18.760 --> 00:26:19.720 Was about a young boy. 00:26:20.520 --> 00:26:21.500 Who was in hospital. 00:26:21.640 --> 00:26:22.260 In Glasgow. 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.240 This is going back. 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.880 A good number of years. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.160 Now. 00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:26.540 He was 10 years old. 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:28.080 And he hadn't been well. 00:26:28.120 --> 00:26:29.060 All his days. 00:26:29.400 --> 00:26:30.760 He'd suffered ill health. 00:26:30.800 --> 00:26:32.100 He'd come from a very poor. 00:26:32.280 --> 00:26:32.640 Family. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.480 And here he was. 00:26:34.600 --> 00:26:35.520 Lying in hospital. 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:36.639 Awaiting an operation. 00:26:36.639 --> 00:26:37.579 That would help him. 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:39.079 If all went well. 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:41.079 And the doctors. 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:41.779 And the surgeon. 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.980 Who were going to be with him. 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.700 In his operation. 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.420 They came round. 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:45.019 To see him. 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:46.099 Before the operation. 00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:47.359 And little boy. 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:48.019 Asked him. 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.180 Will one of you. 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.180 Pray for me. 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:53.139 They all gave a little smile. 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:53.799 But none of them. 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:54.299 Would pray. 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.160 They weren't familiar. 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:56.079 With what it was. 00:26:56.079 --> 00:26:56.700 To pray. 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.420 So the little boy. 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.759 Said I'll pray myself. 00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:01.460 And he offered up. 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.240 A little prayer. 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:04.019 He said Jesus. 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:05.900 May you take care of me. 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.720 And help those. 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.500 Who will be with me. 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.140 In surgery. 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.819 That all would go well. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.460 Just a simple. 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:12.700 Little prayer. 00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:14.079 Well the boy. 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:15.400 Went through the operation. 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.880 And the next day. 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.740 After the operation. 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.400 Had been done. 00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:19.200 The surgeon. 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.799 And the doctors. 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:20.779 Came round again. 00:27:21.200 --> 00:27:21.839 To see him. 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:23.359 And everything. 00:27:23.460 --> 00:27:23.819 Had gone. 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:24.920 Even more. 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:27.019 Had gone better. 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:28.039 Than they'd even imagined. 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:28.500 It might. 00:27:28.579 --> 00:27:29.440 In the first place. 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:30.940 And the surgeon. 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.820 Who had done the operation. 00:27:31.820 --> 00:27:32.259 Said to him. 00:27:32.259 --> 00:27:33.200 Well you're Jesus. 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:34.759 He heard your prayer. 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:37.140 And the boy's response. 00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:37.580 Was well. 00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.500 I knew he would. 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.320 And now doctor. 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:42.440 I'm going to pray for you. 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.799 As just a reminder. 00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:45.600 To us. 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:47.039 Of simple. 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:47.920 Faith. 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:49.559 To come. 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:51.580 With a childlike faith. 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:52.820 To remind ourselves. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.799 Who it is. 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.380 We are coming to. 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:58.220 And who we are coming. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:59.100 Through. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:01.079 The one who fills. 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:02.259 The gap for us. 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:04.339 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.380 The one who we read of. 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.460 In Hebrews 7. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.259 Where it says. 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:08.500 Consequently. 00:28:08.680 --> 00:28:09.960 He is able to save. 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.079 To the uttermost. 00:28:11.180 --> 00:28:12.799 Those who draw near to God. 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.680 Through him. 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:15.839 Since he always lives. 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:17.740 To make intercession. 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.759 For them. 00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:21.180 On the day of Ezekiel. 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.539 There was a gap. 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:24.339 And no one was found. 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.100 To fill it. 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:26.720 Well today. 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:29.039 There is a major gap too. 00:28:29.620 --> 00:28:30.480 There is a breach. 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.900 In our land. 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.579 In our nation. 00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:33.900 In the nations of the world. 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.819 We praise God. 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.440 That we have us. 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:36.980 Have a. 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:39.220 One who makes intercession. 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:39.920 For us. 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:40.360 One. 00:28:40.839 --> 00:28:42.360 In whose name we pray. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:44.460 The name above every name. 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:46.160 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:46.839 --> 00:28:48.279 So may we have the faith. 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.539 To come. 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.620 And pray. 00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:51.700 In his name. 00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:53.259 For his blessing. 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:54.500 To run down. 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:56.180 And be poured out upon us. 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.420 As a people. 00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:58.960 And as a nation. 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:00.500 Let us. 00:29:01.119 --> 00:29:02.160 Take up the work. 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:03.420 Of construction. 00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:05.160 And be a people. 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:07.259 Who will stand in the breach. 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:08.980 And stand in the name. 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:11.180 Of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:11.819 Praying. 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:13.180 His blessing. 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.240 On us. 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:15.200 May God bless. 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.500 His word. 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.200 To us. 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:19.600 Well we'll conclude. 00:29:19.600 --> 00:29:20.240 By singing. 00:29:20.559 --> 00:29:21.299 To us please. 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.019 That's Psalm. 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:23.420 Psalm 133. 00:29:23.420 --> 00:29:53.400 Thank you.