WEBVTT 00:00:00.680 --> 00:00:04.440 The scripture reading comes from Daniel chapter 7. 00:00:07.780 --> 00:00:12.200 Please follow along on the screen, the bulletin, or your own Bible. 00:00:14.019 --> 00:00:16.539 Starting in verse 1, we read, 00:00:17.420 --> 00:00:25.000 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. 00:00:25.920 --> 00:00:29.260 Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 00:00:30.239 --> 00:00:31.320 Daniel declared, 00:00:31.719 --> 00:00:37.880 I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea, 00:00:38.299 --> 00:00:43.719 and the four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 00:00:44.679 --> 00:00:48.579 The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings. 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:56.659 Then, as I looked, its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, 00:00:56.659 --> 00:00:59.500 and the mind of a man was given to it. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:03.979 And behold, another beast, a second one like a bear. 00:01:04.680 --> 00:01:06.859 It was raised up on one side. 00:01:07.340 --> 00:01:11.000 It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth, and it was told, 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:13.760 Arise, devour much flesh. 00:01:13.760 --> 00:01:21.320 After this, I looked, and behold, another like a leopard with four wings of a bird on its back. 00:01:21.800 --> 00:01:25.300 And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 00:01:25.299 --> 00:01:34.479 After this, I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. 00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:36.719 It had great iron teeth. 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:40.700 It devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. 00:01:41.539 --> 00:01:44.539 It was different from all the beasts that were before it. 00:01:44.540 --> 00:01:46.640 And it had ten horns. 00:01:47.540 --> 00:01:49.020 I considered the horns. 00:01:49.019 --> 00:01:57.399 And behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:04.439 And behold, in this horn were the eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking great things. 00:02:04.439 --> 00:02:10.479 As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:15.599 His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. 00:02:16.300 --> 00:02:18.199 His throne was fiery flames. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:19.859 Its wheels were burning fire. 00:02:20.659 --> 00:02:24.099 A stream of fire issued and came out before him. 00:02:24.879 --> 00:02:29.400 A thousand thousand served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. 00:02:29.819 --> 00:02:33.599 The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. 00:02:34.439 --> 00:02:39.020 I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:45.039 And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 00:02:46.139 --> 00:02:52.879 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 00:02:55.060 --> 00:03:01.379 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven, there came one like a son of man. 00:03:01.379 --> 00:03:05.039 And he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 00:03:05.979 --> 00:03:13.979 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:21.519 His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. 00:03:21.520 --> 00:03:28.640 As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:33.540 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:37.640 So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 00:03:37.639 --> 00:03:50.619 These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth, but the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:04:01.580 Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying with the horn that had eyes. 00:04:02.300 --> 00:04:14.300 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:44.280 Thus he said, 00:04:44.300 --> 00:05:14.280 He said, 00:05:14.300 --> 00:05:18.480 Here is the end of the matter. 00:05:19.300 --> 00:05:26.319 As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart. 00:05:26.980 --> 00:05:28.220 This is the word of God. 00:05:28.220 --> 00:05:44.540 Thank you, Celeste. 00:05:44.800 --> 00:05:46.540 Oh, feels a bit loud. 00:05:47.720 --> 00:05:48.560 Thank you, Celeste. 00:05:48.660 --> 00:05:51.080 That was great. 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:53.439 Those of you who don't know me, welcome. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:54.539 My name's Chris. 00:05:54.779 --> 00:05:55.919 I'm one of the leaders here. 00:05:56.560 --> 00:06:00.019 And we're going through this series in Daniel. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:02.719 Today we're going to come to the last of our series. 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:04.219 We're going to stop in chapter 7. 00:06:04.839 --> 00:06:08.939 But before we do that, what I'd love to do is just pray, because we need Jesus, right? 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:14.120 So let me just pray for us as we engage with God's word. 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:23.060 Father, I thank you that when you speak, we need to listen. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:27.000 And thank you that you are a God who wants to speak to us. 00:06:27.699 --> 00:06:33.480 Thank you you're a God who doesn't just speak abstract things which bear zero relation to our lives, 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:34.920 but you know each one of us. 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:36.580 You know where we're up to. 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:39.980 You know our thoughts, our dreams, our desires, our fears. 00:06:40.780 --> 00:06:43.240 And you want to speak to each one of us this morning. 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:47.480 And I pray, Lord, that you give us hearts which are open. 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:50.439 I pray that you give us hearts which don't just go through the motions, 00:06:50.660 --> 00:06:57.439 but really want you to open up our hearts and our lives so that we're changed by you through your word. 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:01.759 So, Father, we just please speak through my word. 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:06.180 So, Lord, remove anything that is not from you, but let your name be honored this morning, we pray. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:07.699 In Jesus' name. 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:09.199 Amen. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:10.839 Great. 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:15.120 So, as I said, we're coming to the end of our series in Daniel. 00:07:15.839 --> 00:07:18.459 And we're finishing at Daniel 7. 00:07:19.019 --> 00:07:22.139 And Daniel 7 is a bit of like a mountain peak. 00:07:22.539 --> 00:07:27.959 You know when you climb up a mountain, there are many different paths which get there. 00:07:27.959 --> 00:07:36.279 And through Daniel, through chapters 1 to 6, we've seen lots of different themes of the sovereignty and the faithfulness and the deliverance of God throughout there. 00:07:36.419 --> 00:07:46.419 But actually, as we come to chapter 7, it's going to draw those themes together in one peak of this book. 00:07:46.420 --> 00:07:51.420 And this is a little bit of a crazy chapter in many ways. 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:55.900 And so, we're going to kind of get through into some of what's going on here. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:08:01.840 But to start with, on Monday, I was actually walking home near where I lived. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:09.159 And I just looked over and there was a big guy with his girlfriend in the middle of the road. 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:11.539 And kind of crossing the road. 00:08:11.799 --> 00:08:14.500 And he was pushing her into the road. 00:08:16.579 --> 00:08:21.019 And he kind of, she stood up and he kind of manhandled her across. 00:08:21.799 --> 00:08:24.939 And I was so mad, I went over and confronted him. 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:34.019 But at that moment, the lady, she was clearly under his spell and just intimidated by this guy. 00:08:34.179 --> 00:08:35.899 And she kind of didn't want any help. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:38.659 And the guy kind of calmed down for a little bit. 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:43.340 And the last thing I saw was him walking off, him roughly holding her arm. 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:46.539 And inside of me, I just felt powerless. 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:52.259 I felt angry and I felt powerless that there was nothing I could do. 00:08:52.259 --> 00:08:59.559 And before we start actually getting into this passage, 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:03.779 if any of you actually have experienced any kind of abuse, 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:09.460 whether it's spiritual, emotional, verbal, physical, whatever it is, 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:11.600 we want you to know that in Watermark, 00:09:12.139 --> 00:09:16.039 this needs to be a place where you can just come and tell, 00:09:16.159 --> 00:09:20.100 whether it's an elder, a staff, anybody, a CG leader, 00:09:20.100 --> 00:09:21.399 because don't stay silent. 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:25.279 Start today. 00:09:25.939 --> 00:09:33.840 But I tell you that story because that is exactly what this passage is doing. 00:09:34.539 --> 00:09:40.279 It is telling us, it is trying to get into your heart and your soul and your emotion. 00:09:40.819 --> 00:09:46.480 And it's meant to show you that this is what ungodly power is like. 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:53.000 This passage is going to contrast two kingdoms, two operating systems in the world. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:10:03.360 One is an abusive, intimidating, beast-like power of ungodly kingdoms. 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:12.279 The other is a humanizing, true, faithful kingdom of God. 00:10:12.960 --> 00:10:16.440 There is beasts and there is the Son of Man. 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:22.060 And that is what this passage is going to be talking about. 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:26.419 And through the book of Daniel, we've seen some of the beasts in the fiery furnace. 00:10:26.419 --> 00:10:28.719 We've seen it in the lion's den. 00:10:29.479 --> 00:10:34.620 But today, Daniel's going to give you some visual imagery. 00:10:35.079 --> 00:10:37.639 It's what's called apocalyptic literature. 00:10:38.179 --> 00:10:41.599 Literally, you know, like the book of Revelation is written in this. 00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:44.360 And actually, Revelation uses some of the imagery from Daniel. 00:10:44.599 --> 00:10:46.639 And we get a bit weirded out by it. 00:10:46.639 --> 00:10:55.179 But actually, it's meant to be like this visual CGI feast for your eyes, which is not just trying to get into your logical mind. 00:10:55.179 --> 00:11:02.340 It's actually trying to capture your imagination and your emotions to both feel the fear of what's going on, 00:11:02.399 --> 00:11:06.019 but also to see the glory of who Jesus is and what he's doing. 00:11:06.939 --> 00:11:09.699 That's what Daniel's trying to do in this passage, okay? 00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:16.159 So if you've got your bulletin with you, we're going to kind of walk through this passage together. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:20.960 And we're going to look in three aspects. 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:22.720 We're going to look at the terror of the beasts. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:26.620 We're going to look at the justice of the judge. 00:11:27.299 --> 00:11:30.199 And we're going to look at the crowning of the king, okay? 00:11:31.120 --> 00:11:32.759 So the terror of the beasts. 00:11:33.199 --> 00:11:41.960 You know, Genesis 1 tells us that humans were made in God's image to rule over beasts of the earth. 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:50.240 But in this passage, powerful human kings and kingdoms have become beasts. 00:11:51.320 --> 00:11:54.860 And Daniel goes back into the reign of Belshazzar. 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:56.720 Remember, he's the guy with the writing on the wall. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:57.800 Remember that? 00:11:57.799 --> 00:12:01.740 And he has this dream where he's on the beach. 00:12:02.339 --> 00:12:07.500 And he sees the sea is chaotic and churning like in a typhoon. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:13.000 And out of this sea, four beasts arise. 00:12:14.579 --> 00:12:25.319 Each one is representing a self-exalting, abusive kingdom or dynasty or king which rejects God's rule. 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:30.100 You see, there's this lion with eagle's wings. 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:34.840 There's a bear which has got three rib bones in its mouth. 00:12:34.920 --> 00:12:36.580 It's just eaten from the kill. 00:12:36.800 --> 00:12:38.860 And then it's going back for more flesh. 00:12:38.980 --> 00:12:41.000 It's been invading places. 00:12:42.020 --> 00:12:44.220 Then there's a leopard which is fast. 00:12:44.420 --> 00:12:45.960 And it's got four wings. 00:12:46.660 --> 00:12:50.040 And it heads to sea and move wherever it goes. 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:53.759 It's got the power to extend over huge territory. 00:12:54.959 --> 00:12:56.759 And then there's a fourth beast. 00:12:57.779 --> 00:13:01.000 And this fourth beast is different from the others. 00:13:01.839 --> 00:13:05.099 This fourth beast is more powerful. 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:06.639 It's ferocious. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:11.299 It's intimidating more than all the others. 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:16.399 And it's got ten horns, which are actually ten kings. 00:13:16.659 --> 00:13:18.219 And ten is a complete number. 00:13:18.559 --> 00:13:20.779 So it's showing their total power. 00:13:21.959 --> 00:13:27.219 And then there's this little yapping king, a little yapping horn with a big mouth there. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:33.679 And it's this beast, number four, that Daniel focuses on. 00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:37.559 And I don't know about you, but that's a little bit weird. 00:13:39.339 --> 00:13:45.239 But actually, my wife and I, we watched this documentary called The Grizzly Man the other day. 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:46.379 It's a very old documentary. 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:47.399 I don't know if you've seen it. 00:13:47.659 --> 00:13:53.439 It's about this guy who lived in Alaska for 13 years with grizzly bears. 00:13:53.440 --> 00:14:00.300 And there's one point in this, it's real footage of this guy. 00:14:00.400 --> 00:14:03.720 And he's standing next to this bear beside him. 00:14:03.880 --> 00:14:04.640 And he's filming. 00:14:05.080 --> 00:14:10.620 And suddenly you see the bear stand up on his hind legs and tower over him. 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:14.000 And with just one claw, he could just rip him to pieces. 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:16.260 And your heart is in your mouth. 00:14:16.920 --> 00:14:18.240 It's like terrifying. 00:14:19.920 --> 00:14:22.620 This is what Daniel is trying to do with this image. 00:14:23.440 --> 00:14:28.000 This beast that he's talking about isn't friendly. 00:14:29.080 --> 00:14:30.820 That's the point, okay? 00:14:32.140 --> 00:14:34.720 And so, who is he talking about? 00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:37.220 Well, there's lots of speculation about the different kingdoms. 00:14:38.020 --> 00:14:41.960 But in the book of Daniel, we've had and we know that he talks about Babylon, 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:46.080 the Medes and the Persians as kingdoms and Greece. 00:14:46.520 --> 00:14:48.500 These are all clearly represented here. 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:50.660 Just as in the statue of chapter 2, 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:53.679 They're the same kind of kingdoms that are matched on there. 00:14:54.839 --> 00:14:58.759 But this fourth beast is kind of intentionally vague. 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:00.579 You know, you don't actually know what it looks like. 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:06.279 And I think that is the reason why Daniel is doing this. 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:14.839 The reason why he's different from all the others is he's trying to resonate with the readers in their current circumstances. 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:18.879 And he's trying to show us that actually human rule, 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:23.639 that beast also stands for human rule in every single generation, 00:15:24.319 --> 00:15:28.079 which rejects God, 00:15:29.159 --> 00:15:33.879 is both frightening and powerful and abusively destructive. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:37.120 Now, verse 21 tells us that little big mouth horn, 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:41.580 he goes and makes war with the saints and he prevails over them. 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:44.799 Now, what's he talking about? 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:48.980 Well, actually, throughout history, you'll see this has occurred multiple times. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:53.039 In the second century BC, there was a guy called Antiochus. 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:56.879 He was the king over an area including Judea, Palestine. 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.039 And he called himself God Manifest. 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:02.639 He had a bit of an ego complex. 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:07.240 And he got angry at some Jews who opposed his regime. 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:13.399 And he took revenge by mercilessly killing Jewish men, women, and children 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:20.439 and forcing those who didn't submit to his rule to either eat unclean pork or be killed. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:22.820 He's not a nice guy. 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:33.100 In the first century AD, Revelation 13 describes the imagery from all the four beasts in Daniel. 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:36.340 And he's referring to a Roman emperor called Nero, 00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:41.879 who actually persecuted Christians and set them alight just to assert his power. 00:16:42.640 --> 00:16:47.840 And we could go on throughout the whole of history to show how beastly kingdoms work. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:54.320 Even today, you see across the world, governments are clamping down on churches and believers. 00:16:55.540 --> 00:16:58.180 And we don't know how long before that's here. 00:16:58.620 --> 00:17:01.060 In the UK, where I was just talking to my parents, 00:17:01.180 --> 00:17:07.480 they were saying that the cultural pressure regarding a fluid sense of identity and gender 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:11.380 and all these kind of things is so strong that anyone who disagrees 00:17:11.380 --> 00:17:16.160 is labeled a bigot and is shunned and can have even worse consequences. 00:17:18.360 --> 00:17:24.200 The media bombards us with sexual imagery, with pornography, 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:30.120 with ideas of a perfect body image that you've got to fit in, 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:34.420 and it oppresses and it intimidates and it enslaves us if we don't fit in. 00:17:34.420 --> 00:17:41.380 There's pressure to live a consumer lifestyle where you are defined by what you eat, 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:47.019 what you live, what you wear, where you go to work, the car you drive, the schools you go to. 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:53.440 In our workplaces, I speak to many of you who feel intimidated by demanding bosses 00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:59.380 whose thirst for power and success can just drive you into the ground. 00:17:59.380 --> 00:18:08.380 We could go on, but all of these are examples of when human power rejects God's rule, 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:10.260 we become beastly. 00:18:11.800 --> 00:18:16.580 You know, an author, Aime Cesare, or César, actually, 00:18:17.020 --> 00:18:20.140 who was writing about colonialism, he said this. 00:18:20.280 --> 00:18:20.580 He said, 00:18:20.580 --> 00:18:24.660 The colonizer, who in order to ease his conscience, 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:27.960 gets into the habit of seeing the other man as an animal, 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:31.340 accustoms himself to treating him like an animal, 00:18:31.660 --> 00:18:35.180 and tends objectively to transform himself into an animal. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.940 Do you see what he's saying here? 00:18:38.860 --> 00:18:43.200 He's saying when human beings seek power apart from God, 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:47.360 we end up using our power and justifying our power 00:18:47.360 --> 00:18:50.620 to dehumanize other people. 00:18:51.240 --> 00:18:54.299 And as we do that, we actually end up dehumanizing ourselves 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:55.440 and become like animals. 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:59.880 That's what Daniel is trying to show us. 00:19:01.600 --> 00:19:04.400 And, you know, I hear many Christians saying nowadays, 00:19:04.600 --> 00:19:08.660 you know, that Christianity and Christian values are under threat like never before. 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:12.740 Some of us feel the intimidation. 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:15.740 But actually, Daniel would say, 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:19.580 actually, every generation, there's been many generations in history 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:21.659 that have felt this. 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:22.419 And do you know why? 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.679 It's because there's a war up. 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:26.179 There's a war between kingdoms. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:27.919 That is why. 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:32.139 The beast is at work in every culture, in every period. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:33.220 Sometimes there's a lull. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:37.480 But actually, Daniel's trying to say, 00:19:37.619 --> 00:19:39.699 wake up and see, 00:19:40.699 --> 00:19:43.299 behind the beauty of what's there, 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:45.879 that actually there is a beast. 00:19:47.159 --> 00:19:49.000 And actually, Daniel's also showing something else. 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:52.220 He's also pointing out the beast is not just out there. 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:55.419 The beast is also in here. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:58.940 Because, you know, King Nebuchadnezzar, 00:19:59.099 --> 00:20:00.200 Belshazzar, Darius, 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.299 all the guys we've seen, 00:20:01.619 --> 00:20:03.339 what characterizes their rule? 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:04.200 Well, it's pride. 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:07.940 It's trying to be in control of life. 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:08.640 It's jealousy. 00:20:08.860 --> 00:20:09.960 It's contempt for God. 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:11.900 It's all those things which actually, 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.140 if you're anything like me, 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:17.779 don't they just characterize us at times? 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:22.580 And so, what Daniel is trying to show us 00:20:22.580 --> 00:20:27.480 is that the beast is not a lovely kitten. 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:31.500 You know, when Nebuchadnezzar sees in chapter 2 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:34.240 the four kingdoms as four statues 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:37.180 with gold and silver and bronze and clay, 00:20:37.599 --> 00:20:38.900 those are beautiful metals. 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:42.480 But Daniel, who is a believer, 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:45.240 sees the opposite side 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:46.740 and he sees the same things 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:48.619 and he sees the beastly nature of them. 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:53.339 If you don't see at any point in your life 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:58.539 the pressure to live following Christ in this city, 00:20:58.539 --> 00:21:03.079 then it may be because you've already been taken by the beast. 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:07.099 Because the beast wants you to submit to it. 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:11.119 But Daniel's going to say something. 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:13.519 Because the beast is not just chaotic, 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.740 it's not just beastly, 00:21:14.819 --> 00:21:15.700 it's also temporary. 00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:19.599 Because he shows you every kingdom comes and goes. 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:21.220 None of these kingdoms, 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:22.460 none of these beasts lasts. 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:24.440 And you know, 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:26.279 just when you think this beast is so powerful 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:28.940 and so strong that you feel so frightened, 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:32.839 Daniel calls you to keep looking. 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:34.779 And here's the second point. 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:37.339 The justice of the judge. 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:41.299 So, this is looking through 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:46.039 into verses 9 through to 12. 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:49.799 You see, as he keeps looking at this vision, 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:51.440 do you know what he sees? 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.639 It's kind of like the matrix 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:55.240 where he kind of goes behind the scenes 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:56.600 to what is actually going on 00:21:56.600 --> 00:21:58.240 into the courtroom of heaven. 00:21:58.680 --> 00:22:00.700 And I don't know if you've ever been into a court, 00:22:01.320 --> 00:22:02.000 but they say, 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:04.820 would you all stand and all rise 00:22:04.820 --> 00:22:06.040 and the judge walks in. 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:08.220 And then when the judge sits down, 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:10.360 the trial's about to begin. 00:22:11.540 --> 00:22:12.960 And here what you see is 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.800 the thrones are wheeled out 00:22:14.800 --> 00:22:16.920 and the Ancient of Days, 00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:18.080 God himself, 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:20.060 comes and he sits down 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:22.220 and books of judgment are open. 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:24.139 But you see, 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:27.319 this judge, 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:30.980 his authority is not temporary like the beast's. 00:22:31.859 --> 00:22:33.919 It is eternal because he's ancient. 00:22:34.919 --> 00:22:37.019 He's the source and the sustainer 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:38.559 and the beginning of history 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:40.079 and the end of all history. 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:44.539 He has holy fire coming from his throne, 00:22:44.539 --> 00:22:47.500 which can consume any beastly rule 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.960 with a click of his fingers. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:51.519 The armies of heaven 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:55.460 fill the place in front of him. 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:58.319 His hair is white like wool 00:22:58.319 --> 00:23:00.240 of the wisdom that he has. 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:03.240 And his clothes are white, 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:05.980 showing that his judgments are not beastly, 00:23:06.059 --> 00:23:06.920 but they are pure 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:08.259 and they are perfect 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:09.480 and they are good. 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:12.940 He is majestic. 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:15.600 He's the one who's on the throne. 00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:18.059 He's in control of everything. 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:21.419 And behind all the powerful corporations, 00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:22.960 all the powerful governments, 00:23:23.099 --> 00:23:24.099 all the powerful bosses, 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:27.099 all the things that sometimes intimidate us in this life, 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:30.240 he says there is a true seat of power 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:32.279 and the one who's sitting on it 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:33.659 is the Ancient of Days. 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.000 You know, 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:37.220 when Jesus was going to the cross 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:41.359 and he comes before the pilot, 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:44.919 and pilot is the epitome 00:23:44.919 --> 00:23:48.299 of ruthless Roman power. 00:23:48.939 --> 00:23:50.599 His life is at stake. 00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:54.179 And do you know what Jesus says? 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:56.179 What he does? 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:56.599 You know, 00:23:56.619 --> 00:23:58.839 he could kind of bargain for his life with pilot, 00:23:59.019 --> 00:23:59.139 say, 00:23:59.199 --> 00:23:59.299 hey, 00:23:59.359 --> 00:23:59.539 like, 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:01.959 get me out of jail free here, 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.379 please. 00:24:02.679 --> 00:24:03.419 But he doesn't. 00:24:03.479 --> 00:24:04.139 You know what he says? 00:24:04.179 --> 00:24:04.599 He says, 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:06.819 you've got no authority over me 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:08.599 except that which has been given to you. 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.259 That's courage. 00:24:12.419 --> 00:24:13.059 And he says, 00:24:13.119 --> 00:24:15.699 I could call down legions of angels right now 00:24:15.699 --> 00:24:16.980 if I wanted to. 00:24:18.139 --> 00:24:19.579 You're not in charge here, 00:24:19.639 --> 00:24:19.939 pilot, 00:24:20.939 --> 00:24:22.379 because there is a higher judge 00:24:22.379 --> 00:24:24.199 who's in control at this moment. 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:26.279 And you see, 00:24:26.360 --> 00:24:27.279 what happens here 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:29.480 in the vision 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:30.860 is the judge 00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:33.799 then pronounces this verdict on the beast 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:34.980 and it's a death sentence. 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:37.259 His rule is over. 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.299 Finished. 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:39.900 There is freedom 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:41.500 and liberation. 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:43.660 You know when, 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:46.240 do you know when Harvey Weinstein, 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:50.440 who was that once all-powerful mover 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.660 and shaker in Hollywood, 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:54.759 who his word 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:57.259 either made or broke careers. 00:24:58.360 --> 00:24:59.320 I don't know if you saw, 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:01.540 but when he came into court 00:25:01.540 --> 00:25:02.500 to be convicted 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:04.920 of sexual abuse and rape, 00:25:06.300 --> 00:25:08.600 he looked just a pathetic sight. 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:09.880 He was sick. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:12.279 He was a shadow of his former self. 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:14.060 And every person 00:25:14.060 --> 00:25:15.700 who had lived under that shadow 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.759 of intimidation 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:17.440 and being bullied 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:19.420 and all the other things abused by him, 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.740 if they had known 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:22.039 where he would end it up, 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.579 would that have encouraged them 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:26.339 to persevere 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:27.859 when it seemed like he was strong? 00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:29.700 I think it would. 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:33.359 Because they would have hope 00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:35.200 that justice was going to be done. 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:37.200 And God, 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:39.440 as the supreme judge, 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:41.059 even in the places 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:42.579 where we feel injustice, 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:44.019 where we feel the pressure, 00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:45.680 where we feel the intimidation, 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:48.539 he says he will bring justice to bear 00:25:48.539 --> 00:25:49.740 in the same way 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:51.019 and it will be a liberation. 00:25:51.560 --> 00:25:52.600 It will be a freedom. 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:54.080 It will be a place 00:25:54.080 --> 00:25:55.920 where there is true justice. 00:25:56.600 --> 00:25:58.120 And so for us as God's people, 00:25:58.240 --> 00:26:00.420 he calls us to stay faithful to him. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.600 That even though 00:26:02.600 --> 00:26:04.620 other people may ridicule you 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.779 when you speak of Jesus, 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:08.880 even though 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:10.640 if you draw boundaries 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:11.799 around your work 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.340 that actually 00:26:12.340 --> 00:26:14.180 mean that when you have 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.299 unreasonable bosses 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:16.940 who try and force you to work 00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:18.740 even when you don't actually have to 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.620 so that you feel like 00:26:19.620 --> 00:26:20.600 you can't even engage 00:26:20.600 --> 00:26:21.700 on church on Sundays 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:22.700 or in CG, 00:26:23.060 --> 00:26:23.620 but actually 00:26:23.620 --> 00:26:24.740 you are called to say 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:26.420 I'm going to draw those boundaries 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:27.019 because I'm going to 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:28.440 keep my eyes fixed 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.580 on a higher judge 00:26:29.580 --> 00:26:32.519 regardless of the consequences. 00:26:34.100 --> 00:26:35.820 When you feel the cost, 00:26:36.820 --> 00:26:37.720 Daniel tells you 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.519 to keep looking. 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:40.539 Keep looking behind 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:42.100 the bear that seems 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:42.779 in front of you 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:43.680 and to see the one 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:44.619 who is on the throne 00:26:44.619 --> 00:26:46.240 because he's the one 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.240 who will bring judgment 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:48.440 and he's the one 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:49.259 who will bring justice. 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:51.039 Can you trust his timing 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:52.839 wherever you are today? 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.279 You see, 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:56.559 beastly rule is intimidating 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.639 but it's temporary. 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:58.940 God's rule 00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:00.160 is eternal, 00:27:00.599 --> 00:27:01.240 authoritative 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:02.720 and liberating. 00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:04.899 And you think, 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.440 that's great. 00:27:06.940 --> 00:27:07.920 But that's not the end 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.399 of the vision 00:27:08.399 --> 00:27:10.099 because Daniel says 00:27:10.099 --> 00:27:11.039 you've got to keep looking 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:12.319 because he says 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:13.579 I then saw 00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:14.180 and it's the word 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:15.180 actually I kept looking 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:17.839 because we don't just see 00:27:17.839 --> 00:27:19.399 the terror of the beast, 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.339 we don't just see 00:27:20.339 --> 00:27:21.920 the justice of the judge, 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:23.319 but actually you've got to see 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:24.399 the crowning of the king. 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:26.639 And here we see 00:27:26.639 --> 00:27:27.980 verse 13 and 14. 00:27:30.079 --> 00:27:31.019 Because as Daniel 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.779 keeps looking, 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:34.559 he sees a human 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:36.019 and divine figure. 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.059 He's divine 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:39.079 because he's coming 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:40.819 with the clouds of heaven. 00:27:41.879 --> 00:27:43.000 He's not taking Uber. 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.059 He's, 00:27:44.639 --> 00:27:45.980 the divine figures, 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:47.980 they come on clouds. 00:27:48.099 --> 00:27:49.500 That's how divine figures move. 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.059 You see, 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:52.379 it stands for the presence of God 00:27:52.379 --> 00:27:53.819 like at Mount Sinai. 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:55.519 You see, 00:27:55.659 --> 00:27:57.559 this divine figure, 00:27:58.639 --> 00:27:59.539 he's also called 00:27:59.539 --> 00:28:01.099 one like a son of man. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:04.720 And in scripture, 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:06.220 when you say 00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:07.400 the son of someone, 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:09.200 you're actually talking about, 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.319 the next word 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:10.799 is actually about 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:11.759 their character. 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.319 So do you remember 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:14.500 like James and John 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.100 in the Bible? 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:16.299 Jesus calls them 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.519 sons of thunder. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.380 Now he's not talking 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:20.460 about their bowel movements. 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.860 He's talking 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:24.200 about their fiery personality 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:24.980 and character. 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.539 And so when he says 00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:29.880 he's one like the son of man, 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:30.640 what is he saying? 00:28:30.839 --> 00:28:31.220 He's saying 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:33.720 this is the truly human one. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:35.480 This is the one 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:36.420 that all humanity 00:28:36.420 --> 00:28:38.059 was supposed to be like. 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:40.100 This is what you and I 00:28:40.100 --> 00:28:41.120 were created 00:28:41.120 --> 00:28:44.039 to image 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:45.240 in our humanity. 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:48.220 It's what we're supposed to be. 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:51.140 And what's going on here? 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:51.799 He says 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:53.900 with the clouds of heaven, 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:55.579 he is presented 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:57.339 before the ancient of days. 00:28:57.539 --> 00:28:58.259 What's going on? 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.740 This is a coronation ceremony. 00:29:01.279 --> 00:29:01.460 You know, 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.019 my dad, 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:03.539 he still remembers 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:05.039 the coronation 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:05.940 of Queen Elizabeth 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.460 of England. 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.279 And on that day, 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:09.299 yeah, I know. 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.740 It's a long time. 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.480 But on that day, 00:29:14.539 --> 00:29:16.099 crowds line the street 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:18.059 and she goes 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:19.440 into Westminster Abbey 00:29:19.440 --> 00:29:19.940 in London 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:20.740 and the Archbishop 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:21.500 of Canterbury. 00:29:21.639 --> 00:29:22.720 She kneels before him 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:25.720 and he puts a crown 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.500 on her head 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:28.019 and invests her 00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:28.960 with authority. 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:30.240 Although the Queen 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.480 of England 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:31.640 doesn't have much authority. 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:34.799 But that's the idea. 00:29:34.900 --> 00:29:35.460 It happened to King 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:36.059 Nebuchadnezzar, 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:36.740 Belshazzar, 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:37.059 Darius. 00:29:37.160 --> 00:29:38.220 It's the same ceremony. 00:29:38.599 --> 00:29:39.099 But here, 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:39.740 what's happening? 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:43.740 The Son of Man 00:29:43.740 --> 00:29:45.360 is being crowned 00:29:45.360 --> 00:29:45.880 the king 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.259 and he's not 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.079 a temporary reign. 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:49.339 It's not a reign 00:29:49.339 --> 00:29:50.539 like King Nebuchadnezzar. 00:29:50.900 --> 00:29:51.779 It's not a reign 00:29:51.779 --> 00:29:52.779 which finished 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.420 like Darius 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.099 or Belshazzar. 00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:54.860 It's not a reign 00:29:54.860 --> 00:29:55.819 like Queen Elizabeth 00:29:55.819 --> 00:29:57.259 who will at some point 00:29:57.259 --> 00:29:58.539 soon die 00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:59.939 and be replaced 00:29:59.939 --> 00:30:01.079 by somebody else. 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:03.139 This king 00:30:03.139 --> 00:30:04.259 will never be replaced 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.899 because he says 00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:08.399 he has an everlasting dominion. 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:09.179 His dominion 00:30:09.179 --> 00:30:09.819 is everlasting. 00:30:10.339 --> 00:30:11.740 Shall not pass away. 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.659 His kingdom 00:30:12.659 --> 00:30:13.679 is one that 00:30:13.679 --> 00:30:15.519 shall not be destroyed. 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:20.159 He's always there 00:30:20.159 --> 00:30:21.960 no matter how strong 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:22.879 the beast seems. 00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:26.460 And the question 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.220 that comes out is 00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:27.800 who is this 00:30:27.800 --> 00:30:28.320 Son of Man? 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:29.520 And you know 00:30:29.520 --> 00:30:30.440 we're kind of Christians 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:31.700 so we kind of know Jesus. 00:30:32.600 --> 00:30:33.860 But actually 00:30:33.860 --> 00:30:34.980 this exalted 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:36.400 divine king 00:30:36.400 --> 00:30:37.500 who is also 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:38.920 the truly human one 00:30:38.920 --> 00:30:40.580 is actually 00:30:40.580 --> 00:30:42.180 an individual figure 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:44.320 who also stands 00:30:44.320 --> 00:30:45.180 and represents 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.340 a whole community 00:30:46.340 --> 00:30:47.080 of God's people. 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:47.500 Do you notice 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.160 in the interpretation 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:49.060 it says 00:30:49.060 --> 00:30:49.880 the saints 00:30:49.880 --> 00:30:51.000 will receive the kingdom. 00:30:52.140 --> 00:30:52.860 Do you notice that? 00:30:52.880 --> 00:30:55.180 and that actually 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:56.060 sounds like 00:30:56.060 --> 00:30:57.700 a kind of priest 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.020 someone who stands 00:30:59.020 --> 00:30:59.760 on behalf 00:30:59.760 --> 00:31:00.860 of the people. 00:31:02.840 --> 00:31:03.720 Well Jesus 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.820 after his arrest 00:31:04.820 --> 00:31:06.700 he stands 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:08.320 before the high priest 00:31:08.320 --> 00:31:11.060 that individual 00:31:11.060 --> 00:31:11.780 who's supposed 00:31:11.780 --> 00:31:13.000 to stand before God 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.540 and represent 00:31:13.540 --> 00:31:14.200 the people. 00:31:16.260 --> 00:31:17.160 And Jesus 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:18.200 comes before him 00:31:18.200 --> 00:31:18.620 and as you 00:31:18.620 --> 00:31:19.560 see him 00:31:19.560 --> 00:31:20.340 coming before him 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:20.820 you realize 00:31:20.820 --> 00:31:21.740 that this high priest 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:22.900 is not a son of man 00:31:22.900 --> 00:31:24.480 but is actually 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.359 more like a beast. 00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:28.220 By the way 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:28.660 you know 00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:29.400 religious people 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:30.180 can be beasts. 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.339 So that's why 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:32.720 actually 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:33.400 don't put 00:31:33.400 --> 00:31:34.559 don't exalt 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:35.720 any church leaders 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:37.000 above what is due 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:37.539 to them 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:38.880 because they are not 00:31:38.880 --> 00:31:39.319 God. 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:44.220 but as Jesus 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:45.319 comes before 00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:47.240 the high priest 00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:47.759 who is seeking 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.559 to crush him 00:31:48.559 --> 00:31:49.980 seeking to oppress him 00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:51.240 seeking to intimidate 00:31:51.240 --> 00:31:52.019 the innocent 00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:52.839 holy one 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:54.379 he asks Jesus 00:31:54.379 --> 00:31:55.039 are you the son 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:55.399 of God 00:31:55.399 --> 00:31:56.299 and Jesus says 00:31:56.299 --> 00:31:56.539 yeah 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.639 yeah 00:31:57.639 --> 00:31:58.379 you can say that 00:31:58.379 --> 00:32:01.759 and then he goes 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.039 this 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:02.399 he says 00:32:02.399 --> 00:32:03.179 but I tell you 00:32:03.179 --> 00:32:04.779 from now on 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:05.799 you will see 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:07.159 the son of man 00:32:07.160 --> 00:32:08.620 seated at the right 00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:09.480 hand of power 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:10.519 and coming 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:11.460 on the clouds 00:32:11.460 --> 00:32:11.940 of heaven 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:12.460 where's he got 00:32:12.460 --> 00:32:12.920 that from 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:15.140 Daniel 00:32:15.140 --> 00:32:16.680 you see 00:32:16.680 --> 00:32:17.400 do you know 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:17.779 what Jesus 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:18.680 favorite title 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.660 for himself is 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:21.080 it's not 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:21.740 son of God 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:22.640 it's not 00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:23.060 Messiah 00:32:23.060 --> 00:32:24.660 it's the son 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:25.240 of man 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:26.800 it's everywhere 00:32:26.800 --> 00:32:29.360 and what is he 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:29.820 saying 00:32:29.820 --> 00:32:30.600 he's saying 00:32:30.600 --> 00:32:31.840 my coronation 00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:32.380 is about 00:32:32.380 --> 00:32:33.440 to take place 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:34.640 and how does 00:32:34.640 --> 00:32:35.360 the high priest 00:32:35.360 --> 00:32:35.940 respond 00:32:35.940 --> 00:32:36.700 he goes 00:32:36.700 --> 00:32:37.539 kill him 00:32:37.539 --> 00:32:41.120 and Jesus 00:32:41.120 --> 00:32:41.740 dies 00:32:41.740 --> 00:32:43.080 slain 00:32:43.080 --> 00:32:44.240 by the beast 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:44.720 in fact 00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:45.680 it's a collaboration 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:47.100 of human beasts 00:32:47.100 --> 00:32:49.980 all of us 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:50.620 who are trying 00:32:50.620 --> 00:32:51.500 to assert our rule 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.200 who try and keep 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:52.840 our status 00:32:52.840 --> 00:32:53.620 who are out of 00:32:53.620 --> 00:32:53.980 jealousy 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:54.660 out of pride 00:32:54.660 --> 00:32:55.180 out of fear 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:55.600 of losing 00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:56.559 our own reputation 00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:58.680 turn and resist 00:32:58.680 --> 00:32:59.940 Jesus' rule 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:01.620 that's what nails 00:33:01.620 --> 00:33:02.640 Jesus to the cross 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:03.900 and it puts a crown 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:04.440 of thorns 00:33:04.440 --> 00:33:04.880 on him 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:06.540 we didn't expect 00:33:06.540 --> 00:33:07.080 that kind of 00:33:07.080 --> 00:33:07.700 coronation 00:33:07.700 --> 00:33:11.480 but right at that 00:33:11.480 --> 00:33:12.120 moment in the 00:33:12.120 --> 00:33:12.960 darkest hour 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.740 who was truly 00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:14.360 on the throne 00:33:14.360 --> 00:33:17.640 God was 00:33:17.640 --> 00:33:18.860 the ancient of 00:33:18.860 --> 00:33:19.560 days was 00:33:19.560 --> 00:33:20.960 because he was 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:21.880 executing his 00:33:21.880 --> 00:33:22.460 plan 00:33:22.460 --> 00:33:24.500 to destroy 00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:25.120 the power 00:33:25.120 --> 00:33:25.720 of beastly 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.140 rule 00:33:26.140 --> 00:33:27.380 but also 00:33:27.380 --> 00:33:28.880 Jesus was 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:29.660 dying for the 00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.500 very beasts 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:33.339 who would 00:33:33.339 --> 00:33:34.079 execute him 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:35.299 those people 00:33:35.299 --> 00:33:35.700 like you 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.119 and me 00:33:36.119 --> 00:33:37.779 who reject 00:33:37.779 --> 00:33:38.319 his rule 00:33:38.319 --> 00:33:40.200 and he rises 00:33:40.200 --> 00:33:41.200 again and ascends 00:33:41.200 --> 00:33:41.759 and is seated 00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.319 at the right 00:33:42.319 --> 00:33:43.180 hand of God 00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:44.640 do you know 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:45.059 why 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:47.220 for many reasons 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:48.240 but Daniel's 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:48.839 going to tell you 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:49.420 he died 00:33:49.420 --> 00:33:50.940 to give beasts 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:51.579 back their 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.220 humanity 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:54.779 do you remember 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:55.680 that first beast 00:33:55.680 --> 00:33:57.740 the lion 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.480 with the wings 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:59.940 who actually 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:00.579 historically 00:34:00.579 --> 00:34:02.079 we think it's 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:03.039 actually Nebuchadnezzar 00:34:03.039 --> 00:34:05.240 and what happens 00:34:05.240 --> 00:34:05.640 to him 00:34:05.640 --> 00:34:07.920 his wings get 00:34:07.920 --> 00:34:08.420 clipped 00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:09.980 he gets humbled 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:11.940 and at the point 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:12.699 of his humbling 00:34:12.699 --> 00:34:13.240 do you see what 00:34:13.240 --> 00:34:13.880 happens to him 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:15.480 he's then 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.559 given back 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:18.099 his humanity 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:21.179 you see this is 00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:21.760 what the gospel 00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:22.400 is all about 00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:24.500 this is why 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:26.500 God calls us 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.260 to repent 00:34:27.260 --> 00:34:28.380 and confess 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:30.039 and to come 00:34:30.039 --> 00:34:30.619 before him 00:34:30.619 --> 00:34:31.380 from all of our 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:31.960 beastliness 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:32.940 it's not to try 00:34:32.940 --> 00:34:33.619 and be miserable 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:36.179 repentance and 00:34:36.179 --> 00:34:37.079 confession is a way 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:37.820 to learn how to be 00:34:37.820 --> 00:34:38.519 truly human 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:40.199 because when 00:34:40.199 --> 00:34:41.139 Jesus is on the 00:34:41.139 --> 00:34:41.519 throne 00:34:41.519 --> 00:34:42.179 and we're 00:34:42.179 --> 00:34:42.900 worshipping him 00:34:42.900 --> 00:34:43.440 at the centre 00:34:43.440 --> 00:34:44.300 that's when we 00:34:44.300 --> 00:34:45.519 become fully 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:46.139 who we were 00:34:46.139 --> 00:34:46.980 created to be 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:51.260 and that's why 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:51.800 God wants 00:34:51.800 --> 00:34:52.880 to create 00:34:52.880 --> 00:34:54.199 out of him 00:34:54.199 --> 00:34:55.179 that this new 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:56.019 community of 00:34:56.019 --> 00:34:56.439 saints 00:34:56.439 --> 00:34:57.480 who receive 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:58.179 his kingdom 00:34:58.179 --> 00:35:00.079 that in the 00:35:00.079 --> 00:35:00.480 midst of 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.279 intimidation 00:35:01.279 --> 00:35:01.960 of fear 00:35:01.960 --> 00:35:03.879 we respond 00:35:03.879 --> 00:35:04.619 to beastliness 00:35:04.619 --> 00:35:05.739 not by being 00:35:05.739 --> 00:35:06.579 beasts ourselves 00:35:06.579 --> 00:35:07.559 you know actually 00:35:07.559 --> 00:35:08.039 how beasts 00:35:08.039 --> 00:35:08.639 respond to 00:35:08.639 --> 00:35:09.059 beasts 00:35:09.059 --> 00:35:11.559 we just end up 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.859 trying to fight 00:35:12.859 --> 00:35:13.879 and being 00:35:13.879 --> 00:35:14.659 passive aggressive 00:35:14.659 --> 00:35:15.239 and doing all 00:35:15.239 --> 00:35:15.759 that other kind 00:35:15.759 --> 00:35:16.239 of stuff 00:35:16.239 --> 00:35:18.599 we try and 00:35:18.599 --> 00:35:19.379 force our way 00:35:19.379 --> 00:35:20.179 we get bitter 00:35:20.179 --> 00:35:20.799 or we just 00:35:20.799 --> 00:35:21.779 cower in fear 00:35:21.780 --> 00:35:23.840 but actually 00:35:23.840 --> 00:35:24.420 when you know 00:35:24.420 --> 00:35:24.940 that the son 00:35:24.940 --> 00:35:25.600 of man 00:35:25.600 --> 00:35:27.780 is the one 00:35:27.780 --> 00:35:28.800 who is giving 00:35:28.800 --> 00:35:29.480 us back our 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.060 humanity 00:35:30.060 --> 00:35:31.000 what that does 00:35:31.000 --> 00:35:32.120 it fills us 00:35:32.120 --> 00:35:32.780 with love 00:35:32.780 --> 00:35:33.580 with kindness 00:35:33.580 --> 00:35:34.400 and truth 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:35.220 that we're called 00:35:35.220 --> 00:35:35.880 to have godly 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:37.040 courage to forgive 00:35:37.040 --> 00:35:37.900 to bless those 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:38.940 who persecute us 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:40.300 and to do 00:35:40.300 --> 00:35:40.920 what Jesus 00:35:40.920 --> 00:35:41.420 does 00:35:41.420 --> 00:35:43.500 because when we 00:35:43.500 --> 00:35:44.420 submit to him 00:35:44.420 --> 00:35:45.000 and surrender 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:45.560 to him 00:35:45.560 --> 00:35:47.240 do you know 00:35:47.240 --> 00:35:47.720 what happens 00:35:47.720 --> 00:35:48.600 he begins to 00:35:48.600 --> 00:35:49.380 make us look 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.720 more like him 00:35:50.719 --> 00:35:51.839 which makes 00:35:51.839 --> 00:35:52.379 us more 00:35:52.379 --> 00:35:53.339 human 00:35:53.339 --> 00:35:55.299 you know 00:35:55.299 --> 00:35:55.719 what the beast 00:35:55.719 --> 00:35:56.099 says 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.399 he says 00:35:56.399 --> 00:35:57.119 I deserve 00:35:57.119 --> 00:35:58.000 better in life 00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:59.719 I'm entitled 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:00.619 to some respect 00:36:00.619 --> 00:36:01.159 I should get 00:36:01.159 --> 00:36:01.819 my own way 00:36:01.819 --> 00:36:04.159 the beast 00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:04.579 says 00:36:04.579 --> 00:36:06.299 I came 00:36:06.299 --> 00:36:07.099 to be served 00:36:07.099 --> 00:36:07.980 not to serve 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:09.859 but Jesus 00:36:09.859 --> 00:36:10.239 says 00:36:10.239 --> 00:36:11.219 the son of man 00:36:11.219 --> 00:36:13.159 did not come 00:36:13.159 --> 00:36:14.879 to be served 00:36:14.879 --> 00:36:15.759 but to serve 00:36:15.759 --> 00:36:17.199 and to give 00:36:17.199 --> 00:36:17.739 his life 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:18.419 as a ransom 00:36:18.419 --> 00:36:19.159 for many 00:36:19.159 --> 00:36:20.279 including us 00:36:20.280 --> 00:36:20.680 here 00:36:20.680 --> 00:36:22.080 every one 00:36:22.080 --> 00:36:22.640 of us 00:36:22.640 --> 00:36:23.940 that is 00:36:23.940 --> 00:36:24.720 true humility 00:36:24.720 --> 00:36:25.900 that is 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:26.900 true humanity 00:36:26.900 --> 00:36:28.680 a life 00:36:28.680 --> 00:36:29.160 laid down 00:36:29.160 --> 00:36:29.680 for God's 00:36:29.680 --> 00:36:30.060 kingdom 00:36:30.060 --> 00:36:31.980 to love 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:32.580 and serve 00:36:32.580 --> 00:36:32.840 God 00:36:32.840 --> 00:36:33.400 and others 00:36:33.400 --> 00:36:36.540 but in a world 00:36:36.540 --> 00:36:37.000 that is 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.720 filled with 00:36:37.720 --> 00:36:38.200 darkness 00:36:38.200 --> 00:36:39.420 and challenge 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:40.320 where do you 00:36:40.320 --> 00:36:41.280 get the courage 00:36:41.280 --> 00:36:42.940 to be like 00:36:42.940 --> 00:36:43.580 that from 00:36:43.580 --> 00:36:45.240 where do you 00:36:45.240 --> 00:36:46.120 get that courage 00:36:46.120 --> 00:36:47.080 you know 00:36:47.080 --> 00:36:47.860 Nelson Mandela 00:36:47.860 --> 00:36:49.380 the famous 00:36:49.380 --> 00:36:50.019 South African 00:36:50.019 --> 00:36:50.680 activist 00:36:50.680 --> 00:36:51.340 he said this 00:36:51.340 --> 00:36:51.599 he said 00:36:51.599 --> 00:36:52.079 I learned 00:36:52.079 --> 00:36:52.820 that courage 00:36:52.820 --> 00:36:53.599 is not 00:36:53.599 --> 00:36:54.220 the absence 00:36:54.220 --> 00:36:54.860 of fear 00:36:54.860 --> 00:36:56.240 but the triumph 00:36:56.240 --> 00:36:56.860 over it 00:36:56.860 --> 00:36:58.140 the brave man 00:36:58.140 --> 00:36:58.720 is not he 00:36:58.720 --> 00:36:59.260 who does not 00:36:59.260 --> 00:37:00.039 feel afraid 00:37:00.039 --> 00:37:01.019 but he who 00:37:01.019 --> 00:37:01.780 conquers that 00:37:01.780 --> 00:37:02.200 fear 00:37:02.200 --> 00:37:04.140 that's absolutely 00:37:04.140 --> 00:37:04.660 right 00:37:04.660 --> 00:37:07.480 so just be like 00:37:07.480 --> 00:37:07.880 Daniel 00:37:07.880 --> 00:37:08.360 right 00:37:08.360 --> 00:37:09.019 you know 00:37:09.019 --> 00:37:09.880 he is the 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:10.700 ultimate courageous 00:37:10.700 --> 00:37:11.099 guy 00:37:11.099 --> 00:37:11.519 goes into 00:37:11.519 --> 00:37:12.260 lion's den 00:37:12.260 --> 00:37:12.640 right 00:37:12.639 --> 00:37:15.179 but do you 00:37:15.179 --> 00:37:15.759 notice 00:37:15.759 --> 00:37:17.779 in verse 15 00:37:17.779 --> 00:37:18.599 and verse 28 00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:19.359 even this 00:37:19.359 --> 00:37:20.059 amazing 00:37:20.059 --> 00:37:21.299 courageous 00:37:21.299 --> 00:37:21.920 Daniel 00:37:21.920 --> 00:37:23.339 he is 00:37:23.339 --> 00:37:23.759 frightened 00:37:23.759 --> 00:37:26.179 he is 00:37:26.179 --> 00:37:26.739 alarmed 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:27.059 he is 00:37:27.059 --> 00:37:27.719 anxious 00:37:27.719 --> 00:37:29.659 his courage 00:37:29.659 --> 00:37:30.299 has failed 00:37:30.299 --> 00:37:30.639 him 00:37:30.639 --> 00:37:32.339 why 00:37:32.339 --> 00:37:34.059 because Daniel 00:37:34.059 --> 00:37:34.759 doesn't know 00:37:34.759 --> 00:37:35.199 who this 00:37:35.199 --> 00:37:35.739 son of man 00:37:35.739 --> 00:37:36.179 is 00:37:36.179 --> 00:37:39.179 godly courage 00:37:39.179 --> 00:37:39.719 isn't the 00:37:39.719 --> 00:37:40.339 loudest voice 00:37:40.339 --> 00:37:40.859 in the room 00:37:40.860 --> 00:37:42.120 it's not the most 00:37:42.120 --> 00:37:43.240 confident personality 00:37:43.240 --> 00:37:44.039 you can be brave 00:37:44.039 --> 00:37:44.640 just to prove 00:37:44.640 --> 00:37:45.140 yourself 00:37:45.140 --> 00:37:47.320 godly courage 00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:48.260 sees Jesus 00:37:48.260 --> 00:37:49.420 as bigger 00:37:49.420 --> 00:37:50.019 than whatever 00:37:50.019 --> 00:37:50.740 beast you're 00:37:50.740 --> 00:37:51.400 facing in your 00:37:51.400 --> 00:37:52.260 life right now 00:37:52.260 --> 00:37:54.340 he fills 00:37:54.340 --> 00:37:55.440 your windscreen 00:37:55.440 --> 00:37:58.740 why do we 00:37:58.740 --> 00:37:59.460 get intimidated 00:37:59.460 --> 00:38:00.160 and fear 00:38:00.160 --> 00:38:00.700 people 00:38:00.700 --> 00:38:01.700 or circumstances 00:38:01.700 --> 00:38:02.320 around us 00:38:02.320 --> 00:38:02.780 because it 00:38:02.780 --> 00:38:03.500 feels like 00:38:03.500 --> 00:38:04.160 our life 00:38:04.160 --> 00:38:04.640 is in their 00:38:04.640 --> 00:38:05.099 hands 00:38:05.099 --> 00:38:06.860 it feels like 00:38:06.860 --> 00:38:07.780 your boss 00:38:07.780 --> 00:38:08.599 holds the key 00:38:08.599 --> 00:38:09.400 to your career 00:38:09.400 --> 00:38:11.099 it feels like 00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:11.980 your kids 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:13.320 lives 00:38:13.320 --> 00:38:14.019 are in the 00:38:14.019 --> 00:38:14.660 hands of a 00:38:14.660 --> 00:38:15.119 culture 00:38:15.119 --> 00:38:15.780 that you 00:38:15.780 --> 00:38:16.220 don't know 00:38:16.220 --> 00:38:16.599 how to 00:38:16.599 --> 00:38:17.780 fight against 00:38:17.780 --> 00:38:19.099 sharing the 00:38:19.099 --> 00:38:19.579 gospel 00:38:19.579 --> 00:38:20.660 could lead to 00:38:20.660 --> 00:38:21.200 rejection 00:38:21.200 --> 00:38:22.200 and we feel 00:38:22.200 --> 00:38:23.619 afraid 00:38:23.619 --> 00:38:24.119 that that 00:38:24.119 --> 00:38:24.860 might ruin 00:38:24.860 --> 00:38:26.340 our lives 00:38:26.340 --> 00:38:30.420 but whatever 00:38:30.420 --> 00:38:30.860 the beast 00:38:30.860 --> 00:38:31.960 tries to take 00:38:31.960 --> 00:38:33.420 Jesus says 00:38:33.420 --> 00:38:34.079 they can never 00:38:34.079 --> 00:38:34.619 take 00:38:34.619 --> 00:38:36.059 your soul 00:38:36.059 --> 00:38:37.139 because he 00:38:37.139 --> 00:38:37.860 says in this 00:38:37.860 --> 00:38:38.559 world you'll have 00:38:38.559 --> 00:38:39.039 trouble 00:38:39.039 --> 00:38:40.639 but take 00:38:40.639 --> 00:38:40.980 heart 00:38:40.980 --> 00:38:41.679 I have 00:38:41.679 --> 00:38:42.079 overcome 00:38:42.079 --> 00:38:42.679 the world 00:38:42.679 --> 00:38:43.000 why 00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:43.440 because at 00:38:43.440 --> 00:38:43.880 the moment 00:38:43.880 --> 00:38:44.219 when it 00:38:44.219 --> 00:38:44.799 looks like 00:38:44.799 --> 00:38:45.299 death is 00:38:45.299 --> 00:38:45.699 hardest 00:38:45.699 --> 00:38:46.500 is the 00:38:46.500 --> 00:38:46.860 moment 00:38:46.860 --> 00:38:47.719 when Jesus 00:38:47.719 --> 00:38:48.199 is bringing 00:38:48.199 --> 00:38:48.799 resurrection 00:38:48.799 --> 00:38:49.380 life 00:38:49.380 --> 00:38:53.259 the moment 00:38:53.259 --> 00:38:53.980 when you 00:38:53.980 --> 00:38:54.639 feel the 00:38:54.639 --> 00:38:55.219 pressure 00:38:55.219 --> 00:38:56.480 of the world 00:38:56.480 --> 00:38:57.059 against you 00:38:57.059 --> 00:38:57.539 and you don't 00:38:57.539 --> 00:38:58.000 know where to 00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:58.320 look 00:38:58.320 --> 00:39:00.440 is the moment 00:39:00.440 --> 00:39:00.960 that when you 00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:01.539 look up you 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:02.179 see the one 00:39:02.179 --> 00:39:02.779 who is already 00:39:02.779 --> 00:39:03.400 overcome 00:39:03.400 --> 00:39:04.960 who has already 00:39:04.960 --> 00:39:05.759 got the victory 00:39:05.760 --> 00:39:06.580 and he's 00:39:06.580 --> 00:39:07.140 taking you 00:39:07.140 --> 00:39:07.560 through to 00:39:07.560 --> 00:39:08.020 resurrection 00:39:08.020 --> 00:39:08.640 glory 00:39:08.640 --> 00:39:11.100 you know 00:39:11.100 --> 00:39:11.340 someone 00:39:11.340 --> 00:39:12.860 I chatted 00:39:12.860 --> 00:39:13.120 with someone 00:39:13.120 --> 00:39:13.660 in watermark 00:39:13.660 --> 00:39:14.100 a little while 00:39:14.100 --> 00:39:14.420 ago 00:39:14.420 --> 00:39:15.700 and they had 00:39:15.700 --> 00:39:16.140 their name 00:39:16.140 --> 00:39:16.860 put forward 00:39:16.860 --> 00:39:19.360 to lead the 00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:20.840 the LGBT 00:39:20.840 --> 00:39:21.940 initiative for 00:39:21.940 --> 00:39:22.520 their company 00:39:22.520 --> 00:39:25.200 and there was a 00:39:25.200 --> 00:39:25.700 lot of pressure 00:39:25.700 --> 00:39:25.960 on 00:39:25.960 --> 00:39:27.500 boss said 00:39:27.500 --> 00:39:27.860 this is a 00:39:27.860 --> 00:39:28.480 great career 00:39:28.480 --> 00:39:29.380 opportunity for 00:39:29.380 --> 00:39:29.640 you 00:39:29.639 --> 00:39:31.819 and there's 00:39:31.819 --> 00:39:32.379 that pressure 00:39:32.379 --> 00:39:32.940 between the 00:39:32.940 --> 00:39:33.619 values of what 00:39:33.619 --> 00:39:34.299 they felt like 00:39:34.299 --> 00:39:35.299 God was calling 00:39:35.299 --> 00:39:35.859 them to do 00:39:35.859 --> 00:39:36.440 but also 00:39:36.440 --> 00:39:37.980 the fear of 00:39:37.980 --> 00:39:38.460 what's going to 00:39:38.460 --> 00:39:38.799 happen 00:39:38.799 --> 00:39:40.159 if I resist 00:39:40.159 --> 00:39:44.420 saying no 00:39:44.420 --> 00:39:44.759 could mean 00:39:44.759 --> 00:39:45.480 they get fired 00:39:45.480 --> 00:39:46.759 and they knew 00:39:46.759 --> 00:39:47.059 that 00:39:47.059 --> 00:39:48.779 and they felt 00:39:48.779 --> 00:39:49.099 that 00:39:49.099 --> 00:39:50.519 and they talked 00:39:50.519 --> 00:39:51.039 to people in 00:39:51.039 --> 00:39:51.579 the community 00:39:51.579 --> 00:39:52.339 who prayed 00:39:52.339 --> 00:39:53.119 who encouraged 00:39:53.119 --> 00:39:53.639 them and they 00:39:53.639 --> 00:39:54.059 went to their 00:39:54.059 --> 00:39:54.739 boss and said 00:39:54.739 --> 00:39:55.960 hey no I've 00:39:55.960 --> 00:39:56.599 got other church 00:39:56.599 --> 00:39:57.359 responsibilities 00:39:57.359 --> 00:39:58.019 I can't do 00:39:58.019 --> 00:39:58.259 it 00:39:58.260 --> 00:40:00.100 and the boss 00:40:00.100 --> 00:40:00.380 said 00:40:00.380 --> 00:40:02.200 that's fine 00:40:02.200 --> 00:40:04.020 that's fine 00:40:04.020 --> 00:40:05.020 that's okay 00:40:05.020 --> 00:40:07.780 you see God 00:40:07.780 --> 00:40:08.680 shut the lion's 00:40:08.680 --> 00:40:09.600 mouth at that 00:40:09.600 --> 00:40:09.940 moment 00:40:09.940 --> 00:40:12.780 but actually 00:40:12.780 --> 00:40:13.520 what helped 00:40:13.520 --> 00:40:13.900 them because 00:40:13.900 --> 00:40:14.620 they said to 00:40:14.620 --> 00:40:15.120 me you know 00:40:15.120 --> 00:40:15.940 this is where 00:40:15.940 --> 00:40:17.160 I know God 00:40:17.160 --> 00:40:17.740 will provide 00:40:17.740 --> 00:40:18.460 for me because 00:40:18.460 --> 00:40:19.140 I know that 00:40:19.140 --> 00:40:19.760 he's where my 00:40:19.760 --> 00:40:20.500 life is found 00:40:20.500 --> 00:40:22.280 that's how 00:40:22.280 --> 00:40:23.000 you can stand 00:40:23.000 --> 00:40:24.680 I have another 00:40:24.680 --> 00:40:25.500 friend who was 00:40:25.500 --> 00:40:26.820 constantly battered 00:40:26.820 --> 00:40:28.420 by their family 00:40:28.420 --> 00:40:29.680 members just 00:40:29.680 --> 00:40:30.600 always commenting 00:40:30.600 --> 00:40:31.080 on their 00:40:31.080 --> 00:40:31.800 appearance and 00:40:31.800 --> 00:40:32.140 weight 00:40:32.140 --> 00:40:33.600 and it was 00:40:33.600 --> 00:40:34.780 crushing to 00:40:34.780 --> 00:40:35.039 them 00:40:35.039 --> 00:40:38.460 they lived under 00:40:38.460 --> 00:40:39.260 this fearing 00:40:39.260 --> 00:40:40.519 feeling of 00:40:40.519 --> 00:40:41.180 will I ever 00:40:41.180 --> 00:40:41.960 be loved 00:40:41.960 --> 00:40:43.500 will I ever 00:40:43.500 --> 00:40:44.400 find value 00:40:44.400 --> 00:40:45.480 and so they 00:40:45.480 --> 00:40:45.980 were tempted 00:40:45.980 --> 00:40:46.420 to look 00:40:46.420 --> 00:40:46.980 anywhere 00:40:46.980 --> 00:40:48.480 for somebody 00:40:48.480 --> 00:40:48.960 who would 00:40:48.960 --> 00:40:50.039 just validate 00:40:50.039 --> 00:40:50.559 them 00:40:50.559 --> 00:40:54.440 but as 00:40:54.440 --> 00:40:55.119 they began 00:40:55.119 --> 00:40:55.659 to share 00:40:55.659 --> 00:40:56.340 in community 00:40:56.340 --> 00:40:57.460 and as 00:40:57.460 --> 00:40:58.039 they learned 00:40:58.039 --> 00:40:58.719 the gospel 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:59.440 which tells 00:40:59.440 --> 00:40:59.820 them that 00:40:59.820 --> 00:41:00.460 their identity 00:41:00.460 --> 00:41:01.380 is not found 00:41:01.380 --> 00:41:01.799 in their 00:41:01.799 --> 00:41:02.320 appearance 00:41:02.320 --> 00:41:02.619 or what 00:41:02.619 --> 00:41:03.239 anybody else 00:41:03.239 --> 00:41:03.719 tells you 00:41:03.719 --> 00:41:04.039 but it's 00:41:04.039 --> 00:41:04.420 found in 00:41:04.420 --> 00:41:04.739 what the 00:41:04.739 --> 00:41:05.039 son of 00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:05.380 God 00:41:05.380 --> 00:41:06.039 the son 00:41:06.039 --> 00:41:06.559 of man 00:41:06.559 --> 00:41:06.980 has done 00:41:06.980 --> 00:41:07.380 for you 00:41:07.380 --> 00:41:07.639 that you 00:41:07.639 --> 00:41:08.139 are loved 00:41:08.139 --> 00:41:08.779 that you 00:41:08.779 --> 00:41:09.900 are saved 00:41:09.900 --> 00:41:10.219 that you 00:41:10.219 --> 00:41:10.840 are forgiven 00:41:10.840 --> 00:41:11.340 that you 00:41:11.340 --> 00:41:13.659 are secure 00:41:13.659 --> 00:41:14.440 that you 00:41:14.440 --> 00:41:15.039 belong 00:41:15.039 --> 00:41:17.920 that the 00:41:17.920 --> 00:41:18.259 risen 00:41:18.259 --> 00:41:18.759 crushed 00:41:18.759 --> 00:41:19.159 ascended 00:41:19.159 --> 00:41:19.619 Christ 00:41:19.619 --> 00:41:20.019 has done 00:41:20.019 --> 00:41:20.360 everything 00:41:20.360 --> 00:41:20.739 so that 00:41:20.739 --> 00:41:21.059 you can 00:41:21.059 --> 00:41:21.639 be his 00:41:21.639 --> 00:41:22.420 and his 00:41:22.420 --> 00:41:22.860 love will 00:41:22.860 --> 00:41:23.239 never be 00:41:23.239 --> 00:41:24.039 taken away 00:41:24.039 --> 00:41:25.840 that he 00:41:25.840 --> 00:41:26.639 says to us 00:41:26.639 --> 00:41:27.360 do not fear 00:41:27.360 --> 00:41:28.039 little flock 00:41:28.039 --> 00:41:28.679 because he's 00:41:28.679 --> 00:41:29.360 been pleased 00:41:29.360 --> 00:41:29.800 to give you 00:41:29.800 --> 00:41:30.320 the kingdom 00:41:30.320 --> 00:41:30.719 do you know 00:41:30.719 --> 00:41:31.000 what it 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:31.320 meant 00:41:31.320 --> 00:41:31.940 for them 00:41:31.940 --> 00:41:33.739 they still 00:41:33.739 --> 00:41:34.219 wrestled 00:41:34.219 --> 00:41:34.679 and battled 00:41:34.679 --> 00:41:35.139 whenever they 00:41:35.139 --> 00:41:35.679 met family 00:41:35.679 --> 00:41:36.159 members 00:41:36.159 --> 00:41:37.800 but they 00:41:37.800 --> 00:41:38.320 had this 00:41:38.320 --> 00:41:38.759 new 00:41:38.759 --> 00:41:39.779 courage 00:41:39.779 --> 00:41:40.519 and confidence 00:41:40.519 --> 00:41:41.079 to not let 00:41:41.079 --> 00:41:41.500 it crush 00:41:41.500 --> 00:41:41.779 them 00:41:41.779 --> 00:41:43.400 because Jesus 00:41:43.400 --> 00:41:44.199 became bigger 00:41:44.199 --> 00:41:44.539 in their 00:41:44.539 --> 00:41:45.219 windscreen 00:41:45.219 --> 00:41:45.699 than any 00:41:45.699 --> 00:41:45.900 other 00:41:45.900 --> 00:41:46.400 beasts 00:41:46.400 --> 00:41:48.360 and they 00:41:48.360 --> 00:41:49.380 experienced 00:41:49.380 --> 00:41:50.480 the resurrection 00:41:50.480 --> 00:41:51.480 life of 00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:51.900 Jesus 00:41:51.900 --> 00:41:53.279 giving them 00:41:53.279 --> 00:41:53.639 a new 00:41:53.639 --> 00:41:54.300 confidence 00:41:54.300 --> 00:41:55.880 to walk 00:41:55.880 --> 00:41:56.320 into the 00:41:56.320 --> 00:41:56.599 world 00:41:56.599 --> 00:41:57.099 knowing 00:41:57.099 --> 00:41:58.000 that he 00:41:58.000 --> 00:41:58.360 is both 00:41:58.360 --> 00:41:58.779 the judge 00:41:58.779 --> 00:41:59.059 on the 00:41:59.059 --> 00:41:59.420 throne 00:41:59.420 --> 00:42:00.199 but he's 00:42:00.199 --> 00:42:00.759 also the 00:42:00.759 --> 00:42:01.039 savior 00:42:01.039 --> 00:42:01.340 who's 00:42:01.340 --> 00:42:01.900 with us 00:42:01.900 --> 00:42:02.480 and the 00:42:02.480 --> 00:42:02.800 one 00:42:02.800 --> 00:42:03.420 who's 00:42:03.420 --> 00:42:03.739 risen 00:42:03.739 --> 00:42:04.159 from the 00:42:04.159 --> 00:42:04.659 grave 00:42:04.659 --> 00:42:06.539 that 00:42:06.539 --> 00:42:07.579 is what 00:42:07.579 --> 00:42:07.960 Daniel 00:42:07.960 --> 00:42:08.619 is about 00:42:08.619 --> 00:42:12.719 I'm going 00:42:12.719 --> 00:42:13.099 to stop 00:42:13.099 --> 00:42:13.480 here 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:15.179 but I 00:42:15.179 --> 00:42:15.320 don't 00:42:15.320 --> 00:42:15.599 know 00:42:15.599 --> 00:42:16.139 if you 00:42:16.139 --> 00:42:16.440 realize 00:42:16.440 --> 00:42:16.780 this 00:42:16.780 --> 00:42:17.340 but actually 00:42:17.340 --> 00:42:17.920 Daniel 00:42:17.920 --> 00:42:18.659 12 00:42:18.659 --> 00:42:19.059 which we're 00:42:19.059 --> 00:42:19.320 not going 00:42:19.320 --> 00:42:19.619 to talk 00:42:19.619 --> 00:42:19.940 about 00:42:19.940 --> 00:42:23.199 it ends 00:42:23.199 --> 00:42:23.440 with 00:42:23.440 --> 00:42:24.000 resurrection 00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:26.260 let me 00:42:26.260 --> 00:42:26.679 just read 00:42:26.679 --> 00:42:27.059 this to 00:42:27.059 --> 00:42:27.420 you 00:42:27.420 --> 00:42:29.720 and many 00:42:29.720 --> 00:42:30.320 who sleep 00:42:30.320 --> 00:42:30.579 in the 00:42:30.579 --> 00:42:30.940 dust 00:42:30.940 --> 00:42:31.240 of the 00:42:31.240 --> 00:42:31.599 earth 00:42:31.599 --> 00:42:32.420 shall 00:42:32.420 --> 00:42:32.940 awake 00:42:32.940 --> 00:42:34.039 some 00:42:34.039 --> 00:42:34.240 to 00:42:34.240 --> 00:42:34.900 everlasting 00:42:34.900 --> 00:42:35.420 life 00:42:35.420 --> 00:42:35.860 and some 00:42:35.860 --> 00:42:36.360 to shame 00:42:36.360 --> 00:42:36.900 and everlasting 00:42:36.900 --> 00:42:37.519 contempt 00:42:37.519 --> 00:42:38.019 that's about 00:42:38.019 --> 00:42:38.659 which kingdom 00:42:38.659 --> 00:42:39.519 you're going to 00:42:39.519 --> 00:42:40.200 be part of 00:42:40.199 --> 00:42:44.779 and those who are wise who choose to submit to the son of man 00:42:44.779 --> 00:42:48.859 shall shine like the brightness of the sky above 00:42:48.859 --> 00:42:51.719 and those who turn many to righteousness 00:42:51.719 --> 00:42:54.879 like the stars forever. 00:42:56.379 --> 00:43:00.579 That's the promise of everyone who puts their trust 00:43:00.579 --> 00:43:02.759 and who is in the son of man 00:43:02.759 --> 00:43:05.879 and refuses to submit to the beast. 00:43:05.880 --> 00:43:12.780 I want us to just close by thinking 00:43:12.780 --> 00:43:15.700 how are you going to respond right now, right today? 00:43:18.180 --> 00:43:19.840 Where's the beast in your life? 00:43:20.440 --> 00:43:22.680 Where's the things where you feel intimidated and afraid? 00:43:24.760 --> 00:43:26.240 Where are the areas where, 00:43:26.400 --> 00:43:29.519 how big is Jesus in your windscreen right now? 00:43:32.180 --> 00:43:34.800 And I have on the screen just three ways 00:43:34.800 --> 00:43:36.700 that actually you can respond in this moment. 00:43:36.820 --> 00:43:38.660 We're going to take communion in a few minutes. 00:43:39.039 --> 00:43:41.580 But I want you to respond in one of three ways. 00:43:44.380 --> 00:43:48.360 Sometimes some of you may just have to praise God 00:43:48.360 --> 00:43:50.420 and thank him that he truly is on the throne. 00:43:50.860 --> 00:43:51.920 When you look at the news, 00:43:52.060 --> 00:43:53.620 when you look at the things that are going on, 00:43:53.980 --> 00:43:56.820 you realize you can praise and thank him. 00:43:57.780 --> 00:44:01.220 That we don't have to stand in fear. 00:44:01.219 --> 00:44:04.939 Some of us have to actually repent and confess 00:44:04.939 --> 00:44:08.699 because there are areas where maybe we have actually, 00:44:09.139 --> 00:44:11.119 we don't realize the beastliness in us 00:44:11.119 --> 00:44:15.779 or we've actually lived under that intimidation and fear 00:44:15.779 --> 00:44:16.899 and we've just given in 00:44:16.899 --> 00:44:20.879 because we fail to see who Jesus truly is in our life. 00:44:22.299 --> 00:44:24.099 Some of us, God is calling you, 00:44:24.179 --> 00:44:27.279 you're in situations where you know God is calling you to respond 00:44:27.280 --> 00:44:29.720 and you're struggling to trust him 00:44:29.720 --> 00:44:31.120 because you feel afraid. 00:44:32.580 --> 00:44:34.280 And God is going to call you right now 00:44:34.280 --> 00:44:37.420 to respond in obedience and trust. 00:44:38.519 --> 00:44:41.660 So I want you just to take a minute by yourself 00:44:41.660 --> 00:44:42.860 and just to respond, 00:44:42.940 --> 00:44:46.400 which of those three ways is God calling you to respond right now? 00:44:46.400 --> 00:45:16.380 God bless you.