WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.800 Reading from Psalm 84, page 493 on the church Bibles, which you can get the back if you would like a hard copy. 00:00:11.060 --> 00:00:13.740 It's also in the bulletin and on the screens. 00:00:13.740 --> 00:00:17.679 So Psalm 84 and from verse 1. 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:22.640 To the choir master according to the gitteth, a psalm of the songs of Korah. 00:00:22.980 --> 00:00:26.019 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts. 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:29.699 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord. 00:00:29.699 --> 00:00:33.039 My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. 00:00:33.640 --> 00:00:38.539 Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young. 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:42.460 At your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 00:00:42.759 --> 00:00:46.679 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise, Selah. 00:00:47.439 --> 00:00:52.539 Blessed are those whose strength is in you and whose heart are the highways to Zion. 00:00:53.100 --> 00:00:56.879 As they go through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs. 00:00:57.140 --> 00:00:59.239 The early rain also covers it with pools. 00:00:59.700 --> 00:01:01.220 They go from strength to strength. 00:01:01.220 --> 00:01:03.340 Each one appears before God in Zion. 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:06.359 O Lord, God of hosts, hear my prayer. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:08.600 Give ear, O God of Jacob, Selah. 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:10.879 Behold our shield, O God. 00:01:11.040 --> 00:01:12.859 Look on the face of your anointed. 00:01:13.379 --> 00:01:16.180 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. 00:01:16.520 --> 00:01:21.560 I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:24.519 For the Lord God is a sun and shield. 00:01:24.939 --> 00:01:27.000 The Lord bestows favor and honor. 00:01:27.480 --> 00:01:30.420 No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 00:01:30.659 --> 00:01:34.740 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:37.359 This is God's word. 00:01:37.359 --> 00:01:43.760 Well, if you've got a Bible, we turn, please, with me to Psalm 84. 00:01:44.680 --> 00:01:49.159 And that reading is also printed, I think, on the order of service. 00:01:49.159 --> 00:02:00.079 In his book, Counterfeit Gods, the American preacher, late Tim Keller, asks and answers the question, 00:02:00.259 --> 00:02:01.200 what is an idol? 00:02:02.560 --> 00:02:06.739 He says, an idol is whatever you look at and say in your heart of hearts. 00:02:06.739 --> 00:02:11.780 If I have that, then I'll feel my life has meaning. 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:14.439 Then I'll know I have value. 00:02:15.079 --> 00:02:17.900 Then I'll feel significant and secure. 00:02:19.299 --> 00:02:25.620 He goes on to say this, there are many ways to describe that kind of relationship to something. 00:02:26.359 --> 00:02:29.699 But perhaps the best one is worship. 00:02:30.979 --> 00:02:34.859 And that really is the subject matter of our psalm tonight. 00:02:34.860 --> 00:02:42.240 Psalm 84 speaks to us of what it means to be a worshiper of the God of the Bible. 00:02:43.380 --> 00:02:49.700 In true worship, our affections, our desires are placed, as it were, upon God. 00:02:50.580 --> 00:02:57.920 In genuine worship, we are weaned away from our idols and drawn away from them by the sight of something 00:02:57.920 --> 00:03:04.120 far better and far more wonderful, namely the triune God Himself. 00:03:04.860 --> 00:03:11.720 True worship engages our whole personalities, our mind, our will, and emotions. 00:03:12.980 --> 00:03:20.560 True worship means treasuring God and desiring Him to be at the very center of our lives. 00:03:20.560 --> 00:03:31.039 So, let me ask you, and as I ask myself this evening, who or what are we really worshiping? 00:03:31.680 --> 00:03:35.199 Who or what gives your life meaning and significance? 00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:40.360 Who or what are we really treasuring in our hearts? 00:03:40.360 --> 00:03:48.300 Who or what are we really investing our lives in? 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:54.740 Spurgeon called this psalm, Psalm 84, the peril of the psalms. 00:03:54.800 --> 00:04:01.660 So, let's look more closely at this famous peril and see what it has to say to us on this whole subject of worship. 00:04:01.659 --> 00:04:12.579 You'll notice that the psalm has a superscription to the choir master, according to the gitteth, a psalm of the sons of Korah. 00:04:13.579 --> 00:04:22.480 Well, the gitteth, well, some believe that to be, have been a, I think in the ESV it says, probably a musical or liturgical term. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:24.620 But nobody really knows. 00:04:24.960 --> 00:04:29.400 Some believe it to be a kind of string instrument, maybe something like a zither. 00:04:29.939 --> 00:04:33.000 Some suggest that it was an early form of the guitar. 00:04:33.780 --> 00:04:35.720 That's maybe going a little too far, I think. 00:04:35.819 --> 00:04:41.300 But anyway, the title of the psalm, you'll notice there is a psalm of the sons of Korah. 00:04:42.280 --> 00:04:45.720 Eleven of the psalms are attributed to the sons of Korah. 00:04:46.340 --> 00:04:47.860 Who were the sons of Korah? 00:04:47.939 --> 00:04:48.780 That's the big question. 00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:51.520 Well, we read of Korah back in the book of Numbers. 00:04:51.519 --> 00:04:57.839 He was one of a group of men who led a rebellion or an uprising against Moses and Aaron. 00:04:58.699 --> 00:05:01.399 Korah and his comrades were judged by God. 00:05:01.839 --> 00:05:06.459 They were swallowed up by a great earthquake, and you can read about that in Numbers 16. 00:05:07.359 --> 00:05:10.359 His descendants, the sons of Korah, were spared. 00:05:11.339 --> 00:05:18.019 And in time they became doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle and then the temple. 00:05:18.019 --> 00:05:22.279 In 1 Chronicles 9 verse 19, we read this, 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:28.819 Shalom the son of Korah, son of Ebi Asaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his father's house, 00:05:29.079 --> 00:05:34.419 the Korahites were in charge of the work of the service, keeper of the thresholds of the tent, 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:40.079 as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance. 00:05:40.079 --> 00:05:48.300 During the time of David, sons of Korah became great leaders in the music and the tabernacle. 00:05:48.459 --> 00:05:55.219 They played an important role in the thanksgiving services and events surrounding the Ark of the 00:05:55.219 --> 00:05:57.299 Covenant as it was brought to Jerusalem. 00:05:58.219 --> 00:06:03.319 So, the sons of Korah were amongst those directly involved in temple worship and praise. 00:06:03.579 --> 00:06:08.199 Here was a group of people who knew something of what it meant to worship the living God. 00:06:08.199 --> 00:06:13.899 And so, what do the sons of Korah here have to teach us about worship? 00:06:15.039 --> 00:06:19.539 You'll notice that the psalm really splits, I think, into three major stanzas, 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:23.899 and each one of these contains a benediction or a blessing. 00:06:24.959 --> 00:06:29.639 Blessed, verse 4, are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise. 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:34.319 And then in verse 5, blessed are those whose strength is in you, 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:37.379 in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 00:06:38.379 --> 00:06:44.759 And then in verse 12, O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you. 00:06:45.159 --> 00:06:51.980 Here is a kind of threefold blessing of God that rests upon a people of true worship. 00:06:52.819 --> 00:06:56.600 It's a psalm designed, I think, to move us away from our idols, 00:06:56.879 --> 00:06:59.860 to get us to set our hearts upon the Lord, 00:06:59.860 --> 00:07:06.040 a song that endeavors to pull our affections from ourselves and from the things of this world, 00:07:06.780 --> 00:07:10.480 and to rest them firmly upon the God of the Bible. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:15.660 So, what did we learn here about the blessings of true worship? 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:17.780 Well, notice with me three things. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:22.420 And the first is this, in the first stanza, verses 1 through 4, 00:07:22.420 --> 00:07:27.680 true worship is hungry for God's presence. 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:31.379 True worship is hungry for God's presence. 00:07:31.960 --> 00:07:37.319 Notice how the psalm begins with a declaration, really an expression of desire. 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:41.220 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts. 00:07:41.660 --> 00:07:45.280 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord. 00:07:45.280 --> 00:07:49.840 My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. 00:07:49.839 --> 00:07:58.119 And Psalm 84 is a psalm that has at its heart and center this experience of longing and desire, 00:07:58.379 --> 00:08:03.299 that place of meeting with God in the Old Testament, the tabernacle, then the temple. 00:08:04.159 --> 00:08:09.379 And it was here, above all places, that the living God was to be enjoyed by His people. 00:08:10.239 --> 00:08:13.779 And you'll notice it is the living God, not the visible sanctuary, 00:08:13.779 --> 00:08:16.519 that is the object of the psalmist's desire. 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:21.740 There is here a hunger for God and for God's presence. 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:25.459 The picture almost is one of exile or separation. 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:28.319 The psalmist is far from the courts of the Lord. 00:08:28.599 --> 00:08:30.799 He is cut off from the place of God's presence. 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:32.639 He is longing to be back there. 00:08:32.879 --> 00:08:36.079 He's longing to delight once more in his God. 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:48.120 He recognizes what's truly valuable is the worship of God, gathering with the people of God in the place that God has set apart for Himself. 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:51.080 How lovely are your courts. 00:08:51.540 --> 00:08:56.600 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord. 00:08:56.860 --> 00:08:58.120 That's the language, isn't it? 00:08:58.280 --> 00:09:00.480 Hunger, thirst, desire. 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:02.280 He's yearning for worship. 00:09:02.279 --> 00:09:09.100 He's yearning for God and to meet with Him in the place where He has chosen to reveal Himself. 00:09:10.439 --> 00:09:14.240 And the psalmist reveals here his spiritual appetite for God. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:16.079 He has a heart for God. 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:20.179 He longs to delight in God's perfection and beauties. 00:09:20.259 --> 00:09:21.379 He has a thirst for God. 00:09:21.559 --> 00:09:22.539 He wants to know God. 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:23.779 He wants to enjoy God. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:25.059 Nothing else will do. 00:09:25.319 --> 00:09:26.720 There can be no substitute. 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:30.279 And friends, that's what worship is about, isn't it? 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:36.000 In a very real sense, worship is the driving force of all that we do. 00:09:37.679 --> 00:09:38.620 Augustine writes, 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:43.279 Train yourself until you have a capacity for God. 00:09:43.779 --> 00:09:48.779 Long and long for what you will possess forever. 00:09:50.500 --> 00:09:54.179 What do you yearn for or long for? 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:55.139 What do we desire? 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:57.379 What's at the center of our affections? 00:09:57.379 --> 00:10:02.779 The psalmist doesn't say, how lovely is my home or my comfort or my financial security. 00:10:03.720 --> 00:10:06.939 How lovely is my career or my family or my peace. 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:11.899 He says, how lovely are your courts, your dwelling place, O Lord. 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:19.120 The story is told of Ebenezer Erskine, an 18th century Scottish minister. 00:10:19.820 --> 00:10:21.980 I think he was the founder of the First Secession Church. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:24.440 And in his day, he was a great preacher. 00:10:24.620 --> 00:10:26.000 He attracted huge crowds. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:29.700 And on one occasion, I think it was at a communion season, 00:10:30.580 --> 00:10:34.159 a woman heard him preach, and she was deeply moved. 00:10:34.940 --> 00:10:39.139 And so she decided she would go and hear him again the very next Sunday. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:40.659 So off she went. 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:44.320 She went to the service and she listened to Erskine. 00:10:44.800 --> 00:10:46.700 But she wasn't moved in the same way. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:49.639 Really, nothing happened to her. 00:10:49.639 --> 00:10:51.100 She wasn't stirred in any way. 00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:54.259 She was left feeling very flat and empty. 00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:59.220 And she went to Erskine afterwards and asked him why this was the case. 00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:04.439 He said to her, last Sabbath, you went to hear Jesus Christ. 00:11:05.399 --> 00:11:08.679 Today, you came to hear Ebenezer Erskine. 00:11:10.819 --> 00:11:12.340 Who are we longing for? 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:13.960 Who are we listening for? 00:11:14.039 --> 00:11:15.500 Whose voice are we listening for? 00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:19.059 Do we have an appetite for God himself? 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:21.659 Are we hungry for the Lord's presence? 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:25.539 Is this what draws us to worship Sunday by Sunday? 00:11:26.559 --> 00:11:29.240 Fellowship and intimacy with Jesus Christ. 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:32.299 Do we long for that assurance of his pardon? 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:34.699 To be clothed in his righteousness. 00:11:34.939 --> 00:11:37.120 Are we hungry for Jesus Christ? 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:40.600 Even the sparrow finds a home. 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:45.220 And to swallow a nest for her self where she may lay her young. 00:11:45.420 --> 00:11:49.360 At your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:54.600 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise. 00:11:54.600 --> 00:12:01.980 It's as if the psalmist remembers the little birds nesting in the temple courts and precincts. 00:12:02.040 --> 00:12:05.040 And how they didn't have to leave the presence of God. 00:12:05.200 --> 00:12:07.920 And it stirs him up to a kind of holy envy. 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:12.500 He wants to be one of those little birds nesting near the altars of God. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:15.500 Those little creatures can be there all the time. 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:16.820 They don't need to leave. 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:20.200 How wonderful, he says, it would be to be like them. 00:12:20.300 --> 00:12:23.000 To live and abide in the very courts of the Lord. 00:12:23.540 --> 00:12:28.440 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise. 00:12:31.080 --> 00:12:36.260 The sparrow and swallow can remain near the altars. 00:12:37.400 --> 00:12:39.920 The place of sacrifice, blood, atonement. 00:12:40.560 --> 00:12:44.880 And that place has always been central to biblical worship. 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:49.720 And the altar reminds us, of course, that we're all sinners. 00:12:50.759 --> 00:12:55.019 We think of Korah, the usurper and rebel judged by God for his sin. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:13:01.000 We can see here that his sons, his descendants, lived on to serve and worship Yahweh. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:07.340 Though they came from a line of rebels, yet they received forgiveness and grace. 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:10.340 And were brought to the place of praise and worship. 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:12.779 And friends, that's true for all believers. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:15.240 We, too, are rebels. 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:19.220 And there's a sense we're all sons and daughters of Korah. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:22.000 And that's why the altar is important. 00:13:23.259 --> 00:13:24.600 The writer to the Hebrews says, 00:13:24.720 --> 00:13:28.899 We have an altar from which those at the tabernacle have no right to eat. 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:30.879 Hebrews 13.10. 00:13:30.939 --> 00:13:36.480 In other words, as Christians, we have an altar far superior to that of Israel's ancient temple. 00:13:36.480 --> 00:13:40.740 Our altar, in one sense, is the cross of Calvary. 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:44.060 From that altar flows the blood of the eternal covenant. 00:13:44.360 --> 00:13:47.680 And from it flows forgiveness of sin and peace with God. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:53.379 There at the altar of the cross, we find all our guilty stains removed. 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:57.740 And that is why the cross always lies at the very heart of Christian worship. 00:13:57.740 --> 00:14:05.279 Because it's at the cross, we who were once far away, are brought near. 00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:10.539 It's at the cross that rebels are forgiven and restored. 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:16.360 It's through the cross that we're enabled to come to know God as our Father. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:24.680 It's through the cross we're able to come to know Him in a personal and intimate way. 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:34.120 And it's that intimate knowledge of God as our Heavenly Father that surely brings worship alive. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:42.399 For true worship is hungry for God and hungry for God's presence. 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:53.659 Secondly, true worship is here strengthened by God's power in the second stanza, verses 5 through 9. 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:58.919 The language of these next verses is that of journey and pilgrimage. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:02.819 The path of faith is not always an easy one. 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:05.039 It can be tiring. 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:07.579 It can bring weariness and fatigue. 00:15:07.580 --> 00:15:11.259 And in such circumstances, what is required? 00:15:11.420 --> 00:15:11.900 Strength. 00:15:12.540 --> 00:15:15.639 And that, I think, is what the psalmist is speaking about here. 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:16.920 He's talking about strength. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:21.020 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:24.360 in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:28.360 As they go through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:30.900 The early rain covers it with pools. 00:15:31.300 --> 00:15:34.440 They go from strength to strength. 00:15:34.440 --> 00:15:37.340 Each one appears before God in Zion. 00:15:38.520 --> 00:15:43.139 Here are those making their way to Zion to determine to reach the temple, 00:15:43.400 --> 00:15:45.639 to make it to the courts of the Lord. 00:15:45.800 --> 00:15:47.460 And their strength is in God. 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.700 And they're blessed. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:53.000 Indeed, as they travel, they go from strength to strength. 00:15:54.540 --> 00:15:58.180 And you'll notice that the highway the psalmist mentions here 00:15:58.180 --> 00:16:02.180 is not so much a physical road or path, 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:05.440 but rather it is a matter of the heart. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:08.560 Indeed, it is a highway of the heart. 00:16:09.540 --> 00:16:14.960 This pilgrimage is a journey of the heart before it is anything else. 00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:22.500 Let me ask you tonight, in what direction are the highways of your heart running? 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:27.880 Are they running towards God, or are they running away from Him? 00:16:27.879 --> 00:16:29.799 Where is your life going? 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:36.080 Does your existence have any significance beyond the horizons of this earthly life? 00:16:37.279 --> 00:16:42.139 Some years ago, now I received a letter from a friend in the United States. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:47.080 He told me in this letter of a lady who had phoned him from England, 00:16:47.439 --> 00:16:49.700 asking if he could go and speak to her brother, 00:16:50.059 --> 00:16:52.519 who was a successful eye surgeon. 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:54.960 I'll read what he wrote. 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:55.679 He said this. 00:16:56.840 --> 00:17:01.960 She explained that he was recently discovered with an extensive malignancy in his liver 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:05.079 and was on his way from London to Houston for treatment. 00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:11.299 I agreed to visit and took a New Testament and went to his temporary U.S. residence. 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:15.539 As I knocked and entered the apartment, he was clearly distraught, 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:18.339 demoralized by his terminal illness. 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:21.259 He broke down and began to cry. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:25.480 I sat next to him, put my arm around him, and asked if I could pray. 00:17:26.959 --> 00:17:30.099 He'd spent the best years of his life working and saving, 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:33.240 and at the very pinnacle of his career, 00:17:33.959 --> 00:17:37.459 when he was preparing to begin to enjoy the fruits of his labor, 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:41.859 the shocking discovery of cancer had ruined all his plans. 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:44.839 I found it so difficult to comfort him. 00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:50.319 His mind was absorbed in the thought of the deceitfulness of the world, 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:54.879 which had played a prank of fate upon him. 00:17:56.939 --> 00:18:00.959 Wise are those who beat the world at its own deceptive game. 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:03.559 They give rather than grab. 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:06.299 They lay down rather than take up. 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:08.899 They do not believe its lies, 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:14.699 and are not led astray by its allurement of mirage upon mirage. 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:20.980 Blessed are those who act before they are robbed of all they have. 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:24.659 They invest what they can while they can, 00:18:24.959 --> 00:18:26.599 where no thief can reach, 00:18:27.419 --> 00:18:30.740 especially the greatest of all bandits, death itself. 00:18:32.419 --> 00:18:34.240 This dear man was caught off guard 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:37.919 because he had not prepared for the inevitable. 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:41.659 Beside comforting him, feeling sad for him, 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:43.340 and there was very little I could do 00:18:43.340 --> 00:18:45.640 other than earnestly plead with him 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:47.640 in this trying hour of his life 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:49.160 while there was still time 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:51.320 to flee into the arms of God. 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:54.920 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:58.259 Call upon him while he is near. 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:01.940 It's a critical question. 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:07.480 In what direction is the highway of your heart running tonight? 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:12.980 Is it running into a cul-de-sac of self-regard, 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:16.160 a dead end of selfish futility, 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:20.860 or does it have a highway leading away from self 00:19:20.860 --> 00:19:23.720 towards God and in service of others? 00:19:23.720 --> 00:19:27.600 Does it have in view that city with foundations 00:19:27.600 --> 00:19:31.000 whose architect and builder is God? 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:35.940 Yes, of course, this journey of faith 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:39.059 is not without its difficulties and risks. 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:42.039 You'll notice that the psalmist speaks here 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:43.640 about the valley of Baca. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:48.120 We don't really know where or what the valley of Baca was. 00:19:48.119 --> 00:19:50.539 The contrast here suggests 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:52.939 it may have been a place without water, 00:19:53.479 --> 00:19:55.259 dry, arid, inhospitable. 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.359 And because the word Baca 00:19:57.359 --> 00:20:00.159 sounds very similar to the Hebrew word for weeping, 00:20:00.739 --> 00:20:02.959 often commentators have understood this 00:20:02.959 --> 00:20:05.159 to be a valley of tears and a place of sorrow. 00:20:05.399 --> 00:20:07.739 And I don't actually think those two ideas 00:20:07.739 --> 00:20:08.759 are mutually exclusive. 00:20:10.459 --> 00:20:11.579 The valley of Baca 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:14.339 was a difficult place to travel through. 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.539 And yet even here, 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:19.099 God sustains His pilgrim people. 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:23.460 He makes them springs to flow in the desert. 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:26.359 He provides pools of refreshing water, 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.980 even in this dry place. 00:20:28.399 --> 00:20:31.480 He gives strength in a place of weakness. 00:20:32.519 --> 00:20:34.420 Because God's pilgrim people 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:36.879 will not be beaten down or overcome. 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:40.839 Remember, this is the way in the New Testament 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:43.980 that Peter describes his fellow Christians 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:45.079 in his first letter, 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:47.380 sojourners, exiles, aliens, 00:20:47.620 --> 00:20:49.839 strangers, pilgrims in this world, 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:52.059 citizens of another realm, 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.019 another kingdom. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:57.740 God will not fail His people. 00:20:58.299 --> 00:21:01.539 He will not let His pilgrim people down. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:04.380 He will give them the strength that they need. 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:06.400 He will not let them falter. 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:09.140 He who began a good work 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:11.220 will be faithful to complete it. 00:21:12.840 --> 00:21:13.960 For here is the thing, 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:16.120 even the valley of tears 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:19.380 can be a place of blessing and strength. 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:21.180 Even here, 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:25.480 we discover that God strengthens His people. 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.320 Remember Isaiah's words, 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:29.220 have you not known? 00:21:29.879 --> 00:21:30.899 Have you not heard? 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:33.639 The Lord is the everlasting God, 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:36.539 the Creator of the ends of the earth. 00:21:37.399 --> 00:21:39.939 He does not faint or grow weary. 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:42.899 His understanding is unsearchable. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:45.279 He gives power to the faint, 00:21:45.379 --> 00:21:47.460 and to him who has no might, 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:48.759 He increases strength. 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:52.220 Even youths shall faint and be weary. 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:54.299 Young men shall fall exhausted. 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:57.099 But they who wait for the Lord 00:21:57.099 --> 00:21:59.019 shall renew their strength, 00:21:59.279 --> 00:22:02.059 and they shall mount up with wings like eagles. 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:04.500 They shall run and not be weary. 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:08.079 They shall walk and not faint. 00:22:09.819 --> 00:22:11.740 Where does the strength come from 00:22:11.740 --> 00:22:15.039 to deal with all that life may throw at us 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:18.159 in those difficult circumstances? 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:19.539 Maybe at our work, 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:21.819 perhaps in our family, 00:22:22.659 --> 00:22:23.720 perhaps with our health, 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:26.579 perhaps as we watch the news 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:29.299 and we see the culture around us 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:31.639 falling apart sometimes. 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:34.279 Where does our strength come from 00:22:34.279 --> 00:22:36.460 to endure such times? 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.839 It comes from Yahweh. 00:22:38.919 --> 00:22:39.879 It comes from the Lord. 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.579 It doesn't come from us. 00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:44.680 It doesn't find its origin in us. 00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:46.980 Our strength is in Him. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:49.079 Here is the living God 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:49.919 who meets us 00:22:49.919 --> 00:22:51.980 in all our weariness and fatigue 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:54.240 and who gently bears us up. 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:57.019 The hymn writer says, 00:22:57.460 --> 00:23:00.559 Father like He tends and spares us. 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:04.279 Well our feeble frame He knows. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:09.599 Very often Christians are fearful of the future. 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:12.419 Sometimes we're afraid 00:23:12.419 --> 00:23:13.680 we won't have the strength 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:16.619 to endure trials and difficulties. 00:23:16.619 --> 00:23:20.739 C.S. Lewis once corresponded with a woman 00:23:20.739 --> 00:23:23.179 whose problem was precisely that. 00:23:23.259 --> 00:23:24.359 He wrote to her these words, 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:27.679 Remember, one is given strength 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:29.579 to bear what happens, 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:32.759 not the 101 different things 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:34.639 that might happen. 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:40.020 How do we draw strength from our God? 00:23:41.100 --> 00:23:43.060 We gather strength by leaning on Him, 00:23:43.320 --> 00:23:44.380 by trusting Him. 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:46.160 Think of those beautiful words 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:47.140 of Proverbs 3, 00:23:47.800 --> 00:23:49.560 Trust the Lord with all your heart, 00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:51.580 lean not on your own understanding, 00:23:51.800 --> 00:23:53.540 in all your ways acknowledge Him, 00:23:53.580 --> 00:23:55.500 and He will make your path straight. 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:58.619 That's those who find their strength 00:23:58.619 --> 00:23:59.660 in Yahweh. 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.819 They turn to the Lord 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:03.740 in prayerful dependence. 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.599 O Lord of hosts, 00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:06.980 verse 8, 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:08.079 Hear my prayer. 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.980 Give ear, O God of Jacob. 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:12.440 Behold our shield, O God. 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:14.559 Look on the face of your anointed. 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:18.500 Turns to the Lord in prayer. 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:20.220 Asks that He might be heard. 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.839 He looks to the God of Jacob, 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:23.960 the shield and defender of His people. 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:27.360 And He asks that God might look upon 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:29.400 the face of His anointed. 00:24:30.100 --> 00:24:31.680 That is most likely a reference 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.819 to the King. 00:24:33.900 --> 00:24:35.200 And it appears in some way 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:36.259 that the psalmist sees 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.420 His own destiny, 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.980 indeed the destiny of His people, 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:41.100 as being linked to the well-being 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:41.640 of the King. 00:24:42.460 --> 00:24:43.460 The Lord's anointed. 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:45.299 As with the King, 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.160 so with the people. 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:49.980 And that is no less true of us. 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:52.500 As with our King, 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.779 so it will be for us. 00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:56.079 Suffering and hardship 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:57.259 may well be our lot. 00:24:57.360 --> 00:24:58.539 We follow and worship 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.920 the servant King. 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:02.319 We worship a King who died 00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:03.559 and who rose again, 00:25:03.660 --> 00:25:05.779 and in whom we too will die 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:06.840 and rise again. 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:10.640 Our future is inextricably linked 00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:11.500 to Jesus, 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:12.559 the Lord's anointed, 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:13.900 the Christ of God. 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.680 As Christians, 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.860 we are joined to Him, 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:19.259 united to Him. 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.420 We are men and women 00:25:20.420 --> 00:25:21.359 in Christ. 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.319 Paul says, 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:24.559 I can do all things 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.900 through Christ 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:27.480 who strengthens me. 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.619 Jesus Christ 00:25:30.619 --> 00:25:32.140 is our great shield 00:25:32.140 --> 00:25:33.019 and King 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:34.779 through whom we have access 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:36.420 to the God of Jacob. 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:37.559 Remember, 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:37.960 Jacob, 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.700 that weak, 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:40.559 undeserving man 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.879 who wrestled with God 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:42.460 and prevailed. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.440 And thus, 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.240 the God of Jacob 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.460 is the God of the weak, 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:48.559 the God of weak 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.819 and undeserving people 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:51.339 who put their trust 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.200 in Him. 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:54.880 True worship, 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:57.200 hungry for God 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.660 and for God's presence. 00:25:58.660 --> 00:25:59.980 True worship 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:02.340 knows the strength 00:26:02.340 --> 00:26:03.880 that God alone 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.740 can give. 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:06.300 True worship 00:26:06.300 --> 00:26:07.060 is strengthened 00:26:07.060 --> 00:26:08.680 by God's power. 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:11.720 And then thirdly here, 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:13.420 in the third stanza, 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.259 true worship 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:16.700 is satisfied 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:18.220 in God's service. 00:26:19.800 --> 00:26:20.200 Now, 00:26:20.279 --> 00:26:21.080 we've noted already 00:26:21.080 --> 00:26:22.200 that amongst the duties 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.140 and responsibilities 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:24.519 of the sons of Korah 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:25.279 was their role 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:26.000 as doorkeepers 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:27.259 of the tabernacle 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:27.920 and temple, 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:29.019 responsible 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:30.980 opening the temple 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:31.740 in the morning 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:33.480 for the morning sacrifices, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:34.240 closing it 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.759 after evening sacrifice, 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:37.700 charged with protecting, 00:26:38.380 --> 00:26:39.600 monitoring the treasuries 00:26:39.600 --> 00:26:40.620 of the house of God, 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:41.820 assuring that the tithe 00:26:41.820 --> 00:26:43.120 and offering money 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:44.500 was properly accounted for. 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:46.000 They were servants 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.279 in God's house. 00:26:49.140 --> 00:26:50.880 For a day in your courts 00:26:50.880 --> 00:26:53.500 is better than a thousand elsewhere. 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:56.360 I'd rather be a doorkeeper 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:58.359 in the house of my God 00:26:58.359 --> 00:26:59.759 than dwell 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:00.919 in the tents 00:27:00.919 --> 00:27:02.240 of wickedness. 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:04.039 And again, 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:04.639 we see here 00:27:04.639 --> 00:27:05.240 the psalmist 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:07.000 repeating this desire 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:08.619 to be in the courts 00:27:08.619 --> 00:27:09.240 of the Lord 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:11.059 and to enjoy 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:12.939 serving the Lord there. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.740 A day spent 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.939 in the Lord's service 00:27:15.939 --> 00:27:17.779 better than a thousand 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:19.500 spent elsewhere. 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:22.219 Better a doorkeeper 00:27:22.219 --> 00:27:23.459 in the house of God 00:27:23.460 --> 00:27:24.900 than to live 00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:25.740 amongst the wicked. 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.440 Spurgeon writes, 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.559 the lowest station 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:30.819 in connection 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:32.039 with the Lord's house 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:33.620 is better 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:35.059 than the highest position 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.500 among the godless. 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.259 God's worst 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.640 is better 00:27:39.640 --> 00:27:41.279 than the devil's best. 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:44.259 Serving the Lord 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.319 is its own reward 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:47.419 because it's a joy 00:27:47.419 --> 00:27:48.559 to serve such a king. 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:50.139 To serve God 00:27:50.139 --> 00:27:51.000 is to enjoy 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.879 the highest pleasure. 00:27:54.159 --> 00:27:54.819 I've observed 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.559 over the years 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:55.859 that 00:27:55.859 --> 00:27:57.579 often the happiest 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:59.019 members of any church 00:27:59.019 --> 00:28:00.639 are those 00:28:00.639 --> 00:28:02.639 most active 00:28:02.639 --> 00:28:03.759 in service. 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:05.439 Paul says 00:28:05.439 --> 00:28:06.279 to the church in Rome, 00:28:06.399 --> 00:28:07.399 do not be slothful 00:28:07.399 --> 00:28:07.980 in zeal, 00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:09.000 be fervent 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:09.839 in spirit, 00:28:10.599 --> 00:28:11.159 serve 00:28:11.159 --> 00:28:12.460 the Lord. 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:15.039 Maybe that's a word 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:16.000 for someone tonight. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:18.319 What a privilege 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:19.180 and pleasure 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:19.860 it is 00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:20.960 to serve our God 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:22.059 and to bless 00:28:22.059 --> 00:28:22.660 His people. 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.360 Why on earth 00:28:24.360 --> 00:28:24.960 should we envy 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:25.380 the wicked? 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:28.180 Remember John Newton's words 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:28.720 with him, 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:30.079 solid joys 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:31.779 and lasting treasures 00:28:31.779 --> 00:28:33.200 none 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:34.559 but Zion's 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:35.100 children 00:28:35.100 --> 00:28:35.819 know. 00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.240 Our God 00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:39.160 holds nothing back 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:39.960 from His servants. 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:41.860 He lavishes 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.700 His love 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.400 and grace 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:44.519 upon us. 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:47.299 For the Lord God 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:47.920 is a sun 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:49.240 and a shield. 00:28:49.360 --> 00:28:49.940 Verse 11, 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:51.519 the Lord bestows 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:52.740 favor and honor. 00:28:53.140 --> 00:28:54.460 No good thing 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.640 does He withhold 00:28:55.640 --> 00:28:56.700 from those 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:57.759 who walk uprightly. 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.539 O Lord of hosts, 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.779 blessed is the one 00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:02.279 who trusts 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:03.000 in you. 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:05.779 He is our sun 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:06.360 and shield. 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:08.600 He is our highest 00:29:08.599 --> 00:29:09.019 joy, 00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:10.199 our greatest treasure. 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:12.079 One who is 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:13.119 altogether lovely, 00:29:14.399 --> 00:29:15.119 the radiant 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:16.419 Lord of glory, 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:18.639 beautiful beyond compare. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.939 Or as Moses say, 00:29:21.459 --> 00:29:22.240 who is like you, 00:29:22.339 --> 00:29:22.659 O Lord, 00:29:22.719 --> 00:29:23.459 among the gods? 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.319 Who is like you, 00:29:24.399 --> 00:29:25.539 majestic in holiness, 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:27.519 awesome in glorious deeds, 00:29:28.399 --> 00:29:29.379 doing wonders? 00:29:31.659 --> 00:29:32.139 Yes, 00:29:32.199 --> 00:29:33.019 the psalmist here 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:34.159 longs for the temple 00:29:34.159 --> 00:29:34.759 and the courts 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.379 of the Lord. 00:29:36.159 --> 00:29:36.740 And yes, 00:29:36.779 --> 00:29:37.039 of course, 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:38.259 that towering structure 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:39.119 is long gone. 00:29:40.399 --> 00:29:41.059 And in its place 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:41.859 stands a person, 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:44.240 the true meeting place 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.460 between God and man, 00:29:45.899 --> 00:29:46.659 Jesus Christ, 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:48.960 the one in whom 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:50.539 we become living stones 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:53.299 in His new spiritual temple, 00:29:53.680 --> 00:29:54.279 the church. 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:56.899 And friends, 00:29:56.980 --> 00:29:57.519 true worship 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:58.659 is, of course, 00:29:58.700 --> 00:29:59.399 at the heart 00:29:59.399 --> 00:30:01.519 of the Christian life 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:02.119 and at the heart 00:30:02.119 --> 00:30:02.980 of Christian living. 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:04.880 It's all about 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:06.500 knowing and enjoying 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:07.039 God 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:08.500 in Jesus Christ. 00:30:09.900 --> 00:30:10.980 Herman Bavinck writes, 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:13.120 God saves 00:30:13.120 --> 00:30:14.059 by causing 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:14.559 Himself 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.700 to be known 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:17.079 and enjoyed 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:18.620 in Christ. 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:23.700 Do you know 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:26.279 and are you enjoying 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:28.360 a relationship 00:30:28.360 --> 00:30:29.420 with Jesus Christ? 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:31.740 in the gospel, 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:32.800 in Christ, 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:34.120 God offers us 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:35.940 His very self. 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:38.360 Calvin writes, 00:30:38.440 --> 00:30:39.500 our whole salvation 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:40.560 and all its parts 00:30:40.560 --> 00:30:41.920 are comprehended 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:43.140 in Christ. 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:44.580 We should therefore 00:30:44.580 --> 00:30:45.320 take care 00:30:45.320 --> 00:30:46.480 not to derive 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:47.420 the least portion 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:47.800 of it 00:30:47.800 --> 00:30:49.420 from anywhere else. 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:51.920 Let us drink 00:30:51.920 --> 00:30:52.740 our fill 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:54.060 from this fountain 00:30:54.060 --> 00:30:55.519 and from 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.580 no other. 00:30:56.579 --> 00:31:00.599 20 years ago 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:00.919 now, 00:31:01.679 --> 00:31:02.419 the writer 00:31:02.419 --> 00:31:03.639 and post-modern 00:31:03.639 --> 00:31:04.179 novelist 00:31:04.179 --> 00:31:05.379 David Foster Wallace 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:06.659 gave a famous 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.619 speech to the 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:08.819 graduating class 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:10.559 at Kenyon College 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.079 in, I think, 00:31:11.139 --> 00:31:11.619 in Ohio. 00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:12.699 The speech 00:31:12.699 --> 00:31:13.159 was later 00:31:13.159 --> 00:31:13.679 published 00:31:13.679 --> 00:31:15.019 as a book 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.779 with the 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:16.899 intriguing title 00:31:16.899 --> 00:31:18.339 This is Water. 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:20.460 And in the book 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.339 he says this, 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.980 everybody worships. 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:26.120 The only choice 00:31:26.120 --> 00:31:26.620 we get 00:31:26.620 --> 00:31:27.640 is what to worship. 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:29.140 The compelling 00:31:29.140 --> 00:31:30.099 reason for maybe 00:31:30.099 --> 00:31:31.160 choosing some sort 00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:31.980 of God to worship 00:31:31.980 --> 00:31:33.539 is that pretty much 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:34.440 anything else 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.180 you worship 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:37.200 will eat you alive. 00:31:38.240 --> 00:31:39.279 If you worship 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:40.380 money and things, 00:31:40.960 --> 00:31:41.640 if they are where 00:31:41.640 --> 00:31:42.900 you tap real meaning 00:31:42.900 --> 00:31:43.460 in life, 00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:44.140 then you will 00:31:44.140 --> 00:31:45.000 never have enough. 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:46.940 Worship your own 00:31:46.940 --> 00:31:47.839 body and beauty 00:31:47.839 --> 00:31:49.640 and sexual allure 00:31:49.640 --> 00:31:50.819 and you will always 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:51.839 feel ugly. 00:31:51.839 --> 00:31:53.839 worship power 00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:54.299 and you will 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:54.899 end up feeling 00:31:54.899 --> 00:31:55.319 weak. 00:31:55.959 --> 00:31:56.480 Worship your 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:57.259 intellect being 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.179 seen as smart, 00:31:58.539 --> 00:31:59.059 you will end up 00:31:59.059 --> 00:31:59.679 feeling stupid. 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.139 A fraud 00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:02.299 always on the 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.399 verge of being 00:32:03.399 --> 00:32:04.119 found out. 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:06.859 Friends, 00:32:06.939 --> 00:32:07.879 we are so often 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:08.379 tempted, 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:09.139 are we not, 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:11.359 to drink from 00:32:11.359 --> 00:32:12.259 the broken 00:32:12.259 --> 00:32:13.159 cisterns of this 00:32:13.159 --> 00:32:13.539 world, 00:32:14.139 --> 00:32:15.839 to try and tap 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:16.699 meaning and 00:32:16.699 --> 00:32:17.500 purpose and 00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:19.259 satisfaction in 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:20.099 all manner of 00:32:20.099 --> 00:32:20.819 different places. 00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.679 in our work, 00:32:21.899 --> 00:32:22.839 in our career, 00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:24.139 our health and 00:32:24.139 --> 00:32:24.659 appearance, 00:32:24.939 --> 00:32:26.079 our qualifications, 00:32:26.439 --> 00:32:27.259 our academic 00:32:27.259 --> 00:32:27.919 achievements, 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:29.019 our family, 00:32:29.159 --> 00:32:30.099 our bank balance, 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.480 sexual excitement, 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.599 in our sense of 00:32:32.599 --> 00:32:33.099 self. 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:34.179 And of course, 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:34.859 it's not that these 00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:35.639 things are bad, 00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:37.099 but rather they 00:32:37.099 --> 00:32:38.539 simply cannot provide 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.759 the lasting 00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:41.139 satisfaction we 00:32:41.139 --> 00:32:41.639 crave. 00:32:42.899 --> 00:32:43.919 Such things will 00:32:43.919 --> 00:32:45.299 not quench our 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:45.799 thirst. 00:32:46.879 --> 00:32:47.659 They will not 00:32:47.659 --> 00:32:48.599 and they cannot 00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:49.439 satisfy. 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:52.680 There's an old 00:32:52.680 --> 00:32:53.380 hymn that we 00:32:53.380 --> 00:32:55.039 sometimes used 00:32:55.039 --> 00:32:55.519 to sing. 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:57.640 I tried the 00:32:57.640 --> 00:32:58.960 broken cisterns, 00:32:59.120 --> 00:32:59.400 Lord, 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:00.759 but ah, 00:33:00.820 --> 00:33:01.360 the waters 00:33:01.360 --> 00:33:01.880 failed. 00:33:02.759 --> 00:33:03.380 E'en as I 00:33:03.380 --> 00:33:04.299 stooped to drink, 00:33:04.400 --> 00:33:05.039 they fled, 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:06.480 and mocked me 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:07.600 as I wailed. 00:33:08.940 --> 00:33:10.140 Now none but 00:33:10.140 --> 00:33:11.539 Christ can satisfy. 00:33:12.580 --> 00:33:13.620 Now another name 00:33:13.620 --> 00:33:14.460 for me. 00:33:15.580 --> 00:33:16.400 There's love and 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:18.059 life and lasting 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:19.839 joy, Lord Jesus 00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:21.659 found in thee. 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:25.339 1714, Matthew 00:33:25.339 --> 00:33:27.619 Henry, a well-known 00:33:27.619 --> 00:33:29.460 Bible commentator, 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:30.299 was on his death 00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:30.579 bed. 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:32.879 He was 52. 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:34.779 He hadn't finished 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.519 this famous 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.440 commentary on the 00:33:36.440 --> 00:33:36.740 Bible. 00:33:36.859 --> 00:33:37.519 In fact, others 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.480 finished it from 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:39.000 his notes. 00:33:40.039 --> 00:33:40.639 He had endured 00:33:40.639 --> 00:33:41.339 the loss of his 00:33:41.339 --> 00:33:42.599 first wife, three 00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:43.099 of his nine 00:33:43.099 --> 00:33:43.519 children. 00:33:44.359 --> 00:33:44.799 He could have 00:33:44.799 --> 00:33:45.740 complained about a 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.539 tough life with 00:33:46.539 --> 00:33:47.420 many difficulties, 00:33:47.659 --> 00:33:48.579 many hardships. 00:33:50.139 --> 00:33:50.740 And this is what 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:51.299 he said to a 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:51.799 friend as he 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.559 approached death. 00:33:53.599 --> 00:33:54.299 You have been 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:55.059 used to take 00:33:55.059 --> 00:33:55.940 notice of the 00:33:55.940 --> 00:33:56.759 sayings of dying 00:33:56.759 --> 00:33:57.159 men. 00:33:57.799 --> 00:33:58.519 This is mine. 00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:01.019 That a life spent 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:02.119 in the service of 00:34:02.119 --> 00:34:04.119 God and communion 00:34:04.119 --> 00:34:06.299 with Him is the 00:34:06.299 --> 00:34:07.159 most comfortable 00:34:07.159 --> 00:34:08.519 and pleasant life 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:10.360 that one can live 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:11.159 in the present 00:34:11.159 --> 00:34:11.719 world. 00:34:11.719 --> 00:34:14.819 following and 00:34:14.819 --> 00:34:15.619 worshiping the 00:34:15.619 --> 00:34:17.379 Lord is the 00:34:17.379 --> 00:34:18.339 most blessed 00:34:18.339 --> 00:34:19.639 life possible. 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:22.519 It's a life of 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.399 true worship. 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:25.339 It's hungry for 00:34:25.339 --> 00:34:25.939 God and His 00:34:25.939 --> 00:34:26.599 presence. 00:34:26.980 --> 00:34:27.939 It's strengthened 00:34:27.939 --> 00:34:29.259 by God's power 00:34:29.259 --> 00:34:31.179 and that finds 00:34:31.179 --> 00:34:33.179 satisfaction in 00:34:33.179 --> 00:34:33.839 God's service. 00:34:35.459 --> 00:34:36.659 You can discover 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:37.659 that for yourself 00:34:37.659 --> 00:34:38.059 tonight. 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:40.840 throw aside the 00:34:40.840 --> 00:34:42.079 idols of self 00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:43.699 and through 00:34:43.699 --> 00:34:44.559 Jesus Christ 00:34:44.559 --> 00:34:45.519 come to know 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:47.519 God as He 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:48.159 really is. 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:49.019 Come to know 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:50.139 God as your 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.880 Heavenly Father. 00:34:52.159 --> 00:34:53.239 Look to Him 00:34:53.239 --> 00:34:53.900 and let Him 00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:55.380 be your 00:34:55.380 --> 00:34:55.920 treasure, 00:34:56.259 --> 00:34:56.759 the treasure 00:34:56.759 --> 00:34:57.619 that fills 00:34:57.619 --> 00:34:58.779 your heart. 00:35:00.820 --> 00:35:01.199 How does 00:35:01.199 --> 00:35:02.900 that old hymn 00:35:02.900 --> 00:35:03.219 put it? 00:35:03.219 --> 00:35:04.459 riches I heed 00:35:04.459 --> 00:35:04.919 not, 00:35:05.559 --> 00:35:06.459 nor man's 00:35:06.459 --> 00:35:07.379 empty praise. 00:35:08.039 --> 00:35:08.719 Thou mine 00:35:08.719 --> 00:35:09.399 inheritance, 00:35:09.839 --> 00:35:10.659 now and 00:35:10.659 --> 00:35:11.500 always, 00:35:11.959 --> 00:35:13.119 thou and 00:35:13.119 --> 00:35:14.000 thou only, 00:35:14.619 --> 00:35:15.739 first in my 00:35:15.739 --> 00:35:16.219 heart. 00:35:17.459 --> 00:35:18.019 High King 00:35:18.019 --> 00:35:18.579 of Heaven, 00:35:19.399 --> 00:35:20.239 my treasure 00:35:20.239 --> 00:35:21.959 thou art. 00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:23.980 May He be 00:35:23.980 --> 00:35:25.379 our treasure 00:35:25.379 --> 00:35:26.319 this evening 00:35:26.319 --> 00:35:28.000 and may we 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:29.359 be a people 00:35:29.359 --> 00:35:30.699 of true 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:31.419 worship. 00:35:31.739 --> 00:35:32.099 Let's pray 00:35:32.099 --> 00:35:32.459 together. 00:35:33.219 --> 00:35:34.219 Amen. 00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:40.539 Almighty God, 00:35:40.639 --> 00:35:41.139 we bless 00:35:41.139 --> 00:35:41.659 you and 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:42.239 praise you 00:35:42.239 --> 00:35:42.679 for your 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:43.459 kindness and 00:35:43.459 --> 00:35:44.199 goodness towards 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:44.699 us. 00:35:45.439 --> 00:35:46.319 We thank 00:35:46.319 --> 00:35:46.779 you that you 00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:47.359 are rich in 00:35:47.359 --> 00:35:47.699 mercy. 00:35:48.819 --> 00:35:49.559 You're a 00:35:49.559 --> 00:35:50.099 God who is 00:35:50.099 --> 00:35:50.839 abounding in 00:35:50.839 --> 00:35:51.139 love, 00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:52.339 steadfast love. 00:35:53.759 --> 00:35:54.079 Lord, 00:35:54.159 --> 00:35:54.879 may we be 00:35:54.879 --> 00:35:55.599 a people 00:35:55.599 --> 00:35:56.339 of true 00:35:56.339 --> 00:35:56.819 worship, 00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:58.459 hungering 00:35:58.459 --> 00:35:59.480 always to 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:00.159 know you 00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:00.759 and for 00:36:00.759 --> 00:36:01.559 your presence, 00:36:01.559 --> 00:36:03.460 experiencing 00:36:03.460 --> 00:36:05.480 the strength 00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:05.840 that you 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:06.519 alone can 00:36:06.519 --> 00:36:07.519 bring to 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:08.480 continue this 00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:08.820 earthly 00:36:08.820 --> 00:36:09.320 pilgrimage. 00:36:11.840 --> 00:36:12.739 And Lord, 00:36:13.259 --> 00:36:14.119 may you be 00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:14.579 the one 00:36:14.579 --> 00:36:16.139 who helps 00:36:16.139 --> 00:36:17.420 us to 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:17.739 find 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:18.340 satisfaction 00:36:18.340 --> 00:36:19.199 and peace 00:36:19.199 --> 00:36:20.699 in serving 00:36:20.699 --> 00:36:21.739 and in 00:36:21.739 --> 00:36:22.400 living for 00:36:22.400 --> 00:36:22.659 you. 00:36:22.659 --> 00:36:23.759 we pray 00:36:23.759 --> 00:36:24.199 this in 00:36:24.199 --> 00:36:24.460 Jesus' 00:36:24.659 --> 00:36:24.839 name. 00:36:25.420 --> 00:36:25.739 Amen. 00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:25.920 Amen.