WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.419 Well, good morning, church. Would you turn with me back to Isaiah chapter 40? Again, that's page 561 00:00:07.419 --> 00:00:12.040 in the Pew Bible. We're starting a new sermon series today that will take us through the rest 00:00:12.040 --> 00:00:17.039 of the summer. Now, if you've been at Trinity for a while, you typically know that on Sundays 00:00:17.039 --> 00:00:21.600 we pick a book of the Bible or a section of a book, and then we preach through it in order. 00:00:22.179 --> 00:00:26.600 And we do this kind of preaching, expository preaching, because we believe that the Bible 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:33.200 is God's Word. And when we listen deeply to Scripture, God speaks to accomplish all of 00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:39.260 His purposes in us and through us for His glory. Now, this summer we'll be looking at a section 00:00:39.260 --> 00:00:46.020 of Isaiah that starts in chapter 40 and ends in chapter 55. Historically, Isaiah wrote these 00:00:46.020 --> 00:00:52.799 chapters in the 8th century B.C., when the people of Judah had just seen their northern neighbors 00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:59.320 conquered by the Assyrians, and when they themselves had just received the warning that 00:00:59.320 --> 00:01:06.200 captivity was coming for them too. We see this at the end of Isaiah chapter 39 in verse 6. One day, 00:01:07.159 --> 00:01:12.679 not Assyria, but the kingdom of Babylon would come and carry them off into exile. The nation was 00:01:12.679 --> 00:01:17.799 conquered in that way. There typically was no coming back. That was the end. 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:27.379 So what message does God give to Isaiah to speak into the future for His conquered people? 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:33.060 After judgment comes, after exile comes, when the people are defeated and humiliated, 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:39.700 when they're weary under sin and suffering, what does God have to say? 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:49.859 Well, chapter 40 begins that message, and it begins by speaking to a people whose hearts are weary. 00:01:50.400 --> 00:01:55.659 We'll find at the end of the chapter that the people have grown exhausted. They're despondent. 00:01:55.740 --> 00:02:00.280 They're tired. They're worn out. They're weary of their own sin, and they're weary of the suffering 00:02:00.280 --> 00:02:05.620 of the world. What will God say to His weary people? 00:02:05.620 --> 00:02:15.599 Perhaps you're feeling a bit weary this morning. Weary perhaps because of trials, or weary perhaps 00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:24.140 because of ongoing struggles with sin. Perhaps you've come with a desire for renewal, for fresh 00:02:24.140 --> 00:02:31.379 strength, for fresh wind in your spiritual sails. And maybe you sense this desire not just personally, 00:02:31.379 --> 00:02:35.780 but corporately. You know, every church will go through seasons when we need to be refreshed, 00:02:36.039 --> 00:02:40.519 when our weary souls need to be strengthened, when it feels like our arms are drooping and our strength 00:02:40.519 --> 00:02:49.240 is waning. Well, if that's what you're feeling this morning, then Isaiah 40 is for you. It's for us. 00:02:51.599 --> 00:02:57.340 Now, chapter 40 has three parts, and we'll look at all three in order. But the main message of 00:02:57.340 --> 00:03:01.680 Isaiah 40 that pulls it all together is found right in verse 1 that we read earlier in the service. 00:03:02.080 --> 00:03:08.039 To the weary in heart, God speaks good news, and it's a good news of what? It's a good news of comfort. 00:03:09.860 --> 00:03:17.500 And comfort here means more than just kind of soothing. Comfort in the Bible means strengthening. 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:24.360 It means building up. It means renewing. This is the kind of comfort that comes when the general 00:03:24.360 --> 00:03:28.800 returns from battle returns from battle and announces that the war has been won. This is the kind of 00:03:28.800 --> 00:03:33.720 comfort that comes when the parent returns from searching and announces that the lost child has come 00:03:33.720 --> 00:03:44.260 home. This is biblical comfort. It's strength. It's renewal for the weary soul. And like I said, 00:03:44.320 --> 00:03:50.280 this message of comfort comes in three parts. In verses 1 through 11, what we hear is a promise 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:58.080 of comfort. And then in verses 12 through 26, we'll see the proof of that comfort. And then in verses 27 00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:03.539 through 31, we'll take a look at the imparting, the imparting of that comfort. So let me pray, 00:04:03.979 --> 00:04:08.099 and then we'll take a look at these three things together. Pray with me as we come to God's Word. 00:04:10.039 --> 00:04:18.220 Father, as we turn to your Word now, we ask humbly and expectantly, we ask that you would speak to us 00:04:18.220 --> 00:04:25.280 the word that we need to hear. God, on this send-off Sunday when many in our community are celebrating 00:04:25.280 --> 00:04:32.900 commencements of various kinds, we pray that you would revive us today by the Spirit of your Son, 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:41.920 our Lord Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. So first then, in verses 1 through 11, we hear the promise 00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:46.760 of comfort. We read these verses earlier in the service, so I won't read them all again, but look 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:53.240 down with me at verses 1 through 11. Verses 1 and 2 announce this message of comfort. God here is 00:04:53.240 --> 00:04:59.180 recommissioning Isaiah to speak a fresh word to the people, and it's a twofold word. First, that their 00:04:59.180 --> 00:05:05.860 warfare, that their hardship, that their captivity is coming to an end, which would have been utterly 00:05:05.860 --> 00:05:12.980 unheard of in the ancient world. We're going to be brought back from exile? But second, and even more 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:20.360 wonderfully, it's a message that their iniquity is pardoned. Because the question before the people 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:25.100 of Israel wasn't just, will God deliver us from our political and material exile? It wasn't just, 00:05:25.200 --> 00:05:31.300 is God going to reestablish us back in our land much deeper? The question was whether God would atone for 00:05:31.300 --> 00:05:39.160 their sins. Would he cure the much deeper disease that separated them from their God in the first place? 00:05:39.160 --> 00:05:51.380 And verses 1 through 11 say, yes, God's comfort will come. Not just liberation, but also wonder of wonders, 00:05:51.880 --> 00:05:59.700 pardon for sin. From the Lord's hand, Isaiah says, that is out of God's own initiative, they would receive 00:05:59.700 --> 00:06:06.379 double, that is exactly what they need, and even more than enough to cover their sins and bring them home. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:11.839 And then after this opening declaration of comfort, there are three voices that ring out in the rest of 00:06:11.839 --> 00:06:17.240 this section. Three promises of comfort to weary and despondent hearts, to hearts that are downtrodden 00:06:17.240 --> 00:06:23.319 in sin and suffering. These three voices come. And the first voice, if you look at verses 3 through 5, 00:06:23.740 --> 00:06:31.079 this first voice promises that the glory of God, that is the Lord's presence, is coming to your rescue. 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:41.060 And nothing will stand in God's way. Valleys will be lifted up, mountains made low, uneven ground will 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:48.259 be made level, rough places will be made smooth as a plain. In other words, God will clear every obstacle 00:06:48.259 --> 00:06:56.620 and he will come. And all flesh, people from every nation will see it, not just observe it, but experience 00:06:56.620 --> 00:07:03.379 it. And then a second voice comes in verses 6 through 8. And this voice reminds us that we're 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:13.959 fickle and we're frail. Even our best efforts, our greatest glory is like grass. It fades. 00:07:13.959 --> 00:07:21.519 And if God's Spirit were to come, if the mighty wind of his presence were to move among us 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:26.639 in our frailty, in our fickleness, what would be the result? 00:07:28.979 --> 00:07:30.959 Surely we would turn back to dust. 00:07:33.479 --> 00:07:41.439 Ah, but here's the promise of the second voice. We are fickle, but God is faithful. 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:48.740 God's word stands forever. He's faithful to all of his promises, even though we are not. 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:55.160 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever, the second voice says. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:08:02.839 And then the third voice comes in verses 9 through 11, and it comes with good news. A gospel of glad 00:08:02.839 --> 00:08:08.800 tidings, a word not just for Jerusalem, but for all the cities near and far. And what is this good news? 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:16.180 Good news that when the Lord comes in might, when he comes to fulfill his promises, 00:08:17.139 --> 00:08:28.519 his mighty ruling arm that we see in verse 10 will become his merciful carrying arm of verse 11. 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:39.980 Here is good news that the mighty God, the strong one, is also our shepherd. He will come in mercy. 00:08:41.199 --> 00:08:47.740 He will gather the lambs in his arms. He will carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are with young. 00:08:47.740 --> 00:08:52.539 So friends, let this speak to your weary soul. 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:59.320 Do you doubt if God is willing to come and comfort you today, to strengthen you? 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:04.940 Do you doubt if God is willing to come and renew our church and breathe fresh life into us? 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:07.740 Listen to these voices from Isaiah. 00:09:07.740 --> 00:09:13.700 You know, our weary hearts will often say the circumstances are too hard or too challenging. 00:09:14.039 --> 00:09:16.919 The valley is too deep. The path is too rough. But listen, 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:20.480 God says he's willing to move heaven and earth to come to us. 00:09:22.680 --> 00:09:26.440 Our weary hearts will say, but our faithfulness is too frail. 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:30.980 We don't deserve God's comfort. We're like flowers, beautiful one day, but barren the next. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:37.940 But listen, God is willing to be true, to be faithful, even when you are not. 00:09:38.860 --> 00:09:43.200 His word will stand even if every word of yours falls to the ground. 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:47.879 Our weary hearts say, but God must not care for us. 00:09:48.159 --> 00:09:49.820 We're like sheep who've gone astray. 00:09:51.300 --> 00:09:59.080 But listen, God is willing to take his mighty arms and gather you up like a shepherd carrying a lamb. 00:10:00.980 --> 00:10:06.019 There can be no doubt that God is willing to comfort his weary people. 00:10:07.159 --> 00:10:09.360 That's the promise of verses 1 through 11. 00:10:11.340 --> 00:10:13.440 But this, of course, raises another question, doesn't it? 00:10:14.060 --> 00:10:19.480 Our weary hearts may hear that God is willing to comfort us, to come, to forgive, to restore, 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:21.460 but then a second doubt starts to creep in. 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:26.460 Perhaps God is willing, but is he able? 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:33.660 He may have the desire to comfort, but does he in fact have the power to do so? 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:39.740 We hear this promise of comfort, but what proof do we have that it will come true? 00:10:40.820 --> 00:10:42.740 What makes this more than just empty words? 00:10:45.160 --> 00:10:47.400 Well, this brings us to the second part of Isaiah 40. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:50.460 In verses 1 through 11, we hear the promise of comfort, 00:10:50.460 --> 00:10:55.019 but then in verses 12 through 26, we hear the proof of this comfort. 00:10:55.920 --> 00:10:59.180 What is it that makes these promises of comfort more than just empty words? 00:10:59.420 --> 00:11:03.800 Well, because these promises are not the idle chatter of a mere creature 00:11:03.800 --> 00:11:06.400 or the mute oracles of a false God. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:11.060 These are the promises of the one true God, the creator of heaven and earth. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:14.879 God steps forth and says here, 00:11:15.060 --> 00:11:17.600 I am the proof of my promises. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:24.000 Listen to these verses as I read them, Isaiah 40, 12 through 26. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:25.720 God says, 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:29.080 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand 00:11:29.080 --> 00:11:31.620 and marked off the heavens with a span, 00:11:32.540 --> 00:11:34.379 enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:37.779 and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 00:11:38.800 --> 00:11:41.840 Who has measured the spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him counsel? 00:11:42.379 --> 00:11:44.960 Whom did he consult and whom made him understand? 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:48.120 Who taught him the path of justice and taught him knowledge 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:49.740 and showed him the way of understanding? 00:11:50.900 --> 00:11:52.840 And of course, you get the implied answer there, right? 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:53.980 No one. 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:58.460 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket 00:11:58.460 --> 00:12:01.340 and are accounted as the dust on the scales. 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:04.800 Behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:07.460 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, 00:12:07.700 --> 00:12:09.740 nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 00:12:10.100 --> 00:12:12.019 All the nations, there is nothing before him. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:13.960 They are accounted by him, 00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:16.279 or we might say they are accounted before him 00:12:16.279 --> 00:12:19.399 in comparison to him as less than nothing, an emptiness. 00:12:20.579 --> 00:12:22.179 To whom then will you liken God? 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:24.840 Or what likeness compare with him? 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:26.100 An idol? 00:12:27.439 --> 00:12:29.480 A craftsman casts it, 00:12:30.039 --> 00:12:31.799 and a goldsmith overlays it with gold 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:33.460 and casts for its silver chains. 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:35.279 He who is too impoverished for an offering 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:36.840 chooses wood that will not rot. 00:12:36.919 --> 00:12:39.419 He seeks out a craftsman, a skillful craftsman, 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:41.559 to set up an idol that will not move. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:44.299 Do you not know? 00:12:45.339 --> 00:12:46.379 Do you not hear? 00:12:47.559 --> 00:12:49.479 Has it not been told you from the beginning? 00:12:50.479 --> 00:12:53.059 Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:57.439 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, 00:12:57.559 --> 00:13:00.319 and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. 00:13:01.579 --> 00:13:03.539 He who stretches out the heavens like a curtain 00:13:03.539 --> 00:13:05.779 and spread them like a tent to dwell in, 00:13:06.079 --> 00:13:07.899 who brings princes to nothing 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:10.179 and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:12.259 Scarcely are they planted, 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:13.659 scarcely sown, 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:16.299 scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:17.539 when he blows on them, 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:18.399 and they wither, 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:21.059 and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 00:13:22.439 --> 00:13:24.679 To whom then will you compare me 00:13:24.679 --> 00:13:26.559 that I should be like him, 00:13:26.559 --> 00:13:28.879 says the Holy One. 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:32.259 Lift up your eyes on high 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:33.219 and see 00:13:33.219 --> 00:13:35.619 who created these, 00:13:36.339 --> 00:13:38.459 who brings out their host by number, 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:40.199 calling them all by name, 00:13:41.199 --> 00:13:42.899 by the greatness of his might, 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:45.399 and because he is strong in power, 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:47.279 not one is missing. 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:52.439 You know, perhaps one of the greatest dangers 00:13:52.439 --> 00:13:53.299 in the church today 00:13:53.299 --> 00:13:55.699 is that our view of God 00:13:55.699 --> 00:13:58.419 is much, much too small. 00:13:59.699 --> 00:14:01.299 We say that we believe in God, 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:02.879 we say that he created all things, 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:05.799 but we don't really believe it. 00:14:06.939 --> 00:14:08.659 The majesty of God, 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:11.159 the immensity of God, 00:14:12.059 --> 00:14:14.860 the incomparable holiness of God 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:16.700 is lost on us. 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:21.080 We look to the idols of our age, 00:14:21.940 --> 00:14:24.379 success and personal freedom, 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:26.080 or cultural approval, 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:28.600 and they all look so desirable 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:29.680 and so important. 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:31.860 They're so big in our eyes 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:32.560 and in our hearts, 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:34.700 and yet Isaiah says in verses 19 through 20, 00:14:35.180 --> 00:14:37.100 it's all just wood and metal. 00:14:38.039 --> 00:14:39.019 It can't speak, 00:14:39.379 --> 00:14:40.360 it can't move, 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:42.019 and it surely can't save. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:45.079 Let God be big, 00:14:45.699 --> 00:14:47.360 and those things be small. 00:14:48.939 --> 00:14:50.299 Consider the oceans, 00:14:51.059 --> 00:14:51.779 Isaiah says. 00:14:52.960 --> 00:14:54.559 Vast and powerful. 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:57.759 Go stand on the shore of the ocean 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:59.559 and feel how small you are 00:14:59.559 --> 00:15:01.439 before the waves and the deeps. 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:03.199 But now consider 00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:05.720 all those oceans, 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:06.939 all those deeps, 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:08.419 wave upon wave. 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.699 Creatures we can't imagine, 00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:12.300 of size and power 00:15:12.300 --> 00:15:13.680 that seem unfathomable. 00:15:14.040 --> 00:15:15.520 God measures those waters 00:15:15.520 --> 00:15:17.300 in the hollow of his hand. 00:15:18.820 --> 00:15:20.640 Like you or I would scoop up 00:15:20.640 --> 00:15:22.900 a drop of water from the sink, 00:15:24.040 --> 00:15:25.620 so are all the oceans 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.980 to God, 00:15:27.460 --> 00:15:28.080 the creator. 00:15:30.580 --> 00:15:32.120 And now think of the nations, 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:33.820 all the power 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:34.780 and glory 00:15:34.780 --> 00:15:35.540 and culture. 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:37.080 We could spend a whole lifetime 00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:37.660 traveling, 00:15:37.920 --> 00:15:38.320 discovering, 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:39.020 and learning, 00:15:39.420 --> 00:15:40.720 and still not scratch 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:41.200 the surface 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:42.060 of all the diversity 00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:42.700 and wonder 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:43.740 of human cultures 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.260 and nations, 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:44.760 couldn't we? 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:47.400 But compared to God, 00:15:48.200 --> 00:15:50.640 it's like dust 00:15:50.640 --> 00:15:51.300 on the scales. 00:15:53.800 --> 00:15:54.840 Isaiah isn't saying 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:55.879 that God doesn't care 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:56.480 for humanity. 00:15:56.660 --> 00:15:57.840 God indeed does care. 00:15:59.360 --> 00:15:59.960 Isaiah's point, 00:16:00.060 --> 00:16:00.280 rather, 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:01.260 is one of comparison. 00:16:02.640 --> 00:16:04.000 The nations are like dust 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:04.780 compared to God. 00:16:05.740 --> 00:16:07.080 They don't even move 00:16:07.080 --> 00:16:07.820 the scales. 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:10.180 They're weightless, 00:16:10.940 --> 00:16:11.379 fleeting, 00:16:11.780 --> 00:16:12.740 gone in a moment. 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:15.360 But God, 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.920 he is all substance, 00:16:18.280 --> 00:16:18.620 wisdom, 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:20.020 permanence, 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:20.740 power, 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:21.540 beauty. 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:25.980 Is this the God 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:26.580 you believe in, 00:16:26.680 --> 00:16:26.860 friend? 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.940 Utterly beyond compare? 00:16:31.020 --> 00:16:31.840 Utterly holy? 00:16:32.680 --> 00:16:33.700 The maker of heaven 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.160 and earth? 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:37.840 Or do we worship 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:38.440 a mere idol? 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:42.160 There's only one God 00:16:42.160 --> 00:16:43.900 and the Lord 00:16:43.900 --> 00:16:44.460 is his name. 00:16:46.900 --> 00:16:48.180 And if that is the God 00:16:48.180 --> 00:16:49.320 you say you believe in, 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:51.480 then go out. 00:16:51.800 --> 00:16:52.780 Go out on a dark, 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:53.420 clear night, 00:16:53.560 --> 00:16:55.000 Isaiah says in verse 26. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:56.900 Go out on a dark, 00:16:57.040 --> 00:16:57.400 clear night 00:16:57.400 --> 00:16:58.520 and lift up your eyes. 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:00.740 Look at the vast array 00:17:00.740 --> 00:17:01.519 of stars, 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:03.539 millions upon millions 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:04.339 and millions more 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.420 that you will never see 00:17:05.420 --> 00:17:06.519 and never know. 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.460 Consider, 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:10.319 Isaiah says, 00:17:10.859 --> 00:17:12.700 that your God 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:13.819 has arranged them all. 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:16.319 We could never count them, 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:17.880 let alone catalog them, 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.319 but God has called them 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.160 all by name. 00:17:21.120 --> 00:17:21.900 Every star 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:22.859 and every galaxy 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.880 into the vast stretches 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:24.539 of the universe, 00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:26.559 God has named them all. 00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:28.500 And in his might 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.799 and in his power, 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:31.339 not one is missing. 00:17:34.419 --> 00:17:35.579 If your heart is weary, 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:36.399 Isaiah says, 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:38.960 if you doubt his ability, 00:17:39.119 --> 00:17:40.500 his power to save, 00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:42.339 go look at the stars. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:45.779 And then as you stand in awe, 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:48.019 overwhelmed by their number 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:49.099 and beauty, 00:17:50.139 --> 00:17:50.559 consider 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:53.579 the God who made them all 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:55.579 and who named them all 00:17:55.579 --> 00:17:57.519 has made you. 00:18:01.799 --> 00:18:02.759 What are we to think 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.319 in the face 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.720 of God's transcendence 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.720 and majesty? 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:07.919 Are we to think 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:08.819 that he is too great 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.419 to care? 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:11.279 No, 00:18:11.419 --> 00:18:12.059 Isaiah says. 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.000 Rather, 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:14.899 we must understand 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:15.500 that God 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.799 is too great 00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:17.559 to fail. 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.939 Not one is missing. 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:22.839 And if that is true 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:23.459 of the stars, 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:23.919 friends, 00:18:25.099 --> 00:18:26.339 how much more true 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:26.699 of you. 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:29.319 How much more true 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:29.959 of his people 00:18:29.959 --> 00:18:30.959 he's called by name 00:18:30.959 --> 00:18:32.179 and chosen 00:18:32.179 --> 00:18:32.699 from before 00:18:32.699 --> 00:18:33.259 the foundation 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:33.839 of the earth. 00:18:35.179 --> 00:18:36.019 You are not 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:36.839 just the product. 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:45.919 Friends, 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.519 you and I, 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:51.059 you and I 00:18:51.059 --> 00:18:51.619 are not just 00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:52.099 the product 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:53.299 of dust 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:54.779 and stars 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:55.819 and time. 00:18:58.239 --> 00:18:59.319 You bear 00:18:59.319 --> 00:19:01.059 the very image 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:01.579 of God. 00:19:04.699 --> 00:19:05.919 What good news! 00:19:07.719 --> 00:19:08.500 And though your sin 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.639 has brought great ruin 00:19:09.639 --> 00:19:10.979 and great judgment, 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:13.659 it has not thwarted 00:19:13.659 --> 00:19:14.439 God's willingness 00:19:14.439 --> 00:19:17.539 nor God's ability 00:19:17.539 --> 00:19:18.239 to save. 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:18.720 comfort. 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:21.500 The one who promises 00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:22.759 comfort 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:25.279 is himself 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:26.079 the proof 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:27.779 that those promises 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.740 are sure. 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:33.539 And so, 00:19:33.720 --> 00:19:34.519 from promise 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:35.460 to proof, 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:37.000 Isaiah now brings 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:37.640 it all home. 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:39.880 In verses 27 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:40.640 through 31, 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:42.579 we have the impartation 00:19:42.579 --> 00:19:43.819 of this comfort. 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:45.039 Look with me 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:46.420 at verse 27. 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:47.079 Let me read 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:47.879 verses 27 00:19:47.879 --> 00:19:48.579 through 31. 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.680 Why do you say, 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:51.279 O Jacob, 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:52.460 and speak, 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.240 O Israel? 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:54.879 My way 00:19:54.879 --> 00:19:55.259 is hidden 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:55.920 from the Lord 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:57.740 and my right 00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:58.659 is disregarded 00:19:58.659 --> 00:19:59.460 by my God. 00:19:59.899 --> 00:20:00.519 Have you not 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:00.859 known? 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.319 Have you not 00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:02.659 heard? 00:20:03.659 --> 00:20:04.399 The Lord 00:20:04.399 --> 00:20:05.299 is the everlasting 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:05.859 God, 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:06.799 the creator 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:07.279 of the ends 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:07.759 of the earth. 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:08.940 He does not 00:20:08.940 --> 00:20:10.299 faint or grow weary. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.700 His understanding 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:12.659 is unsearchable. 00:20:13.340 --> 00:20:14.080 He gives power 00:20:14.080 --> 00:20:14.800 to the faint 00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:15.980 and to him 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.880 who has no might 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:18.300 he increases strength. 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:20.279 Even youth 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:20.840 shall faint 00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:21.540 and be weary 00:20:21.540 --> 00:20:23.019 and young men 00:20:23.019 --> 00:20:24.060 shall fall exhausted. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:26.220 But they who wait 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.700 for the Lord 00:20:26.700 --> 00:20:27.240 shall renew 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:27.980 their strength. 00:20:28.800 --> 00:20:29.460 They shall mount 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.060 up with wings 00:20:30.060 --> 00:20:30.680 like eagles. 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.100 They shall run 00:20:32.100 --> 00:20:32.880 and not be weary. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.160 They shall walk 00:20:34.160 --> 00:20:34.840 and not faint. 00:20:36.300 --> 00:20:37.019 You can hear 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:37.840 in verse 27, 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:38.259 can't you, 00:20:38.300 --> 00:20:38.920 this cry 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.759 of the weary heart. 00:20:40.580 --> 00:20:41.120 This cry 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:41.500 that says, 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.240 God must not 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:42.740 see me. 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:44.119 God doesn't 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:44.500 see me 00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:44.799 and God 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:45.680 doesn't answer me. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.299 He must be 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:46.759 unwilling 00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:47.819 or unable 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.799 to truly comfort, 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.859 to truly save. 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:51.240 Perhaps we're 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.059 beyond saving, 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:52.440 beyond. 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:53.579 But no, 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:54.220 God says, 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:56.740 have you not 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:57.039 known? 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.700 Have you not 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.019 heard? 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:01.460 God is the 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:02.000 eternal 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:02.940 creator, 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.240 all wise 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:05.640 and unwearying. 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:07.539 The wonder 00:21:07.539 --> 00:21:08.220 of wonders, 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:10.920 this eternal, 00:21:11.400 --> 00:21:12.299 all wise, 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.500 all powerful 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:14.160 creator 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:16.160 gives. 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:19.940 It is in his 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:20.900 nature not just 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:21.940 to be strong, 00:21:22.660 --> 00:21:23.839 but to give 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.360 strength. 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:25.960 Look again 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:26.819 at verse 29. 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.400 He gives 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:29.200 power 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:30.240 to the faint 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.640 and to him 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:32.360 who has no 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:32.720 might, 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:33.880 he increases 00:21:33.880 --> 00:21:34.420 strength. 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.000 God 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:37.200 gives. 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:39.559 But how? 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:40.240 How does it 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:40.920 come to us? 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:42.580 How does God 00:21:42.580 --> 00:21:43.039 give this 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:43.620 strength to 00:21:43.620 --> 00:21:43.980 the weary? 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.620 Well, 00:21:46.680 --> 00:21:46.940 from the 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:47.500 perspective of 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.100 the New Testament, 00:21:48.299 --> 00:21:48.779 we see this 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.340 more clearly 00:21:49.340 --> 00:21:50.019 than Isaiah 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:51.080 or the exiled 00:21:51.080 --> 00:21:51.960 people of Judah 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.840 could ever have 00:21:52.840 --> 00:21:53.100 seen. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:54.860 You know, 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.340 when Matthew 00:21:55.340 --> 00:21:55.860 and Mark 00:21:55.860 --> 00:21:56.299 and Luke 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.100 take up their 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:57.819 pens to write 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.400 the story of 00:21:58.400 --> 00:21:58.759 Jesus, 00:21:59.039 --> 00:21:59.460 where do they 00:21:59.460 --> 00:21:59.779 begin? 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:00.860 Well, 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:01.519 Matthew starts 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:02.400 with a genealogy, 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:02.759 you know, 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.580 and Luke 00:22:03.580 --> 00:22:04.440 starts with an 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:04.980 old priest 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.500 in the temple, 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:06.080 but for all 00:22:06.080 --> 00:22:06.880 three of them, 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:07.720 when the story 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.740 really gets going 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:09.560 and John 00:22:09.560 --> 00:22:10.000 the Baptist 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.620 appears on 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:11.080 the scene 00:22:11.080 --> 00:22:11.940 as the herald 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:12.360 of the great 00:22:12.360 --> 00:22:13.060 coming king, 00:22:13.360 --> 00:22:14.060 whose words 00:22:14.060 --> 00:22:14.360 do they 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:14.740 quote? 00:22:16.580 --> 00:22:17.320 What Old 00:22:17.320 --> 00:22:18.120 Testament promise 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:18.560 is being 00:22:18.560 --> 00:22:19.000 fulfilled, 00:22:19.120 --> 00:22:19.640 do they say? 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:21.500 It's this 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:21.780 one, 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.280 Isaiah 40. 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.420 A voice 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.060 cries in the 00:22:25.060 --> 00:22:25.400 wilderness, 00:22:25.820 --> 00:22:26.380 prepare the 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:26.800 way of the 00:22:26.800 --> 00:22:27.140 Lord. 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.020 It's Isaiah's 00:22:29.020 --> 00:22:29.480 message of 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:30.320 comfort that 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:30.820 rings out 00:22:30.820 --> 00:22:31.160 when the 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:32.000 Messiah comes. 00:22:32.860 --> 00:22:32.980 The 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:33.560 redemptive 00:22:33.560 --> 00:22:34.900 ages turn, 00:22:34.900 --> 00:22:35.840 and the 00:22:35.840 --> 00:22:36.280 kingdom of 00:22:36.280 --> 00:22:36.700 God is 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:37.360 finally at 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:37.840 hand. 00:22:37.840 --> 00:22:39.519 And the 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:39.940 New Testament 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:40.600 writers say 00:22:40.600 --> 00:22:41.160 it's coming. 00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:42.400 The Lord 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:42.940 is here, 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.259 comforting 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:44.860 his people. 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.160 When the 00:22:48.160 --> 00:22:48.440 sovereign 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:49.259 creator takes 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:49.900 on flesh 00:22:49.900 --> 00:22:50.780 and moves 00:22:50.780 --> 00:22:51.160 heaven and 00:22:51.160 --> 00:22:51.540 earth to 00:22:51.540 --> 00:22:52.040 comfort his 00:22:52.040 --> 00:22:52.400 people, 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.980 the real 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:54.580 return from 00:22:54.580 --> 00:22:55.200 exile can 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:55.500 begin. 00:22:56.580 --> 00:22:57.160 The real 00:22:57.160 --> 00:22:57.759 pardon for 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.380 sins can 00:22:58.380 --> 00:22:58.759 be given. 00:22:58.759 --> 00:23:00.900 When the 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:01.460 good shepherd 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.440 takes us 00:23:02.440 --> 00:23:02.779 up into 00:23:02.779 --> 00:23:03.359 his arms 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.500 and lays 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:04.839 down his 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:05.220 life for 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:05.640 the sheep. 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:07.119 When the 00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:07.700 double payment 00:23:07.700 --> 00:23:08.339 for sin is 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:08.720 made, 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.480 and when the 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:10.980 stars go 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:12.400 black as 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:12.819 the Son of 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:13.319 God hangs 00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:13.920 on a cross. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.019 Imagine, 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:16.579 friends, 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:18.579 the holy 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:18.920 one, 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:19.759 the sinless 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.099 one, 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.420 becomes 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:24.200 sin so 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:24.720 that sinners 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.539 can be reckoned 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.059 sinless. 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:27.859 The creator 00:23:27.859 --> 00:23:28.979 becomes weak 00:23:28.979 --> 00:23:30.119 so the 00:23:30.119 --> 00:23:30.639 weak can 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:31.579 become strong. 00:23:33.419 --> 00:23:33.619 God 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:34.159 gives, 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:37.199 which is to 00:23:37.199 --> 00:23:37.639 say he 00:23:37.639 --> 00:23:38.859 imparts this 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:39.279 comfort, 00:23:39.459 --> 00:23:40.159 this strength 00:23:40.159 --> 00:23:42.179 by grace. 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.679 If God's 00:23:44.679 --> 00:23:45.299 word is the 00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:46.539 promise and 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.419 God's majesty 00:23:47.419 --> 00:23:48.019 the proof, 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.579 then it is by 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.799 God's free 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.979 grace that it 00:23:51.979 --> 00:23:52.639 comes to us. 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.099 And if it 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:55.579 comes to us 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.240 by grace, 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.599 then we 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.259 receive it, 00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.279 not by 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.160 being strong, 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:01.900 but by 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:02.620 acknowledging our 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.059 weakness. 00:24:04.420 --> 00:24:05.279 Look again at 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:05.839 verse 29. 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.599 God gives 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.099 power. 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:07.400 Who? 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.480 Not to the 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:08.940 strong, 00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:10.180 but to the 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:10.500 faint. 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:12.920 What about 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.420 the strong? 00:24:13.519 --> 00:24:13.940 What about 00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:14.400 those who are 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:14.759 in their 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.259 prime? 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:16.900 Well, 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:17.380 look again at 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:17.900 verse 30. 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:20.799 Even youths 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:21.220 shall faint 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.819 and be weary, 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.539 and young men 00:24:23.539 --> 00:24:24.039 shall fall 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:24.539 exhausted. 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:26.879 Now, 00:24:26.920 --> 00:24:27.240 if you're like 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:27.680 me and you're 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.279 starting to get 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.839 over the hill, 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:29.980 you think, 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:31.119 I wouldn't 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:31.659 mind for a 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.039 little bit of 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.399 that young 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:33.000 man's strength, 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:33.559 you know? 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:34.220 Give me some 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.700 more of that. 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:37.819 And yet, 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:38.559 Isaiah says, 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.700 even the 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.299 strength of the 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:40.940 strongest will 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.339 fail. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.359 Even the 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:44.079 best earthly 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.819 strength will 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:45.519 not sustain 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:45.799 you. 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.299 So how do 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:47.779 we get this 00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:48.440 different kind 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.039 of strength? 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:51.180 Verse 31, 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:53.160 They who 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:53.720 wait for the 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:55.200 Lord shall 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:55.680 renew their 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.200 strength. 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.060 They who 00:24:58.060 --> 00:24:59.100 wait for the 00:24:59.100 --> 00:25:00.200 Lord shall 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:00.740 renew their 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:01.259 strength. 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:03.120 It's not 00:25:03.120 --> 00:25:03.900 in the 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:04.299 working, 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.340 but in the 00:25:05.340 --> 00:25:05.660 waiting, 00:25:06.140 --> 00:25:06.680 that renewal 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.080 comes. 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:07.259 Now, 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:07.600 what does it 00:25:07.600 --> 00:25:07.920 mean to 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.660 wait on the 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:08.960 Lord? 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:10.160 Well, 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:10.480 that word 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.200 wait here 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:11.640 means to 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:12.620 trust the 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:13.440 Lord with 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:14.019 patient 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:14.920 expectation. 00:25:15.120 --> 00:25:15.420 In other 00:25:15.420 --> 00:25:15.720 words, 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:16.519 it means to 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:16.880 put your 00:25:16.880 --> 00:25:17.720 hope in 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.019 Him. 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:19.640 You know, 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:20.240 too often we 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:20.579 put our 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:21.240 hope in 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:21.500 our own 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:21.940 ability, 00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:22.620 our own 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.079 strength, 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:23.460 our own 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.099 strategies, 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:24.720 but real 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:25.480 strength comes 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:25.839 when we 00:25:25.839 --> 00:25:26.839 stop hoping 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:27.599 in ourselves 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:28.720 and transfer 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.400 our hope 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:29.940 to the 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.200 Lord. 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:32.279 And too 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:32.680 often we 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:32.980 put our 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:33.740 hope in 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:33.980 new 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.680 circumstances, 00:25:35.339 --> 00:25:35.640 a new 00:25:35.640 --> 00:25:36.180 relationship, 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:36.539 a new 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:36.980 job, 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:37.380 maybe a 00:25:37.380 --> 00:25:37.519 new 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:37.940 political 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.240 leader, 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:38.819 but none 00:25:38.819 --> 00:25:39.240 of these 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.839 things will 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:41.019 truly comfort 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:41.680 or truly 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:42.259 strengthen. 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:43.900 Real 00:25:43.900 --> 00:25:44.440 strength 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:45.039 comes, 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:45.799 real 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:46.220 renewal 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:46.839 comes, 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.079 when we 00:25:48.079 --> 00:25:48.380 wait, 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:48.720 when we 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.240 hope, 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.440 in the 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:50.740 Lord. 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:54.539 This is 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:54.960 fundamentally 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.339 what it 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.839 means to 00:25:56.839 --> 00:25:57.240 become a 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:57.559 Christian, 00:25:58.220 --> 00:25:59.900 to transfer 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:01.099 our hope, 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.220 to transfer 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:04.079 your hope, 00:26:04.380 --> 00:26:05.000 hope for the 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:05.640 forgiveness of 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:05.900 sins, 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.339 hope for 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:06.980 eternal life, 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:07.420 hope for 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:07.920 purpose, 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:08.599 hope for 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:09.000 meaning, 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:10.720 to transfer 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:11.359 our hope 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:12.420 to Jesus 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:13.240 Christ alone. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.000 And that's 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.720 ultimately what it 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:17.440 means to live 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.400 as a Christian 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:18.740 too, 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.720 to hope 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.360 in him 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:21.940 alone. 00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:25.620 Is it 00:26:25.620 --> 00:26:26.040 weakness 00:26:26.040 --> 00:26:27.220 to hope 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:27.420 in the 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:27.660 Lord, 00:26:28.300 --> 00:26:28.920 to wait 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:29.360 on him 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:30.120 rather than 00:26:30.120 --> 00:26:30.360 in our 00:26:30.360 --> 00:26:30.540 own 00:26:30.540 --> 00:26:31.040 strength? 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.120 No, 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.320 this is 00:26:34.320 --> 00:26:34.840 where true 00:26:34.840 --> 00:26:35.460 strength is 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:35.759 found. 00:26:37.800 --> 00:26:38.060 Isaiah 00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:38.759 promises to 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.259 all who 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:39.759 will admit 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.000 their 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.600 weakness 00:26:40.600 --> 00:26:42.280 and wait 00:26:42.280 --> 00:26:42.519 on the 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:42.800 Lord. 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.259 He says 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:43.580 they shall 00:26:43.580 --> 00:26:44.340 mount up 00:26:44.340 --> 00:26:45.860 with wings 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.519 like eagles. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.679 They shall 00:26:47.679 --> 00:26:48.539 run and 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.000 not be 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.299 weary. 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.439 They shall 00:26:50.439 --> 00:26:51.279 walk and 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:51.919 not faint. 00:26:53.619 --> 00:26:53.939 Friends, 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:54.219 here is 00:26:54.219 --> 00:26:54.959 comfort indeed. 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.619 To know 00:26:56.619 --> 00:26:57.119 your sins 00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:57.579 are forgiven 00:26:57.579 --> 00:26:58.159 in Christ. 00:26:59.039 --> 00:26:59.699 To know 00:26:59.699 --> 00:26:59.939 of your 00:26:59.939 --> 00:27:00.579 adoption in 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:01.299 God's family 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.719 and heir 00:27:01.719 --> 00:27:02.279 of the 00:27:02.279 --> 00:27:02.759 coming kingdom. 00:27:02.879 --> 00:27:03.199 To know 00:27:03.199 --> 00:27:03.539 that it's 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:03.979 secure. 00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:05.479 To know 00:27:05.479 --> 00:27:06.079 that everything 00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:06.699 in life 00:27:06.699 --> 00:27:07.439 will be for 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:07.879 your ultimate 00:27:07.879 --> 00:27:08.419 good and 00:27:08.419 --> 00:27:08.959 God's ultimate 00:27:08.959 --> 00:27:09.439 glory. 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:10.819 Here is 00:27:10.819 --> 00:27:11.879 strength and 00:27:11.879 --> 00:27:12.459 comfort like 00:27:12.459 --> 00:27:13.359 nothing else. 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:13.479 strength. 00:27:14.679 --> 00:27:15.019 And it's 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:15.419 a fresh 00:27:15.419 --> 00:27:15.859 strength, 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:16.179 Isaiah 00:27:16.179 --> 00:27:16.500 says. 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:16.679 Your 00:27:16.679 --> 00:27:17.099 strength 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:17.459 will be 00:27:17.459 --> 00:27:18.199 renewed, 00:27:18.779 --> 00:27:19.279 refreshed. 00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:20.179 And he 00:27:20.179 --> 00:27:20.500 says it's 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:20.659 going to 00:27:20.659 --> 00:27:20.859 be a 00:27:20.859 --> 00:27:21.099 different 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:21.479 kind of 00:27:21.479 --> 00:27:21.759 strength. 00:27:21.879 --> 00:27:22.059 Isaiah 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:22.699 says you're 00:27:22.699 --> 00:27:22.919 going to 00:27:22.919 --> 00:27:23.419 mount up 00:27:23.419 --> 00:27:24.079 with wings 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:24.759 like eagles. 00:27:25.479 --> 00:27:25.699 It will 00:27:25.699 --> 00:27:26.119 be nothing 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:26.579 like you've 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:27.079 experienced 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.599 before. 00:27:29.199 --> 00:27:29.759 But it 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:30.119 will also 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:30.399 be a 00:27:30.399 --> 00:27:30.699 divine 00:27:30.699 --> 00:27:31.279 strength. 00:27:32.479 --> 00:27:32.719 Isaiah 00:27:32.719 --> 00:27:33.079 says you 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:33.439 won't be 00:27:33.439 --> 00:27:34.459 weary and 00:27:34.459 --> 00:27:34.699 you will 00:27:34.699 --> 00:27:35.279 not faint. 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:37.759 Which is 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.159 what Isaiah 00:27:38.159 --> 00:27:38.539 said of 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:38.979 God's own 00:27:38.979 --> 00:27:39.799 strength in 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:40.399 verse 28. 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:43.679 But notice 00:27:43.679 --> 00:27:44.179 something else 00:27:44.179 --> 00:27:44.919 in verse 31. 00:27:46.619 --> 00:27:47.339 Notice how 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:48.559 Isaiah's 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:49.459 metaphors here, 00:27:50.419 --> 00:27:51.319 they go from 00:27:51.319 --> 00:27:52.959 flying to 00:27:52.959 --> 00:27:54.379 running to 00:27:54.379 --> 00:27:54.759 walking. 00:27:57.379 --> 00:27:58.319 The movement 00:27:58.319 --> 00:27:58.679 of these 00:27:58.679 --> 00:27:59.399 metaphors is 00:27:59.399 --> 00:27:59.659 what? 00:28:01.199 --> 00:28:02.059 It's slowing 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.379 down, isn't 00:28:03.379 --> 00:28:03.559 it? 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.219 As we 00:28:06.219 --> 00:28:06.699 continue to 00:28:06.699 --> 00:28:06.979 live the 00:28:06.979 --> 00:28:07.559 Christian life, 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:08.039 as we grow 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:09.759 older, we 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.219 may find 00:28:10.219 --> 00:28:11.179 ourselves slowing 00:28:11.179 --> 00:28:12.319 down from an 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.119 earthly perspective. 00:28:13.359 --> 00:28:15.559 we used to 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.240 fly, we 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:16.579 used to 00:28:16.579 --> 00:28:18.059 run, now 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:19.319 we just 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:19.659 walk. 00:28:22.159 --> 00:28:22.979 But notice 00:28:22.979 --> 00:28:23.319 though we 00:28:23.319 --> 00:28:23.819 may slow 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:25.859 down, God's 00:28:25.859 --> 00:28:26.559 provision of 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:27.959 strength is as 00:28:27.959 --> 00:28:28.579 strong as 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:28.819 ever. 00:28:30.199 --> 00:28:30.779 Even if you 00:28:30.779 --> 00:28:31.419 don't soar like 00:28:31.419 --> 00:28:32.099 an eagle anymore, 00:28:32.199 --> 00:28:33.119 you'll still run 00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:33.899 and not be 00:28:33.899 --> 00:28:34.159 weary. 00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:35.559 Even if you 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:36.139 don't run like 00:28:36.139 --> 00:28:36.579 you used to, 00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:37.179 you will still 00:28:37.179 --> 00:28:38.299 walk and not 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:38.819 be faint. 00:28:39.659 --> 00:28:40.159 And even 00:28:40.159 --> 00:28:40.799 when walking 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.519 is no longer 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:42.879 possible, and 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:43.560 you lie down 00:28:43.560 --> 00:28:44.040 for perhaps 00:28:44.040 --> 00:28:44.520 the last 00:28:44.520 --> 00:28:45.500 time, and 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:45.800 the Lord 00:28:45.800 --> 00:28:46.460 calls you 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.240 home, even 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:48.240 then his 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.820 strength will 00:28:48.820 --> 00:28:49.340 be sufficient 00:28:49.340 --> 00:28:49.820 for you. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.540 His power 00:28:51.540 --> 00:28:52.120 will be made 00:28:52.120 --> 00:28:52.700 perfect in 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.260 your weakness. 00:28:54.840 --> 00:28:55.720 And even in 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:56.360 death, friends, 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:56.960 his comfort 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:57.360 will be 00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:59.020 sufficient to 00:28:59.020 --> 00:28:59.580 uphold you 00:28:59.580 --> 00:29:00.020 through those 00:29:00.020 --> 00:29:00.720 waters and to 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:01.820 usher you into 00:29:01.820 --> 00:29:02.460 the presence of 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:02.880 your Savior 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:03.340 forever. 00:29:04.620 --> 00:29:05.400 The grass 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:05.960 withers, the 00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:06.840 flowers fall, 00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:08.180 but the word 00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:08.740 of our God 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.340 will stand 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.800 forever. 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:14.720 in the 00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:15.440 16th century, 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:15.740 in the 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.079 heart of the 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:16.559 Reformation, 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.119 the authors 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:17.379 of the 00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:17.720 Heidelberg 00:29:17.720 --> 00:29:18.419 Catechism 00:29:18.419 --> 00:29:19.940 began their 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:21.240 great tool 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:21.940 of instruction 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.480 with this 00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:22.960 question. 00:29:24.119 --> 00:29:24.480 They said, 00:29:24.639 --> 00:29:25.059 what is your 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:25.879 only comfort 00:29:25.879 --> 00:29:26.919 in life 00:29:26.919 --> 00:29:27.619 and in 00:29:27.619 --> 00:29:27.960 death? 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:29.759 We don't 00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:30.599 start catechisms 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:31.000 that way 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:31.319 anymore. 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:31.659 You know, 00:29:31.700 --> 00:29:32.019 if you put 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:32.359 your kids 00:29:32.359 --> 00:29:32.879 in children's 00:29:32.879 --> 00:29:33.220 ministry, 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:33.599 we're not 00:29:33.599 --> 00:29:33.779 going to 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:33.899 say, 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:34.339 what is your 00:29:34.339 --> 00:29:34.940 only comfort 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:35.579 in life 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:35.879 and in 00:29:35.879 --> 00:29:36.220 death? 00:29:36.379 --> 00:29:36.980 We probably 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.339 should, 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:37.659 though, 00:29:37.899 --> 00:29:38.200 right? 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:41.759 What is your 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.299 only comfort 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:42.740 in life 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.039 and in 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:43.319 death? 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.319 And here 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:45.559 was the 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:46.000 answer they 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:46.319 gave, 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.120 that I'm 00:29:48.120 --> 00:29:48.519 not my 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:48.799 own, 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.600 but belong 00:29:50.600 --> 00:29:51.200 body and 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:51.640 soul in 00:29:51.640 --> 00:29:52.019 life and 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:52.420 in death 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:52.759 to my 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.519 faithful Savior, 00:29:53.660 --> 00:29:54.340 Jesus Christ. 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:55.580 He has 00:29:55.580 --> 00:29:56.100 fully paid 00:29:56.100 --> 00:29:56.680 for all my 00:29:56.680 --> 00:29:57.140 sins with 00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:57.580 his precious 00:29:57.580 --> 00:29:58.660 blood and 00:29:58.660 --> 00:29:59.160 has set me 00:29:59.160 --> 00:29:59.640 free from 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:00.120 the tyranny 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:00.420 of the 00:30:00.420 --> 00:30:00.680 devil. 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:01.900 He also 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:02.600 watches over 00:30:02.600 --> 00:30:03.120 me in such 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:03.600 a way that 00:30:03.600 --> 00:30:04.220 not a hair 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.960 can fall 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.420 from my 00:30:05.420 --> 00:30:06.240 head without 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:06.860 the will of 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:07.360 my Father 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:07.759 in heaven. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:08.279 In fact, 00:30:08.619 --> 00:30:09.480 all things 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:10.160 must work 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:11.099 together for 00:30:11.099 --> 00:30:11.879 my salvation 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:13.099 because I 00:30:13.099 --> 00:30:13.680 belong to 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.000 him. 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:14.720 Christ, 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.079 by his 00:30:15.079 --> 00:30:15.599 Holy Spirit, 00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:16.200 assures me 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.579 of eternal 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:17.900 life and 00:30:17.900 --> 00:30:18.299 makes me 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:19.140 wholeheartedly 00:30:19.140 --> 00:30:20.099 willing and 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:20.900 ready from 00:30:20.900 --> 00:30:22.400 now on to 00:30:22.400 --> 00:30:22.740 live for 00:30:22.740 --> 00:30:23.019 him. 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:25.940 Here is 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:26.579 comfort indeed, 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:26.980 friends. 00:30:28.339 --> 00:30:29.240 Not just a 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:29.640 promise, 00:30:30.200 --> 00:30:30.660 not just 00:30:30.660 --> 00:30:31.079 proof, 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:32.900 but a real 00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:33.940 imparting it 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.500 to us 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:35.619 through Jesus 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:36.019 Christ, 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:36.539 our Lord. 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:36.639 Lord, 00:30:37.039 --> 00:30:38.059 let's pray 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:38.420 together. 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:48.359 Father, 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.659 as we 00:30:48.659 --> 00:30:49.180 pause now 00:30:49.180 --> 00:30:49.420 in these 00:30:49.420 --> 00:30:49.680 quiet 00:30:49.680 --> 00:30:50.099 moments, 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:52.359 our prayer 00:30:52.359 --> 00:30:52.879 to you 00:30:52.879 --> 00:30:55.599 is simple 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.200 and it's 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:56.659 profound. 00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.259 Lord, 00:30:59.319 --> 00:30:59.579 would you 00:30:59.579 --> 00:30:59.920 come 00:30:59.920 --> 00:31:02.680 and would 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:03.059 you comfort 00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:04.359 us and 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:04.659 give us 00:31:04.659 --> 00:31:05.079 strength? 00:31:05.079 --> 00:31:08.699 Lord, 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:09.279 help us 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.819 to mount 00:31:10.819 --> 00:31:11.220 up with 00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:11.779 wings like 00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:12.099 eagles. 00:31:14.099 --> 00:31:14.799 Help us 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:15.279 to run 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:16.960 and not be 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:17.220 weary. 00:31:17.899 --> 00:31:18.199 Help us 00:31:18.199 --> 00:31:18.699 to walk 00:31:18.699 --> 00:31:20.019 and not 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:20.339 faint. 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.240 Work in 00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:24.759 us by 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.220 your Holy 00:31:25.220 --> 00:31:26.139 Spirit this 00:31:26.139 --> 00:31:27.079 preserving and 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:27.659 empowering 00:31:27.659 --> 00:31:29.919 grace that 00:31:29.919 --> 00:31:30.460 we might live 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:30.919 all of our 00:31:30.919 --> 00:31:31.639 days for you 00:31:31.640 --> 00:31:31.920 and the 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:32.400 strength that 00:31:32.400 --> 00:31:33.000 you provide 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:34.860 and that 00:31:34.860 --> 00:31:35.100 you would 00:31:35.100 --> 00:31:35.600 get much 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:36.180 glory in 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:36.540 us and 00:31:36.540 --> 00:31:36.960 through us, 00:31:37.080 --> 00:31:37.300 God. 00:31:38.480 --> 00:31:39.080 May we 00:31:39.080 --> 00:31:39.560 say that 00:31:39.560 --> 00:31:39.840 in our 00:31:39.840 --> 00:31:40.340 weakness 00:31:40.340 --> 00:31:41.360 then we 00:31:41.360 --> 00:31:41.920 are strong 00:31:41.920 --> 00:31:42.960 because of 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:43.180 you, 00:31:43.280 --> 00:31:43.520 Jesus. 00:31:44.540 --> 00:31:45.259 We pray in 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:45.600 your name. 00:31:45.860 --> 00:31:46.100 Amen. 00:31:46.100 --> 00:31:46.160 Amen. 00:31:46.160 --> 00:32:16.140 Thank you.