WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:12.439 --> 00:00:14.259 God, we bow before you now. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:17.519 We come to adore you now. 00:00:18.719 --> 00:00:23.960 We come to receive from you the one who owns all things. 00:00:24.800 --> 00:00:25.960 We need you. 00:00:27.539 --> 00:00:28.980 We worship you. 00:00:30.960 --> 00:00:36.700 We ask your spirit would so work in our hearts now that we'd rather have Jesus. 00:00:40.480 --> 00:00:41.420 Help us. 00:00:41.620 --> 00:00:42.000 Help me. 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:45.579 Teach us from your word. 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:46.780 In Jesus' name. 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:47.640 Amen. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:59.140 In John's account of Jesus' life, we are inching closer and closer. 00:00:59.140 --> 00:01:00.780 To the cross. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:10.439 A cross where we know Jesus is headed to climb in a very unusual way up on his throne. 00:01:10.439 --> 00:01:18.519 And that's because, as we saw earlier in Jesus' conversation with Pilate, he is a king from another world. 00:01:18.519 --> 00:01:24.739 With a kingdom entirely different from what we might expect. 00:01:24.739 --> 00:01:31.679 Just last week, Pilate has brought Jesus out before the crowd and said, behold the man. 00:01:33.560 --> 00:01:42.780 And though Pilate himself finds no guilt in Jesus, the crowds keep insisting that Jesus be killed. 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:48.780 Now we pick up the reading at verse 12 of John 19. 00:01:49.480 --> 00:01:53.320 Pilate's last attempt to release Jesus. 00:01:54.260 --> 00:01:56.340 Already now, remember, beaten. 00:01:56.340 --> 00:01:58.340 The bloodied head. 00:01:58.340 --> 00:02:00.420 The bloodied head. 00:02:01.560 --> 00:02:05.560 The crown of thorns pressed into it. 00:02:06.700 --> 00:02:13.379 And we hear some sobering words that we'll contemplate together about Jesus as a king. 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:25.000 This is God's holy word given to us to point our often forgetful and wandering hearts to find hope and life in the right place. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:30.180 From then on, Pilate sought to release Jesus. 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:35.939 But the Jews cried out, if you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. 00:02:36.439 --> 00:02:39.240 Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar. 00:02:40.719 --> 00:02:51.000 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 00:02:52.460 --> 00:02:54.460 Now it was the day of preparation of the Passover. 00:02:54.460 --> 00:02:56.099 It was about the sixth hour. 00:02:56.860 --> 00:03:00.300 He said to the Jews, behold your king. 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:06.340 They cried out, away with him, away with him, crucify him. 00:03:07.200 --> 00:03:10.120 Pilate said to them, shall I crucify your king? 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:17.420 The chief priests answered, we have no king but Caesar. 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:22.420 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. 00:03:24.460 --> 00:03:35.080 What a poignant scene unfolds here outside the Roman praetorium in Jerusalem during the Passover feast. 00:03:35.200 --> 00:03:36.200 There's a lot going on. 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:38.980 Now it's Friday, the day before the Sabbath. 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:43.899 And the Jewish leaders turn up the heat on Pilate, don't they? 00:03:44.379 --> 00:03:45.179 They're getting worried. 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:47.500 He's taking too long to deal with Jesus. 00:03:47.699 --> 00:03:53.179 And they know Pilate is all too fearful of being found to have failed his boss. 00:03:53.180 --> 00:04:00.920 His boss is a recently unpredictable and vengeful Tiberius Caesar. 00:04:00.919 --> 00:04:08.039 And so the leaders make their closing argument against Jesus. 00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:13.979 And Pilate finally walks out to render his verdict. 00:04:14.519 --> 00:04:20.560 Although multiple times we've heard Pilate pronounce that he's found absolutely no guilt in Jesus. 00:04:20.560 --> 00:04:33.660 Pilate makes a last ditch effort. 00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:37.860 Maybe one more time he offers them Jesus as their king. 00:04:38.259 --> 00:04:41.300 Certainly they don't want their king crucified. 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:42.819 They'll go for this maybe. 00:04:42.819 --> 00:04:52.319 And the chief priests, the representatives of God's people reply, 00:04:53.779 --> 00:04:58.199 We have no king but Caesar. 00:05:00.459 --> 00:05:01.420 Wow. 00:05:02.420 --> 00:05:05.699 Those are powerful words in the moment. 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:07.639 Get Jesus away. 00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:09.800 Kill him. 00:05:09.800 --> 00:05:15.240 Because we have no king but Caesar. 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:22.259 I want us to see how shocking those words are this morning for a few minutes. 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:31.139 But I want us to do that with an awareness that there are really only two types of people in this room in this regard. 00:05:31.139 --> 00:05:36.819 There are those of us who explicitly reject Jesus as king. 00:05:36.819 --> 00:05:47.180 And there are those of us who claim Jesus as king but still sometimes reject his kingship by bowing to another king. 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:57.139 All of us this morning need to consider how we say we have no king but Caesar. 00:05:57.139 --> 00:06:05.379 And then we need to look squarely at Jesus and see him as king and know what that would mean. 00:06:07.039 --> 00:06:09.419 We have no king but Caesar. 00:06:09.639 --> 00:06:15.919 First consider what it means to say these words this fateful night in John 19. 00:06:16.419 --> 00:06:22.300 Then we'll look at some background to this climactic moment in the story of God's people and their king. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:29.939 We have no king but Caesar means first that God's people are rejecting him. 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:34.400 Rejecting Yahweh as king. 00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:36.819 They're looking to other things. 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:37.699 Something else. 00:06:37.800 --> 00:06:39.600 Someone else for life. 00:06:40.120 --> 00:06:43.580 Caesar would represent to them worldly power. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:43.980 Right? 00:06:44.460 --> 00:06:45.220 Control. 00:06:45.759 --> 00:06:46.519 Influence. 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:53.159 They're saying when they say these words that they want Caesar to give them life. 00:06:53.159 --> 00:06:56.139 He gives them lots of things, doesn't he? 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:06.120 And they're saying they'll follow what he wants them to live like in order to get what he gives them. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:07.399 Did you hear that? 00:07:07.799 --> 00:07:11.060 That is a description of street-level idolatry. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:11.859 Okay? 00:07:12.359 --> 00:07:13.919 That's what it means. 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:20.000 That they will do what he wants them to do to get what he can give to them. 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:25.580 An idol is something or someone that you look to for life. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:33.920 Something to shape you into its image in order to get what it promises to give you. 00:07:33.920 --> 00:07:43.879 That's why when I was a young baseball player, it fits to say that I idolized Greg Maddox. 00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:45.240 Wow. 00:07:46.439 --> 00:07:48.100 I wanted to be just like him. 00:07:48.460 --> 00:07:52.720 Although somehow I never won a Cy Young Award or a World Series. 00:07:52.720 --> 00:08:00.420 Maddox, for those of you who don't know, was a great Braves pitcher who didn't throw 100 miles an hour like Nolan Ryan. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:04.880 But he always seemed to make the ball move and end up right where he wanted it. 00:08:04.940 --> 00:08:08.620 He was crafty, consistent, control pitcher. 00:08:08.980 --> 00:08:16.280 So as a fellow pitcher with a fastball in the 80s, I idolized him as a pitcher. 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:19.379 Meaning I wanted to hold the ball the way he did. 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:21.179 I wanted to throw the ball the way he did. 00:08:21.359 --> 00:08:24.419 I even wanted to wear my socks the way that he did. 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:28.779 That was the ticket to life, to pitch in his image. 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:41.279 Part of Israel's idolatry is preferring to find life living in Caesar's image. 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:43.519 That's the first part. 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:50.559 But part of idolatry is also looking to enthrone ourselves, isn't it? 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:51.539 Think about that. 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:58.779 Before you bow to another idol, another king, you are putting yourself on the throne. 00:08:59.159 --> 00:09:03.339 It's really evident in this passage because part of the irony here when they say, 00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:11.200 we have no king but Caesar, is that these Jewish leaders actually despised Caesar. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:12.960 And Pilate knew it. 00:09:13.660 --> 00:09:20.259 Caesar kept them under his thumb, the Gentile ruler of their promised land. 00:09:22.040 --> 00:09:23.180 What are they really saying? 00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:28.060 What they're really saying is that they have no king at all. 00:09:28.660 --> 00:09:31.240 No king but themselves. 00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:35.100 They're rejecting the messianic hope. 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:39.659 The promise of a king coming to deliver God's people. 00:09:40.060 --> 00:09:45.060 They will bow, they've decided, to whoever or whatever gets them what they want right now. 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:48.060 Keeps them in control for now. 00:09:48.440 --> 00:09:49.779 They want that king. 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:51.799 They're in charge. 00:09:51.799 --> 00:10:04.519 But this moment, these fateful words where his own did not receive him have been building for centuries, for generations, haven't they? 00:10:06.019 --> 00:10:10.679 I think that's part of why they're so often on our hearts and our lips too. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:13.859 We love to be on the throne, don't we? 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:16.700 Don't we enjoy being in control? 00:10:18.220 --> 00:10:20.000 Well, part of that's understandable. 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:26.500 All the way back in the beginning, God the king creates man and woman in his image. 00:10:26.919 --> 00:10:33.220 And he tells us that part of that reflecting the image of the king is to rule on his behalf. 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:35.120 To be vice regents. 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:37.180 That's what he made us for. 00:10:37.179 --> 00:10:43.519 To rule the way that Yahweh, the true king, would rule over his whole creation. 00:10:44.059 --> 00:10:46.620 So our instinct, as a good one, is to rule. 00:10:47.719 --> 00:10:54.000 But we can't do it right unless we're living in relationship with the true king. 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:56.179 Tending the garden. 00:10:56.620 --> 00:10:57.719 Caring for the animals. 00:10:58.079 --> 00:11:02.219 Creating beauty in the image of the king. 00:11:02.220 --> 00:11:07.379 And listen, God's people definitely have a king. 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:08.340 It's not unclear. 00:11:08.460 --> 00:11:10.259 They sing about him all the time. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:11.720 Psalm 29. 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:15.600 The Lord Yahweh sits enthroned over the flood. 00:11:15.960 --> 00:11:19.139 The Lord sits enthroned as king forever. 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:20.580 Psalm 47. 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:22.540 Sing praises to God. 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:23.240 Sing praises. 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:25.080 Sing praises to our king. 00:11:25.420 --> 00:11:26.100 Sing praises. 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:29.399 For God is the king of all the earth. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:31.079 Psalm 145. 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.459 They sing about his kingdom. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:35.399 Your kingdom, God, is an everlasting kingdom. 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:39.759 Your dominion endures throughout all generations. 00:11:40.699 --> 00:11:48.319 This is why the Hillel Passover prayer that would have been prayed over and over in Jerusalem this very weekend. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:54.720 Says to Yahweh, we have no king but thee. 00:11:57.059 --> 00:11:57.620 Wow. 00:11:58.319 --> 00:11:59.139 Sound familiar? 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:06.879 We have no king but Caesar? 00:12:10.639 --> 00:12:20.879 From the very first sin in Eden, men and women, boys and girls, have been rejecting the true king for our own idols. 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:23.699 Looking to what looks good to us, right? 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:25.759 What will give us life? 00:12:26.079 --> 00:12:27.139 Adam and Eve, right? 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:31.480 The nation of Israel at the time of the judges. 00:12:31.819 --> 00:12:33.580 Another great example of this. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:35.879 Gideon rescued God's people. 00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:37.980 God sent him as a judge to deliver them. 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:40.899 And they wanted to make this flawed man their king. 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:42.379 Gideon said, no way. 00:12:42.939 --> 00:12:45.179 Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you. 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:47.100 My son will not rule over you. 00:12:47.399 --> 00:12:49.299 The Lord will rule over you. 00:12:49.419 --> 00:12:50.620 You have a king. 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:50.639 You have a king. 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:59.039 But the problem was they had quit acknowledging Yahweh's rule. 00:13:00.120 --> 00:13:06.980 The whole book of Judges says over and over, in those days, there was no king in Israel. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:12.159 Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:15.840 Man, we go there quickly these days, don't we? 00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:21.740 I know who I am, how I should live, what I want. 00:13:22.139 --> 00:13:23.039 I know that. 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:36.679 When the Israelites do ask God for a king like the nations, Samuel, their last judge, is distraught. 00:13:37.219 --> 00:13:39.419 And God says to Samuel, hey, don't take it personally. 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:43.319 Obey the voice of the people and all they say to you. 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:45.059 For they have not rejected you. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:47.620 You're not the king, Samuel. 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:52.839 They have rejected me from being king over them. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:56.860 They want a king that they can see and they can follow wherever he leads. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:59.579 They don't care if he leads them after Yahweh or not. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:02.659 See, they were made to look like Yahweh. 00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:06.379 But they were longing to look like the nations. 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:09.480 To be remade in their image. 00:14:10.700 --> 00:14:15.000 They reject Yahweh and they get Saul. 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:24.379 When that doesn't go well, God says, look, if anyone's going to be king of my people, 00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:29.820 the point will be to point them to me with your whole heart. 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:32.840 Point them away from the idols of the nations around them. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:36.639 Remind them to rule over my world in my image. 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:40.300 Show them, king, what the true king looks like. 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:45.639 And so David and Solomon come to the throne and it's repeatedly called the throne of Yahweh. 00:14:46.100 --> 00:14:48.680 The throne of the Lord that they will sit on. 00:14:50.420 --> 00:14:56.920 And many, many evil kings, if you've read through those books before, follow them. 00:14:57.340 --> 00:14:59.920 They lead the people away from God. 00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:05.019 Even many of those kings setting up new idols for the people to worship. 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:08.679 That's what happens all through the history of the Old Testament. 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:14.240 When you reject Yahweh, like we read earlier in Jeremiah chapter 2, 00:15:15.599 --> 00:15:18.000 you look somewhere else for life. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:20.479 Another idol to bow to. 00:15:20.819 --> 00:15:23.899 Something to be shaped in its image to give you what you want. 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:26.360 We're always being shaped, right? 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:30.200 Formed into something's image all the time. 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:34.200 The question is, what is it? 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:38.580 So look at the description of a pretty good king. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:39.580 There are some. 00:15:40.860 --> 00:15:41.419 Hezekiah. 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:43.139 2 Kings 18. 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.740 What does a good king do? 00:15:44.800 --> 00:15:46.000 He tears down idols. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:48.399 He rules God's way. 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:50.620 He points the people to Yahweh. 00:15:50.940 --> 00:15:52.960 And to hope in his promises. 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:57.300 Because what's clear throughout these centuries in the Psalms and the Prophets, 00:15:57.400 --> 00:15:58.940 over and over so many examples, 00:15:59.280 --> 00:16:03.259 is that Yahweh is going to send a king for his people. 00:16:03.340 --> 00:16:04.139 There's someone coming. 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:07.420 A king who will never leave the throne. 00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:10.759 A king who will perfectly reflect God's image. 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:15.860 A king who will destroy every idol and any other pretender to the throne of God 00:16:15.860 --> 00:16:19.440 and lead God's people in life everlasting. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:27.180 That is where the term Messiah, anointed one, comes from. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:31.360 That was the hope of generations of Jews, right? 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:33.940 They needed a king like that. 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:35.180 The Messiah. 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.399 The king. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:41.279 The faithful servant of God who will rescue us once and for all 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:44.080 by bringing us back into relationship with the true king. 00:16:44.279 --> 00:16:45.360 That's what they're longing for. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:48.759 That's what they're looking forward to for generations and generations. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:51.600 Yet on this night, 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:57.419 when Jesus stands before them in a purple robe, 00:16:58.860 --> 00:17:01.740 with a bloodied face, 00:17:03.139 --> 00:17:05.500 topped by a crown of thorns, 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:11.380 they reject messianic hope as well. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.000 He came to his own. 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:18.680 People who grew up hearing about him all the time. 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:22.619 But his own did not receive him. 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:28.700 We have no king but Caesar. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:34.140 Really, no king at all, right? 00:17:34.140 --> 00:17:39.759 If you don't listen carefully to their accents, 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:43.100 you might think that they're American patriots. 00:17:44.020 --> 00:17:47.700 Our country has a rich history of rejecting kings, 00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:48.940 their tea, 00:17:49.340 --> 00:17:50.320 and their taxes. 00:17:51.320 --> 00:17:52.340 We're proud. 00:17:52.339 --> 00:18:00.220 And we have a rich history of enthroning ourselves as king, 00:18:00.359 --> 00:18:00.720 don't we? 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:05.240 Maybe we should be less proud of that part. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:14.359 But I think that you and I inherit that heart from our spiritual fathers and our cultural fathers. 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:16.859 Just think for a minute. 00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:19.699 I bow to idols all the time. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:21.759 Shape myself in their image. 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:23.479 Enthrone myself. 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:26.819 Just thinking of a few ways. 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:30.380 I do worship Jesus as king, 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:32.500 but I reject him as king 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:33.920 when as a parent, 00:18:34.579 --> 00:18:37.059 I think my hope for my kids lies 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:39.539 in my controlling what they do 00:18:39.539 --> 00:18:41.079 and where they go 00:18:41.079 --> 00:18:42.380 and what they believe. 00:18:42.380 --> 00:18:46.000 I reject the messianic hope 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:48.600 that Jesus alone rescues them 00:18:48.600 --> 00:18:51.700 when I quit praying so much for them 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:56.120 and I start pressuring them to perform the way I want them to. 00:18:57.120 --> 00:18:58.620 God, forgive me. 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.860 That's idolatry. 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:07.080 We reject Jesus as king by searching for life, 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:08.440 for a firm foundation, 00:19:08.660 --> 00:19:10.800 for a successful life somewhere else. 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:13.720 You know, I'll do things Jesus' way 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:15.960 and prioritize my relationship with God 00:19:15.960 --> 00:19:17.319 once I get the next promotion 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:19.559 and settle into my long-term career 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:21.379 and have financial security. 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.819 Then I can live for Jesus. 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.299 For the time being, 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:27.379 I'll bow to Jesus on Sundays, 00:19:27.659 --> 00:19:29.539 but honestly, I'm living my life 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:30.980 formed by another king 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:33.440 and another kingdom most of the week. 00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:37.480 Friends, just in case you don't recognize that, 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:40.759 that's idolatry at its finest, right? 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:43.379 Honoring God with our lips, 00:19:43.720 --> 00:19:46.480 with hearts far from him. 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:48.700 Focusing on our outward appearance 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:53.079 while neglecting our inward formation in God's image. 00:19:54.159 --> 00:19:55.980 Living like the firm foundation 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:57.220 is worldly success 00:19:57.220 --> 00:20:00.019 while singing about God being worthy. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:03.480 Spending way less time pursuing God 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:05.099 than pursuing success 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:08.199 and somehow expecting to be formed into his image. 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:11.019 God, forgive us. 00:20:12.179 --> 00:20:13.159 If you're there right now, 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:15.159 these idolatrous habits 00:20:15.159 --> 00:20:17.459 and patterns of life, 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:19.059 they're hard to break, aren't they? 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:20.879 And we... 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:23.740 We still think we're worshiping God. 00:20:23.800 --> 00:20:24.720 We just have forgotten 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:27.240 how to quit bowing to the idols. 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:31.240 We reject Jesus as king 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:33.060 when we say we love and follow him 00:20:33.060 --> 00:20:35.820 but live according to our own designs. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:38.460 We read God's design for our sexuality, 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:39.579 for marriage, 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:41.480 but we're pretty sure 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:43.379 we've got better ideas these days. 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:45.159 From where we sit, 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.599 on our throne, 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:49.539 this makes more sense 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:51.559 and it feels like more life, 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:52.619 better life. 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:56.019 Maybe we think in the back of our minds, 00:20:56.179 --> 00:20:56.759 after all, 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:59.119 if Jesus doesn't come through, 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:01.259 I better have some hope 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.339 and some life already, 00:21:02.959 --> 00:21:03.819 somewhere else. 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:07.119 God, forgive us. 00:21:09.299 --> 00:21:11.000 Y'all, I've seen all this idolatry 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:14.739 and much more in my own heart and life. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:19.079 Do you see any idolatry like this 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:21.059 in your own heart and life? 00:21:22.619 --> 00:21:25.579 Can you think of anywhere 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:27.059 you're silently rejecting 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:28.739 the kingship of Jesus, 00:21:29.399 --> 00:21:30.619 preferring your own rule? 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:33.979 It's understandable, friends. 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:35.799 You were made to rule 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:38.199 just as number two, 00:21:38.899 --> 00:21:39.739 not number one. 00:21:41.619 --> 00:21:43.299 In the name of the king, 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.779 not in your own name, 00:21:44.979 --> 00:21:45.879 for his glory, 00:21:45.979 --> 00:21:47.959 not for your own success and comfort. 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:51.039 Do you honestly think 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:52.319 you're managing life fine 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.939 without him most days? 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:56.919 Do you feel at peace 00:21:56.919 --> 00:21:58.720 only when you're in control 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:00.939 and spend most days 00:22:00.939 --> 00:22:01.960 deeply anxious, 00:22:02.939 --> 00:22:04.460 worried, afraid? 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.899 Do you believe you know better 00:22:07.899 --> 00:22:09.259 what to do with the time 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.359 that he gives you, 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:12.839 the body he made, 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:14.579 the others he made 00:22:14.579 --> 00:22:15.619 in his image? 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:22.119 we have no king but Caesar. 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:25.079 It's a rejection of God. 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:27.519 It's idolatry. 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:30.239 It's a rejection of hope 00:22:30.239 --> 00:22:31.219 in the Messiah. 00:22:33.719 --> 00:22:36.439 All of us are guilty at times. 00:22:37.439 --> 00:22:38.739 We need to repent. 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:41.900 We need to quit bowing 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.440 to worthless idols. 00:22:43.640 --> 00:22:44.859 We need to turn back 00:22:44.859 --> 00:22:46.640 to King Jesus. 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.880 How do you do that? 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:52.980 Pilate, 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:55.900 whether he knows it or not, 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.859 is offering us 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:57.559 the path 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:59.279 to true life. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:01.640 Behold 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:02.839 your 00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:04.059 king. 00:23:04.059 --> 00:23:06.839 It's the only way 00:23:06.839 --> 00:23:07.579 that I know 00:23:07.579 --> 00:23:09.220 to dethrone 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:10.079 the idols 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:11.099 of your heart, 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:12.339 to kick yourself 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:13.899 off the throne, 00:23:14.099 --> 00:23:15.079 to behold 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:16.599 your king, 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.500 to bow 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:19.119 to Jesus. 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:21.079 What I mean 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:21.440 when I 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:22.359 say that 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:23.579 is instead of 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:24.319 the eyes 00:23:24.319 --> 00:23:25.359 of your heart 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:26.099 looking to 00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:27.059 other things 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:27.819 for life, 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:29.700 looking to 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.259 enthrone 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:31.039 yourself, 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:32.519 instead 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.559 look to 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:34.339 Jesus 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.740 desperately 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.879 as the 00:23:36.879 --> 00:23:38.059 only one 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:39.159 in control. 00:23:39.659 --> 00:23:40.319 Not him 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:40.879 with a little bit 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:41.180 of you. 00:23:42.659 --> 00:23:43.659 As the only 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.500 king you can 00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:45.019 trust 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:45.839 to rule 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:46.759 over all 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.339 things. 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.259 The one 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:48.980 without whom 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:49.480 you must 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:50.059 give up 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.480 hope 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:51.259 of peace 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:52.099 and joy 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:53.059 and life. 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:54.740 You've bowed 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.960 to other idols. 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:57.119 Only 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:57.819 King Jesus 00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:58.639 can restore 00:23:58.639 --> 00:23:59.700 you to God 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:00.399 and enable 00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:01.000 you to live 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:01.640 the life 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:01.960 that you 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.380 were made 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:02.900 for. 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:03.740 That's 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.160 looking to 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:04.300 him 00:24:04.300 --> 00:24:04.880 desperately. 00:24:05.280 --> 00:24:05.560 Jesus, 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.400 I need 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:06.660 you. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:08.240 And 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.220 look to 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:09.400 him 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:09.800 daily. 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.440 Not just 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.140 bow the 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:13.900 knee once. 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.540 Many of us 00:24:14.540 --> 00:24:15.300 have done 00:24:15.300 --> 00:24:15.580 that, 00:24:15.780 --> 00:24:16.500 have acknowledged 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.200 Jesus as 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:17.420 king, 00:24:17.620 --> 00:24:18.300 but actually 00:24:18.300 --> 00:24:19.140 realize that 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:19.920 he is ruling 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:21.140 for you 00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:22.340 in every 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:22.940 moment, 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.120 in every 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:24.960 situation, 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.000 even the ones 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.500 you can't 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.019 see it. 00:24:27.280 --> 00:24:27.900 He's not 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:28.900 cheering you 00:24:28.900 --> 00:24:29.740 on in hopes 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.140 that you 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:30.539 can win 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:30.980 the battle 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:31.559 yourself. 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.000 He's not 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:32.500 a cosmic 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.220 cheerleader. 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.400 He's coming 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:36.440 in to conquer 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:37.019 you, 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:39.220 to actually 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:40.039 to let you 00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:40.620 off the 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:40.960 throne 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:42.900 and give 00:24:42.900 --> 00:24:43.660 you rest. 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:45.940 So that 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:46.440 when you do 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.099 stand up to 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:47.359 fight, 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:48.180 it is in 00:24:48.180 --> 00:24:48.960 his already 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.519 accomplished 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.059 victory. 00:24:50.620 --> 00:24:51.019 That's the 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:51.740 kind of king 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.180 that he is. 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.120 When King 00:24:53.120 --> 00:24:53.940 Simba comes 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:54.599 back to 00:24:54.599 --> 00:24:55.759 Pride Rock, 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.400 there are 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.559 many lions 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:57.960 and other 00:24:57.960 --> 00:24:58.660 good animals. 00:24:58.660 --> 00:24:59.100 They've 00:24:59.100 --> 00:24:59.680 been fighting 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:00.240 but mostly 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:01.279 cowering in 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:01.900 fear and 00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:02.640 losing. 00:25:03.240 --> 00:25:03.420 And he 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:03.820 doesn't just 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:04.880 provide inspiration 00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:05.460 for their 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.140 fight so they 00:25:06.140 --> 00:25:06.620 do better. 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.600 What happens? 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:09.500 They fall 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.340 back and 00:25:10.340 --> 00:25:10.980 stand behind 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:12.640 him and 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:13.279 he steps 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:14.220 forward to 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:15.060 defeat their 00:25:15.060 --> 00:25:15.860 greatest enemies 00:25:15.860 --> 00:25:16.580 and then at 00:25:16.580 --> 00:25:16.980 the end they 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.580 rush forward 00:25:17.580 --> 00:25:18.180 and clean up 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:18.680 the scattering 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.120 hyenas. 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:23.059 just as David 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:24.459 defeated Goliath 00:25:24.459 --> 00:25:25.459 on behalf of 00:25:25.459 --> 00:25:26.599 God's fearful 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.659 people and 00:25:27.659 --> 00:25:28.179 they then 00:25:28.179 --> 00:25:29.019 rushed forward 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.919 to plunder 00:25:29.919 --> 00:25:30.759 the fleeing 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.679 Philistines. 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:32.819 So Jesus, 00:25:33.219 --> 00:25:34.439 our champion, 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:35.859 defeats all 00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:37.199 his and our 00:25:37.199 --> 00:25:38.139 enemies and 00:25:38.139 --> 00:25:38.899 in so doing 00:25:38.899 --> 00:25:39.439 this king 00:25:39.439 --> 00:25:40.339 invites us 00:25:40.339 --> 00:25:41.059 to rest, 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:42.319 to rejoice 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.519 in his victory 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:44.579 and then 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:46.259 in his train 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.439 to plunder 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:48.299 the fleeing 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.039 darkness 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.220 in the battle 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:50.559 that he's 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.080 already won. 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.840 Bowing to 00:25:55.840 --> 00:25:56.539 King Jesus, 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:58.180 it actually 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:59.460 means really 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:00.519 truly looking 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.440 to him, 00:26:02.120 --> 00:26:02.740 doesn't it? 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:04.980 Remembering 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:06.380 often that 00:26:06.380 --> 00:26:06.980 he is on 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.420 the throne, 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:09.000 applying that 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.640 reality, 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.580 that truth 00:26:10.580 --> 00:26:11.420 that we say 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:11.960 we believe 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:12.480 to the 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:13.140 relationships, 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:13.980 the decisions, 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:14.840 the situations 00:26:14.840 --> 00:26:15.580 of my life 00:26:15.580 --> 00:26:16.480 that seem out 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:16.980 of control. 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.019 Or they 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:18.900 seem harmful 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.440 to me. 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:21.960 I mean, 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.299 honestly, 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:22.880 ask yourself, 00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:23.400 if you're not 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:24.160 at any point 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:24.920 in your day 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:25.820 remembering 00:26:25.820 --> 00:26:26.920 that Jesus 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:27.559 is on the 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.000 throne of 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.660 your life, 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:30.059 how would 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:30.620 you expect 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:31.539 to be formed 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.460 in his 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:32.940 image? 00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:36.660 What happens 00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:37.160 when you do 00:26:37.160 --> 00:26:37.759 behold him? 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:39.180 What happens 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:39.620 when your eyes 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:40.480 are fixed, 00:26:40.580 --> 00:26:41.059 when you see 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:41.559 who's really 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.080 on the throne, 00:26:42.299 --> 00:26:42.880 who the true 00:26:42.880 --> 00:26:43.440 king is? 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:44.480 Then idols 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.279 are displaced. 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.660 self is 00:26:46.660 --> 00:26:47.680 dethroned, 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.480 the true 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:49.279 king is 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:49.899 crowned, 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:50.299 and his 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:50.940 image starts 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.539 to be formed 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:51.859 in us 00:26:51.859 --> 00:26:52.180 more and 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.420 more. 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:55.000 Behold 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.660 your 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.319 king. 00:26:58.619 --> 00:26:59.200 That's what 00:26:59.200 --> 00:26:59.619 I'd like us 00:26:59.619 --> 00:26:59.940 to spend 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:00.559 the last few 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.160 minutes doing 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:01.599 together. 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:04.859 If you've 00:27:04.859 --> 00:27:05.420 never seen 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:05.899 Jesus 00:27:05.899 --> 00:27:07.399 as king, 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:08.359 I'd like to 00:27:08.359 --> 00:27:08.879 encourage you 00:27:08.879 --> 00:27:09.660 just to imagine 00:27:09.660 --> 00:27:11.120 what it would 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.740 be like 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:14.220 to have a 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:14.800 king like 00:27:14.800 --> 00:27:15.200 this, 00:27:15.580 --> 00:27:16.340 to bow to 00:27:16.340 --> 00:27:16.640 him. 00:27:17.040 --> 00:27:17.820 I assure 00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:18.300 you that he 00:27:18.300 --> 00:27:19.019 is quite 00:27:19.019 --> 00:27:20.320 unique in 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:20.820 ways that you 00:27:20.820 --> 00:27:21.380 might not even 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:21.800 believe, 00:27:22.060 --> 00:27:22.960 but if you'll 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.680 look at him 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.279 and just 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:25.080 imagine, 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:25.540 wouldn't it 00:27:25.540 --> 00:27:26.120 be wonderful 00:27:26.120 --> 00:27:26.920 to follow a 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:27.320 king like 00:27:27.320 --> 00:27:27.640 this? 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.620 If you know 00:27:30.620 --> 00:27:31.100 him but you've 00:27:31.100 --> 00:27:31.980 started bowing 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.960 elsewhere, 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.140 I want you to 00:27:35.140 --> 00:27:36.640 just take a 00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:37.220 deep breath 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.779 and gaze on 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.400 his beauty 00:27:39.400 --> 00:27:40.620 and his 00:27:40.620 --> 00:27:41.600 majesty for a 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:42.140 few minutes 00:27:42.140 --> 00:27:43.079 with me 00:27:43.079 --> 00:27:44.220 and so rest 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:45.819 and find 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:47.100 hope and 00:27:47.100 --> 00:27:47.940 find life 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.680 in Jesus 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:49.420 our king. 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:52.200 I'm grateful 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:53.360 for the 00:27:53.360 --> 00:27:53.960 inspiration 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:55.799 and some 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.420 words from 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:57.759 Pastor Shadrach 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.380 Meshach 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:59.059 Lockridge. 00:27:59.339 --> 00:27:59.819 What a great 00:27:59.819 --> 00:28:00.259 name. 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:01.220 Shadrach and 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.000 Meshach in the 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:02.240 same. 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.160 He ministered in 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.220 California in the 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.480 last century and 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.200 he once preached 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:08.220 an Easter themed 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.400 sermon titled 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:11.019 That's My 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:11.380 King. 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:13.840 I'll say 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:14.620 that's our 00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:14.900 king. 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.880 Just behold 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:18.519 him for a few 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:18.900 minutes. 00:28:19.600 --> 00:28:20.380 He's the king 00:28:20.380 --> 00:28:21.299 of creation. 00:28:22.559 --> 00:28:23.500 He's the king 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.200 of righteousness. 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:26.340 He's the king 00:28:26.340 --> 00:28:27.460 of promise. 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:28.880 He's the king 00:28:28.880 --> 00:28:29.620 of redemption. 00:28:30.640 --> 00:28:31.140 He's the king 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:31.640 of heaven. 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:33.299 He's the king 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.539 of glory. 00:28:34.940 --> 00:28:35.880 That's our 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.600 king. 00:28:36.599 --> 00:28:37.439 The king of 00:28:37.439 --> 00:28:38.199 kings. 00:28:38.439 --> 00:28:39.399 The lord of 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:39.740 lords. 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:40.480 Look at him 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.639 there for just a 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.139 moment in this 00:28:42.139 --> 00:28:42.939 passage we just 00:28:42.939 --> 00:28:43.139 read. 00:28:43.199 --> 00:28:43.579 There he is. 00:28:44.099 --> 00:28:45.000 He's bloody. 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:47.699 Yet he doesn't 00:28:47.699 --> 00:28:48.439 fight back. 00:28:49.719 --> 00:28:50.799 He's misunderstood. 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.519 He's accused 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.299 falsely. 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.299 He's mocked 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:57.299 unjustly. 00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:58.059 unjustly. 00:28:58.059 --> 00:29:00.899 He sits silent 00:29:00.899 --> 00:29:02.759 when he knows 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:03.799 he's being led 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:05.559 to the slaughter. 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.259 Y'all he is 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.659 absolutely committed 00:29:08.659 --> 00:29:10.599 to seeing this 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:10.960 through. 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:12.639 To the death 00:29:12.639 --> 00:29:14.480 in our 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.519 place. 00:29:16.419 --> 00:29:17.440 When betrayal 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:18.379 is rearing 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:19.119 its ugly 00:29:19.119 --> 00:29:19.579 head. 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:20.339 When the 00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:22.000 awful cross 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.440 looms 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:23.659 nearer and 00:29:23.659 --> 00:29:24.139 nearer. 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.700 when the 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.740 terrors of 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:27.100 bearing sin 00:29:27.100 --> 00:29:28.380 torment his 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:28.900 soul. 00:29:29.520 --> 00:29:30.380 Our king 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:31.540 stands 00:29:31.540 --> 00:29:32.820 firm. 00:29:33.300 --> 00:29:33.759 So listen 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.980 nothing in 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.220 heaven or on 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:37.340 earth will keep 00:29:37.340 --> 00:29:38.300 him from 00:29:38.300 --> 00:29:39.320 loving you. 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:40.800 From rescuing 00:29:40.800 --> 00:29:41.120 you. 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:42.220 From holding 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:42.620 you. 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:43.259 He is 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:44.520 enduringly 00:29:44.520 --> 00:29:45.360 strong. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.759 He's entirely 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:47.120 sincere. 00:29:48.080 --> 00:29:49.160 He's eternally 00:29:49.160 --> 00:29:50.120 steadfast. 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:51.300 He's immortally 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:52.099 graceful. 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:52.500 He's 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.319 imperially 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:54.220 powerful. 00:29:54.619 --> 00:29:54.940 He is 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:55.799 impartially 00:29:55.799 --> 00:29:56.579 merciful. 00:29:56.980 --> 00:29:57.440 He's our 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:57.960 king. 00:29:58.879 --> 00:29:59.680 His promise 00:29:59.680 --> 00:30:00.700 is sure. 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:01.700 His goodness 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:03.059 is limitless. 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:04.359 His mercy 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.480 is everlasting. 00:30:06.059 --> 00:30:06.879 His love 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:08.099 is unfailing. 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:09.059 His word 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.039 is eternal. 00:30:10.379 --> 00:30:11.119 His grace 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:12.139 is sufficient. 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.579 His reign 00:30:13.579 --> 00:30:14.539 is righteous. 00:30:14.779 --> 00:30:15.579 His mission 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:16.619 is accomplished. 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:17.480 And his 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:18.720 yoke is easy. 00:30:19.379 --> 00:30:19.700 And his 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.399 burden is 00:30:20.399 --> 00:30:20.980 light. 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.359 That's our 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:22.940 king. 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:24.720 Marvel at 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:25.639 him for a 00:30:25.639 --> 00:30:25.720 minute. 00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:26.480 Close your 00:30:26.480 --> 00:30:26.940 eyes if you 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:27.539 need to. 00:30:28.839 --> 00:30:29.119 Y'all he 00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:30.299 dignifies his 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:31.319 followers with 00:30:31.319 --> 00:30:33.480 high callings 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:36.119 and forgives us 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:37.000 when we fall 00:30:37.000 --> 00:30:37.419 short. 00:30:38.460 --> 00:30:39.019 He is 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.599 condemned 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:40.319 right here 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:40.960 at the 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.339 judgment 00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:42.799 seat so 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:43.299 that there 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:44.079 will be 00:30:44.079 --> 00:30:44.960 no 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:46.299 condemnation 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:47.059 at the 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:47.440 judgment 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:48.279 day for 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:48.839 those who 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:49.159 are in 00:30:49.159 --> 00:30:49.480 Christ 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:49.899 Jesus. 00:30:50.059 --> 00:30:50.240 Amen. 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.880 He conquers 00:30:51.880 --> 00:30:52.700 all of 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:53.500 his and 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:53.839 our 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:54.259 enemies 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:55.140 except for 00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:55.740 those that 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.519 he picks up 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.140 off the 00:30:57.140 --> 00:30:58.000 ground long 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:58.640 enough to 00:30:58.640 --> 00:30:59.259 hang him on 00:30:59.259 --> 00:30:59.859 a cross 00:30:59.859 --> 00:31:00.519 where he 00:31:00.519 --> 00:31:01.500 conquers our 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:01.920 greatest 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:02.980 enemies once 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:03.620 and for 00:31:03.620 --> 00:31:03.880 all. 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.259 And he 00:31:04.259 --> 00:31:05.019 lifts us up 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.660 then from the 00:31:05.660 --> 00:31:06.539 ash heap to 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:07.299 seat us with 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:08.420 him in the 00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:09.220 heavenly places 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:10.220 far above all 00:31:10.220 --> 00:31:11.160 other rule or 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:12.059 power or 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:13.099 dominion that 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.099 ever existed or 00:31:14.099 --> 00:31:14.620 ever will 00:31:14.620 --> 00:31:15.140 exist. 00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:15.920 that's our 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:16.780 king and 00:31:16.780 --> 00:31:17.259 we're seated 00:31:17.259 --> 00:31:17.880 with him. 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:19.940 He's the 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:20.900 visible image 00:31:20.900 --> 00:31:23.259 of the 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.180 invisible God. 00:31:24.820 --> 00:31:25.759 He shows 00:31:25.759 --> 00:31:26.920 us what 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:27.759 God is like 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:28.500 in the flesh 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.400 standing there 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:30.020 as you 00:31:30.020 --> 00:31:31.259 look up at 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:31.580 him. 00:31:31.820 --> 00:31:32.620 He shows us 00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:33.420 God's heart. 00:31:35.420 --> 00:31:36.180 He shows us 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:36.900 God's commitment 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:38.460 to us 00:31:38.460 --> 00:31:39.259 as he 00:31:39.259 --> 00:31:40.540 restores us 00:31:40.540 --> 00:31:41.400 to God 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:41.780 and to the 00:31:41.780 --> 00:31:42.820 very image 00:31:42.819 --> 00:31:43.480 that we 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:44.279 were created 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.639 to reflect. 00:31:47.619 --> 00:31:48.259 Religious 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.139 leaders couldn't 00:31:49.139 --> 00:31:49.819 stand him 00:31:49.819 --> 00:31:50.679 but they found 00:31:50.679 --> 00:31:51.700 out they 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:52.359 couldn't stop 00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:52.579 him. 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.359 Pilate 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:54.960 couldn't find 00:31:54.960 --> 00:31:55.500 any fault 00:31:55.500 --> 00:31:55.879 in him. 00:31:56.139 --> 00:31:56.539 The people 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.359 couldn't decide 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:57.879 about him. 00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:58.579 The witnesses 00:31:58.579 --> 00:31:59.460 couldn't agree 00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:00.099 about him. 00:32:00.419 --> 00:32:01.299 Herod couldn't 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:01.899 kill him. 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:02.539 Death 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.460 couldn't handle 00:32:03.460 --> 00:32:04.099 him and the 00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:04.879 grave couldn't 00:32:04.879 --> 00:32:05.339 hold him. 00:32:05.619 --> 00:32:06.099 That's our 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:06.399 king. 00:32:06.899 --> 00:32:07.599 He's risen 00:32:07.599 --> 00:32:08.220 and reigning. 00:32:08.899 --> 00:32:09.039 Listen, 00:32:09.159 --> 00:32:09.779 he's never 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:10.799 out of control. 00:32:11.259 --> 00:32:11.599 Never. 00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:13.139 He's never 00:32:13.139 --> 00:32:13.980 out of love. 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:14.859 He's never 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:15.719 out of patience. 00:32:16.219 --> 00:32:16.679 He's never 00:32:16.679 --> 00:32:17.799 out of grace. 00:32:18.439 --> 00:32:19.399 Our good 00:32:19.399 --> 00:32:20.599 and gracious 00:32:20.599 --> 00:32:21.199 king, 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.779 you need to 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.379 see him and 00:32:23.379 --> 00:32:24.159 know he's 00:32:24.159 --> 00:32:25.879 never out 00:32:25.879 --> 00:32:26.439 of control. 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.000 Nowhere in 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:28.539 your life 00:32:28.539 --> 00:32:30.079 never is he 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:30.699 out of control. 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:32.059 He strengthens 00:32:32.059 --> 00:32:32.799 the weak. 00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:33.719 He helps 00:32:33.719 --> 00:32:34.579 the tempted. 00:32:34.959 --> 00:32:36.000 He sympathizes 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:36.919 with the 00:32:36.919 --> 00:32:37.619 downcast. 00:32:37.719 --> 00:32:38.059 He draws 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:38.799 near to the 00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:39.519 brokenhearted. 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.559 He forgives 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.039 sinners. 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.759 He heals 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.359 the sick. 00:32:42.659 --> 00:32:43.460 He discharges 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:43.879 debtors. 00:32:44.159 --> 00:32:44.559 He sets 00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:45.700 captives free. 00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:46.960 He defends 00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:47.579 the feeble. 00:32:47.680 --> 00:32:48.339 He blesses 00:32:48.339 --> 00:32:48.839 the young. 00:32:49.139 --> 00:32:49.779 He regards 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:50.279 the aged. 00:32:50.359 --> 00:32:51.559 He beautifies 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:52.460 the meek. 00:32:53.859 --> 00:32:54.279 He's the 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:55.240 son of God. 00:32:56.359 --> 00:32:56.799 He's the 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.420 savior of 00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:57.799 sinners. 00:32:59.480 --> 00:32:59.920 He's the 00:32:59.920 --> 00:33:00.420 friend of 00:33:00.420 --> 00:33:00.839 failures. 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:01.759 He's the 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.960 shepherd of 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:03.500 the sheep. 00:33:03.619 --> 00:33:03.960 He's the 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:04.980 light of 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:05.700 the world. 00:33:05.700 --> 00:33:06.399 He's the 00:33:06.399 --> 00:33:07.559 hope of 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:08.519 the nations. 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:09.379 And he's 00:33:09.380 --> 00:33:10.800 our king. 00:33:13.080 --> 00:33:13.920 He's the 00:33:13.920 --> 00:33:14.260 alpha 00:33:14.260 --> 00:33:16.140 and the 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:16.520 omega. 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:17.720 The beginning 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.160 and the 00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:18.540 end. 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.600 He always 00:33:19.600 --> 00:33:20.500 has been 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:21.880 and always 00:33:21.880 --> 00:33:22.780 will be. 00:33:23.060 --> 00:33:23.880 He had no 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:24.740 predecessor 00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:25.620 and he will 00:33:25.620 --> 00:33:26.420 have no 00:33:26.420 --> 00:33:27.240 successor. 00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:28.420 He's not up 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:29.200 for re-election 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:30.000 and he will 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:31.260 never resign. 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:31.820 He is 00:33:31.820 --> 00:33:32.760 unparalleled. 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:33.880 He's supreme. 00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:34.940 He is 00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:36.060 pre-eminent. 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:37.599 that's our 00:33:37.599 --> 00:33:38.559 king. 00:33:43.359 --> 00:33:44.259 He wants 00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:44.839 you to see 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:45.039 him. 00:33:46.579 --> 00:33:47.639 He wants 00:33:47.639 --> 00:33:48.440 you to see 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:49.000 him like 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:49.460 that. 00:33:50.619 --> 00:33:51.579 He invites 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.399 you to rest 00:33:52.399 --> 00:33:52.919 in him. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:54.859 He calls 00:33:54.859 --> 00:33:55.259 you to 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:56.200 worship him. 00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:57.440 He enables 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:58.619 you to find 00:33:58.619 --> 00:34:00.019 life in 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:00.399 him. 00:34:00.579 --> 00:34:01.559 He offers 00:34:01.559 --> 00:34:02.299 you to have 00:34:02.299 --> 00:34:03.119 hope in 00:34:03.119 --> 00:34:03.339 him. 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:04.440 He urges 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:06.240 you to 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.019 trust him. 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:09.079 That's our 00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:09.420 king. 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:12.760 O king 00:34:12.760 --> 00:34:13.260 Jesus, 00:34:14.720 --> 00:34:18.119 give us 00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:18.659 eyes to 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:18.980 see. 00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:22.200 Give us 00:34:22.200 --> 00:34:23.519 knees to 00:34:23.519 --> 00:34:23.840 bow. 00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:26.320 Give us 00:34:26.320 --> 00:34:27.820 hearts to 00:34:27.820 --> 00:34:28.200 worship 00:34:28.200 --> 00:34:30.340 and to 00:34:30.340 --> 00:34:30.900 light in 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:32.179 and rest 00:34:32.179 --> 00:34:33.099 in you. 00:34:34.440 --> 00:34:34.720 our 00:34:34.720 --> 00:34:35.139 king. 00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:41.679 We ask 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:41.940 it in 00:34:41.940 --> 00:34:42.079 your 00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:42.360 name. 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:43.940 Amen. 00:34:44.820 --> 00:34:45.500 For more 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:46.019 information, 00:34:46.380 --> 00:34:46.860 visit us 00:34:46.860 --> 00:34:47.559 online at 00:34:47.559 --> 00:34:48.340 southwood.org.