WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 It's always risky to talk about politics from a pulpit, isn't it? 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:10.660 Our church is a non-political organization. 00:00:10.900 --> 00:00:12.519 We don't take a side. 00:00:12.859 --> 00:00:14.800 We're neither Republican or Democrat. 00:00:16.120 --> 00:00:23.760 What we do say, though, is as followers of Jesus, we are to exercise our citizenship for His glory. 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:30.520 And so we don't take sides, but you know what? 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:32.560 It's okay to talk about politics. 00:00:34.219 --> 00:00:45.780 I don't know about you, but over the last several weeks, the political theater has been full of very interesting outworkings. 00:00:45.780 --> 00:01:04.659 Coming off the November elections, all of us, if not most of us, have been watching our political leaders, both on a federal and state level, engage in public discourse, to say it nicely. 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:09.120 To push agendas. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:14.760 And sometimes when you're observing these things, it feels like you're watching your parents fight. 00:01:17.620 --> 00:01:18.900 Now, don't get me wrong. 00:01:19.020 --> 00:01:21.200 I am so grateful for God's Word. 00:01:21.700 --> 00:01:30.820 It is God who has instituted human government as a common grace to withhold evil and to promote good. 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:38.699 And I am particularly grateful to be a citizen of this country and this form of government. 00:01:40.739 --> 00:01:42.699 But can I ask you a question? 00:01:45.699 --> 00:01:54.079 What has been the effect in your heart of all the political saber-rattling that's been going on? 00:01:55.419 --> 00:01:56.959 What's been happening in you? 00:01:56.959 --> 00:02:00.739 Have you been tuning it out? 00:02:01.039 --> 00:02:01.419 Eh, whatever. 00:02:03.879 --> 00:02:07.239 Have you been digging in your heels for your particular party? 00:02:08.959 --> 00:02:10.740 Are you becoming cynical? 00:02:13.740 --> 00:02:16.919 Are you saying, it is what it is? 00:02:16.919 --> 00:02:24.500 Or has there been something stirring in you? 00:02:26.199 --> 00:02:27.879 As there has been with me? 00:02:29.679 --> 00:02:32.839 Especially at this time of year. 00:02:35.259 --> 00:02:40.159 I don't know about you, but as I've been watching the political theater, 00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:52.900 I have found in me a deep longing for someone to govern us who is wise and is powerful 00:02:52.900 --> 00:03:02.599 and exercises his reign over us in perfect love. 00:03:02.599 --> 00:03:06.259 Is anybody else feeling that? 00:03:09.259 --> 00:03:17.959 I don't know about you, but I want a leader whose love is sure and his reign is secure. 00:03:17.960 --> 00:03:26.659 So in light of that, this morning I bring you good news of great joy for all people. 00:03:27.980 --> 00:03:30.060 I bring you glad tidings. 00:03:31.460 --> 00:03:34.840 For this morning I bring to you a message. 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:37.840 A two-word message. 00:03:39.280 --> 00:03:40.960 It comes in the form of a title. 00:03:42.620 --> 00:03:43.819 Everlasting Father. 00:03:43.819 --> 00:03:52.459 And those two words, that title is to put hope in your heart. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:55.000 It is good news for you today. 00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:01.620 Now if you haven't been with us, we've been working our way through Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6. 00:04:01.719 --> 00:04:04.780 And we've been looking over the last few weeks at each of these titles. 00:04:05.180 --> 00:04:06.299 Wonderful Counselor. 00:04:07.060 --> 00:04:08.599 Mighty God was last week. 00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:12.519 And this week we're talking about Everlasting Father. 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:15.360 These are titles of Emmanuel. 00:04:16.439 --> 00:04:19.519 This child to be born. 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:21.699 This son given to us. 00:04:23.900 --> 00:04:26.759 Isaiah who wrote Isaiah, the book. 00:04:27.800 --> 00:04:33.720 He wrote this prophecy 700 plus years before Jesus was born. 00:04:33.720 --> 00:04:43.820 And it's in 714 that he writes this prophecy of this one, this child who will be born to a virgin. 00:04:44.360 --> 00:04:47.580 And his name will be called Emmanuel. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:50.080 Which means God with us. 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:55.060 Because this child is God with us. 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:58.460 The word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:04:58.459 --> 00:05:09.219 And as the book of Isaiah unfolds, in chapter 9, we learn more about Emmanuel. 00:05:10.339 --> 00:05:13.339 That the government is going to be on the shoulders. 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:16.039 That he's going to have names given to him. 00:05:16.379 --> 00:05:17.620 Wonderful Counselor. 00:05:17.879 --> 00:05:18.359 Mighty God. 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:19.060 Everlasting Father. 00:05:19.179 --> 00:05:19.899 Prince of Peace. 00:05:19.899 --> 00:05:21.779 And of his government. 00:05:22.899 --> 00:05:24.579 It will increase. 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:28.599 From this time forth and forevermore. 00:05:31.599 --> 00:05:38.639 And so when you think about these things, you've got to understand that Wonderful Counselor is a title of Emmanuel. 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:38.839 Emmanuel. 00:05:41.039 --> 00:05:43.939 Divine Wisdom with us. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:46.819 Wonderful Counselor. 00:05:47.839 --> 00:05:48.860 Mighty God. 00:05:49.539 --> 00:05:52.199 Divine Power with us. 00:05:53.740 --> 00:05:55.120 Everlasting Father. 00:05:56.300 --> 00:06:04.379 What I'm going to show you this morning is that this title is about the manner by which Emmanuel reigns over his people. 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:07.319 It's the way he reigns. 00:06:07.319 --> 00:06:07.560 It's the way he reigns. 00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:13.219 Of course, Prince of Peace is Emmanuel. 00:06:14.779 --> 00:06:16.800 Peace with us. 00:06:19.399 --> 00:06:32.000 And what Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 9, 1 through 7 is that this child, Emmanuel, is going to come into our darkness. 00:06:32.599 --> 00:06:35.319 He's going to come into our gloom. 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:36.079 He's going to come into our gloom. 00:06:36.079 --> 00:06:40.259 He's going to come into oppression and into hostility. 00:06:42.060 --> 00:06:43.779 And he's going to change it. 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:49.300 From this time forth and forevermore. 00:06:49.300 --> 00:06:56.579 This morning, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people. 00:06:57.460 --> 00:07:00.600 And it's not just this child was born 2,000 years ago. 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:08.640 It's that just this child is alive and he's reigning on high right now. 00:07:08.639 --> 00:07:16.379 This child born to us is ruling over us. 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:18.759 And his love is sure. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:21.519 And his reign is secure. 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:25.740 So let's look at these two words. 00:07:26.099 --> 00:07:28.099 This message of hope. 00:07:28.779 --> 00:07:29.500 This title. 00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:32.120 Everlasting Father. 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:36.160 This is the king we all long for. 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:42.879 When we look at this title, Everlasting Father. 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:49.860 We're going to see a word that is going to capture the heart of the king. 00:07:49.980 --> 00:07:51.060 It's the word father. 00:07:51.060 --> 00:07:56.420 It's capturing his posture of heart to those in his kingdom. 00:07:58.060 --> 00:07:59.339 His is a loving rule. 00:08:00.959 --> 00:08:04.160 And then we're going to look at that word everlasting. 00:08:04.819 --> 00:08:08.560 Which is going to emphasize the duration of his reign. 00:08:09.420 --> 00:08:10.120 Forever. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.840 It's a secure reign. 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:15.980 He's never going to abandon his throne. 00:08:15.980 --> 00:08:20.840 And so his love is sure. 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:25.300 His reign is secure. 00:08:28.360 --> 00:08:31.180 This morning as we are contemplating Christmas. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:34.180 I want you to take heart. 00:08:34.680 --> 00:08:40.779 Because this little baby born to us is now the risen king reigning over us. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:47.480 So with all that said, let's look to this word father. 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:50.339 For to us a child is born. 00:08:50.439 --> 00:08:51.539 To us a son is given. 00:08:51.639 --> 00:08:53.279 And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:56.319 And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor. 00:08:56.799 --> 00:08:57.720 Mighty God. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:00.439 Everlasting Father. 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:05.100 This is the title of this son. 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:09.959 Of this child to be born. 00:09:10.779 --> 00:09:16.079 And maybe some of you right now are experiencing some kind of internal conflict. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:20.759 Because you know this is a prophecy of the Messiah. 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:22.319 The second person of the Trinity. 00:09:23.339 --> 00:09:30.279 And here we have the Messiah being referenced as everlasting father. 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:36.199 And so in your inner being you may be thinking something like, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:38.600 I'm a Trinitarian. 00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:44.139 And I know that the second person of the Trinity is distinct from the first person of the Trinity. 00:09:44.339 --> 00:09:49.039 And it doesn't really make much sense that the son is being referenced as the father. 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:51.860 In fact, that sounds like some kind of heresy. 00:09:52.079 --> 00:09:52.779 Which it is. 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:52.839 It is. 00:09:52.840 --> 00:09:57.379 Isaiah, what's going on, buddy? 00:09:59.320 --> 00:10:01.300 Well, I'm glad to tell you it's not that. 00:10:02.800 --> 00:10:04.560 It's not a Trinitarian problem. 00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:08.940 But if it's not that, then what is it? 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:12.080 Well, let me help you. 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:14.639 What is meant by that word father? 00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:16.379 How it's being used. 00:10:17.379 --> 00:10:17.759 You ready? 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:22.879 The first thing I want you to notice is the immediate context. 00:10:26.620 --> 00:10:32.059 In 9.6 we read that the government shall be upon this son's shoulder. 00:10:32.259 --> 00:10:34.000 This person's shoulder. 00:10:34.939 --> 00:10:38.879 And then we read in verse 7 of the increase of his government and of peace. 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:39.539 There will be no end. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:42.299 So here we have two references to the word government. 00:10:42.299 --> 00:10:46.740 And they're sandwiching those four titles in between. 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:51.519 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:10:51.919 --> 00:10:59.639 And so what you need to understand from the get-go is that this title is a reference to ruling God's people. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:01.639 Governorship. 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:03.620 Reigning. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.740 That's the immediate context. 00:11:08.439 --> 00:11:09.659 But there's more. 00:11:09.659 --> 00:11:14.179 If you want to flip in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 22, I want you to see something. 00:11:14.179 --> 00:11:22.179 In Isaiah chapter 22, verse 21, you can start in verse 20, there's this guy named Eliakim. 00:11:22.479 --> 00:11:28.099 And he was playing a role in ruling in Judah at this time. 00:11:29.919 --> 00:11:33.239 And God is speaking to him and speaking what he's going to do with him. 00:11:33.240 --> 00:11:42.580 And if you notice in verse 21, God describes how he's going to rule over the inhabitants of Jerusalem in Judah. 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:44.019 Look here with me. 00:11:44.720 --> 00:11:50.460 And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:52.480 So do you know what this means? 00:11:53.480 --> 00:12:01.779 We have one other place in the book of Isaiah in which rulership of God's people is referenced as being a father. 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:09.279 And so now, maybe things are starting to clarify for you. 00:12:11.079 --> 00:12:15.279 Isaiah 9 is talking about rulership. 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:20.459 This son coming, this Messiah is going to rule over God's people. 00:12:20.460 --> 00:12:32.200 And here in Isaiah 22, that father reference is a rather technical word to describe ruling over God's people as well. 00:12:32.200 --> 00:12:42.420 Now, if you flip back to Isaiah chapter 9, verse 7, of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:44.820 On the throne of David and over his kingdom. 00:12:47.660 --> 00:12:49.920 On the throne of David, throne. 00:12:50.280 --> 00:12:52.480 When you think throne, what do you think of? 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:53.900 You think king. 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:57.100 King of David, Messiah. 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:03.419 The word king is not used in this section, but that's what Isaiah is talking about. 00:13:04.699 --> 00:13:14.199 The kind of governance that this child, this son is going to exercise is a father-like kingship. 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:20.000 So it's not a reference to the first person of the Trinity. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:25.000 It's a reference to the way he's going to reign. 00:13:32.540 --> 00:13:36.680 Now, I still haven't scratched the itch. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:50.620 Because so far, I have sought to show you that father is being used as a descriptive title for kingship in Isaiah 9, 6. 00:13:53.099 --> 00:13:54.979 But we still have to ask a question. 00:13:57.099 --> 00:13:57.659 Why? 00:13:57.659 --> 00:14:05.799 Why is father being used to describe kingship? 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:07.059 Why? 00:14:09.579 --> 00:14:10.799 Here's why. 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:23.959 Father is a really effective way to communicate the loving heart of this king for his people. 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:33.860 That word father captures the posture of heart of Emmanuel for his people. 00:14:36.280 --> 00:14:42.960 Biblically speaking, when it comes to a family, a father is described as being the head of the home. 00:14:43.440 --> 00:14:50.519 God entrusts the overall welfare of a family to the loving headship of one man. 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:57.059 And if he's got any kind of wisdom, he's going to be leveraging his first lady to help him lead. 00:15:00.079 --> 00:15:12.620 But what we see happening here is that fatherhood is the exercise of a God-given leadership for the greatest good of every member of his family. 00:15:14.179 --> 00:15:16.579 Fathers lead in love. 00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:28.879 At the heart of this title is a loving reign. 00:15:30.940 --> 00:15:36.900 The coming king that Isaiah is prophesying of who's already come, 00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:45.560 he is exercising a reign over his people as a loving father cares for his family. 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:48.639 Now, here's what I am aware of. 00:15:50.619 --> 00:15:55.679 When I say loving father leading in his home, 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:58.439 I'm guessing some of you in this room are like, 00:15:58.519 --> 00:16:01.579 yeah, I've got a really good picture of that with my dad. 00:16:02.599 --> 00:16:09.299 But I also know that there's people in this room that they don't have a good idea of what that means. 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.899 What does it mean? 00:16:12.479 --> 00:16:14.559 How does a loving father lead? 00:16:14.559 --> 00:16:21.199 A loving father leads by being present in the life of his children. 00:16:21.959 --> 00:16:22.839 Being there. 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:25.639 Not absent. 00:16:27.079 --> 00:16:27.719 There. 00:16:28.859 --> 00:16:30.079 With his children. 00:16:31.339 --> 00:16:36.839 A loving father leads by protecting his family from danger. 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:39.819 For steering his children clear from threats. 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:43.780 A loving father leads by providing for his family. 00:16:44.180 --> 00:16:47.820 Making sure that their every real need is met. 00:16:49.020 --> 00:16:51.980 A loving father purposes his family. 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:54.820 He aims them at what matters most. 00:16:56.180 --> 00:16:57.100 Remember Caleb? 00:16:58.100 --> 00:17:00.300 As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 00:17:00.940 --> 00:17:02.820 He's aiming his family. 00:17:02.820 --> 00:17:10.140 And then a loving father prepares his family to walk along the path with which he's aimed them. 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:13.560 Preparing them to leave home. 00:17:13.560 --> 00:17:15.120 Preparing them for marriage. 00:17:15.320 --> 00:17:16.780 Preparing them for parenting. 00:17:17.300 --> 00:17:18.180 For a vocation. 00:17:18.340 --> 00:17:18.960 For college. 00:17:19.080 --> 00:17:22.480 For dealing with challenging friends and situations. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:27.620 A father, a loving father is preparing his children over and over and over again. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:31.000 A loving father keeps his promises. 00:17:31.459 --> 00:17:33.559 A loving father is patient. 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:36.119 He endures pain for his kids. 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:38.779 You see? 00:17:40.199 --> 00:17:46.519 Fatherhood is just ripe, full of rich implications for leadership. 00:17:48.199 --> 00:17:49.719 Fatherhood is leadership. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:54.039 Fatherhood is loving leadership. 00:17:54.039 --> 00:17:57.200 And this is really good news for us. 00:17:59.399 --> 00:18:07.559 Because Jesus, our risen and reigning king, loves us, his people, like a father. 00:18:10.159 --> 00:18:12.799 He's present with us right now. 00:18:12.899 --> 00:18:13.920 I am with you always. 00:18:14.639 --> 00:18:18.200 He protects us from the schemes of the devil and the wrath to come. 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:20.859 He provides for our every need. 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:22.759 Spiritual, physical. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:24.180 He's all wise. 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:25.539 He's all powerful. 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:29.240 And he exercises that in his love for us. 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:32.859 He's purposed us for the kingdom. 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:35.519 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:37.660 And by the way, go make disciples. 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:41.180 Bring other people into the kingdom too. 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:51.340 He's preparing us for that day when we lay our eyes on him. 00:18:51.340 --> 00:18:54.000 When faith becomes sight. 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:58.900 And that preparing is a lot of purifying. 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:03.859 He, our loving king, is sanctifying us. 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:05.519 Because he loves us. 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:08.079 He always keeps his promises. 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:11.279 And do you want to know how much he loves us? 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:18.980 Because this king who took on flesh was crucified for us. 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:21.480 Out of love for us. 00:19:24.579 --> 00:19:30.839 When you hear that word, father, in this title, don't be thinking the first person of the Trinity. 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:38.019 Be thinking of a king who loves his people like no one else. 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:43.759 We've looked at this word, father. 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:53.200 And I hope, I hope that there's this sense that he, in you, that he loves you this way. 00:19:53.200 --> 00:20:00.160 He's exercising his authority on high out of love for you. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:10.779 Not only is he our father, and it points to his heart of love for us. 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:15.420 He is our everlasting father. 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:18.720 And this gets at the duration of his reign. 00:20:19.600 --> 00:20:20.720 It's secure. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:23.519 Here's what I mean. 00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:29.500 The Lord Jesus Christ, he took on flesh. 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:30.779 He lived a perfect life. 00:20:30.880 --> 00:20:32.299 He was crucified on the cross. 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:33.240 Dead, buried. 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:35.120 He was raised from the grave. 00:20:35.600 --> 00:20:36.799 He ascended on high. 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.720 He's at the right hand of the father. 00:20:39.380 --> 00:20:41.019 Reigning right now. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:46.079 He's not going to be voted out of office. 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:50.759 There's not going to be a coup that dethrones him. 00:20:50.939 --> 00:20:57.819 He's not going to get bored with his job and get on the speaking circuit and make a bunch of cash. 00:20:57.819 --> 00:21:03.379 He's not building a presidential library. 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.480 He's building his church. 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:11.380 Everlasting reign. 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.380 Secure. 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:13.740 Do you know what's interesting? 00:21:13.860 --> 00:21:18.599 This past week, I was doing a basic word search on that word everlasting in the Old Testament. 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:20.920 And here's what was interesting. 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:26.759 That word everlasting is used to describe some things like everlasting covenant. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:30.000 God's everlasting promise to his people. 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:37.920 It's also used to describe everlasting ruin for those who are wicked and reject him as king. 00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:44.379 Everlasting heals the sense of the new creation going on and on. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:47.579 And of course, it's used of God. 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:52.539 From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:55.099 He is our everlasting rock. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:55.139 God's work. 00:21:57.659 --> 00:22:04.079 What's interesting is that everlasting is never used in the Old Testament to describe someone like us. 00:22:04.459 --> 00:22:06.159 Just a normal human being. 00:22:07.339 --> 00:22:07.699 Never. 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:15.959 The only person ever described as being everlasting in the Old Testament is God. 00:22:16.919 --> 00:22:18.980 Who is eternally existent. 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:22.219 From everlasting to everlasting. 00:22:22.219 --> 00:22:23.480 The beginning and the end. 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.779 The alpha and the omega. 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:25.459 Everlasting Father. 00:22:25.459 --> 00:22:25.779 The Bible. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:25.939 The first thing. 00:22:25.939 --> 00:22:26.099 The first thing. 00:22:26.099 --> 00:22:26.599 The second thing. 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:26.980 The first thing. 00:22:26.980 --> 00:22:27.099 The second thing. 00:22:27.099 --> 00:22:28.000 The second thing. 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:30.819 Which for our passage makes things pretty interesting. 00:22:32.899 --> 00:22:34.919 Because everlasting father. 00:22:34.919 --> 00:22:37.339 If that's some kind of a job description. 00:22:37.939 --> 00:22:40.859 Whoever fills it must be everlasting. 00:22:43.459 --> 00:22:46.539 And the one who fills it is a child. 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:48.659 Is a son. 00:22:48.660 --> 00:22:51.060 How can someone born. 00:22:51.060 --> 00:22:51.080 How can someone born. 00:22:52.080 --> 00:22:55.240 Be given a title of everlasting father. 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:57.720 How does that happen? 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:01.640 Because this is Emmanuel. 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:06.560 This is God with us. 00:23:06.560 --> 00:23:10.060 This is the second person of the Trinity. 00:23:10.280 --> 00:23:13.560 From everlasting to everlasting incarnate. 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:16.599 Who took on human flesh. 00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:16.619 Who took on human flesh. 00:23:18.619 --> 00:23:23.440 And just as this son is everlasting in his nature. 00:23:23.919 --> 00:23:27.119 His loving reign is everlasting. 00:23:27.119 --> 00:23:31.899 And it makes his loving reign extremely secure. 00:23:32.899 --> 00:23:35.679 From this time forth. 00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:37.519 And forevermore. 00:23:37.679 --> 00:23:39.239 Isaiah says in 9-7. 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:43.819 Not only is his love sure. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:47.720 His reign is secure. 00:23:47.880 --> 00:23:49.519 You see the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:51.180 Who was born to us a baby. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:53.319 Who's reigning on high. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.980 Is right now personally. 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.120 Actively. 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:59.819 Reigning always for your good. 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.940 Out of love for you. 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:04.359 Exercising his wisdom. 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:06.339 Exercising his power. 00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:10.019 So that all blessings flow. 00:24:13.119 --> 00:24:14.220 Resulting in peace. 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:19.159 Remember that old Wendy's commercial. 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:21.240 With that old lady that would say. 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.639 Where's the beef? 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:27.779 Where's the beef? 00:24:29.199 --> 00:24:30.599 Maybe you're sitting in your pew. 00:24:30.699 --> 00:24:31.740 And you hear me say peace. 00:24:31.879 --> 00:24:32.379 And you're like. 00:24:33.199 --> 00:24:34.199 Where's the peace? 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:36.819 Where's the peace? 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:37.360 Salvati. 00:24:39.380 --> 00:24:40.720 I'm not seeing it. 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:42.960 I'm seeing the darkness. 00:24:43.380 --> 00:24:44.380 I'm seeing the gloom. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.600 I get the oppression. 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.480 I see the hostility. 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:52.960 Where's the peace? 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:55.080 Where's the peace? 00:24:55.080 --> 00:24:57.059 Of the everlasting father. 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:59.960 If his reign is so loving. 00:25:00.360 --> 00:25:01.259 Where's the peace? 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:01.379 Peace. 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:04.460 Well here's what you need to know. 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:05.460 About his reign. 00:25:07.579 --> 00:25:09.160 His present reign. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:11.339 This has already begun. 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:14.039 Yet it hasn't been fully realized yet. 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.680 His birth. 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:17.720 Ushered in this reign. 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.059 He has come. 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:20.140 Merry Christmas. 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:23.319 He's reigning on high. 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:27.879 But his everlasting reign. 00:25:28.039 --> 00:25:29.460 Has not yet been fully realized. 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:31.059 He is still to come. 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.640 He's coming back. 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:35.140 The last. 00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:36.619 The second to the last sentence. 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.640 Of the book of Revelation. 00:25:37.819 --> 00:25:38.599 Is Jesus saying. 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:39.920 I'm coming soon. 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.819 And so now. 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.039 We live. 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:46.839 In between. 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:48.000 The first coming. 00:25:48.099 --> 00:25:48.660 The already. 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.720 And his second coming. 00:25:50.920 --> 00:25:51.619 The not yet. 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.900 And in between. 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:53.539 The already. 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.339 The not yet. 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:56.319 There are varying degrees. 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:56.960 Of darkness. 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:58.019 Varying degrees. 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:58.660 Of gloom. 00:25:58.779 --> 00:25:59.279 Oppression. 00:25:59.279 --> 00:26:00.079 And hostility. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:01.799 And we experience it. 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.359 Day in. 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.339 And day out. 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:06.379 It's an incomplete. 00:26:06.379 --> 00:26:07.259 Peace. 00:26:10.899 --> 00:26:12.579 But here's our assurance. 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.539 His reign is secure. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.980 His love is sure. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:21.819 Jesus is personally. 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:22.460 Actively. 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.259 Exercising. 00:26:23.360 --> 00:26:25.339 His kingly reign. 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:26.720 Right now. 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:29.019 Presence. 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:29.860 Protecting. 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:30.519 Providing. 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:31.279 Purposing. 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:33.279 Preparing. 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:35.799 Following through on his promises. 00:26:37.380 --> 00:26:38.759 So here's what that means. 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:42.819 He is our light. 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.799 In the darkness. 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:47.839 He is our gladness. 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.899 In the gloom. 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:52.019 He is our deliverer. 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:53.539 In the midst of oppression. 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:54.980 Whether that's internally. 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:55.879 Or externally. 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:57.659 He's our deliverer. 00:26:57.859 --> 00:26:59.579 And he is our peace. 00:27:01.379 --> 00:27:03.059 In the midst of hostility. 00:27:04.639 --> 00:27:06.200 And there's going to come a time. 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.919 You can bank on it. 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:10.740 Because this one. 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:12.099 Has said so. 00:27:12.099 --> 00:27:14.219 His word is always true. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.000 There's coming a day. 00:27:16.159 --> 00:27:18.219 When there will be no more darkness. 00:27:18.899 --> 00:27:22.359 He is going to light up the new Jerusalem. 00:27:23.219 --> 00:27:24.199 There's coming a day. 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:26.539 When there's going to be no more gloom. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:28.819 Only gladness. 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:31.659 Ringing through the halls of the new Jerusalem. 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.639 There's going to come a time. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:35.719 When there's no more oppression. 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:38.259 You will not feel like. 00:27:38.379 --> 00:27:40.339 There's a taskmaster on you. 00:27:40.339 --> 00:27:43.220 And he's going to do that. 00:27:43.959 --> 00:27:46.839 There are no taskmasters in the new Jerusalem. 00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:50.659 And there's no more hostility. 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:53.259 No more hostility. 00:27:53.439 --> 00:27:54.439 No more awkwardness. 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.579 No more anxiety. 00:27:56.179 --> 00:27:57.699 No more what ifs or fears. 00:27:57.879 --> 00:27:58.639 Not between you. 00:27:58.859 --> 00:27:59.799 Not within yourself. 00:28:00.139 --> 00:28:01.159 Not with a lot of the people. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:03.019 And not with the created order. 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:06.319 It will be complete and perfect peace. 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:08.459 He's going to bring it when he comes with him again. 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:16.160 He is reigning over us right now. 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:17.319 In love. 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:19.559 From this time forth. 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.779 And forever more. 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:23.460 And he's got more coming. 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:26.440 His reign is secure. 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:28.180 His love is sure. 00:28:28.380 --> 00:28:30.180 He is for us now. 00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:30.319 Now. 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:36.399 He's our incarnate king. 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:39.039 Brothers and sisters. 00:28:39.939 --> 00:28:41.619 Despite the darkness and the gloom. 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:42.299 We can be sure. 00:28:42.379 --> 00:28:44.899 He will never abandon his kingdom. 00:28:45.619 --> 00:28:47.539 He's never going to leave us or forsake us. 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:50.279 He's never going to forfeit his throne. 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:53.700 He will surely bring perfect peace. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:55.240 In complete fullness. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:56.700 When he comes. 00:28:57.379 --> 00:28:59.200 His reign is secure. 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.120 It's everlasting. 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:01.380 And his love is sure. 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:04.860 Think about it this way. 00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.880 If this king. 00:29:08.559 --> 00:29:11.200 In his great love for you. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:14.340 Died for you. 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:17.960 How much more. 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:19.640 Can you be confident. 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:23.279 That he is going to bring his kingdom. 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:27.279 To full peace filled realization. 00:29:27.279 --> 00:29:29.059 As he said he would. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.700 You can bank on it. 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:36.220 Just two words here. 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.839 Just two words. 00:29:40.599 --> 00:29:41.519 Everlasting father. 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:42.980 It's a title. 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.960 Of Jesus. 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:47.259 It's describing his loving reign. 00:29:47.359 --> 00:29:49.079 His loving everlasting reign. 00:29:49.639 --> 00:29:52.079 And we're under his reign right now. 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:55.339 If you've responded by faith. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:56.339 To his invitation. 00:29:56.339 --> 00:29:56.939 To his invitation. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:58.500 To come. 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:00.639 Have you? 00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:04.500 Have you? 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:06.980 Come into his kingdom. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:09.639 Have you bowed your knee. 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:11.419 To this great and mighty. 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:12.460 And loving king. 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:16.740 He is the everlasting father. 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:20.519 And he welcomes all. 00:30:21.180 --> 00:30:22.140 Who are willing to come. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:25.299 These two words. 00:30:25.740 --> 00:30:27.100 Comprise a message. 00:30:27.100 --> 00:30:28.980 Of great hope for us. 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:33.400 He's reigning over you today. 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:34.039 In love. 00:30:36.039 --> 00:30:37.519 From this time forth. 00:30:37.600 --> 00:30:38.220 And forevermore. 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:41.420 I told you. 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:41.940 When I started. 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:42.980 I have good news for you. 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.640 Of great joy. 00:30:45.559 --> 00:30:46.299 Good news. 00:30:46.339 --> 00:30:47.019 Of great joy. 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:48.460 Not only was this baby born. 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:51.360 This baby is reigning. 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:53.200 As everlasting father. 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:55.920 Do you know what that makes me want to do? 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:59.319 Joy to the world. 00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:02.339 The Lord has come. 00:31:03.860 --> 00:31:05.660 Let earth receive her king. 00:31:05.660 --> 00:31:08.600 Joy to the earth. 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:10.920 The Savior. 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.440 Reigns. 00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:16.300 From this time forth. 00:31:17.320 --> 00:31:18.580 And forevermore. 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.640 Lord Jesus. 00:31:23.040 --> 00:31:24.279 We are so grateful. 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:25.779 That you would humble yourself. 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:30.080 Taking the form of a baby. 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:33.740 Lying in a manger. 00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:36.940 Dependent on Mary. 00:31:39.259 --> 00:31:40.140 All to come. 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:40.980 And to save us. 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:43.259 To deliver us from the darkness. 00:31:43.500 --> 00:31:44.740 To save us from our gloom. 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:47.200 To bring. 00:31:49.380 --> 00:31:50.740 Deliverance to the oppressed. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.140 And peace. 00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:54.799 To those who are experiencing great hostility. 00:31:56.519 --> 00:31:57.380 Lord Jesus. 00:31:57.660 --> 00:31:58.759 We recognize you. 00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:00.140 As our. 00:32:00.620 --> 00:32:01.460 Ever living. 00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:02.579 Incarnate king. 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:05.399 Thank you. 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:08.939 Would you put comfort and joy. 00:32:09.159 --> 00:32:11.279 Into the hearts of my brothers and sisters. 00:32:12.679 --> 00:32:14.059 And I ask this. 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:16.500 In the name of our great king. 00:32:18.019 --> 00:32:18.539 Amen. 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:18.740 Amen. 00:32:18.740 --> 00:32:48.720 Thank you.