WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.220 Do open your Bibles to Isaiah 44 and 45. It's on page 605 and 606. 00:00:11.220 --> 00:00:23.679 ! Isaiah 44 and 45. A good friend of mine was at a funeral this week. 00:00:24.800 --> 00:00:27.600 And he was taking part in the funeral but he wasn't preaching. 00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:32.700 And there was an Anglican man preaching. And this is what he said. 00:00:34.240 --> 00:00:38.520 He said, they say in heaven the streets are paved with gold but I'm a biker. 00:00:39.560 --> 00:00:41.660 And so I like to think of them as a dirt track. 00:00:43.219 --> 00:00:49.000 They say in heaven there'll be choirs singing but I'm more of a Rolling Stones man myself. 00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:50.900 And I hope they'll perform. 00:00:50.899 --> 00:00:55.679 That is remarkable for a number of reasons. 00:00:56.039 --> 00:01:00.100 Not the least spending eternity in the company of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. 00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:02.839 I don't think it's a particularly pleasant thought of them playing. 00:01:03.519 --> 00:01:04.780 And we will come back to that in a minute. 00:01:06.039 --> 00:01:09.180 We've been thinking a lot about in Isaiah idols. 00:01:09.980 --> 00:01:13.239 And idolatry. 40 to 48 really is about that. 00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:20.239 And we saw that an idol is anything in our lives that is more important to us than God. 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:27.799 An idol is anything that absorbs your heart and your imagination more than God. 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:33.340 Anything that you seek to give you. 00:01:33.979 --> 00:01:35.719 What only God can give you. 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:43.019 And we saw that an idol can really be anything and everything in our lives. 00:01:43.859 --> 00:01:48.640 And it can stretch, can't it, from our career to our children. 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:51.120 To sex. 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:53.140 To possessions. 00:01:53.700 --> 00:01:54.039 To money. 00:01:55.480 --> 00:01:58.980 But the preacher of that funeral that I started with. 00:01:59.420 --> 00:02:02.140 He illustrates something else that we can make into an idol. 00:02:02.140 --> 00:02:06.000 And that is our interpretation of God. 00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:07.819 And his promises. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:11.939 If God says the streets will be paved with gold. 00:02:13.060 --> 00:02:17.620 Who are you to say, in fact I'd rather that they be a dirt track. 00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:21.560 If God says that there will be choirs of angels singing. 00:02:21.659 --> 00:02:24.960 Who are you to say, well actually I'd rather the Roman Steffans. 00:02:26.020 --> 00:02:28.420 And this idol manifests itself. 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:30.319 In the kind of line that you hear. 00:02:30.319 --> 00:02:34.079 I like to think of heaven as dot dot dot dot dot. 00:02:34.979 --> 00:02:35.739 Or perhaps. 00:02:36.199 --> 00:02:37.199 Even more commonly. 00:02:37.419 --> 00:02:38.159 When people say. 00:02:38.539 --> 00:02:40.539 Well the God that I believe in. 00:02:41.120 --> 00:02:42.479 Dot dot dot dot dot dot. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:46.340 And we make God in our own image. 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:49.579 And we make God in our own likeness. 00:02:49.959 --> 00:02:51.560 And the consequence of that is. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:52.340 Surprise surprise. 00:02:53.219 --> 00:02:54.740 God's view of things. 00:02:55.099 --> 00:02:57.780 Is exactly the same as our view of things. 00:02:57.780 --> 00:02:58.539 Who would have guessed? 00:02:58.539 --> 00:03:00.919 And God's tastes. 00:03:01.459 --> 00:03:03.479 Are really similar to our tastes. 00:03:04.599 --> 00:03:06.060 And God's rules. 00:03:06.719 --> 00:03:09.379 Are exactly what we think the rules should be. 00:03:10.659 --> 00:03:13.739 We created God in our own image. 00:03:14.419 --> 00:03:15.680 Who always agrees with us. 00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:19.319 2005. 00:03:19.480 --> 00:03:19.939 Kristen Smith. 00:03:20.060 --> 00:03:20.980 He's a professor. 00:03:22.180 --> 00:03:23.020 Notre Dame. 00:03:23.099 --> 00:03:23.920 Or Notre Dame. 00:03:24.300 --> 00:03:24.700 University. 00:03:25.360 --> 00:03:26.080 And he examined. 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:27.580 The religious beliefs. 00:03:27.760 --> 00:03:28.620 In the US. 00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:30.480 And I've said this before. 00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:31.219 But he said that. 00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:32.780 The leading faith. 00:03:33.100 --> 00:03:34.520 In the United States of America. 00:03:34.659 --> 00:03:35.379 Is not Christianity. 00:03:35.600 --> 00:03:36.260 And not Buddhism. 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:37.080 And not Islam. 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:39.260 And not atheism. 00:03:40.100 --> 00:03:41.460 It's what Smith called. 00:03:41.460 --> 00:03:41.860 Do you remember? 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:43.040 Moralistic. 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:44.159 Therapeutic. 00:03:44.540 --> 00:03:44.960 Deism. 00:03:44.960 --> 00:03:47.860 I've spoken about it in the past. 00:03:48.300 --> 00:03:49.140 What it really is. 00:03:49.200 --> 00:03:50.800 Is a do good. 00:03:51.280 --> 00:03:52.219 Feel good. 00:03:52.760 --> 00:03:53.240 Spirituality. 00:03:53.659 --> 00:03:54.600 But has little. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:56.159 Or nothing to do with the God of the Bible. 00:03:57.360 --> 00:03:59.020 And even less to do with following. 00:03:59.200 --> 00:04:00.460 Or loving Jesus enough. 00:04:00.580 --> 00:04:01.819 To follow him into the world. 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:03.920 Well in the passage. 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:05.379 That I read for you this morning. 00:04:05.560 --> 00:04:07.219 It makes clear that you. 00:04:08.020 --> 00:04:08.939 Yes you. 00:04:09.379 --> 00:04:10.260 And I. 00:04:10.460 --> 00:04:11.620 Are not given. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:14.040 The liberty to define God. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:14.759 As we would like. 00:04:16.839 --> 00:04:17.800 Nor are we. 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:18.800 Given the liberty. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:20.019 To question what he does. 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:20.759 And why he doesn't. 00:04:22.120 --> 00:04:23.259 It's another call. 00:04:23.379 --> 00:04:23.860 From Isaiah. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:25.060 Yet another call. 00:04:25.480 --> 00:04:26.860 To flee from idols. 00:04:27.959 --> 00:04:29.159 And in this case. 00:04:29.279 --> 00:04:29.819 The idol. 00:04:29.819 --> 00:04:30.699 Of a God. 00:04:30.819 --> 00:04:32.060 Made in our own image. 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:33.879 And instead. 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:34.659 We are to run. 00:04:35.159 --> 00:04:36.319 To the one true God. 00:04:37.279 --> 00:04:38.060 And specifically. 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:38.839 We will see. 00:04:38.939 --> 00:04:39.600 That it is a call. 00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:40.580 To trust God. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:41.320 Enough. 00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:43.000 That when he acts. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:44.660 In ways that shock us. 00:04:44.980 --> 00:04:46.080 That we would cling to him. 00:04:46.260 --> 00:04:47.860 Rather than make an idol. 00:04:48.200 --> 00:04:48.860 More to our liking. 00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:51.500 I'm going to look at a larger section. 00:04:51.620 --> 00:04:52.360 Than we read today. 00:04:52.420 --> 00:04:53.060 From 44. 00:04:53.200 --> 00:04:53.680 24. 00:04:54.080 --> 00:04:55.640 To the end of chapter 45. 00:04:56.920 --> 00:04:57.920 What we will see. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:04:58.460 Is we will see. 00:04:58.580 --> 00:04:59.580 That God calls. 00:04:59.660 --> 00:05:00.379 On his people. 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:01.160 To trust him. 00:05:01.460 --> 00:05:02.040 Not only. 00:05:02.160 --> 00:05:03.180 With the end. 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:04.860 But also. 00:05:05.040 --> 00:05:05.800 With God's means. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:08.420 To the end. 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:10.519 God calls on his people. 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:12.040 To trust him. 00:05:12.079 --> 00:05:12.480 Not only. 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:13.259 With the end. 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:14.879 But also. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:15.420 With the means. 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:15.960 To the end. 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:17.340 Three things. 00:05:17.400 --> 00:05:18.480 The mystery of God's ways. 00:05:18.680 --> 00:05:20.000 The problem of human arrogance. 00:05:21.060 --> 00:05:21.639 And number three. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:22.519 The ultimate end. 00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:23.819 Of the surprising means of God. 00:05:23.899 --> 00:05:24.500 So first of all. 00:05:24.540 --> 00:05:25.620 The mystery of God's ways. 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:27.399 In chapter 44. 00:05:27.399 --> 00:05:28.699 In verses 24 to 8. 00:05:29.360 --> 00:05:30.040 God again. 00:05:30.220 --> 00:05:30.819 Reminds us. 00:05:30.899 --> 00:05:31.579 Of his uniqueness. 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:33.919 He reminds us. 00:05:33.979 --> 00:05:35.180 Of his sole claim. 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:36.060 To be the sovereign. 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:36.899 Lord of the universe. 00:05:37.240 --> 00:05:38.019 The five chapters. 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:38.879 The five verses. 00:05:38.979 --> 00:05:40.139 At the end of chapter 44. 00:05:40.319 --> 00:05:41.300 Is one sentence. 00:05:42.419 --> 00:05:43.599 It's one of the longest sentences. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:44.180 In the Bible. 00:05:44.459 --> 00:05:45.180 And the emphasis. 00:05:45.419 --> 00:05:45.919 In this sentence. 00:05:46.060 --> 00:05:46.860 Is the sovereign. 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:47.539 Rule. 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:48.399 And reign. 00:05:48.479 --> 00:05:49.199 And authority. 00:05:49.219 --> 00:05:49.959 Of the Lord. 00:05:50.459 --> 00:05:51.180 Where he does. 00:05:51.259 --> 00:05:51.759 What he wishes. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:53.740 In the world. 00:05:54.079 --> 00:05:54.919 And with the world. 00:05:54.919 --> 00:05:55.899 He has made. 00:05:56.599 --> 00:05:57.759 And in verse 26. 00:05:57.899 --> 00:05:58.879 God turns his attention. 00:05:59.299 --> 00:06:00.740 Not to what he's done. 00:06:00.740 --> 00:06:03.540 But his future accomplishments. 00:06:04.759 --> 00:06:05.720 What he's going to do. 00:06:05.740 --> 00:06:06.240 In the future. 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:07.540 Look at verse 26. 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:14.199 He says. 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:14.920 Listen in verse 24. 00:06:15.040 --> 00:06:16.180 I am the Lord. 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:17.160 Who made. 00:06:17.400 --> 00:06:18.259 All things. 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:19.840 Who stretched out the heavens. 00:06:20.180 --> 00:06:21.259 Who spread out the earth. 00:06:21.259 --> 00:06:21.980 By itself. 00:06:22.620 --> 00:06:24.300 Who forsakes the signs of liars. 00:06:24.300 --> 00:06:25.699 And makes fools of diviners. 00:06:25.960 --> 00:06:27.240 Who turns wise men back. 00:06:27.360 --> 00:06:29.180 And makes their knowledge foolish. 00:06:29.180 --> 00:06:33.740 Who confirms the word of his servant. 00:06:34.220 --> 00:06:36.360 And fulfills the counsel of his messengers. 00:06:36.939 --> 00:06:37.920 Who says of Jerusalem. 00:06:38.040 --> 00:06:38.840 She shall be inhabited. 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:39.980 Of the cities of Judah. 00:06:40.139 --> 00:06:41.139 They shall be inhabited. 00:06:41.280 --> 00:06:42.439 I will raise up their ruins. 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:42.960 It's future. 00:06:43.840 --> 00:06:45.460 Who says to be dry. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:46.699 I will dry up your rivers. 00:06:46.899 --> 00:06:47.819 Who says of Cyrus. 00:06:48.120 --> 00:06:49.120 He is my shepherd. 00:06:50.280 --> 00:06:51.639 And he shall fulfill my purpose. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:52.319 Saying of Jerusalem. 00:06:52.439 --> 00:06:53.220 She shall be built. 00:06:53.280 --> 00:06:53.759 And of the temple. 00:06:53.819 --> 00:06:55.060 Your foundation shall be laid. 00:06:55.060 --> 00:06:57.000 Is God picks up on the promise. 00:06:57.100 --> 00:06:58.079 Back in chapter 40. 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:00.199 That he's going to bring his people. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:01.339 Back from exile in Babylon. 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:02.860 Back to Jerusalem. 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:04.120 Back to the city. 00:07:04.339 --> 00:07:04.759 Of God. 00:07:04.839 --> 00:07:06.699 Which will be rebuilt. 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:09.759 But the climax of that announcement. 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:11.519 Is an absolute bombshell. 00:07:11.620 --> 00:07:12.180 To the Israelites. 00:07:13.279 --> 00:07:14.279 God's people in exile. 00:07:14.399 --> 00:07:15.639 They have this wonderful promise. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:17.600 God will bring you back. 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:18.899 God will bring you home. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:21.340 But the natural question is. 00:07:21.439 --> 00:07:21.699 How? 00:07:22.759 --> 00:07:23.939 How are you going to do that? 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:26.259 How are you going to restore Jerusalem Lord? 00:07:26.779 --> 00:07:28.000 And rebuild the temple? 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:29.500 And the Lord's answer. 00:07:29.600 --> 00:07:30.939 Can you see it in verse 28? 00:07:31.060 --> 00:07:31.800 Is Cyrus. 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:33.420 Who is my shepherd. 00:07:34.600 --> 00:07:37.540 Who will accomplish all that I please. 00:07:38.839 --> 00:07:40.439 In a moment we'll come back to. 00:07:40.579 --> 00:07:41.879 Why that is such a bombshell. 00:07:41.959 --> 00:07:43.480 But we do need to pause for a moment. 00:07:44.300 --> 00:07:46.199 And we need to do a little sidebar here. 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:49.480 Some of you may have been exposed. 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:50.459 To the view. 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:53.120 That the book of Isaiah. 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:55.259 Is actually written by more than one author. 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:56.399 If you do RE. 00:07:56.519 --> 00:07:57.160 I think it's GCSE. 00:07:57.340 --> 00:07:57.740 Or A level. 00:07:57.899 --> 00:07:59.180 You might find that. 00:08:00.459 --> 00:08:01.720 So the argument goes. 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:03.500 If you read the kind of lots of the commentaries. 00:08:03.780 --> 00:08:04.920 Chapter 1 to 39. 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:07.120 Is written by the prophet Isaiah. 00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:10.180 But chapter 40 to 55. 00:08:11.040 --> 00:08:12.600 Were penned by kind of. 00:08:12.780 --> 00:08:13.660 Isaiah Anonymous. 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:15.120 An anonymous prophet. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:19.199 Who lived during the Babylonian exile. 00:08:20.019 --> 00:08:21.759 And he's referred to as the second Isaiah. 00:08:22.079 --> 00:08:23.399 And then some propose. 00:08:23.540 --> 00:08:24.980 In chapters 56 to 66. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:27.680 That you're reading yet another. 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:29.340 Later Anonymous prophet. 00:08:29.660 --> 00:08:31.340 So there's actually three Isaiahs. 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:32.000 Who wrote the book. 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:36.320 And one of the main arguments. 00:08:36.320 --> 00:08:37.039 That is used. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:39.980 About why there has to be three authors. 00:08:40.680 --> 00:08:41.940 Is to do with this guy Cyrus. 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:45.740 The prophet Isaiah is speaking. 00:08:46.680 --> 00:08:47.620 Of someone. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:49.840 150 years. 00:08:50.820 --> 00:08:51.580 Before they come. 00:08:53.540 --> 00:08:54.320 Isaiah is speaking. 00:08:54.420 --> 00:08:55.420 150 years. 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:57.100 Before Cyrus shows up. 00:08:57.180 --> 00:08:58.060 On the world stage. 00:08:58.140 --> 00:08:59.180 As the king of Persia. 00:08:59.540 --> 00:09:00.860 To deliver Judah from exile. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:03.620 And the experts say. 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:04.500 That is ridiculous. 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:05.820 How can he do that? 00:09:06.020 --> 00:09:07.180 How can he name someone. 00:09:07.260 --> 00:09:08.600 150 years into the future. 00:09:08.680 --> 00:09:09.160 It's impossible. 00:09:09.300 --> 00:09:10.680 It can't be the same man. 00:09:10.679 --> 00:09:14.059 How could anyone have possibly known. 00:09:14.459 --> 00:09:15.739 The name of the king of Persia. 00:09:18.959 --> 00:09:20.479 Cyrus didn't even live at that point. 00:09:23.620 --> 00:09:25.519 The only possible explanation. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:26.000 Can be. 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:27.939 That there's more than one Isaiah writing. 00:09:28.319 --> 00:09:29.099 At different times. 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:32.279 Now far be it from me. 00:09:32.279 --> 00:09:33.919 To question the interpretive abilities. 00:09:34.079 --> 00:09:34.620 Of these scholars. 00:09:34.899 --> 00:09:36.019 But to make that argument. 00:09:36.339 --> 00:09:37.099 Completely misunderstands. 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:38.879 The book of Isaiah. 00:09:38.879 --> 00:09:42.139 And particularly Isaiah chapter 40 to 48. 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:44.340 Think about what we've learned. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:45.580 Over these last few weeks. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:47.820 Because what is. 00:09:47.860 --> 00:09:49.320 In Isaiah chapter 48 to 48. 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:50.679 The ultimate test of God. 00:09:51.799 --> 00:09:52.679 What proves. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.659 The true God. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:55.399 From the false God. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:56.899 According to Isaiah 40 to 48. 00:09:57.720 --> 00:09:58.679 If you want to know. 00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:00.340 That your God is the real God. 00:10:00.439 --> 00:10:01.299 Here is the test. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:03.500 The test is. 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:04.360 Can he predict the future? 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:07.240 And so we saw two weeks ago. 00:10:07.300 --> 00:10:08.000 In chapter 44. 00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:08.800 In verse 7. 00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:10.320 Just look at that verse with me. 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:11.159 Who is like me. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:12.139 Let him proclaim it. 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:12.700 God says. 00:10:12.899 --> 00:10:13.600 Let him declare. 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:14.659 And set it before me. 00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:16.620 Since I appointed the ancient people. 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:17.720 Let them declare. 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:18.940 What is to come. 00:10:19.300 --> 00:10:20.659 And what will happen. 00:10:22.539 --> 00:10:23.419 It's precisely. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:24.240 That. 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:26.399 Because God can. 00:10:26.560 --> 00:10:27.320 And does. 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:29.120 Give the name of the Persian king. 00:10:29.180 --> 00:10:30.680 Some hundred and fifty years before. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:31.899 That he comes. 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:32.620 Ahead of time. 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:33.980 To prove that he is the true God. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:35.259 It's the whole point of the narrative. 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:36.320 From 40 to 48. 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:39.000 God says. 00:10:39.080 --> 00:10:39.960 That is the test. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:41.840 No one else. 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:42.860 Can do that sort of thing. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:44.720 Because there is no God. 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:45.620 Besides Yahweh. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:46.620 Chapter 45. 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:49.019 There is no God. 00:10:49.120 --> 00:10:49.799 But God. 00:10:51.620 --> 00:10:52.840 But back to the Bombshell. 00:10:54.019 --> 00:10:55.419 The person whom God says. 00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:56.259 He will use the shepherd. 00:10:56.340 --> 00:10:57.180 His people out of exile. 00:10:57.279 --> 00:10:57.860 Back to Jerusalem. 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.200 Is the Persian king Cyrus. 00:10:59.580 --> 00:11:00.580 And just in case. 00:11:00.639 --> 00:11:01.299 The Israelites think. 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:02.600 They misheard God. 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:03.879 On this one. 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:05.960 God goes on in chapter 45. 00:11:06.200 --> 00:11:06.960 He says verse 1. 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:09.340 Thus says the Lord. 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:10.200 To his anointed. 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:11.120 To Cyrus. 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:13.259 Whose right hand I grasp. 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:16.519 To subdue nations before him. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:18.240 And to loose the belts of kings. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:19.620 To open doors before him. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:20.080 The gates. 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:21.659 May not be closed. 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:22.600 I will go before you. 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:23.960 And land on the exalted places. 00:11:24.100 --> 00:11:25.820 I will break in pieces. 00:11:26.159 --> 00:11:27.519 The doors of bronze. 00:11:27.879 --> 00:11:29.039 Cut through bars of iron. 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:30.539 I will give you the treasures of darkness. 00:11:30.680 --> 00:11:31.740 The hordes and secret places. 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:32.500 That you may know. 00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:32.940 That I. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.100 It is I the Lord. 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:35.159 The God of Israel. 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:37.159 Who call you by your name. 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:42.279 Well as if it could get any worse for Israel. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:44.159 It just has. 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:46.419 Because Cyrus. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:49.320 Whom God explains in verses 4 and 5. 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:50.799 Is an unbeliever. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:52.539 Cyrus is a pagan. 00:11:52.539 --> 00:11:55.699 But he's not only. 00:11:56.079 --> 00:11:57.459 The Lord's shepherd. 00:11:57.879 --> 00:11:59.259 He's the Lord's anointed. 00:12:00.939 --> 00:12:02.299 Do you know what that word is? 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.539 The Lord's anointed. 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:07.199 That word is Messiah. 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:09.719 Cyrus. 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:12.360 Is the Lord's Messiah. 00:12:13.839 --> 00:12:14.819 And now you start to see. 00:12:14.939 --> 00:12:15.059 Don't you. 00:12:15.099 --> 00:12:16.439 Why this is quite hard to strum up. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:17.099 For the Israelites. 00:12:17.599 --> 00:12:18.000 Shepherd. 00:12:18.299 --> 00:12:19.699 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:12:20.079 --> 00:12:21.339 David was my shepherd. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:21.580 Shepherd. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:24.300 Shepherd is a title. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:26.040 For God's anointed king. 00:12:27.040 --> 00:12:27.440 Anointed. 00:12:27.680 --> 00:12:29.200 Is a title for Messiah. 00:12:30.160 --> 00:12:31.100 And they were titles. 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:32.519 Of the royal line of David. 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:34.560 And this was Cyrus. 00:12:34.720 --> 00:12:36.019 Cyrus is not in that line. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.660 Cyrus is an idolater. 00:12:40.080 --> 00:12:42.019 Has Isaiah just been telling us. 00:12:42.160 --> 00:12:42.759 Through these chapters. 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:44.639 How terrible idolatry is. 00:12:45.060 --> 00:12:45.800 So the question is. 00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:46.519 What is going on? 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:49.460 But what is going on is. 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:50.279 God is demonstrating. 00:12:50.279 --> 00:12:51.759 His absolute freedom. 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:52.600 And sovereignty. 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:54.319 As the one true God. 00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:56.199 To do what he wishes. 00:12:56.679 --> 00:12:57.659 In the way that he wishes. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:01.720 And God may disapprove of idolatry. 00:13:02.199 --> 00:13:03.860 But he can still use. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:04.819 The idolater. 00:13:04.939 --> 00:13:05.960 For some good purpose. 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:08.639 The fact that he will use. 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:09.579 Cyrus. 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:12.179 Here is not vouching. 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:13.579 For Cyrus lifestyle. 00:13:14.340 --> 00:13:16.400 But Cyrus will be his Messiah. 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:17.720 His anointed one. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:19.100 His appointed one. 00:13:19.420 --> 00:13:20.400 And he will be equipped. 00:13:20.540 --> 00:13:21.200 By the Lord. 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.660 For a specific task. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:23.879 Which the Lord has selected. 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:26.639 He is a temporary Messiah. 00:13:28.139 --> 00:13:29.639 He is the human king. 00:13:29.780 --> 00:13:30.220 Chosen. 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:31.960 As the Lord's representative. 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:33.540 To stand at the centre. 00:13:33.540 --> 00:13:34.420 Of God's promises. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.740 For his people in the world. 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:37.820 And God will orchestrate. 00:13:37.820 --> 00:13:38.520 Every step. 00:13:39.800 --> 00:13:41.600 Every step of Cyrus role. 00:13:41.740 --> 00:13:42.720 From first to last. 00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:44.980 As emphasised in verses 1 to 5. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.800 And as you read those verses. 00:13:47.980 --> 00:13:48.540 You will notice. 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:50.820 It's not Cyrus who is doing it. 00:13:50.899 --> 00:13:52.040 But it is the Lord. 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:53.259 Through Cyrus. 00:13:55.040 --> 00:13:57.300 Everything Cyrus will achieve. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:58.420 He is achieving. 00:13:58.660 --> 00:13:59.860 Through the agency of the Lord. 00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:03.100 And if you want to find a passage. 00:14:04.160 --> 00:14:05.680 That tells you that God. 00:14:05.920 --> 00:14:07.920 Can and will work. 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:09.639 Through any person. 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:10.580 In your life. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:12.680 And any circumstance. 00:14:12.680 --> 00:14:13.900 In your life. 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:15.600 To achieve his purpose. 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.440 In your life. 00:14:16.520 --> 00:14:17.820 You could do a lot worse. 00:14:17.900 --> 00:14:18.240 In this way. 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.440 And so that person. 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:22.400 At school. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:25.000 Or at work. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.420 Or even church. 00:14:28.180 --> 00:14:29.440 Who rubs you up. 00:14:29.500 --> 00:14:30.100 The wrong way. 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:32.400 God can. 00:14:32.900 --> 00:14:34.220 And may use. 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:34.900 For his purposes. 00:14:34.900 --> 00:14:35.720 In your life. 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:37.899 That relative. 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:37.960 That relative. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:39.180 That you dread. 00:14:39.180 --> 00:14:39.820 Seeing. 00:14:40.040 --> 00:14:41.660 At family reunions. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:43.740 God will work. 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.340 Through her. 00:14:44.460 --> 00:14:44.920 Or him. 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:45.879 To shape you. 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:47.060 Into what he wants you to be. 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:49.840 God is the God. 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:50.560 Who will use. 00:14:50.820 --> 00:14:51.519 Good times. 00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:53.279 In your life. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:55.620 And God is the God. 00:14:55.660 --> 00:14:56.160 Who will use. 00:14:56.360 --> 00:14:57.300 Bad times. 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:58.300 In your life. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.600 For his intended purpose. 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:01.320 To deepen. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:02.240 And renew. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:03.180 Your faith in him. 00:15:03.179 --> 00:15:06.959 And so in verses 6 to 7. 00:15:07.099 --> 00:15:07.539 God says. 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:08.239 I bring. 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:09.620 Prosperity. 00:15:10.819 --> 00:15:12.199 And I create. 00:15:12.359 --> 00:15:12.899 Calamity. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:15.059 So that people. 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:15.779 May know that. 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:17.259 I am the Lord. 00:15:17.459 --> 00:15:17.979 Everything. 00:15:18.199 --> 00:15:19.379 And every person. 00:15:19.579 --> 00:15:20.399 In this universe. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:22.219 Is at God's disposal. 00:15:22.679 --> 00:15:23.539 For his working. 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:24.539 Out of his will. 00:15:25.939 --> 00:15:27.699 And the rising of Cyrus. 00:15:27.859 --> 00:15:28.979 Is a demonstration. 00:15:28.979 --> 00:15:30.299 That he will work. 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:30.899 In ways. 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:31.979 You least expect. 00:15:33.179 --> 00:15:35.379 And I think. 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:35.759 This morning. 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:36.599 If you are sitting there. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.799 And you have got a problem. 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:38.359 With this. 00:15:38.479 --> 00:15:39.059 It is because. 00:15:39.219 --> 00:15:39.959 You do not. 00:15:40.219 --> 00:15:40.500 Know. 00:15:40.939 --> 00:15:41.259 God. 00:15:45.179 --> 00:15:46.120 And he will work. 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:46.719 In ways. 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:48.339 That we least expect. 00:15:49.579 --> 00:15:50.459 And sometimes. 00:15:50.599 --> 00:15:51.599 We do not like. 00:15:51.699 --> 00:15:52.779 The way he works. 00:15:53.739 --> 00:15:54.500 For our good. 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:56.679 Such is the mystery. 00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:57.639 Of his ways. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.000 But not surprisingly. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:00.819 The people of God here. 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.659 They are not too happy. 00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.299 About this plan. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:02.959 And they obviously. 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.679 Voiced their strong objections. 00:16:04.860 --> 00:16:05.279 And so here. 00:16:05.319 --> 00:16:05.959 We come secondly. 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:06.480 To the problem. 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:07.199 Of human arrogance. 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:09.919 We are not actually. 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:11.120 Given their precise words. 00:16:11.579 --> 00:16:12.399 But we are given. 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:13.259 God's response. 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:13.980 To their objection. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:14.719 And his response. 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:15.699 Comes in verses 9. 00:16:15.719 --> 00:16:16.079 And 10. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:16.919 Of Isaiah 45. 00:16:19.559 --> 00:16:20.199 And he says. 00:16:20.279 --> 00:16:20.799 Woe to him. 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:21.620 Who strives. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:22.059 With him. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.759 Who quarrels. 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:26.899 A pot. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:28.439 Among earthen pots. 00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:30.920 Does the clay. 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:31.560 Say to him. 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.260 Who forms it. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.020 What are you making? 00:16:33.900 --> 00:16:34.760 Or your work. 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:35.740 Has no handles. 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:38.100 Woe to him. 00:16:38.160 --> 00:16:39.040 Who says to a father. 00:16:39.140 --> 00:16:39.980 What are you begetting? 00:16:40.760 --> 00:16:41.620 Or to a woman. 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:42.700 With what? 00:16:42.760 --> 00:16:43.600 Are you in labour? 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:47.280 God responds. 00:16:47.400 --> 00:16:48.060 To the Israelites. 00:16:48.060 --> 00:16:48.280 Complaints. 00:16:48.280 --> 00:16:49.640 With a reality check. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.280 And a comparison. 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:54.059 He says. 00:16:54.059 --> 00:16:55.319 Your objections. 00:16:55.319 --> 00:16:56.240 To me. 00:16:56.679 --> 00:16:57.699 Are like. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:59.059 A talking pot. 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:01.159 Speaking. 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:02.860 To the potter. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:06.240 It's like the child. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.879 Intimately challenging. 00:17:07.879 --> 00:17:09.420 His or her parents. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:11.099 And God is saying. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.779 Who do you think you are? 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.359 In other words. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:17.559 God is saying to you and me. 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:19.000 You are nowhere near. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.759 Being in a position. 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:23.119 To require me. 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:23.980 To justify. 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:25.420 My ways to you. 00:17:28.660 --> 00:17:29.599 I do want to say this. 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:31.019 God is not objecting. 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:32.099 To honest questions. 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:32.859 Honest questions. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:33.660 Are good. 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:37.500 You've got plenty examples. 00:17:37.640 --> 00:17:38.119 In the bible. 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:39.299 Of people coming to God. 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:40.400 With honest questions. 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.700 And honest doubts. 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:42.680 Doubts are good. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.539 As long as you deal with them. 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:46.059 And God in his grace. 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:46.879 And in his kindness. 00:17:47.079 --> 00:17:47.400 Gives answers. 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:49.500 And further explanations. 00:17:49.680 --> 00:17:50.440 To honest questions. 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:50.920 I doubt. 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:52.860 But what he does object to. 00:17:53.160 --> 00:17:54.840 Is when you accuse him. 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:56.279 Of bungling your life. 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:58.900 Of messing up your life. 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:01.580 He is offended. 00:18:01.580 --> 00:18:03.680 When we sit in judgment. 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:04.660 On God. 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:06.799 As if we know. 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:08.360 What should happen in our lives. 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:09.240 Better than he does. 00:18:10.580 --> 00:18:11.779 And God will accomplish. 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:13.059 His plans in our lives. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:13.940 In his own way. 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:15.279 By his own unated power. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:18.099 And as much as that might. 00:18:18.099 --> 00:18:19.160 Strike against. 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:20.500 Our own pride. 00:18:21.940 --> 00:18:22.920 He is not looking. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:23.599 For you and him. 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:24.539 For you and I. 00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:25.420 To form a committee. 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:26.579 To help him work this out. 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:28.759 He is not asking you. 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:29.859 To sit on a board. 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.420 With him. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:31.180 To find out. 00:18:31.259 --> 00:18:32.240 How your life should go. 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:35.180 He is totally able. 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:36.700 And totally self-sufficient. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.700 To do that on his own. 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:38.980 And for us to think. 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:39.460 Otherwise. 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:40.519 Is saying. 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:42.059 It is a sign of arrogance. 00:18:42.059 --> 00:18:42.759 On our part. 00:18:46.619 --> 00:18:47.740 Now having said that. 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:48.940 The fact is. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:49.940 That God does not ignore. 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:50.420 His people. 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:53.339 Nor has he left us blind. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:55.599 To his purposes here. 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:57.900 It may have seemed. 00:18:58.139 --> 00:18:58.339 Might it. 00:18:58.420 --> 00:18:59.079 That to many. 00:18:59.339 --> 00:18:59.799 To many. 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:00.879 That by giving the title. 00:19:00.879 --> 00:19:02.240 Of Messiah to Cyrus. 00:19:02.359 --> 00:19:03.420 That God has washed his hands. 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:03.980 With his people. 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:07.099 But as you read. 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:07.720 Through the section. 00:19:07.859 --> 00:19:08.259 God shows. 00:19:08.339 --> 00:19:09.220 That isn't the case. 00:19:09.940 --> 00:19:10.500 At all. 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.539 And he gives us. 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:12.980 Clues. 00:19:13.079 --> 00:19:14.000 To what his purpose. 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:14.519 Is. 00:19:14.639 --> 00:19:15.180 Through Cyrus. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.059 We already saw it. 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:16.980 At the end of chapter 34. 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:18.220 God will use Cyrus. 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.680 To rebuild Jerusalem. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.220 To begin. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.400 To begin the rebuilding. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:21.960 Of the temple. 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:23.319 We see some other examples. 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:24.200 Of God's intentions. 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:25.119 In a couple of other verses. 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:25.879 In verse 4. 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.700 Of chapter 45. 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:30.559 For the sake of my servant Jacob. 00:19:30.639 --> 00:19:31.460 And Israel my chosen. 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.259 I call you by name. 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:32.839 I name you. 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:34.599 Though you do not acknowledge me. 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.160 Know me. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:37.379 In chapter 45. 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.079 In verse 13. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:38.940 I have stirred him up. 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:39.420 In righteousness. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:40.440 And I will make all his ways. 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:40.920 His level. 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:42.539 And he shall build my city. 00:19:42.620 --> 00:19:43.920 And set my exiles free. 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.600 Not for price. 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.720 Or reward. 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:48.360 Says the Lord of hosts. 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:51.799 God is raising Cyrus. 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:53.220 As a temporary Messiah. 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.660 For a specific part. 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:56.259 On behalf of his people. 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:58.380 And God is saying. 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:59.320 I have not forgotten you. 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.980 I have not set aside. 00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:03.320 The promises that I made. 00:20:03.400 --> 00:20:04.460 To your father David. 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:07.180 But as Isaiah does. 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.440 All the way through this book. 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.220 He shows us. 00:20:09.320 --> 00:20:10.880 That God's salvation plan. 00:20:11.100 --> 00:20:13.320 Goes way beyond this rank here. 00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:15.580 And so thirdly. 00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:16.380 Isaiah points us. 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.360 To the ultimate end. 00:20:17.400 --> 00:20:18.920 Of the surprising means of God. 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:20.960 And he does so. 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:22.380 Beginning in verse 14. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.320 Look at that verse. 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:26.000 He says. 00:20:26.060 --> 00:20:26.740 The wealth of Egypt. 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:28.200 The merchandise of Cush. 00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:29.500 And the Sabaean's men of stature. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.300 Shall come over to you. 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:31.019 And be yours. 00:20:31.080 --> 00:20:31.779 They shall follow you. 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:33.299 They shall come over in chains. 00:20:33.379 --> 00:20:34.119 And bow down to you. 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.379 They will plead with you. 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:37.879 Saying surely God is in you. 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.180 And there is no other. 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.579 There is no God besides him. 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:46.180 Isaiah uses Exodus language. 00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:47.099 I don't know if he picked that up. 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:49.700 Exodus language. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:52.259 To speak of this great reversal. 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:52.899 In the future. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.319 But rather. 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:57.019 Than God's people. 00:20:57.480 --> 00:20:58.519 Being in slavery. 00:20:59.220 --> 00:21:00.319 To other nations. 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.500 Like they were in Egypt. 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.079 Like they are in exile. 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:04.279 The day will come. 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.779 When those other nations. 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:07.220 Will come to God's people. 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:09.059 In submission and humility. 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:12.039 And they will recognize. 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.500 The other nations will recognize. 00:21:13.639 --> 00:21:14.879 There is only one God. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:16.180 And we have to worship him. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:19.019 And we started to see the fulfillment. 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:19.980 A few weeks ago. 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:22.059 In the Christmas stories. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:22.599 Do you remember? 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:25.139 Do you remember the genealogy. 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:26.500 With the outsiders. 00:21:26.619 --> 00:21:27.319 And the foreigners. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.759 You see the magi. 00:21:29.879 --> 00:21:30.859 Coming to Jerusalem. 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:32.879 To worship the one true King Jesus. 00:21:34.179 --> 00:21:35.679 But that is just the beginning. 00:21:36.019 --> 00:21:36.699 Of God's purpose. 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:37.059 Let it be. 00:21:37.139 --> 00:21:38.299 Verses 20 to 22. 00:21:40.039 --> 00:21:40.839 Assemble yourselves. 00:21:40.919 --> 00:21:41.259 And come. 00:21:41.399 --> 00:21:42.379 Draw near together. 00:21:42.459 --> 00:21:43.579 You survivors of nations. 00:21:44.139 --> 00:21:45.039 They have no knowledge. 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:46.619 Who carry about their wooden idols. 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:47.539 And they keep on praying. 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.819 To a God who cannot save. 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:52.259 Declare and present your case. 00:21:52.639 --> 00:21:53.700 Let them take counsel together. 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:55.720 Who told this long ago. 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:56.659 Who declared it of old. 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.879 Was it not I the Lord. 00:21:59.019 --> 00:22:00.919 And there is no other God besides me. 00:22:01.139 --> 00:22:02.559 A righteous God and a saviour. 00:22:02.679 --> 00:22:04.339 There is none besides me. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.500 Turn to me. 00:22:05.899 --> 00:22:06.819 And be saved. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.720 Look unto me. 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.799 And be saved. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:10.419 All the ends of the earth. 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.460 For I am God. 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.139 And there is no other. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:17.020 God's intention at every stage. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:19.380 Including in Cyrus. 00:22:19.560 --> 00:22:21.220 Is that his salvation. 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.860 Will go global. 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:25.820 That his salvation. 00:22:25.820 --> 00:22:27.740 Will go to the ends of the earth. 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:29.980 And everything. 00:22:30.600 --> 00:22:31.740 He is doing. 00:22:32.040 --> 00:22:33.440 Is towards that end. 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.960 And so he uses. 00:22:36.160 --> 00:22:37.280 A temporary pagan. 00:22:37.560 --> 00:22:38.980 Messiah called Cyrus. 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:40.820 To return his people to Jerusalem. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:41.620 And Judah. 00:22:41.619 --> 00:22:43.159 Why? 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:44.979 Because the ultimate Messiah. 00:22:46.139 --> 00:22:47.279 The Messiah. 00:22:47.479 --> 00:22:48.799 To whom all the other. 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:50.379 Smaller Messiahs. 00:22:51.699 --> 00:22:53.159 Was not going to appear. 00:22:53.379 --> 00:22:53.939 In Babylon. 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:57.199 Look at what Isaiah says. 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.479 In chapter 40. 00:22:58.619 --> 00:22:59.379 And verse 9. 00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:01.379 He says. 00:23:01.479 --> 00:23:02.519 Go up on a high mountain. 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:03.119 O Zion. 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:04.979 Herald of good news. 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:06.500 Lift up your voice. 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.239 With strength. 00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:07.939 O Jerusalem. 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:09.299 Herald of good news. 00:23:09.679 --> 00:23:10.459 Lift it up. 00:23:10.679 --> 00:23:11.399 Fear not. 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:13.019 Say to the cities. 00:23:13.679 --> 00:23:14.199 Behold. 00:23:14.979 --> 00:23:15.899 Your God. 00:23:18.159 --> 00:23:19.439 God's people have to get home. 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:21.439 And why do they have to get home? 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:23.379 To prepare the way for the Lord. 00:23:24.979 --> 00:23:26.299 And so God. 00:23:26.419 --> 00:23:27.379 Is bending. 00:23:27.659 --> 00:23:28.699 All of history. 00:23:29.979 --> 00:23:31.319 Including what we. 00:23:31.659 --> 00:23:32.039 Believe. 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.039 And call. 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.419 Secular history. 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:34.860 History. 00:23:34.860 --> 00:23:36.360 And he's bending. 00:23:36.360 --> 00:23:37.180 That history. 00:23:37.600 --> 00:23:38.220 To advance. 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:39.519 His ultimate purpose. 00:23:39.900 --> 00:23:41.900 So that just over 500 years after. 00:23:42.860 --> 00:23:44.660 God does the unimaginable. 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:48.080 And God anoints a pagan king. 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:48.960 To shepherd his people. 00:23:50.320 --> 00:23:52.759 And God does the even more unimaginable. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.160 He takes human flesh. 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:56.540 And he's born of a virgin. 00:23:57.540 --> 00:23:58.620 And he's born. 00:23:58.620 --> 00:23:59.519 In poverty. 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:00.840 In the person of his son. 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.600 Jesus Christ. 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:02.180 The Messiah. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.400 And then God. 00:24:03.560 --> 00:24:06.560 Then Jesus does the even more unimaginable. 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:08.180 The true Messiah. 00:24:08.360 --> 00:24:09.420 The anointed king. 00:24:09.600 --> 00:24:10.800 The glorious shepherd. 00:24:11.140 --> 00:24:12.279 The son of God. 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.900 Dies at the hand of his enemies. 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:17.640 And then God does the even more unimaginable. 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:19.280 He raises him from the dead. 00:24:19.340 --> 00:24:20.300 As a demonstration. 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.019 That Jesus. 00:24:21.360 --> 00:24:22.720 Has come to pay the penalty. 00:24:22.840 --> 00:24:24.060 For all our idolatry. 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:24.780 And all our sin. 00:24:26.040 --> 00:24:27.360 And to give salvation. 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.860 But to give salvation to whom? 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:32.140 Isaiah says. 00:24:32.140 --> 00:24:32.759 To all. 00:24:33.340 --> 00:24:34.340 Who turn to him. 00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:36.240 And be saved. 00:24:36.360 --> 00:24:37.759 Because there is no other God. 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:40.860 And so you trace. 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.720 Through the New Testament. 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.019 And the good news. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:46.320 Goes out from Jerusalem. 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:48.640 Judea. 00:24:49.700 --> 00:24:50.800 And then to Samaria. 00:24:52.100 --> 00:24:53.560 And to the ends of the earth. 00:24:54.620 --> 00:24:56.300 And so you get to the end of the book of Acts. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.060 And Acts 28. 00:24:57.140 --> 00:24:58.080 It ends so oddly. 00:24:58.200 --> 00:24:58.420 Doesn't it? 00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:59.180 Every time you read it. 00:24:59.240 --> 00:24:59.420 You think. 00:25:00.060 --> 00:25:01.180 Why is it ending here? 00:25:01.280 --> 00:25:02.460 This is the wrong ending. 00:25:02.780 --> 00:25:03.640 But it's telling you. 00:25:03.720 --> 00:25:05.340 It's going out to the ends of the earth. 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.640 From Judea. 00:25:08.780 --> 00:25:09.500 To North Africa. 00:25:09.780 --> 00:25:10.620 To Asia Minor. 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.340 To Europe. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.519 To the ends of the earth. 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.859 Then God calls you and me. 00:25:14.900 --> 00:25:16.400 To trust not only in the ends. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.539 But with the means. 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.420 To the end. 00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:21.619 And indeed. 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:22.680 When we see God at work. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:24.059 We should not only trust him. 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:25.299 In the means he uses. 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:26.379 But we should worship. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:27.160 And marvel. 00:25:27.160 --> 00:25:28.379 At the means he uses. 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:30.379 That our God bends history. 00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:34.799 Charles Spurgeon. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.319 C.H. 00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:35.579 Spurgeon. 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.759 Lived in the 19th century. 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.359 Spurgeon. 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:39.440 He's widely regarded. 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:40.440 As one of the great preachers. 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.339 Of modern times. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.759 He's referred to often. 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.839 As the prince of preachers. 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:45.839 As we do. 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:47.220 Sometimes a little bit snobby. 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:48.059 About Spurgeon. 00:25:48.140 --> 00:25:48.839 I think we shouldn't do. 00:25:50.420 --> 00:25:52.359 Spurgeon's published sermons. 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:52.859 Run. 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:55.460 To over three and a half thousand. 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:58.640 They fill 63 volumes. 00:25:58.640 --> 00:26:00.220 If you want to buy any of them for me. 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:02.279 It is estimated. 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.440 That in those sermons. 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:05.220 Spurgeon told the story. 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:06.220 Of his conversion. 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:07.519 How he became a Christian. 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:10.480 Some 280 times. 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.779 It's incredible isn't it. 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:14.039 You think. 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:15.039 I repeat illustrations. 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.799 280 times. 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.700 I haven't even told. 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.779 The ugly duckling story. 00:26:19.880 --> 00:26:20.220 That often. 00:26:21.860 --> 00:26:23.180 And I think the reason. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.120 That Spurgeon. 00:26:24.120 --> 00:26:24.960 Spurgeon tells the story. 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:25.660 Of his conversion. 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.500 So many times. 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:28.240 Is because it was a demonstration. 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:30.120 Of the surprise. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.140 Amazing means. 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:32.799 Of God. 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:34.680 To that end. 00:26:34.860 --> 00:26:35.680 In Spurgeon's life. 00:26:36.860 --> 00:26:38.100 So let me tell it to you. 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:40.680 Here's one of those accounts. 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.960 A 15 year old boy. 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:43.519 On Sunday. 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:44.400 The 6th of January. 00:26:44.839 --> 00:26:45.319 1815. 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:47.339 Spurgeon writes. 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:48.220 Sometimes I think. 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:49.480 I might have been in darkness. 00:26:49.640 --> 00:26:50.559 And despair now. 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:51.240 Had it not been. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.460 For the goodness of God. 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:54.160 In sending a snowstorm. 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.279 One Sunday morning. 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.920 When I was going to a place. 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:58.000 Of worship in Colchester. 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.920 When I could go. 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:00.480 No further. 00:27:00.560 --> 00:27:01.779 Because of the snow and cold. 00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:02.920 I turned down a court. 00:27:03.000 --> 00:27:03.820 And came to a little. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:05.180 Primitive Methodist chapel. 00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:06.460 And in that chapel. 00:27:06.560 --> 00:27:07.160 There might have been. 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:07.720 A dozen. 00:27:07.840 --> 00:27:08.920 Or 15 people. 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:10.460 The minister. 00:27:10.600 --> 00:27:11.759 Did not come that morning. 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:12.400 Snowed up. 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:13.019 I suppose. 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:13.880 A poor man. 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:14.740 A shoemaker. 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:15.240 A tailor. 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.620 Or something of that sort. 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.180 Went up. 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:17.860 Nervously. 00:27:17.859 --> 00:27:18.539 Into the pulpit. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.139 To preach. 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:20.720 He was obliged. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.859 To stick to his text. 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:22.960 For the simple reason. 00:27:23.099 --> 00:27:24.379 That he had nothing else to say. 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.019 The text was. 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:27.099 Isaiah 45. 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.359 Verse 22. 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:30.159 Look unto me. 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:31.920 And be ye saved. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.099 All the ends of the earth. 00:27:33.879 --> 00:27:35.359 He did not even pronounce. 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:36.399 The words rightly. 00:27:36.659 --> 00:27:37.619 But that did not matter. 00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:39.299 There was. 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:39.879 I thought. 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:41.259 A glimpse of hope for me. 00:27:41.319 --> 00:27:41.960 In the text. 00:27:42.639 --> 00:27:43.720 He began thus. 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:45.339 My dear friends. 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:46.839 This is a very simple text. 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.240 Indeed. 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:47.740 It says. 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.180 Look. 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:50.339 Now that does not take. 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:52.420 A deal of effort. 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.400 It ain't no lifting. 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:55.339 Your foot. 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.220 Or your finger. 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.059 It is just. 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:57.620 Look. 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.079 Well. 00:27:59.200 --> 00:27:59.640 A man. 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.819 Need not go to college. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:01.680 To learn to look. 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:04.140 You may be the biggest fool. 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:04.680 And yet. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.440 You can look. 00:28:06.360 --> 00:28:06.880 A man. 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:08.019 May not even be worth. 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:08.400 A hundred. 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:08.900 A year. 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:09.480 To look. 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:11.380 Anyone can look. 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.100 A child. 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:12.720 Can look. 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:15.079 But this is what the text says. 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:18.039 Then it says. 00:28:18.140 --> 00:28:19.240 Look unto me. 00:28:19.960 --> 00:28:20.279 I. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:20.980 Said he. 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:23.079 In a broad ethics dialect. 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.200 Many of you. 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:27.059 Are looking to yourselves. 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:28.900 No use looking there. 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:31.700 You'll never find comfort in yourselves. 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.319 And the good man. 00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:34.960 Followed up his text in this way. 00:28:35.100 --> 00:28:35.900 Look unto me. 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:36.779 I'm sweating. 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:38.759 Great drops of blood. 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.600 Look unto me. 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:41.980 I'm hanging on the cross. 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.900 Look. 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:44.579 I am dead and buried. 00:28:45.140 --> 00:28:45.940 Look unto me. 00:28:46.059 --> 00:28:47.059 I rise again. 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.220 Look unto me. 00:28:48.299 --> 00:28:48.920 I ascend. 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:51.299 I am sitting at the father's right hand. 00:28:51.420 --> 00:28:52.500 Oh look to me. 00:28:52.860 --> 00:28:53.519 Look to me. 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:56.279 When he got about that. 00:28:56.339 --> 00:28:57.700 When he got about that length. 00:28:58.480 --> 00:29:00.519 And managed to spit out ten more minutes. 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:02.279 He was at the length of his tether. 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:04.139 And he looked at me. 00:29:04.139 --> 00:29:05.019 Under the gallery. 00:29:05.559 --> 00:29:06.799 And I dare say. 00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:07.899 With so few present. 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:09.359 He knew me to be a stranger. 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.279 He then said. 00:29:10.399 --> 00:29:11.019 Young man. 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:13.599 You look very miserable. 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.599 I did. 00:29:16.139 --> 00:29:17.220 But I had not been accustomed. 00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:18.200 To have remarks made. 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.220 On my personal appearance. 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:20.119 From the pulpit before. 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:21.579 However. 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.879 It was a good blow struck. 00:29:23.619 --> 00:29:24.339 He continued. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.500 And you will always be miserable. 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.899 Miserable in life. 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.359 And miserable in death. 00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:30.959 If you do not obey my text. 00:29:31.879 --> 00:29:33.240 But if you obey now. 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:33.839 This moment. 00:29:33.959 --> 00:29:34.759 You will be saved. 00:29:34.819 --> 00:29:35.579 And then he shouted. 00:29:35.679 --> 00:29:37.979 As only a primitive Methodist can. 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:39.099 Young man. 00:29:39.399 --> 00:29:40.879 Look to Jesus Christ. 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:43.279 There and then. 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:44.059 The cloud was gone. 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:48.379 The darkness was rolled away. 00:29:50.379 --> 00:29:51.240 And that moment. 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:52.039 I saw the sun. 00:29:53.639 --> 00:29:55.159 And I could have risen that moment. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:56.939 And sung with the most enthusiastic. 00:29:56.939 --> 00:29:57.699 Of them. 00:29:57.699 --> 00:29:59.339 Of the precious blood of Christ. 00:29:59.959 --> 00:30:01.179 God has bent. 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:02.219 All of history. 00:30:03.179 --> 00:30:04.219 And is bending. 00:30:04.419 --> 00:30:05.059 All of history. 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:06.799 So that to the ends. 00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:07.399 Of the earth. 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:10.259 From Colchester. 00:30:10.339 --> 00:30:11.379 Colchester in England. 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.219 To Colcutta. 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:12.759 In India. 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:16.639 From Ealing. 00:30:16.859 --> 00:30:17.419 To Egypt. 00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:20.579 All who turn to him. 00:30:20.639 --> 00:30:21.179 Will be saved. 00:30:23.399 --> 00:30:24.459 And the invitation. 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:25.259 That God made. 00:30:25.339 --> 00:30:26.059 To Spurgeon. 00:30:26.059 --> 00:30:27.319 That snowy Sunday morning. 00:30:27.419 --> 00:30:28.219 On January the 6th. 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:28.880 1850. 00:30:28.880 --> 00:30:29.660 Is the invitation. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.420 It makes to you. 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:33.440 And at the end. 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:34.440 Of Isaiah 45. 00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:35.299 The invitation. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.079 Presents us. 00:30:36.140 --> 00:30:36.779 With a choice. 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:38.160 Of eternal shame. 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:40.559 Because we refuse. 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:41.220 The invitation. 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:43.039 Or eternal delight. 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:44.180 Because we accept it. 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:45.180 God works. 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:45.180 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.180 God works. 00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:46.779 God works. 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:50.039 Through the most. 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.120 ! 00:30:50.120 --> 00:30:51.440 In no small part. 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.980 Because God works. 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:54.039 Through the most. 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.700 Shocking means. 00:30:55.840 --> 00:30:56.519 At times. 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:58.639 God works. 00:30:58.639 --> 00:30:59.119 Through the most. 00:30:59.119 --> 00:31:00.220 Unlikely candidate. 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:01.139 Whether it's a tailor. 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:01.819 In a pulpit. 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.339 Or a most. 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.559 Unlikely messiah. 00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:05.680 Like a pagan king. 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:06.440 Called Cyrus. 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:09.039 God calls. 00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:09.779 On his people. 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.660 To trust him. 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.720 Not only. 00:31:12.879 --> 00:31:13.579 With the ends. 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:16.059 But also. 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:16.680 His means. 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:17.559 To those ends. 00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:19.519 Let's pray.