WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.519 Isaiah 61. I read a great article this week on the recruitment and the growth of ISIS. 00:00:11.519 --> 00:00:20.719 ! And the author, Graham Wood, in the Atlantic, made the point that the growth of ISIS is 00:00:20.719 --> 00:00:29.719 ! not primarily due to any disillusionment of young Islam and Muslim men, but the growth 00:00:29.719 --> 00:00:39.719 of ISIS is not to do with unemployment or poverty or discrimination or lack of education. Nor 00:00:39.719 --> 00:00:47.719 is the Islamic State a mere collection of psychopaths. Rather, Graham Wood writes that it is a religious 00:00:47.719 --> 00:00:55.719 group with carefully considered beliefs. And among them is that ISIS is a key agent in 00:00:55.719 --> 00:01:03.719 the coming apocalypse. It considers itself a harbinger and a headline player in the imminent 00:01:03.719 --> 00:01:05.719 end of the world, end quote. 00:01:05.719 --> 00:01:13.719 So, the belief that ISIS has about the Day of Judgment determines its strategy. It's 00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:24.719 really fascinating. It's essentially an apocalyptic sect that is ideologically driven. And as Wood 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:28.719 points out, therefore, young people from the West who've been travelling to the battlefield, 00:01:28.719 --> 00:01:33.719 the square of the field, they're not going there for liberty, they're not going there for riches, 00:01:33.719 --> 00:01:40.719 they're not going there for the good life. They are going there because they see there a convincing 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:50.719 belief structure. And so ISIS, as far as we're concerned, may be crazy, but they're not insane. 00:01:50.719 --> 00:01:59.719 And I start with that because I think there is a shocking overlap between ISIS and us. It is a really, 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:07.719 really slim overlap. Really, really slim, but it is a real one. Because if you were to spend time with the 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:15.719 people of this church, you would see that we live, and the way that we live, is because of a certain belief 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:26.719 structure. Our lives are theologically driven. I hope our lives have a vision of the end of the world, 00:02:27.719 --> 00:02:33.719 and what comes after it. We're told in the Bible, quite clearly in the New Testament, that we are to live 00:02:33.719 --> 00:02:40.719 in the present, in accordance with the hope that we have for the future. Now the differences are, 00:02:40.719 --> 00:02:47.719 between that movement and ours are so, so different. And the nature of that vision, and of how that vision 00:02:47.719 --> 00:02:57.719 will be achieved, it's why theology matters. It's why what you fundamentally believe about the future matters. 00:02:57.719 --> 00:03:06.719 We will, and we can throw our hands up in the air, in despair, at the sickening atrocities that we see and we hear 00:03:06.719 --> 00:03:14.719 that are perpetuated by ISIS. But unless you and I have got a robust counter-argument to what they're doing, 00:03:14.719 --> 00:03:21.719 we are ignoring the root of the issue. We have a vision of the future, and we must live in the light of it. 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:27.719 So last week in Isaiah 60, we saw what that grand vision is. It's a new city, it's a new Jerusalem. 00:03:27.719 --> 00:03:33.719 The new heavens and the new earth, inhabited by God's people with a new culture. 00:03:33.719 --> 00:03:40.719 And as we saw, Jesus right at the centre on a throne. And his people will come from every tribe and tongue and nation, 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:44.719 and they will be citizens of the new city. And it's a glorious vision. 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:48.719 But the question is, how is that vision achieved? 00:03:48.719 --> 00:03:57.719 Isaiah has been showing us all the way through this book, that the realisation of the new city is dependent on a person. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:04:04.719 And as we turn from Isaiah 60 to I61, we are introduced to a person whom Isaiah has brought to our attention. 00:04:04.719 --> 00:04:09.719 So at the end of chapter 59, here's what we saw, can you see? 00:04:09.719 --> 00:04:14.719 My spirit is upon you. As for me, this is my covenant with them, says the Lord. 00:04:14.719 --> 00:04:19.720 My spirit is upon you, and my words that I put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:24.720 or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring, says the Lord, 00:04:24.720 --> 00:04:27.720 from this time forth and forevermore. 00:04:27.720 --> 00:04:30.720 That's how chapter 59 ends. 00:04:30.720 --> 00:04:33.720 But here's how chapter 61 begins. 00:04:33.720 --> 00:04:38.720 Chapter 61, the spirit of the Lord God is upon me. 00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:40.720 Do you see the parallel? 00:04:40.720 --> 00:04:42.720 He's anointed me. 00:04:42.720 --> 00:04:50.720 The same person who the Lord placed his spirit, in whose mouth the Lord put his words at the end of chapter 59, 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:54.720 is the same one who's speaking at the start of chapter 61. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:57.720 So the conclusion is this. 00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:02.720 Everything we read in chapter 60, everything is between those two bookends, 00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:07.720 those references of the spirit of the Lord being upon this individual. 00:05:07.720 --> 00:05:13.720 Everything in chapter 60, the vision of the future, is dependent on this person. 00:05:13.720 --> 00:05:15.720 The new city. 00:05:15.720 --> 00:05:22.720 And the key to ushering in the new city is this person at the end of 59 and the start of 61. 00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:28.720 Now before we look at the identity of this person, let me state to you what I think is the big invitation. 00:05:28.720 --> 00:05:31.720 What does Isaiah 61 want you to do? 00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:32.720 And it is this. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:34.720 Seize the year. 00:05:34.720 --> 00:05:36.720 Seize the year. 00:05:36.720 --> 00:05:39.720 Carpe anim. 00:05:39.720 --> 00:05:41.720 For those of you who are into Latin. 00:05:41.720 --> 00:05:43.720 Carpe anim. 00:05:43.720 --> 00:05:47.720 Seize the year of the Lord's favour. 00:05:47.720 --> 00:05:51.720 That is where Isaiah is going to go with this chapter. 00:05:51.720 --> 00:05:54.720 And we are going to think about this as we think of three things. 00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:56.720 The jubilee job description. 00:05:56.720 --> 00:05:57.720 The extravagant exchange. 00:05:57.720 --> 00:05:59.720 And then the year before the day. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:02.720 So first of all the jubilee job description. 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:05.720 And we have got to work out whose job is this job description. 00:06:05.720 --> 00:06:08.720 It says, who is speaking here at the start of chapter 61. 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:10.720 And again notice how he starts. 00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:13.720 The spirit of the Lord is upon me. 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:16.720 Because the Lord has anointed me. 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:19.720 Now we have been right the way through Isaiah haven't we? 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:21.720 It has been really great. 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:23.720 If I say so myself. 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:27.720 And all the way through we have seen glimpses of this. 00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:29.720 Remember chapter 11. 00:06:29.720 --> 00:06:33.720 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse. 00:06:33.720 --> 00:06:37.720 A branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:40.720 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest on him. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:43.720 And when we looked at it we saw that. 00:06:43.720 --> 00:06:48.720 Isaiah 11 is a prophecy of a king in the line of Jesse. 00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:50.720 Jesse was the father of King David. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:52.720 That it was a prophecy of their king. 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:54.720 Their messianic king. 00:06:54.720 --> 00:06:56.720 On whom the spirit of the Lord would rest. 00:06:56.720 --> 00:06:58.720 That was Isaiah 11. 00:06:58.720 --> 00:07:00.720 But do you remember Isaiah 42? 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:03.720 Behold my servant whom I uphold. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:06.720 My chosen one in whom my soul delights. 00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:09.720 I have put my spirit on him. 00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:12.720 He will bring forth justice to the nations. 00:07:12.720 --> 00:07:14.720 And so God introduces to us. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:16.720 In that chapter the servant of the Lord. 00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:18.720 Isaiah 42. 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:20.720 The suffering servant. 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:23.720 Of 42, 49, 50 and 53. 00:07:23.720 --> 00:07:25.720 And God says my spirit. 00:07:25.720 --> 00:07:27.720 My holy spirit will be on him. 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:29.720 But here is the jaw dropping thing. 00:07:29.720 --> 00:07:31.720 Of Isaiah 61. 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:33.720 The king of Isaiah 11. 00:07:33.720 --> 00:07:37.720 And the servant of Isaiah 42. 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:40.720 Is here in chapter 61. 00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:44.720 The speaker tells us that the spirit of the Lord is upon him. 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:47.720 And then he goes on to describe what he is going to do. 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:48.720 And in such a way. 00:07:48.720 --> 00:07:50.720 That he is clearly the king. 00:07:50.720 --> 00:07:52.720 And he is clearly the servant. 00:07:52.720 --> 00:07:53.720 He is the one who will reign. 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:54.720 And he is the one who will rule. 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:56.720 And he is the one who will suffer. 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:57.720 And will die. 00:07:57.720 --> 00:08:00.720 The king is the servant. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:03.720 That is what Isaiah 61 tells you. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:05.720 And what he then does. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:08.720 Is he explains that God has appointed him for a specific purpose. 00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:10.720 Which are covered in this menu of transformation. 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:12.720 Sort of verses 1 and 2. 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:14.720 To bring good news to the poor. 00:08:14.720 --> 00:08:17.720 He sent me to bind up the broken hearted. 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:19.720 To proclaim liberty to the captives. 00:08:19.720 --> 00:08:22.720 And the opening of the prison to those who are bound. 00:08:22.720 --> 00:08:25.720 To proclaim the year of the Lord's favour. 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:26.720 And the day of vengeance of our God. 00:08:26.720 --> 00:08:28.720 To comfort all who mourn. 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:29.720 Notice right away. 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:34.720 The servant king has been anointed to deal with body and soul. 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:36.720 With inside and out. 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:42.720 He preaches good news to the poor. 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:45.720 And he binds up the broken hearted. 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:47.720 And the word of God. 00:08:47.720 --> 00:08:48.720 And the headline of this announcement. 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:50.720 And the part of the job description. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:52.720 That surely would have jumped out to Isaiah's audience. 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:54.720 Was that this servant king. 00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:55.720 Can you see it? 00:08:55.720 --> 00:08:57.720 Will proclaim freedom. 00:08:57.720 --> 00:08:59.720 Freedom. 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:06.720 And the reason why those words would have jumped out to the first listeners of the book of Isaiah. 00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:11.720 Is because of the command given in Leviticus 25 verse 10. 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:13.720 To proclaim freedom. 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:16.720 As a sign of the Jubilee. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:20.720 Now I can see you are all really excited about this. 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:22.720 Let me tell you why you should be excited about it. 00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:25.720 What is the significance of the Jubilee? 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:29.720 When you need to go all the way back to the beginning of the Bible. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:31.720 Where we are told. 00:09:31.720 --> 00:09:34.720 God created the world in the space of six days. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:35.720 Six days of creation. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:38.720 And on the seventh day God rests. 00:09:38.720 --> 00:09:40.720 God has a Sabbath. 00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:43.720 And God then commands all his people. 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:44.720 And all people. 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:46.720 That they are to rest on the Sabbath day. 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:49.720 It is a demonstration. 00:09:49.720 --> 00:09:51.720 That every human being. 00:09:51.720 --> 00:09:53.720 Is to rest in God's provision. 00:09:53.720 --> 00:09:54.720 And his goodness. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:56.720 And his goodness. 00:09:56.720 --> 00:09:58.720 But when you read on in the Old Testament. 00:09:58.720 --> 00:10:01.720 You find that God's people were not only to observe a Sabbath day. 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:04.720 But they were to observe a Sabbath year. 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:05.720 And during the Sabbath year. 00:10:05.720 --> 00:10:07.720 All debts were to be forgiven. 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:09.720 The slaves were to be set free. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:12.720 Land was to lie fallow. 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:14.720 And if you were going to eat. 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:16.720 You had to eat out of your storehouses. 00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:18.720 Not out of what you grew. 00:10:18.720 --> 00:10:20.720 Where you gathered food. 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:23.720 Since the last Sabbath year. 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:25.720 You can only imagine can't you. 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:27.720 What that kind of forgiveness felt like. 00:10:27.720 --> 00:10:33.720 What must that experience of liberty be like. 00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:36.720 But then in Leviticus 25. 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:38.720 We find out that not only was there to be a Sabbath day. 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:39.720 And a Sabbath year. 00:10:39.720 --> 00:10:41.720 But there was to be a Sabbath generation. 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:45.720 That every seventh seventh year. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:48.720 That is the 49th of the 50th year. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:49.720 There was to be this Jubilee. 00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:51.720 A year of Jubilee. 00:10:51.720 --> 00:10:52.720 And in that year. 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:54.720 Not only did you rest for your neighbours. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:56.720 Like you're commanded to every Sabbath day. 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:58.720 And not only were debts forgiven. 00:10:58.720 --> 00:11:00.720 Like they were every seventh year. 00:11:00.720 --> 00:11:02.720 And not only were slaves to be set free. 00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:04.720 But any capital that you lost. 00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:07.720 Any land that you'd forfeited. 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:08.720 You got back. 00:11:08.720 --> 00:11:10.720 Can you imagine that? 00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:12.720 The mortgage wiped out. 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:15.720 The family home that your parents sold. 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:18.720 Because they couldn't afford to keep up the payments. 00:11:18.720 --> 00:11:19.720 And get back. 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:24.720 And the whole purpose was to give people a second start. 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:28.720 If you've absolutely blown it. 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:32.720 The Jubilee would give you a second chance. 00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:33.720 A running start. 00:11:33.720 --> 00:11:34.720 A fresh beginning. 00:11:34.720 --> 00:11:39.720 It was the way in Israel they prevented long term poverty and deprivation. 00:11:39.720 --> 00:11:41.720 And so God institutes the Jubilee year. 00:11:41.720 --> 00:11:43.720 For the Sabbath generation. 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:45.720 For Sabbath rest. 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:47.720 For economic rest. 00:11:47.720 --> 00:11:50.720 Scholars think it was so radical. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.720 That they actually doubt Israel ever practiced it. 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:58.720 But now the servant king turns up. 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:00.720 And he announces in his preaching. 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:02.720 Like a ram's horn. 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:05.720 That he will usher in the year of Jubilee. 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:08.720 Now let's wind the tape forward. 00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:10.720 We go forward eight centuries. 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:13.720 And imagine that you are sitting on the floor of a synagogue. 00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:15.720 In Nazareth. 00:12:15.720 --> 00:12:18.720 And up front is the local lad. 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.720 It's the carpenter's boy. 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:22.720 He fixed a coffee table in your rocking chair last year. 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:25.720 It's Joseph's son. 00:12:25.720 --> 00:12:27.720 And Joseph's son has become quite famous. 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:29.720 In these parts through his teaching. 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:31.720 And through miracles. 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:33.720 And Joseph's son has been invited to come and read. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:35.720 And comment on the scripture. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:37.720 That day. 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:43.720 And so the attendant hands Joseph's son the scroll from Isaiah. 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:46.720 And from what we know. 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:48.720 There was no assigned reading that day. 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:50.720 Jesus unrolls the scroll. 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:51.720 Himself. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:55.720 He looks for the passage he wants to read from. 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:56.720 And eventually he finds it. 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:58.720 And he begins to read this. 00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:02.720 He says the spirit of the Lord is upon me. 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:05.720 Because the Lord has anointed me. 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:07.720 To bring good news to the poor. 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:08.720 He sent me. 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:10.720 To bind up the broken hearted. 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:12.720 To proclaim liberty to the captives. 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:15.720 And the opening of the prison to those who are bound. 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:18.720 To proclaim the year of the Lord's favour. 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:20.720 He rolls up the scroll. 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:22.720 He hands it back to the attendant. 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:25.720 And the entire congregation has fixed their eyes on Jesus. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:28.720 And they're waiting to hear what he's going to say. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:32.720 And they're waiting for what would have been normally a lengthy explanation. 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:34.720 A long explanation. 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:37.720 A long explanation of the passage. 00:13:37.720 --> 00:13:40.720 And Jesus gives a one sentence sermon. 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:43.720 I know what you're thinking. 00:13:43.720 --> 00:13:45.720 If Jesus can't do it why can't you? 00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:47.720 And the answer is very simple. 00:13:47.720 --> 00:13:48.720 I'm not Jesus. 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:51.720 He manages a one sentence sermon. 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:52.720 And here's what it is. 00:13:52.720 --> 00:13:53.720 He says. 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:54.720 Today. 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.720 This scripture. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:58.720 Is fulfilled. 00:13:58.720 --> 00:14:00.720 In your hearing. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:01.720 He says that. 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:03.720 Jesus says. 00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:04.720 You know the one. 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:05.720 Isaiah was talking about. 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:07.720 You know the one who was anointed to preach good news. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:09.720 To release the oppressed. 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:10.720 It is me. 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:11.720 I am he. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:13.720 I have come. 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:17.720 And the reason Jesus only needs to preach a one sentence sermon. 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.720 Is because he's basically saying. 00:14:19.720 --> 00:14:20.720 I am the sermon. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:21.720 I am the sermon. 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:22.720 My life is the sermon. 00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:25.720 I am the anointed servant of Isaiah 61. 00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:27.720 This in Luke's gospel. 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:29.720 Is Jesus opening manifesto. 00:14:29.720 --> 00:14:32.720 This is where he lays his cards on the table. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:33.720 And he says. 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:34.720 This is what I'm all about. 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.720 Isaiah 51. 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:36.720 And he couldn't have been clearer. 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:38.720 In his understanding of what he came to do. 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:39.720 And he announces. 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:40.720 He is the king. 00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:41.720 Who is the servant. 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:43.720 Who will die. 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:45.720 To usher in the jubilee. 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:48.720 And so Isaiah 61. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:50.720 And so Isaiah 61 moves from the jubilee job description. 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:52.720 To the extravagant exchange. 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:54.720 And what he tells us here. 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:55.720 Shouldn't surprise us. 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:57.720 If we've been in Isaiah these last few months. 00:14:57.720 --> 00:15:00.720 Because Isaiah has already told us. 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:01.720 That the ministry of the servant. 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:02.720 Sent us on an exchange. 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.720 Doesn't it? 00:15:03.720 --> 00:15:04.720 Remember Isaiah 53. 00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:06.720 That famous passage. 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:08.720 We read how the servant. 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:10.720 Would swap places with us. 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:12.720 That the servant would take. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.720 On the punishment. 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:15.720 That you and I deserve for sin. 00:15:15.720 --> 00:15:18.720 So that we can have peace with God. 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:20.720 That is what Jesus comes to. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.720 That in our place. 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.720 Condemned he stood. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.720 But here in Isaiah 61. 00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:27.720 The focus is not so much. 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:29.720 On what the servant generously takes. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:31.720 On our behalf. 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:32.720 Our punishment. 00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:34.720 But more on what he gives. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:37.720 What he gives to repentant sinners. 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:38.720 Look at verse 3. 00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:41.720 To grant those who mourn in Zion. 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:44.720 To give them a beautiful headdress. 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:46.720 A crown of beauty. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:48.720 Instead of ashes. 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:50.720 The garment of praise. 00:15:50.720 --> 00:15:52.720 Instead of a faint spirit. 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:56.720 There's three glorious exchanges. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:00.720 Look for me at a moment. 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.720 Look at the first instead. 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:02.720 So you have this crown. 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:03.720 Or this headdress. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:04.720 Beautiful headdress. 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:05.720 In verse 3. 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:10.720 A headdress of beauty. 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:11.720 Instead of ashes. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:13.720 When somebody died. 00:16:13.720 --> 00:16:14.720 Back in the day. 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:16.720 You would cover your head. 00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:17.720 With ashes. 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.720 Not like a little. 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:19.720 Kind of ash Wednesday cross. 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:20.720 No. 00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:22.720 This covering with ash. 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:23.720 It symbolized. 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.720 The pulling apart of everything. 00:16:25.720 --> 00:16:26.720 Just when you put. 00:16:26.720 --> 00:16:28.720 Something into fire. 00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:29.720 It gets burned. 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:31.720 And everything gets pulled apart. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:32.720 It turns into ashes. 00:16:33.720 --> 00:16:34.720 In fire. 00:16:34.720 --> 00:16:36.720 Items lose their coherence. 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:38.720 And they turn into ash. 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:40.720 And the point is. 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:41.720 That all of life. 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:42.720 Is going that way. 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:43.720 Isn't it? 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:44.720 At the gravesite. 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.720 I say these words. 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:46.720 Ashes to ashes. 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:47.720 Dust to dust. 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:48.720 Because you and I. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:49.720 Are falling apart. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.720 No matter how much. 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:52.720 You want to ignore it. 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:55.720 No one can restore the energy. 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.720 That is expending itself. 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:57.720 From our body. 00:16:57.720 --> 00:16:59.720 It doesn't matter. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:00.720 If you work out. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:02.720 It doesn't matter. 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.720 If you go to the gym. 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:04.720 It doesn't matter. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.720 If you take care of yourself. 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.720 Every one of us. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.720 Is falling apart. 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.720 We are all going. 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.720 The way of ashes. 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:11.720 And the servant king. 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:12.720 Announces. 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:13.720 That for those who repent. 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.720 There is the promise. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:16.720 Of an absolute makeover. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.720 There is the promise. 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:20.720 Of transformation. 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.720 And he communicates. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:23.720 This transformation. 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:24.720 Or exchange. 00:17:24.720 --> 00:17:25.720 Just with. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.720 Two Hebrew letters. 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:30.720 Two Hebrew letters change. 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:33.720 Changing letters. 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:34.720 Can often make. 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:36.720 A big change. 00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:37.720 In what you say. 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:38.720 Can't it? 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:41.720 So here for example. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.720 Are a few hymn lyrics. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.720 That underwent. 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:44.720 A significant transformation. 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:45.720 With the change of one letter. 00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:48.720 Lord you are more precious. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.720 Than silver. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:50.720 Lord you are more costly. 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:51.720 Than gold. 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:55.720 I once was blonde. 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:56.720 But now I see. 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:59.720 Oh that was yonder. 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:00.720 Sacred thong. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:04.720 Surely he has borne our briefs. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.720 They are terrible. 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:06.720 They are terrible. 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:08.720 But one letter. 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.720 One letter changes its own meaning. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.720 Doesn't it? 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.720 One letter changes its own meaning. 00:18:14.720 --> 00:18:16.720 It is easy isn't it. 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:17.720 To send an email quickly. 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.720 On a computer. 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:19.720 And one typo. 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.720 Change the whole. 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:21.720 Context of the email. 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:24.720 And here in Isaiah 61. 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:25.720 We don't have to. 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:28.720 Here in Isaiah 61. 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:29.720 We don't have to. 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:30.720 We don't have to. 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:31.720 We don't have the change. 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:32.720 Or the drop of the letter. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.720 But we have the switching. 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.720 Of two Hebrew letters. 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:35.720 It just switches round. 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.720 And it changes the word. 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:38.720 Ashes. 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:39.720 To the word. 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:40.720 Crown of beauty. 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.720 Now obviously you don't pick that up. 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.720 In English. 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:44.720 But the point is. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:45.720 Very clever. 00:18:45.720 --> 00:18:46.720 That Isaiah making. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.720 It is as if. 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.720 Isaiah is saying. 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.720 It is as easy for God. 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:51.720 To transform your situation. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.720 As it is. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.720 For you and I. 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:54.720 To make a typo. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:57.720 God transforms. 00:18:57.720 --> 00:18:58.720 Death. 00:18:58.720 --> 00:19:00.720 To beauty. 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:01.720 Like that. 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:02.720 That's how easily. 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.720 He does it. 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:06.720 And Isaiah then tells us. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:07.720 The result of this. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:08.720 Extravagant exchange. 00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:09.720 Firstly. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:10.720 Those who repent of their sin. 00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:11.720 Will be called. 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:12.720 Can you see it? 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:13.720 In the middle of verse 3. 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.720 Oaks of righteousness. 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:16.720 What a great picture that is. 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:21.720 They feel like little tender shoots. 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:22.720 But they will be called. 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:24.720 Oaks of righteousness. 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:26.720 The planting of the Lord. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.720 That he may be glorified. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:31.720 And this organic righteousness. 00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:34.720 Comes from slow maturing. 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.720 As an oak tree does. 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:38.720 It's a beautiful picture isn't it? 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:39.720 Of the fruitfulness. 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:41.720 God brings over a long life. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.720 Lived for him. 00:19:43.720 --> 00:19:44.720 As we depend on him. 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:46.720 Fruitfulness. 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:48.720 For God's glory. 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.720 That grows. 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.720 All of life. 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:53.720 Second result of this. 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.720 Extravagant exchange. 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.720 Is that he says. 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.720 Ruins will be repaired. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.720 Verse 4. 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:58.720 They shall build up. 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.720 The ancient ruins. 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:01.720 They shall raise up. 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:02.720 The former. 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:03.720 Devastations. 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:05.720 They shall repair. 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:06.720 The ruined cities. 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:07.720 The devastations. 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:08.720 Of many generations. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.720 Just as we saw last time. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.720 Isaiah's audience. 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.720 Would have looked. 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:12.720 At this prophecy. 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.720 And they would have thought. 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:15.720 Jerusalem's going to be rebuilt. 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:16.720 Following their exile. 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.720 In Babylon. 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.720 But as we saw last week. 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.720 Isaiah 16. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:22.720 The vision's much greater than that. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:24.720 It's the vision of a new city. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:25.720 A new Jerusalem. 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.720 A heavenly Jerusalem. 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:28.720 And interestingly. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.720 It's the mourners. 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:30.720 Isn't it? 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.720 It's those who mourn for their sin. 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:32.720 Verse 3. 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.720 Who become the repair experts. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.720 In verse 4. 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:38.720 That the servant king. 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.720 Is going to use you. 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.720 And me. 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:41.720 As Christians. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:43.720 In this deep work. 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.720 Of restoration. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:46.720 As God promises. 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.720 To rebuild. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.720 Everything that sin. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.720 Is ruined. 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.720 And he's begun. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:52.720 That process already. 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:55.720 He's using us now. 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.720 In the rebuilding. 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.720 Of humanity. 00:20:57.720 --> 00:20:58.720 What good news. 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.720 That is. 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:00.720 In the film. 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.720 Birdman. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.720 I haven't seen it. 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:04.720 But I read it. 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.720 As an illustration. 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.720 This week. 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.720 Um. 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:07.720 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.720 The main character. 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.720 Is played by Michael Keaton. 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:11.720 Who has a past. 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:12.720 He has a faded career. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:14.720 Following his success. 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.720 As the superhero. 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.720 Birdman. 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:18.720 And the role. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.720 Was clearly. 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.720 The only. 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:21.720 Thing of note. 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:22.720 That he ever did. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:24.720 Which he was recognized. 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.720 By him. 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:27.720 And Michael Keaton's character. 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.720 Thompson. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.720 He is haunted. 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.720 By his former success. 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.720 And as the film. 00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:32.720 Develops. 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:33.720 You hear him. 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:34.720 Haunted. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.720 By. 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.720 The superhero. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.720 Gravelly voice. 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.720 Chipping away. 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.720 His confidence. 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:40.720 Reminding him. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.720 Of all that he used to be. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:43.720 And what he isn't now. 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.720 And all of us. 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:45.720 Have those voices. 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.720 In our head. 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:48.720 That haunt us. 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:50.720 And some of us. 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.720 Have listened. 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:52.720 Too easily. 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.720 To those voices. 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:54.720 That haunt us. 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:55.720 That your life. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.720 That lie. 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.720 They've said. 00:21:57.720 --> 00:21:58.720 You are a loser. 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.720 You have ruined. 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.720 Your life. 00:22:00.720 --> 00:22:01.720 By what you've done. 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:02.720 You have wasted. 00:22:02.720 --> 00:22:03.720 Your life. 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:05.720 You are pathetic. 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:06.720 You will never amount. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.720 To anything. 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.720 For the Lord. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.720 And you might as well. 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.720 Give up. 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.720 It's too late. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:12.720 To make the change. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.720 Now. 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.720 And then you hear. 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:15.720 The servant king. 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.720 Come and announce. 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.720 I have come. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:18.720 For the poor. 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.720 And I've come. 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:20.720 For the broken hearted. 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.720 And I've come. 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:22.720 For the captive. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.720 And I've come. 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:24.720 For people like you. 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.720 For righteousness. 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:29.720 That the Lord. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.720 will be glorified. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.720 That you. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.720 Shall be the one. 00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:34.720 Who shall build up. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:36.720 The ancient ruins. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.720 That shall raise up. 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:37.720 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.720 Devastations. 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.720 That is the voice. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.720 That you and I. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.720 Need to listen to. 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.720 This morning. 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:45.519 That as we come to Christ this is good news. 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:51.259 And the third result of this extravagant exchange is an expanded people. 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:57.000 Derek Kidner rightly suggests that if we misread verses 5-9. 00:22:57.539 --> 00:23:04.579 If we see them as relegating the Gentiles to constant servanthood in his vision of future. 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:05.700 We read that wrongly. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:13.380 In fact we know from Isaiah that to read verses 5-9 in that way contradict the rest of Isaiah. 00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:16.140 Which show us the nations coming to Jesus. 00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:21.360 Particularly the verses of Isaiah 60. 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:26.360 And so these verses in verses 5-9 of Isaiah 61. 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:31.420 They refer to everyone who is in the reconstituted people of God. 00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:34.720 And the picture is one of glad cooperation. 00:23:35.700 --> 00:23:37.519 Of former foreigners. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:41.380 Former outsiders taking their place in the life of God's people as insiders. 00:23:42.580 --> 00:23:45.299 And included in that is this promise in verse 6. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:49.019 That you will be called the priests of the Lord. 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:52.559 And so we know from the New Testament. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:58.840 That through Jesus Christ all who put their trust in him are now a kingdom of priests to God. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:02.179 And so this third benefit. 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:06.299 Is of this experience. 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:08.839 Is an expanded greater people of God. 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:16.980 Let's just go back to Luke 4 for some helpful commentary on why this expanded people is part of this passage. 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:20.339 Jesus preaches his one sentence sermon. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:25.439 And the congregation in the synagogue in Luke 4. 00:24:25.439 --> 00:24:27.500 They absolutely love it. 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:31.139 Not so much because it's brief. 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:34.359 But because of what they think Jesus is saying. 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:39.740 Because as they listen to Jesus through their particular framework or grid. 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.919 Here is what they hear. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:44.980 As they hear Jesus in Luke 4. 00:24:45.060 --> 00:24:45.500 They say. 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.480 We are the good guys. 00:24:49.160 --> 00:24:51.440 And out there are the bad guys. 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:54.779 And we've been promised that one day the Messiah is going to come. 00:24:54.860 --> 00:24:57.940 And he will lead all the good guys to victory over the bad guys. 00:24:58.080 --> 00:24:59.140 And now he's here. 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:01.320 Romans look out. 00:25:03.360 --> 00:25:04.480 The Messiah is here. 00:25:04.580 --> 00:25:05.380 He's just told us. 00:25:06.560 --> 00:25:09.039 Who would have thought that he was going to be Joseph's son? 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.619 Did you think it was going to be Joseph's son? 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:12.000 I didn't think it was going to be Joseph's son. 00:25:12.639 --> 00:25:13.359 One of our own. 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.200 Now let's get rolling. 00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:15.359 Let's get campaigning. 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:17.980 They all love the sermon. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:21.059 And because they love the sermon. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:23.299 Jesus knows they didn't get it at all. 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:26.240 Which is not a general thing. 00:25:27.759 --> 00:25:29.099 He knew they didn't get it. 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:31.720 Because they defined didn't they. 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:33.019 The poor and the broken hearted. 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:33.659 And the captives. 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.579 As just themselves. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:39.019 That the Messiah was coming just for them. 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:43.659 And Jesus realises he needs to redefine for his audience. 00:25:44.220 --> 00:25:45.899 Who the poor and broken hearted are. 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:49.639 He needs to dismantle the grid. 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:51.899 Through which they've been filtering his words. 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:55.779 So that they can hear who really is included. 00:25:56.159 --> 00:25:57.680 For those whom the Messiah came. 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:59.299 And to dismantle the grid. 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:00.680 Jesus tells the congregation. 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:02.619 That he'd come out. 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:04.279 He'd come to reach out. 00:26:05.139 --> 00:26:08.099 To those whom the prophets of old had come to reach out to. 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:10.159 So he tells them. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.980 I came in the footsteps of Elijah. 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.599 And Elisha. 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:16.279 He references the story. 00:26:16.459 --> 00:26:17.259 In 1 Kings 17. 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:18.619 Where God sends Elijah. 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:21.079 Not to the religious respectable people. 00:26:21.179 --> 00:26:22.859 The morally upstanding people of the day. 00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:24.459 But he sends Elijah. 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:27.539 To a pagan idol worshipping. 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:29.039 Gentile woman. 00:26:29.379 --> 00:26:30.420 From the land of Sidon. 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:35.819 And Jesus is saying. 00:26:35.980 --> 00:26:37.000 The servant of God. 00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.279 A servant king. 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.359 Has come to people like that. 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:42.379 And in case the people don't get it. 00:26:42.420 --> 00:26:43.619 Jesus mentions a second story. 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:46.180 From 2 Kings 5. 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.159 In the time of Elisha. 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:49.940 Where God heals a man from leprosy. 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:52.500 And of all the people. 00:26:52.600 --> 00:26:53.380 God could have chosen. 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:54.059 The he and he chooses. 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:54.580 Naaman. 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.380 A foreigner. 00:26:55.920 --> 00:26:56.660 A Gentile. 00:26:56.779 --> 00:26:57.360 A Syrian. 00:26:58.299 --> 00:26:59.200 And Jesus says. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:26:59.920 The servant king. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.120 Has come to people like that. 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:03.940 And once the crowd. 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:05.539 Hear Jesus supporting illustrations. 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:06.460 Guess what they do. 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:08.299 They try to kill him. 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:11.720 The servant has gone very bad. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.019 Isn't it. 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:13.539 When the audience want to kill you. 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:15.680 Their grid. 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:16.879 Could not handle. 00:27:17.639 --> 00:27:19.480 An expanded people of God. 00:27:20.399 --> 00:27:21.759 That included outsiders. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:22.819 And Gentiles. 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.759 To whom the servant king. 00:27:25.940 --> 00:27:27.039 Was also offering. 00:27:27.159 --> 00:27:28.559 This extravagant exchange. 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:31.639 But that is what the servant king does. 00:27:33.859 --> 00:27:34.379 Lastly. 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.920 Let's see the year before the jubilee. 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:39.420 The year before the jubilee. 00:27:40.700 --> 00:27:41.859 I don't need to tell you. 00:27:41.940 --> 00:27:43.279 That the murderous intention. 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.839 That was not the reaction. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.899 That God is looking for. 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:47.559 In response to the coming servant king. 00:27:48.359 --> 00:27:49.659 The one who has been anointed. 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:51.579 To bring liberty to the repentant. 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:54.920 The response that God is looking to. 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.379 Looking for. 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.220 For his servant king. 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:58.920 Is the response that Isaiah demonstrates. 00:27:59.019 --> 00:28:00.079 Which is a model to you and I. 00:28:00.139 --> 00:28:00.799 Look at verse 10. 00:28:02.420 --> 00:28:04.359 I will rejoice greatly in the Lord. 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:07.159 And my soul shall exalt in my God. 00:28:08.379 --> 00:28:09.240 For he has closed me. 00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:10.420 With the garments of salvation. 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.220 He has covered me. 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:12.220 With the robe of righteousness. 00:28:12.440 --> 00:28:13.319 As a bridegroom. 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:14.819 And decks himself like a priest. 00:28:15.179 --> 00:28:16.419 With a beautiful headdress. 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:18.319 And as a bride adorns herself. 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:18.960 With jewels. 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.460 For as the earth brings forth. 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.019 It sprouts. 00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:23.819 And as a garden causes. 00:28:23.899 --> 00:28:24.659 What is sown in it. 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:25.399 To sprout up. 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.379 So the Lord God. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.419 Will cause righteousness. 00:28:27.619 --> 00:28:28.019 And praise. 00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:28.799 To sprout up. 00:28:28.899 --> 00:28:29.759 Before all nations. 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:30.759 The right response. 00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:33.000 The right response. 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:34.059 To the servant king. 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.619 And all he's done. 00:28:35.660 --> 00:28:36.680 Is joyful praise. 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:40.140 And if the good news. 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.980 Of the gospel. 00:28:40.980 --> 00:28:41.140 And the gospel. 00:28:41.140 --> 00:28:43.000 And the gospel realities. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:44.180 Of this chapter. 00:28:45.020 --> 00:28:46.420 Does not move you. 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:48.400 And does not lead you. 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:49.460 To joyful praise. 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.880 Then you haven't grasped. 00:28:50.880 --> 00:28:51.620 What he's saying. 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.620 As a result. 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.780 Of what Jesus came to do. 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:57.840 Those who trust in him. 00:28:57.920 --> 00:28:58.820 They are clothed. 00:28:58.920 --> 00:28:59.520 In garments. 00:28:59.520 --> 00:29:00.280 Of salvation. 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:02.579 They are covered. 00:29:02.799 --> 00:29:03.460 In a robe. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.460 Of righteousness. 00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:05.619 That is not their own. 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:08.220 That God accepts them. 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.759 Because of what the servant king. 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.940 Has come to do. 00:29:11.859 --> 00:29:13.359 That he does not judge you. 00:29:13.420 --> 00:29:14.559 On the record of your life. 00:29:15.639 --> 00:29:17.299 Because if God was to judge you. 00:29:17.299 --> 00:29:17.759 And me. 00:29:17.879 --> 00:29:18.920 On the record of your life. 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:20.359 It would mean condemnation. 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:23.039 It is God who clothes us here. 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:25.339 It is God who saves us. 00:29:25.879 --> 00:29:27.420 It is God who covers us. 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.200 With a righteousness. 00:29:28.200 --> 00:29:29.019 On our own. 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:31.500 So that we can become righteous. 00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:32.900 And we can be called. 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:34.059 Oaks of righteousness. 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:36.000 That our salvation. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:37.339 Is all his doing. 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:38.460 Through his son. 00:29:38.539 --> 00:29:39.259 The servant king. 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:44.220 But here is what this praise. 00:29:44.359 --> 00:29:45.000 Can look like. 00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:47.160 But practically. 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.960 In the context of this chapter. 00:29:49.220 --> 00:29:49.879 It means. 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:51.500 Seize the year. 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.299 Specifically. 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.039 It means. 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:56.500 Seize the year. 00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:58.279 Before the day. 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:59.440 Look at verse 2. 00:30:00.799 --> 00:30:02.299 To proclaim the year. 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:03.579 Of the Lord's favour. 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:05.759 And the day. 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.539 Of vengeance. 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.379 Of our God. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:09.240 To comfort all who mourn. 00:30:11.099 --> 00:30:12.180 It is very clear. 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.859 That the Lord. 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:14.319 Has anointed his servant. 00:30:15.019 --> 00:30:16.099 To declare the year. 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:16.940 Of the Lord's favour. 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.119 The jubilee year. 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:20.759 And the day. 00:30:20.879 --> 00:30:21.579 Of vengeance. 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:22.460 Of our God. 00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:25.259 Now let's wind the clock forward. 00:30:25.340 --> 00:30:25.940 Let's go back. 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:26.579 To the synagogue. 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:29.840 And let's go back. 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.220 To Luke. 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.079 One more time. 00:30:32.120 --> 00:30:32.720 And I want you. 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.440 To look. 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:34.860 How Jesus quotes this passage. 00:30:35.100 --> 00:30:35.759 So come with me. 00:30:35.779 --> 00:30:36.940 To Luke chapter 4. 00:30:37.140 --> 00:30:37.400 Alright. 00:30:37.660 --> 00:30:38.720 Wake the person up next to you. 00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:39.620 Luke chapter 4. 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.559 And we're going to go to. 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:41.779 Verses 18 and 19. 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:44.740 And I want you to see. 00:30:45.079 --> 00:30:46.940 How Jesus quotes the passage. 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:48.160 Chapter 4. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.819 And verses 18 and 19. 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:51.660 See that. 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:53.039 Keep a finger in Isaiah. 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:53.940 61. 00:30:57.379 --> 00:30:58.059 You got it. 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:00.420 Page 860. 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:02.500 It says. 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.899 The spirit of the Lord is on me. 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:06.359 Because he's anointed me. 00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:07.720 To proclaim good news to the poor. 00:31:07.819 --> 00:31:08.359 He sent me. 00:31:08.379 --> 00:31:09.799 To proclaim liberty to the captives. 00:31:09.899 --> 00:31:11.240 And recovering of sight to the blind. 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:12.019 To sell at liberty. 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:12.819 Those who are oppressed. 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:14.819 To proclaim the year of the Lord's favour. 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:20.180 He stops. 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:23.059 So come back to Isaiah 61. 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.620 He doesn't finish. 00:31:25.660 --> 00:31:27.160 Isaiah 61 verse 2. 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:28.579 And you say. 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:29.240 What's the deal? 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.579 Could he just not remember the rest? 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:31.319 Well of course he wouldn't. 00:31:31.400 --> 00:31:31.980 He was reading it. 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:35.599 Is Jesus squeamish. 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:37.039 About God's vengeance. 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.559 Does Jesus not like talking about judgment? 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.279 Well no. 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:41.680 Is. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:43.620 Does he not like talking about wrath. 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:44.740 Like so many people do today. 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:47.559 Or did he think he had a better chance. 00:31:47.579 --> 00:31:48.519 Of getting out of there alive. 00:31:48.599 --> 00:31:50.000 If he didn't mention the V word. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.299 What's going on? 00:31:52.339 --> 00:31:53.220 Neither of those things. 00:31:54.099 --> 00:31:55.220 Jesus is making a point. 00:31:55.279 --> 00:31:55.500 Isn't he? 00:31:55.539 --> 00:31:56.420 Jesus is making a point. 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.680 That in his first coming. 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:01.980 He was ushering in the year of the Lord's favour. 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:05.079 The Jubilee year. 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:06.360 And that year continues. 00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:06.940 And continues. 00:32:07.079 --> 00:32:07.559 And continues. 00:32:07.900 --> 00:32:08.819 And today it continues. 00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:12.079 Until a day in the future. 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:13.400 When Jesus will come again. 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.740 And it will be the day of vengeance. 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:18.819 And that is when Jesus will return. 00:32:18.900 --> 00:32:20.200 And every single human being. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:20.940 Who has ever lived. 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:22.200 Shall stand before him in judgment. 00:32:22.559 --> 00:32:23.440 The day of vengeance. 00:32:23.440 --> 00:32:24.400 Is still in the future. 00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:28.180 But today. 00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:30.280 We are in the day of God's favour. 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:34.360 So two applications. 00:32:36.040 --> 00:32:37.440 To seize the year. 00:32:38.800 --> 00:32:40.259 Means to turn to Jesus. 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:43.720 It means to turn to the servant king. 00:32:43.820 --> 00:32:45.640 It means to accept his gift. 00:32:45.700 --> 00:32:47.660 Of eternal liberty and life. 00:32:48.680 --> 00:32:49.880 That in his mercy. 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.860 He has given you. 00:32:51.320 --> 00:32:52.620 To accept the gift. 00:32:52.800 --> 00:32:53.640 That in his mercy. 00:32:53.640 --> 00:32:54.820 He has not ushered in. 00:32:54.880 --> 00:32:55.620 The day of vengeance. 00:32:58.160 --> 00:32:59.220 The reality is. 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:00.400 That day could come at any moment. 00:33:00.520 --> 00:33:00.920 Couldn't it? 00:33:02.600 --> 00:33:04.520 And it's only because of God's mercy. 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:05.420 That the day of vengeance. 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.259 Hasn't come already. 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:09.200 And even if. 00:33:09.560 --> 00:33:11.400 Even if it is a long way off. 00:33:11.780 --> 00:33:13.060 The day of his favour. 00:33:13.060 --> 00:33:14.600 Only lasts for you. 00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:16.700 Until the day you breathe your last breath. 00:33:18.580 --> 00:33:19.980 And so that can come at any moment. 00:33:20.040 --> 00:33:20.280 Can it? 00:33:20.320 --> 00:33:21.640 So seize the year. 00:33:21.640 --> 00:33:24.580 Accept the exchange. 00:33:24.780 --> 00:33:25.940 Come to the servant king. 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:27.200 Who brings you good news. 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:29.500 Who binds up your broken heart. 00:33:30.580 --> 00:33:33.820 Who proclaims liberty to those who are in bondage. 00:33:35.040 --> 00:33:35.860 Seize the year. 00:33:35.859 --> 00:33:41.699 But for those of us who have committed our lives to the servant king. 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:44.819 The same message comes with a slightly different application. 00:33:44.939 --> 00:33:45.339 Doesn't it? 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:48.939 We are still to seize the year. 00:33:50.619 --> 00:33:53.500 We are still in this year of jubilee. 00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:56.160 We are in the year of jubilee. 00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:57.420 Until Christ comes again. 00:33:57.759 --> 00:33:59.819 And just as we saw that the mourners of verse 3. 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:01.700 Become the repair experts of verse 4. 00:34:02.039 --> 00:34:04.359 So Jesus issues this challenge to his followers. 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:06.119 From my first coming. 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.319 To my second coming. 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:10.960 I want you to live in the light of my coming again. 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:14.739 Today is the day of salvation. 00:34:14.739 --> 00:34:20.319 There is no structured social policy. 00:34:20.839 --> 00:34:21.559 In the New Testament. 00:34:21.679 --> 00:34:25.059 People try and interpret Isaiah 61 in a really wooden way. 00:34:25.139 --> 00:34:26.799 Let's try and enact these laws. 00:34:28.439 --> 00:34:30.399 But it is good news to the poor. 00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:33.780 The gospel binds up broken hearts. 00:34:33.900 --> 00:34:35.320 The gospel is liberty. 00:34:36.160 --> 00:34:38.139 It opens the gates of prisons. 00:34:39.360 --> 00:34:40.760 It means for you and I. 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:43.240 Investing in the lives of those around us. 00:34:43.300 --> 00:34:44.440 To seize the year. 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.820 And proclaim to the world. 00:34:46.260 --> 00:34:47.820 That we have a vision of the future. 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:49.079 That trumps any other vision. 00:34:51.180 --> 00:34:52.700 And it trumps any other vision. 00:34:52.780 --> 00:34:53.960 Because it involves God. 00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:55.099 Who through his own son. 00:34:55.180 --> 00:34:56.579 And the followers of his son. 00:34:58.320 --> 00:35:00.119 Who proclaim good news to the poor. 00:35:01.139 --> 00:35:02.920 And bind up the broken hearted. 00:35:03.860 --> 00:35:05.940 And proclaim freedom for captives. 00:35:06.740 --> 00:35:08.300 Who have been released from darkness. 00:35:10.639 --> 00:35:11.619 And so let's proclaim. 00:35:13.280 --> 00:35:14.160 Let's proclaim. 00:35:15.760 --> 00:35:16.700 That today. 00:35:19.860 --> 00:35:21.559 Is the year of the Lord's fever. 00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:23.820 Let's pray.