WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.759 Well, if you would, please take your Bibles and open them up this morning to Psalm chapter 17. 00:00:07.100 --> 00:00:08.400 Psalm chapter 17. 00:00:09.019 --> 00:00:13.880 We're working through the Psalms for the summer, and we've made our way to the 17th chapter. 00:00:13.880 --> 00:00:20.260 When you have your Bibles there to Psalm 17, if you would please stand in honor of the reading of God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.259 Psalm 17, a prayer of David. 00:00:33.259 --> 00:00:37.000 Hear a just cause, O Lord. 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:38.859 Attend to my cry. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:42.839 Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:46.099 From your presence let my vindication come. 00:00:46.839 --> 00:00:49.199 Let your eyes behold the right. 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:51.560 You have tried my heart. 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:53.579 You have visited me by night. 00:00:54.140 --> 00:00:56.280 You have tested me, and you will find nothing. 00:00:57.079 --> 00:00:59.920 I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:05.820 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. 00:01:06.799 --> 00:01:09.140 My steps have held fast to your paths. 00:01:09.700 --> 00:01:11.200 My feet have not slipped. 00:01:12.099 --> 00:01:15.040 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God. 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:16.939 Incline your ear to me. 00:01:17.340 --> 00:01:18.200 Hear my words. 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:26.020 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior, of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. 00:01:26.960 --> 00:01:29.020 Keep me as the apple of your eye. 00:01:29.019 --> 00:01:35.619 Hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. 00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:38.079 They close their hearts to pity. 00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:40.739 With their mouths they speak arrogantly. 00:01:41.340 --> 00:01:43.179 They have now surrounded our steps. 00:01:43.739 --> 00:01:45.780 They set their eyes to cast us to the ground. 00:01:46.459 --> 00:01:50.340 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush. 00:01:51.479 --> 00:01:52.539 Arise, O Lord. 00:01:53.459 --> 00:01:54.219 Confront him. 00:01:54.939 --> 00:01:55.659 Subdue him. 00:01:55.659 --> 00:01:59.459 Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword. 00:02:00.019 --> 00:02:02.140 From men by your hand, O Lord. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:06.359 From men of the world whose portion is in this life. 00:02:07.259 --> 00:02:09.079 You fill their womb with treasure. 00:02:09.740 --> 00:02:11.300 They are satisfied with children. 00:02:11.900 --> 00:02:13.819 And they leave their abundance to their infants. 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:19.419 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness. 00:02:19.419 --> 00:02:24.839 When I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. 00:02:25.560 --> 00:02:29.699 This is God's holy, inspired word. 00:02:30.019 --> 00:02:30.879 Let's pray once more. 00:02:31.019 --> 00:02:37.000 Father, we ask again, Lord, as we look to your word, would you speak to us clearly the truths of the gospel? 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:41.459 Would you draw us to deeper communion with you in prayer? 00:02:41.899 --> 00:02:43.060 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:02:43.719 --> 00:02:43.939 Amen. 00:02:43.939 --> 00:02:45.280 You may be seated. 00:02:46.800 --> 00:02:51.479 I read an article this week from the Harvard Gazette titled, 00:02:51.800 --> 00:02:55.379 Prayers Don't Help Heart Surgery Patients. 00:02:55.639 --> 00:03:02.620 Apparently, in the late 90s, Harvard Medical and several others conducted a, quote, scientific study. 00:03:02.620 --> 00:03:07.080 You see my air quotes that covered 1,802 people. 00:03:07.819 --> 00:03:15.520 That's 1,802 people in six different hospitals who all underwent coronary bypass surgery. 00:03:15.860 --> 00:03:17.480 And it said, I'm quoting now. 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:18.500 It said, 00:03:18.640 --> 00:03:23.540 The 1,802 participants were divided into three groups of about 600 each. 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:25.700 One group received no prayers. 00:03:26.480 --> 00:03:31.400 Second group received prayers after being told that they may or may not be prayed for. 00:03:31.400 --> 00:03:38.520 However, members of the third group were informed that others would pray for them for 14 days starting on the night before their surgery. 00:03:39.200 --> 00:03:42.740 They invited people of any or no religious faith to participate. 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:48.439 Those included were Catholics, Jews, Protestants, as well as people of no faith at all. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:56.280 The intercessors could pray in any way that they wished, but with some limitations, the prayers had to start at a standardized time. 00:03:56.280 --> 00:04:03.300 They lasted for a given duration, and they must include the message that they were praying for specifically. 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:10.340 Successful surgery with a quick, healthy recovery and no complications. 00:04:10.539 --> 00:04:11.099 That was the deal. 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:15.159 Somehow, this experiment cost $2.4 million. 00:04:16.579 --> 00:04:17.660 Riddle me that. 00:04:17.660 --> 00:04:21.600 And what they concluded was, again, I'm going to quote, it said, 00:04:21.760 --> 00:04:27.180 They concluded it was a clear setback for those who believe in the power of prayer. 00:04:27.300 --> 00:04:29.500 Their prayers were not answered. 00:04:29.600 --> 00:04:34.760 In fact, many of those who were prayed for and who were told they were going to be prayed for, 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:38.920 they seemed to do worse off than the ones who were not prayed for. 00:04:38.920 --> 00:04:45.920 And all of it led the author to conclude that prayer, at least in the case of coronary bypass surgery, 00:04:46.120 --> 00:04:49.160 was essentially a big waste of time. 00:04:50.620 --> 00:04:55.920 Now, of course, you and I know that this is not how prayer works. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:59.879 We can't just bottle it up and treat God like a genie, 00:04:59.960 --> 00:05:04.259 that if we just pray the right words and ask Him the right way, we'll get what we want. 00:05:04.259 --> 00:05:12.899 But I think if we're honest, the questions that this article and this study raised are questions that all of us feel from time to time. 00:05:13.060 --> 00:05:16.159 Prayer is not always easy. 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:21.539 Prayer does not always have quick, immediate, measurable results. 00:05:21.659 --> 00:05:26.879 All of us at some point in time have felt like, well, maybe I'm just wasting my time in prayer. 00:05:27.060 --> 00:05:30.339 Sometimes it feels like nothing really gets done in prayer. 00:05:30.339 --> 00:05:30.419 Prayer. 00:05:30.959 --> 00:05:37.579 Sometimes it feels like maybe our time would be better spent actually working on our problems instead of praying about our problems. 00:05:37.659 --> 00:05:39.060 Have you ever felt this way? 00:05:39.699 --> 00:05:40.799 Or am I the only one? 00:05:42.519 --> 00:05:49.379 If only, if I could think of anybody who had a right to feel this way, I think it might have been King David. 00:05:50.539 --> 00:05:53.839 King David's problems were probably bigger than most of ours. 00:05:53.979 --> 00:05:56.699 They were more persistent than most of ours. 00:05:56.699 --> 00:06:04.120 They did not go away quickly and yet time and time and time and time again, as we've walked through these Psalms, what do we see him doing? 00:06:04.339 --> 00:06:08.079 We see him calling out to the Lord in prayer. 00:06:08.259 --> 00:06:11.240 And so this morning, what I want us to do is ask, why? 00:06:12.639 --> 00:06:19.659 What is it that keeps David coming back time and time and time again to the Lord in prayer? 00:06:19.819 --> 00:06:23.000 Why does he pray the way that he does? 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:28.660 I want us to look to Psalm 17 and see if we can learn the secret to David's prayer life. 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:38.220 And what I see here this morning in Psalm 17, I believe that David prays the way he does because David knows the person of God. 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:46.459 David's personal knowledge of God is what drives his private practice of prayer. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:49.060 And so it must be for us. 00:06:49.139 --> 00:06:59.680 Church, if we want to grow in our prayer life, if we feel like our prayers are struggling, if we feel unmotivated to pray, if we feel like we're wasting our time in prayer, 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:05.620 what we need more than anything is an expanded view of who God is. 00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:09.459 We need a bigger view of who God is. 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:11.359 So that's what we're going to do this morning. 00:07:11.360 --> 00:07:15.420 I want us to see three reasons to call out to the Lord in prayer. 00:07:16.360 --> 00:07:20.400 Three reasons to call out to the Lord in prayer. 00:07:20.520 --> 00:07:24.360 All of them are going to be rooted in the character of God. 00:07:24.580 --> 00:07:29.000 First, pray because God is just. 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:34.620 Reason number one, pray because God is just. 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:35.540 Look there to verse one. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:39.860 David, he gives this passionate plea to the Lord. 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:43.040 You can feel the intensity of his prayer request here. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:45.199 He says, Lord, Lord, hear me. 00:07:45.960 --> 00:07:49.960 Attend, give ear, bring vindication, see what's happening. 00:07:50.439 --> 00:07:52.620 All these commands that he's calling out to the Lord. 00:07:52.680 --> 00:07:58.120 But you notice that the emphasis here is on David's innocence in the case. 00:07:58.540 --> 00:07:58.960 You see that? 00:07:59.680 --> 00:08:01.319 Hear a just cause. 00:08:02.080 --> 00:08:05.680 Give ear to my prayer from lips that are free of deceit. 00:08:05.780 --> 00:08:08.259 Let your eyes behold the right. 00:08:08.259 --> 00:08:11.500 David is calling attention to God. 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:14.360 He's drawing God's attention to his innocence. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:18.360 Now, of course, we know that David is not totally blameless. 00:08:18.539 --> 00:08:20.079 He's not without sin. 00:08:20.199 --> 00:08:25.300 We see other places and other Psalms where he's calling out to God for mercy because of his sin. 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:33.559 But here in Psalm 17, he's calling out to God for justice because in this matter, he is innocent. 00:08:33.559 --> 00:08:36.559 This is situational blamelessness. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:39.559 In this case, he's innocent. 00:08:40.339 --> 00:08:45.079 He's appealing to God's heart of justice because wicked people are attacking. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:47.239 And he hasn't done anything wrong. 00:08:48.299 --> 00:08:54.000 We don't know exactly the situation here, but we do get a sense of the danger down in verses 10 through 12. 00:08:54.119 --> 00:08:54.459 He says, 00:08:54.460 --> 00:09:24.460 00:09:24.460 --> 00:09:28.540 It turns into this one wicked man in particular. 00:09:28.780 --> 00:09:32.200 And it may be that David is reflecting on his encounters with Saul. 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:37.120 We know from 1 Samuel that Saul pursued David. 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:38.420 He wants him dead. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:40.280 And you remember how David responded. 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:44.960 More than once, David had opportunity to put Saul to death and to get rid of his enemy. 00:09:45.379 --> 00:09:49.480 But instead, David chooses to act in innocence. 00:09:49.780 --> 00:09:52.700 He would not put his hand against the Lord's anointed. 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:57.600 Or it could be that he's reflecting on Absalom's rebellion. 00:09:57.820 --> 00:10:03.160 You remember David's son, his own son, rose up against him and tried to steal away the throne of Israel. 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:08.660 But again, in this matter, in this specific case, David's hands were clean. 00:10:09.560 --> 00:10:12.840 David's heart longed to be reconciled with his son. 00:10:12.920 --> 00:10:14.300 He didn't want him to be harmed. 00:10:14.379 --> 00:10:15.220 He loved him. 00:10:15.280 --> 00:10:15.700 He was innocent. 00:10:16.640 --> 00:10:21.700 Whatever the case may be, it's clear that David is convinced of his innocence. 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:24.360 And he says, God, come take a look at me yourself. 00:10:25.300 --> 00:10:28.500 And he invites God to come and to examine him. 00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:30.379 How many of us have ever done that? 00:10:30.900 --> 00:10:33.060 Lord, you've tried my heart. 00:10:33.160 --> 00:10:34.840 You've visited me by night. 00:10:34.920 --> 00:10:35.780 You've tested me. 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:37.420 You will find nothing. 00:10:38.560 --> 00:10:40.740 He purposed that his mouth wouldn't transgress. 00:10:40.920 --> 00:10:42.540 He's not speaking evil. 00:10:42.640 --> 00:10:43.720 His lips are clean. 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:45.940 He's avoided the ways of the violent. 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:46.460 How? 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:49.220 By following the words of the lips of God. 00:10:49.900 --> 00:10:53.019 His feet, his steps have held fast to the paths of the Lord. 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:54.259 His feet have not slipped. 00:10:54.600 --> 00:10:57.080 He's making it abundantly clear, isn't he? 00:10:57.139 --> 00:10:58.960 David is innocent. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:04.720 And so because of this, he's crying out to the Lord. 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:07.900 Lord, Lord, listen to my cry for justice. 00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:08.480 Why? 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:12.759 Because he knows that God is just. 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:20.200 He's calling out to God because he knows that this appeal won't fall on deaf and uncaring ears. 00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:22.300 He knows that God is just. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:24.600 And so he cries out for justice. 00:11:24.860 --> 00:11:30.620 This is a little bit like a child presenting his case before a father. 00:11:30.800 --> 00:11:30.940 Okay? 00:11:30.940 --> 00:11:32.320 I'm going to speak hypothetically. 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:33.620 This doesn't happen in my house. 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:33.940 Okay? 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:36.760 But parents, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:39.040 You hear a bang in the other room. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:41.200 An argument starts. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.920 Maybe somebody starts to cry. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:46.820 And so you call them in to where you are and you ask them what happened. 00:11:47.620 --> 00:11:49.180 And then pleas of innocence begin. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:50.320 I didn't do anything. 00:11:50.940 --> 00:11:51.080 Right? 00:11:51.100 --> 00:11:52.080 It was him. 00:11:52.180 --> 00:11:52.780 It's his fault. 00:11:53.180 --> 00:11:54.000 I'm innocent. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:59.000 And rarely, rarely is somebody ever completely actually blameless in the situation. 00:12:00.080 --> 00:12:03.900 But what I'm listening for, not me, what you're listening for, right? 00:12:04.400 --> 00:12:08.960 In this situation is who is the guilty party? 00:12:09.900 --> 00:12:11.060 Who is at fault? 00:12:11.660 --> 00:12:11.900 Why? 00:12:12.040 --> 00:12:15.720 Because you as a good parent are inclined towards justice. 00:12:15.960 --> 00:12:18.220 You want to bring justice to the situation. 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:22.920 You want the guilty party punished and the innocent party set free and vindicated. 00:12:23.040 --> 00:12:24.260 You don't want to punish the innocent. 00:12:24.420 --> 00:12:26.100 You want to punish the guilty. 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:26.860 Well, here's the thing. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:32.380 If we get this, how much more do you think God is inclined to be just? 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:35.899 God is just. 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:39.840 He will do what is right. 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:45.700 Psalm 97 tells us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:50.059 He is inclined towards justice. 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:51.299 David knows this. 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:54.879 And this is why David prays for justice. 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:59.320 Jesus tells a parable in Luke chapter 18. 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:08.059 He says, this is to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to lose heart. 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:13.460 He said, in a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 00:13:13.460 --> 00:13:19.900 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, give me justice against my adversary. 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:22.960 For a while he refused. 00:13:23.700 --> 00:13:32.580 But afterward he said to himself, though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice. 00:13:32.580 --> 00:13:36.580 So that she will not beat me down by her continual coming. 00:13:36.680 --> 00:13:40.639 And the Lord said, hear what the unrighteous judge says. 00:13:41.560 --> 00:13:47.480 And will not God give justice to his elect who cried to him day and night? 00:13:48.560 --> 00:13:50.620 And will he delay long after them? 00:13:51.340 --> 00:13:55.759 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. 00:13:55.759 --> 00:14:01.059 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:05.299 In other words, God is inclined to justice. 00:14:06.100 --> 00:14:06.840 Of course he is. 00:14:06.919 --> 00:14:08.240 God is just. 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:13.360 God will give justice to his elect who cried to him day and night. 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:16.679 But are we asking him for it? 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:20.679 Are we seeking him in prayer? 00:14:20.679 --> 00:14:27.019 You know, it's possible that many of you have been in a situation like this. 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:28.639 Like feeling what David is feeling. 00:14:28.739 --> 00:14:31.239 Maybe not having wicked men coming against your life. 00:14:31.299 --> 00:14:32.719 But maybe you've been cheated. 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:35.859 Maybe you've been lied upon. 00:14:35.979 --> 00:14:37.259 Maybe you've been prayed upon. 00:14:37.419 --> 00:14:41.759 Maybe somebody has done something to you that is simply unfair. 00:14:42.059 --> 00:14:44.459 And you want to cry out, somebody give me justice. 00:14:44.460 --> 00:14:49.680 You are invited to call out to the Lord. 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:53.259 Because he is a just God. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:54.320 Not only this. 00:14:54.400 --> 00:14:58.040 Second, we pray because God is faithful. 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:01.600 Pray because God is faithful. 00:15:01.780 --> 00:15:07.840 You know, one obstacle to prayer, it may be that, well, maybe you know who God is generally. 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:09.759 You know that God is just. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:13.720 But you doubt who God is towards you. 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:16.440 And maybe God is just. 00:15:16.560 --> 00:15:18.720 Maybe he'll bring justice in a general sort of way. 00:15:18.920 --> 00:15:22.259 But why should we expect him to answer our prayers? 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:26.560 Why should God Almighty listen to me? 00:15:26.660 --> 00:15:28.720 I want you to look with me starting in verse 6. 00:15:29.420 --> 00:15:33.940 Because David, he prays here in a way that I think is just incredibly bold. 00:15:34.160 --> 00:15:34.720 Look there with me. 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:36.420 He says, 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:39.879 I call upon you for you will answer me, O God. 00:15:40.599 --> 00:15:42.000 Incline your ear to me. 00:15:42.599 --> 00:15:43.659 Hear my words. 00:15:44.439 --> 00:15:48.379 You know, that I there where he says, I call upon you. 00:15:48.459 --> 00:15:51.659 That is, that's emphatic in the original language. 00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:53.819 It's as if he's saying, it's me. 00:15:54.719 --> 00:15:56.079 I'm calling on you. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:58.079 He's drawing attention to himself. 00:15:58.199 --> 00:15:59.439 It's me, God. 00:15:59.479 --> 00:16:00.039 It's me. 00:16:00.199 --> 00:16:01.559 Hear my words. 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:04.479 Don't you know who it is that's calling out to you for help? 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.359 It's me. 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:07.939 That sounds bold, doesn't it? 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:12.299 Is he arrogant to pray this way? 00:16:13.319 --> 00:16:18.019 David seems to think that he has special claim to the ear of God. 00:16:18.119 --> 00:16:19.939 I mean, keep me as the apple of your eye. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:22.519 Hide me in the shadow of your wings. 00:16:22.619 --> 00:16:23.899 Who does David think he is? 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:27.759 Is he arrogant to pray like this? 00:16:27.959 --> 00:16:30.639 You know, the reason for his boldness. 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:32.379 It makes all the difference here. 00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:38.299 It would be wrong if his boldness were in any way based on him, 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.480 based on his importance. 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:42.379 God, this is the king calling out to you. 00:16:42.419 --> 00:16:43.220 Don't you know who I am? 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:45.939 God, don't you see who I am? 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:47.100 Don't you see what I've accomplished? 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:48.699 Don't you see how good I am? 00:16:48.819 --> 00:16:49.319 Listen up. 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.779 I'm calling out to you, God. 00:16:50.939 --> 00:16:51.939 That would be wrong. 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:56.720 But listen, his boldness isn't based on his goodness or his importance at all. 00:16:56.860 --> 00:17:03.180 Rather, he's bold in prayer because he trusts in the faithfulness of God. 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:03.860 Look at this. 00:17:04.620 --> 00:17:07.740 There's a phrase here that we all need to understand there in verse 7. 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:09.539 He says, 00:17:09.840 --> 00:17:13.920 Wondrously show your steadfast love, 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:19.539 O Savior, of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:24.159 Wondrously show your steadfast love. 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:24.859 What is that? 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:26.579 What is that? 00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:28.920 The Hebrew word is hesed. 00:17:29.399 --> 00:17:31.980 It is massively, massively important. 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:35.680 It shows up 127 times just in the Psalms alone. 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:37.460 Okay, you have 150 Psalms. 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:40.500 This word shows up 127 times alone. 00:17:40.659 --> 00:17:44.319 It's hard for us to really put into words exactly what it means. 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:48.779 The ESV has chosen to translate it steadfast love. 00:17:48.899 --> 00:17:51.539 This is covenant love. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:55.200 This is special love. 00:17:55.299 --> 00:17:58.659 This is faithful, particular love. 00:17:58.740 --> 00:18:01.179 When you see that word, that phrase, steadfast love, 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:09.019 I want you to think in terms of God's faithful love poured out upon his covenant people. 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:10.220 That's what that phrase means. 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:15.940 That's what Jesus meant when he said in Luke 18 that of course God will bring justice to his elect. 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:20.640 Those who are included in the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:18:21.600 --> 00:18:31.660 This is his unwavering, self-initiated, irrevocable commitment to bind himself up with the good of his people. 00:18:31.660 --> 00:18:41.160 When we think of the steadfast love of the Lord, we think about the fact that God has bound up his glory with our good. 00:18:42.120 --> 00:18:46.519 His steadfast love is at the very heart of who he is as our God. 00:18:46.620 --> 00:18:50.100 It's the very foundation of our confidence towards him. 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:50.700 Who is he? 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:53.040 He is the Lord, the Lord. 00:18:53.300 --> 00:18:57.300 A God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in what? 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:58.580 What? 00:18:58.579 --> 00:19:02.240 And steadfast love and faithfulness. 00:19:03.179 --> 00:19:04.639 And what's our confidence towards him? 00:19:04.699 --> 00:19:09.699 Our confidence is that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. 00:19:10.679 --> 00:19:13.299 His mercies never come to an end. 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:15.819 They are new every morning. 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:17.720 Great is your faithfulness. 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:22.779 So when David does mess up, when he does blow it, when he does fall into sin, 00:19:22.919 --> 00:19:25.419 Psalm chapter 51, he sins in massive ways. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.259 You remember what he prayed? 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:32.920 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:36.299 According to your abundant mercy. 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:38.640 Blot out my transgressions. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:47.859 God's faithfulness, his steadfast love, is the reason David prays with such boldness. 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:51.099 He can say, it's me, God. 00:19:51.179 --> 00:19:52.059 Listen to me. 00:19:52.419 --> 00:19:53.439 Pay attention to me. 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:55.839 Hear my cries because I am yours. 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:58.439 You have given me your steadfast love. 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:59.519 Now show it. 00:20:01.419 --> 00:20:02.139 Demonstrate it. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:04.939 Let me see it in action. 00:20:06.699 --> 00:20:13.240 It's again a little bit like a child calling out to his father or his mother to hear him and to help him. 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:14.839 We had a birthday party. 00:20:14.939 --> 00:20:15.919 This is us, okay? 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:16.960 This is our example. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:22.300 Maybe a year ago, right here in the backyard, and we do simple birthday parties. 00:20:22.380 --> 00:20:24.600 We don't do elaborate, expensive birthday parties. 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.840 This was a water party. 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:29.580 And so everybody brought water guns and water balloons. 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:37.139 And one very kind, very generous family brought a giant inflatable water slide for all the kids, which was awesome. 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:44.199 And all the kids were coming and bouncing and jumping and tackling and running and piling up on this water slide. 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:52.660 And all the parents, as they watched this slide, that slide began to cave in on top of itself with all the children inside somewhere in there. 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:54.720 The kids were screaming. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.340 The kids were screaming. 00:20:56.340 --> 00:20:58.660 They're probably still having fun, but they were screaming. 00:20:59.120 --> 00:21:03.540 And all the parents take off running towards their children. 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:04.279 Why? 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:08.420 They heard their kids' cries. 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:12.200 They ran to the rescue of their kids. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:16.139 They ran to get that thing back upright and make sure their children were okay. 00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:18.220 Of course, we want all the kids to be okay, right? 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:24.420 But we are especially inclined to come to the aid of our children. 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:34.360 David prays this way because he knows God is especially inclined to come to the help of his children, 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:38.539 who he has included in his faithful, steadfast love. 00:21:38.600 --> 00:21:40.279 And here's the good news for us, Christian. 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:42.000 You ready for this? 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:54.900 As Christians, God's children, we have this same sort of confidence and access to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:55.140 Amen? 00:21:56.599 --> 00:22:05.440 We are adopted into God's own family as his children in Jesus Christ. 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:15.880 All of God's covenant faithfulness, his steadfast love is given to us in Christ Jesus. 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:25.680 If you are in Jesus Christ, then you can be absolutely certain that God is for you and for your good. 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:28.420 That he is inclined to come to your aid. 00:22:28.580 --> 00:22:34.140 That all things work together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:38.520 He is for you and so we can pray with confidence, God, it's me. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.860 It's your child. 00:22:41.600 --> 00:22:43.040 Don't you see what's happening? 00:22:43.800 --> 00:22:45.080 Don't you see what I'm going through? 00:22:45.160 --> 00:22:47.259 Won't you come to my rescue? 00:22:50.060 --> 00:22:56.540 God took it upon himself to take us when we were at our absolute worst. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:58.039 God took us when we were at our absolute worst. 00:22:58.039 --> 00:23:00.700 To send his own son to die for us. 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:03.619 To take our sin from us. 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:06.740 To remake us in his own glorious image. 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:10.259 To adopt us into his own family by his grace. 00:23:10.399 --> 00:23:12.559 To make us heirs with Christ. 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:18.480 To raise us up with him to the praise of his glorious grace for the rest of eternity. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:23.900 What more reason do you need to have to think that God is for you? 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:29.980 We ought to pray with the confidence that he who did not spare his own son. 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:33.299 But graciously gave him up for us all. 00:23:33.420 --> 00:23:38.180 How will he not also along with him give us all things? 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:42.779 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:53.559 Paul says in I believe Ephesians chapter 4 that in Christ we have boldness and access with confidence to the throne of God in Christ. 00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:57.720 Christian, by God's grace we have God's ear. 00:23:58.879 --> 00:24:02.339 We can call out and cry out to God whatever our trial may be. 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.899 Whatever our issue may be. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:05.559 Whatever injustice we're facing. 00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:11.819 Whatever suffering or pain or loss or grief or despair we're experiencing right now. 00:24:11.819 --> 00:24:15.899 We are invited to call out to God in prayer. 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.679 God is me. 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:19.240 God won't you listen to me. 00:24:19.899 --> 00:24:21.119 God won't you help me. 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:23.819 God won't you come to my aid. 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:28.059 If you have received the steadfast love of God for you in Christ. 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:31.619 You are well within your rights to ask him to show it. 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:35.179 So we pray because God is faithful. 00:24:35.379 --> 00:24:36.240 And lastly third. 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:40.359 Pray because God is good. 00:24:40.359 --> 00:24:44.839 Pray because God is good. 00:24:44.919 --> 00:24:46.959 Look there starting in verse 13 with me. 00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:52.379 I wonder if you've noticed some of the contrasts in this psalm. 00:24:52.619 --> 00:24:53.139 You notice it? 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:57.639 The wicked are guilty but David he follows the ways of the Lord. 00:24:57.699 --> 00:24:58.139 You see that? 00:24:58.979 --> 00:25:05.000 The wicked they close their hearts to pity but the Lord he saves those who seek refuge to him. 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:06.500 Verse 13. 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:09.319 The wicked they take matters into their own hands. 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:12.279 But David he entrusts himself to the Lord. 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:13.420 He says in verse 13. 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:15.099 Arise oh Lord. 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:16.019 Confront him. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.099 Subdue him. 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.519 Deliver my soul from the wicked. 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.579 By your sword. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:20.319 Not my sword. 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.980 By your strength. 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.859 Not my strength. 00:25:22.859 --> 00:25:26.879 He totally trusts God to handle his situation. 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:30.399 But there's one more that I want to draw our attention to here at the end. 00:25:31.399 --> 00:25:37.819 And I think that this is the key to praying like David prays here in this psalm. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:41.719 It's a contrast of satisfaction. 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:44.319 Look there to verse 14. 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:51.140 David says save me from men by your hand oh Lord. 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:56.799 From men of the world whose portion is in this life. 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:57.920 You see that? 00:25:59.120 --> 00:26:02.140 That's a word portion there that it means reward. 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.579 Their treasure. 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.819 Their good. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:06.720 All of their hope. 00:26:06.860 --> 00:26:08.480 Anything valuable to them. 00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:11.380 It's right here in this life. 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:13.720 They are men of this world. 00:26:13.860 --> 00:26:16.180 Their portion is in this life. 00:26:16.280 --> 00:26:18.000 But he says but as for me. 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:18.900 Verse 15. 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:20.800 As for me. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.960 I shall behold your face. 00:26:24.620 --> 00:26:25.300 In righteousness. 00:26:26.020 --> 00:26:26.980 You see the contrast. 00:26:28.300 --> 00:26:32.560 Save me from wicked men of this world whose portion is in this life. 00:26:32.640 --> 00:26:34.980 And then he says something shocking here in verse 14. 00:26:35.100 --> 00:26:37.860 He says you fill their womb with treasure. 00:26:38.860 --> 00:26:40.580 They are satisfied. 00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:42.079 With children. 00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:42.199 With children. 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:45.699 They leave their abundance to their infants. 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:48.439 That all sounds like really good things. 00:26:48.439 --> 00:26:48.980 Doesn't it? 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:53.899 Children are a wonderful blessing from the Lord. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.179 Amen. 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:55.139 Are they not? 00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:55.640 God. 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:25.660 Wonderful. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:25.820 Wonderful. 00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:26.840 Beautiful. 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:27.040 Beautiful. 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:28.980 Satisfying gifts. 00:27:29.080 --> 00:27:32.300 But he says if that's all that it is for you. 00:27:33.020 --> 00:27:36.020 If that's all your portion. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:42.020 If all your treasure is right here in this life. 00:27:42.120 --> 00:27:44.120 It is empty. 00:27:44.360 --> 00:27:46.100 That's what the wicked hope in. 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:49.900 Their portion is in this life. 00:27:49.900 --> 00:27:54.560 There is a contrast here between those who love God. 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:58.660 And those who really love what God might do for them. 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.200 You see it? 00:28:01.060 --> 00:28:04.420 There is a world of difference here. 00:28:05.080 --> 00:28:08.000 An eternity of difference here. 00:28:08.060 --> 00:28:10.040 And we have to examine ourselves here. 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:14.440 Do you find more satisfaction in God himself? 00:28:15.159 --> 00:28:19.359 Or in the many wonderful things that God might do for you? 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:23.440 The wicked love what God does for them. 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.639 These wicked men. 00:28:25.740 --> 00:28:27.680 They love his gifts. 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:29.819 They are satisfied with these good things. 00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:34.039 And they miss out entirely on the goodness of God himself. 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:34.740 By himself. 00:28:37.659 --> 00:28:40.559 John Piper has often asked it like this. 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:46.659 He asks would we be satisfied with heaven if Jesus weren't there? 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.759 Can you imagine it? 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:53.700 If you could be freed from death. 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:56.079 Freed from sin. 00:28:57.519 --> 00:29:00.480 Reunited with lost family members. 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:01.059 You'd be healthy. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.039 You'd feel good. 00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:03.799 Your legs wouldn't ache anymore. 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:05.299 Your back wouldn't ache anymore. 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:05.799 You'd be happy. 00:29:06.619 --> 00:29:09.279 You could have all that you might ever imagine. 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:10.200 But no Jesus. 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:13.240 Would you be satisfied? 00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:19.700 He says this is the most pressing question for this generation. 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:21.039 Another way to say it would be. 00:29:21.359 --> 00:29:27.019 Would you trade in the glory of Jesus Christ for anything in this world? 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:29.579 Do you love him for him? 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:33.779 Or do you love him for what you can get out of him? 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:35.579 Here's the connection to prayer. 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:38.259 If it's the latter. 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:43.119 If you just love him for what you might get out of him. 00:29:43.199 --> 00:29:45.099 Your prayer life will always be empty. 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:45.980 And it will be dry. 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:47.159 And it will be frustrating. 00:29:47.159 --> 00:29:51.119 And it will be frustrating. 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:54.539 And it will seem like a big waste of time. 00:29:55.899 --> 00:29:57.459 And when you don't get what you want. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:59.460 Exactly as you ask it. 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.600 Exactly how you ask it. 00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:01.620 If you come into that closet. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.559 Ask for what you want. 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.799 And you come out and you don't get it. 00:30:03.840 --> 00:30:04.720 You will be frustrated. 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:06.019 And you will be defeated. 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:09.400 But if your heart is satisfied in him. 00:30:09.400 --> 00:30:13.620 You will leave that prayer closet satisfied every time. 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:16.160 Whether or not you get what you asked for. 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:18.259 Exactly like you asked for it. 00:30:19.880 --> 00:30:22.240 And we're called delight yourself in the Lord. 00:30:22.300 --> 00:30:24.840 And he will give you the desires of your heart. 00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:28.220 And if you delight yourself in him. 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:31.919 If you make him the object of your heart's desire. 00:30:32.199 --> 00:30:35.539 You can have as much as you want of exactly what you want. 00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:38.899 You will always be satisfied in him. 00:30:40.419 --> 00:30:42.339 David calls out to the Lord in prayer. 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:44.859 Because his heart, not like the wicked men. 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:48.659 His heart is satisfied in the goodness of God. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:52.319 God himself is his greatest joy. 00:30:52.399 --> 00:30:53.619 And his greatest treasure. 00:30:53.619 --> 00:30:55.859 God himself is his portion. 00:30:56.859 --> 00:30:58.500 As good as the gifts of God are. 00:30:58.599 --> 00:30:59.559 They are good. 00:30:59.679 --> 00:31:04.739 But God himself is the greatest treasure of God's people. 00:31:07.599 --> 00:31:10.379 I wonder if you can say verse 15. 00:31:11.479 --> 00:31:13.559 And mean it with David. 00:31:16.119 --> 00:31:17.019 Verse 15. 00:31:17.199 --> 00:31:18.459 The wicked men of this world. 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:19.299 They have their children. 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.979 They have their money. 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:22.939 They have their high paying jobs. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:23.799 They have their boats. 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:25.799 They have their vacation homes. 00:31:26.980 --> 00:31:28.039 But as for me. 00:31:29.420 --> 00:31:32.460 I shall behold your face in righteousness. 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:35.100 When I awake. 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:36.759 I shall be satisfied. 00:31:37.320 --> 00:31:39.120 With your likeness. 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:40.740 You know that's resurrection language. 00:31:41.920 --> 00:31:43.120 That's resurrection language. 00:31:43.320 --> 00:31:44.200 One day you and I. 00:31:44.600 --> 00:31:47.120 Everyone here will sleep the sleep of death. 00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:50.319 But for those who delight in the goodness of God. 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.159 Now. 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:51.899 Right now. 00:31:52.659 --> 00:31:53.519 When we awake. 00:31:53.679 --> 00:31:57.119 We shall be satisfied with his likeness. 00:31:57.179 --> 00:31:57.799 That's our hope. 00:31:59.679 --> 00:32:00.819 James Hamilton Jr. 00:32:00.959 --> 00:32:01.419 He says. 00:32:02.699 --> 00:32:07.339 David is not speaking of seeing God's face in some metaphorical way in this life. 00:32:07.339 --> 00:32:07.699 Rather. 00:32:08.439 --> 00:32:11.039 When he speaks of seeing God's face in righteousness. 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:17.599 He is talking about the enjoyment of direct access to the presence of God. 00:32:18.079 --> 00:32:19.419 When the dead are raised. 00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:21.159 The world is healed. 00:32:21.519 --> 00:32:22.799 The curse is gone. 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:24.519 The serpent crushed. 00:32:24.939 --> 00:32:26.559 The gates to Eden opened. 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:29.459 And God's children are embraced in his arms. 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:32.179 As he wipes away every tear. 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:36.279 What greater joy can we imagine than that? 00:32:37.940 --> 00:32:40.620 Our ultimate hope is resurrection. 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.220 Satisfaction. 00:32:42.620 --> 00:32:45.000 Beholding the face of God. 00:32:45.120 --> 00:32:49.799 So how do we get ourselves satisfied in him right now? 00:32:49.860 --> 00:32:50.539 That's the question. 00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:56.019 Where can we look to behold the face of God. 00:32:56.100 --> 00:32:59.799 And get our hearts satisfied in him right now. 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:02.319 To be certain that when we awake. 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:04.659 We will behold his face in righteousness. 00:33:05.339 --> 00:33:07.879 And be satisfied in his likeness. 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:13.000 Behold the glory of God. 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:16.099 In the face of Jesus Christ. 00:33:17.619 --> 00:33:20.619 Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:23.240 The passage that Mr. Pete read for us this morning. 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:25.139 This miracle of conversion. 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:27.639 Through the preaching of the gospel. 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:31.600 Is that God who said let light shine out of the darkness. 00:33:31.600 --> 00:33:34.520 Has shown in our hearts. 00:33:34.840 --> 00:33:37.820 To give us the light of the knowledge. 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:39.759 Of the glory of God. 00:33:39.900 --> 00:33:43.420 In the face of Jesus Christ. 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:48.600 In the miracle of new birth. 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:49.560 What God does. 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:53.160 Is he opens up the eyes of our hearts. 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:55.440 So that we see and we behold. 00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:57.380 And we love and delight in. 00:33:57.460 --> 00:34:00.220 And are satisfied in his glory. 00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:01.560 In Christ. 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:04.460 So that we believe and we rejoice in the good news. 00:34:04.600 --> 00:34:07.360 That Christ Jesus has come to save sinners. 00:34:07.360 --> 00:34:09.059 Of whom I am the foremost. 00:34:11.119 --> 00:34:12.800 So that we see with new eyes. 00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:15.039 And believe and rejoice in the good news. 00:34:15.240 --> 00:34:17.619 That Christ is the true and better David. 00:34:17.619 --> 00:34:20.019 Who has perfectly obeyed. 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:24.920 That Jesus Christ is the only truly innocent one. 00:34:25.820 --> 00:34:28.599 That all the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:30.280 Are found in him. 00:34:31.360 --> 00:34:35.980 That Christ himself perfectly entrusted himself to the Lord. 00:34:36.099 --> 00:34:37.039 He committed no sin. 00:34:37.159 --> 00:34:39.079 Neither was deceit found in his mouth. 00:34:40.219 --> 00:34:41.159 When he was reviled. 00:34:41.280 --> 00:34:42.860 He did not revile in return. 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:43.579 When he suffered. 00:34:43.719 --> 00:34:44.679 He did not threaten. 00:34:45.400 --> 00:34:49.019 But continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:53.079 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree. 00:34:53.719 --> 00:34:56.139 That we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 00:34:56.420 --> 00:34:59.239 By his wounds you have been healed. 00:35:00.239 --> 00:35:01.619 We have our eyes opened. 00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:03.960 To behold the glory of God. 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:07.920 And the good news that Christ himself has risen from the grave. 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:11.039 He has purchased resurrection life. 00:35:11.239 --> 00:35:14.739 For all who turn away from whatever treasure they have in this life. 00:35:15.440 --> 00:35:17.920 And satisfy their souls in him. 00:35:17.920 --> 00:35:20.480 If you want to behold him then. 00:35:21.599 --> 00:35:24.280 You must look to Christ right now. 00:35:26.420 --> 00:35:28.320 For now we see in a mirror dimly. 00:35:28.440 --> 00:35:30.700 But then face to face. 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:33.159 Now we know in part. 00:35:33.260 --> 00:35:35.139 But then I shall know fully. 00:35:35.300 --> 00:35:38.139 Even as we are fully known. 00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:38.680 Church. 00:35:38.720 --> 00:35:40.659 If you are struggling to pray. 00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:43.779 If you want to grow in your prayer life. 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:48.279 If you feel like you are struggling to call out to the Lord in prayer. 00:35:48.359 --> 00:35:50.819 What you need more than anything is a bigger view of God. 00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:52.399 Where do you find it? 00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:55.460 You look to the man Jesus Christ. 00:35:56.639 --> 00:35:58.519 Behold the glory of God. 00:35:58.579 --> 00:36:00.940 In the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:01.759 And so we pray. 00:36:01.760 --> 00:36:02.640 Lord. 00:36:04.640 --> 00:36:05.780 We thank you Father. 00:36:05.900 --> 00:36:07.020 That you are just. 00:36:09.140 --> 00:36:11.220 However we may be wronged in this life. 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:11.460 Lord. 00:36:11.540 --> 00:36:13.240 We can crawl out to you. 00:36:13.300 --> 00:36:14.200 And cry out to you. 00:36:14.240 --> 00:36:14.780 Knowing that. 00:36:15.200 --> 00:36:16.360 That the judge of all the earth. 00:36:16.480 --> 00:36:17.420 Will do what is right. 00:36:18.740 --> 00:36:19.700 We praise you God. 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:20.640 That you are faithful. 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:22.740 That all of your steadfast love. 00:36:22.800 --> 00:36:23.580 And faithfulness. 00:36:23.740 --> 00:36:25.860 Is poured out for us in Christ. 00:36:25.860 --> 00:36:28.460 We praise you God. 00:36:28.500 --> 00:36:29.380 That you are good. 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:32.599 You are better than any earthly joy. 00:36:32.700 --> 00:36:33.500 And earthly pleasure. 00:36:33.680 --> 00:36:33.900 Father. 00:36:33.980 --> 00:36:34.500 We pray. 00:36:34.820 --> 00:36:37.240 Would we get our hearts satisfied in you now. 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:37.980 We ask. 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:39.220 Lord. 00:36:39.240 --> 00:36:41.360 If there are any here who do not know you. 00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:41.900 And to them. 00:36:41.980 --> 00:36:43.980 This is foreign to them. 00:36:44.039 --> 00:36:46.140 That they might delight in the Lord. 00:36:46.220 --> 00:36:46.860 We pray God. 00:36:46.880 --> 00:36:47.260 That now. 00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:49.860 You would do that miracle of conversion in them. 00:36:49.940 --> 00:36:52.440 Would you shine the light of the glory of God. 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:53.480 And the gospel of Christ. 00:36:53.559 --> 00:36:54.079 In their hearts. 00:36:54.079 --> 00:36:55.120 We ask in Jesus name. 00:36:55.860 --> 00:36:56.120 Amen.