WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:03.919 Our sermon text today is found in Isaiah chapter 61. 00:00:06.080 --> 00:00:09.820 That's page 581 in the Pew Bible, if you want to turn there with me. 00:00:11.560 --> 00:00:18.000 This morning we're going to look at the first four verses of Isaiah chapter 61. 00:00:26.960 --> 00:00:29.140 Let me pray as we come to God's Word together. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.480 Father, long ago, at many times and in many ways, you spoke to your people by the prophets. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:45.780 But in these last days, you've spoken to us by your Son, our Lord Jesus. 00:00:47.560 --> 00:00:51.340 Father, we pray in the next few moments you would help us by your Spirit to hear again 00:00:51.340 --> 00:00:56.039 through your written Word, the voice of your incarnate Word, Jesus, 00:00:56.039 --> 00:01:00.439 so that we might know you better and love you more 00:01:00.439 --> 00:01:05.799 and find our deepest joy and purpose in you just as you created us to. 00:01:07.039 --> 00:01:09.579 We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:16.599 So Isaiah chapter 61, verses 1 through 4. 00:01:16.599 --> 00:01:27.599 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. 00:01:28.799 --> 00:01:32.199 He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 00:01:32.639 --> 00:01:37.659 to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:42.560 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, 00:01:43.060 --> 00:01:44.819 to comfort all who mourn, 00:01:45.340 --> 00:01:51.099 to grant to those who mourn in Zion to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:53.959 the oil of gladness instead of mourning, 00:01:54.679 --> 00:01:57.179 the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit, 00:01:58.179 --> 00:02:00.840 that they may be called oaks of righteousness, 00:02:01.739 --> 00:02:02.979 the planting of the Lord, 00:02:02.980 --> 00:02:05.240 that he may be glorified. 00:02:06.560 --> 00:02:08.500 They shall build up the ancient ruins. 00:02:09.159 --> 00:02:11.439 They shall raise up the former devastations. 00:02:12.140 --> 00:02:14.200 They shall repair the ruined cities, 00:02:15.060 --> 00:02:16.939 the devastations of many generations. 00:02:20.680 --> 00:02:24.860 Well, waiting can be really hard, can't it? 00:02:26.120 --> 00:02:27.000 If you're like me, 00:02:27.599 --> 00:02:29.800 whenever you're in a situation where you have to wait, 00:02:30.300 --> 00:02:31.180 wait for a ride, 00:02:31.180 --> 00:02:32.379 wait in line at the store, 00:02:32.379 --> 00:02:34.039 wait for a meeting to start, 00:02:34.500 --> 00:02:36.039 what's the first thing you do? 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:40.400 Well, you pull out your cell phone, right? 00:02:40.479 --> 00:02:41.840 I mean, that's what we do when we wait. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:42.680 We check our email, 00:02:43.019 --> 00:02:44.680 we flip around on a few websites. 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:46.740 We can't just wait. 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:49.539 We have to do something, right? 00:02:50.079 --> 00:02:51.280 Waiting is hard work. 00:02:53.419 --> 00:02:56.099 Of course, now that Christmas Day has come and gone, 00:02:56.419 --> 00:02:59.319 the big wait of the season is finally over. 00:02:59.319 --> 00:03:00.699 The presents are opened. 00:03:00.699 --> 00:03:03.139 And the family visits have happened. 00:03:03.699 --> 00:03:08.239 But you know, Advent is about much more 00:03:08.239 --> 00:03:11.159 than just remembering Christ's first coming. 00:03:13.159 --> 00:03:16.219 It's also about anticipating Jesus' second coming, 00:03:16.799 --> 00:03:18.659 his coming again in glory. 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:21.739 In other words, Advent's about learning how to anticipate, 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:22.639 how to wait. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:24.839 It's about learning to wait. 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:27.840 And we're not so good at waiting. 00:03:29.159 --> 00:03:33.719 What exactly are we supposed to be doing as we wait? 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:41.400 Today we're looking at the last text in our short sermon series in Isaiah 00:03:41.400 --> 00:03:44.240 about the messianic prophecies of Isaiah. 00:03:44.240 --> 00:03:47.460 And this text that we're looking at today 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:53.420 comes right in the middle of the third and final part of Isaiah's book, 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:55.900 chapters 56 through 66. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:03:59.240 Now, very broadly speaking, 00:03:59.480 --> 00:04:04.439 chapters 1 through 39 of Isaiah have highlighted the great problem of human sin. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:10.400 And chapters 40 through 55 have highlighted the even greater answer of God's grace. 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:15.180 And now these last 11 chapters, Isaiah 56 through 66, 00:04:15.300 --> 00:04:18.800 are going to tell us what we do while we wait. 00:04:19.600 --> 00:04:24.279 While we wait for God's glorious future to come in full. 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:26.779 The glorious future that Jesus, 00:04:27.399 --> 00:04:29.319 the King and the servant of Isaiah's book, 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:32.819 has won through his atoning death and his resurrection. 00:04:32.819 --> 00:04:37.240 The future that Isaiah will call in these climactic chapters, 00:04:37.339 --> 00:04:40.259 he'll call them the new heavens and the new earth. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:44.300 Where evil and injustice are no more. 00:04:44.420 --> 00:04:48.040 Where God's people are radiant with God's glory. 00:04:48.199 --> 00:04:50.480 Where death is defeated and joy is everlasting. 00:04:50.959 --> 00:04:52.839 That's what's coming, Isaiah says. 00:04:54.039 --> 00:04:55.519 That's what we're waiting for. 00:04:57.159 --> 00:04:59.759 But Isaiah wants to answer the question of what we do 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:01.379 while we wait for it. 00:05:02.819 --> 00:05:07.439 And what we see in Isaiah 61 is that the life God has for us 00:05:07.439 --> 00:05:10.899 in this in-between time, in-between Christ's first and second coming, 00:05:11.199 --> 00:05:16.399 is so much greater than just standing around 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:19.319 metaphorically checking our cell phones. 00:05:21.659 --> 00:05:25.360 Isaiah 61, which is the center and heart of this last section of the book, 00:05:25.959 --> 00:05:30.360 brings us face to face with the great mission of the Messiah. 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:38.860 A mission that we enter into when we are united to him and to his people in the world. 00:05:40.660 --> 00:05:43.040 Isaiah is saying, this is what it means to wait, 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:45.680 to anticipate the glorious future God has in store. 00:05:45.920 --> 00:05:49.000 It means to be on mission with the Messiah, 00:05:49.500 --> 00:05:50.560 with King Jesus. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:56.980 And we're going to look at these four verses and see that this mission has three parts. 00:05:57.519 --> 00:05:59.300 First, there's gospel proclamation. 00:06:00.280 --> 00:06:01.959 Second, there's personal transformation. 00:06:02.879 --> 00:06:05.360 And third, there's communal restoration. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:12.280 So we see the first part of that mission in verses 1 through 3, the gospel proclamation. 00:06:13.980 --> 00:06:18.660 Here in these verses, we have the voice of the Messiah speaking in the first person, 00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:21.460 the spirit of the Lord God is upon me, 00:06:21.900 --> 00:06:27.840 declaring that the Lord has given him a mission of proclaiming, of bringing good news. 00:06:27.839 --> 00:06:32.239 Now, how do we know that this voice in verse 1 is the voice of the Messiah? 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:37.439 Could Isaiah be portraying some other figure here? 00:06:39.119 --> 00:06:41.739 Who is it that's speaking in these verses? 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:47.539 But you know, as you look over Isaiah as a whole, 00:06:47.639 --> 00:06:54.279 you have to ask who else in Isaiah is said to possess the spirit of the Lord like this? 00:06:54.279 --> 00:07:02.079 Back in chapter 11, verse 2, we see that it is the one called the branch of Jesse, 00:07:02.219 --> 00:07:05.819 the future king in the line of David, the Messiah himself, 00:07:06.179 --> 00:07:08.379 that the spirit of the Lord will rest upon. 00:07:10.159 --> 00:07:12.839 And then as we jump ahead to the second part of Isaiah's book, 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:14.939 in chapter 42, verse 1, God says, 00:07:15.059 --> 00:07:18.139 Behold my servant whom I uphold, I've put my spirit upon him. 00:07:19.599 --> 00:07:21.799 So there it's the great servant of the Lord. 00:07:21.800 --> 00:07:26.600 So here, in the third and climactic part of Isaiah's book, 00:07:26.660 --> 00:07:27.980 when we hear a voice saying, 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:31.139 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, who else could it be? 00:07:32.160 --> 00:07:35.680 But that same king and that same servant of the Lord 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:37.720 that Isaiah has told us so much about. 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:45.379 Here again, we have the long-awaited Messiah now speaking in his own voice, 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:49.879 declaring that he's been anointed to bring good news. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:54.540 And notice who this good news is for. 00:07:56.420 --> 00:07:57.939 It's good news for the poor, 00:07:58.680 --> 00:08:00.719 and for the brokenhearted, 00:08:01.339 --> 00:08:03.019 for the captives, 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:05.100 and for all who mourn. 00:08:07.219 --> 00:08:08.459 This good news that 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:11.399 the Messiah brings is not for those 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:13.019 who think they have it all together. 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:17.099 It's for those who know they're sick, 00:08:17.459 --> 00:08:18.539 who know they're needy, 00:08:19.039 --> 00:08:20.819 who know they need to be rescued. 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:24.120 And in the context of Isaiah, 00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:26.079 we know that the poor and the brokenhearted 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:29.180 and the captives aren't just mourning their circumstances. 00:08:31.819 --> 00:08:33.779 Above all, they're mourning their sin. 00:08:33.779 --> 00:08:37.639 One commentator put it this way, 00:08:37.959 --> 00:08:38.899 and I thought this was good. 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:39.199 He said, 00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:40.000 Who are the poor? 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:42.319 Here in Isaiah, 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:43.279 who's he referring to? 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:45.120 Who are the poor? 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:48.459 Those who are so broken by life 00:08:48.459 --> 00:08:50.600 that they have no more heart to try. 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:54.459 Those who are so bound up in their various addictions 00:08:54.460 --> 00:08:56.400 that liberty and release 00:08:56.400 --> 00:08:58.960 are a cruel mirage. 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:01.680 Those who think that they will never again 00:09:01.680 --> 00:09:03.400 experience the favor of the Lord 00:09:03.400 --> 00:09:06.000 or see his just vengeance meted out 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:07.840 against those who have misused them. 00:09:08.800 --> 00:09:11.259 Those who think their lives hold nothing more 00:09:11.259 --> 00:09:12.920 than ashes, sackcloth, 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:15.040 and the fainting heaviness of despair. 00:09:16.120 --> 00:09:19.240 They are those to whom the Messiah, 00:09:19.800 --> 00:09:22.500 the servant, shouts good news. 00:09:24.460 --> 00:09:28.420 But is this message just that? 00:09:29.400 --> 00:09:30.620 Is it just words? 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:32.920 Is it mere talk? 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:37.860 But you have to remember who it is 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:39.500 who's speaking these words. 00:09:40.620 --> 00:09:43.740 This is the king of Isaiah chapter 9. 00:09:44.420 --> 00:09:46.300 The one called Wonderful Counselor, 00:09:46.379 --> 00:09:47.100 Mighty God, 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:48.519 Everlasting Father, 00:09:48.660 --> 00:09:49.100 Prince of Peace. 00:09:49.160 --> 00:09:51.720 This is the servant of Isaiah 53 00:09:51.720 --> 00:09:54.060 who has borne our iniquities. 00:09:54.460 --> 00:09:57.080 And will make the many to be counted righteous. 00:09:58.100 --> 00:10:01.800 When this king proclaims liberty, 00:10:01.800 --> 00:10:04.840 it's not just mere talk. 00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:08.940 It's an announcement of what is now true. 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:14.340 After all, when a judge pronounces a verdict, 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:18.040 when the gavel comes down and it says, 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:18.959 not guilty. 00:10:21.579 --> 00:10:24.240 Or when a head of state pronounces amnesty 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:26.519 for those who are convicted of crimes. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:29.199 Is that mere talk? 00:10:30.240 --> 00:10:30.599 No. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:34.799 It produces the reality that the words declare. 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:37.199 And friends, 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:40.179 if the words of a mere human being, 00:10:40.599 --> 00:10:41.759 a mere human judge, 00:10:41.839 --> 00:10:42.859 a mere human king, 00:10:43.079 --> 00:10:46.299 can produce that kind of life-changing reality, 00:10:46.839 --> 00:10:50.199 how much more true must it be 00:10:50.199 --> 00:10:52.839 of the very words of Christ? 00:10:52.840 --> 00:10:58.460 His announcement of liberty 00:10:58.460 --> 00:11:02.840 must bring the reality of liberty. 00:11:06.060 --> 00:11:08.879 So this is the mission of the Messiah 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:10.220 that Isaiah foresees, 00:11:10.300 --> 00:11:13.139 to bring good news. 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:17.240 And when Jesus began his ministry in Nazareth, 00:11:17.840 --> 00:11:20.840 it was this very text in Isaiah 61 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:23.419 that he took up and read in the synagogue. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:27.080 As we read earlier in the service from Luke 4, 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:28.500 Jesus took the scroll of Isaiah, 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:29.779 read these verses, 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:30.480 and then said, 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:33.179 today this scripture has been fulfilled 00:11:33.179 --> 00:11:34.059 in your hearing. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.819 Imagine what they must have thought 00:11:37.819 --> 00:11:40.539 at such a declaration. 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:43.939 And throughout Jesus' ministry, 00:11:44.079 --> 00:11:45.099 he healed the sick 00:11:45.099 --> 00:11:47.319 and made paralytics walk again 00:11:47.319 --> 00:11:48.779 and opened the eyes of the blind, 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:50.299 even raised the dead, 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:53.039 all to demonstrate this great truth 00:11:53.039 --> 00:11:56.579 that he had come to set the captives free. 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:01.699 That the year of the Lord's favor, 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:04.240 grace, and restoration 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:07.919 had arrived in his own person and work. 00:12:08.719 --> 00:12:09.980 Here it was. 00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:12.459 The thing you've been waiting for. 00:12:12.819 --> 00:12:14.539 It's right now. 00:12:18.699 --> 00:12:20.899 Of course, as many point out in Luke 4, 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:25.279 Jesus actually stopped reading Isaiah 61 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:27.719 right before the words in verse 2 00:12:27.719 --> 00:12:30.579 about the day of vengeance of our God. 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:34.419 Sort of a curious thing. 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:36.879 Why did Jesus stop the reading there? 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:40.320 Well, the reality is, 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:44.000 is that Jesus' work of judgment 00:12:44.000 --> 00:12:47.100 was reserved and is reserved 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:48.139 for his second coming, 00:12:48.679 --> 00:12:49.559 not his first. 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:51.539 In his first coming, 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:53.399 Jesus had come not to judge, 00:12:53.779 --> 00:12:54.620 but to save. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:57.179 After all, 00:12:57.220 --> 00:12:58.519 he didn't want his fellow Israelites 00:12:58.519 --> 00:13:00.679 to think that he'd come to judge the Romans, 00:13:00.860 --> 00:13:02.080 to start a military war. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:03.100 That would have been the first thing 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:03.840 they thought of. 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:06.060 He wanted to make very clear 00:13:06.060 --> 00:13:07.840 that that's not why he came at first. 00:13:08.160 --> 00:13:10.580 He had come to do something much more profound, 00:13:10.940 --> 00:13:13.580 to grant a liberty and a comfort 00:13:13.580 --> 00:13:15.500 that would be eternal. 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:22.060 Isaiah 61 verse 3 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.899 gives this beautiful image 00:13:23.899 --> 00:13:25.019 of what that would be like. 00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:26.980 It says that Jesus has come 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:29.240 to give a beautiful headdress 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:30.840 instead of ashes, 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:33.460 the oil of gladness 00:13:33.460 --> 00:13:34.740 instead of mourning, 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:36.919 the garment of praise 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:39.039 instead of a faint spirit. 00:13:41.740 --> 00:13:43.179 It's actually wedding imagery, 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:44.000 believe it or not. 00:13:45.199 --> 00:13:46.740 It's being decked out 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:48.279 for the day 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:50.120 of a marriage, 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:50.879 of a wedding, 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:52.279 of being united 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:53.379 to the one you love. 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:56.240 And instead of ashes 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:57.079 and mourning 00:13:57.079 --> 00:13:58.139 and a faint spirit, 00:13:58.220 --> 00:13:59.439 all the things that describe 00:13:59.439 --> 00:14:00.079 our hopeless 00:14:00.079 --> 00:14:01.039 and hurt 00:14:01.039 --> 00:14:02.039 and lost condition 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:03.579 were given in exchange. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:05.120 Beauty 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.419 and joy 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:07.639 and praise. 00:14:09.419 --> 00:14:10.519 And how on earth 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:12.939 does Jesus accomplish that? 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:16.120 Something so much greater 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:17.919 and something so much more lasting 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:19.740 than a mere change 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.860 of political circumstance. 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:24.659 Well, as we see 00:14:24.659 --> 00:14:26.139 as the gospels unfold, 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.500 we see that Christ 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:28.600 does this great work 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:29.340 through the cross. 00:14:30.680 --> 00:14:32.139 Because it's at the cross 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:34.240 where Jesus takes upon himself 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:35.700 our ashes 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:36.680 and our mourning 00:14:36.680 --> 00:14:38.139 and our faint spirit. 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:40.000 He takes all of our sin 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:41.419 and in return 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:42.879 he gives us his beauty 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:44.279 and his gladness 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:45.460 and his praise. 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:49.360 Look at the end of Isaiah chapter 61. 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:50.399 Look at verse 10. 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:52.279 It says it so well. 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:52.960 Here Isaiah 00:14:52.960 --> 00:14:54.360 is now leading us 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.580 in a song of praise 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:57.259 for what the Messiah would do. 00:14:57.899 --> 00:15:00.600 And in 61 verse 10 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:01.080 he says, 00:15:01.259 --> 00:15:03.060 I will greatly rejoice 00:15:03.060 --> 00:15:03.800 in the Lord. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:06.120 My soul shall exult 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:06.899 in my God 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:08.340 for he has clothed me 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:08.980 with the garments 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:09.680 of salvation. 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.800 He has covered me 00:15:10.800 --> 00:15:11.840 with the robe 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:12.580 of righteousness. 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:14.180 As a bridegroom 00:15:14.180 --> 00:15:14.899 decks himself 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:15.600 like a priest 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:16.800 with a beautiful headdress 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:18.079 and as a bride 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:18.979 adorns herself 00:15:18.979 --> 00:15:19.719 with her jewels. 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:22.519 What an image. 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:25.759 Taking our sin 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:26.759 upon himself 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:27.740 in return 00:15:27.740 --> 00:15:28.959 Jesus gives us 00:15:28.959 --> 00:15:29.639 a robe 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:30.799 of righteousness. 00:15:33.079 --> 00:15:33.639 Friends, 00:15:33.719 --> 00:15:35.079 this is the great exchange 00:15:35.079 --> 00:15:36.000 at the heart 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:36.740 of the gospel 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:38.279 for all who believe. 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:40.139 My sin 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:41.439 in exchange 00:15:41.439 --> 00:15:42.719 for his righteousness. 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:45.040 that on the cross 00:15:45.040 --> 00:15:46.060 he would be clothed 00:15:46.060 --> 00:15:48.519 with my moral failures 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:51.180 and bear their penalty away 00:15:51.180 --> 00:15:51.920 and in exchange 00:15:51.920 --> 00:15:52.860 I would receive 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:53.800 a robe 00:15:53.800 --> 00:15:55.440 of his perfect righteousness. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:15:59.860 So you see, 00:15:59.940 --> 00:16:00.480 Jesus comes 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:01.000 not just 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:02.720 proclaiming good news. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:05.460 He is the good news. 00:16:06.660 --> 00:16:08.080 He can bring good news 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:10.440 because he is it himself. 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:12.980 He is our freedom 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:13.620 and our comfort. 00:16:13.780 --> 00:16:14.680 He is our liberty 00:16:14.680 --> 00:16:15.420 and our joy. 00:16:16.980 --> 00:16:18.020 And this is exactly 00:16:18.020 --> 00:16:19.120 what we proclaim 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:20.020 as we enter 00:16:20.020 --> 00:16:20.920 into the mission 00:16:20.920 --> 00:16:21.580 of the Messiah. 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.400 We proclaim 00:16:23.400 --> 00:16:24.480 the good news, 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:25.120 the freedom 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:26.260 that Jesus has won. 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:28.180 Freedom from sin's penalty, 00:16:28.420 --> 00:16:29.620 freedom from sin's guilt, 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:31.440 freedom from sin's power even. 00:16:31.920 --> 00:16:33.120 All accomplished 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.040 through Jesus' death 00:16:34.040 --> 00:16:34.660 and resurrection 00:16:34.660 --> 00:16:36.420 and applied to our hearts 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:37.380 by the Holy Spirit 00:16:37.380 --> 00:16:37.960 and faith. 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:42.460 that's why Paul can say 00:16:42.460 --> 00:16:43.300 living in light 00:16:43.300 --> 00:16:44.380 of Jesus' death 00:16:44.380 --> 00:16:44.940 and resurrection, 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:45.760 he can say 00:16:45.760 --> 00:16:46.480 I'm not ashamed 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.120 of the gospel 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:48.760 for it is 00:16:48.760 --> 00:16:50.100 the power of God 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:50.840 for salvation 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:52.300 to everyone who believes. 00:16:54.900 --> 00:16:55.760 Notice that Paul 00:16:55.760 --> 00:16:56.800 is saying that the gospel, 00:16:56.920 --> 00:16:57.940 the message about Jesus, 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:59.440 isn't just about 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:00.580 God's power, right? 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:02.480 He's not even saying 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.860 that it conveys God's power. 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:04.480 He's saying that 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:05.000 the gospel 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:06.660 is God's power. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:10.360 Proclaiming what Jesus 00:17:10.360 --> 00:17:11.200 has done in his life 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.060 and death and resurrection 00:17:12.060 --> 00:17:13.360 that he lived a perfect life 00:17:13.360 --> 00:17:14.300 of obedience to God 00:17:14.300 --> 00:17:14.920 in our place, 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:16.540 that he died on the cross 00:17:16.540 --> 00:17:18.160 to bear sin's penalty 00:17:18.160 --> 00:17:18.940 in our place, 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:20.200 that he rose to life 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:20.860 on the third day 00:17:20.860 --> 00:17:21.960 conquering death 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.660 and securing our salvation, 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:25.200 proclaiming this good news, 00:17:25.320 --> 00:17:25.820 this gospel, 00:17:26.120 --> 00:17:27.680 is God's power. 00:17:29.900 --> 00:17:31.019 Power to comfort 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:31.920 those who mourn 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.820 and power to liberate 00:17:33.820 --> 00:17:34.720 those who are bound. 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:39.960 So as we think 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:40.660 about our mission, 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:41.819 about joining Christ 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.740 in his mission today, 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.700 we must be about 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.180 the work 00:17:44.180 --> 00:17:46.000 of gospel proclamation. 00:17:47.860 --> 00:17:48.700 As the new year 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.500 is about to begin, 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:50.620 I wonder, 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:51.240 are there two 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.660 or three coworkers 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:53.299 or neighbors 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:53.980 or friends 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:55.319 or even family members 00:17:55.319 --> 00:17:56.779 whose conversion 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.839 you will particularly 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:59.079 pray for this year? 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.160 And will you pray 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:02.940 that God will give you 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:03.640 an open door 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:05.580 and well-seasoned, 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:06.740 well-timed words 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.880 to invite them 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.280 to church, 00:18:08.360 --> 00:18:09.140 to speak to them 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:10.060 about the liberty 00:18:10.060 --> 00:18:12.300 that Christ has brought us? 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:16.540 Perhaps a good goal 00:18:16.540 --> 00:18:16.920 this year 00:18:16.920 --> 00:18:17.800 in addition to prayer 00:18:17.800 --> 00:18:18.780 and in sharing the gospel 00:18:18.780 --> 00:18:21.000 is to read one good book 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:22.820 about personal evangelism 00:18:22.820 --> 00:18:23.259 this year. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:25.300 That is sharing the gospel 00:18:25.300 --> 00:18:26.140 in the context 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:26.900 of our friendships. 00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:28.860 There are lots 00:18:28.860 --> 00:18:29.620 of good ones out there. 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.680 One I've been reading lately 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:31.840 is by Max Stiles 00:18:31.840 --> 00:18:33.100 called Speaking of Jesus. 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:34.660 It's kind of an oldie 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:35.140 but goodie, 00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:36.080 but it's a good one. 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:36.740 Max Stiles, 00:18:36.860 --> 00:18:37.640 Speaking of Jesus. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.000 But why not take up 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.640 one book 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:41.900 that will help equip you 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:42.980 to be about 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.940 this great work 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:45.220 of gospel proclamation? 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:45.720 If you want 00:18:45.720 --> 00:18:46.460 some more recommendations, 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.340 you can come talk to me 00:18:47.340 --> 00:18:48.039 after the service. 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.460 But being about 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:51.180 the work of gospel 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:51.600 proclamation 00:18:51.600 --> 00:18:52.580 is more than just 00:18:52.580 --> 00:18:53.640 about one-to-one 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:54.279 conversations. 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:55.299 It's about creating 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:56.320 a church life, 00:18:56.539 --> 00:18:58.060 a loving church culture 00:18:58.059 --> 00:19:00.119 where non-Christians 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:00.759 feel welcome 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.759 to ask questions 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:02.619 and explore 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:03.559 spiritual things 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.619 and learn about 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.599 Jesus for themselves. 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:08.819 It's about this place 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:09.639 and this space 00:19:09.639 --> 00:19:10.899 being open to those 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:11.500 who are seeking 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:13.480 and being ready 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:14.139 to be patient 00:19:14.139 --> 00:19:14.960 with their questions 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.679 and with their 00:19:15.679 --> 00:19:16.859 searchings 00:19:16.859 --> 00:19:17.960 and their explorings 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:19.839 to welcome those things, 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.539 to be honest 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.319 about our own doubts 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.519 and misgivings at times 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:23.379 and our own journey. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.220 So when we gather 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:26.819 on Sundays 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:27.879 or in small groups 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:29.279 or in other settings, 00:19:29.379 --> 00:19:30.139 do we assume 00:19:30.139 --> 00:19:31.379 that everyone there 00:19:31.379 --> 00:19:32.460 is already a Christian 00:19:32.460 --> 00:19:33.599 or do we speak and act 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.819 as if there are curious 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.879 non-Christians 00:19:35.879 --> 00:19:36.720 present as well? 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:40.579 All of that 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.159 is what it means 00:19:41.159 --> 00:19:42.500 to be on the mission 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.099 of proclaiming 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:43.980 the good news of Jesus. 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:47.059 But the mission 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.599 of the Messiah 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:48.559 doesn't actually 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:49.559 just stop there. 00:19:51.599 --> 00:19:52.279 This passage 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:52.779 shows us 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.539 that the good news 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:53.960 of Jesus 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:56.240 creates profound change. 00:19:56.819 --> 00:19:58.559 The second thing 00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:59.139 we see here 00:19:59.139 --> 00:19:59.500 is that 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.579 this mission 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:01.559 of proclamation 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:03.319 is also a mission 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:05.319 of personal transformation. 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.339 We see this 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:07.619 at the end 00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:08.460 of verse 3. 00:20:09.439 --> 00:20:10.139 This message 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:10.779 of the gospel 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:11.659 goes forth 00:20:11.659 --> 00:20:12.819 in these opening verses 00:20:12.819 --> 00:20:14.379 with the result 00:20:14.379 --> 00:20:15.200 at the end 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:15.679 of verse 3 00:20:15.679 --> 00:20:16.379 says that they 00:20:16.379 --> 00:20:17.039 may be called 00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:18.399 oaks of righteousness, 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.200 the planting 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:21.139 of the Lord, 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.240 that he, 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:23.099 that is the Lord, 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.799 may be glorified. 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:35.539 God's creating 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:37.680 oaks of righteousness. 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:41.279 In the first chapter 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:41.799 of Isaiah, 00:20:41.919 --> 00:20:42.559 the people there 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:43.299 were described 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:44.680 as being 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.839 like an oak 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:47.139 whose leaf 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:47.980 withers. 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:49.980 In other words, 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:50.579 because of their 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:51.460 self-reliance 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.740 and their self-centeredness, 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.720 the people had become 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:54.920 spiritually dry 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:56.259 and lifeless 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.559 and near to death. 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:01.059 But here in Isaiah 61, 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:02.160 a great transformation 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:02.859 has happened. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:06.319 how will we go about 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:07.899 living this life 00:21:07.899 --> 00:21:08.979 that God wants us to live? 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:10.219 Will it be in our own strength? 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:11.439 Will it be in our own power? 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:12.879 Will we just pull ourselves 00:21:12.879 --> 00:21:14.099 up by our bootstraps 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:15.119 and get about the work? 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:15.879 No. 00:21:17.399 --> 00:21:18.000 God says, 00:21:18.179 --> 00:21:19.879 I'll produce in you 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:21.019 that fruit 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.919 that I want to see. 00:21:22.439 --> 00:21:23.479 My grace will give you 00:21:23.479 --> 00:21:24.439 a new status, 00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.939 but my grace will give you 00:21:25.939 --> 00:21:26.819 a new nature. 00:21:27.479 --> 00:21:28.119 And now, 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:28.859 as a result 00:21:28.859 --> 00:21:29.719 of the gospel, 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:33.339 the ones 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:33.940 who were once 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:35.420 oaks 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:36.920 with withering leaves 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:37.440 have become 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:37.940 oaks 00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:39.079 of righteousness. 00:21:41.380 --> 00:21:41.860 Friends, 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:43.180 being in a relationship 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:44.440 with Jesus Christ 00:21:44.440 --> 00:21:46.100 really does 00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:47.759 change people's lives. 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.980 If you've been around 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.299 the church 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:51.100 for a long time 00:21:51.100 --> 00:21:51.579 and you've seen 00:21:51.579 --> 00:21:52.140 a lot of hurt 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:52.960 and brokenness 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.920 and struggling, 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.480 sometimes you doubt that. 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:56.819 But it's helpful 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.940 to take a step back 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:59.360 and see the good 00:21:59.360 --> 00:22:00.740 that is produced 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.920 by the Holy Spirit 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:03.019 through the gospel 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:03.740 of grace. 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.799 Being in a relationship 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.480 with Jesus 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:09.460 really does change us 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:10.580 from the inside out. 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.519 Think of an oak tree. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.720 A healthy oak tree 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.480 is stable, 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:18.140 isn't it? 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:20.180 It withstands 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:20.759 the rains 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:21.460 and the storms 00:22:21.460 --> 00:22:22.080 that come. 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:23.559 You know, 00:22:23.580 --> 00:22:24.180 with Christ 00:22:24.180 --> 00:22:25.140 in your life, 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.640 you no longer 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.480 need to rely 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.700 on the shifting sands 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.779 of other people's approval 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:31.160 and you don't have to 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:32.240 ride the roller coaster 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.539 of worldly success. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.160 You don't have to live 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.319 for the gods of career 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:37.160 or family 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:37.880 or money. 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:39.519 All those things 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:40.220 will come 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.319 and go. 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:43.120 But Christ 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:44.160 remains 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:45.940 faithful, 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:47.380 loving, 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:49.019 ever-present, 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.500 ever-merciful, 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:52.000 ever-strong. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.259 And being rooted in Him 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.559 gives you a stability 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:57.819 like nothing else. 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.480 And oak trees 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.759 are also fairly permanent, 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:03.279 aren't they? 00:23:04.379 --> 00:23:04.779 Apparently, 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:05.940 oak trees can live 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.420 and flourish 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.400 for hundreds of years. 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:09.779 You know, 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.440 we've got an oak tree 00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:11.059 in our backyard 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:11.799 and it's stunning 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:12.779 to think that that oak tree 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.299 has been there 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:14.180 probably longer 00:23:14.180 --> 00:23:15.079 than the house 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:15.759 that I live in. 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.059 Most of what we do 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.579 in our lives 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:21.480 will probably be forgotten 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:22.519 in a generation or two. 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:22.980 Don't you think 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.839 about that sometimes? 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:27.059 But here's the wonderful 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:28.160 good news of the gospel, 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.920 that in the Lord Jesus, 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.400 our labors 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:32.640 are not in vain. 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:35.380 Because of His resurrection, 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:37.160 even our most mundane 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.059 labors 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:39.420 have eternal significance. 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.319 And on top of it all, 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.579 Christ offers us 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:45.120 eternal life. 00:23:45.860 --> 00:23:46.620 In Him, 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.180 you will live 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:49.140 forever. 00:23:49.140 --> 00:23:52.100 no more 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:53.000 do our lives 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:54.000 need to be haunted 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:55.000 by the fear 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:56.340 of dying 00:23:56.340 --> 00:23:59.480 or by the many 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.420 lesser fears 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.960 that are like it, 00:24:02.020 --> 00:24:02.520 those fears 00:24:02.520 --> 00:24:03.340 of missing out. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.300 In Christ, 00:24:06.420 --> 00:24:06.880 your best 00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:08.220 is always still to come, 00:24:08.560 --> 00:24:10.720 which gives you 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.660 a permanence 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:13.160 like nothing else. 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:15.560 But oak trees 00:24:15.560 --> 00:24:16.220 aren't just stable 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.140 and permanent, 00:24:17.300 --> 00:24:17.759 they're abundant, 00:24:17.860 --> 00:24:18.200 aren't they? 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:19.640 Oak trees 00:24:19.640 --> 00:24:20.180 can produce 00:24:20.180 --> 00:24:21.779 thousands of acorns, 00:24:21.840 --> 00:24:22.420 as you know, 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.440 if you've ever walked 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:24.120 under an oak tree 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:25.080 after a heavy wind, 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:25.460 right? 00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:28.220 We've had so many acorns 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.880 in one spot 00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:29.799 that you almost 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.580 trip on them. 00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:32.240 It's like a sheet 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:32.880 of marbles. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.460 You just sort of 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.100 go flying. 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:34.900 They're everywhere. 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.080 Friends, 00:24:38.120 --> 00:24:38.799 that's what happens 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:39.440 when the new life 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:39.880 of Christ 00:24:39.880 --> 00:24:40.580 is at work in us. 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.640 God starts to do 00:24:41.640 --> 00:24:42.200 an abundant 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.140 and total work 00:24:43.140 --> 00:24:43.779 in our lives. 00:24:44.120 --> 00:24:45.440 It changes all of us 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.660 from the inside out. 00:24:46.660 --> 00:24:48.620 Now, 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:48.940 of course, 00:24:49.080 --> 00:24:50.420 sometimes that change 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:51.240 takes time, 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:52.259 right? 00:24:55.320 --> 00:24:56.519 I think there's a reason 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:57.779 why God often uses 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.500 agricultural 00:24:58.500 --> 00:25:00.000 or organic metaphors 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.220 to describe our growth 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:01.820 in righteousness, 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.380 our growth 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.279 in godly character. 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:05.800 Because it takes time 00:25:05.800 --> 00:25:06.820 for things to grow. 00:25:08.360 --> 00:25:09.320 Mighty oaks 00:25:09.320 --> 00:25:10.000 of righteousness 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:11.200 don't just pop up 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:11.580 overnight. 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.659 it takes time. 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:15.960 And sometimes 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:16.659 it's hard work. 00:25:17.699 --> 00:25:18.240 Farmers need to 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:18.799 get up early 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:20.159 and go to bed late. 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:22.240 I would be a terrible 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:22.579 farmer. 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.379 I don't like getting 00:25:23.379 --> 00:25:23.799 up early. 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:26.159 So I'm told. 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.159 But it can be hard work, 00:25:31.379 --> 00:25:31.960 this growth 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.599 in righteousness. 00:25:35.139 --> 00:25:35.720 But you see, 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:36.240 ultimately, 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.439 one of the beautiful 00:25:37.439 --> 00:25:38.339 things about the 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:39.159 organic metaphor 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:39.940 isn't just that it 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.620 takes time, 00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:41.759 isn't just that 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.880 sometimes it takes 00:25:42.880 --> 00:25:43.620 some hard work, 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.880 but ultimately 00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:45.820 that it's the Lord's 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:46.100 doing. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.900 There's a confidence 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.100 we can have in Christ 00:25:51.100 --> 00:25:52.900 that God is going 00:25:52.900 --> 00:25:53.880 to produce in us 00:25:53.880 --> 00:25:54.580 the righteousness, 00:25:55.120 --> 00:25:55.680 the holiness 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:57.279 he desires in us. 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:58.900 Sometimes it will be 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.820 a much more painful 00:25:59.820 --> 00:26:00.800 process than we 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:01.700 would ever imagine, 00:26:02.100 --> 00:26:02.880 but he's going to 00:26:02.880 --> 00:26:04.320 finish what he started. 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:07.740 And as a result, 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:09.179 the Lord will get 00:26:09.179 --> 00:26:09.659 the glory. 00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:11.639 He will make us 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:13.220 more and more 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:14.200 into his image, 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:15.200 and as others 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:16.700 see Christ in us, 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.759 Christ will be 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.220 praised. 00:26:19.659 --> 00:26:20.599 One of the most 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:22.439 important things 00:26:22.439 --> 00:26:23.700 that we can do 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:26.299 to share Christ 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.099 with our city 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:27.919 and to see the 00:26:27.919 --> 00:26:29.059 gospel go forth 00:26:29.059 --> 00:26:31.240 is to live lives 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:31.859 of godliness, 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.339 friends. 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:34.799 to live 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.819 holy lives. 00:26:39.220 --> 00:26:40.119 And that is the 00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:40.959 mission of the Messiah, 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:41.759 to make us 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:43.240 something new. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.199 It's a mission 00:26:44.199 --> 00:26:45.259 of personal 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:45.959 transformation, 00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:46.939 of becoming more 00:26:46.939 --> 00:26:47.919 and more godly 00:26:47.919 --> 00:26:48.480 in our character. 00:26:49.919 --> 00:26:50.619 So again, 00:26:50.699 --> 00:26:51.139 let me ask, 00:26:51.179 --> 00:26:51.799 as a new year 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:52.339 begins, 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:54.079 how will you 00:26:54.079 --> 00:26:55.379 cooperate with God 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:56.639 to cultivate 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:57.480 this growth 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.220 in your life? 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:00.139 What fruit 00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:01.059 of the Spirit 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:02.819 are you longing 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:03.940 to see more of 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.759 in the year ahead? 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:07.179 What vices 00:27:07.179 --> 00:27:07.759 or sins 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:08.460 are you hoping 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.899 to see less of 00:27:09.899 --> 00:27:11.539 in the year ahead? 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:13.960 And not just 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:14.859 in your own life, 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.460 how do you plan 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.519 to cooperate 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.119 with God 00:27:18.119 --> 00:27:18.859 to cultivate 00:27:18.859 --> 00:27:19.579 this growth 00:27:19.579 --> 00:27:20.079 in the lives 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.980 of those around you? 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.220 Perhaps there's 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:24.599 a sin 00:27:24.599 --> 00:27:25.099 that you need 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.740 to confess, 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.339 something that you 00:27:27.339 --> 00:27:27.879 need to tell 00:27:27.879 --> 00:27:28.720 a trusted Christian 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.899 mentor or pastor 00:27:29.900 --> 00:27:30.660 so they can pray 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.040 for you 00:27:31.040 --> 00:27:31.660 and point you 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.840 to the right avenues 00:27:32.840 --> 00:27:33.980 for help and change. 00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:38.140 If there's a deeper 00:27:38.140 --> 00:27:39.560 besetting sin 00:27:39.560 --> 00:27:40.340 that you're wrestling 00:27:40.340 --> 00:27:40.580 with, 00:27:40.640 --> 00:27:41.259 perhaps you need 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.940 to get connected 00:27:41.940 --> 00:27:42.940 with a recovery group, 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.480 with an addiction 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.200 recovery group 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:45.100 who can help you 00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:46.160 walk in the paths 00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:47.019 of God's grace 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.820 together. 00:27:48.060 --> 00:27:48.280 Again, 00:27:48.380 --> 00:27:49.420 come talk to the pastors. 00:27:49.560 --> 00:27:49.960 Let us help 00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:51.100 resource you 00:27:51.100 --> 00:27:51.920 into the help 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:52.640 that you need. 00:27:55.320 --> 00:27:56.240 Or maybe you just 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.860 need to be more 00:27:56.860 --> 00:27:57.860 transparent with 00:27:57.859 --> 00:27:58.899 your Christian friends 00:27:58.899 --> 00:27:59.879 or your spouse 00:27:59.879 --> 00:28:01.619 about how you'd like 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:03.059 to grow in Christlikeness. 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:06.119 The work of 00:28:06.119 --> 00:28:06.919 personal transformation 00:28:06.919 --> 00:28:08.599 is not a solo sport. 00:28:09.819 --> 00:28:10.959 We need each other. 00:28:12.979 --> 00:28:13.939 We need each other 00:28:13.939 --> 00:28:14.679 to help apply 00:28:14.679 --> 00:28:15.500 the grace of Christ 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:16.219 to our hearts 00:28:16.219 --> 00:28:17.359 and we need each other 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:18.579 to fan into flame 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.839 the Spirit's work within. 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:24.359 So how will this year 00:28:24.359 --> 00:28:25.219 be a year of personal 00:28:25.219 --> 00:28:26.379 transformation for you? 00:28:27.859 --> 00:28:29.979 But there's one last 00:28:29.979 --> 00:28:30.859 element to this mission. 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.959 Do you see the progression 00:28:32.959 --> 00:28:33.619 that's happening 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.859 in this passage? 00:28:35.979 --> 00:28:36.679 We see that the 00:28:36.679 --> 00:28:37.919 mission of the Messiah 00:28:37.919 --> 00:28:40.359 begins in gospel 00:28:40.359 --> 00:28:41.059 proclamation. 00:28:41.319 --> 00:28:42.240 It extends to 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:43.159 personal transformation 00:28:43.159 --> 00:28:44.419 and then out 00:28:44.419 --> 00:28:45.459 in verse 4 00:28:45.459 --> 00:28:47.500 into community 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.339 restoration. 00:28:49.399 --> 00:28:50.559 Look again at verse 4. 00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:51.399 They shall build up 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:52.219 the ancient ruins. 00:28:52.679 --> 00:28:53.839 They shall raise up 00:28:53.839 --> 00:28:55.399 the former devastations. 00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:56.259 They shall repair 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:57.279 the ruined cities. 00:28:57.279 --> 00:28:58.639 the devastations 00:28:58.639 --> 00:28:59.759 of many generations. 00:29:01.879 --> 00:29:02.839 Now Isaiah's 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:03.680 immediate audience 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:05.440 was the exile generation. 00:29:05.639 --> 00:29:07.039 He was writing ahead 00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:08.180 to the generation 00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:08.940 that would see 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:10.259 Jerusalem destroyed 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:11.160 and the people 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:11.839 carried off 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:12.460 to captivity. 00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:14.200 So this image 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:15.599 of city being rebuilt 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:15.940 would have been 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:17.200 a powerful image 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:17.720 for them 00:29:17.720 --> 00:29:19.139 of what renewal 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:20.019 and repair 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.879 and new life 00:29:20.879 --> 00:29:21.500 looked like. 00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.279 But notice that 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.139 the vision here 00:29:24.139 --> 00:29:25.559 encompasses more 00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:27.259 than just Jerusalem. 00:29:28.200 --> 00:29:29.519 It's all in the plural, 00:29:29.679 --> 00:29:30.039 isn't it? 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.099 Ruins, 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:33.000 devastations, 00:29:33.639 --> 00:29:34.119 cities. 00:29:36.519 --> 00:29:37.500 In other words, 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:38.259 what Isaiah has 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:39.039 in view here 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:42.019 is that wherever 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:43.259 sin has brought 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:44.200 its wreckage, 00:29:44.659 --> 00:29:45.659 there the gospel 00:29:45.659 --> 00:29:46.720 is meant to go 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:48.119 and produce 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.980 restoration 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.779 and renewal. 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:52.319 Broken marriages, 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.480 broken families, 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:56.019 broken churches, 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.440 broken workplaces, 00:29:57.860 --> 00:29:58.720 broken neighborhoods, 00:29:58.940 --> 00:29:59.519 broken cities, 00:29:59.680 --> 00:30:00.599 broken regions, 00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:02.559 wherever poverty 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.299 and racism 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.140 and joblessness 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:04.759 and fear 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:05.319 and despair 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:05.900 and addiction 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:07.000 rear their ugly heads, 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.240 there the gospel 00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:09.099 is meant to go 00:30:09.099 --> 00:30:09.860 and bring hope 00:30:09.860 --> 00:30:11.240 and repair 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:14.140 to make something 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:14.740 new 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:16.140 out of what's 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:16.819 old, 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:19.500 to make something 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.019 whole 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:20.980 out of something 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:21.740 that's been torn. 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:26.120 So you see 00:30:26.120 --> 00:30:26.660 the progression 00:30:26.660 --> 00:30:27.279 in these verses. 00:30:27.480 --> 00:30:28.240 Jesus is the one 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.980 proclaiming 00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:29.920 and the one 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.460 proclaimed 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:32.079 and when he is 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:32.480 proclaimed 00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:33.160 and received 00:30:33.160 --> 00:30:33.680 in repentance 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.660 and faith 00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:35.440 there's liberty 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:36.480 and there's comfort 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.519 and then the gospel 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:38.319 begins to produce 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:39.319 personal change 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:40.319 and those transformed 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:40.899 by the gospel 00:30:40.899 --> 00:30:41.679 go out 00:30:41.679 --> 00:30:42.740 and do this work 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.220 of rebuilding 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:43.759 and repairing. 00:30:43.879 --> 00:30:44.259 In other words, 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:45.220 the gospel changes 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.220 people who then 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:46.579 go out 00:30:46.579 --> 00:30:47.419 and change the world. 00:30:49.279 --> 00:30:50.200 The church really 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.000 is meant to be 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:51.740 salt and light 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:52.519 as Jesus said. 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.379 So friends, 00:30:57.439 --> 00:30:57.899 this new year 00:30:57.899 --> 00:30:58.899 where will you seek 00:30:58.899 --> 00:30:59.980 to build up 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:00.799 the ancient ruins 00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:02.179 and repair 00:31:02.179 --> 00:31:02.980 the ruined cities? 00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:05.240 How will you use 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:06.159 the gifts and talents 00:31:06.159 --> 00:31:07.139 God has given you 00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:08.419 to do good 00:31:08.419 --> 00:31:09.079 to your neighbors? 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.779 Both your Christian 00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:12.519 neighbors right here 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:13.399 in your church family 00:31:13.399 --> 00:31:15.099 and also your 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:16.259 non-Christian neighbors too. 00:31:19.139 --> 00:31:20.179 One day Christ 00:31:20.179 --> 00:31:20.799 will return 00:31:20.799 --> 00:31:21.980 and make all things new. 00:31:23.179 --> 00:31:24.659 How can you be at work 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:25.419 to anticipate 00:31:25.419 --> 00:31:26.419 that great day 00:31:26.419 --> 00:31:27.740 through love 00:31:27.740 --> 00:31:28.819 and service 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:30.259 and justice today? 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:33.700 When the King comes, 00:31:33.859 --> 00:31:34.139 friends, 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:36.119 let us not be waiting 00:31:36.119 --> 00:31:37.339 with our hands 00:31:37.339 --> 00:31:38.019 in our pockets. 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:40.339 merely checking 00:31:40.339 --> 00:31:40.980 our email. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:44.440 Let us be about 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:45.039 the mission 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.660 of the King. 00:31:46.859 --> 00:31:48.519 Christ has rescued us 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.660 for a great purpose 00:31:49.660 --> 00:31:51.359 to join Him 00:31:51.359 --> 00:31:52.160 in this work 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:52.779 of freedom 00:31:52.779 --> 00:31:53.539 and joy, 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:54.819 proclaiming liberty 00:31:54.819 --> 00:31:55.680 to the captives, 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:57.700 living transformed lives, 00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:59.079 seeing the ruins 00:31:59.079 --> 00:32:00.200 become rebuilt 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:00.920 and restored. 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:01.019 Lord, 00:32:01.660 --> 00:32:02.640 where will you 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.779 join the mission 00:32:03.779 --> 00:32:05.039 in this coming year? 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:07.100 What good goals 00:32:07.100 --> 00:32:07.880 will you set 00:32:07.880 --> 00:32:08.580 to be about 00:32:08.580 --> 00:32:09.519 the mission of Christ? 00:32:10.820 --> 00:32:11.259 Friends, 00:32:11.380 --> 00:32:11.980 soon 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:13.279 our King 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:14.300 will return in glory. 00:32:15.660 --> 00:32:16.380 How will He 00:32:16.380 --> 00:32:17.100 find you waiting? 00:32:19.300 --> 00:32:20.259 May He find us 00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:20.960 joyfully 00:32:20.960 --> 00:32:22.420 and passionately 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:23.460 engaged in His mission 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.519 and may He say to us 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.480 all on that day, 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:27.440 well done, 00:32:28.140 --> 00:32:29.360 good and faithful servant. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.480 Let's pray together. 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.220 Come, 00:32:43.380 --> 00:32:44.960 thou long-expected Jesus, 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:47.279 born to set 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:48.200 thy people free. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:51.400 O Lord, 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:52.279 thank you that you've 00:32:52.279 --> 00:32:53.380 come to set us free. 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.120 Father, 00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:56.960 I pray this morning 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:58.380 for those who are here 00:32:58.380 --> 00:33:01.559 and maybe they're not sure 00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:03.480 about the claims 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:04.220 of Christianity, 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:06.500 but they do know 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:07.039 what it's like 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.799 to be stuck 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:09.940 and they do know 00:33:09.940 --> 00:33:10.620 what it's like 00:33:10.620 --> 00:33:13.440 to feel like 00:33:13.440 --> 00:33:14.220 they're in captivity. 00:33:15.960 --> 00:33:16.559 O God, 00:33:16.620 --> 00:33:17.660 I pray that by your Spirit 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:18.180 you'd give them 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:19.019 eyes to see 00:33:19.019 --> 00:33:21.720 the sweet freedom 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:22.500 of the forgiveness 00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:23.160 of sins 00:33:23.160 --> 00:33:24.180 that's offered in Jesus, 00:33:25.060 --> 00:33:27.799 the offer of your Holy Spirit 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:28.980 at work in their lives. 00:33:29.039 --> 00:33:29.820 I pray that you would 00:33:29.820 --> 00:33:30.740 open their hearts 00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:32.620 to receive you today. 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:35.980 And Lord, 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:37.019 I pray for us 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:38.920 who have already 00:33:38.920 --> 00:33:39.920 heard that message 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:41.519 and responded in faith. 00:33:42.220 --> 00:33:42.799 O Lord, 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:43.900 would you give us 00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:45.340 courage this year 00:33:45.340 --> 00:33:47.560 and boldness this year 00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:49.879 to be about the work 00:33:49.879 --> 00:33:50.460 of your mission. 00:33:51.159 --> 00:33:51.399 Lord, 00:33:51.440 --> 00:33:52.399 help us to see the ways 00:33:52.399 --> 00:33:53.679 in which our workplaces 00:33:53.679 --> 00:33:55.659 can be avenues 00:33:55.659 --> 00:33:56.259 of rebuilding 00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:56.940 and restoring. 00:33:57.119 --> 00:33:57.679 Give us eyes 00:33:57.679 --> 00:33:59.279 to see areas 00:33:59.279 --> 00:33:59.879 of our hearts 00:33:59.879 --> 00:34:00.899 that need to change. 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:01.919 Give us eyes 00:34:01.919 --> 00:34:02.940 to see the relationships 00:34:02.940 --> 00:34:03.879 you've providentially 00:34:03.879 --> 00:34:04.839 placed around us 00:34:04.839 --> 00:34:06.019 where gospel proclamation 00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:06.879 can happen. 00:34:07.679 --> 00:34:08.179 And O God, 00:34:08.239 --> 00:34:09.360 give us the confidence 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:11.160 that you indeed 00:34:11.160 --> 00:34:12.240 are doing this work 00:34:12.240 --> 00:34:15.539 that you will accomplish 00:34:15.539 --> 00:34:16.519 the purposes 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:17.400 that you have said 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:19.660 for your great glory. 00:34:20.220 --> 00:34:21.480 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:34:22.240 --> 00:34:22.500 Amen.