WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.379 Well, let's turn in our Bibles to Psalm 126. 00:00:08.179 --> 00:00:11.460 Psalm 126. 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:29.219 So I wish you a joy-filled coming year. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.660 A joy-filled coming year. 00:00:31.920 --> 00:00:34.740 Is it possible that we could be joy-filled? 00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:38.500 Well, yes, we can. 00:00:39.460 --> 00:00:44.640 We're going to find out how as we read Psalm 126. 00:00:46.659 --> 00:00:48.120 Let's read together. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:57.140 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 00:00:57.140 --> 00:01:04.780 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:11.060 Then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. 00:01:12.019 --> 00:01:14.879 The Lord has done great things for us. 00:01:14.879 --> 00:01:19.299 And we are filled with joy. 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:26.479 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 00:01:27.659 --> 00:01:32.700 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:45.480 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. 00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:49.340 Short psalm, but a great psalm. 00:01:49.420 --> 00:01:53.340 Let's pray and ask for God's help as we look at this together. 00:01:53.439 --> 00:01:53.960 Let's pray. 00:01:53.959 --> 00:02:03.319 Father, thank you that you are present with us. 00:02:05.019 --> 00:02:11.840 We cannot see you physically, but you are here by your Holy Spirit. 00:02:13.459 --> 00:02:17.780 And you are here through your word as we look at it together. 00:02:17.780 --> 00:02:28.120 Father, and we pray that by your Spirit you would take your word and speak into our lives today. 00:02:30.180 --> 00:02:37.520 Restore our fortunes so that we are filled with joy. 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:40.180 That's our prayer. 00:02:41.319 --> 00:02:43.159 And we ask that you will do it. 00:02:44.620 --> 00:02:45.099 Amen. 00:02:45.099 --> 00:02:45.240 Amen. 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:53.800 Well, have any of you ever seen The Repair Shop? 00:02:55.020 --> 00:02:56.039 Any of you seen that? 00:02:56.300 --> 00:03:02.280 It's a program on TV where people bring in their broken items to get repaired. 00:03:02.420 --> 00:03:07.180 It could be a chair, it could be a record player, a toy or a game. 00:03:07.699 --> 00:03:12.240 Something that has great emotional value to the person. 00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:21.300 And at the beginning of the program, we see the guests bring their broken item, a watch or whatever it is that belonged to their great, great, great, great grandmother. 00:03:22.040 --> 00:03:28.840 And by the end of the program, they receive the fully repaired and restored item. 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:35.460 And the response of the guest is always one of wonder and delight. 00:03:35.460 --> 00:03:49.659 As their repaired item is revealed to them, as the cover is pulled away, they are stunned and amazed that something broken could be restored. 00:03:49.659 --> 00:03:54.280 There are tears of joy. 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:59.359 Well, wonderfully, God is in the business of restoration. 00:04:00.180 --> 00:04:03.859 And it always leads to songs of joy. 00:04:05.159 --> 00:04:06.919 Look at verse 1 with me. 00:04:06.919 --> 00:04:11.639 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion. 00:04:12.419 --> 00:04:13.139 Verse 2. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:16.959 We were filled with songs of joy. 00:04:18.259 --> 00:04:19.339 Verse 4. 00:04:20.039 --> 00:04:22.459 Restore our fortunes. 00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:24.699 Verse 5. 00:04:25.659 --> 00:04:29.199 And there will be songs of joy. 00:04:30.779 --> 00:04:34.039 You see, this is what God is doing for us. 00:04:34.040 --> 00:04:39.840 He restores broken lives and fills us with songs of joy. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:47.160 And this ultimately happens through the gospel, the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:48.100 --> 00:04:58.020 So as we venture into Psalm 126, we do so at the end of one year and facing into another year. 00:04:58.019 --> 00:05:05.159 So what we're going to do is we're going to look back with joy at God's restoration. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:12.099 And we're going to look forward in joy with God's restoration. 00:05:12.279 --> 00:05:15.899 A looking back and a looking forward. 00:05:16.859 --> 00:05:21.759 So first of all, let's look back with joy. 00:05:21.759 --> 00:05:23.680 Verse 2. 00:05:25.060 --> 00:05:31.099 Our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy. 00:05:32.099 --> 00:05:35.459 Imagine a room full of laughter and joy. 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:36.219 Why? 00:05:37.259 --> 00:05:39.579 What's the cause here of such delight? 00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:41.839 Well, we know, don't we? 00:05:41.899 --> 00:05:42.740 Look at verse 1. 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:48.319 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion. 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:51.399 This is taking us back. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:58.259 God's people are looking back to the salvation that God did in their lives. 00:05:58.360 --> 00:06:02.480 It could be when God rescued his people from Egypt. 00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:07.860 Or it could be when God returned his people from exile. 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:14.100 The slavery in Egypt, the separation in exile, were both desperate situations. 00:06:14.100 --> 00:06:16.280 It seemed utterly hopeless and dark. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:19.960 But yet God intervened and restored them. 00:06:20.400 --> 00:06:21.140 End of verse 1. 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:24.060 We were like those who dreamed. 00:06:25.180 --> 00:06:29.320 The restoration that God brought about was only a distant thought. 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:32.980 But amazingly, it became a reality. 00:06:34.340 --> 00:06:37.100 You see, this is the kind of God we have. 00:06:37.400 --> 00:06:40.100 He's a restoring God. 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:44.879 Have a look back with me to Psalm 107. 00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:47.520 It's where we started this morning. 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:48.939 Psalm 107. 00:06:50.460 --> 00:06:56.300 This psalm is a collection of stories of how God restores. 00:06:56.920 --> 00:06:59.560 How God intervenes and saves. 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.200 So look at verse 2. 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:09.039 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. 00:07:10.099 --> 00:07:11.860 Well, what is their story? 00:07:12.579 --> 00:07:13.560 Well, let's have a look. 00:07:13.659 --> 00:07:14.259 Verse 4. 00:07:15.620 --> 00:07:21.459 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. 00:07:22.459 --> 00:07:23.219 Verse 6. 00:07:23.779 --> 00:07:30.419 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:33.259 Or look at verse 10. 00:07:34.920 --> 00:07:41.379 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains. 00:07:42.259 --> 00:07:43.460 Verse 13. 00:07:44.340 --> 00:07:49.759 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 00:07:51.400 --> 00:07:52.980 Or verse 17. 00:07:52.980 --> 00:08:00.580 Some became fools through their rebellious ways, and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. 00:08:03.080 --> 00:08:04.340 Verse 19. 00:08:05.300 --> 00:08:14.120 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and yes, he saved them from their distress. 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:18.259 You see, God is a restoring God. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:21.660 He saves, he rescues his people. 00:08:21.660 --> 00:08:25.660 Well, let's go back to Psalm 126. 00:08:25.660 --> 00:08:35.320 Now, the point of all these restoration stories is, this is God's work. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:38.080 God has intervened. 00:08:38.500 --> 00:08:43.899 His acts of salvation have been clearly seen, and it's evident by the nations. 00:08:44.040 --> 00:08:45.160 Look at the end of verse 2. 00:08:45.560 --> 00:08:48.860 It was said among the nations, as they looked on at what God has done. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:52.700 The Lord has done great things for them, for his people. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:09:01.279 And the people themselves, well, they could say in verse 3, the Lord has done great things for us. 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:07.039 You see, salvation is always a work of God. 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:12.120 It's not 50-50, you do your bit, and God will make up the rest. 00:09:12.120 --> 00:09:14.939 No, it's always 100% God. 00:09:15.939 --> 00:09:22.220 It is salvation is an intervention by God when we're no longer longing or desiring. 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:28.220 It's a God initiative when we have no means or no ability within ourselves. 00:09:28.680 --> 00:09:33.060 God restores and God acts. 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:40.920 Now, God's acts of salvation, as we've seen, have been many and varied. 00:09:41.560 --> 00:09:49.700 But the point of all of these stories throughout the Old Testament is to point us to Christ, who ultimately saves. 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:52.379 One writer put it like this. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:59.060 The Bible is not a series of disconnected stories. 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:11.300 It is a single narrative in which every story, every character, and every act points beyond itself to one who is greater. 00:10:12.900 --> 00:10:14.900 That is, Jesus Christ. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:27.679 So the story of God rescuing his people from slavery in Egypt points us to Jesus, who has come to rescue us from a greater slavery, or slavery to sin. 00:10:28.679 --> 00:10:39.399 The account of God returning his people who are in exile back to their own land points us to Jesus, who brings us back into relationship with him, 00:10:39.699 --> 00:10:43.139 and into a kingdom that will last forever and ever. 00:10:43.139 --> 00:11:13.120 The restoration that God's people who are in exile back to their own land points us to Jesus. 00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:18.320 I want us to encourage us to look back with joy. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:21.600 Here's two ways we can do this. 00:11:22.419 --> 00:11:23.539 Here's the first one. 00:11:25.100 --> 00:11:28.860 Remembering our big salvation story. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:32.539 So retell the story to yourself. 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:45.159 If you are a Christian here this morning, look back to that time in life when God intervened into the mess and brokenness of your life and restored you. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:47.360 Do you remember it? 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:55.060 How he forgave you of all your sin, past, present, and future, never to hold it against you? 00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:58.739 Do you remember how he loved you? 00:11:58.739 --> 00:12:04.739 Do you remember how he loved you and embraced you and welcomed you as a son and daughter into his family? 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:13.080 Look back and remember the moment you realized Jesus is my saviour. 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:20.360 Be filled with joy at the big salvation story. 00:12:20.960 --> 00:12:27.040 But also remember and look back to the smaller stories of salvation. 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:35.259 You see, while we may have a big story of being saved by Jesus, there are many mini stories too, aren't there? 00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:38.659 Like the stories we read in Psalm 107. 00:12:39.059 --> 00:12:46.579 Maybe you were wandering in that desert-like wasteland, empty, unfulfilled. 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:52.300 Or perhaps you were like that person who was in deep darkness. 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:55.139 No hope, no light. 00:12:56.460 --> 00:13:03.660 Or maybe it was just through our plain old foolish sinful self and we found ourselves lost and broken. 00:13:04.800 --> 00:13:11.100 But whatever experience we have been through, God remained faithful to you. 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:17.159 He heard your cry of trouble and in your distress, he saved you. 00:13:18.019 --> 00:13:19.779 He restored your life. 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:26.420 You see, when God saves you, he will keep you. 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:32.879 He is the faithful, loyal, and steadfast God. 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:39.259 So look back with joy in what God has done for you. 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:44.159 Now maybe you're here this morning, but you're thinking, 00:13:44.539 --> 00:13:48.460 well, I don't have a salvation story. 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:51.840 I haven't experienced that. 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:53.879 Well, you know what? 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:57.740 You can, right here, right now, 00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:02.819 by simply trusting Jesus with your life, 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:05.840 you can be restored to God. 00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:10.759 He will give you a new beginning and a fresh start. 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:14.259 He will walk with you in your times of trials. 00:14:14.820 --> 00:14:17.759 He will be with you in your seasons of struggle. 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:21.060 Those that God saves, he will keep. 00:14:21.160 --> 00:14:23.100 He will never, ever let you go. 00:14:24.040 --> 00:14:26.519 No matter your sin, your suffering, or Satan, 00:14:27.100 --> 00:14:28.820 he will hold you. 00:14:28.820 --> 00:14:34.379 And so you too can say these words in verse 3. 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:39.140 The Lord has done great things for me. 00:14:40.660 --> 00:14:43.820 And I am filled with joy. 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:48.340 So can we look back together? 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.760 Look back in the past, 00:14:52.820 --> 00:14:55.000 at the big salvation story, 00:14:55.940 --> 00:15:01.080 and all the many little ways God has been keeping you in your life. 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:04.500 Second, 00:15:05.220 --> 00:15:10.280 looking down without joy. 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:16.199 You see, we may be and have experienced joy in the past, 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:20.379 but that's not how I would describe my life today. 00:15:21.659 --> 00:15:22.639 Perhaps you're thinking, 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:25.220 when I look at my life at this very moment, 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:27.740 it's joyless. 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:32.839 Because that seems to be the experience of the writer. 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:37.240 Something is happening between verses 3 and 4. 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.759 We're not told, 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:41.420 but it's clear, isn't it? 00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:44.580 Because verse 3 ends with joy, doesn't it? 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:46.019 We're filled with joy. 00:15:47.379 --> 00:15:48.879 But then verse 4, 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:50.560 there's an absence of joy. 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:52.080 All is not right. 00:15:52.540 --> 00:15:54.379 He's having to cry out again, 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:55.040 verse 4, 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:57.759 Restore our fortunes, Lord. 00:15:58.920 --> 00:16:00.639 It's like the joy is gone. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:04.799 In fact, as we read on in the remaining verses, 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:07.819 there's tears and weeping. 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:10.819 Their life is like a farmer 00:16:10.819 --> 00:16:13.639 who's longing and waiting for a turn of fortunes. 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:15.319 He's sowing in tears, 00:16:15.799 --> 00:16:16.939 going out weeping. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:19.340 They're doing the right things, 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:22.039 but nothing seems to be changing. 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:26.240 Isn't that how life can feel? 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:30.879 Maybe that's where you are right now, 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:31.600 today. 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:35.340 You've trusted God in the past. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:37.779 You've been serving God. 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.899 You've been faithful. 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:42.820 But the past was great. 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:45.460 But today, 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:47.740 this week, 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.659 this year, 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:52.279 it's been hard. 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:54.419 It's tough. 00:16:55.699 --> 00:16:58.639 And there are no songs of joy. 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:00.559 You see, 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:02.100 we live in a broken world, 00:17:02.179 --> 00:17:02.659 don't we? 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:04.139 And some days, 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:05.339 that brokenness 00:17:05.339 --> 00:17:06.899 is all too real. 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:09.599 A loved one dies. 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.960 A relationship breaks. 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:14.639 A friend lets you down. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:18.859 You receive that unwanted diagnosis 00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:19.779 from the doctor. 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:23.379 Your plans for the future 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.799 are all shattered. 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:27.139 You fail 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:28.779 and you fall again. 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:30.879 Today, 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:33.619 there are no songs of joy. 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.339 Today, 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:37.240 it's tears 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:38.899 and weeping. 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:41.899 Is that it? 00:17:43.059 --> 00:17:44.519 Is that the life 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:46.099 that I am to expect? 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:48.960 The past was great. 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:51.339 But today, 00:17:52.440 --> 00:17:55.039 what's going to happen? 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:55.819 Is this it? 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:57.559 Well, 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.180 the answer 00:17:58.180 --> 00:18:00.539 is both a yes 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:02.079 and a no. 00:18:02.920 --> 00:18:04.500 There will be tears 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:06.879 and there will be joy. 00:18:08.879 --> 00:18:09.559 Third, 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.680 looking forward 00:18:10.680 --> 00:18:11.599 with joy. 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:12.899 You see, 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:14.220 amidst the suffering 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.039 and the pain, 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:16.759 there is a promise, 00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:17.339 isn't there? 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:19.799 Look at verses 5 and 6. 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:21.799 The people will 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:24.240 reap with songs of joy. 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.519 They will, 00:18:26.679 --> 00:18:27.259 verse 6, 00:18:27.659 --> 00:18:28.559 return 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:30.339 with songs of joy. 00:18:31.259 --> 00:18:31.699 How? 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:32.439 Where, 00:18:32.539 --> 00:18:34.019 where does all this joy 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.759 come from? 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:36.319 Well, 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:37.279 verse 4 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:38.899 gives us the answer. 00:18:41.099 --> 00:18:42.319 It's a prayer. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:44.720 Unless, 00:18:44.939 --> 00:18:45.220 sorry, 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:45.819 verse 4, 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:48.220 restore our fortunes, 00:18:48.360 --> 00:18:48.620 Lord, 00:18:49.440 --> 00:18:50.380 like streams 00:18:50.380 --> 00:18:51.319 in the Negev. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.660 They're praying 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:54.400 to God. 00:18:55.160 --> 00:18:56.660 Having looked back 00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:57.440 at how God 00:18:57.440 --> 00:18:58.140 had restored 00:18:58.140 --> 00:18:58.900 in the past, 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.220 the people are now 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.500 crying out to God 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:02.860 to intervene again 00:19:02.860 --> 00:19:03.920 and bring 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:04.960 his salvation. 00:19:05.380 --> 00:19:06.420 Just as you 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:07.220 restored us 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:08.039 in the past, 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.880 restore us again 00:19:09.880 --> 00:19:10.819 today 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:13.279 like streams 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:14.960 in the Negev. 00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:17.000 Well, 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.779 what's the Negev? 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.759 I've never been there. 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:19.539 Well, 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:20.940 the Negev 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:22.279 was a dry wilderness, 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.019 barren 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:25.720 and desert-like. 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:27.319 No life, 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:28.879 no growth. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.500 However, 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:31.779 heavy rains 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:33.200 in the distant mountains 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:35.139 would cause 00:19:35.139 --> 00:19:36.160 flash flooding 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:37.599 on the barren 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.639 plains below. 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:41.180 Dry riverbeds 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.960 would suddenly 00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:43.080 become full 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:45.080 and an overflowing river. 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:46.740 Overnight, 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:48.240 dormant seeds 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.539 are nourished 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:50.480 and within 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:52.180 24 hours, 00:19:52.660 --> 00:19:53.820 lush green plants 00:19:53.820 --> 00:19:54.580 and flowers 00:19:54.580 --> 00:19:55.440 sprout up 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.060 all along 00:19:56.060 --> 00:19:56.820 the river course. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:58.060 And you can watch this 00:19:58.060 --> 00:19:58.560 on YouTube, 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.180 by the way. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.880 Go and look it up. 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.420 Not now, 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:00.980 later. 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.860 What was barren 00:20:02.860 --> 00:20:03.900 has now 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:04.180 automatically, 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:05.660 instantly 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.180 been filled 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.539 with life 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.519 as the river 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.180 comes cascading 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:10.180 through. 00:20:10.460 --> 00:20:11.380 It's restored. 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.940 It's like a new 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:14.039 creation. 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.180 Well, 00:20:16.220 --> 00:20:17.240 just as the rivers 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.299 flow and bring 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:18.740 life, 00:20:19.100 --> 00:20:20.220 so the cry 00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:21.360 goes up to God 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:22.160 once again 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:22.900 to bring 00:20:22.900 --> 00:20:23.720 restoration, 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.880 to bring 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.779 his salvation. 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:27.680 Ultimately, 00:20:27.820 --> 00:20:28.560 it's a prayer 00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:30.220 for God's people 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:31.620 as we live 00:20:31.620 --> 00:20:32.740 in a broken 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.759 world. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:36.000 We long 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.820 for God 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:37.339 to come 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:37.819 again 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.639 and to 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.220 restore 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:40.419 our fortunes. 00:20:40.419 --> 00:20:41.720 We long 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.460 for the day 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.179 when God 00:20:43.179 --> 00:20:44.019 will burst 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.079 forth like 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:45.700 a mighty 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:46.119 river, 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.359 bringing life 00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:48.240 in all its 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:49.500 glorious abundance. 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:52.159 We long 00:20:52.159 --> 00:20:53.319 for the tears 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:55.119 to be replaced 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:55.960 with laughter, 00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:58.000 the sound 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:58.720 of weeping 00:20:58.720 --> 00:21:00.679 with songs 00:21:00.679 --> 00:21:01.339 of joy. 00:21:01.339 --> 00:21:05.779 Restore 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.740 our fortunes, 00:21:06.879 --> 00:21:07.119 Lord, 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:09.579 like streams 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:10.659 in the 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.299 Negev. 00:21:13.919 --> 00:21:14.480 Well, 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:15.279 there is 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:16.720 a promised 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:17.159 joy, 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:17.819 isn't there? 00:21:19.599 --> 00:21:20.500 Through the 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.339 blur of our 00:21:21.339 --> 00:21:21.980 tears 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:23.459 and through 00:21:23.459 --> 00:21:24.079 the pain 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:24.439 of our 00:21:24.439 --> 00:21:24.879 weeping, 00:21:25.559 --> 00:21:26.559 let's not 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.339 lose sight 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.059 of God's 00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:28.599 promise. 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:29.759 Look at 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.480 verse 5. 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:32.480 Those who 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.259 sow with 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:33.899 tears 00:21:33.899 --> 00:21:35.539 will 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:36.500 reap 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:37.399 with songs 00:21:37.399 --> 00:21:37.980 of joy. 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:39.759 Those who 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.319 go out 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.839 weeping, 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.399 carrying 00:21:41.399 --> 00:21:42.240 seed to 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:42.579 sow, 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:43.919 will 00:21:43.919 --> 00:21:44.579 return 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.259 with songs 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:45.879 of joy, 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:47.259 carrying 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:47.879 sheaves 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:48.419 with them. 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:50.419 Here 00:21:50.419 --> 00:21:51.000 is the 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.579 promise 00:21:51.579 --> 00:21:53.019 of God's 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.579 full 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:55.000 and complete 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:55.740 salvation, 00:21:56.699 --> 00:21:57.839 the ultimate 00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.519 restoration 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.000 we 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.339 long 00:21:59.339 --> 00:21:59.680 for. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:00.220 It 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:00.500 will be 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:00.879 like 00:22:00.879 --> 00:22:01.859 harvest 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.359 time, 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:03.519 where 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.039 everything 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:04.400 is 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:04.940 ripe 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.819 and full 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:06.579 and there's 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:07.359 fruitfulness. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.019 It's 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.700 then that 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.759 all sorrow 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.460 will cease 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.279 and there 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:12.839 will be 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:13.759 songs of 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.160 joy 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:15.299 forevermore. 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.279 How can 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.900 we be so 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:19.579 sure of 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:19.920 this? 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:22.160 Well, 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:24.200 come with 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:24.960 me please 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:25.720 to John's 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:26.140 Gospel. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:28.940 You can 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:29.319 keep your 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:29.980 finger in 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.559 one, 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:30.799 two, 00:22:30.920 --> 00:22:31.279 six, 00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:32.840 and we'll 00:22:32.840 --> 00:22:33.240 go to 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:33.759 John's 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.360 Gospel in 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:34.660 the New 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:35.019 Testament, 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:35.440 Matthew, 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:35.799 Mark, 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:36.120 Luke, 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:36.579 John. 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:40.980 John 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:41.420 chapter 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:42.220 16. 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:54.160 Here 00:22:54.160 --> 00:22:55.039 Jesus is 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.920 speaking with 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:56.140 his 00:22:56.140 --> 00:22:56.799 disciples 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:58.140 about 00:22:58.140 --> 00:22:58.460 his 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:59.059 soon 00:22:59.059 --> 00:22:59.860 death 00:22:59.860 --> 00:23:00.500 to come 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:02.400 and his 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:03.200 resurrection 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:03.720 that will 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.420 take place 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:04.880 after. 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:11.240 And with 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:11.440 his 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:12.340 disciples he 00:23:12.340 --> 00:23:13.140 speaks these 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.480 words starting 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:14.940 in verse 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:15.480 20. 00:23:19.880 --> 00:23:20.600 Very 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:21.320 truly I 00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:21.920 tell you, 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.160 you will 00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:24.120 weep and 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:25.720 mourn while 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.160 the world 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:26.980 rejoices. 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:28.759 You will 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.420 grieve, 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.380 but your 00:23:31.380 --> 00:23:33.180 grief will 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:33.759 turn to 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.180 joy. 00:23:35.340 --> 00:23:35.940 A woman 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:36.680 giving birth 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:37.440 to a child 00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:38.180 has pain 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:39.320 because her 00:23:39.320 --> 00:23:39.940 time has 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:40.360 come. 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:41.719 but when 00:23:41.719 --> 00:23:42.240 her baby 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:42.799 is born 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.919 she forgets 00:23:43.919 --> 00:23:44.719 the anguish 00:23:44.719 --> 00:23:46.119 because of 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:46.759 her joy 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.199 that a 00:23:47.199 --> 00:23:47.799 child is 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:48.439 born into 00:23:48.439 --> 00:23:48.959 the world. 00:23:50.459 --> 00:23:51.179 So with 00:23:51.179 --> 00:23:51.559 you, 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.599 now is 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:54.159 your time 00:23:54.159 --> 00:23:54.879 of grief, 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:57.500 but I 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.399 will see 00:23:58.399 --> 00:23:59.019 you again 00:23:59.019 --> 00:24:00.599 and you 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.579 will rejoice 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:02.879 and no 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:03.319 one will 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:03.939 take away 00:24:03.939 --> 00:24:04.619 your joy. 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:09.259 Jesus' promise 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:09.939 here is 00:24:09.939 --> 00:24:10.539 not just 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:10.899 for the 00:24:10.899 --> 00:24:11.439 disciples 00:24:11.439 --> 00:24:12.159 but for 00:24:12.159 --> 00:24:12.919 all his 00:24:12.919 --> 00:24:13.539 people who 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:14.179 trust him. 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:15.839 You see, 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:17.059 through the 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:17.599 death of 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.139 Jesus, 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:19.839 our 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.319 rebellion 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:21.119 was dealt 00:24:21.119 --> 00:24:22.939 with and 00:24:22.939 --> 00:24:23.319 there was 00:24:23.319 --> 00:24:24.139 the joy 00:24:24.139 --> 00:24:24.500 of the 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:24.959 forgiveness 00:24:24.959 --> 00:24:25.659 of all 00:24:25.659 --> 00:24:26.000 of our 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.299 sin. 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.299 But more 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:28.719 than that, 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.179 through the 00:24:29.179 --> 00:24:30.119 resurrection of 00:24:30.119 --> 00:24:30.479 Jesus, 00:24:30.979 --> 00:24:31.979 death is 00:24:31.979 --> 00:24:33.079 defeated once 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:33.480 and for 00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:34.319 all and 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:34.740 there is 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.599 the joy 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.779 of eternal 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.299 life. 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.379 But above 00:24:39.379 --> 00:24:39.859 all of 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:40.500 these things, 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.460 one day 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.000 the risen 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:42.960 Jesus will 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:44.099 return and 00:24:44.099 --> 00:24:44.579 he will 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.759 end all 00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:47.740 grief and 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.139 he will 00:24:48.139 --> 00:24:48.960 wipe away 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.919 your every 00:24:49.919 --> 00:24:52.259 tear and 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.099 fill your 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:54.439 hearts with 00:24:54.439 --> 00:24:54.879 joy. 00:24:56.500 --> 00:24:57.179 Look at 00:24:57.179 --> 00:24:57.879 verse 22 00:24:57.879 --> 00:24:58.359 again. 00:24:59.339 --> 00:25:00.220 So with 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:00.619 you, 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.419 now is 00:25:02.419 --> 00:25:02.939 your time 00:25:02.940 --> 00:25:03.580 of grief, 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.580 but I 00:25:05.580 --> 00:25:06.259 will see 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:06.860 you again 00:25:06.860 --> 00:25:09.240 and you 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:10.000 will rejoice 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:12.120 and no 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:13.460 one will 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:14.059 take away 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.660 your joy. 00:25:19.120 --> 00:25:19.860 Let's go 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:20.400 back to 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:22.080 Psalm 126. 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:31.259 So there 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:31.639 is the 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:32.119 promised 00:25:32.119 --> 00:25:33.279 joy. 00:25:35.139 --> 00:25:35.519 And in 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:36.240 the meantime, 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:38.059 there's 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:38.519 patient 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.019 waiting, 00:25:39.179 --> 00:25:39.319 isn't 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:39.559 there? 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.879 Jesus is 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:42.460 coming, 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.659 hallelujah. 00:25:43.659 --> 00:25:45.960 But what 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.819 about now? 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:48.799 What do we 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:49.699 do today as 00:25:49.699 --> 00:25:50.339 we wait? 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:52.819 well, we 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.240 have the 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:53.720 joy of 00:25:53.720 --> 00:25:54.139 forgiveness, 00:25:54.379 --> 00:25:54.859 the joy 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:55.139 of a 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:55.599 relationship 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:56.359 with God, 00:25:56.959 --> 00:25:57.559 the joy 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:57.859 of an 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:58.259 eternal 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:58.959 future to 00:25:58.959 --> 00:25:59.119 come, 00:25:59.179 --> 00:25:59.740 the joy 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:00.220 of one 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:00.879 another here 00:26:00.879 --> 00:26:01.399 today. 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:02.839 And 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.539 together we 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.000 get on 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.359 with the 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:05.099 task of 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:06.079 sharing this 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:07.459 gospel hope 00:26:07.459 --> 00:26:08.359 with a 00:26:08.359 --> 00:26:08.779 broken 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.879 world. 00:26:11.159 --> 00:26:11.819 Look at 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:12.519 verse 5. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:15.039 the 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:15.639 picture is 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:16.339 agricultural. 00:26:17.700 --> 00:26:18.279 The farmer 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:19.039 goes out 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.940 to sow 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:20.680 his seed, 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:22.460 carrying 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.359 his seed, 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:24.879 and is 00:26:24.879 --> 00:26:25.500 patiently 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.480 waiting. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.639 Sometimes, 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:29.960 well, 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.639 sometimes the 00:26:30.639 --> 00:26:31.180 crop can 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:31.539 fail. 00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:33.779 Maybe it 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.680 gets diseased, 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.440 perhaps there's 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.039 no rain. 00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:37.180 The work is 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:37.660 repeated, 00:26:38.139 --> 00:26:38.660 and so the 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:39.279 farmer must 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:39.879 go again, 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.059 more sowing, 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:42.379 more carrying, 00:26:42.899 --> 00:26:43.200 longing, 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.139 waiting. 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:45.679 Through the 00:26:45.679 --> 00:26:46.319 tears, 00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:47.019 and through 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:47.740 the weeping, 00:26:48.119 --> 00:26:48.619 he goes 00:26:48.619 --> 00:26:49.200 again, 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.099 and again. 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:53.059 It's a 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:53.519 picture of 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:54.059 the church, 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:54.659 isn't it? 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:56.399 As we get 00:26:56.399 --> 00:26:56.940 on with the 00:26:56.940 --> 00:26:57.559 task of 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:58.240 sharing the 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:59.139 gospel hope, 00:27:00.159 --> 00:27:01.679 we faithfully 00:27:01.679 --> 00:27:03.179 sow the 00:27:03.179 --> 00:27:03.639 seed. 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.460 We share 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:06.220 the gospel 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:07.159 story of 00:27:07.159 --> 00:27:07.679 God's 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.179 restoration, 00:27:08.899 --> 00:27:09.179 and we 00:27:09.179 --> 00:27:10.419 pray for 00:27:10.419 --> 00:27:10.980 God to 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:11.519 act, 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:12.400 that he 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:12.940 would come 00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:13.460 like a 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.120 mighty 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:14.740 river, 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.039 longing, 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.839 and waiting, 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.079 tears, 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.799 and weeping. 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.079 You pray 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:25.500 for a 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:25.839 friend, 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:28.120 months and 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:29.019 years pass 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:29.440 by. 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.539 You serve 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:31.860 in the 00:27:31.860 --> 00:27:32.460 ministry of 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.019 a church 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.059 every week, 00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:35.220 every term, 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.400 but for 00:27:37.400 --> 00:27:38.140 all the 00:27:38.140 --> 00:27:39.099 hard work, 00:27:39.099 --> 00:27:41.819 there comes 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.439 at times 00:27:42.439 --> 00:27:43.279 disappointment, 00:27:45.959 --> 00:27:46.519 rejection, 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:48.839 loneliness. 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:51.279 We sow 00:27:51.279 --> 00:27:52.179 with tears, 00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:54.119 we go out 00:27:54.119 --> 00:27:54.599 weeping, 00:27:54.719 --> 00:27:55.639 we long for 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:56.339 the barren 00:27:56.339 --> 00:27:57.379 wastelands to 00:27:57.379 --> 00:27:58.379 be filled with 00:27:58.379 --> 00:27:58.899 life. 00:28:00.159 --> 00:28:00.879 Well, 00:28:00.959 --> 00:28:01.559 one day, 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:04.299 the longing 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:04.960 and the 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:06.220 waiting will 00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:06.799 be over. 00:28:08.359 --> 00:28:08.799 Look at 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:09.539 verse 5. 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.819 Those who 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:14.379 sow with 00:28:14.379 --> 00:28:14.879 tears 00:28:14.879 --> 00:28:16.519 will reap 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.099 with songs 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:17.740 of joy. 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:20.019 Those who 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.500 go out 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.000 weeping, 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:22.039 carrying seed 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.579 to sow, 00:28:23.879 --> 00:28:24.579 will return 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.379 with songs 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:26.099 of joy, 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:27.299 carrying sheaves 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:27.879 with them. 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:30.140 one day 00:28:30.140 --> 00:28:30.620 the Lord 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.400 will return 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:32.760 and as 00:28:32.760 --> 00:28:33.460 he gathers 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.700 all God's 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.140 people, 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:36.920 on that 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:37.720 great day 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:39.060 we will 00:28:39.060 --> 00:28:39.800 see the 00:28:39.800 --> 00:28:40.380 harvest 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.860 in all 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.460 its fullness, 00:28:43.520 --> 00:28:44.260 more than 00:28:44.260 --> 00:28:44.660 we could 00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.800 ever expect 00:28:45.800 --> 00:28:46.980 or imagine. 00:28:48.060 --> 00:28:48.600 And we 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:49.560 will celebrate 00:28:49.560 --> 00:28:50.200 God's 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:50.800 restoration. 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:51.980 Tears 00:28:51.980 --> 00:28:53.580 and weeping 00:28:53.580 --> 00:28:55.220 will become 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:56.440 songs 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.580 of joy. 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.400 And so 00:29:01.400 --> 00:29:01.759 as we 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:02.220 sit 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:02.680 between 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.420 the end 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:03.880 of one 00:29:03.880 --> 00:29:04.240 year 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:05.860 and the 00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:06.259 start 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:06.559 of a 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:06.759 new 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.120 year, 00:29:08.360 --> 00:29:08.880 as we 00:29:08.880 --> 00:29:09.340 face 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.860 today 00:29:09.860 --> 00:29:10.539 with all 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:10.779 its 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.340 struggles 00:29:11.340 --> 00:29:11.920 and all 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.140 its 00:29:12.140 --> 00:29:12.600 pressures, 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:15.880 I invite 00:29:15.880 --> 00:29:16.440 us all 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:18.299 to look 00:29:18.299 --> 00:29:18.880 back 00:29:18.880 --> 00:29:20.039 on 2023 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.960 and rejoice 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:23.480 in God's 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.000 salvation 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.660 in your 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:25.220 life and 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:25.640 how he 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:26.299 has saved 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:27.099 you and 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:27.480 how he 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:27.980 has kept 00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:28.259 you. 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:30.539 He has 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:31.259 been faithful 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:33.299 and I 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:33.659 want us 00:29:33.659 --> 00:29:34.039 to look 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:34.759 forward to 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:36.079 2024 00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:38.379 and rejoice 00:29:38.379 --> 00:29:38.980 in what 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:39.899 God is 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:40.399 doing. 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:42.099 The numbers 00:29:42.099 --> 00:29:42.599 may be 00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:43.419 small in 00:29:43.419 --> 00:29:43.879 those who 00:29:43.879 --> 00:29:44.460 respond, 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.460 but God 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.039 is doing 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.700 his work 00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:47.480 and we 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.599 look forward 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:50.759 to the 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.139 ultimate 00:29:51.139 --> 00:29:51.579 day 00:29:51.579 --> 00:29:54.059 when we 00:29:54.059 --> 00:29:54.680 will carry 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:55.680 in sheaves 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:56.160 many 00:29:56.160 --> 00:29:56.660 people. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:00.600 Together, 00:30:01.080 --> 00:30:01.900 today we 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:02.440 pray, 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:03.600 we 00:30:03.600 --> 00:30:04.080 sow 00:30:04.080 --> 00:30:05.480 and we 00:30:05.480 --> 00:30:05.920 wait. 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:07.680 Joy 00:30:07.680 --> 00:30:08.580 is 00:30:08.580 --> 00:30:09.440 coming. 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:12.740 Let's 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:13.039 pray. 00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:30.460 Father, 00:30:30.619 --> 00:30:31.180 thank you. 00:30:33.119 --> 00:30:33.819 Thank you 00:30:33.819 --> 00:30:34.759 for intervening 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:35.259 into our 00:30:35.259 --> 00:30:35.639 life. 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:38.119 Thank you 00:30:38.119 --> 00:30:38.940 for rescuing 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:39.399 us, 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:41.639 restoring us 00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:42.200 and saving 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.680 us, 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:44.680 for the 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:45.259 joy of 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:45.820 salvation 00:30:45.820 --> 00:30:46.380 today. 00:30:48.080 --> 00:30:48.820 Thank you 00:30:48.820 --> 00:30:49.160 for the 00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:49.440 many, 00:30:49.660 --> 00:30:50.200 many times 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:50.620 you have 00:30:50.620 --> 00:30:51.240 intervened 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:51.560 in our 00:30:51.560 --> 00:30:51.960 life, 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:54.000 how you 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.700 keep us, 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:56.240 how you 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:56.880 are faithful, 00:30:56.880 --> 00:31:00.400 and help 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:01.080 us now 00:31:01.080 --> 00:31:02.020 together as 00:31:02.020 --> 00:31:02.560 your people, 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.020 as your 00:31:03.020 --> 00:31:03.420 church, 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:03.780 as we 00:31:03.780 --> 00:31:04.420 go forward 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:04.780 to a 00:31:04.780 --> 00:31:05.280 new year, 00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:07.720 to trust 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.440 your great 00:31:08.440 --> 00:31:08.960 promises, 00:31:10.160 --> 00:31:12.220 that you 00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:12.840 will do 00:31:12.840 --> 00:31:13.600 your work 00:31:13.600 --> 00:31:14.100 as we 00:31:14.100 --> 00:31:14.420 sow. 00:31:16.520 --> 00:31:17.320 Help us 00:31:17.320 --> 00:31:17.980 never to 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:19.900 tire from 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:20.400 doing the 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:21.080 gospel work 00:31:21.080 --> 00:31:21.420 that you 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:21.840 have called 00:31:21.840 --> 00:31:22.300 us to, 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:23.840 in the 00:31:23.840 --> 00:31:24.920 glorious hope 00:31:24.920 --> 00:31:25.600 and knowledge, 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.539 that we 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:28.500 will reap 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.340 with songs 00:31:29.340 --> 00:31:29.920 of joy, 00:31:30.560 --> 00:31:31.980 we will 00:31:31.980 --> 00:31:32.640 see a 00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:33.700 harvest to 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:34.000 come. 00:31:35.620 --> 00:31:36.480 So bless 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:36.740 us, 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:37.120 Father, 00:31:38.620 --> 00:31:39.300 do your 00:31:39.300 --> 00:31:39.960 work amongst 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:40.440 us, 00:31:41.660 --> 00:31:42.440 and we 00:31:42.440 --> 00:31:43.019 ask this 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:43.640 for your 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:44.120 glory, 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.420 and the 00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:45.880 fame of 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:46.440 your name. 00:31:47.800 --> 00:31:48.200 Amen. 00:31:54.920 --> 00:31:56.160 Well, 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.380 we're going 00:31:56.380 --> 00:31:56.840 to sing, 00:31:58.340 --> 00:31:59.039 sing a 00:31:59.039 --> 00:31:59.660 song of 00:31:59.660 --> 00:32:00.279 joy. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:02.480 What is 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:03.019 our hope 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:03.560 in life 00:32:03.560 --> 00:32:04.000 and death? 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:04.440 Yes, 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:05.740 it's true, 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:06.200 we do 00:32:06.200 --> 00:32:07.140 have an 00:32:07.140 --> 00:32:07.800 eternal 00:32:07.800 --> 00:32:08.259 hope.