WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.080 I would like you to turn in your Bibles this morning to the passage that will frame, at least start our study. 00:00:18.080 --> 00:00:28.820 ! And after we look at this passage just for a moment, we're going to go to the Isaiah text that will dominate the remainder of our time together. 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:36.859 Turn in your Bibles, if you would, to Luke chapter 24. Luke chapter 24. 00:00:39.159 --> 00:00:45.760 Beginning there in verse 13, let me read the passage to you. You follow along in your own copy, if you would, please. 00:00:46.480 --> 00:00:53.340 That very day, verse 13, two of them were going to the village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:58.580 And they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 00:00:59.380 --> 00:01:07.960 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 00:01:08.659 --> 00:01:13.379 And he said to them, what is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk? 00:01:13.379 --> 00:01:16.899 And they stood still, looking sad. 00:01:17.780 --> 00:01:26.239 Then one of them named Cleopas answered him, are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened here these days? 00:01:27.199 --> 00:01:28.840 And he said to them, what things? 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:37.020 And they said to him, concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, mighty indeed, and word before God and all the people. 00:01:38.540 --> 00:01:44.000 And how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:48.000 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. 00:01:48.960 --> 00:01:53.680 Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 00:01:55.020 --> 00:01:57.480 Moreover, some women in our company amazed us. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:02:07.280 They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 00:02:08.439 --> 00:02:14.640 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the woman had said, but him they did not see. 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:24.080 And he said to them, O foolish ones and slow of heart, not to believe all the prophets have spoken. 00:02:24.080 --> 00:02:30.760 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? 00:02:31.520 --> 00:02:41.100 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them all the scriptures, the things concerning himself. 00:02:41.099 --> 00:02:49.740 I want you to turn over to Isaiah chapter 49. 00:02:51.740 --> 00:02:57.280 I wasn't on the road to Emmaus, nor were you. 00:02:57.280 --> 00:03:13.599 But the scriptures tell us that what Jesus did when these dear men were disconsolate and discouraged in the face of the problem of the day, 00:03:14.020 --> 00:03:25.060 he reminded them of what God had already promised and done and its relationship to our salvation. 00:03:25.060 --> 00:03:34.420 I want to remind you as we get into this passage this morning of another passage that is the very, very start to the gospel truth. 00:03:34.539 --> 00:03:39.060 And you go back in your thinking, if you would, to Genesis chapter 3, verse 15. 00:03:39.180 --> 00:03:46.020 Remember after the fall, and you can imagine how dark a day that must have been for Adam and Eve 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:51.640 as they realized that they had sinned against the infinite holy glory of God 00:03:51.640 --> 00:03:55.540 and they had caused this breach in their relationship and communion. 00:03:56.700 --> 00:04:01.540 God had told them up front and in advance, if you do this, you're going to die. 00:04:03.100 --> 00:04:07.240 And after they had eaten the fruit, they hid and heard his voice 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:12.600 and must have labored deeply in their soul as they considered what was next. 00:04:12.599 --> 00:04:19.159 God comes to them and he speaks to them these words. 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:23.259 He starts out early and he says this, speaking to the serpent, 00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:27.500 he lets the serpent know the consequences of being involved in all of this. 00:04:27.560 --> 00:04:30.420 And then he says to the serpent, he says, 00:04:30.420 --> 00:04:38.560 He will bruise your head and you will bruise his heel. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:52.620 That is the start of the story that finds us this morning considering this passage in Isaiah chapter 49 00:04:52.620 --> 00:05:00.759 in which the reality of our Savior and his coming in the flesh to be our substitute 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:04.600 and sacrifice for our sins is played out for us. 00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:10.420 Let me read the passage to you there in Isaiah chapter 49 verse 1. 00:05:10.520 --> 00:05:10.680 It says, 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:25.160 We're looking here, first of all, at the servant that is called, 00:05:25.780 --> 00:05:26.960 Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:26.959 --> 00:05:31.379 It speaks of him here and lets us know that right at the very beginning, 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:36.219 God makes it clear that he is the one that is calling his son to become our Savior 00:05:36.219 --> 00:05:40.459 and bringing him into the world to be exactly that. 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:43.919 I appreciate the fact that here in the text it says, 00:05:44.039 --> 00:05:44.599 Listen to me. 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:47.179 We've all heard those words, haven't we? 00:05:47.240 --> 00:05:50.759 On more than one occasion when our parents are trying to give us clear instruction 00:05:50.759 --> 00:05:52.319 and we're maybe not paying attention, 00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:55.480 I know that one of the things that worked for us, 00:05:55.540 --> 00:05:57.319 and I've watched other parents do it as well, 00:05:57.399 --> 00:05:57.599 say, 00:05:58.040 --> 00:05:59.000 Look in my eyes. 00:05:59.079 --> 00:05:59.779 Have you ever done that? 00:06:00.139 --> 00:06:01.259 Look in my eyes. 00:06:01.319 --> 00:06:03.319 You know that if the kid is not looking, 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:04.600 probably not paying attention. 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:08.860 And here is the Holy Spirit saying to the nation of Israel, 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:11.060 Listen, this is important. 00:06:11.399 --> 00:06:13.159 You better pick up on this. 00:06:13.160 --> 00:06:18.320 And it's particularly appropriate when you stop and think about the background 00:06:18.320 --> 00:06:22.720 to which this verse sets or behind what is behind this passage. 00:06:23.080 --> 00:06:28.160 Go back just one verse, if you will, to Isaiah chapter 48 and look at verse 22. 00:06:29.580 --> 00:06:30.540 Look at that passage. 00:06:31.400 --> 00:06:34.100 There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked. 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:37.520 There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked. 00:06:37.519 --> 00:06:44.060 You want to live a disobedient, ungodly, wicked life. 00:06:44.500 --> 00:06:50.899 Mark this verse as an absolute certain prophecy as how things will play out. 00:06:51.219 --> 00:06:54.000 There is no peace for the wicked. 00:06:55.839 --> 00:07:01.680 Against that backdrop, we find the Holy Spirit says to Isaiah, 00:07:02.219 --> 00:07:03.839 Write these words. 00:07:03.839 --> 00:07:05.699 Listen to me, O coastlands, 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:08.539 And give attention, you peoples afar. 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:11.819 It's kind of an announcement that God has something to say. 00:07:11.899 --> 00:07:16.219 And one of the things I appreciate is our God tells us in advance what He's going to do. 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:19.060 You can't do that, can you? 00:07:19.139 --> 00:07:20.079 How many of you would say, 00:07:20.180 --> 00:07:22.579 Well, I'm going to do this after the service is over. 00:07:22.659 --> 00:07:24.639 And the truth of the matter is, you can't say that. 00:07:25.339 --> 00:07:27.219 Now, you could say it this way, 00:07:27.339 --> 00:07:28.579 If the Lord wills. 00:07:28.579 --> 00:07:29.379 How many of you do that? 00:07:30.060 --> 00:07:31.779 I'm going to go have lunch at, 00:07:31.779 --> 00:07:33.800 Well, if the Lord wills. 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:38.040 Only God, sovereign and absolute power, 00:07:38.120 --> 00:07:40.000 Can say with absolute certainty, 00:07:40.400 --> 00:07:42.500 This is what is going to happen. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:44.600 And so here is God telling us, 00:07:45.020 --> 00:07:46.259 I'm going to be doing something, 00:07:46.360 --> 00:07:47.800 And you need to pay attention to this, 00:07:47.840 --> 00:07:52.759 Because it is something that is going to be a declaration of my power and authority, 00:07:52.960 --> 00:07:54.280 And my ability to save. 00:07:54.279 --> 00:08:01.419 I want you to think with me as well about the fact that not only can God tell us what's going to happen in the future, 00:08:01.419 --> 00:08:07.039 But it sets Him so far apart from what the rest of the world is like, 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:09.599 And what idolatry is like. 00:08:09.699 --> 00:08:10.959 Go back just for a moment. 00:08:11.359 --> 00:08:12.639 You're there in Isaiah 49, 00:08:12.859 --> 00:08:14.859 But go back to Isaiah chapter 48, 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.679 Verse 3 through 5. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:21.060 This is one of several different places in the book of Isaiah, 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:25.720 And you will find other places similar in the scriptures, 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:28.939 Where God sets Himself apart from idolatry, 00:08:29.300 --> 00:08:29.900 From idols, 00:08:30.139 --> 00:08:35.820 By letting people know that He is the only one who can tell us in advance what's going to happen. 00:08:36.500 --> 00:08:37.320 Look at verse 3. 00:08:37.320 --> 00:08:49.220 Isn't that interesting? 00:08:49.400 --> 00:08:51.780 God telling His people, 00:08:52.560 --> 00:08:54.080 Before it ever happened, 00:08:54.280 --> 00:08:57.460 This is exactly how it's going to play out. 00:08:57.700 --> 00:08:59.040 Give you an illustration of that. 00:08:59.160 --> 00:09:01.300 Remember when God predicted to Abraham 00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:04.980 That His offspring was going to spend time in Egypt, 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:07.539 And eventually come out and come into the promised land? 00:09:08.019 --> 00:09:08.899 And sure enough, 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:09.659 When did it happen? 00:09:10.560 --> 00:09:14.039 Exactly on the time that God had stipulated that it would. 00:09:14.620 --> 00:09:17.580 You remember when Daniel was reading in the scriptures, 00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:24.620 And he realized that the time of the captivity had been fulfilled, 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:26.519 And God was going to fulfill His promise. 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:31.639 He had complete confidence that the God who predicted and prophesied what was going to happen 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:32.840 Would bring it about. 00:09:32.840 --> 00:09:35.259 Here in Isaiah 48, 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:35.740 He says, 00:09:35.800 --> 00:09:36.000 Listen, 00:09:36.120 --> 00:09:37.420 I did it and it came to pass. 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:40.240 Because I know that you are obstinate, 00:09:41.440 --> 00:09:43.800 And your neck is an iron sinew, 00:09:44.060 --> 00:09:45.940 And your forehead brass, 00:09:46.680 --> 00:09:49.460 I declared them to you from of old, 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:50.820 Before they came to pass, 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:52.139 I announced them to you, 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:53.740 Lest you should say, 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:55.240 My idol did them, 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:56.519 My carved image, 00:09:56.840 --> 00:10:00.519 And my metal image commanded them. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:01.500 You see, 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:04.000 God tells us ahead of time what He is going to do, 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:12.019 And one of the values of that is that it sets Him apart from every other source of information, 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:13.460 And every other individual. 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:17.340 Only God can tell us how the story ends. 00:10:18.199 --> 00:10:19.919 And it's important to remember that. 00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:21.899 Coming back now, 00:10:21.939 --> 00:10:22.500 As you would, 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:26.199 To the passage in Isaiah chapter 49, 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:28.100 After we read this statement, 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:31.120 That He called me from my womb, 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:32.280 From the body of my mother, 00:10:32.379 --> 00:10:33.320 He named my name, 00:10:33.520 --> 00:10:35.540 We find there an indication that 00:10:35.540 --> 00:10:42.460 That supports the issue of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:43.780 He, 00:10:43.780 --> 00:10:43.800 He, 00:10:44.660 --> 00:10:45.220 God, 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:48.080 Second person of the Trinity, 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:52.560 Came here and became entirely flesh. 00:10:53.100 --> 00:10:54.759 He became a man, 00:10:54.960 --> 00:11:00.420 And He became a man so that He could die in our place for our sins. 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:01.820 Now I want you to understand this. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:05.160 I want everybody here to pick up on this and track it. 00:11:06.900 --> 00:11:09.440 Sin produces consequence. 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:10.400 Do you understand that? 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.459 It says in Scripture, 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:16.139 The soul that sins shall die. 00:11:17.959 --> 00:11:20.100 There is a penalty for sin. 00:11:20.179 --> 00:11:23.360 There are some of you sitting here this morning that are thinking to yourself, 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:26.939 Well, I am getting away with what I'm doing. 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:28.340 It's quite all right. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:29.379 Let me tell you, 00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:34.079 Don't mistake the patience of God for indifference to sin. 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:37.779 God deals with sin. 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:48.139 And the fact of the matter is that every single one of us will have to satisfy the debt that our sin has created, 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:53.699 Either by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as the substitution for our sin, 00:11:53.919 --> 00:11:56.899 Or by spending eternity in hell, 00:11:57.360 --> 00:12:00.159 Suffering the consequence of our rebellion against Him. 00:12:00.199 --> 00:12:01.120 Do you understand what I'm saying? 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:06.799 Jesus came in the flesh to be the substitute and to die in your place. 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:10.120 He satisfied the wrath of God against your sin. 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:14.179 And as we read here in Isaiah chapter 49, it says, 00:12:14.179 --> 00:12:16.779 The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother. 00:12:16.859 --> 00:12:17.839 He named my name. 00:12:17.979 --> 00:12:22.379 God appointed the Lord Jesus to be our Savior from eternity past. 00:12:23.079 --> 00:12:29.779 And Isaiah indicates the reality of Christ's coming in the flesh to be our substitute. 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:33.419 Incidentally, on Easter, 00:12:35.359 --> 00:12:37.079 Pastor Shearer, Pastor Andrew, 00:12:37.199 --> 00:12:38.959 I'm trying to make an adjustment, Pastor. 00:12:39.059 --> 00:12:40.179 You should have started out with that. 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:41.719 Well, we had so many Andrews around here. 00:12:41.719 --> 00:12:42.120 It was tough. 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:42.560 I understand. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:44.600 It's Pastor Andrew in the future. 00:12:45.179 --> 00:12:46.279 Tim, remember that, please. 00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:46.600 Okay. 00:12:48.060 --> 00:12:50.399 Pastor Andrew is going to preach on Isaiah 53, 00:12:50.560 --> 00:12:55.240 And it's going to be a wonderful passage in which we see the Lord Jesus suffering for us. 00:12:55.960 --> 00:12:57.080 Just phenomenal. 00:12:58.659 --> 00:13:04.039 Here is Isaiah making it clear 00:13:04.039 --> 00:13:18.319 Let me bring up another part that I want you to look at here. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:22.120 God would bring salvation through the birth of our Savior. 00:13:22.319 --> 00:13:23.500 It's important to see it there. 00:13:24.259 --> 00:13:25.120 God would do that. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:28.039 The promise in Genesis. 00:13:28.039 --> 00:13:31.039 The promise in Isaiah 9. 00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:36.480 The promise fulfilled with the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:37.080 --> 00:13:42.519 And the promise brought to full fruition in the work of Christ on the cross. 00:13:42.960 --> 00:13:48.919 Jesus, our Savior, by virtue of dying in our place and satisfying the debt of our sin. 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:54.899 Now, I want you to look, if you will, also at what it says there in verse 2. 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:58.199 He made my mouth like a sharp sword. 00:13:58.479 --> 00:14:00.539 In the shadow of his hand he hid me. 00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:02.079 He made me a polished arrow. 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:04.759 In his quiver he hid me away. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.240 Question. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:09.240 What's that talking about? 00:14:09.240 --> 00:14:17.460 The picture that we generally have of Jesus is pretty soft and cuddly, right? 00:14:18.460 --> 00:14:19.259 Pretty nice. 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:21.139 I mean, he's wonderful. 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:22.240 And he is. 00:14:23.299 --> 00:14:25.259 So what is all this about? 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:28.120 What is a sword for? 00:14:29.060 --> 00:14:31.779 It's not for paring your fingernails. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:34.980 What is an arrow for? 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:39.039 It's not for decoration on a wall. 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:44.299 An arrow and a sword are means of death. 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:53.060 And here is the Holy Spirit saying to us in relationship to Christ and his coming, 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:58.399 He made my mouth like a sharp sword. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:03.560 How will the words of Christ be a sharp sword? 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:05.820 For one thing, we know that they were sharp, 00:15:05.820 --> 00:15:09.960 particularly during his earthly time here when he was dealing with sinners, 00:15:10.540 --> 00:15:16.220 the Pharisees, etc., and bringing rebuke and bringing indictment against their hardened hearts. 00:15:16.940 --> 00:15:22.520 But I want you to think a little bit further with me of what this issue of the sharpness of his word 00:15:22.520 --> 00:15:26.520 has to do with salvation and with judgment. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:30.699 Think with me just for a moment what it says over in Hebrews 4, verse 12. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.460 For the word of God... 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:33.740 Can anybody finish it off for me? 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:39.419 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:42.340 piercing to the division of soul and spirit, 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:45.059 of joints and of marrow, 00:15:45.199 --> 00:15:48.079 and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:57.139 One of the things that I have found over and over again as the most effective means of ministry 00:15:57.139 --> 00:16:00.680 is the authority and the supremacy of the word of God. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:09.480 It is the thing the Holy Spirit uses to convict us of the darkness and the hardness of our heart. 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:21.000 And here, early in this exposure of the reality of our Lord Jesus Christ coming to be the Savior of the world, 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:26.240 we are told that He also will be the sword and the arrow. 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:28.259 Now, why is it hidden? 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:33.240 Hidden in this sense that it's not fully revealed, 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:36.720 but the day is coming when it will be fully revealed. 00:16:36.820 --> 00:16:37.860 And when will that be? 00:16:37.860 --> 00:16:42.980 I want you to turn in your Bible just for a moment over to Revelation chapter 19. 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:46.539 Revelation chapter 19, 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:53.500 verse 15 and 21. 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:59.480 From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, 00:16:59.800 --> 00:17:03.139 and He will rule them with a rod of iron. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:05.539 Verse 21. 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:12.359 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him, 00:17:12.599 --> 00:17:15.539 who is sitting on the horse and against His army. 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:18.359 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet, 00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:23.619 who in its presence had done the signs by which He deceived those who had received the mark of the beast 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:25.559 and those who worshipped His image. 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:29.980 These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, 00:17:29.980 --> 00:17:37.399 and the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of Him who is sitting on the horse. 00:17:38.579 --> 00:17:40.339 Think about how the story ends. 00:17:40.339 --> 00:17:46.939 We live in a messy, broken, hard, sinful world, 00:17:46.939 --> 00:17:51.159 and yet we revel in the fact that our Savior, 00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:53.799 who is the one who has shown mercy and grace to us, 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:58.159 will someday deal with the rebel and with the disobedient, 00:17:58.299 --> 00:18:00.759 and He is going to punish them with absolute certainty. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:07.339 And here in Isaiah, we understand that He will have a sword and an arrow. 00:18:09.099 --> 00:18:12.980 I want you to turn now, and we're just going to take a quick look at this portion, 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:18.079 but I want you to recognize in verses 13 through 26 that what we find here, 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:21.140 beginning there in verse 13, 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:37.320 A general rule of Bible understanding is paying attention to context. 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:38.480 Now, why do I say that? 00:18:39.580 --> 00:18:47.180 Because the people who are being spoken to have bearing on the message that is being heard. 00:18:47.180 --> 00:18:54.380 Third, simplest illustration would be when there are four or five young people standing around, 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:57.500 and you hear someone say, 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.320 Come here. 00:18:59.400 --> 00:19:00.720 Everybody looks around to see, 00:19:00.840 --> 00:19:01.759 Well, who are you talking to? 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:04.220 When you see the parent standing over there saying, 00:19:04.340 --> 00:19:04.840 Come here, 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:07.680 who do you think the parent is talking to? 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:12.680 The child that they have birthed and have authority on. 00:19:12.840 --> 00:19:13.680 Hey, come here. 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:17.400 And so context is important. 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.820 And we look at this passage, 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:22.100 and here in the following statements, 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:26.779 we are going to find God makes it clear that He is going to keep His promise 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:28.779 to the nation of Israel. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.580 But Zion said, 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.960 The Lord has forsaken me. 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:33.960 My Lord has forgotten me. 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:35.799 Can you imagine Zion saying that? 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.799 Struggling as they were, 00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:39.640 burdened down with sin, 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:42.500 enduring the chastisement of God, 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.160 and kind of thinking, 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.400 Well, God really doesn't care. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.339 No, no, no. 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:47.900 He hasn't broken His covenant 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:50.099 or His promises with the nation of Israel. 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:52.059 And when we look at this, 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.480 I want you to understand 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:57.920 that it assures us that He will keep His promises with us. 00:19:58.400 --> 00:20:00.619 One of the reasons that Tim Knoyer 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:02.359 has great confidence 00:20:02.359 --> 00:20:04.099 that when he dies, 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:06.400 he is going to go from this place 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.539 to that place 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:10.099 is because God keeps His promises. 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.640 How do I know He's done it? 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:13.520 But I see what He's doing, 00:20:13.840 --> 00:20:14.680 what He has done, 00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:16.740 and what He's doing with the nation of Israel, 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:18.000 and I have confidence 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:19.740 that if He keeps promises with them, 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:21.500 He's keeping promises with me. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:23.560 And I rest in that. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:27.520 Now, I want you to look at Isaiah 50, verse 4. 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.240 I've skipped over down, 00:20:29.320 --> 00:20:30.720 all the way down to 26 there, 00:20:30.800 --> 00:20:32.280 if you follow along with me. 00:20:32.540 --> 00:20:34.100 But I want you to look in particular 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:36.620 at Isaiah 50, verse 4. 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:41.139 The Lord has given me 00:20:41.139 --> 00:20:44.879 the tongue of those who are taught 00:20:44.879 --> 00:20:49.459 that I may know how to sustain with a word 00:20:49.459 --> 00:20:50.519 him who is weary. 00:20:51.459 --> 00:20:52.679 Morning by morning, 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:53.859 He awakens, 00:20:53.959 --> 00:20:55.139 He awakens my ear 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:57.879 to hear as those who are taught. 00:20:59.219 --> 00:21:00.799 What we find in this passage 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.939 is the preparation. 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:04.059 We saw, first of all, 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:05.079 the call of Christ. 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:08.000 Now we see the preparation of Christ. 00:21:08.119 --> 00:21:08.940 I want you to think with me 00:21:08.940 --> 00:21:09.500 just for a moment. 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:11.639 Remember when Jesus was a little boy, 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:13.000 what was it, 12 years old, 00:21:13.099 --> 00:21:14.079 and He was in the temple 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:14.799 and He was teaching. 00:21:14.899 --> 00:21:15.579 How did that go? 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:17.259 How did it go? 00:21:22.379 --> 00:21:23.000 How did it go? 00:21:25.679 --> 00:21:27.200 Any of you young people here, 12? 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.799 I need a 12-year-old 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.620 to just raise their hand. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:30.880 Titus! 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:31.920 It's a Titus! 00:21:34.080 --> 00:21:35.059 Jeffrey, how old are you? 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:37.340 Ah, you're close. 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:39.519 Molly? 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:42.819 I was thinking that. 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:44.340 And you're just sitting there 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:45.519 trying to hide behind Grandma 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:47.000 and you're just not getting there, okay? 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:49.160 Would you do me a favor, Titus? 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:50.799 Would you please stand just for a second, please? 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.600 Please, thank you. 00:21:51.799 --> 00:21:52.120 Thank you. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:55.019 Molly, if I'm going to do it to Titus, 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:57.720 thank you, please, please, please. 00:21:58.740 --> 00:22:00.359 Okay, turn around, face the crowd. 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.200 Okay, thank you. 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:05.819 I want you to imagine a 12-year-old... 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:07.039 Have a seat. 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:11.279 I want you to imagine a 12-year-old 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:15.259 disputing with the Supreme Court. 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:17.980 Do you follow that? 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.339 You're into that, right? 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:20.960 Okay. 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:23.639 Molly and Titus, well chosen. 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:25.259 I didn't realize this would happen this way, 00:22:25.340 --> 00:22:27.560 but, you know, hey, here is Jesus 00:22:27.560 --> 00:22:31.280 having a discussion with the scribes and Pharisees 00:22:31.280 --> 00:22:32.520 and how does that go? 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.960 They're amazed. 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:39.180 They're blown away. 00:22:40.020 --> 00:22:42.920 Well, he just had this natural ability 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:43.860 to know Scriptures. 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:50.459 What he did have was the full measure of the Holy Spirit 00:22:50.459 --> 00:22:56.259 and time that he spent incessantly in the Word of God. 00:22:57.779 --> 00:22:59.759 That is a great comfort to me 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:04.039 because what it tells me is I can learn the Scriptures 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:06.479 with the enabling of the Holy Spirit 00:23:06.479 --> 00:23:09.319 in a similar fashion to Christ. 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:12.419 You look at this passage and it says, 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:15.539 The Lord has given me the tongue of those who are taught. 00:23:15.939 --> 00:23:18.599 It's better to be taught before you say anything. 00:23:18.679 --> 00:23:19.379 Would you agree with that? 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:21.879 How many of you have spoken before you've been taught? 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:26.419 I have been taught on many occasions 00:23:26.419 --> 00:23:30.039 and the more I'm taught, the less I wish I would say. 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:32.799 Here it says, 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:35.659 The Lord has given me the tongue of those who are taught 00:23:35.659 --> 00:23:38.220 that I may know how to sustain with the Word 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:39.420 him who is weary. 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:45.059 What was the purpose that we find here in this passage 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:47.399 to the teaching that Jesus received? 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:53.659 It was so that he would be more effective 00:23:53.659 --> 00:23:57.859 in ministering to brokenhearted and grieving people. 00:23:57.859 --> 00:24:03.079 I want you to imagine with me just for a moment 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:08.619 what it must have been like to be Jesus. 00:24:09.959 --> 00:24:11.559 Having devotions in the morning, 00:24:12.439 --> 00:24:13.679 getting up fairly early, 00:24:14.419 --> 00:24:16.139 in the quiet of the morning, 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:18.319 just beginning to read the Scriptures. 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:20.019 And by the way, did he have the New Testament? 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:20.699 What's the answer? 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.019 Nope. 00:24:22.939 --> 00:24:24.399 He had the Old Testament. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:26.240 He had the Pentateuch. 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.479 He had the prophets. 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:29.899 He had the Psalms. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.740 And as he's reading in these things, 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:34.539 just imagine what it must have been like for him 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.719 as he's reading his way through 00:24:35.719 --> 00:24:37.459 to get into the book of Isaiah 00:24:37.459 --> 00:24:39.459 and begin thinking, 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:41.459 Whoa, that gives me cold chills 00:24:41.459 --> 00:24:42.979 to think what he must have felt like, right? 00:24:43.219 --> 00:24:44.539 Whoa, this is me. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:45.199 Not me. 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:48.419 But Jesus discovering the reality 00:24:48.419 --> 00:24:51.139 of the divine plan of God in the flesh. 00:24:51.140 --> 00:24:55.820 He learned from day to day. 00:24:55.820 --> 00:25:00.320 And he learned for the sake of other people. 00:25:03.560 --> 00:25:05.300 Let me encourage you to think with me 00:25:05.300 --> 00:25:06.160 just for a moment here 00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:09.660 that this text tells us the purpose 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:12.320 of God's gifting to Jesus. 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:15.379 Why did Jesus receive the word here in this passage? 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:18.639 So that I may know to sustain with a word 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:19.819 him who is weary. 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:25.079 That I will know how to answer 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:28.220 the brokenhearted and the grieved of spirit, 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:29.879 the one who is burdened, 00:25:29.879 --> 00:25:34.179 that I will know the right things to say. 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:38.240 In Proverbs, it says that 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.660 as, I think it's, 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:43.240 as apples of gold in a chalice of silver, 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:45.240 so are the words of the wise. 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.900 How many of you have been comforted by people 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:50.600 who say the right thing at the right time? 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:53.240 When your heart is broken 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:55.240 and a person brings to you 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:56.299 the sweetness of the scripture 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.940 and lifts your conscience and your heart, 00:25:58.900 --> 00:26:02.660 here we find that Jesus learned the word 00:26:02.660 --> 00:26:04.800 and that was God's purpose. 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:07.160 But we also find that the text tells us 00:26:07.160 --> 00:26:10.360 the process that Jesus went through to get that. 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:11.200 Look what it says. 00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:12.740 Morning by morning, 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:14.580 he awakens my ear to hear 00:26:14.580 --> 00:26:16.040 as those who are taught. 00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:17.259 When are you going to learn the word? 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.880 By osmosis. 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:23.759 Osmosis is a very important principle 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:25.680 to hold on to spiritually. 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:29.200 It's the transfer through a membrane 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:31.660 from a place of lesser density 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:33.259 or a greater density 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.180 to a lesser density. 00:26:34.300 --> 00:26:34.900 Did I get it right? 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.779 Someone help me out here. 00:26:37.560 --> 00:26:39.580 I think I lost you all on that one. 00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:42.480 We'll take biology off the map 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:43.800 as well as math. 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:44.220 Okay. 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:47.220 You don't learn the word 00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:49.000 just by sitting around passively 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.900 and showing up periodically at church 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:51.360 and kind of, 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:52.880 well, okay. 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:56.420 You know, it's trying to... 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:56.759 No. 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:59.180 Morning by morning, 00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:01.480 he opens my ear to hear. 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:03.379 Why? 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:06.099 Does it happen that way? 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:09.379 Because there is a conscious 00:27:09.379 --> 00:27:10.859 and deliberate desire 00:27:10.859 --> 00:27:13.319 to know what God has to say 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:15.500 for the sake of his glory 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:17.140 and for the good of other people. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:19.920 So let me ask you a practical question. 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:23.140 If this is a description 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:25.320 of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:27:25.320 --> 00:27:27.320 in preparing his heart 00:27:27.320 --> 00:27:30.140 for the purpose of ministry to others, 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:32.980 how closely does it match 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:36.140 your daily morning pattern? 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:37.820 Fair question? 00:27:38.820 --> 00:27:41.100 How closely does it match 00:27:41.100 --> 00:27:43.700 your daily morning pattern? 00:27:43.700 --> 00:27:52.860 The blessings that Jesus received 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:54.660 in his daily time in the Word 00:27:54.660 --> 00:27:56.039 were actually for others, 00:27:57.140 --> 00:27:58.600 to be shared with others. 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:01.700 And I would say that our blessings 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:02.580 that we receive 00:28:02.580 --> 00:28:03.460 should be patterned 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:04.340 in the same fashion 00:28:04.340 --> 00:28:06.460 to be a blessing to other people. 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:08.420 I'm afraid there are sometimes people 00:28:08.420 --> 00:28:09.400 who are Dead Sea saints. 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.500 You know what the Dead Sea is? 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:12.799 It's a place where water and minerals 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.859 and all that kind of comes in 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.700 and just evaporates. 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.440 It doesn't do anything. 00:28:15.659 --> 00:28:16.319 It doesn't move on. 00:28:16.379 --> 00:28:17.159 It's right there it is. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.919 Dead Sea saints are those 00:28:19.919 --> 00:28:21.419 who kind of occasionally 00:28:21.419 --> 00:28:22.379 sit and soak, 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:24.099 but it never really ends up 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:25.960 helping them to be productive 00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:27.579 and serving and a blessing 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:28.319 to other people. 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:31.940 Well, let's come to one other piece 00:28:31.940 --> 00:28:33.619 as we look at this passage, 00:28:33.659 --> 00:28:34.599 and let's look at a servant 00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.339 that is committed. 00:28:35.940 --> 00:28:37.299 In Isaiah chapter 50, 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:38.519 we'll go to verse 7. 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:42.659 The Lord God helps me. 00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:44.420 Therefore, I am not disgraced. 00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:46.800 Therefore, I have set my face 00:28:46.800 --> 00:28:47.660 like a flint, 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:49.100 and I know that I shall not 00:28:49.100 --> 00:28:49.920 be put to shame. 00:28:50.340 --> 00:28:52.220 He who vindicates me is near. 00:28:52.620 --> 00:28:53.720 Who will contend with me? 00:28:54.380 --> 00:28:55.700 Let us stand up together. 00:28:55.840 --> 00:28:56.779 Who is my adversary? 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:58.019 Let him come near to me. 00:28:58.400 --> 00:28:59.960 Behold, the Lord God helps me, 00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:01.920 and who will declare me guilty? 00:29:04.400 --> 00:29:05.660 What we find here 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:07.420 in the remainder of this passage 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:08.740 is we find a picture 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:10.160 of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:12.400 dealing with the adversity 00:29:12.400 --> 00:29:13.660 that went with the ministry 00:29:13.660 --> 00:29:14.480 that he had. 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:17.320 Earlier in verse 6, 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:18.000 it says this, 00:29:18.340 --> 00:29:19.279 I gave my back 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:20.400 to those who strike 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:21.420 and my cheeks 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:23.400 to those who pull out the beard. 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.960 I hid not my face 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:27.960 from disgrace and spitting. 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:30.800 Can you imagine the picture 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:32.480 of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:33.519 during his judgment 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:35.160 when he was falsely betrayed 00:29:35.160 --> 00:29:38.519 and he was falsely accused 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:41.040 and then he was so vilely mistreated? 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.519 Described for us there 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:43.279 in verse 6. 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:45.540 And yet in the face 00:29:45.540 --> 00:29:46.620 of all that adversity, 00:29:46.860 --> 00:29:47.920 how did he handle it? 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.540 How did he deal 00:29:49.540 --> 00:29:50.840 with the challenge 00:29:50.840 --> 00:29:51.779 that he was enduring? 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:53.460 He was committed to his call 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.160 and to his purpose 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:54.759 and his mission, 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.800 and he was not overwhelmed by it. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:59.740 I gave my back 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:01.019 to those who strike 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:02.819 and my cheeks 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:05.779 to those who pull out the beard. 00:30:07.299 --> 00:30:08.879 I hid not my face 00:30:08.879 --> 00:30:10.599 from disgrace and spitting. 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:11.399 And I want you to imagine 00:30:11.399 --> 00:30:12.359 with me just for a moment, 00:30:12.659 --> 00:30:14.059 here is the Lord Jesus Christ 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:16.700 standing in for you and me 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:17.639 and enduring 00:30:17.639 --> 00:30:19.879 the absolute brutality 00:30:19.879 --> 00:30:21.139 of what he went through 00:30:21.139 --> 00:30:22.539 during that time 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.579 of hardship and suffering. 00:30:23.839 --> 00:30:24.919 And how did he do it? 00:30:24.980 --> 00:30:25.720 What was his attitude? 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.960 It says there, 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:29.039 I have set my face 00:30:29.039 --> 00:30:30.839 like a flint. 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:36.059 Think about that. 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:39.519 There was not a shadow of turning. 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:43.600 There was not a moment of doubt. 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:47.400 There was not a pause 00:30:47.400 --> 00:30:49.000 in Christ's heart 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:50.880 as he marched resolutely 00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:52.019 towards Jerusalem 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:52.819 knowing fully 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:54.140 that in Jerusalem 00:30:54.140 --> 00:30:55.019 was going to be 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.980 his crucifixion, 00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:57.680 knowing what was going to happen, 00:30:58.079 --> 00:30:59.220 knowing that all those people 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:00.400 that he'd ministered to 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:01.940 were going to turn against him. 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:04.339 Within days of crying out 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:06.519 in adoration 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:08.079 and welcoming him 00:31:08.079 --> 00:31:08.559 in, 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:09.759 Hosanna, Hosanna, 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.720 they were going to cry, 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:11.519 crucify him, 00:31:11.619 --> 00:31:12.359 crucify him. 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:15.200 And every one of those 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:18.900 completely thoughtless 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:20.259 to the ministry 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:21.519 that he had come to accomplish. 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:21.960 And yet, 00:31:22.200 --> 00:31:23.519 in the face of all of that, 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:24.759 what we find here 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:26.920 is these reverses 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:28.460 reflect on how Jesus 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:29.539 suffered for us. 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:31.180 And he suffered for us 00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:33.180 without any hesitation, 00:31:33.379 --> 00:31:35.079 without any backing away from it. 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:36.980 He willingly pursued it 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:38.920 with our salvation in mind. 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:39.799 That's what he was doing. 00:31:40.639 --> 00:31:41.000 Now, 00:31:41.079 --> 00:31:43.319 if he was willing to do that for us, 00:31:43.839 --> 00:31:46.960 does that leave you any reason 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:48.559 to believe that he will hesitate 00:31:48.559 --> 00:31:49.960 to do whatever else 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:51.059 needs to be done for you? 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:51.679 What's the answer? 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:53.700 Absolutely not. 00:31:53.879 --> 00:31:55.700 If he was willing to suffer 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:56.819 such shame 00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:57.919 and such indignity 00:31:57.919 --> 00:31:59.779 and such physical hardship 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:01.839 and then the burden of your sin 00:32:01.839 --> 00:32:03.039 for your salvation, 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:05.240 he will do all that is needed 00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:07.019 to bring you home to glory. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:09.960 He will take care of the journey 00:32:09.960 --> 00:32:11.700 that you have in front of you. 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:13.440 And so I want you to know 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.740 that you can trust Jesus 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:16.200 because of his faithfulness 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:16.700 and suffering. 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:19.240 He stood the course for you 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:20.580 and he stood the course for me 00:32:20.580 --> 00:32:22.140 and he can be trusted. 00:32:23.180 --> 00:32:24.420 Let me come to one other thing 00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:25.940 that I held off 00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:27.740 in bringing to your attention earlier 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:29.120 and I want you to go back 00:32:29.120 --> 00:32:30.640 to Isaiah chapter 49, 00:32:30.819 --> 00:32:31.860 verse 5 and 6. 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.799 Isaiah chapter 49, 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.900 verse 5 and 6. 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:41.259 I want you to follow along with me 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.120 as I read the passage. 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:43.200 And now the Lord says, 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:44.580 he who formed me from the womb 00:32:44.580 --> 00:32:45.240 to be a servant, 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:47.640 to bring Jacob back to him 00:32:47.640 --> 00:32:50.319 and that Israel might be gathered to him 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:52.019 for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:54.299 and my God has become my strength. 00:32:54.720 --> 00:32:55.539 He says, 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:58.460 it is too light a thing 00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:59.880 that you should be my servant 00:32:59.880 --> 00:33:01.519 to raise up the tribes of Jacob 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:04.039 and to bring back the preserved of Israel. 00:33:04.779 --> 00:33:05.680 Do you know what that's saying? 00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:08.400 Yes, 00:33:08.840 --> 00:33:11.400 the Lord Jesus 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:14.180 and his purposes 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:17.039 include the nation of Israel 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:17.759 and salvation 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:19.259 and all you have to do 00:33:19.259 --> 00:33:23.100 is read Romans chapter 9, 10 and 11 00:33:23.100 --> 00:33:24.400 to kind of get a flavor 00:33:24.400 --> 00:33:25.799 for how that's going to play out. 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:28.360 But mark what it says 00:33:28.360 --> 00:33:30.900 in the last two lines there. 00:33:30.900 --> 00:33:33.500 I will make you a light for the nations 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:35.620 that my salvation may reach 00:33:35.620 --> 00:33:37.460 to the end of the earth. 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.460 Do you know what that's saying? 00:33:40.340 --> 00:33:41.880 Go back if you will with me. 00:33:43.060 --> 00:33:44.220 He says, verse 6, 00:33:44.680 --> 00:33:46.259 it is too light a thing 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.640 that you should be my servant 00:33:47.640 --> 00:33:49.519 to raise up the tribes of Jacob. 00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:51.740 That's easy peasy. 00:33:53.300 --> 00:33:54.420 No big thing. 00:33:55.360 --> 00:33:56.160 I got it. 00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:57.640 Christ, 00:33:58.759 --> 00:33:59.540 the Messiah, 00:34:00.560 --> 00:34:01.160 a blessing 00:34:01.160 --> 00:34:03.240 to raise up the tribes of Jacob 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:04.300 to bring about 00:34:04.300 --> 00:34:06.259 blessing to the nation of Israel 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.300 to bring about 00:34:07.300 --> 00:34:08.460 the fulfillment 00:34:08.460 --> 00:34:09.559 of the covenant promises 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:10.820 that God made to the nation. 00:34:11.059 --> 00:34:11.480 But, 00:34:11.740 --> 00:34:13.300 is that the end of the story? 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:15.720 Is that all that God is going to do? 00:34:15.900 --> 00:34:16.780 Not at all. 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:19.420 I will make you a light 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.460 for the nations 00:34:20.460 --> 00:34:21.980 that my salvation 00:34:21.980 --> 00:34:23.659 may reach to the end 00:34:23.659 --> 00:34:24.619 of the earth. 00:34:26.159 --> 00:34:27.219 That encourages me. 00:34:28.299 --> 00:34:28.819 Because, 00:34:28.940 --> 00:34:30.379 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:34:30.379 --> 00:34:31.739 came into the world 00:34:31.739 --> 00:34:33.539 not only to be 00:34:33.539 --> 00:34:34.239 a blessing 00:34:34.239 --> 00:34:35.599 to the nation of Israel 00:34:35.599 --> 00:34:36.339 and to believers 00:34:36.339 --> 00:34:37.379 in the land, 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:38.319 but also 00:34:38.319 --> 00:34:39.259 to be a blessing 00:34:39.259 --> 00:34:40.279 to the uttermost ends 00:34:40.279 --> 00:34:40.779 of the earth. 00:34:41.839 --> 00:34:42.440 All, 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:44.440 all 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.940 open 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:47.319 to the gospel message. 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:48.519 And here is Jesus 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:50.099 being the Savior 00:34:50.099 --> 00:34:51.559 of the entire world. 00:34:52.339 --> 00:34:52.699 So, 00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:53.319 let me ask you 00:34:53.319 --> 00:34:53.839 a question. 00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:56.440 This morning, 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:58.120 as you think about 00:34:58.120 --> 00:34:59.280 the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:34:59.680 --> 00:35:01.440 I trust that one of the things 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:02.600 that is clear in your mind 00:35:02.600 --> 00:35:04.000 is what He came to do. 00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:05.160 My question is this, 00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:07.240 if He came to die 00:35:07.240 --> 00:35:08.500 for your sins 00:35:08.500 --> 00:35:09.900 and He has satisfied 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:11.180 the judgment of God 00:35:11.180 --> 00:35:12.780 upon your soul 00:35:12.780 --> 00:35:14.600 for your rebellious heart, 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.960 the question is, 00:35:17.079 --> 00:35:18.380 have you believed in Him 00:35:18.380 --> 00:35:19.539 and put your faith 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:20.980 in what He has done for you? 00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:22.940 I had a very interesting 00:35:22.940 --> 00:35:23.639 conversation 00:35:23.639 --> 00:35:24.940 earlier this week 00:35:24.940 --> 00:35:25.679 with an individual 00:35:25.679 --> 00:35:26.559 regarding the matter 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:27.199 of salvation 00:35:27.199 --> 00:35:28.480 and came down to, 00:35:28.820 --> 00:35:28.960 well, 00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:29.900 so, 00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:31.500 what gives you confidence 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:32.820 in where you're going 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:33.579 to spend eternity? 00:35:33.760 --> 00:35:33.880 Well, 00:35:33.920 --> 00:35:35.139 I really don't know. 00:35:36.760 --> 00:35:38.159 I love that statement 00:35:38.159 --> 00:35:40.860 because I can then recite 00:35:40.860 --> 00:35:42.119 what it says in 1 John, 00:35:42.199 --> 00:35:43.159 these things are written, 00:35:43.280 --> 00:35:43.500 what? 00:35:43.880 --> 00:35:45.079 That you might know. 00:35:45.460 --> 00:35:46.460 God's in the business 00:35:46.460 --> 00:35:47.940 of making things clear. 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:48.820 Wouldn't you agree with that? 00:35:48.820 --> 00:35:50.840 It's not like, 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:51.120 well, 00:35:51.160 --> 00:35:51.920 I'm not so sure. 00:35:52.019 --> 00:35:53.059 I'm hoping I can make it. 00:35:53.120 --> 00:35:53.280 No, 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:53.480 no, 00:35:53.519 --> 00:35:53.740 no. 00:35:54.059 --> 00:35:54.559 God says, 00:35:54.860 --> 00:35:56.539 I have made things clear. 00:35:58.200 --> 00:35:59.559 Salvation is through 00:35:59.559 --> 00:36:01.920 the finished work of Christ 00:36:01.920 --> 00:36:03.180 who came into the world 00:36:03.180 --> 00:36:04.700 to pay the debt 00:36:04.700 --> 00:36:05.680 for our sins 00:36:05.680 --> 00:36:07.740 and offer salvation 00:36:07.740 --> 00:36:08.940 to all who believe. 00:36:11.080 --> 00:36:11.400 And so, 00:36:11.559 --> 00:36:12.280 let me put it to you 00:36:12.280 --> 00:36:13.059 very plainly. 00:36:14.280 --> 00:36:15.880 If you are here today 00:36:15.880 --> 00:36:17.780 and you do not know Christ, 00:36:18.820 --> 00:36:21.440 now is the hour, 00:36:22.140 --> 00:36:23.260 now is the time 00:36:23.260 --> 00:36:25.580 to come to grips 00:36:25.580 --> 00:36:26.320 with the darkness 00:36:26.320 --> 00:36:27.180 of your heart 00:36:27.180 --> 00:36:27.920 and realize 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:29.640 that you will never 00:36:29.640 --> 00:36:31.680 be able to save yourself 00:36:31.680 --> 00:36:33.220 by your own good works. 00:36:35.480 --> 00:36:36.660 That the judgment 00:36:36.660 --> 00:36:37.860 of a holy God 00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:38.960 will fall upon 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:42.039 the absolute imperfection 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:42.760 and hardness 00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:43.640 of your heart 00:36:43.640 --> 00:36:44.740 and condemn you 00:36:44.740 --> 00:36:45.340 to eternity. 00:36:45.340 --> 00:36:47.640 and yet, 00:36:48.280 --> 00:36:49.720 God sent His Son 00:36:49.720 --> 00:36:51.300 born of a virgin 00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:54.800 in the flesh 00:36:54.800 --> 00:36:56.780 to die for my sins 00:36:56.780 --> 00:36:57.900 and to die for yours 00:36:57.900 --> 00:37:00.660 and salvation 00:37:00.660 --> 00:37:03.200 can be had 00:37:03.200 --> 00:37:05.059 by believing 00:37:05.059 --> 00:37:06.220 in what Jesus 00:37:06.220 --> 00:37:07.700 did for you 00:37:07.700 --> 00:37:08.760 on the cross. 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:11.660 Let's close in prayer. 00:37:16.340 --> 00:37:17.320 Our Father God, 00:37:17.400 --> 00:37:18.100 we are thankful 00:37:18.100 --> 00:37:19.620 that we have 00:37:19.620 --> 00:37:20.080 the Scriptures 00:37:20.080 --> 00:37:20.740 in hand 00:37:20.740 --> 00:37:23.000 and we can read 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:24.400 here in the text 00:37:24.400 --> 00:37:28.080 centuries before 00:37:28.080 --> 00:37:29.420 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:30.080 came 00:37:30.079 --> 00:37:33.279 clear indication 00:37:33.279 --> 00:37:35.579 of His birth, 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:38.440 of His preparation 00:37:38.440 --> 00:37:39.400 for ministry, 00:37:40.400 --> 00:37:43.179 and the resolute spirit 00:37:43.179 --> 00:37:44.139 with which He endured 00:37:44.139 --> 00:37:44.799 the cross 00:37:44.799 --> 00:37:45.719 for our sakes. 00:37:47.319 --> 00:37:48.199 This morning, 00:37:48.340 --> 00:37:48.799 we who know 00:37:48.799 --> 00:37:49.960 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:37:49.960 --> 00:37:50.900 rejoice 00:37:50.900 --> 00:37:53.960 in that victorious truth 00:37:53.960 --> 00:37:54.960 and we know 00:37:54.960 --> 00:37:56.440 that the adversity 00:37:56.440 --> 00:37:57.480 and the difficulties 00:37:57.480 --> 00:37:58.280 we face 00:37:58.280 --> 00:37:58.960 in the day 00:37:58.960 --> 00:37:59.599 in front of us 00:37:59.599 --> 00:38:00.500 are nothing 00:38:00.500 --> 00:38:01.420 compared to the glory 00:38:01.420 --> 00:38:01.980 to be had 00:38:01.980 --> 00:38:03.199 in the life to come. 00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:04.940 We're confident 00:38:04.940 --> 00:38:06.360 in the victory 00:38:06.360 --> 00:38:07.240 that is yours 00:38:07.240 --> 00:38:08.559 and the victory 00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:09.300 that we enjoy 00:38:09.300 --> 00:38:10.099 because of you. 00:38:10.960 --> 00:38:11.699 And Father, 00:38:11.820 --> 00:38:12.440 we pray also 00:38:12.440 --> 00:38:13.019 this morning 00:38:13.019 --> 00:38:14.039 for those that are here 00:38:14.039 --> 00:38:14.900 that do not know 00:38:14.900 --> 00:38:16.059 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:38:16.059 --> 00:38:17.280 that this morning 00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:18.280 the Spirit 00:38:18.280 --> 00:38:19.740 would rest upon 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:20.360 their soul 00:38:20.360 --> 00:38:21.440 and bring conviction 00:38:21.440 --> 00:38:22.000 to them 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:22.900 and they would be 00:38:22.900 --> 00:38:23.860 drawn to repent 00:38:23.860 --> 00:38:24.620 and believe 00:38:24.620 --> 00:38:25.680 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:38:25.680 --> 00:38:26.019 alone. 00:38:26.120 --> 00:38:26.840 And we ask this 00:38:26.840 --> 00:38:28.120 in Jesus' name. 00:38:28.480 --> 00:38:28.720 Amen.