WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:12.780 --> 00:00:20.740 What a king we have who's so worthy of worship, that we would be his, that he would make us 00:00:20.740 --> 00:00:21.420 his. 00:00:21.640 --> 00:00:22.539 Isn't that so good? 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:25.420 I hope it rejoices your heart. 00:00:25.420 --> 00:00:32.240 I hope as we open his word, we see the wonderful things that he has in his law for us. 00:00:32.700 --> 00:00:39.160 We've been looking this summer at different kinds of psalms, different songs that God 00:00:39.160 --> 00:00:41.040 gives us as she just sang. 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:47.240 They're given to us from God to his people to shape our hearts toward wisdom. 00:00:48.140 --> 00:00:51.400 In worship, what should we sing to him? 00:00:51.460 --> 00:00:52.840 How should we talk to him? 00:00:52.840 --> 00:01:00.300 Even in sorrow, as we saw last week with a psalm of lament. 00:01:01.440 --> 00:01:11.400 Psalm 77 showed us how vital lament is for God's people to cry out to him, not for a 00:01:11.400 --> 00:01:17.659 quick fix solution to all their problems, but to bring our griefs before him since he is 00:01:17.659 --> 00:01:20.480 a God who delivers through darkness. 00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:29.300 God wants our relationship with him to flourish, not only when we're happy, but also when we're 00:01:29.300 --> 00:01:29.659 sad. 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:31.500 He wants to hear from you. 00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:37.379 This morning in Psalm 69, we encounter another lament. 00:01:37.700 --> 00:01:38.880 Not surprising. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:42.600 I told you last week they're the most common type in the whole psalm. 00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:50.559 But we're looking at it primarily to talk about one section of it referred to as imprecatory. 00:01:51.819 --> 00:02:00.199 That means, in case you haven't talked about it a lot this week, imprecatory means a cry 00:02:00.199 --> 00:02:05.439 to God to punish or curse his enemies. 00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:13.120 So-called imprecatory sections account for part or all of over a dozen psalms. 00:02:13.219 --> 00:02:19.819 They've inspired many different reactions, including Christians who say we should not ever pray 00:02:19.819 --> 00:02:24.419 them, or even that the psalmist himself never should have written them. 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:26.020 Wow. 00:02:26.020 --> 00:02:33.900 I want us to look at an example of imprecation because you come across a lot of prayers like 00:02:33.900 --> 00:02:40.820 this in Scripture, and I think we should pray them once we rightly understand what they mean 00:02:40.820 --> 00:02:44.219 and what they don't direct us toward. 00:02:45.160 --> 00:02:50.800 Let's ask God to direct our minds and hearts as we look at his word, and then I'd like to 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:54.020 talk us through Psalm 69 as we read it. 00:02:54.100 --> 00:02:55.660 So first, will you pray with me? 00:02:58.160 --> 00:03:02.700 God, your heart, as we have seen it already this morning, is glorious. 00:03:04.840 --> 00:03:13.320 The holiness of God, the overflowing mercy, the kindness to lead us to repentance. 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:23.259 Father, we want our hearts to be more like yours, to be shaped the way yours is, and so 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:28.299 that's why we're going to open your word together and ask your spirit to help us. 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:30.979 Would you do that work in us? 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:31.699 We need you. 00:03:33.019 --> 00:03:34.340 We thank you that you love us. 00:03:34.400 --> 00:03:36.219 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:03:36.219 --> 00:03:45.879 Many of you told me this past week how helpful laments are to put words to your difficult 00:03:45.879 --> 00:03:49.340 emotions so that you can speak them to God. 00:03:49.740 --> 00:03:56.500 I felt it would be good for us to look at another example as we read through Psalm 69. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:04:02.840 I'll comment as we go, a little bit different from usual, but then we're going to slow down 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:06.759 at the imprecatory section around verse 22. 00:04:07.659 --> 00:04:15.500 Remember, these are the words of King David for God's people to sing or pray to him. 00:04:15.879 --> 00:04:18.780 Psalm 69 at verse 1. 00:04:19.939 --> 00:04:23.740 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:27.699 I sink in deep mire where there is no foothold. 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:32.899 I have come into deep waters and the flood sweeps over me. 00:04:33.180 --> 00:04:39.159 These are poetic descriptions of being absolutely overwhelmed, right? 00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:43.839 You've felt this way before sometime. 00:04:45.560 --> 00:04:48.779 David says, I am weary with my crying out. 00:04:49.120 --> 00:04:51.019 My throat is parched. 00:04:51.279 --> 00:04:55.539 My eyes grow dim with waiting for God. 00:04:55.540 --> 00:05:03.860 He's been crying to God for help over and over, but so far he feels no relief, only worse. 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:05.280 He's wearing down. 00:05:06.140 --> 00:05:07.000 He's exhausted. 00:05:07.200 --> 00:05:09.240 He's desperate for help. 00:05:10.300 --> 00:05:11.660 What's been going on? 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:13.300 Why does he feel this way? 00:05:14.360 --> 00:05:21.140 More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause. 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:25.899 Mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. 00:05:26.099 --> 00:05:29.000 What I did not steal must I now restore? 00:05:29.479 --> 00:05:31.379 God, these attacks aren't fair. 00:05:32.439 --> 00:05:32.959 Lies! 00:05:33.819 --> 00:05:36.639 All these people hate me and I haven't done anything to them. 00:05:36.699 --> 00:05:38.300 There's no cause. 00:05:39.879 --> 00:05:46.759 It's important to remember here King David is a representative of God and God's people, right? 00:05:46.759 --> 00:05:52.839 If you are against Yahweh, you will likely be against David. 00:05:54.519 --> 00:05:59.920 Jesus uses this very verse of himself in John chapter 15. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:05.599 Psalm 69, by the way, is the second most often quoted psalm in the whole New Testament. 00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:07.899 But you didn't imagine that. 00:06:07.959 --> 00:06:09.139 It's not a very familiar one. 00:06:09.980 --> 00:06:11.459 But Jesus talks about it a lot. 00:06:11.459 --> 00:06:19.459 Here in John 15, he's talking with his followers about being hated by the world because people hated Jesus too. 00:06:20.419 --> 00:06:24.459 So Jesus says the world hates him without cause. 00:06:25.219 --> 00:06:26.459 Quoting this verse. 00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:35.120 As we've seen recently in 1 Peter, the same often goes for us because we're connected to Jesus. 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:41.699 But David hasn't been perfect. 00:06:43.160 --> 00:06:44.100 Verse 5. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:47.699 Oh God, you know my folly. 00:06:48.540 --> 00:06:51.699 The wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. 00:06:52.500 --> 00:06:56.800 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord God of hosts. 00:06:57.259 --> 00:07:01.819 Let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. 00:07:01.819 --> 00:07:06.740 For it is for your sake that I've borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:11.500 I've become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother's son. 00:07:12.120 --> 00:07:14.259 You hear David confess his sin. 00:07:14.779 --> 00:07:19.100 But then his concern is not so much for himself, right? 00:07:19.659 --> 00:07:25.779 But for his failings bringing disgrace to God or to God's people. 00:07:25.779 --> 00:07:32.279 David is suffering in many ways for God's sake. 00:07:33.279 --> 00:07:34.079 Why? 00:07:35.579 --> 00:07:38.179 Listen to this important verse. 00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:38.939 Verse 9. 00:07:39.599 --> 00:07:43.639 For zeal for your house has consumed me, 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:49.839 and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. 00:07:49.839 --> 00:07:57.500 David is being attacked because he is zealous for Yahweh. 00:07:58.359 --> 00:08:04.000 For his house, where his presence rests and his name is worshipped. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:07.099 For his reputation among the peoples. 00:08:07.279 --> 00:08:11.120 For his glory to be made known and his honor defended. 00:08:11.299 --> 00:08:12.979 That's consuming, David. 00:08:13.059 --> 00:08:14.019 It's so important. 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:15.639 Nothing else could be that important. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:26.839 In John chapter 2, Jesus cleanses the temple, God's house, of the money changers. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:34.019 He turns over the tables because they're dishonoring his father's house the way they're carrying on. 00:08:34.299 --> 00:08:36.199 And his disciples remember what? 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:37.919 Psalm 69. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:43.039 Zeal for your house will consume me. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:45.039 They see it in Jesus. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.080 Don't they? 00:08:46.659 --> 00:08:49.259 The new Davidic king. 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:55.259 The second half of verse 9 is also applied to Jesus. 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:59.199 This time in Romans chapter 15. 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:03.399 Paul is teaching us to welcome one another graciously. 00:09:03.559 --> 00:09:06.240 Even in our weaknesses and our failings. 00:09:06.319 --> 00:09:07.600 To build each other up. 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:12.960 And his basis is that Jesus didn't live to please himself. 00:09:12.960 --> 00:09:14.700 It wasn't all about him. 00:09:14.700 --> 00:09:20.740 But rather the reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me. 00:09:21.800 --> 00:09:24.800 Jesus took the slander. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:26.960 The criticism. 00:09:27.540 --> 00:09:30.120 The hatred of God. 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:32.780 And continued to love. 00:09:33.879 --> 00:09:34.240 Forgive. 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:38.259 And welcome even his enemies. 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:44.600 Do we extend such a gracious welcome to others? 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:47.659 That's a good word. 00:09:47.779 --> 00:09:51.939 That's a tough challenge these days especially. 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:54.260 But let's keep reading. 00:09:55.380 --> 00:09:55.960 Verse 10. 00:09:56.060 --> 00:10:00.940 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting it became my reproach. 00:10:01.560 --> 00:10:05.460 When I made sackcloth my clothing I became a byword to them. 00:10:05.860 --> 00:10:10.980 I am the talk of those who sit in the gate and the drunkards make songs about me. 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:14.960 The more David responds humbly and appropriately. 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:17.900 The more they kicked him while he was down. 00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:18.920 That's what he's saying. 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:20.500 They hate God. 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:23.480 So they hate David turning to God. 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:29.280 But David keeps doing that doesn't he? 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:31.680 Where else can he go? 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:36.940 Despite his increasing weariness and grief. 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:43.160 But as for me he says my prayer is to you oh Lord. 00:10:44.160 --> 00:10:46.020 At an acceptable time oh God. 00:10:46.300 --> 00:10:48.440 In the abundance of your steadfast love. 00:10:48.760 --> 00:10:51.460 Answer me in your saving faithfulness. 00:10:51.800 --> 00:10:53.620 Deliver me from sinking in the mire. 00:10:53.920 --> 00:10:56.640 Let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:59.980 Let not the flood sweep over me or the deep swallow me up. 00:11:00.020 --> 00:11:01.900 Or the pit close its mouth over me. 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:03.780 Answer me oh Lord. 00:11:03.779 --> 00:11:07.019 For your steadfast love is good. 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:11.259 According to your abundant mercy turn to me. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:14.240 That is so beautiful isn't it? 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:17.199 There's some words you can pray today wherever you are. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:20.319 David's heart laments to God. 00:11:20.720 --> 00:11:21.879 He's desperate. 00:11:22.179 --> 00:11:27.799 And he pleads that steadfast covenant love that he knows won't let him go. 00:11:28.100 --> 00:11:31.980 That abundant mercy that he knows is never going to run out. 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:37.759 Even though he's not feeling it at the moment. 00:11:38.940 --> 00:11:45.259 He is grasping for a God that he can't presently see or feel. 00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:48.740 But he knows is his only hope against his enemies. 00:11:49.639 --> 00:11:52.100 Against his own overwhelming emotions. 00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:57.340 Man we need to be reading and praying the Psalms right? 00:11:57.519 --> 00:12:00.240 If you're not almost finished with them in the two year Bible reading plan. 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:01.279 And just start at the beginning. 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:03.680 We need to be reading these Psalms. 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:04.960 Praying them to God. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:06.019 Verse 17. 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:08.360 Hide not your face from your servant. 00:12:09.799 --> 00:12:10.820 For I am in distress. 00:12:11.060 --> 00:12:12.820 Make haste to answer me. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:14.960 Draw near to my soul. 00:12:15.340 --> 00:12:16.100 Redeem me. 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:18.240 Ransom me because of my enemies. 00:12:18.620 --> 00:12:21.419 You know my reproach and my shame and my dishonor. 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:23.159 My foes are all known to you. 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:26.340 Reproaches have broken my heart so that I am in despair. 00:12:26.340 --> 00:12:29.379 I looked for pity but there was none. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:32.660 And for comforters but I found none. 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:35.519 They gave me poison for food. 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:40.340 And for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:45.500 No pity from his enemies. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:50.160 It seems no pity from God who sees his pain. 00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:54.000 But he just gets poisoned for food. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:12:57.459 Sour wine to drink. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:59.319 Getting him nowhere with his thirst. 00:13:01.819 --> 00:13:05.139 Jesus experiences this verse on the cross. 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:06.279 Doesn't he? 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:09.120 John 19. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:12.000 I thirst. 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:13.879 An understatement. 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:20.340 To fulfill scripture though sour wine. 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:24.100 Mentioned three times here as Jesus is on the cross. 00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:28.639 Sour wine and then it is finished. 00:13:30.340 --> 00:13:32.860 Jesus thinking Psalm 69. 00:13:33.559 --> 00:13:39.519 Even as he dies and takes God's wrath due to sin that he didn't commit. 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:41.439 It's unjust suffering. 00:13:41.579 --> 00:13:44.000 If ever there was unjust suffering. 00:13:45.059 --> 00:13:47.960 Jesus representative of God's people. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:49.919 Even to death. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:54.779 As he embodies and embraces these words in his last breaths. 00:13:55.539 --> 00:13:59.179 So that's a powerful reason to pray Psalm 69 yourself. 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:03.500 But then the psalm takes a turn. 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:08.559 Instead of crying out for his own relief. 00:14:08.919 --> 00:14:14.720 David begins to pray for his enemies to get no relief. 00:14:15.960 --> 00:14:19.120 Let's slow down here on this imprecatory section. 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:20.840 Verse 22. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:24.779 Let their own table before them become a snare. 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:27.740 And when they are at peace let it become a trap. 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:31.080 Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see. 00:14:31.179 --> 00:14:33.080 And make their loins tremble continually. 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:35.759 Pour out your indignation upon them. 00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:38.299 And let your burning anger overtake them. 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:40.440 May there can't be a desolation. 00:14:40.580 --> 00:14:42.240 Let no one dwell in their tents. 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:45.519 For they persecute him whom you have struck down. 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:48.419 And they recount the pain of those you have wounded. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:51.679 Add to them punishment upon punishment. 00:14:52.059 --> 00:14:53.639 May they have no acquittal from you. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:56.019 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living. 00:14:56.019 --> 00:14:59.080 Let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.000 Whew. 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:06.299 That's tough stuff. 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:07.820 I hope you're paying attention. 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:13.879 You do not want to be chased by God's burning anger. 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:14.799 Amen? 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:23.340 Perhaps we can understand why some people avoid the imprecatory psalms. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:25.399 It is too dark. 00:15:25.399 --> 00:15:27.920 Too mean. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:32.259 Even the psalmist shouldn't have said it. 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:38.300 Let's not take that approach to God's word. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.160 Given to his people. 00:15:40.660 --> 00:15:41.460 To sing. 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:43.200 To pray to him. 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:43.720 Okay. 00:15:43.780 --> 00:15:44.639 Let's not do that. 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:47.259 Others will say. 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:47.460 Well. 00:15:47.539 --> 00:15:48.759 Well it was okay. 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:50.019 Back then. 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:53.659 Back in that old hateful vengeful Old Testament. 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:56.439 But the New Testament ethic is love. 00:15:58.639 --> 00:15:59.360 Friends. 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:02.360 That simply does not fit with the Bible. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:05.919 Where there is plenty of talk. 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:10.019 Of loving neighbor and loving enemy in the Old Testament. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:12.279 And there's plenty of punishment. 00:16:12.680 --> 00:16:13.659 And even curses. 00:16:14.159 --> 00:16:14.800 Imprecations. 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:16.000 I can't read them all to you. 00:16:16.080 --> 00:16:17.159 In the New Testament. 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:23.960 Plus remember the New Testament authors quote Psalm 69 without apology. 00:16:24.340 --> 00:16:27.039 Including this section we'll see in a minute. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:32.959 So we should not neglect this psalm or the imprecatory psalms as a whole. 00:16:34.179 --> 00:16:35.039 Equally though. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:37.639 We shouldn't run headlong into them. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:41.860 We should not misuse these sections of Scripture. 00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:43.799 Let me give us a couple of cautions. 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:47.699 They are not for personal vengeance. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:52.199 First of all these are prayers for God to act. 00:16:52.659 --> 00:16:55.599 Not actions of vengeance themselves. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:57.379 Vengeance is the Lord's. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.279 Cover to cover. 00:16:59.060 --> 00:16:59.639 Not ours. 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:05.180 But further these prayers against these enemies. 00:17:05.620 --> 00:17:07.960 Are officially sanctioned by God. 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:11.299 Against people committed to standing against God himself. 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:14.700 And therefore his people who represent him. 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:20.000 You may not pray these against your rival football team this fall. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:22.720 Or this morning your rival swim club. 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:24.680 You may not use them that way. 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:26.799 Sorry to disappoint you. 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:31.120 Nor may you pray them against your neighbor. 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:34.660 Whose music is too loud late at night. 00:17:35.420 --> 00:17:40.120 Or even your classmate who is consistently mean to you. 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:42.960 As hard as that might be. 00:17:43.080 --> 00:17:45.200 That's not what these are for. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:50.519 You may lament any of those situations and many others. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:52.559 And cry out to God. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:58.359 But these imprecations are not for your personal wishes of ill will. 00:18:00.359 --> 00:18:04.480 You should indeed as you thought was the case when you came in here. 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:05.720 Love your enemies. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:09.259 And pray for those who persecute you. 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:11.299 Jesus and David would tell you that. 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:18.220 Finally do not misuse them as a power play. 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:24.819 As though you will use God to keep the upper hand on those against you politically. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.099 Or socially. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.220 Or professionally. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.839 No, no, no, no. 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:35.919 Notice the imprecatory psalms are always prayed from a position of weakness. 00:18:36.879 --> 00:18:38.099 At being oppressed. 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:39.679 Of desperation. 00:18:40.159 --> 00:18:43.179 Of need for God's help and rescue. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:47.620 So why not just skip over them? 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:49.019 If there are all these things we shouldn't do. 00:18:49.100 --> 00:18:54.259 Why not just skip Psalm 5 and 10 and all the other psalms like this? 00:18:55.600 --> 00:18:57.259 Well, they are God's word. 00:18:58.640 --> 00:19:05.000 And we always do best to submit to be shaped by it in God's image. 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:09.860 Rather than seeking to shape God's word in our image. 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:11.940 So there's one place to start. 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:17.279 But specifically three ways that these verses shape our hearts that we need. 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:23.380 First, they shape our hearts to stand against God's enemies. 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:30.980 The more our hearts are passionate about God's glory. 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:34.100 Consumed with zeal for his house. 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:39.120 The more we will not stomach his glory being maligned. 00:19:40.460 --> 00:19:41.680 We pray, don't we? 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:44.060 For God's kingdom to come. 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:46.580 That's the positive way to frame it. 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:48.779 But if God's kingdom comes here on earth. 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:52.640 That means that all other kingdoms bow or fade. 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:53.160 Right? 00:19:54.820 --> 00:19:56.340 We're called to stand firm. 00:19:56.600 --> 00:19:59.980 In the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged. 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:06.779 So, Will, if it's not our personal enemies, who can we pray these about? 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:10.240 I need someone to have in mind. 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:11.460 That's an important question. 00:20:11.460 --> 00:20:17.220 Y'all, it always fits with Satan and his minions, right? 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:20.600 As our struggle is not against flesh and blood. 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:28.480 So we can always pray, God, for the work of Satan in my life, in my family, in my church, in this world. 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:32.299 I pray for that destruction of that work. 00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:38.240 But there are human enemies of God and his people, too. 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:44.779 Acts 1.20 cites Psalm 69.25 to refer to Judas. 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:45.779 Jesus. 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:48.960 May his camp be desolate and no one dwell in it. 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:56.240 No more like him, God, who would oppose the Lord's anointed. 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:58.460 May there not be any more like that. 00:20:58.460 --> 00:21:06.819 Jesus uses the same verse in Matthew 23.38 of Jews who reject him. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:13.920 God's people who turn from Jesus and reject God's other representatives that he sent to them. 00:21:14.360 --> 00:21:18.400 They stand against God and everyone who he would send to them. 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:25.640 Think of groups like ISIS who set themselves against the God of the Bible 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:28.940 and against his people violently and committedly. 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:35.540 You probably, in many cases, can include evil like human trafficking. 00:21:36.540 --> 00:21:43.540 Where people have decided to build their livelihood around harming and abusing the image of God and other people. 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:50.320 Thereby willfully attacking not just you or someone you love, but the people God loves. 00:21:51.140 --> 00:21:51.300 Right? 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:59.859 You can pray them about God's enemies even when you don't know exactly who they are. 00:22:01.419 --> 00:22:03.839 There's plenty such evil, right? 00:22:04.639 --> 00:22:06.159 I'm just getting your wheels turning. 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:13.299 There's plenty such evil physical and spiritual in this world that God calls us to stand against 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:16.759 for the sake of his glory, his kingdom, and his people. 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:22.700 We need to pray these and have our hearts shaped for his glory against his enemies. 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:30.220 Secondly, these verses shape our hearts to hope in God's justice. 00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:38.200 Listen, when we pray these words, we don't get to call all the shots as to how the justice is meted out. 00:22:38.319 --> 00:22:45.180 Even when there's poetic imagery or poetic justice implied to do to them what they did to us, 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:48.580 we see from a very limited perspective. 00:22:49.340 --> 00:22:53.460 Our hope is not in our justice. 00:22:54.100 --> 00:22:56.860 But we hate sin so much. 00:22:57.320 --> 00:23:02.799 We embrace the seriousness of our rebellion against God's design. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:08.980 And we are glad that God will punish sin and vindicate the victims of it. 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:17.380 In a world that often these days trends so soft on sin, 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:23.880 so values individual choice that almost no choice we make can be critiqued anymore, 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:29.099 we firmly, on the authority of God's word, 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:34.980 remember that he establishes truth and we bow to it. 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:38.980 Wrong must be made right. 00:23:39.860 --> 00:23:42.980 Verse 24, pour out your wrath, your indignation. 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:48.180 That happens in Revelation 16 as God brings eternal justice 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:50.980 and sets all things right in his new creation. 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.960 It will happen. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:24:03.819 If you've ever been abused, unjustly accused, ruthlessly attacked, 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:07.579 you long for justice, don't you? 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:13.340 These words are calling you to hope ultimately in God's justice. 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:15.740 Rather than your own or other justice you can get here, 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:17.759 there's a more certain hope than that. 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:22.460 Don't give me this theoretical God who's soft on sin. 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:26.400 Give me a God who's a biblical God, big on grace, 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:32.380 because he's tough on sin, so he's overflowing with mercy. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:40.960 God is holy, holy, holy, perfectly just, altogether righteous. 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:45.500 So seeing sin called sin, wrong, wrong, right, right, 00:24:45.620 --> 00:24:49.539 brings him glory and us hope. 00:24:49.539 --> 00:25:01.000 Finally, these verses shape our hearts to treasure repentance in ourselves and others. 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:06.700 We indeed are sinners who face God's judgment, 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:14.519 his just curse upon us unless we repent and turn to the one who took our curse on the cross. 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:19.660 These verses should make us hate our sin and love our Savior. 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.019 Amen? 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:26.420 But then, y'all, this is so important. 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:27.559 Please listen. 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:30.279 It doesn't always sound like this. 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:34.759 If you take a single verse or poetic line, you may not hear it in every line. 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:38.720 As we read sobering lines like this, 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:42.500 we treasure the repentance of all others. 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:47.019 In the context of the Psalms and the Bible as a whole, 00:25:47.400 --> 00:25:52.259 repentance and forgiveness are always preferable, 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:55.980 always to be desired first. 00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:58.980 Not just in the New Testament, David too. 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:06.119 In this very Psalm, it's calling for everything that moves to praise Yahweh, 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:09.579 like other Psalms that want God's glory proclaimed to the nations. 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:14.519 Even the enemy Gentiles should know Yahweh and praise Him. 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:16.599 That's the heart when we sing. 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:25.919 Other Psalms even speak in their imprecations of the punishment leading God's enemies to turn to Him. 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:28.659 Psalm 83, 16, for example, 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:30.439 fill their faces with shame. 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:32.659 There's the imprecation. 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:35.740 That they may seek Your name, O Lord. 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:38.699 That's my heart for them ultimately. 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:44.359 Psalm 69 is used the same way in Romans 11, 00:26:44.859 --> 00:26:49.679 where Paul pronounces a partial hardening on the Jews 00:26:49.679 --> 00:26:54.379 in order that they might repent and receive mercy. 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:59.139 It's understood, y'all, that we share God's heart 00:26:59.139 --> 00:27:03.419 and call for all men everywhere to repent and be saved. 00:27:03.419 --> 00:27:06.519 Even ISIS, even human traffickers. 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:09.039 Oh, Jesus is big enough for them. 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:12.180 His salvation can cover them too. 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:14.200 But if not, 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:16.940 that's the way to read these words. 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:19.440 But if not, 00:27:20.139 --> 00:27:23.259 let them be blotted out with no acquittal. 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:26.619 If they won't repent, 00:27:27.019 --> 00:27:29.619 God, this is what is just. 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:37.899 I was talking about these psalms this week with a wiser pastor here in our church family, Jim Simonow. 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:41.859 I love the way he summed up these prayers. 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:47.719 God, change them or remove their influence from the earth. 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:54.819 God, would you change them or remove their influence from the earth? 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:58.579 Never pray any of these words without that heart. 00:27:58.579 --> 00:28:00.720 focusing on God's enemies, 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:03.039 hoping in God's justice, 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:06.240 looking for repentance before judgment. 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:12.420 I'm not suggesting imprecatory prayers should give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:16.779 But I am suggesting that you not skip over them. 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:18.799 Because they honor God. 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:24.079 And they're used by his spirit to draw your hearts closer to his heart. 00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:30.159 If I've confused or troubled you in talking about them this morning, 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:32.019 please come talk with me further. 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:33.539 I would love to talk with you. 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:35.740 God is not a God of confusion. 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:38.899 Sometimes his under-shepherds are. 00:28:40.359 --> 00:28:42.419 And I'd love a chance to talk with you about that. 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:45.199 Let's finish this lament 00:28:45.199 --> 00:28:47.240 that has cried out to God, 00:28:48.159 --> 00:28:51.439 that has asked him justly to punish his enemies, 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:56.580 and that finally trusts God to redeem and restore. 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:57.720 Verse 29. 00:28:58.240 --> 00:29:00.200 But I am afflicted and in pain. 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:04.100 Let your salvation, O God, set me on high. 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:06.820 I will praise the name of God with a song. 00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:08.880 I will magnify him with thanksgiving. 00:29:09.259 --> 00:29:11.279 This will please the Lord more than an ox 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:13.220 or a bull with horns and hoofs. 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:14.820 A sacrifice of praise. 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:15.799 Thanksgiving, right? 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:20.200 When the humble see it, they will be glad. 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:23.380 You who seek God, let your hearts revive. 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:25.240 For the Lord hears the needy 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:28.700 and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:32.640 Where does God's downtrodden people turn for revival? 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:36.539 When they need their hearts breathed life into again. 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:39.140 When they need their needs met in a new way. 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:39.940 Where do they turn? 00:29:40.620 --> 00:29:43.299 They turn to him in his timing. 00:29:44.059 --> 00:29:45.000 He will deliver. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:48.579 So let heaven and earth praise him. 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:51.200 The seas and everything that moves in them. 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:54.619 For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah. 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:57.059 And people shall dwell there and possess it. 00:29:57.339 --> 00:29:59.700 The offspring of his servants shall inherit it. 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:03.380 And those who love his name shall dwell in it. 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:05.420 Isn't this remarkable? 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:08.180 I need to connect some dots for you. 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:14.920 The David who's experiencing the reality that representing God, 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:16.340 being connected to him, 00:30:16.519 --> 00:30:20.000 is bringing trouble upon trouble into his life. 00:30:20.360 --> 00:30:21.660 What does he now say? 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:28.740 He realizes there is no better place than being connected to this God. 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:32.620 God can be trusted, after all, 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:35.059 to bring his promises to fruition, 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:38.980 to make things right in the place where he promised his people would flourish, 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:43.319 and he will not leave a single downtrodden child behind. 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:45.460 So especially when you're low, 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:48.099 when you're at the end of your rope, 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:49.779 when you're overwhelmed, 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.500 cling to him, 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:53.220 cry to him, 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:55.579 trust him to rescue, 00:30:55.900 --> 00:30:56.500 restore, 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:58.599 and make things right forever. 00:30:58.720 --> 00:30:59.740 He will do it. 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:03.519 Okay, that covered a lot of ground. 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:08.900 Many things I hope for us to take away to shape our hearts. 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:15.500 But three questions for our hearts to consider as we prepare to come to this table. 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:20.380 First, how's your zeal for God's glory doing? 00:31:20.380 --> 00:31:26.700 Are you so drawn in daily to worshiping him, 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:29.360 to marveling at his greatness, 00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:30.540 that you would say, 00:31:30.920 --> 00:31:33.880 zeal for God's house consumes me? 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:38.080 Are you willing to suffer, 00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:39.780 even unjustly, 00:31:40.020 --> 00:31:41.320 for the sake of his name? 00:31:41.760 --> 00:31:43.880 Or would you compromise 00:31:43.880 --> 00:31:46.160 for the sake of your own comfort? 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:50.320 Are you more concerned about your own reputation 00:31:50.320 --> 00:31:52.920 or God's reputation? 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.700 Singing this psalm, 00:31:55.840 --> 00:31:57.040 meditating on this psalm, 00:31:57.140 --> 00:31:59.880 draws us into a renewed zeal 00:31:59.880 --> 00:32:01.279 for God's glory. 00:32:03.380 --> 00:32:03.860 Secondly, 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:06.220 how's your grasp of God's justice? 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:09.740 Do you increasingly long for him 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.960 to make all things right? 00:32:12.300 --> 00:32:13.279 Probably you do. 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:15.160 The more we hurt, 00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:16.740 the more we long for that. 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:18.619 But are you increasingly believing 00:32:18.619 --> 00:32:21.220 and trusting his promises that he will 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:23.500 so that you don't need to take things 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:25.059 into your own hand to defend yourself? 00:32:28.139 --> 00:32:30.819 Has your appreciation for God's justice 00:32:30.819 --> 00:32:32.619 so sobered you 00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:35.099 into passionately seeking others 00:32:35.099 --> 00:32:37.099 that they might repent, 00:32:37.359 --> 00:32:39.700 that they might find refuge in Jesus? 00:32:39.700 --> 00:32:40.340 Y'all, 00:32:40.400 --> 00:32:43.380 if we read and pray this psalm rightly, 00:32:43.779 --> 00:32:45.840 our love for God's justice 00:32:45.840 --> 00:32:49.500 will drive us to love for neighbor, 00:32:49.860 --> 00:32:51.860 lest anyone should face 00:32:51.860 --> 00:32:53.759 the burning anger of God's wrath 00:32:53.759 --> 00:32:54.799 described here 00:32:54.799 --> 00:32:57.819 without the covering 00:32:57.819 --> 00:32:59.420 of the blood of Jesus. 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:02.120 You don't want anyone 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:04.360 to face that. 00:33:06.380 --> 00:33:07.019 Finally, 00:33:07.140 --> 00:33:07.759 how's your hope 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:09.480 in God's Messiah? 00:33:11.220 --> 00:33:13.220 As you reflect on Psalm 69, 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:14.319 even now, 00:33:14.660 --> 00:33:17.480 does Jesus become more needful 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:20.660 and therefore more beautiful 00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:22.079 to you? 00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:24.180 Are you so grateful 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:26.220 that he is your representative 00:33:26.220 --> 00:33:27.599 before God? 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:29.359 He is the one who suffered 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:30.900 the reproaches of men 00:33:30.900 --> 00:33:31.879 and even more, 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:33.359 the wrath of God 00:33:33.359 --> 00:33:34.740 poured out on him 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.759 in your place 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:37.799 so that you 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:39.640 and other enemies of God 00:33:39.640 --> 00:33:41.019 could be forgiven 00:33:41.019 --> 00:33:42.440 as he prayed 00:33:42.440 --> 00:33:44.240 from the cross. 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:46.539 Enemies, 00:33:46.900 --> 00:33:47.539 think about this, 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:49.259 enemies of the holy God 00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:51.140 could not be destroyed. 00:33:52.619 --> 00:33:53.640 Even more, 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:55.379 could be friends of God. 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:56.379 No, 00:33:56.460 --> 00:33:56.720 it's even, 00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:57.980 it's even better than that, 00:33:58.140 --> 00:33:59.019 could be welcomed 00:33:59.019 --> 00:33:59.879 into the family 00:33:59.879 --> 00:34:02.079 as God's very own 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:03.220 beloved children, 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:03.900 children. 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:06.660 The one true son 00:34:06.660 --> 00:34:07.620 is treated 00:34:07.620 --> 00:34:08.940 as God's enemy. 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:11.800 That the enemies of God 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:13.860 would be welcomed in 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:14.380 and treated 00:34:14.380 --> 00:34:16.400 as sons. 00:34:17.360 --> 00:34:17.900 Brought, 00:34:18.780 --> 00:34:19.860 can you believe this? 00:34:20.820 --> 00:34:22.860 Brought all the way in 00:34:22.860 --> 00:34:25.199 to this table 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:27.199 so that you will never, 00:34:27.199 --> 00:34:29.139 ever again 00:34:29.139 --> 00:34:31.619 be far from God. 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:33.579 you're always near 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:33.940 to him 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:34.739 because of Jesus. 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:36.139 What a great 00:34:36.139 --> 00:34:37.139 and gracious 00:34:37.139 --> 00:34:38.139 savior he is. 00:34:38.239 --> 00:34:38.400 Amen? 00:34:40.539 --> 00:34:42.099 The night he was betrayed, 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:44.960 Jesus took bread 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:46.679 and he broke it 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:47.699 and he gave it 00:34:47.699 --> 00:34:48.599 to his disciples 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:50.000 as I'm ministering 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:50.619 in his name, 00:34:50.719 --> 00:34:51.980 give this bread to you 00:34:51.980 --> 00:34:53.159 and he said, 00:34:53.319 --> 00:34:54.019 take and eat. 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.980 This is my body 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:57.719 given for you. 00:34:58.079 --> 00:34:58.779 Do this 00:34:58.779 --> 00:34:59.659 in remembrance 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:00.359 of me. 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.359 And then after supper 00:35:02.359 --> 00:35:03.139 in the same way 00:35:03.139 --> 00:35:04.059 he took the cup 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:04.480 and said, 00:35:04.719 --> 00:35:05.119 this cup 00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:06.279 is the new covenant 00:35:06.279 --> 00:35:07.339 in my blood 00:35:07.339 --> 00:35:08.399 which has been shed 00:35:08.399 --> 00:35:08.940 for many 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:09.819 for the forgiveness 00:35:09.819 --> 00:35:10.559 of sins. 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:11.599 Drink from it 00:35:11.599 --> 00:35:12.259 all of you 00:35:12.259 --> 00:35:13.299 because as often 00:35:13.299 --> 00:35:14.440 as you eat this bread 00:35:14.440 --> 00:35:15.719 and drink this cup 00:35:15.719 --> 00:35:16.839 you proclaim 00:35:16.839 --> 00:35:18.359 the Lord's death 00:35:18.359 --> 00:35:19.420 until he comes. 00:35:19.619 --> 00:35:20.119 You say 00:35:20.119 --> 00:35:21.399 that's my only hope 00:35:21.399 --> 00:35:22.500 that Jesus 00:35:22.500 --> 00:35:23.239 stood in 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:24.379 and took God's wrath 00:35:24.379 --> 00:35:25.839 in my place. 00:35:26.420 --> 00:35:26.859 Friends, 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.460 if that is 00:35:27.460 --> 00:35:28.299 your only hope, 00:35:28.300 --> 00:35:29.700 if that's what you 00:35:29.700 --> 00:35:31.039 cling to 00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:32.500 before God, 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:33.039 if you know 00:35:33.039 --> 00:35:33.780 that he's welcomed 00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:34.680 you into his family 00:35:34.680 --> 00:35:35.780 because of Jesus 00:35:35.780 --> 00:35:37.220 then come, 00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:39.320 come and eat. 00:35:39.660 --> 00:35:40.180 Christians, 00:35:40.900 --> 00:35:43.000 by all rights, 00:35:43.880 --> 00:35:44.240 Jesus, 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.460 consumed 00:35:45.460 --> 00:35:46.800 with zeal 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:47.840 for God's house 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:49.200 should have seen 00:35:49.200 --> 00:35:50.039 your sin 00:35:50.039 --> 00:35:51.220 and driven you 00:35:51.220 --> 00:35:51.740 out of it, 00:35:52.220 --> 00:35:53.260 turning over the tables 00:35:53.260 --> 00:35:54.039 behind you. 00:35:54.039 --> 00:35:56.940 that's not what 00:35:56.940 --> 00:35:57.219 he did, 00:35:57.279 --> 00:35:57.519 is it? 00:35:58.559 --> 00:35:59.000 Instead, 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:00.239 instead, 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:02.079 he was driven out 00:36:02.079 --> 00:36:04.179 paying the penalty 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:05.360 that your sin 00:36:05.360 --> 00:36:05.820 deserved 00:36:05.820 --> 00:36:06.840 so that you 00:36:06.840 --> 00:36:07.400 could be 00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:08.460 brought in 00:36:08.460 --> 00:36:09.480 because part 00:36:09.480 --> 00:36:10.400 of his zeal 00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:11.619 for God's house 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:13.000 that so consumed him 00:36:13.000 --> 00:36:13.779 was that you 00:36:13.779 --> 00:36:14.320 would be in it 00:36:14.320 --> 00:36:14.759 with him 00:36:14.759 --> 00:36:15.460 forever 00:36:15.460 --> 00:36:16.800 and so he went 00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:17.320 to the cross 00:36:17.320 --> 00:36:17.800 for you. 00:36:18.820 --> 00:36:19.659 Come and eat 00:36:19.659 --> 00:36:20.719 humbly, 00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:22.380 gratefully 00:36:22.380 --> 00:36:24.019 for such a savior. 00:36:25.880 --> 00:36:26.420 Friends, 00:36:26.480 --> 00:36:26.860 if you're here 00:36:26.860 --> 00:36:27.340 this morning 00:36:27.340 --> 00:36:28.180 and that's not 00:36:28.180 --> 00:36:28.760 your hope, 00:36:29.760 --> 00:36:31.180 if you haven't 00:36:31.180 --> 00:36:32.059 in your heart 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:33.519 embraced Jesus 00:36:33.519 --> 00:36:35.240 as your only hope 00:36:35.240 --> 00:36:36.099 before God, 00:36:36.340 --> 00:36:37.500 then don't come 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:38.599 outwardly 00:36:38.599 --> 00:36:39.800 and take these elements 00:36:39.800 --> 00:36:41.160 and say something 00:36:41.160 --> 00:36:42.559 that's not true 00:36:42.559 --> 00:36:43.960 for you inwardly 00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:44.780 by faith 00:36:44.780 --> 00:36:45.860 in Jesus. 00:36:47.180 --> 00:36:48.660 But please hear me. 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:50.420 Would you consider 00:36:50.420 --> 00:36:52.280 coming to Jesus 00:36:52.280 --> 00:36:54.400 that you not 00:36:54.400 --> 00:36:55.580 stand on your own 00:36:55.580 --> 00:36:57.180 before a holy God? 00:36:57.380 --> 00:36:58.320 His body 00:36:58.320 --> 00:36:59.140 and blood 00:36:59.140 --> 00:37:00.200 here are offered 00:37:00.200 --> 00:37:00.740 to you 00:37:00.740 --> 00:37:02.240 to cover all your sins. 00:37:02.540 --> 00:37:03.680 You're not a bigger sinner 00:37:03.680 --> 00:37:04.920 than anyone else 00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:05.640 in this room 00:37:05.640 --> 00:37:07.240 but all of us 00:37:07.240 --> 00:37:08.280 without exception 00:37:08.280 --> 00:37:10.260 and with eternal 00:37:10.260 --> 00:37:10.940 necessity 00:37:10.940 --> 00:37:13.220 require a big 00:37:13.220 --> 00:37:14.019 savior. 00:37:14.580 --> 00:37:15.500 You need 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.300 Jesus. 00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:19.340 Come and observe. 00:37:19.620 --> 00:37:20.640 Come ask us to pray 00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:21.900 but oh please, 00:37:22.279 --> 00:37:23.559 please come 00:37:23.559 --> 00:37:24.779 to Jesus. 00:37:25.900 --> 00:37:26.859 Let's pray 00:37:26.859 --> 00:37:27.299 and we'll come 00:37:27.299 --> 00:37:28.099 celebrate together. 00:37:29.859 --> 00:37:30.599 Jesus, 00:37:30.759 --> 00:37:31.400 we need you. 00:37:33.179 --> 00:37:34.400 Me first. 00:37:37.299 --> 00:37:38.559 All of us. 00:37:38.559 --> 00:37:41.659 thank you for the reminder 00:37:41.659 --> 00:37:42.699 of your love 00:37:42.699 --> 00:37:45.019 for your 00:37:45.019 --> 00:37:46.420 taking God's wrath 00:37:46.420 --> 00:37:47.340 upon yourself 00:37:47.340 --> 00:37:48.279 so that it doesn't 00:37:48.279 --> 00:37:49.079 fall on us. 00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:51.059 Renew our hope 00:37:51.059 --> 00:37:51.420 in you 00:37:51.420 --> 00:37:53.019 as we take 00:37:53.019 --> 00:37:53.940 common elements 00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:55.320 and you use them 00:37:55.320 --> 00:37:57.420 for a sacred purpose 00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:58.219 in our hearts. 00:37:59.299 --> 00:38:00.099 Do that now 00:38:00.099 --> 00:38:00.940 by your spirit 00:38:00.940 --> 00:38:01.820 in Jesus' name. 00:38:02.659 --> 00:38:02.920 Amen. 00:38:02.920 --> 00:38:05.780 For more information 00:38:05.780 --> 00:38:07.039 visit us online 00:38:07.039 --> 00:38:08.139 at southwood.org 00:38:08.139 --> 00:38:12.500 In Jesus´s La Mittia 00:38:12.500 --> 00:38:15.359 in Jesus´n La Mittia 00:38:15.359 --> 00:38:15.920 in Jesus´s La Mittia 00:38:15.980 --> 00:38:18.199 in Jesus' name 00:38:18.199 --> 00:38:18.480 and let's pray 00:38:18.719 --> 00:38:19.219 we see 00:38:21.299 --> 00:38:21.879 with your 00:38:22.099 --> 00:38:23.619 influence 00:38:24.279 --> 00:38:27.440 the 00:38:27.879 --> 00:38:28.319 love 00:38:28.739 --> 00:38:29.559 in Jesus´s 00:38:29.819 --> 00:38:30.799 uts 00:38:30.940 --> 00:38:31.940 in Jesus´s 00:38:31.940 --> 00:38:32.679 the night 00:38:32.940 --> 00:38:33.179 ofnis 00:38:33.440 --> 00:38:34.299 help 00:38:34.440 --> 00:38:35.039 in Jesus´s 00:38:35.139 --> 00:38:35.679 an