WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.679 You can keep your Bibles at Habakkuk chapter 3. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.740 As we come to the third and final chapter of Habakkuk. 00:00:11.200 --> 00:00:15.160 Now remember that Habakkuk lives in this time of the nation of Judah. 00:00:16.059 --> 00:00:22.940 During the time when the king and all the people, or many of the people, were not following the Lord. 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:26.719 Instead, they were following the pagan gods. 00:00:26.960 --> 00:00:27.960 Worshipping them. 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:32.960 Taking advantage of the poor and the needy. 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:35.000 Injustice is all rampant. 00:00:35.140 --> 00:00:37.719 So Habakkuk asks God, why? 00:00:39.280 --> 00:00:40.660 Why is it this way? 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:46.260 When will you actually act on behalf of your people? 00:00:47.460 --> 00:00:50.219 And we see that God then has given the most shocking reply. 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:57.400 That he will deal with the injustice that Habakkuk can see around him in Israel. 00:00:58.359 --> 00:01:02.439 But the thing is that he's going to do it by using the Babylonians. 00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:10.319 By using an even more unjust people, a worse people, to deal with violence. 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:19.620 And Habakkuk can't understand of how can you use this people that is even worse against God's covenant people. 00:01:19.620 --> 00:01:23.760 And the Lord answers this accusation by giving him a vision. 00:01:24.120 --> 00:01:26.640 A vision for all the ages. 00:01:27.780 --> 00:01:29.180 That judgment is coming. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:31.620 That judgment is coming. 00:01:31.780 --> 00:01:34.560 And God's enemies shall be destroyed. 00:01:34.700 --> 00:01:35.760 The Babylonians. 00:01:36.620 --> 00:01:38.960 And all to come afterwards. 00:01:38.959 --> 00:01:43.319 And the Lord's response in chapter 2 ends this way. 00:01:44.359 --> 00:01:47.339 But the Lord is in his holy temple. 00:01:47.739 --> 00:01:51.559 Let all the earth keep silence before him. 00:01:51.560 --> 00:01:56.620 See, this verse is the climax of the response God gives. 00:01:57.340 --> 00:01:59.680 The Lord is in his temple. 00:02:00.240 --> 00:02:01.680 He is on the throne. 00:02:02.180 --> 00:02:07.040 He works out all things according to his purposes. 00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:10.659 And what can our response be? 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:14.900 It is like when we see in the book of Job. 00:02:15.560 --> 00:02:18.780 When the Lord responds to Job and the many things that have been said. 00:02:18.840 --> 00:02:21.800 And he responds saying, where were you? 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:25.860 When I lay the foundations of the earth. 00:02:26.080 --> 00:02:27.860 Tell me if you have the understanding. 00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:34.000 Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out? 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:38.520 And have you commanded the morning since your days began? 00:02:39.300 --> 00:02:42.180 And cost the dawn to know its place. 00:02:42.900 --> 00:02:45.460 Will you put me in the wrong? 00:02:45.600 --> 00:02:49.260 Will you condemn me that you may be in the right? 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:51.780 Do you have an arm like God? 00:02:52.359 --> 00:02:55.579 And can you thunder with a voice like his? 00:02:57.299 --> 00:03:07.759 You know, what can we mere creatures say when we come before such an amazing, powerful, and awesome being. 00:03:07.859 --> 00:03:10.079 The creator of all things. 00:03:10.979 --> 00:03:12.659 And as we come to chapter 3 here. 00:03:13.019 --> 00:03:16.019 We see that Habakkuk has heard the vision. 00:03:16.579 --> 00:03:18.840 He has pondered its message. 00:03:19.259 --> 00:03:21.219 And his attitude has changed. 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:26.319 It is now altogether different than we saw in the first chapter. 00:03:27.179 --> 00:03:31.319 Now before we get into the sermon, please pray with me. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:40.319 O Lord, we pray this evening that you may speak. 00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:47.120 We come needy and desperate to hear your voice. 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:51.620 Not the voice of man, but the voice of God. 00:03:51.620 --> 00:03:54.960 So we pray this evening that you may speak. 00:03:55.960 --> 00:03:57.159 By your spirit. 00:03:58.099 --> 00:03:59.680 And in Jesus' name we pray. 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:01.039 Amen. 00:04:03.719 --> 00:04:06.180 Now seeing is believing. 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:09.780 That is a phrase that we probably have heard. 00:04:10.040 --> 00:04:11.420 That we probably understand. 00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:13.219 That to see is to believe. 00:04:13.219 --> 00:04:16.660 You know, we don't have to question the things that we see. 00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:19.860 You know, I just know that they're true. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:23.720 You know, I know you have these pews in front of me. 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:26.079 And the camera back there that we see. 00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:31.599 And this is how we may describe the apostle Thomas. 00:04:32.039 --> 00:04:33.659 After the resurrection of Christ. 00:04:34.279 --> 00:04:40.060 Because after the resurrection of Christ, we see him appear to all the apostles except for Thomas. 00:04:40.060 --> 00:04:44.720 And all the apostles come and they tell Thomas that they have seen the Lord. 00:04:45.399 --> 00:04:46.759 That he is risen again. 00:04:46.839 --> 00:04:48.780 That he showed himself to them. 00:04:49.899 --> 00:04:51.399 And he cannot believe. 00:04:52.680 --> 00:05:01.680 He says, unless I see the very holes from the crucifixion nails in the hands of Jesus. 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:05.800 Unless I see the hole in his side made by the spear. 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:07.959 I cannot believe. 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:10.500 I cannot believe. 00:05:11.299 --> 00:05:14.799 See, he needs to see in order to believe. 00:05:15.799 --> 00:05:22.159 And our Savior was gracious enough to appear to Thomas to show himself so that Thomas may believe. 00:05:22.839 --> 00:05:27.560 Now, our senses that play a vital and essential role in everyday life. 00:05:27.679 --> 00:05:30.240 In the way that we go about everyday business. 00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:30.899 Do they not? 00:05:31.740 --> 00:05:36.159 As we hear and we see and we feel and we taste and we smell. 00:05:36.160 --> 00:05:40.620 You know, the sight of an oasis in the desert. 00:05:41.460 --> 00:05:44.560 Of hearing the word of God preached. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:48.780 Of feeling the embrace of a friend. 00:05:49.260 --> 00:05:52.879 Of smelling that delicious meal that we've just made. 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:55.879 Or that smell of coffee in the morning. 00:05:56.420 --> 00:05:57.980 Or as you've gotten out of bed. 00:05:58.680 --> 00:06:02.600 The senses truly make and shape our reality. 00:06:03.300 --> 00:06:04.680 Our day to day lives. 00:06:05.300 --> 00:06:07.719 But there's more to us than just our senses. 00:06:07.720 --> 00:06:10.940 For Paul says we walk by faith. 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:12.860 And not by sight. 00:06:13.100 --> 00:06:14.960 For if we were limited to our sight. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:18.220 If we were limited to our present circumstances. 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:21.360 And that all that there is to look on. 00:06:21.700 --> 00:06:26.480 Is the suffering and the pain that we're experiencing in any given moment. 00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:29.060 Than what hope is there? 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:32.819 What hope is there? 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:35.240 If all that there is that we have to look on. 00:06:35.879 --> 00:06:38.879 Is the present circumstances. 00:06:39.520 --> 00:06:41.020 But God has given us more. 00:06:41.640 --> 00:06:42.960 Than just our senses. 00:06:43.379 --> 00:06:45.840 That we may set our inner eyes. 00:06:46.780 --> 00:06:49.740 That we may set the eyes of our soul. 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:51.980 You know, our faith. 00:06:52.580 --> 00:06:53.640 On something else. 00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:55.620 On God. 00:06:56.759 --> 00:07:00.079 So the message this evening in Habakkuk 3 for us. 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:02.860 Is to look to God. 00:07:03.939 --> 00:07:05.099 To look to God. 00:07:05.159 --> 00:07:07.139 And in this chapter. 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:09.079 We're going to look to God first. 00:07:09.579 --> 00:07:10.339 In the past. 00:07:11.479 --> 00:07:12.459 And then second. 00:07:12.719 --> 00:07:13.500 In the present. 00:07:14.560 --> 00:07:15.279 And then third. 00:07:15.719 --> 00:07:16.319 In the future. 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:18.419 So first then. 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:20.759 To look to God in the past. 00:07:21.459 --> 00:07:23.279 We see God's presence. 00:07:23.639 --> 00:07:25.759 And God's deliverance. 00:07:26.219 --> 00:07:26.379 So. 00:07:26.699 --> 00:07:28.419 Let us see God's presence. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:29.740 In verses 3. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:32.339 And verses 4. 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:36.779 In the first few verses of Habakkuk response here. 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:37.819 We see Habakkuk. 00:07:38.199 --> 00:07:39.459 Describing God. 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:41.120 Of what he is like. 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:44.459 So we see him say that he came from Taman. 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:45.620 From Mount Paran. 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:48.660 And these are references to the Exodus. 00:07:49.439 --> 00:07:51.120 That we see in the book of Exodus. 00:07:51.720 --> 00:07:53.800 And he gives an image here of God. 00:07:53.899 --> 00:07:55.720 Of his splendor. 00:07:55.840 --> 00:07:56.920 Covering the heavens. 00:07:57.379 --> 00:07:58.699 Brightness like the light. 00:07:59.360 --> 00:08:01.300 Rays from his hand. 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:03.259 And this imagery here. 00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:06.860 Reminds us of the Lord appearing on Mount Sinai. 00:08:07.420 --> 00:08:09.300 You remember the scene of the people. 00:08:09.639 --> 00:08:11.420 Standing at the bottom of the mountain. 00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:14.480 With the Lord coming down on the top of the mountain. 00:08:14.480 --> 00:08:16.819 And they're all terrified. 00:08:17.520 --> 00:08:19.439 And they see the thick clouds. 00:08:19.740 --> 00:08:20.720 And the thundering. 00:08:20.900 --> 00:08:21.500 And the earthquakes. 00:08:21.920 --> 00:08:24.520 And the people tremble. 00:08:25.300 --> 00:08:26.360 They're terrified. 00:08:26.580 --> 00:08:28.040 They hear the great voice. 00:08:28.600 --> 00:08:30.819 And they dare not get any closer. 00:08:31.640 --> 00:08:32.920 Lest they should die. 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:35.459 They got a taste that day. 00:08:35.659 --> 00:08:37.379 Of the majesty of the Lord. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:38.199 Of his might. 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:40.059 And of his power. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:42.699 They experienced the presence of the Lord. 00:08:43.599 --> 00:08:44.899 And they were awestruck. 00:08:46.219 --> 00:08:49.479 And Habakkuk is painting this picture for us. 00:08:49.479 --> 00:08:50.779 Of who the Lord is. 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:51.639 You know. 00:08:51.699 --> 00:08:53.259 Making use of these words here. 00:08:53.319 --> 00:08:54.379 To bring us back. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:55.759 To Mount Sinai. 00:08:56.019 --> 00:08:57.559 To remind himself. 00:08:57.879 --> 00:08:58.639 His hearers. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:08:59.779 And us. 00:09:00.580 --> 00:09:02.379 Of the majesty of the Lord. 00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:03.620 You know. 00:09:03.639 --> 00:09:06.340 It is so easy to focus on the problem in front of us. 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:07.220 On the challenge. 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:09.259 On the tribulation in front of us. 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:10.000 That nothing. 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:11.740 May seem possible. 00:09:13.059 --> 00:09:14.299 That there's no way out. 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:15.439 There's no escape. 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:19.020 And the longer we stare. 00:09:19.800 --> 00:09:21.100 At our circumstances. 00:09:21.880 --> 00:09:23.360 The larger they seem. 00:09:24.280 --> 00:09:25.940 The obstacle just grows. 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:27.760 And gets darker. 00:09:27.900 --> 00:09:29.860 So Habakkuk is trying to get us to look. 00:09:30.400 --> 00:09:32.020 Away from our circumstances. 00:09:32.320 --> 00:09:33.680 Not to ignore them. 00:09:34.540 --> 00:09:37.740 But not to make them larger than they actually are. 00:09:38.840 --> 00:09:41.100 Instead he wants us to focus most of all. 00:09:41.580 --> 00:09:42.420 On the Lord. 00:09:42.420 --> 00:09:44.420 To look to God. 00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:49.100 Whose splendor covered the heavens. 00:09:49.560 --> 00:09:51.800 Whose brightness is like the light. 00:09:51.920 --> 00:09:54.780 From whose hands rays flash forth. 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:57.740 And I've heard it preached. 00:09:58.060 --> 00:10:00.220 That when confronted with a love. 00:10:00.880 --> 00:10:01.960 An illicit love. 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.900 A sinful love. 00:10:04.020 --> 00:10:05.120 Be it love of money. 00:10:06.020 --> 00:10:06.780 Of lust. 00:10:07.040 --> 00:10:07.360 Money. 00:10:07.540 --> 00:10:07.900 Pride. 00:10:07.960 --> 00:10:09.180 Or whatever it may be. 00:10:09.560 --> 00:10:11.940 The only thing that can conquer that love. 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:13.860 Is a greater love. 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:16.039 Is a greater love. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:17.340 The greater love. 00:10:17.340 --> 00:10:18.159 Of Jesus. 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:19.759 Is what is necessary. 00:10:19.879 --> 00:10:20.300 And needed. 00:10:20.700 --> 00:10:22.000 To dethrone. 00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:23.700 This love of sin. 00:10:24.820 --> 00:10:25.419 And similarly. 00:10:25.800 --> 00:10:26.120 Here. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:26.519 I think. 00:10:26.580 --> 00:10:27.200 When confronted. 00:10:27.580 --> 00:10:28.860 With a most dreadful. 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:30.240 And terrible circumstance. 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:32.659 You need something. 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:34.279 Or rather. 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:34.820 Someone. 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:36.539 Who is greater. 00:10:36.539 --> 00:10:38.679 Than what you're facing. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:42.120 And we see Jesus in the gospel say. 00:10:43.219 --> 00:10:45.759 Do not fear those who kill the body. 00:10:46.719 --> 00:10:48.259 But cannot kill the soul. 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:51.319 Rather fear him who can destroy both soul. 00:10:51.679 --> 00:10:52.740 And body. 00:10:53.299 --> 00:10:53.860 In hell. 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:56.579 So what is he saying there? 00:10:57.299 --> 00:10:59.059 Well there's something greater. 00:10:59.199 --> 00:11:00.319 Something worse. 00:11:00.939 --> 00:11:01.919 Than dying. 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:03.899 Than our body being slain. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:05.699 Whatever we face on this earth. 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:08.319 What is the worst thing that can happen? 00:11:10.079 --> 00:11:11.240 What is the worst thing? 00:11:11.319 --> 00:11:11.519 Well. 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:12.639 We may die. 00:11:13.059 --> 00:11:13.959 Or we will die. 00:11:14.039 --> 00:11:15.799 But there is actually something worse. 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:19.100 It is to die a sinner. 00:11:20.459 --> 00:11:22.319 Having rejected Jesus. 00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:25.480 And thus facing his judgment. 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:28.179 His just and right judgment. 00:11:28.179 --> 00:11:29.799 Of body and soul. 00:11:29.919 --> 00:11:30.739 At the day of judgment. 00:11:32.319 --> 00:11:34.879 So what comfort may we draw. 00:11:35.319 --> 00:11:36.959 From looking to God in the past. 00:11:38.199 --> 00:11:39.699 As we see his presence. 00:11:40.359 --> 00:11:41.500 When God's presence. 00:11:41.899 --> 00:11:42.819 With his people. 00:11:42.979 --> 00:11:44.399 We see God. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:45.599 We see who he is. 00:11:45.699 --> 00:11:47.759 We see what he is capable of. 00:11:48.819 --> 00:11:50.019 See we need to have. 00:11:50.439 --> 00:11:51.579 A high view of God. 00:11:52.219 --> 00:11:54.259 A view that sees a big God. 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:55.899 A God in whose hands. 00:11:56.459 --> 00:11:57.679 Is all the might. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:11:59.659 And all the power. 00:12:00.279 --> 00:12:01.739 Able to do far more. 00:12:02.339 --> 00:12:03.699 Than whatever we can think. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.479 Or ask. 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:06.819 Or even imagine. 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:09.120 And then next we. 00:12:09.319 --> 00:12:10.159 We move on. 00:12:10.239 --> 00:12:11.559 And we see now God's. 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:13.039 Deliverance. 00:12:13.739 --> 00:12:14.219 And if you would. 00:12:14.279 --> 00:12:15.659 Look at verses 5. 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:16.599 Through 15. 00:12:18.559 --> 00:12:19.459 See in verse 5. 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:21.059 We see the beginnings of judgment. 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:22.979 We see the pestilence. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:23.759 And the plague. 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:25.740 That reminds us of the exodus. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.680 Of the time when. 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:29.039 When God appeared. 00:12:29.039 --> 00:12:31.600 And Pharaoh would not let his people go. 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:33.360 He refused. 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:33.820 So. 00:12:34.720 --> 00:12:35.480 As a consequence. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.399 God was. 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.019 Brought the 10 plagues. 00:12:38.019 --> 00:12:38.860 To the people. 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:40.360 Of Egypt. 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:41.879 To make them. 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:43.139 Release the Hebrews. 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:44.279 People of Israel. 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:44.919 To leave. 00:12:44.919 --> 00:12:46.699 In verse 6. 00:12:46.699 --> 00:12:48.419 We see then the shaking of nations. 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:51.099 The eternal mountains being scattered. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:53.779 And these are images of terrible judgment. 00:12:54.759 --> 00:12:56.860 As even the firmest of things. 00:12:57.939 --> 00:12:58.139 You know. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:13:00.620 What's the most stable thing we can think of? 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:01.360 The mountains. 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.799 Perhaps one of them. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:03.939 They are shook. 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:05.740 They cannot stand. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:07.940 In verse 7. 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:09.120 He speaks of Cushion. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.100 And Midian. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:11.899 These enemies of God's people. 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:15.620 As they headed into the promised land. 00:13:16.560 --> 00:13:17.580 In verse 8. 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:19.580 He speaks about the rivers and the sea. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:20.460 Asking. 00:13:20.779 --> 00:13:22.720 Was God's wrath against them? 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:24.399 Here. 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:26.060 He's alluding to God's power. 00:13:26.180 --> 00:13:26.740 That we saw. 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:27.940 With the Nile River. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:30.080 And the plagues of Egypt. 00:13:30.180 --> 00:13:31.639 As it turned into blood. 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:32.759 Of the power. 00:13:33.080 --> 00:13:34.700 Displayed at the Red Sea. 00:13:34.700 --> 00:13:36.720 As God's people were stuck. 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:38.620 With the Pharaohs coming down. 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:39.460 With their chariots. 00:13:39.560 --> 00:13:41.120 To slay the people of God. 00:13:41.660 --> 00:13:42.860 And God parts the way. 00:13:42.940 --> 00:13:43.920 That they can go through. 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.800 Being saved. 00:13:46.420 --> 00:13:47.820 With the waters coming down. 00:13:48.180 --> 00:13:49.040 On the Egyptians. 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:51.560 And also of the River Jordan. 00:13:52.680 --> 00:13:54.280 As God's people passed. 00:13:54.379 --> 00:13:56.200 Into the promised land. 00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:57.420 These are mighty acts. 00:13:58.060 --> 00:13:59.620 That demonstrate the power. 00:14:00.140 --> 00:14:00.860 Of God. 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:02.920 Verse 10. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:03.940 We see more mountains. 00:14:03.940 --> 00:14:05.140 In arriving. 00:14:05.140 --> 00:14:06.020 How great. 00:14:06.020 --> 00:14:07.280 Is God's judgment. 00:14:08.280 --> 00:14:09.200 And we see that mountains. 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:09.760 Again. 00:14:10.400 --> 00:14:11.460 The most constant thing. 00:14:11.540 --> 00:14:12.180 We can think of. 00:14:12.300 --> 00:14:13.460 Are struck here. 00:14:14.020 --> 00:14:14.620 Verse 11. 00:14:14.960 --> 00:14:16.440 Goes even beyond that. 00:14:17.060 --> 00:14:18.520 Speaks of the sun and the moon. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:19.560 Standing still. 00:14:20.080 --> 00:14:21.600 Which here alludes to Joshua. 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:22.400 Chapter 10. 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:25.680 Where God allows for the sun and the moon. 00:14:25.760 --> 00:14:26.660 To stand still. 00:14:27.300 --> 00:14:28.540 In order that Joshua. 00:14:28.540 --> 00:14:30.080 May have enough daylight. 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:32.240 To execute God's judgment. 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:34.620 On the enemies of God. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:37.560 So the mountains cannot stand before the Lord. 00:14:37.920 --> 00:14:40.000 And now we see that the sun and the moon. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:40.940 Obey. 00:14:41.700 --> 00:14:42.480 Our Lord. 00:14:43.280 --> 00:14:44.700 So how great is. 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:46.160 The power of God. 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:46.240 God. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:48.839 But it is far greater. 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:50.199 Than we can understand. 00:14:50.319 --> 00:14:51.360 And by his power. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:53.100 He brings forth judgment. 00:14:53.579 --> 00:14:54.459 Just judgment. 00:14:54.919 --> 00:14:55.819 On the nations. 00:14:56.299 --> 00:14:57.319 Look at verse 12. 00:14:58.079 --> 00:14:59.819 The sin and the wickedness of the earth. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:00.699 And the nations. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:02.339 Are all dealt with. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.319 But the question is. 00:15:04.699 --> 00:15:05.000 You know. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:05.480 Why? 00:15:05.819 --> 00:15:06.079 You know. 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:08.039 Why does God go forth. 00:15:09.459 --> 00:15:11.360 To execute this judgment. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:12.259 You know. 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.940 What is the reason behind it? 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:16.460 And what we see emphasized here. 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:17.259 In Habakkuk 3. 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.700 Is that he does it. 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:20.220 For his people. 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.419 He does it for his people. 00:15:24.039 --> 00:15:25.019 Because in verse 8. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.379 When he speaks of the parting. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:27.379 Of the Red Sea. 00:15:27.779 --> 00:15:28.899 We get this image. 00:15:28.980 --> 00:15:29.480 Don't we not? 00:15:29.560 --> 00:15:30.000 Do we not? 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:32.180 Of chariot of salvation. 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.620 See this is an image. 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:35.820 It's a clear picture. 00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:37.440 Of God saving. 00:15:37.800 --> 00:15:39.080 His people from the Egyptians. 00:15:39.080 --> 00:15:40.860 You see. 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:42.259 One of the most dreaded. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:43.080 Weapon. 00:15:43.280 --> 00:15:44.100 Piece of weaponry. 00:15:44.160 --> 00:15:45.220 That the Egyptians had. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.320 Was the chariot. 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:48.320 The becoming down. 00:15:48.780 --> 00:15:49.879 Towards the Israelites. 00:15:50.780 --> 00:15:51.340 And here. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.320 We get the image. 00:15:53.060 --> 00:15:54.440 Of the Lord. 00:15:55.020 --> 00:15:56.320 Coming on a chariot. 00:15:57.420 --> 00:15:58.879 Not to destroy them. 00:15:59.560 --> 00:16:00.680 But to deliver them. 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:02.740 In verse 13. 00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:04.259 Right after having said. 00:16:04.520 --> 00:16:06.100 That God judged the nations. 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:06.980 Habakkuk says. 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:08.120 That God went out. 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:09.460 For. 00:16:10.060 --> 00:16:11.000 The salvation. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:12.240 Of his people. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:14.139 That is the reason. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:15.500 That he did this. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.480 So as we look to God. 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:19.679 And we look to him in the past. 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.600 We see his presence. 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:23.159 We see his deliverance. 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:25.539 Well you may say. 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.259 That's great. 00:16:26.899 --> 00:16:27.879 That he did those things. 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:28.480 Before. 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:30.120 But how can we be sure. 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:31.039 About his presence. 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:32.460 And his deliverance today. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:36.420 See Malachi 3 says. 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:39.000 For I the Lord. 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.740 Do not change. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:43.660 The Lord does not change. 00:16:44.540 --> 00:16:45.639 James 1 says that. 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:46.720 Every good gift. 00:16:47.400 --> 00:16:48.460 And every perfect gift. 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.200 Is from above. 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:51.400 Coming down from the father of light. 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:53.860 With whom there is no variation. 00:16:54.420 --> 00:16:56.340 Or shadow due to change. 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:58.259 See our God. 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.120 Is a never. 00:17:00.060 --> 00:17:00.920 Changing God. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.500 He always remains the same. 00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:03.620 He's the same yesterday. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:04.500 Today. 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.720 And tomorrow. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:06.360 And therefore. 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:08.620 We can look to God in the past. 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:11.160 And have confidence. 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:12.500 For today. 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:13.980 We can look to scripture. 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:16.000 As Habakkuk has done here. 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:18.240 To remind himself. 00:17:18.620 --> 00:17:19.460 And us. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:21.140 Of God's majesty. 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:22.220 And mighty acts. 00:17:23.380 --> 00:17:24.660 But you can also look. 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.600 Into your own life. 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:27.539 Can you not? 00:17:28.680 --> 00:17:29.660 Of the mercy. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:30.819 That God showed you. 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:32.420 When he saved you. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.620 You can see. 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:36.279 The power of God. 00:17:36.380 --> 00:17:36.900 As he. 00:17:37.640 --> 00:17:38.700 Through however long. 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:40.920 You have walked with Jesus. 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.900 He has been there. 00:17:43.900 --> 00:17:45.860 He has worked things out. 00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:47.759 And you can look back. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.680 And you can see that. 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:51.539 And you may use that. 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:53.519 As a. 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:55.220 As comfort. 00:17:56.620 --> 00:17:56.720 So. 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:57.640 And even the hymn. 00:17:57.880 --> 00:17:59.100 That we will sing in a few minutes. 00:17:59.100 --> 00:18:00.380 At the end of the sermon. 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.579 I hope even that. 00:18:02.340 --> 00:18:03.400 Will be an encouragement. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:05.660 As we look and think about. 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.799 God's mighty acts. 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:08.660 In the past. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:10.759 So look. 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:12.200 To God in the past. 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:13.220 And then second. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:14.980 Look to God. 00:18:15.120 --> 00:18:16.380 In the present. 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:18.240 If you would. 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:18.819 Look at verse. 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.939 Verse 16. 00:18:23.899 --> 00:18:24.759 So we see here. 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:25.399 That Habakkuk. 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.299 Habakkuk says. 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:27.200 I hear. 00:18:28.379 --> 00:18:29.179 But what is it. 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.859 That he hears. 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.259 What he hears. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:33.039 Is the prophecy. 00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:34.159 That God has given. 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:36.119 In the previous chapter. 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:37.980 Of the coming. 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:39.099 Of the Babylonians. 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:39.639 Is the destruction. 00:18:39.639 --> 00:18:40.719 And the destruction. 00:18:40.719 --> 00:18:41.319 Of Israel. 00:18:42.599 --> 00:18:43.879 So he trembles. 00:18:44.919 --> 00:18:46.259 His lips quiver. 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:48.240 He gives the picture. 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.639 Of rottenness. 00:18:49.719 --> 00:18:51.219 Entering into his bones. 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:51.859 His legs. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:52.679 Tremble. 00:18:52.680 --> 00:18:53.680 He does not. 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:55.920 He does not. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:56.539 Pretend. 00:18:57.340 --> 00:18:58.640 That everything is okay. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.940 That everything is fine. 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:02.240 You know. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:02.420 When. 00:19:02.560 --> 00:19:03.860 When someone asks you. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:05.460 How are you doing? 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:08.180 And it doesn't matter. 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:09.080 If it's the worst day. 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:09.759 In your life. 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:11.400 You'll say. 00:19:12.000 --> 00:19:12.580 Oh I'm fine. 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:14.640 I'm good. 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:17.980 Isn't that true? 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:19.180 Isn't that what we do? 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:21.220 You see. 00:19:21.320 --> 00:19:22.120 We as Christians. 00:19:22.120 --> 00:19:23.460 We should not act. 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:26.160 As if everything is perfect. 00:19:26.840 --> 00:19:28.300 As if everything is great. 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:30.100 As if nothing is ever wrong. 00:19:31.580 --> 00:19:33.300 Sometimes we can feel that pressure. 00:19:34.320 --> 00:19:34.920 Isn't it? 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:35.820 As we want to be. 00:19:36.380 --> 00:19:37.700 A witness to Christ. 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:38.660 Of showing. 00:19:39.040 --> 00:19:39.259 Yes. 00:19:39.300 --> 00:19:40.019 Jesus is amazing. 00:19:40.160 --> 00:19:40.519 Look how. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.900 Great life is. 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:44.619 But instead. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.279 I think it's. 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.319 An even greater witness. 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:48.180 When. 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:50.000 You may say. 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:50.720 You know. 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.039 Things. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.200 Are not great. 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:55.579 But Jesus is mine. 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:58.799 But he is with me. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.859 He loves me. 00:20:02.619 --> 00:20:03.059 No. 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:05.799 We do not need to smile. 00:20:05.900 --> 00:20:06.279 Every day. 00:20:06.500 --> 00:20:06.879 To pretend. 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:07.799 Everything is okay. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.759 To the Christian faith. 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:11.119 It recognizes. 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:11.839 It recognizes great pain. 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:13.220 In this life. 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:16.220 But it also speaks of a great hope. 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.879 So do we have a great hope in Christ? 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:20.819 Well yes we do. 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.759 The life. 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:22.259 Death. 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:23.539 And resurrection of Christ. 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:25.279 Is what gives us that hope. 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.799 What gives us that joy. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.119 But it does not negate. 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:32.059 The many things that we must endure here. 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:34.319 Does not negate. 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.440 Does not negate. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.319 The circumstances. 00:20:37.139 --> 00:20:37.759 Remove them. 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:39.099 That we find ourselves in. 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:42.460 So Habakkuk trembles. 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:44.339 And his lips. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.299 Quiver. 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:48.619 See when Paul writes. 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.579 To the Thessalonians. 00:20:49.639 --> 00:20:50.919 He says a part of his writing. 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:52.700 Is that they may. 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.359 Not grieve. 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:56.419 As others do. 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:58.179 Who have no hope. 00:20:58.180 --> 00:21:01.620 See it doesn't say not to grieve. 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:04.759 But it rather to grieve. 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:05.500 Or rather. 00:21:05.900 --> 00:21:06.900 Not to grieve. 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.580 As those who have no hope. 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.920 So Christians grieve. 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:13.799 But we do it differently. 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.519 We do it with hope. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.840 With confidence. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:18.580 We wait. 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.680 As Habakkuk says. 00:21:21.060 --> 00:21:22.400 As Habakkuk says and does. 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:24.860 He knows dark days are ahead of him. 00:21:26.340 --> 00:21:27.420 Yet he waits trusting. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.700 In the Lord. 00:21:28.940 --> 00:21:30.500 That God's plan is good. 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.740 And that God will be. 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.340 His comfort. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:37.360 So may we look to God in the past. 00:21:38.060 --> 00:21:39.320 May we look to God in the present. 00:21:39.640 --> 00:21:40.280 And thirdly. 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.940 May we look to God. 00:21:42.300 --> 00:21:42.940 In the future. 00:21:43.860 --> 00:21:46.240 If you would look at verses 17 to 19. 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:51.400 See Habakkuk here gives us a picture. 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:54.140 A glimpse of the future. 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:54.759 A dark. 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:56.340 And dreary future. 00:21:56.560 --> 00:21:56.900 In which. 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.660 The tree does not blossom. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:01.980 Where there's no fruit on the vines. 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:03.500 No produce of the olive. 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:05.000 And no food in the fields. 00:22:06.140 --> 00:22:07.700 The flocks will be cut off. 00:22:07.780 --> 00:22:08.900 There will be no herds. 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:11.740 See what is the worst picture you could give? 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:15.380 Well that's what Habakkuk is giving us right here. 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:17.880 It's a picture of utter and total famine. 00:22:19.560 --> 00:22:20.259 You know give us. 00:22:20.620 --> 00:22:21.900 Our daily bread. 00:22:21.900 --> 00:22:23.940 And we pray in the Lord's prayer. 00:22:25.320 --> 00:22:26.600 And yet the picture here. 00:22:27.580 --> 00:22:29.259 Is the absence of this. 00:22:29.900 --> 00:22:30.820 Daily bread. 00:22:32.120 --> 00:22:33.300 See it's difficult for us. 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:34.160 Living here in Edinburgh. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:37.160 I think to really grasp. 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:38.759 The severity of this situation. 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:40.720 We've never experienced anything close to it. 00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:42.700 Of utter desolation. 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:44.980 See Habakkuk has been. 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:46.920 Given a most dreaded vision. 00:22:47.080 --> 00:22:47.600 By God. 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:47.980 And here. 00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:50.380 Habakkuk gives the worst case scenario. 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:52.940 And what does he say. 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:56.040 What will Habakkuk's response be to this disaster? 00:22:57.260 --> 00:22:57.860 He says. 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:59.220 Yet I will rejoice. 00:22:59.860 --> 00:23:00.780 In the Lord. 00:23:00.860 --> 00:23:01.780 He will rejoice. 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:03.100 But how? 00:23:04.540 --> 00:23:05.860 How can he rejoice. 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:07.320 When there's nothing to eat. 00:23:07.800 --> 00:23:09.040 When there's no bread. 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:09.980 That awaits him. 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:13.240 Well it is because he has bread. 00:23:15.360 --> 00:23:16.819 He doesn't have the. 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.400 Earthly bread. 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.140 But he has. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.620 The eternal bread. 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:21.200 He has. 00:23:21.880 --> 00:23:22.799 The bread of life. 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:24.559 You see the Lord. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.420 Is. 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.339 Habakkuk says. 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:27.019 The God. 00:23:27.360 --> 00:23:28.400 Of his salvation. 00:23:29.120 --> 00:23:30.720 Let goods and kindred go. 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.900 Martin Luther wrote. 00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:34.660 This mortal life. 00:23:34.660 --> 00:23:35.060 Also. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.580 The body they may kill. 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.820 God's truth. 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.720 Abided still. 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:41.580 His kingdom. 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:42.860 Is forever. 00:23:44.600 --> 00:23:46.140 And isn't this what Habakkuk. 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.440 Is saying here. 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:48.480 Habakkuk is not. 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:49.680 Like the people. 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:51.920 That we see in the gospels. 00:23:52.040 --> 00:23:52.200 Who. 00:23:52.340 --> 00:23:53.600 Who sought out Jesus. 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:56.240 After feeding the five thousand. 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:57.720 Who. 00:23:58.280 --> 00:23:59.640 Weren't really looking for Jesus. 00:24:00.520 --> 00:24:01.880 They weren't looking for the gospel. 00:24:02.020 --> 00:24:02.900 They were just looking for. 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:04.060 For more bread. 00:24:05.460 --> 00:24:06.320 You see Habakkuk. 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.600 Seeks for the one. 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:09.900 Who multiplied the bread. 00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:11.440 Not the bread itself. 00:24:11.520 --> 00:24:12.180 But the one who. 00:24:12.600 --> 00:24:13.580 Who made it. 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:15.200 Who is the bread of life. 00:24:15.320 --> 00:24:16.280 Who has saved him. 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.300 Body and soul. 00:24:17.600 --> 00:24:18.940 Because even if he would die. 00:24:19.820 --> 00:24:21.259 The worst thing imaginable. 00:24:21.700 --> 00:24:22.280 Even this. 00:24:22.360 --> 00:24:23.460 Would bring him to God. 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:24.500 To Jesus Christ. 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.400 And the days to come. 00:24:26.540 --> 00:24:26.980 When he. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.100 Will be given a new body. 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:30.059 In the place. 00:24:30.439 --> 00:24:31.359 Where the fig tree. 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.539 Shall forever blossom. 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:34.299 The vines. 00:24:34.419 --> 00:24:35.339 Be full of fruit. 00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:36.759 The produce. 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.759 Of all of his fields. 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:38.299 And herds. 00:24:38.399 --> 00:24:39.079 Never fail. 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.219 But always. 00:24:40.379 --> 00:24:40.919 Be abundant. 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:43.619 And what shall Habakkuk's. 00:24:43.779 --> 00:24:44.519 Strength be. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.159 It will be the Lord. 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:50.199 It will not be his own strength. 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:50.559 Whatever. 00:24:50.919 --> 00:24:52.099 He might be able to. 00:24:52.179 --> 00:24:53.219 To muster up. 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:55.599 What kind of strength. 00:24:55.899 --> 00:24:57.000 Would one have. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.500 On a day. 00:24:57.699 --> 00:24:58.579 Like that. 00:24:58.579 --> 00:24:59.240 In a time. 00:24:59.699 --> 00:25:00.379 Like that. 00:25:01.199 --> 00:25:01.899 But the Lord. 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.939 Will hold him up. 00:25:04.659 --> 00:25:06.079 Now the well-known hymn. 00:25:06.199 --> 00:25:06.859 It is well. 00:25:07.939 --> 00:25:08.879 With my soul. 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.679 Was written by Horatio Spafford. 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:12.759 And he knew pain. 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.359 And suffering. 00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:15.779 Having lost much money. 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.779 Having lost a son. 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:19.599 And. 00:25:20.159 --> 00:25:21.019 There was a time. 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:23.039 They were living in the U.S. 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:24.319 And decided to go on holiday. 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:26.319 Here in the U.K. 00:25:27.399 --> 00:25:28.799 And he had work. 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.919 That he had to finish. 00:25:29.919 --> 00:25:30.599 Before going. 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.700 So he sent his wife. 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:32.500 And four daughters. 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.460 Ahead of him. 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.859 Before he was going to go. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.740 To meet them. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:37.839 But what happened was. 00:25:37.900 --> 00:25:38.859 The ship sunk. 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.960 The wife made it. 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:42.420 But all the daughters. 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:43.500 Perished. 00:25:43.900 --> 00:25:43.980 And. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:44.480 And. 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:44.559 And. 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:46.539 You know. 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.460 They did not make it. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:49.500 And it was. 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:50.840 On his own trip. 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.700 Going to England. 00:25:52.860 --> 00:25:53.140 That he. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:53.940 That he wrote. 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:54.759 You know. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.680 This well-known hymn. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:57.840 As he wrote. 00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:58.819 The words. 00:25:58.920 --> 00:26:00.079 When peace like a river. 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:02.759 Attendeth my way. 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:05.759 When sorrows like sea billows roll. 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.220 Whatever my lot. 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.519 Thou has taught me to say. 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.220 It is well. 00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:13.160 It is well. 00:26:13.559 --> 00:26:14.360 With my soul. 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:17.479 And this. 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:18.359 Evening. 00:26:18.459 --> 00:26:19.000 Is it well. 00:26:19.479 --> 00:26:20.159 With your soul. 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:23.240 That's the question. 00:26:23.679 --> 00:26:24.639 To ask this evening. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.579 Because the answer. 00:26:26.179 --> 00:26:27.439 Is of utmost importance. 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:28.659 You know. 00:26:28.679 --> 00:26:29.119 There are those. 00:26:29.199 --> 00:26:29.799 Who profess. 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.899 To preach Christ. 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.479 Who speaks about. 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.539 How Jesus will fix. 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:34.919 All their life problems. 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.500 He will fix. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.579 The money situation. 00:26:38.399 --> 00:26:39.199 He will fix. 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.339 Your confidence issue. 00:26:40.439 --> 00:26:41.299 He will fix. 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.119 Your marriage. 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:45.679 But there is no such promise. 00:26:46.959 --> 00:26:47.439 Habakkuk. 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.579 Had a promise here. 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:50.819 Not of. 00:26:51.139 --> 00:26:51.539 Plenty. 00:26:52.459 --> 00:26:53.599 But of devastation. 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:55.240 He had a promise. 00:26:55.359 --> 00:26:56.479 That all would be taken. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.759 Away from him. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.459 And if this was to be. 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.679 Your lot. 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.219 My lot. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.679 Would we still rejoice. 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.279 In the Lord. 00:27:07.659 --> 00:27:08.639 Would we sing. 00:27:10.139 --> 00:27:10.879 Even so. 00:27:10.939 --> 00:27:11.459 It is well. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:13.099 With my soul. 00:27:13.099 --> 00:27:15.699 May we look to God. 00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:16.399 In the past. 00:27:17.159 --> 00:27:17.980 In the present. 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:18.959 And in. 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.859 The future. 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:21.919 See today. 00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:23.579 And in the days ahead. 00:27:23.719 --> 00:27:24.000 We are. 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:24.899 We are. 00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:24.919 We are. 00:27:24.919 --> 00:27:25.079 We are. 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:25.259 We are. 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:25.699 We are called. 00:27:25.939 --> 00:27:26.859 To look to God. 00:27:27.699 --> 00:27:28.559 To look to him. 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:29.659 In the past. 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:30.779 To see his presence. 00:27:30.939 --> 00:27:32.379 To see his deliverance. 00:27:32.679 --> 00:27:33.559 Of his people. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:34.459 Through the ages. 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:35.879 You consider. 00:27:36.039 --> 00:27:36.899 How he has done. 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.599 Mighty and marvelous works. 00:27:38.699 --> 00:27:39.559 In your own life. 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:40.819 And we just. 00:27:40.939 --> 00:27:41.919 To look in the present. 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:42.860 And see that. 00:27:43.120 --> 00:27:44.460 God is calling us. 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.420 Not to pretend. 00:27:46.100 --> 00:27:47.460 That everything is fine. 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.300 That everything is perfect. 00:27:49.420 --> 00:27:49.940 And okay. 00:27:50.120 --> 00:27:51.080 That it is okay. 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:52.259 To fear. 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.340 And to struggle. 00:27:54.820 --> 00:27:56.019 And to look to him. 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.140 In grief. 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:58.480 And in suffering. 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:01.000 And then to look to him. 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:01.539 In the future. 00:28:01.620 --> 00:28:02.620 Because we do not know. 00:28:03.340 --> 00:28:04.720 What the future will hold. 00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:06.320 Chronic illness. 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:08.000 Unexpected death. 00:28:08.120 --> 00:28:09.320 Utter devastation. 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:10.839 But whatever may come. 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:13.799 The Lord will be our strength. 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.399 See we don't have to stand. 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:16.480 On our own two feet. 00:28:17.659 --> 00:28:19.240 Because surely we would fall. 00:28:19.439 --> 00:28:20.740 And not be able to get up. 00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:23.899 But you will have his strength. 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:26.500 You will have him. 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:27.639 Holding you up. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:29.000 Whatever awaits. 00:28:29.139 --> 00:28:30.839 No matter what befalls you. 00:28:30.839 --> 00:28:33.099 The Lord. 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.279 Himself. 00:28:35.899 --> 00:28:36.740 Is your rock. 00:28:37.559 --> 00:28:38.299 He is yours. 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:39.839 He is your strength. 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:41.299 He is your chariot. 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.879 Of salvation. 00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:43.919 His splendor. 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:44.939 And his brightness. 00:28:45.179 --> 00:28:45.939 Go before you. 00:28:47.159 --> 00:28:49.119 As the prophecy in Revelation says. 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:50.839 On the day of Jesus' return. 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:52.559 In the new Jerusalem. 00:28:52.699 --> 00:28:53.419 The new heavens. 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.240 And the new earth. 00:28:54.699 --> 00:28:55.759 There will be no need. 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.939 For sun or moon. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.579 For the glory of God. 00:28:59.259 --> 00:29:00.220 Will give it light. 00:29:00.220 --> 00:29:02.380 The lamb himself. 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:04.240 Jesus Christ. 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.400 Being its light. 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:08.160 So may you. 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:09.100 Dear Christian. 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.019 Behold. 00:29:10.620 --> 00:29:11.440 Your God. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:13.500 To see him. 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:15.519 To see your king. 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:17.079 See his might. 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:17.860 His power. 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.480 To see his love. 00:29:19.600 --> 00:29:20.920 His desire for you. 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.980 This evening. 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:25.640 And all the days that are to come. 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:27.220 Until Jesus will return. 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:29.360 And if you're not a Christian. 00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:29.459 The question. 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:32.539 The question is the same for you. 00:29:33.599 --> 00:29:35.099 Is it well with your soul? 00:29:37.459 --> 00:29:39.259 Do you sense the turmoil. 00:29:39.619 --> 00:29:40.359 Within you? 00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:43.439 Can you withstand suffering like this? 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:46.159 Can you face it. 00:29:46.379 --> 00:29:47.279 On your own? 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:50.719 Well why don't you come to Christ? 00:29:50.720 --> 00:29:54.700 Why not come to Christ? 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:55.799 Who will uphold you? 00:29:57.180 --> 00:29:58.400 Come to Christ. 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.819 Who will be your strength? 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:01.819 Come to Christ. 00:30:01.819 --> 00:30:02.259 Who. 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:04.579 Bids you only come. 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:07.259 That is all he asks. 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:10.140 And we finish by praying. 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:11.660 With Horatio Spafford. 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:12.460 Oh Lord. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.200 Haste the day. 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:16.779 When my faith shall be sight. 00:30:16.879 --> 00:30:18.440 The clouds be rolled back. 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:19.140 As a scroll. 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.819 The trump shall resound. 00:30:20.920 --> 00:30:22.680 The Lord shall descend. 00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:25.319 And even so. 00:30:25.879 --> 00:30:27.440 It is well with my soul. 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:29.700 Let us pray. 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:38.620 Father God. 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:40.200 May we sing these words. 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:43.740 May we sing them truthfully. 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:48.079 Because we have set our heart on you. 00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:52.759 Lord may we not look to ourselves. 00:30:53.079 --> 00:30:54.940 May we not look to our own strength. 00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:59.680 But may we look to the one who. 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:02.680 Has already overcome the world. 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:07.620 To the one whose yoke is light. 00:31:10.460 --> 00:31:12.640 And who loves and who seeks. 00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:15.120 Not the righteous. 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.819 But sinners like us. 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:22.319 And Father we pray these things. 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.120 In Jesus name. 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:25.440 Amen. 00:31:29.440 --> 00:31:31.440 And if you would please stand. 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:33.539 As we conclude by singing. 00:31:34.099 --> 00:31:35.140 Oh God our help. 00:31:35.779 --> 00:31:36.620 In ages past. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.599 In Hastings. 00:31:44.680 --> 00:31:44.900 In Michelle. 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:46.799 In Jesus name. 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:46.960 In Jesus name. 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:48.339 In Jesus name. 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:49.259 In Jesus name. 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:49.400 In Jesus name. 00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:50.440 In Jesus name. 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:52.740 In Jesus name. 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:56.740 In Jesus name. 00:31:58.160 --> 00:31:59.120 In Jesus name.