WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.620 Please take your bulletins and turn to the last page. 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:14.040 On the last page there is this side that says God's glorious plan. 00:00:16.120 --> 00:00:19.879 I decided I don't want to take any chances this morning 00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:23.379 that some of you may have not had enough coffee 00:00:23.379 --> 00:00:28.879 and therefore you are feeling drowsy and sleepy. 00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:35.859 This is such a wonderful passage that if you ignore other sermons 00:00:35.859 --> 00:00:39.079 you're not going to hurt my feelings, but not this one. 00:00:39.700 --> 00:00:41.820 This is really a magnificent passage. 00:00:42.579 --> 00:00:47.399 There are certain chapters in the Old Testament and in the New Testament that stand out. 00:00:47.879 --> 00:00:50.780 So for example, if I'm thinking about the subject of faith 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:57.340 I would naturally turn to Hebrews chapter 11 which deals with the topic of faith. 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:03.180 If I wanted to think about love, agape love, the love that exists between Christians 00:01:03.180 --> 00:01:06.760 of course I would turn to 1 Corinthians 13. 00:01:07.540 --> 00:01:12.760 If I wanted to think about God's love for us I would turn to Romans 8. 00:01:12.880 --> 00:01:19.640 If I wanted to think about the kingdom of God I might turn to Matthew chapter 13 00:01:19.640 --> 00:01:22.400 which has seven parables about the kingdom. 00:01:22.400 --> 00:01:26.380 This is one of the greatest chapters in the Old Testament. 00:01:27.040 --> 00:01:31.719 It is a chapter that helps us understand what God is up to 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:34.880 and where we fit in that plan. 00:01:35.440 --> 00:01:41.580 That is, we are turning from 2014 to 2015. 00:01:42.260 --> 00:01:45.620 Is there nothing more to it than just the passing of days? 00:01:45.620 --> 00:01:48.100 Or is there something going on here? 00:01:49.680 --> 00:01:54.719 I had a heart attack ten years ago and almost passed away 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:57.359 contrary to the prayers of my students. 00:01:59.020 --> 00:02:05.520 But ten years later I'm still here reminding them that their prayers are weak. 00:02:05.519 --> 00:02:12.240 And I ask myself, why did God give me ten more years? 00:02:12.799 --> 00:02:14.120 Why didn't he just take me? 00:02:14.259 --> 00:02:15.759 I mean, it would be fun to be in glory. 00:02:16.359 --> 00:02:17.400 Why am I here? 00:02:17.759 --> 00:02:19.319 Was it just for time? 00:02:19.319 --> 00:02:24.259 Or does God want me to understand something or see something? 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:26.879 What is God really up to? 00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:36.740 Well, there are hardly any chapters that explain that better than Isaiah chapter 40. 00:02:37.539 --> 00:02:40.699 It is one of those magnificent chapters that opens the doors 00:02:40.699 --> 00:02:46.280 and we have access to the mind of God as few chapters do. 00:02:47.159 --> 00:02:50.900 In addition to that, please look at this. 00:02:50.979 --> 00:02:51.879 I want you to look at that. 00:02:51.879 --> 00:03:00.340 In addition to that, the first 20 verses are a superb poem. 00:03:01.199 --> 00:03:05.180 If you notice, every stanza is three verses. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:08.479 Six, three, four, five. 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:10.500 Six, seven, eight. 00:03:11.060 --> 00:03:12.319 Nine, ten, eleven. 00:03:12.979 --> 00:03:14.379 Twelve, thirteen, fourteen. 00:03:15.099 --> 00:03:17.620 Every stanza is three verses. 00:03:18.079 --> 00:03:20.620 That's a magnificent poetic device 00:03:20.620 --> 00:03:23.879 which, thank God, the translators captured. 00:03:24.780 --> 00:03:27.480 So, what is God up to? 00:03:28.280 --> 00:03:31.980 Oh, God, before that, God wants us to dismiss children. 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:32.379 Sorry. 00:03:33.480 --> 00:03:33.700 No? 00:03:37.700 --> 00:03:38.460 Are we not? 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:42.680 Children have been dismissed? 00:03:43.240 --> 00:03:43.400 No? 00:03:44.040 --> 00:03:45.480 Well, children, you are dismissed. 00:03:47.659 --> 00:03:50.280 Check with your parents to see about the rest of the sermon. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:52.960 I'm sorry. 00:03:58.439 --> 00:04:00.379 Children, this is your time to be dismissed. 00:04:00.379 --> 00:04:14.740 I wish I had accepted the Lord when I was their age. 00:04:15.579 --> 00:04:17.120 Life would have been so much different. 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:21.040 But in any case, may God watch over them and bless them. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:27.319 As I was saying, every three verses is a stanza. 00:04:28.400 --> 00:04:31.180 And so, let's take a look at the main point. 00:04:31.760 --> 00:04:33.460 What does God really want to do? 00:04:33.939 --> 00:04:36.680 Look at verses three, four, and five. 00:04:37.240 --> 00:04:39.280 I want you to follow as I read. 00:04:39.279 --> 00:04:47.959 So, a voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord. 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:49.899 If it sounds familiar, it should. 00:04:50.039 --> 00:04:53.439 That's a passage applied to John the Baptist in the New Testament. 00:04:54.039 --> 00:04:58.099 A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord. 00:04:58.559 --> 00:05:01.279 Make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. 00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:03.479 Every valley will be raised up. 00:05:03.619 --> 00:05:05.719 Every mountain and hill made low. 00:05:06.239 --> 00:05:08.259 The rough ground shall become level. 00:05:08.839 --> 00:05:11.239 The rugged places a plain. 00:05:11.859 --> 00:05:12.859 And look at verse five. 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:15.779 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed. 00:05:16.439 --> 00:05:20.559 And all mankind will see it together. 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:32.379 There are other times in the Bible when God did reveal his glory. 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:37.519 So, for example, in Exodus chapter 19 at Mount Sinai, 00:05:37.980 --> 00:05:40.540 God revealed his glory to Moses and the Hebrews. 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:47.920 He does it again when the glory of God fills the tabernacle at the end of Exodus. 00:05:47.920 --> 00:05:55.840 He does it when Solomon finished building the temple and the glory of God revealed. 00:05:56.379 --> 00:06:02.080 But in all of these cases, it was God revealing his glory to the Hebrews. 00:06:02.680 --> 00:06:04.980 Here, it's a lot more than just the Hebrews. 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:12.080 The glory of the Lord will be revealed and all mankind will see it. 00:06:12.620 --> 00:06:15.520 All mankind will see it. 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:19.419 The whole human race, everybody. 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:25.620 If you're a human being, you will see it. 00:06:26.919 --> 00:06:28.079 You will see it. 00:06:28.719 --> 00:06:32.459 All mankind will see the glory of God. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:35.939 This is not about them. 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:38.120 This is about us. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:41.019 Because we are part of mankind. 00:06:41.860 --> 00:06:44.699 And we are going to see the glory of God. 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:52.439 Now, we have to figure out what that glory looks like and when and how and where and all these other issues. 00:06:52.800 --> 00:06:58.000 But what God wants to do is to show his glory to the whole world. 00:06:58.000 --> 00:07:04.639 And the verse ends with, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 00:07:05.279 --> 00:07:10.980 I read this verse and I think, oh, come on, Isaiah, you know, this is really big. 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:12.959 This is major. 00:07:13.959 --> 00:07:15.019 This is fantastic. 00:07:15.240 --> 00:07:17.100 This is not a minor project. 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:19.680 This is something really huge. 00:07:20.240 --> 00:07:24.000 You're telling me all mankind will see the glory of God? 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.319 How do I know that you're telling the truth? 00:07:28.300 --> 00:07:30.060 Maybe you're just boasting. 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:36.899 Maybe you're saying something grand to give discouraged people some hope. 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:42.860 It's like this month we're going to win the lottery and we're going to be rich. 00:07:42.860 --> 00:07:48.879 How do I know, Isaiah, that this is really true? 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:54.960 How do I know that this is not just wishful thinking on your part? 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:58.160 You know, I mean, I hope the Packers win. 00:07:58.759 --> 00:08:04.819 But I really have nothing to do with it and it doesn't really ultimately matter that much. 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:07.180 Apologies to Packer fans. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:08.840 But, you know, it would be nice if they win. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:12.399 But maybe it's just wishful thinking. 00:08:13.459 --> 00:08:17.239 How do I know that Isaiah is serious? 00:08:17.399 --> 00:08:18.539 That God is serious? 00:08:18.619 --> 00:08:25.859 Because the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all humanity, all mankind will see it together. 00:08:27.339 --> 00:08:31.779 He says, because the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:36.100 So what if God has spoken? 00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:39.259 Why should that be important? 00:08:40.879 --> 00:08:46.720 Verses 6, 7, and 8 are dealing with the fact that God has spoken. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:50.159 That it is God who has made this incredible promise. 00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:53.360 A voice says, cry out. 00:08:54.040 --> 00:08:55.779 And I said, what shall I cry out? 00:08:56.279 --> 00:09:01.960 All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 00:09:01.960 --> 00:09:07.600 The grass withers, the flowers fall because the breath of the Lord blows on them. 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:10.240 Surely, the people are grass. 00:09:11.300 --> 00:09:14.220 The grass withers and the flowers fall. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:18.519 But the word of God stands forever. 00:09:19.500 --> 00:09:24.200 We know it will happen because God's word stands forever. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:26.180 Grass is transient. 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:27.660 It comes and goes. 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:30.240 Flowers are transient. 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:31.820 They come and go. 00:09:32.180 --> 00:09:33.860 But God's word is forever. 00:09:34.440 --> 00:09:38.159 So if God says, the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:44.100 If God says that that's what he's going to do, then that's what he's going to do. 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:46.659 Anybody can boast. 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:51.200 But not anybody can make the boasting come and take place. 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:54.340 You may not believe this. 00:09:55.080 --> 00:09:57.000 But I'm in my 60s. 00:09:57.500 --> 00:09:59.440 And I'm physically unfit. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:00.800 I'm really out of shape. 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:04.379 But I can dunk on LeBron James any day. 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:06.800 I decide to play him one-on-one. 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:09.420 And not only that. 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:12.580 He can also have two other players. 00:10:12.940 --> 00:10:13.080 You know. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:16.100 And I can beat all three of them. 00:10:18.540 --> 00:10:22.900 How many naive, gullible people are in this church who are going to believe me? 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:29.080 Yeah, I can brag about all kinds of things. 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:33.980 But God is not bragging. 00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:40.340 God is saying that he has said it and therefore it will happen. 00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:43.740 Because the word of the Lord stands forever. 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:46.200 That is what gives us assurance. 00:10:46.780 --> 00:10:48.379 This is what convinces me. 00:10:48.780 --> 00:10:55.420 Not because Isaiah is polite or nice or has a good name or wears good clothes. 00:10:55.419 --> 00:10:57.059 Not because of that. 00:10:57.419 --> 00:10:59.259 But because God has said it. 00:10:59.719 --> 00:11:01.899 And that is what God is going to do. 00:11:02.699 --> 00:11:05.659 So, the glory of the Lord is going to be revealed. 00:11:05.819 --> 00:11:07.339 And all flesh will see it together. 00:11:07.939 --> 00:11:09.899 The next question I have in mind. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:12.579 Is that good news or bad news? 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.779 Is that really good news or bad news? 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:25.039 The last time that God showed his glory was at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:28.319 God decided to show them his glory. 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:31.279 The glory of God was so powerful. 00:11:31.860 --> 00:11:32.759 So overwhelming. 00:11:33.479 --> 00:11:34.179 So great. 00:11:34.679 --> 00:11:35.519 So fantastic. 00:11:36.099 --> 00:11:39.319 That they all started to shake with fear. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:44.799 They all became terrified at the sight of how great God is. 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:51.759 So much so that they even begged Moses to become as a mediator. 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:55.980 So they were saying to God, you speak to Moses. 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:58.240 Moses will speak to us. 00:11:58.620 --> 00:12:05.500 Don't speak to us directly because God is scary and we can't handle his glory. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:11.379 The text says, even Moses was filled with fear and trembling. 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:16.679 This is the same Moses who saw God at the burning bush. 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:20.539 The same Moses who confronted Pharaoh. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:28.399 The same Moses who performed the ten plagues and was used by God to part the Red Sea. 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:32.740 If anybody had seen God in his power, Moses had. 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:38.580 But Hebrews says, Moses was filled with fear and trembling. 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:46.720 So if Moses was scared of seeing God in his glory, why should that look like good news to me? 00:12:47.220 --> 00:12:48.840 It looks like bad news. 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:51.139 I don't want to be terrified like that. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:53.360 I don't want to be scared like that. 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:58.000 If God wants to show all of his glory, my request is please don't. 00:12:58.759 --> 00:13:00.000 You know, tune it down. 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:03.560 You know, turn off the bright lights. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:08.200 But God's glory is going to be revealed. 00:13:09.460 --> 00:13:11.419 And we are going to see it. 00:13:12.060 --> 00:13:15.220 And it is not bad news. 00:13:15.820 --> 00:13:17.360 It is good news. 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:20.639 There is something going to be different here. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:26.960 That rather than being terrified to death from seeing God in all of his glory, 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:31.580 we are going to be excited about seeing God in all of his glory. 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:35.700 What is he going to do this time that is different, 00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:39.300 that is going to make us be eager to see it, 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:43.080 rather than to be afraid of his presence? 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:46.620 Look at verse 9 and following. 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:50.320 You who bring good tidings to Zion. 00:13:51.179 --> 00:13:55.460 That's the Hebrew word that the Septuagint translates as the gospel. 00:13:55.980 --> 00:14:00.060 That's where we get the word gospel from, the good tidings or good news. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:06.720 You who bring good tidings to Zion, 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:08.600 go up on a high mountain. 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:11.560 You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, 00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:13.860 lift up your voice with a shout. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:15.480 Lift it up and don't be afraid. 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:17.740 Say to the towns of Judah, 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:19.779 here is your God. 00:14:21.180 --> 00:14:23.639 So God has arrived and he says, 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.240 here is your God. 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:27.800 When he says, 00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:29.220 here is your God, 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:31.220 what are we going to see? 00:14:32.180 --> 00:14:34.659 What terrifying sight are we going to see? 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:37.679 Look at verse 10. 00:14:38.360 --> 00:14:38.799 See, 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:42.279 the sovereign Lord comes with power. 00:14:43.059 --> 00:14:43.299 Well, 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:45.120 that's what I dreaded to begin with, 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:48.360 that he's going to come with great power and scare me to death. 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:50.000 See, 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:52.500 the sovereign Lord comes with power. 00:14:52.719 --> 00:14:56.519 His arm rules for him over all the nations. 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:57.980 See, 00:14:58.159 --> 00:14:59.759 his reward is with him. 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:02.899 And his recompense accompanies him. 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:05.360 But look at verse 11. 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:09.860 When the announcer of the good news says, 00:15:10.059 --> 00:15:11.179 here is your God, 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:13.439 and I look to see God, 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:14.799 what is it that I will see? 00:15:15.220 --> 00:15:16.199 Look at verse 11. 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:33.879 What is God going to do with all of his power? 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:38.060 He is going to use all of his power, 00:15:38.660 --> 00:15:39.720 all of his glory, 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:43.259 to be the good shepherd that carries the lamb. 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:49.080 He tends his flock like a shepherd. 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:52.659 He gathers the lambs in his arms 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:55.559 and carries them close to his heart. 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:59.399 He gently leads those that are young. 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:02.500 God is going to use his power 00:16:02.500 --> 00:16:04.259 to be the good shepherd 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:07.519 that takes care of the flock of God. 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:10.860 That is what God is going to do 00:16:10.860 --> 00:16:12.399 with all of his power. 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:15.139 not to terrify us, 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:19.939 but to carry those who are tiny and small. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:22.740 One of the blessings of this church 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:24.039 is that there are several mothers 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.759 who have tiny children, 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:28.500 and it is so wonderful to see 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:30.700 the parents carrying the babies around. 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:32.299 It's just a beautiful sight. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.659 And God is going to do the same thing. 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:40.620 Those of us who are weak and tired 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:44.639 and small and exhausted, 00:16:45.079 --> 00:16:46.679 God is going to carry us 00:16:46.679 --> 00:16:50.240 and carry us close to his heart. 00:16:52.439 --> 00:16:54.899 God is going to show us his glory 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:57.899 by showing us how much he loves us. 00:16:58.559 --> 00:17:00.659 His glory is going to be revealed 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:02.939 in the great amount of love 00:17:02.939 --> 00:17:05.299 that he has for us. 00:17:06.119 --> 00:17:08.519 That is what God wants to do. 00:17:09.879 --> 00:17:11.339 Well, this is fantastic. 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:12.480 I mean, this is wonderful. 00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:15.099 This is all is well that ends well. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:18.839 I started being dreadful of this meeting. 00:17:19.339 --> 00:17:20.459 I don't want to be terrified. 00:17:21.179 --> 00:17:22.980 And I find out that he's the good shepherd 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:25.339 who's going to carry the weak 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:27.519 and the young and the babies. 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:31.579 But aren't there obstacles? 00:17:33.139 --> 00:17:35.339 Last time God said to Pharaoh, 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:36.559 let my people go. 00:17:36.879 --> 00:17:38.000 Pharaoh said, no way. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:41.640 What if there are obstacles to God? 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:45.680 Well, the first obstacle is this. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:47.859 The first question that one would ask is, 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:51.660 does God know how to do something like this? 00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:53.579 It's one thing to promise 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:54.940 to do something like this. 00:17:55.319 --> 00:17:56.440 It's one thing to say, 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:58.680 the glory of God will be revealed. 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:00.920 But does he know how to do it? 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:05.220 Look, we have just gone 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:07.819 through the most dysfunctional Congress 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:09.899 in so many years. 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:13.379 The Republicans have a plan. 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:14.779 The Democrats have a plan. 00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:16.419 This group has a plan. 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.700 That group has a plan. 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:20.179 And nothing gets done. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:23.399 And it's hard to get things accomplished. 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:28.419 There are so many different issues 00:18:28.419 --> 00:18:29.500 that we face. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:33.200 One of them, for example, is ISIS. 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:37.500 This genocide that is happening to Christians. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:38.939 In the Middle East. 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:42.700 What is the best way to deal with ISIS? 00:18:43.939 --> 00:18:46.240 Let me give you several alternative plans. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:52.700 Well, one plan is to arm our friendly Arab countries. 00:18:53.379 --> 00:18:55.579 Saudi Arabia, Jordan. 00:18:55.579 --> 00:18:57.919 Give them the best airplanes, 00:18:58.099 --> 00:19:00.000 the best technology, the best rockets. 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:02.279 Maybe that's what we should do. 00:19:03.720 --> 00:19:07.880 Or maybe we should send our own soldiers. 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:11.920 The same way we sent it to Vietnam and Iraq and Afghanistan. 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:15.079 Or maybe we should arm Turkey. 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:20.179 Or maybe we should make a deal with Iran. 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:22.699 There are so many plans. 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:24.599 How do we know which plan works 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:26.659 and which plan doesn't work? 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:30.159 What if the plans fail? 00:19:31.899 --> 00:19:34.460 The same thing with helping the economy. 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:37.340 Should we follow the Republicans? 00:19:37.340 --> 00:19:38.700 Should we follow the Democrats? 00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:40.240 Should we follow the Tea Party? 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:41.799 Should we follow all of them? 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:42.960 Should we follow none of them? 00:19:46.759 --> 00:19:49.720 Does God know what he is doing? 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:56.279 Is God wise enough to be able to develop a plan that works? 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:59.579 Let me tell you what will not work. 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:04.960 I am hoping to visit my family in England in March. 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:09.619 I happen to have a grandson whom I love very much 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:11.839 who happens to be six years old. 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:16.420 I am not going to go to my six-year-old son 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.200 and say to him, 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:20.579 hey, look, grandpa wants to go to England. 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:23.059 Can you arrange, can you make the plans 00:20:23.059 --> 00:20:25.599 for my two-week visit to England? 00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:27.399 You take care of all of the details? 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:30.559 No, thanks, I am not stupid. 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:33.119 I mean, he may be cute and lovable, 00:20:33.879 --> 00:20:36.199 but he lacks something 00:20:36.199 --> 00:20:39.500 that six years old are not capable of doing, 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:42.139 namely, plans for visiting England. 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:46.899 What he lacks is wisdom and knowledge and understanding 00:20:46.899 --> 00:20:50.519 and how to make things work and fit together. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:53.399 Well, does God have those talents? 00:20:54.199 --> 00:20:55.000 Does he? 00:20:55.599 --> 00:20:59.359 Look at verses 12 through 14. 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:05.839 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:09.879 or with the breath of his hand marked of the heavens? 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:13.359 Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:16.799 and weighed the mountains on the scales 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:19.219 and the hills in a balance? 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:21.740 Look at verse 13. 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:24.859 Who has understood the mind of the Lord 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:28.220 or instructed him as his counselor? 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:28.660 Who? 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.220 Who? 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:31.460 Who? 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:36.579 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him? 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:42.139 Whom did God ask for advice when he was creating the world? 00:21:43.939 --> 00:21:46.139 When God was creating the universe, 00:21:46.679 --> 00:21:47.399 did God say, 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:49.639 Oh, gee, I wish Einstein was here. 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:52.079 He'd help me with this plan. 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:54.559 Did God say, 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.839 I wish Newton was here. 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:58.279 Boy, Newton understands these things. 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:58.839 I don't. 00:22:00.439 --> 00:22:04.099 Did God ask for anybody's advice when he was creating the world? 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:09.519 Does anybody understand God's wisdom? 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:16.480 When my students ask me, 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:21.940 Why do we have to take Gen Ed courses in biology or chemistry? 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:25.200 I have a standard answer. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:29.400 It's to remind them that God is very smart and that they're not. 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:34.799 God is smart. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:38.839 You know what I find wonderful about God, 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:39.959 but it's a little bit annoying. 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:42.699 I mean, some of us are smart in one area, 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:44.699 on a very, very small scale, you know. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:47.059 I mean, I know a little bit about languages. 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:50.500 But good heavens, he is smart in everything. 00:22:51.359 --> 00:22:55.720 Biology, physics, chemistry, art, music. 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.079 You know. 00:22:58.399 --> 00:22:59.679 He knows everything. 00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:02.980 How can anybody so smart? 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:07.939 And does God need advice? 00:23:08.179 --> 00:23:08.500 No. 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:12.839 He's got enough wisdom to be able to carry this plan. 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:15.819 Who has consulted God? 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:17.480 Whom did God consult? 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:20.299 And from whom did he ask advice? 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:24.240 Well, let's look at verses 15, 16, and 17. 00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:25.299 Another obstacle. 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:32.419 Surely the nations are like a drop from a bucket. 00:23:32.419 --> 00:23:35.279 They are regarded as dust on the scales. 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:39.960 He weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:43.200 He mentions nations in verse 15. 00:23:43.619 --> 00:23:47.240 He mentions Lebanon, my own country, in verse 16. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:53.339 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:56.599 Before him all the nations are as nothing. 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:59.259 Nations, Lebanon, nations. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:03.019 He mentions nations three times in three verses. 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:06.279 Verse 17. 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:08.920 Before him all the nations are as nothing. 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:12.019 They are regarded by him as worthless. 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:14.960 As less than nothing. 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:20.620 Somebody may be thinking, okay God, you want to do this. 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.160 But let me remind you. 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:24.720 There are the Babylonians who are around. 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:27.839 What if the Babylonians say no? 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:32.620 What if the Assyrians say no? 00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:37.339 What if Egypt opposes God? 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:41.420 So God says to Moses, go tell Pharaoh, let my people go. 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:43.360 And Pharaoh says no. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:46.960 What does God do when nations oppose him? 00:24:49.360 --> 00:24:54.220 What does God do when ISIS persecutes his people? 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:58.700 Is God afraid of nations? 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:06.819 Is he saying, well, of course I can take LeBron James, but can I take on everybody who plays for the NBA? 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:09.700 I mean, that's hundreds of people. 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:15.240 And God is not afraid of the nations. 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:19.700 Look at verse 17. 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:24.100 Before him all the nations are as nothing. 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:28.539 They are regarded by him as worthless. 00:25:29.360 --> 00:25:30.900 Even less than nothing. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.759 They're not just zero. 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:35.039 They're minus. 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:37.259 They're even below zero. 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:40.740 Look at verse 15. 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:44.019 Surely the nations are like a drop from a bucket. 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:53.759 If you're carrying water in a bucket and you're walking and you're not steady, drops of water starts to fall off. 00:25:54.299 --> 00:25:55.119 Does that matter? 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:55.720 No. 00:25:56.400 --> 00:26:03.200 Is anybody, you know, mourning because a couple drops of water dropped from the bucket? 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.799 No. 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:03.840 No. 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:06.580 Nations are like nothing. 00:26:07.580 --> 00:26:09.240 Nations are like nothing. 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:16.299 And we have enough examples in the Old Testament to know that God confronts the nations. 00:26:17.660 --> 00:26:19.680 Edom and Nineveh. 00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:21.319 Let's say Assyria. 00:26:21.859 --> 00:26:23.799 Just as a starter. 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:25.359 And Egypt too. 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:30.779 So, nations aren't going to stop him. 00:26:31.299 --> 00:26:33.859 But what about the gods of the nations? 00:26:34.599 --> 00:26:40.779 The gods of the nations must be stronger than the nations because the nations worship them and they're afraid of them. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.699 Maybe the gods are stronger. 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:46.420 Well, let's look at the gods of the nations. 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:49.279 Look at verse 15. 00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:54.340 I'm sorry. 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.039 I'm sorry. 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:58.700 Look at verse 18. 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:04.500 To whom then will you compare God? 00:27:04.840 --> 00:27:08.019 What image will you compare him to? 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:20.379 As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:27.660 A man too poor to present such an offering selects wood that doesn't lot. 00:27:29.859 --> 00:27:35.379 He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:39.920 Let me give you two pieces of advice about making idols. 00:27:40.520 --> 00:27:43.940 If you're going to make an idol, make sure it's good wood. 00:27:45.280 --> 00:27:48.560 If it's rotten, you're going to have to make another one in two years. 00:27:49.540 --> 00:27:52.960 If the wood is bad, you're going to need new idols. 00:27:54.120 --> 00:27:55.300 They won't last long. 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:59.440 Make sure it's built out of good wood. 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:03.700 Second thing, let it have a flat base. 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:06.440 Because if it keeps walking, it will topple. 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:08.880 And you don't want idols that topple. 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:14.980 You can hear the sarcasm in Isaiah's voice. 00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:19.759 Idols can't even make themselves. 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.819 Somebody has to carve them. 00:28:23.660 --> 00:28:25.200 Idols can't close themselves. 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:28.720 Somebody has to put decorations on them. 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.880 Idols can't walk. 00:28:30.880 --> 00:28:33.200 They can't talk. 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.620 They can't eat. 00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:37.620 They can't give advice. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.040 They can't do nothing. 00:28:39.800 --> 00:28:42.580 So why on earth should God be afraid of the idols? 00:28:43.560 --> 00:28:45.980 The idols are not greater than people. 00:28:46.120 --> 00:28:47.540 They are even lesser than people. 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:50.380 They depend on people for their very existence. 00:28:50.380 --> 00:29:00.560 So human beings will not stop God. 00:29:01.840 --> 00:29:04.320 Nations will not stop God. 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:09.760 And idols will not stop God. 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:14.980 So if I understand that. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:18.599 If I understand that God is good. 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:20.839 Because he is the good shepherd. 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:25.900 And that God is wise. 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:28.779 Because he doesn't need human advice. 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:31.099 And God is powerful. 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:33.420 Because the nations are like nothing. 00:29:33.420 --> 00:29:37.200 If I understand clearly. 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:39.320 That God is good. 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:40.660 And wise. 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.779 And powerful. 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:44.180 How shall I respond to God? 00:29:45.400 --> 00:29:47.360 He gives us two responses. 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:51.019 One is a bad response. 00:29:51.840 --> 00:29:54.779 The other one is the right response. 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:58.160 Let's look at the bad response. 00:29:59.319 --> 00:30:00.339 Verse 27. 00:30:03.639 --> 00:30:05.660 Why do you say, O Jacob? 00:30:06.339 --> 00:30:08.839 And complain, O Israel. 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:12.180 My way is hidden from the Lord. 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:13.980 My God. 00:30:13.980 --> 00:30:17.579 My cause is disregarded by my God. 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:22.660 One thing we can do is to complain. 00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:25.100 God doesn't see. 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.500 And God doesn't care. 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:31.860 I am in this situation. 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:34.200 I am in this bind. 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:37.300 I am in this hard situation. 00:30:37.800 --> 00:30:40.140 I am an exile in Babylon. 00:30:41.080 --> 00:30:43.480 I am an exile in Assyria. 00:30:44.120 --> 00:30:45.740 And God doesn't see. 00:30:46.360 --> 00:30:47.820 And God doesn't care. 00:30:47.819 --> 00:30:52.720 And I can sit and complain about this. 00:30:52.899 --> 00:30:54.339 And complain and complain. 00:30:55.439 --> 00:30:58.439 And somehow think that by complaining I can change things. 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:04.339 If I understand that God is good. 00:31:04.919 --> 00:31:05.939 And wise. 00:31:06.379 --> 00:31:07.099 And powerful. 00:31:08.079 --> 00:31:10.819 Complaining is not the right response. 00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:12.960 It's the wrong response. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.419 God doesn't see. 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:17.319 God doesn't care. 00:31:17.819 --> 00:31:18.379 God doesn't care. 00:31:18.379 --> 00:31:18.500 God doesn't care. 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:20.839 What is the right response? 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:24.519 The right response is verse 31. 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:32.000 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:34.019 Let me explain something. 00:31:34.619 --> 00:31:42.399 In Hebrew, the word to hope and the word to wait is the same word. 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:44.040 It's the same verb. 00:31:44.800 --> 00:31:47.060 So you can translate it hope. 00:31:47.360 --> 00:31:49.080 Or you can translate it wait. 00:31:49.620 --> 00:31:54.019 Or if you want to catch both sides of the meaning. 00:31:54.780 --> 00:32:00.500 Perhaps you should translate it while I wait in hope. 00:32:00.880 --> 00:32:03.060 Or hope while I'm waiting. 00:32:03.640 --> 00:32:04.740 But it is both. 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.380 Regretted. 00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:09.779 Regrettably in English, hope and wait have different meanings. 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:12.859 Where do I wait? 00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:13.500 I wait. 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:13.859 I wait. 00:32:13.859 --> 00:32:14.679 I wait. 00:32:14.679 --> 00:32:14.699 I wait. 00:32:14.699 --> 00:32:14.759 I wait. 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:14.859 I wait. 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:15.500 I wait. 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:18.719 When we have bumper to bumper traffic on I-94. 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:23.059 And we're not moving. 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:27.059 And they're trying to move a wreck. 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:30.179 And I'm in a hurry to get to school. 00:32:31.799 --> 00:32:35.059 And I'm supposed to be there at 8 and it's already 9. 00:32:36.179 --> 00:32:39.039 And the traffic is still stuck. 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.200 Where do I? 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:45.639 Where do I wait? 00:32:46.119 --> 00:32:47.659 When I'm at O'Hare. 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:50.480 And it has snowed. 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:53.200 And O'Hare is shut down. 00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:57.500 And I may have to stay in a hotel. 00:32:58.579 --> 00:33:01.380 Before they clear the airplanes. 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:03.120 And the airport. 00:33:05.299 --> 00:33:06.440 Where do I wait? 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:08.799 When I'm at the doctor. 00:33:10.140 --> 00:33:11.519 Waiting for my appointment. 00:33:16.120 --> 00:33:18.539 Or when you're waiting for a letter to arrive. 00:33:18.539 --> 00:33:23.599 Waiting in English doesn't suggest good things. 00:33:24.599 --> 00:33:26.139 We use it negatively. 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:29.779 That's why it's better perhaps to translate it. 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.799 Those who hope. 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:34.680 Those who put their hope in God while waiting for him. 00:33:36.599 --> 00:33:38.779 Those who hope in the Lord. 00:33:40.279 --> 00:33:42.059 Will renew their strength. 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:45.419 They will soar on wings like eagles. 00:33:46.220 --> 00:33:48.399 They will run and not grow weary. 00:33:49.019 --> 00:33:51.079 They will walk and not faint. 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:53.399 I've always thought about this verse. 00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:55.099 Why doesn't he say. 00:33:55.679 --> 00:33:58.159 They will soar on wings like chicken. 00:34:00.659 --> 00:34:02.919 Chicken do not soar. 00:34:05.460 --> 00:34:08.799 Chicken are lucky if they can fly one foot above the ground. 00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:12.920 Chicken doesn't soar. 00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:18.019 But we soar like eagles. 00:34:18.680 --> 00:34:20.519 Above our circumstances. 00:34:21.820 --> 00:34:23.220 Above our problems. 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:29.340 We soar like eagles. 00:34:29.340 --> 00:34:35.000 They will soar on wings like eagles. 00:34:35.180 --> 00:34:37.180 They will run and not grow weary. 00:34:37.920 --> 00:34:40.039 They will walk and not faint. 00:34:41.320 --> 00:34:43.059 I remember a game. 00:34:43.200 --> 00:34:44.160 I saw it once. 00:34:45.480 --> 00:34:46.559 Trinity was playing. 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:49.519 It's arch enemy in soccer. 00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:52.000 And we wanted to win. 00:34:52.180 --> 00:34:53.579 And they wanted to win. 00:34:53.579 --> 00:34:56.599 And we were both determined to win. 00:34:57.219 --> 00:35:01.239 And the captain of our team was in his senior year. 00:35:01.840 --> 00:35:04.239 And that was his last game of the season. 00:35:04.679 --> 00:35:06.679 And the last game against that team. 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:08.440 And he wanted to win. 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:13.179 And he was going to do everything he could to win. 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:15.259 He played so hard. 00:35:15.819 --> 00:35:17.279 He played so hard. 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:19.360 That at half time. 00:35:20.440 --> 00:35:21.680 The athletic trainer says. 00:35:21.840 --> 00:35:22.700 You can't go back. 00:35:23.620 --> 00:35:24.920 You can't go back. 00:35:25.019 --> 00:35:26.019 He was so exhausted. 00:35:26.760 --> 00:35:27.420 He collapsed. 00:35:27.580 --> 00:35:29.220 He literally collapsed. 00:35:29.700 --> 00:35:30.620 On the side. 00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:34.120 But he wanted to win so badly. 00:35:35.420 --> 00:35:37.720 And he is 22 years old. 00:35:37.800 --> 00:35:39.540 He's not 60s like me. 00:35:40.080 --> 00:35:40.960 And out of shape. 00:35:42.120 --> 00:35:43.860 He runs a mile to warm up. 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:45.280 You know. 00:35:45.880 --> 00:35:48.380 I want to mile when I flirt with heart attacks. 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:56.800 A young guy who is as athletic as he can be. 00:35:58.140 --> 00:35:59.140 Great shape. 00:36:00.260 --> 00:36:01.300 Excellent condition. 00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:03.519 Played so hard. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:05.260 And physically collapsed. 00:36:06.220 --> 00:36:07.220 And God says. 00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:09.820 They will run. 00:36:10.480 --> 00:36:11.700 And not go weary. 00:36:12.380 --> 00:36:13.820 They will walk. 00:36:13.860 --> 00:36:15.660 And not faint. 00:36:16.380 --> 00:36:18.000 God is the good shepherd. 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:19.760 Who will prevent us. 00:36:20.740 --> 00:36:21.880 From falling. 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:24.300 Who will prevent us. 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:25.480 From fainting. 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:27.800 And if we are that tired. 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:30.340 He will use his strong arms. 00:36:30.640 --> 00:36:31.500 To carry us. 00:36:33.260 --> 00:36:35.019 God will show his glory. 00:36:35.780 --> 00:36:36.940 As the good shepherd. 00:36:37.579 --> 00:36:39.059 Who will take care of us. 00:36:40.860 --> 00:36:43.019 And if you are a human being. 00:36:43.019 --> 00:36:44.019 God's glory. 00:36:44.019 --> 00:36:45.019 God's glory. 00:36:45.019 --> 00:36:46.019 God's glory. 00:36:46.019 --> 00:36:47.159 Will be revealed. 00:36:47.639 --> 00:36:49.159 And all mankind. 00:36:49.159 --> 00:36:50.340 Will see it together. 00:36:51.400 --> 00:36:53.440 But on top of seeing it. 00:36:53.920 --> 00:36:55.259 We are going to enjoy. 00:36:55.940 --> 00:36:57.500 This great good shepherd. 00:36:58.139 --> 00:36:58.820 Who is our Lord. 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:00.460 Let's pray. 00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:01.460 Thank you. 00:37:01.460 --> 00:37:02.460 Thank you. 00:37:02.460 --> 00:37:03.460 Thank you. 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.900 Thank you. 00:37:03.900 --> 00:37:03.920 Thank you. 00:37:03.920 --> 00:37:05.860 Thank you. 00:37:05.860 --> 00:37:06.199 Father. 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:08.820 For your wonderful. 00:37:08.820 --> 00:37:09.960 And honorable word. 00:37:11.039 --> 00:37:11.760 Thank you. 00:37:11.840 --> 00:37:12.599 For the encouragement. 00:37:12.599 --> 00:37:13.579 That you give us. 00:37:13.760 --> 00:37:14.480 Knowing that. 00:37:15.639 --> 00:37:17.280 You hold us dear. 00:37:17.420 --> 00:37:18.139 To your heart. 00:37:18.740 --> 00:37:19.699 And you carry. 00:37:20.519 --> 00:37:21.240 The young. 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:22.039 And the weak. 00:37:22.039 --> 00:37:24.039 Thank you. 00:37:24.039 --> 00:37:24.539 Thank you. 00:37:24.539 --> 00:37:24.559 Thank you. 00:37:24.559 --> 00:37:24.599 Thank you. 00:37:24.599 --> 00:37:24.800 Thank you. 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:25.480 That you will renew. 00:37:25.480 --> 00:37:26.279 Our strength. 00:37:26.679 --> 00:37:27.539 And give us hope. 00:37:28.340 --> 00:37:29.139 Thank you. 00:37:29.219 --> 00:37:30.059 That you neither. 00:37:31.579 --> 00:37:32.519 Ignore us. 00:37:33.559 --> 00:37:35.119 Nor feel indifferent. 00:37:35.480 --> 00:37:35.960 About us. 00:37:36.679 --> 00:37:37.619 You see. 00:37:38.619 --> 00:37:39.719 And you care. 00:37:41.300 --> 00:37:43.139 We are so grateful for that. 00:37:43.739 --> 00:37:44.940 I pray for myself. 00:37:45.300 --> 00:37:46.739 And for these brothers and sisters. 00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:49.039 To experience that. 00:37:49.259 --> 00:37:50.219 More deeply. 00:37:50.219 --> 00:37:54.199 in this year, 2015. 00:37:56.179 --> 00:37:58.539 I pray for those who are in this church 00:37:58.539 --> 00:38:01.199 who do not know the Good Shepherd. 00:38:02.419 --> 00:38:04.039 May you speak to their hearts. 00:38:06.099 --> 00:38:07.939 May you open their eyes 00:38:07.939 --> 00:38:11.500 that they may call you their Lord and their God. 00:38:12.579 --> 00:38:14.699 I ask this in Jesus' precious name. 00:38:15.379 --> 00:38:15.639 Amen.