WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.640 So please turn in your copy of God's Word to the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. 00:00:07.640 --> 00:00:18.480 ! Today's sermon passage is the entire long chapter, all 42 verses of 1 Samuel 20. 00:00:18.480 --> 00:00:28.800 ! As we've seen with this genre, when there's a long chapter, an entire section, it's to draw attention that this is an important one, something major is going on. 00:00:28.800 --> 00:00:36.179 Like the longest chapter was David and Goliath. Pay attention. This is the next longest, I believe. And so there's such treasures in it for us. 00:00:36.740 --> 00:00:40.960 The long chapter of David and Goliath, we broke it up into several parts, several sermons, several weeks. 00:00:41.539 --> 00:00:47.799 Today, perhaps at a fall, it's going to be the entire chapter in one sermon with God's help. 00:00:48.040 --> 00:00:52.540 Because it's a long chapter, again, with God's help, it doesn't mean it has to be a long sermon. 00:00:52.540 --> 00:00:54.480 So let's pray for the preacher, too. 00:00:54.479 --> 00:01:00.079 I'll read this trusting that it's God's inspired, inerrant, infallible, clear, sufficient word. 00:01:00.079 --> 00:01:02.519 It's his very own word for you, his people. 00:01:02.979 --> 00:01:08.620 If you receive it that way, when I'm done reading it, I'll say the word of God for the people of God and we can respond together. 00:01:08.899 --> 00:01:09.819 Thanks be to God. 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:14.359 Let me catch my breath. Here we go. It's a long one. 00:01:14.359 --> 00:01:18.459 And I should actually set it up for those who are jumping in midstream. 00:01:19.459 --> 00:01:26.180 The previous chapter right before this one was a display of God's power protecting David. 00:01:26.359 --> 00:01:28.400 You can look back at chapter 19. 00:01:29.159 --> 00:01:32.219 David had to run away, flee for his life, and he went to Samuel. 00:01:33.260 --> 00:01:36.659 And with Samuel, Saul kept sending messenger after messenger. 00:01:36.659 --> 00:01:42.099 And then finally saw himself and what God did each time has made them fall down and prophesy. 00:01:43.219 --> 00:01:45.620 He turned enemies into worshipers. 00:01:46.259 --> 00:01:50.840 So the question that's not answered super clearly, you should wrestle with this as I do. 00:01:51.259 --> 00:01:59.000 Who knows at this point in these characters, the nation, the army, the inner court, Saul, Jonathan, do they know David will be the next king? 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:05.140 Because God is sending very strong signals and you'll have to come to your own conclusions. 00:02:05.480 --> 00:02:07.840 But that's what sets up the chapter we're in now. 00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:09.879 So here we go. First Samuel chapter 20. 00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:17.539 Then David fled from Naoth in Ramah and went and said to Jonathan. 00:02:18.599 --> 00:02:20.360 So Ramah is where Samuel was. 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:24.780 Now he's going back to the court of the king Saul where the prince is, Jonathan, Saul's son. 00:02:25.340 --> 00:02:27.060 And he says, what have I done? 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:32.319 What is my iniquity and what is my sin before your father that he seeks my life? 00:02:33.080 --> 00:02:36.939 So Jonathan said to him, by no means, you shall not die. 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:41.879 Indeed, my father will do nothing, either great or small, without first telling me. 00:02:42.400 --> 00:02:45.360 And why should my father hide this thing from me? 00:02:45.640 --> 00:02:46.620 It is not so. 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:53.340 Then David took an oath again and said, your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your eyes. 00:02:53.840 --> 00:02:56.740 And he has said, do not let Jonathan know this. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:02:58.180 Lest he be grieved. 00:02:58.860 --> 00:03:04.140 But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:06.040 Verse four. 00:03:06.219 --> 00:03:14.379 So Jonathan said to David, whatever you do yourself, whatever you do yourself, desire, I will do it for you. 00:03:14.379 --> 00:03:16.299 And David said to Jonathan. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:18.560 Indeed, tomorrow is the new moon. 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:22.699 And I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. 00:03:23.079 --> 00:03:28.199 But let me go that I may hide in the field until the third day at evening. 00:03:28.199 --> 00:03:38.099 If your father misses me at all, then say, David earnestly asked permission of me that he might run over to Bethlehem, his city. 00:03:38.219 --> 00:03:41.659 For there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:45.699 If he says thus, it is well, your servant will be safe. 00:03:46.240 --> 00:03:51.479 But if he is very angry, be sure that evil is determined by him. 00:03:52.099 --> 00:03:55.219 Therefore, you shall deal kindly with your servant. 00:03:55.219 --> 00:03:59.379 For you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. 00:04:00.039 --> 00:04:04.939 Nevertheless, if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself. 00:04:04.939 --> 00:04:07.579 For why should you bring me to your father? 00:04:08.979 --> 00:04:11.340 But Jonathan said, far be it from you. 00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:18.019 For if I knew certainly that evil was determined by my father to come to you, then would I not tell you? 00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:21.519 Then David said to Jonathan, who will tell me? 00:04:21.579 --> 00:04:24.339 Or what if your father answers you roughly? 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:28.459 And Jonathan said to David, come, let us go out into the field. 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:30.500 So both of them went out into the field. 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:34.699 Then Jonathan said to David, the Lord God of Israel is witness. 00:04:34.939 --> 00:04:42.879 When I have sounded out my father sometime tomorrow or the third day, and indeed there is good toward David. 00:04:43.439 --> 00:04:49.519 And I do not send to you and tell you, may the Lord do so much and more to Jonathan. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:57.600 But if it pleases my father to do you evil, then I will report it to you and send you away that you may go in safety. 00:04:58.199 --> 00:05:01.639 And the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:03.360 Verse 14. 00:05:03.360 --> 00:05:15.660 And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I may not die, but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever. 00:05:16.500 --> 00:05:21.420 No, not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth. 00:05:22.080 --> 00:05:29.199 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, let the Lord require it at the hand of David's enemies. 00:05:29.199 --> 00:05:37.339 Now Jonathan again caused David to vow because he loved him for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:44.839 Then Jonathan said to David, tomorrow is the new moon and you will be missed because your seat will be empty. 00:05:44.839 --> 00:05:55.819 And when you have stayed three days, go down quickly and come to the place where you hid on the day of the deed and remain by the stone. 00:05:55.819 --> 00:06:02.459 Then I will shoot three arrows to the side as though I shot at a target. 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:06.579 And there I will send a lad saying, go find the arrows. 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:11.719 If I expressly say to the lad, look, the arrows are on this side of you. 00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:13.159 Get them and come. 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:17.039 Then as the Lord lives, there is safety for you and no harm. 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:21.860 But if I thus say to the young man, look, the arrows are beyond you. 00:06:22.340 --> 00:06:24.280 Go your way for the Lord has sent you away. 00:06:25.080 --> 00:06:30.520 And as for the matter which you and I have spoken of, indeed, the Lord be between you and me forever. 00:06:31.320 --> 00:06:32.800 Then David hid in the field. 00:06:33.660 --> 00:06:37.600 And when the new moon had come, the king sat down to eat the feast. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:42.939 Now the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on a seat by the wall. 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:48.040 And Jonathan arose and Abner sat by David's by Saul's side. 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:50.959 But David's seat was empty. 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:58.459 Nevertheless, Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought something has happened to him. 00:06:58.639 --> 00:06:59.500 He is unclean. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:01.220 Surely he is unclean. 00:07:02.159 --> 00:07:06.480 And it happened the next day, the second day of the month, that David's place was empty. 00:07:06.480 --> 00:07:13.200 And Saul said to Jonathan, his son, why has the son of Jesse not come to eat either yesterday or today? 00:07:13.700 --> 00:07:19.020 So Jonathan answered, Saul, David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem. 00:07:19.520 --> 00:07:23.939 And he said, please let me go for our family has a sacrifice in that city. 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:26.400 And my brother has commanded me to be there. 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:31.780 And now if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me get away and see my brothers. 00:07:32.400 --> 00:07:34.980 Therefore, he has not come to the king's table. 00:07:34.980 --> 00:07:39.080 Then Saul's anger was aroused against Jonathan. 00:07:39.340 --> 00:07:43.920 And he said to him, you son of a perverse, rebellious woman. 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:51.580 Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? 00:07:52.340 --> 00:07:58.360 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. 00:07:59.100 --> 00:08:03.080 Now, therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die. 00:08:03.079 --> 00:08:08.319 And Jonathan answered Saul, his father, and said to him, why should he be killed? 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:09.759 What has he done? 00:08:11.120 --> 00:08:18.060 Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:24.699 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month. 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:29.939 For he was grieved for David because his father had treated him shamefully. 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:37.100 So it was in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David. 00:08:37.360 --> 00:08:39.439 And a little lad was with him. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:43.200 Then he said to the lad, now run, find the arrows which I shoot. 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:47.000 And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 00:08:47.540 --> 00:08:56.140 When the lad had come to the place where the arrow was, which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried out after the lad, is not the arrow beyond you? 00:08:56.780 --> 00:09:00.940 And Jonathan cried out after the lad, make haste, hurry, do not delay. 00:09:00.940 --> 00:09:05.080 So Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows and came back to his master. 00:09:05.560 --> 00:09:07.020 But the lad did not know anything. 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:09.060 Only Jonathan and David knew of the matter. 00:09:09.960 --> 00:09:14.520 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the lad and said to him, go carry them to the city. 00:09:15.140 --> 00:09:24.220 As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground and bowed down three times. 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:27.780 And they kissed one another and they wept together. 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:42.480 But David more so than Jonathan said to David, go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, may the Lord be between you and me and between your descendants and my descendants forever. 00:09:43.439 --> 00:09:49.159 So he arose and departed and Jonathan went into the city. 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:52.299 The word of God for the people of God. 00:09:52.879 --> 00:09:54.079 Thanks be to God. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:55.079 Please be seated. 00:09:57.779 --> 00:10:16.519 Lord, we ask that by the power of your Holy Spirit, you'll make this passage clear to us. 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:27.319 We ask, Lord, that you will shine the glory of Jesus from these shadows in full substance, Lord, before the eyes of your people by faith. 00:10:27.960 --> 00:10:31.840 I pray that you'll help the preacher to exalt Christ, that Christ will be lifted up. 00:10:32.600 --> 00:10:36.559 We pray, Lord, that the truth about your kingdom will be so clear to us. 00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:47.619 And we pray, Lord, that by the work of your spirit, you'll draw us deeper and deeper and deeper into communion with you to live as citizens within your kingdom with great joy. 00:10:48.219 --> 00:10:49.519 For your glory we ask. 00:10:49.959 --> 00:10:50.219 Amen. 00:10:50.219 --> 00:10:50.379 Amen. 00:10:50.379 --> 00:11:05.679 As you hear this narrative, it makes you it makes you almost feel like you're there, doesn't it? 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:08.740 David had to run away once. 00:11:09.580 --> 00:11:10.820 He's coming back now. 00:11:11.100 --> 00:11:12.399 He's hoping he can stay. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:13.539 He's got wife. 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:14.960 This is his home. 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:16.559 This is his his nation. 00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:19.459 And he gets this horrible news. 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:20.599 He's going to lose it all. 00:11:20.719 --> 00:11:22.919 He has to flee and run away. 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:27.019 And certainly he's questioning God's promises to him. 00:11:27.099 --> 00:11:31.739 Lord, you said I was anointed to be the king and I've submitted to your will. 00:11:31.819 --> 00:11:34.679 I'm not trying to take over or rush the timeline. 00:11:35.379 --> 00:11:40.539 Why can't I at least enjoy living with my family and with my loved ones? 00:11:43.419 --> 00:11:45.779 It's uncertain what the army knows at this time. 00:11:45.779 --> 00:11:53.059 It's uncertain to me, at least what King saw in those other than that God has certainly rejected saw as king of the people. 00:11:55.480 --> 00:12:04.120 But I believe what's happening in this passage, it causes us to step back just like David and ask the same question. 00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:09.759 Maybe everything I assumed about God's kingdom wasn't enough. 00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:15.100 Maybe God needs to teach me some new truths about his kingdom. 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:21.960 And that's what I focused on as I meditated and gleaned from this passage throughout this week. 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:28.379 I believe here we have four revelations about God's kingdom. 00:12:29.860 --> 00:12:32.960 The reason I believe this is so important for you and me, it's because. 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:50.860 It's possible that we know the gospel, we know God's word, but we're still hesitant for one reason or another to to throw ourselves at the feet of Jesus as the king of kings and to abandon this world for his kingdom alone. 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:56.960 And so these truths about his kingdom, he doesn't change. 00:12:56.960 --> 00:12:57.779 These are eternal. 00:12:58.300 --> 00:13:05.500 My encouragement is that you can trust King Jesus, the anointed Messiah, and that he's disclosing for you. 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:07.620 This is what my kingdom is really like. 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.440 Come in. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:09.879 Come be part of it. 00:13:10.399 --> 00:13:11.480 So that's been my prayer. 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:17.279 Let's see what these revelations about God's kingdom are from this passage. 00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:22.019 What type of kingdom is God's kingdom? 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:31.259 The first revelation is that the kingdom of God is not a kingdom of empty ritual, but of real righteousness. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:34.060 This is the people of Israel. 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:36.580 God gave him the law from Moses. 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:38.420 He's brought them into the promised land. 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:42.259 He's pushed away the foreign nations that are trying to wipe them out and kill them. 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:50.599 And he's he's given them a ceremonial law to expose their sin, to show their need for a substitutionary atoning sacrifice. 00:13:51.339 --> 00:13:53.879 So they will trust him and see he's a good God. 00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:57.019 But there are people who've rejected the Lord. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:14:05.740 And so one of these ceremonies that's given in Numbers 28 is called the new moon festival. 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:06.779 God gave this law. 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:10.139 It was a good law for them as part of the ceremonial commandments. 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:16.360 What they had to do is on the beginning of each month when the new moon is is beginning its cycle. 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:23.980 You need to bring offerings on behalf of all the the representatives of clans and families and priests and kings. 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:26.220 So all these sacrifices are presented. 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:33.799 The king traditionally what we see from the Psalms would call a big gathering of the entire royal court and take attendance. 00:14:33.799 --> 00:14:38.740 And it's a time to know that the Lord is giving us a fresh start. 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.799 It's a new moon, a new cycle. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:46.479 We begin this new cycle with a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. 00:14:46.479 --> 00:14:52.719 And that's the occasion, at least back in the palace, for this intrigue. 00:14:52.720 --> 00:15:00.500 Now, you see the twisting of this this ritual or this ceremony by King Saul. 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:07.800 He's sitting there obsessing about how he's going to kill David, breaking one of the Ten Commandments, breaking the moral law. 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:12.040 We see him even try to kill his own son in this passage. 00:15:12.540 --> 00:15:16.720 He does not have a righteous love for God and God's law in his heart. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:23.519 But yet, look at how Saul uses the law to accuse David. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.899 Look at verse 26. 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:29.139 When David's not there the first day, he says something has happened to him. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.460 He is unclean. 00:15:30.660 --> 00:15:33.080 Surely he is unclean. 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:37.680 On the occasion of new beginnings and sin being atoned for, 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:44.360 Saul's threatened by the new beginning that God has promised with David as king. 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:52.379 When you're coming before the Lord for a reminder of his atoning sacrifice and the pardon of sin, 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:58.139 the only posture of the heart is to be humble before God and grateful. 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:03.519 But instead, Paul is, I'm sorry, Saul is proud and entitled. 00:16:05.580 --> 00:16:12.519 Notice how three times attention is drawn to the fact that David's seat at the table was empty. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:19.240 Look at verse 18 and look at verse 25 and also verse 27. 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:31.480 I'm not going to pretend to be a Hebrew expert, but those who are experts pointed out something fascinating about the word empty to say David's seat is empty. 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:36.519 Linguistically, it's very close to another word, which means appointment. 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.139 David's seat is empty. 00:16:38.579 --> 00:16:42.819 David's seat is empty and David's seat is appointed. 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:51.399 So in verse 25, we're told the king sat on his seat, as was his custom, with the back against the wall to grab his spear. 00:16:51.939 --> 00:16:55.600 But David's seat, you could say, was appointed. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:17:08.000 So even with David's absence under the reign of Saul, it's not a sign of defeat, but a hint that a greater kingdom has been appointed. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:11.140 You see the contrast. 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:18.799 Saul is focused on the external rituals, ceremonial uncleanness. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:34.119 Spurgeon commented, Saul may sit at the feast with a heart full of murder, but the citizen of the true kingdom represented by David and Jonathan, they know that ritual without reality is but a painted pageant to go to hell in. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:36.220 That's the end of Spurgeon's quote. 00:17:38.440 --> 00:17:42.859 Saul's ritual purity is a mask for his hypocrisy. 00:17:45.079 --> 00:17:47.399 David instead appeals to true righteousness. 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:48.460 Look at verse one. 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:52.460 He asked Jonathan, what have I done? 00:17:52.860 --> 00:17:54.360 What is my iniquity? 00:17:54.780 --> 00:17:57.600 What is my sin before your father that he seeks my life? 00:17:58.320 --> 00:17:59.140 He even goes further. 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:02.980 He says, Jonathan, you kill me if I'm if I'm in sin. 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:06.380 You bring justice if that's what I deserve. 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:11.240 Real righteousness is what God's about. 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:14.640 The posture of the heart before him. 00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:27.140 When our Lord Jesus came fulfilling this shadow of a righteous, anointed one appointed to redeem, to save, to establish a new beginning, a new kingdom. 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:35.000 In Luke 17, 20 and 21, Jesus said, the kingdom of God does not come with empty observation. 00:18:35.540 --> 00:18:37.900 The kingdom of God is within you. 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:45.040 And at the time when our Lord walked this earth, the religious elite did the same thing as Saul. 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:49.560 They tried to use God's own law to condemn the true king. 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:53.919 The only truly righteous man, Jesus Christ. 00:18:54.700 --> 00:19:02.619 Jesus said in Matthew 23, 27, for you are like a whitewashed tombstone, which indeed appears beautiful outwardly. 00:19:02.679 --> 00:19:07.179 But inside it's full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:11.360 Think of how our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:13.400 --> 00:19:19.700 He was a friend of those who truly have iniquity, who truly are unclean. 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:22.200 That's who he identified himself with. 00:19:23.380 --> 00:19:26.440 David is forced to stay away from the king's palace. 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:34.880 Jesus was excluded from the community to suffer outside the gate. 00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:44.940 Like David's empty seat, Jesus Christ's empty tomb proves that the king is alive and the covenant is secure. 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:47.340 This was God's way of sparing David. 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:51.519 If he had been there, most likely another spear would have been coming his way. 00:19:51.519 --> 00:20:00.220 And our Lord Jesus left the empty tomb as proof that his kingdom has been appointed by God. 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:04.240 And our Lord is in heaven right now. 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:07.500 We receive him by faith, but one day he will come consummately. 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:10.480 For we can't see him now with our eyes. 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:16.500 One day we will see him and we will behold our redeemer on this earth with our very eyes. 00:20:18.660 --> 00:20:21.460 Jesus said in Mark 115, the time is fulfilled. 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:23.119 The kingdom of God is at hand. 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:26.819 Repent and believe in the gospel. 00:20:27.879 --> 00:20:29.940 Jesus is a friend of sinners. 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:36.819 When Satan accuses us as lawbreakers, just like Saul accused David, we can say back. 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:40.180 Where is my iniquity? 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:42.759 Where is my sin? 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:49.119 And maybe this is the very encouragement you need today. 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:53.200 And you can tell your accuser. 00:20:54.299 --> 00:21:00.379 Isaiah 40, 43, 42 says that Christ has blotted out my sins himself. 00:21:00.380 --> 00:21:05.960 Isaiah 43, 25 tells me God remembers my sins no more. 00:21:06.600 --> 00:21:10.860 Micah 7, 18 tells me the Lord himself took my sins away. 00:21:11.380 --> 00:21:16.540 Isaiah 30, 17 tells me God has cast my sins behind his back. 00:21:17.540 --> 00:21:20.780 Micah 7, 19 tells me he threw them into the deep. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:27.000 Jeremiah 33, 8 tells me that God pardoned my sins and he sees them no more. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:31.920 Jeremiah 50, 20 tells me that God can't find my sins anymore. 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:39.500 And Isaiah 40, 1 and 2 promises me that my sins will be mentioned no more. 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:44.460 Because Jesus is a friend for sinners like me. 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:51.640 I am completely covered and secure forever in his righteousness. 00:21:53.779 --> 00:22:00.880 Because the kingdom of God is not one of empty ritual, but of real righteousness from Christ alone. 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:14.900 Second revelation about the kingdom of God in this passage is that his kingdom is not a kingdom of self-preservation, but of self-sacrifice. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:20.820 Saul is trying to preserve his power, preserve his spot on the throne. 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:27.700 And Jonathan shows the self-sacrifice that foreshadows our Lord Jesus. 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:34.160 In verse 31, Saul identifies the threat to his dynasty. 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:36.740 A threat to Jonathan more so than Saul. 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:38.140 Look at verse 31. 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:48.759 Saul says, as long as this son of Jesse lives on the earth, you, Jonathan, shall not be established nor your kingdom. 00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:54.620 Jonathan hears that David's life is his own political death. 00:22:54.619 --> 00:22:59.319 And yet Jonathan chooses his friend. 00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:03.979 Jonathan ignores his own claim to the throne. 00:23:04.239 --> 00:23:09.039 And he says in verse 4 to David, whatever you desire, I will do it for you. 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:17.579 Jonathan values the covenant more than his own comfort and kingdom. 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:29.000 Well, when Jonathan takes this side with God's anointed, with his dear friend, the one he covenanted for mutual protection and friendship. 00:23:30.339 --> 00:23:31.399 Saul's furious. 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:37.019 He calls his own son a son of a perverse, rebellious woman. 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:39.420 I joked earlier. 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:47.059 This is a good example of how some passages in the scripture are descriptive, not prescriptive, not something we have to go and repeat. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:54.119 Jonathan chooses the shame of David over the honor of becoming the next king of Israel. 00:23:54.119 --> 00:24:07.799 In doing this, John Gill pointed out that Jonathan is a type of Christ, a type meaning a shadow, like like you'd hit the key on a keyboard and it would make a symbol pointing to a word. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:15.619 Proving that the glory of the kingdom is found in the prince becoming a servant to the fugitive. 00:24:15.619 --> 00:24:20.099 Jonathan becomes a mediator here. 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:27.239 He stands between the wrath of the king and one upheld by God's covenant faithfulness, David. 00:24:28.659 --> 00:24:32.939 Jonathan goes out to the field in verse 11 to meet up with his friend. 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:37.459 He leaves the palace to be with an outcast. 00:24:38.739 --> 00:24:41.319 Isn't that a beautiful picture of our Lord Jesus Christ? 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:44.740 You and I are outcasts. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:47.139 We're enemies of God in our sin. 00:24:48.819 --> 00:24:55.960 And Jesus Christ is the great covenant friend to us who are so undeserving and ill deserving. 00:24:57.799 --> 00:25:06.899 Philippians 2 7 reminds us that Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:11.460 And he chose the shame of the cross to ensure our safety. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:15.960 Just like Jonathan was shamed and name called. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:22.519 Our Lord Jesus left his comfort in heaven to save us, his friends. 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:26.340 We're going to sing a hymn here after the sermon. 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:31.419 And one of the lines says this, Jesus, what a friend of sinners. 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.740 Friends may fail me. 00:25:33.939 --> 00:25:35.059 Foes assail me. 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:37.559 He, my savior, helps me through. 00:25:38.119 --> 00:25:39.839 He is with me everywhere. 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:44.240 In the field, behind a rock, in the caves, in an exile. 00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:48.799 Jesus did not preserve his glory. 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:57.379 Instead, he came as the ultimate self-sacrifice to magnify God's glory in the eyes of those he would redeem. 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.919 What type of kingdom is God's kingdom? 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:09.779 Number three, his is a kingdom not patterned off the world, but after the Lord's covenant faithfulness. 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:16.119 See, all along, the pattern of Saul's reign as king has been like the world, be like all the other nations. 00:26:16.119 --> 00:26:20.519 And you can see this bearing out in all of his actions and behaviors. 00:26:21.439 --> 00:26:31.899 Saul's the one always grabbing for the weapons made by by Philistine iron workers using threats and fear to manipulate people. 00:26:32.739 --> 00:26:38.219 And instead, I believe this passage shows us how God's kingdom is built on a different pattern. 00:26:39.899 --> 00:26:45.419 King Saul was seeking first his kingdom, his external righteousness and his glory. 00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:48.299 By trying to keep his own family on the throne. 00:26:49.739 --> 00:26:53.039 And even though he's telling Jonathan, David's going to be your downfall. 00:26:53.139 --> 00:26:56.039 He's the one that tries to take Jonathan's life for himself. 00:26:57.399 --> 00:26:59.519 Isn't that just like the behavior of Satan? 00:27:00.219 --> 00:27:07.079 He promises all this world can give you, but all of that is just bait to destroy your soul, to kill you. 00:27:08.139 --> 00:27:11.879 Jonathan, by God's grace, follows a different pattern opposite of Saul. 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:16.640 He seeks first the kindness of the Lord. 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:18.600 Look at verse 14. 00:27:20.660 --> 00:27:25.980 Yes, there's a friendship between Jonathan, who's 40 years older than David and David. 00:27:26.520 --> 00:27:30.760 But what Jonathan's really after is a forever blessing. 00:27:31.820 --> 00:27:33.580 The covenant, the request. 00:27:33.780 --> 00:27:38.000 Jonathan keeps asking for covenant faithfulness forever. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:43.940 And by putting this covenant between in the presence of God between him and David, 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:48.579 it's Jonathan's way of exercising faith in the anointed one. 00:27:49.160 --> 00:27:54.059 Ultimately, Christ, who alone can ensure the covenant will be kept forever. 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.779 And look at verse 14. 00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:58.579 Here's what Jonathan is seeking first. 00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:01.380 The kindness of the Lord. 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:03.579 The Hebrew word is the hesed. 00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:06.319 And this means covenant faithfulness. 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:10.379 He wants David to show him something that belongs to God. 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:13.200 The loyalty of God himself. 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:18.859 It's odd because Jonathan is the one in a position of all power. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:21.240 You look at David, he's got nothing. 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:24.139 He can't even go back home to pack up his stuff. 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:26.279 Jonathan has everything. 00:28:27.419 --> 00:28:28.939 He has the army at his disposal. 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:32.339 He's got entitlement to the throne next. 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:37.439 And yet here is the prince asking this fugitive for a royal treaty. 00:28:38.659 --> 00:28:43.679 Jonathan begs that David shall not cut off your kindness from my house. 00:28:43.799 --> 00:28:45.519 Verse 15 forever. 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:52.740 So Jonathan acknowledges that it's David's kingdom somehow in a way that he can only receive by faith. 00:28:52.879 --> 00:28:56.500 At this time, it will be an eternal kingdom. 00:28:56.500 --> 00:29:02.099 This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is from the line of David. 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:05.420 In John 18, 36, Jesus said, 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:07.319 My kingdom is not of this world. 00:29:07.819 --> 00:29:10.920 If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight. 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:13.980 But now my kingdom is not from here. 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:23.559 Even though they didn't have this full revelation, you can see Jonathan is living according to the heavenly kingdom principle, even with Saul on the throne. 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:30.539 Think of how our Lord Jesus binds himself to us in his covenant of grace. 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:32.420 He's the prince. 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:34.740 We're the rejects. 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:41.319 He's the superior one who yet is in covenant with us for no reason. 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:48.259 He treats us as as his loyal, bonded covenant holders. 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:52.679 We share in his royalty by his grace alone. 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:55.939 We have nothing to offer him in return. 00:29:57.679 --> 00:30:02.759 And this kingdom is held together by God's covenant faithfulness. 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:08.119 In verse 19, Jonathan tells David to hide yourself. 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:14.759 See, this is a gracious way for the prince to protect his covenant friend. 00:30:15.439 --> 00:30:16.239 Hide yourself. 00:30:17.199 --> 00:30:21.619 This is a glimpse in how the kingdom of heaven is not patterned after the world. 00:30:22.959 --> 00:30:25.219 It's patterned off of the kingdom of heaven. 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:27.159 It's hidden for now, at least. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:31.339 Being hidden, being protected, safe. 00:30:34.339 --> 00:30:37.419 Sheltered by the provision of your covenant friend. 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:42.580 In Matthew 13, 44, which was fascinating. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:45.360 I never thought of it in light of 1 Samuel 20. 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:48.259 Jesus said, the kingdom of heaven. 00:30:49.080 --> 00:30:53.220 In this case, the kingdom is represented by David, who is anointed to be king. 00:30:54.140 --> 00:30:58.000 And Jesus said, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. 00:30:58.000 --> 00:31:02.819 Which a man found and hid for joy over it. 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:06.619 He goes and sells all he has and buys that field. 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:10.359 That's the love of Jonathan for David. 00:31:11.619 --> 00:31:14.839 And that's a glimpse into the kingdom of heaven. 00:31:14.839 --> 00:31:35.039 John Flavel commented, this covenant of the Lord pictured here in 1 Samuel 20 is the believer's only anchor. 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:43.559 For all the stability of the covenant of grace flows from the faithfulness of God rather than the strength of man. 00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:49.500 We're told at the end that David weeps even more than Jonathan was weeping. 00:31:50.619 --> 00:31:53.579 Perhaps this is some of the grace he was receiving by faith. 00:31:54.339 --> 00:31:55.480 I have nothing. 00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:59.480 There's nothing I can contribute back in this relationship. 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:02.159 I'm losing everything according to the world. 00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:05.100 But I receive trusting God. 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:07.700 His kingdom is not of this world. 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:14.519 I know the enemy wants to accuse me and he wants to accuse you. 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:22.620 Most likely we all step in here today needing reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and grace to you. 00:32:23.080 --> 00:32:24.680 Not that it's unconditional. 00:32:25.320 --> 00:32:30.480 But because it is conditional and the condition has been met and fulfilled by Jesus Christ. 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:34.420 So now he turns around and pours it out on us. 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:36.839 2 Timothy 2.13 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:41.360 If we are faithless, he remains faithful. 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:42.420 Why? 00:32:43.079 --> 00:32:46.380 He cannot deny himself. 00:32:47.360 --> 00:32:51.920 It's God's covenant faithfulness from beginning to end that saves you and me. 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:54.420 The hymn says it well. 00:32:54.559 --> 00:32:57.880 Jesus, what a strength in weakness. 00:32:57.880 --> 00:33:01.040 Let me hide myself in him. 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:08.060 Because his kingdom is not patterned after the world, but after the Lord's covenant faithfulness. 00:33:09.100 --> 00:33:14.960 Well, the fourth and final revelation from this wonderful passage is this. 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:18.120 What type of kingdom is God's kingdom? 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:23.319 His is a kingdom whose citizens have their eyes set above. 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:28.440 Their citizens have their eyes set on things above. 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:39.000 Here David is getting close again to the tribe of Benjamin, the capital under Saul's regime. 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:43.539 And he's having his eyes set on that, wandering from a distance. 00:33:43.539 --> 00:33:49.379 And he recognizes the mortal danger of being close to Saul at this time. 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:52.519 Look at verse 3, a precious verse. 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:55.220 In verse 3, David says, 00:33:55.359 --> 00:33:57.019 Truly the Lord lives. 00:33:57.019 --> 00:34:04.000 And as your soul lives, Jonathan, there is but a step between me and death. 00:34:05.819 --> 00:34:07.599 He's saying a lot in these verses. 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:14.159 He can't see with his eyes on this earth right now what God is doing. 00:34:14.860 --> 00:34:16.219 But he knows one thing. 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:18.239 Truly the Lord lives. 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:25.819 And as your soul lives, Jonathan, he's encouraging his friend and admitting his vulnerability. 00:34:26.379 --> 00:34:30.379 There is but a step between me and death. 00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:34.839 The word step here uses a rare word. 00:34:34.979 --> 00:34:38.519 If my research was right, it's not used anywhere else in the entire Bible. 00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:42.419 Verse 3, where he says, I'm but a step away from death. 00:34:43.139 --> 00:34:47.159 The way it sounds in the original language, it's a sharp sound. 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:53.899 And the root of the word primarily means to jump or to leap or to skip over us. 00:34:54.519 --> 00:34:55.359 Skip over something. 00:34:57.579 --> 00:35:00.859 So here's David thinking about what's on the other side of this. 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:02.359 Like what's the worst that can happen? 00:35:02.779 --> 00:35:03.379 I die. 00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:04.779 He takes my life. 00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:10.940 It's going to be a step into the realm that I don't know. 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:13.920 Into the life to come. 00:35:13.920 --> 00:35:21.340 That's how close I am to the eternal destiny of my soul. 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:23.900 I know the Lord lives. 00:35:25.539 --> 00:35:29.200 And that's true for citizens of the kingdom of heaven. 00:35:29.800 --> 00:35:31.940 We're more aware of this than the world. 00:35:33.079 --> 00:35:35.000 We're on the threshold right now. 00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:36.059 This moment. 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:39.780 The threshold like you'd cross into a door of all eternity. 00:35:39.780 --> 00:35:51.540 Well, David is sent by Jonathan to hide and wait for the signal. 00:35:51.780 --> 00:35:57.340 And the place where David hides in verse 19, it's a stone named Ezel. 00:35:57.340 --> 00:36:02.740 The word Ezel means departure or going out. 00:36:04.980 --> 00:36:06.579 And that's interesting, isn't it? 00:36:06.579 --> 00:36:12.240 How true safety for David is not found in the palace, in the armies of Israel. 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:14.500 It's not found in this world at all. 00:36:15.240 --> 00:36:17.640 But true safety is found in departure. 00:36:17.639 --> 00:36:29.400 We're reminded that the kingdom of God will be inaugurated not by military victory first, but through exile, through Christ's own departure. 00:36:30.219 --> 00:36:35.059 His death and resurrection inaugurates the kingdom of heaven. 00:36:35.059 --> 00:36:45.380 The future King David then closes this chapter in his second to last encounter with Jonathan, though that one's very brief. 00:36:45.380 --> 00:36:50.259 And we're told David bows down three times to his friend. 00:36:51.299 --> 00:36:54.920 The promised anointed king bowing down now. 00:36:56.440 --> 00:37:02.460 The kingdom of heaven will find its strength in the humility of God's servant. 00:37:02.460 --> 00:37:09.320 David's eyes are set on something he can only receive by faith. 00:37:10.139 --> 00:37:17.079 Jesus said in Matthew 5, 3, blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:37:19.740 --> 00:37:23.699 David had bound himself in a covenant now. 00:37:25.260 --> 00:37:30.380 And the anointed king, King Jesus, will be a man bound by covenant faithfulness. 00:37:30.380 --> 00:37:37.119 Marked by self-forgetting humility and love that flows from God. 00:37:38.760 --> 00:37:42.880 And so in verse 41, David and Jonathan say their goodbye. 00:37:45.099 --> 00:37:46.900 Something beautiful follows. 00:37:47.099 --> 00:37:49.480 Jonathan ministers to David in verse 42. 00:37:50.559 --> 00:37:52.960 He says, go in shalom. 00:37:54.880 --> 00:37:56.119 Go in peace. 00:37:56.119 --> 00:38:02.039 He knows that this is not peace that the world can recognize. 00:38:02.980 --> 00:38:04.339 It's a deeper shalom. 00:38:05.239 --> 00:38:10.039 And he says, may the Lord be between you and me. 00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:13.960 May the Lord be between you and me. 00:38:14.859 --> 00:38:18.519 And between your descendants and my descendants forever. 00:38:19.059 --> 00:38:20.440 There it is in verse 42. 00:38:21.239 --> 00:38:23.440 Jonathan clinging to the forever kingdom. 00:38:23.440 --> 00:38:26.599 The kingdom of the Lord is eternal. 00:38:27.559 --> 00:38:33.179 Because the Lord is the one between the parties of this covenant forever. 00:38:34.740 --> 00:38:39.380 On the cross, our Lord Jesus Christ took that step. 00:38:39.980 --> 00:38:43.619 He crossed that threshold of death. 00:38:43.619 --> 00:38:49.900 And Christ's departure is the very thing that secures our safety. 00:38:51.039 --> 00:38:55.659 Now in Jesus Christ, our death is but a step into eternal joy. 00:38:56.279 --> 00:38:58.319 And eternal communion with God. 00:39:00.599 --> 00:39:03.059 I was speaking with my grandma earlier this week. 00:39:03.059 --> 00:39:05.679 Because she's not doing well in her health. 00:39:05.779 --> 00:39:06.699 And she was suffering. 00:39:07.199 --> 00:39:10.159 She fell and just had a lot of pain down her spine. 00:39:10.159 --> 00:39:12.799 And I encouraged her with this verse. 00:39:12.960 --> 00:39:16.539 For Christians, death is a step into eternity. 00:39:18.059 --> 00:39:20.420 The sanctification marathon is over. 00:39:21.319 --> 00:39:23.179 And this wonderful line from the hymn, 00:39:23.339 --> 00:39:25.819 Jesus, what a help in sorrow. 00:39:26.279 --> 00:39:27.239 She misses her husband. 00:39:27.480 --> 00:39:28.500 He's already with the Lord. 00:39:29.719 --> 00:39:31.519 While the billows o'er me roll. 00:39:31.519 --> 00:39:36.079 So with our eyes set on our Lord Jesus, 00:39:36.280 --> 00:39:37.380 the anchor of our hope, 00:39:37.440 --> 00:39:39.000 who's already crossed that threshold. 00:39:39.460 --> 00:39:41.900 You picture a ship throwing the anchor out first. 00:39:42.300 --> 00:39:43.219 This is where I'm going. 00:39:43.320 --> 00:39:44.280 It's going to pull me in. 00:39:44.699 --> 00:39:46.000 This is my destiny now. 00:39:47.460 --> 00:39:49.159 Colossians 3.1 encourages us. 00:39:49.320 --> 00:39:51.259 Seek those things which are above. 00:39:51.659 --> 00:39:52.940 Where Christ is. 00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:54.159 Seek that. 00:39:55.360 --> 00:39:57.759 He's seated at the right hand of God. 00:39:57.760 --> 00:40:01.140 John Cotton wrote that, 00:40:01.840 --> 00:40:04.600 Though there be but a step between me and death, 00:40:04.780 --> 00:40:06.240 the saints look upward, 00:40:06.680 --> 00:40:08.200 knowing that the death of a believer 00:40:08.200 --> 00:40:09.880 is not a step into the dark, 00:40:10.280 --> 00:40:13.740 but stepping into the light of the Father's house. 00:40:15.520 --> 00:40:18.300 Jesus encourages us in Matthew 25, 34, 00:40:18.900 --> 00:40:21.500 Come, you blessed of my Father. 00:40:22.160 --> 00:40:24.600 Inherit the kingdom prepared for you 00:40:24.600 --> 00:40:26.800 from the foundation of the world. 00:40:27.760 --> 00:40:29.420 When we meet our Lord Jesus, 00:40:29.720 --> 00:40:31.260 we'll do as David did. 00:40:32.020 --> 00:40:32.820 In verse 41, 00:40:32.980 --> 00:40:35.460 we will fall on our faces to the ground, 00:40:35.940 --> 00:40:37.140 and we will bow, 00:40:37.700 --> 00:40:39.700 not just three times before the Lord, 00:40:40.760 --> 00:40:41.900 3,000 or more. 00:40:43.340 --> 00:40:45.800 In Luke 22, verses 29 and 30, 00:40:45.920 --> 00:40:46.540 Jesus said, 00:40:46.920 --> 00:40:48.320 I covenant to you, 00:40:48.880 --> 00:40:51.060 just as my Father covenanted to me, 00:40:51.580 --> 00:40:52.100 a kingdom, 00:40:52.640 --> 00:40:54.660 that you may eat and drink 00:40:54.660 --> 00:40:57.380 at my table in my kingdom. 00:40:58.700 --> 00:40:59.820 We trust this. 00:40:59.920 --> 00:41:03.640 We set our eyes as citizens of heaven now on earth. 00:41:03.880 --> 00:41:05.420 We set our eyes on Christ, 00:41:05.840 --> 00:41:07.260 the anchor of our hope, 00:41:07.600 --> 00:41:08.840 for his is the kingdom, 00:41:09.380 --> 00:41:11.500 and the power and the glory forever. 00:41:12.500 --> 00:41:12.760 Amen. 00:41:12.760 --> 00:41:14.940 Let's pray. 00:41:15.880 --> 00:41:16.260 Lord, 00:41:16.320 --> 00:41:17.000 we praise you 00:41:17.000 --> 00:41:19.280 for your glorious work. 00:41:19.720 --> 00:41:20.320 We praise you 00:41:20.320 --> 00:41:21.100 that your kingdom 00:41:21.100 --> 00:41:22.500 is not a kingdom 00:41:22.500 --> 00:41:23.620 this world can see. 00:41:24.060 --> 00:41:24.740 It's a kingdom 00:41:24.740 --> 00:41:25.920 that the world will mock. 00:41:27.420 --> 00:41:28.160 It's a kingdom, 00:41:28.360 --> 00:41:28.460 Lord, 00:41:28.520 --> 00:41:29.380 that we would have hated 00:41:29.380 --> 00:41:30.560 unless you had given us 00:41:30.560 --> 00:41:32.060 regenerating grace. 00:41:32.900 --> 00:41:33.740 We thank you, 00:41:33.860 --> 00:41:33.960 Lord, 00:41:34.020 --> 00:41:34.720 for how this kingdom 00:41:34.720 --> 00:41:36.080 is also no surprise. 00:41:36.420 --> 00:41:37.240 We can look back 00:41:37.240 --> 00:41:38.600 at your activity 00:41:38.600 --> 00:41:39.560 in human history 00:41:39.559 --> 00:41:40.119 and redemption. 00:41:40.900 --> 00:41:41.539 We can see, 00:41:41.679 --> 00:41:41.739 Lord, 00:41:41.799 --> 00:41:42.619 your faithfulness. 00:41:43.139 --> 00:41:44.539 We can see your promise 00:41:44.539 --> 00:41:46.239 and your purposes all along. 00:41:47.079 --> 00:41:47.480 We pray, 00:41:47.599 --> 00:41:47.659 Lord, 00:41:47.699 --> 00:41:48.340 that your work, 00:41:48.739 --> 00:41:49.900 your faith into us, 00:41:50.320 --> 00:41:50.840 grow us 00:41:50.840 --> 00:41:52.000 and help us to trust you 00:41:52.000 --> 00:41:53.500 to set our eyes 00:41:53.500 --> 00:41:54.639 on Jesus Christ, 00:41:55.440 --> 00:41:56.940 to seek first his kingdom 00:41:56.940 --> 00:41:58.440 and his righteousness, 00:41:59.099 --> 00:42:00.320 that you may be glorified, 00:42:00.500 --> 00:42:00.599 Lord, 00:42:00.659 --> 00:42:01.299 in our lives 00:42:01.299 --> 00:42:02.039 and in this church, 00:42:02.119 --> 00:42:02.460 we pray. 00:42:02.460 --> 00:42:03.380 Amen. 00:42:03.440 --> 00:42:03.559 Amen. 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 --> 00:42:04.500 00:42:04.500 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