WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.540 Make a treaty with us and we will serve you. 00:00:03.339 --> 00:00:11.960 Nahash the Yemenite replied, I'll make one with you on this condition that I gouge out everyone's right eye and humiliate all of Israel. 00:00:13.040 --> 00:00:15.679 Don't do anything else to us for seven days. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:21.199 The elders of Gavis said to him and let us send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. 00:00:21.820 --> 00:00:24.240 If no one saves us, we will surrender to you. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:31.519 When the messengers came to Gibeah, Saul's hometown, and told the terms of the people, all wept aloud. 00:00:32.979 --> 00:00:35.839 Just then, Saul was coming from the field behind his oxen. 00:00:36.560 --> 00:00:40.219 What's the matter with the people? Why are they weeping? Saul inquired. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:43.579 And they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh. 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:51.679 When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God suddenly came powerfully on him, and his anger burned furiously. 00:00:51.679 --> 00:00:59.219 He took a team of oxen, cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by messengers who said, 00:01:00.079 --> 00:01:04.200 This is what will be done to the ox of anyone who doesn't march behind Saul and Samuel. 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:09.420 As a result, the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they went out united. 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:12.400 Saul counted them at Basek. 00:01:13.280 --> 00:01:17.060 There were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men from Judah. 00:01:18.079 --> 00:01:22.400 He told the messengers who had come, Tell this to the men of Jabesh-Gilead. 00:01:23.379 --> 00:01:26.040 Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot. 00:01:26.939 --> 00:01:30.219 So the messengers told the men of Jabesh and rejoiced. 00:01:30.219 --> 00:01:38.480 Then the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Tomorrow we will come out, and you can do whatever you want with us. 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:42.319 The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions. 00:01:43.420 --> 00:01:47.799 During the morning watch, they invaded the Ammonite camp and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. 00:01:48.680 --> 00:01:52.319 There were survivors, but they were so scattered that no two of them were left together. 00:01:52.319 --> 00:01:58.379 Afterwards, the people said to Samuel, Who said that Samuel should not reign over us? 00:01:58.699 --> 00:02:00.299 Give us those men so we can kill them. 00:02:01.179 --> 00:02:07.119 But Saul ordered, No one will be executed this day, for today the Lord has provided deliverance in Israel. 00:02:08.259 --> 00:02:13.699 Then Samuel said to the people, Come, let's go to Gilgal, so we can renew the kingship there. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:19.139 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there in the Lord's presence they made Saul king. 00:02:19.139 --> 00:02:26.479 There they sacrificed fellowship offerings in the Lord's presence, and Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. 00:02:27.239 --> 00:02:29.019 The word of God for the people of God. 00:02:29.500 --> 00:02:30.500 Thanks be to God. 00:02:30.500 --> 00:02:32.919 Thanks, John. 00:02:32.919 --> 00:02:52.299 Isaiah 40 tells us that the grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord stands forever. 00:02:53.159 --> 00:02:57.199 In Luke 1, no word from God shall be void of power. 00:02:57.899 --> 00:02:58.739 Would you pray with me? 00:02:58.739 --> 00:02:58.739 00:02:58.739 --> 00:02:58.799 Amen. 00:03:02.919 --> 00:03:11.560 O Lord God of hosts, you're a God who saves. 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:14.479 You are the great deliverer. 00:03:15.179 --> 00:03:16.359 You're the Lord of armies. 00:03:18.079 --> 00:03:23.879 Please give us eyes of faith to see our need for your great salvation right now. 00:03:23.879 --> 00:03:31.539 And for us as a church, as your army on earth, to trust you and follow you as our king. 00:03:32.139 --> 00:03:33.699 We ask this for Christ's sake. 00:03:34.079 --> 00:03:34.460 Amen. 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:44.280 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, the message for you and for me today from this passage is this. 00:03:44.280 --> 00:03:52.400 God offers the very thing that we need most and deserve least. 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:55.140 We see in this people. 00:03:55.840 --> 00:03:57.680 I hope to bring a little bit of context. 00:03:57.819 --> 00:04:00.300 They are a people who least deserve salvation. 00:04:01.500 --> 00:04:04.580 And who most need it this very hour. 00:04:06.620 --> 00:04:07.960 You and I are this people. 00:04:09.240 --> 00:04:15.240 And I hope you'll see today God, the savior, the deliverer, the king over his people. 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:22.699 Three times in this passage, the word save or deliver is used and about that many more. 00:04:22.840 --> 00:04:24.900 It's used in reference, if not directly. 00:04:26.139 --> 00:04:33.379 What you and I need most and deserve least is the salvation of God through Jesus Christ, our king. 00:04:33.780 --> 00:04:34.100 Amen. 00:04:34.100 --> 00:04:38.780 This is a difficult passage, but I'd love to walk through it with you. 00:04:38.840 --> 00:04:39.540 I'll do my best. 00:04:39.700 --> 00:04:45.340 Let me say one disclaimer now, one qualifier up front so I don't get annoying repeating this over and over that. 00:04:45.820 --> 00:04:54.200 On passages like this, we do our best to analyze it, to read it with the church over the centuries and offer a proposition to you as a congregation, 00:04:54.540 --> 00:04:56.600 trusting that you'll also do the work of Bereans. 00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:01.120 So I'll offer some commentary, some cross references, some lights. 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:07.620 And where the Lord has left his word shadowy and unclear, we need to be content leaving it that way as well, not peeking behind. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:17.439 At the same time, I hope that you will receive, you know, from me who's charged to proclaim Christ, that you'll just give me that, you know, that understanding. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:28.240 That's my attempt here in working through this difficult passage is to show how this will glorify the final salvation that God has given his people through his son. 00:05:28.579 --> 00:05:30.199 So here's the first observation. 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:35.720 Salvation is needed most by those who deserve it least. 00:05:36.959 --> 00:05:40.699 Let me make the case for why it's needed most right here. 00:05:41.819 --> 00:05:43.220 Look at verse one, please. 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:45.920 First Samuel chapter 11, verse one. 00:05:46.579 --> 00:05:55.519 We're told Nahash, the Ammonite, came up and encamped against Jabesh Gilead. 00:05:55.519 --> 00:06:01.919 We really need to work through each of those words to appreciate why salvation was needed most in this case. 00:06:01.920 --> 00:06:05.860 What he does is encamp against this people. 00:06:06.520 --> 00:06:11.340 To encamp against is to besiege them, to lay siege around a fortified city. 00:06:13.220 --> 00:06:18.439 A besieging of a city could last for months or sometimes years, but in any case, it would be very costly. 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:24.300 The goal of sieging a city is to surround it and cut off all the supply lines in or out of the city. 00:06:25.139 --> 00:06:32.959 And so it would require a lot of supplies being brought and given to this Ammonite army as they've surrounded this fortified city. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:34.720 And all the people have fled inside the walls. 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:35.579 There's no war. 00:06:35.659 --> 00:06:36.959 There's no bloodshed right now. 00:06:36.959 --> 00:06:39.959 But their supplies inside the city walls are dwindling. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:46.120 And it seems like they will be weaker and thirstier and hungry by the hour. 00:06:46.680 --> 00:06:50.000 Salvation is most needed because they're under siege. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:52.339 On top of that, it's by whom? 00:06:53.139 --> 00:06:58.659 It's by Nahash, the great king of this expanding empire called the Ammonites. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:02.219 The Bible speaks of the Ammonites. 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:03.560 Where did they come from? 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:12.800 In Genesis chapter 19, the very end of that chapter, verses 36 through 38, we read that the Ammonites were from the line of Lot. 00:07:14.379 --> 00:07:20.300 Do you remember Lot, the younger man who went with Abraham and saw the promised land and took the best portion for himself? 00:07:21.340 --> 00:07:23.199 Well, his family became very worldly. 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:29.459 His wife turned into a pillar of salt and his two daughters had to go with him into a cave and be in hiding. 00:07:29.459 --> 00:07:33.620 We have children with us, which is wonderful. 00:07:33.799 --> 00:07:44.719 So I'm going to say this, that using wine, the people of this line of the Ammonites came from one of the daughters of Saul in this sinful act. 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:47.199 What was his motive? 00:07:47.679 --> 00:07:52.919 We get some insight into this Ammonite kingdom, even centuries later, different time period. 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:58.520 But the book of Amos chapter 1 verse 13 speaks of their cruelty and their motive. 00:07:59.140 --> 00:08:04.100 The Ammonites, they wanted to expand their borders to enlarge their kingdom. 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:07.140 They used violence and fear tactics. 00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:09.280 This was their mode of operation. 00:08:10.420 --> 00:08:15.139 And they would threaten punishment on anyone who would not surrender to them readily. 00:08:15.139 --> 00:08:21.139 In the book of Amos, it says that they ripped open pregnant women in this very city of Gilead. 00:08:22.180 --> 00:08:27.639 In the book of Amos, the Lord says that their transgression will not be forgotten. 00:08:28.419 --> 00:08:31.060 Yahweh will not revoke his punishment on them. 00:08:31.959 --> 00:08:33.899 So this is a great foe. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:35.120 Now, where is this people? 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:36.379 Where are these Ammonites? 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:42.659 Because where we left off last in 1 Samuel, we're way over on the Mediterranean coast, the western border of Israel. 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:46.659 But the Ammonites are on the other side, the eastern border of Israel. 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:49.339 It's called the Transjordan region. 00:08:50.319 --> 00:08:51.279 And that's where the Ammonites are. 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:55.980 So now the people of Israel have a threat from the Philistines in the west and the Ammonites from the east. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:08:58.600 And what will the Lord do? 00:09:00.839 --> 00:09:03.899 Now, who is it that needs the salvation the most? 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:09.819 Well, their target in this case is the people inside the city, Jabesh Gilead. 00:09:09.820 --> 00:09:16.800 This is a city that was part of God's promised land, even though it was on the eastern side of the Jordan River. 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:21.040 It was visible, a visible part of the kingdom of God. 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:26.360 It was part of the promised land, but it was not on the western side of the Jordan River. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:30.300 So the great celebration of crossing the Jordan and entering the promised land, 00:09:30.360 --> 00:09:32.860 they were the ones still back on the Transjordan region. 00:09:32.980 --> 00:09:33.920 So they're more vulnerable. 00:09:34.340 --> 00:09:36.700 They didn't have this natural border and barrier. 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:41.840 Where else have we heard of this people of Jabesh Gilead? 00:09:42.120 --> 00:09:45.740 We get the backstory in Judges chapter 20 and 21. 00:09:47.400 --> 00:09:51.320 The men of the city of Gibeah of Benjamin. 00:09:51.820 --> 00:09:53.860 This is the city from which Saul comes. 00:09:54.540 --> 00:09:58.680 They commit a horrible act in Judges chapter 20 and 21. 00:09:58.900 --> 00:10:00.920 One of the darkest stories in all of the Bible. 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:07.059 And again, for our audience, we'll summarize it by saying these men acted like the men of Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:10:07.659 --> 00:10:09.759 And these are Israelites acting this way. 00:10:10.379 --> 00:10:18.639 And so this Levi, this man of God, sends out a message through through pieces of flesh to all Israel. 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:21.319 All Israel comes and fights the Benjamites. 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:22.419 A great civil war. 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:25.620 All but the people from one city. 00:10:26.479 --> 00:10:27.360 Jabesh Gilead. 00:10:28.599 --> 00:10:32.000 So when the war is over and Benjamin's been punished by the rest of Israel, 00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:37.879 Israel had already in their anger against Benjamin made a vow that we will not let our daughters marry men from Benjamin. 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:41.500 So the tribe of Benjamin is at risk of going extinct. 00:10:41.500 --> 00:10:48.879 And as a punishment to the people of Jabesh Gilead who didn't come and help discipline Benjamin for their acting as Sodomites. 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:57.240 They are now forced to give up 400 of their young ones, their young ladies to come and be the wives of the men of Benjamin. 00:10:57.860 --> 00:10:59.799 You see this complex backstory. 00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:04.299 But we know Saul is from this very city in Benjamin. 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:08.960 He's from Gibeah that committed this horrible act. 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:11.759 This is not an accident. 00:11:11.920 --> 00:11:12.840 This is no surprise. 00:11:12.980 --> 00:11:21.280 The Lord working through the wicked sin of men is orchestrated in such a way that we're to catch all these details as we study his word together. 00:11:22.740 --> 00:11:31.180 And we're to reflect on what this means about the people in need of salvation and the only God who can save. 00:11:33.720 --> 00:11:36.060 What would Saul's family tree be like? 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:45.039 Well, we can take an estimate of the generations, but it's safe to say that Saul's grandmother or great grandmother would have been from Jabesh Gilead. 00:11:45.399 --> 00:11:46.359 He's a Benjaminite. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:51.639 And he would know family and people that were brought over as those young women who became the wives. 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:53.599 And that's how he got to continue living. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:12:03.420 In this story from Judges chapter 20 and 21, many of the themes will repeat themselves in our passage today. 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:10.460 With this horrible civil war and this horrible act of violence, all the tribes of Israel weep. 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:22.220 This shows that the Lord and his people are not to put up with sin within the people in the promised land of God. 00:12:22.800 --> 00:12:26.040 The kingdom of God on earth is to be kept holy. 00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:31.720 And this is an example of discipline carried out in the most violent way. 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:36.399 Well, now these Ammonites are threatening this eastern border. 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:41.160 They're threatening this people who least deserve salvation. 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:42.639 What a shameful past. 00:12:42.740 --> 00:12:45.560 They are already disgraced in the history of Israel. 00:12:45.559 --> 00:12:56.259 Let me just pause here and point out how the Lord loves to save those who need it most and deserve it least. 00:12:57.399 --> 00:13:00.000 We are these people of Jabesh Gilead. 00:13:00.579 --> 00:13:03.559 Some of us have really dark pasts. 00:13:05.239 --> 00:13:11.359 It's shameful to admit the, you know, generations back that the things that are, you know, our line have done. 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:23.360 I don't know if I've shared with you all, but my my grandpa's grandpa was I think they're Welsh immigrants, very poor, and he was the town drunk. 00:13:23.720 --> 00:13:24.419 They would mock him. 00:13:24.560 --> 00:13:31.180 And so my great grandpa was put into an orphanage and his son, my grandpa, was the first Christian. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:34.919 That's how my dad became a believer and was raised in a Christian home. 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:40.800 We don't have to go too far back in all of our stories to see we are a people who most need the salvation, aren't we? 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:50.740 The reason that God's kingdom on earth is always under attack is because this is part of God's plan. 00:13:51.940 --> 00:13:57.080 There is an adversary opposing the redemption that our Lord Jesus brings us. 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:07.659 This is really the necessary part of the gospel that even God's garden temple of Eden was invaded by the violent adversary. 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:12.279 In John 8, 44, he's called a murderer from the beginning. 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:16.379 And as the serpent slithers in, what was Adam to do? 00:14:16.459 --> 00:14:22.079 He was to guard and to keep Eden, this garden temple, and protect his bride. 00:14:24.779 --> 00:14:29.839 Well, let's see the tactics of this same serpent working through this man, Nahash, now. 00:14:29.840 --> 00:14:33.899 What are the tactics of the enemy? 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:37.740 I've noticed five or six in the next few verses here. 00:14:38.420 --> 00:14:40.759 Number one, the enemy gets close to God's people. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:44.320 See, he encamped near them. 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:49.120 The name Nahash means snake or serpent. 00:14:50.560 --> 00:14:54.879 And the sound Nahash, it even sounds like the hissing of a snake. 00:14:54.879 --> 00:15:03.639 The scholars of Hebrew tell me that the root of that word also is associated with, like, the occult and divination. 00:15:04.139 --> 00:15:06.919 You know, speaking with demons and with Satan himself. 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:11.600 This gives us some insights into the Ammonites, into their king, Nahash. 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:20.100 His parents, this people that he's from, this is what they want their son to be about. 00:15:21.220 --> 00:15:23.759 He's going to be a tool of that old serpent. 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:30.319 The serpent slithers in to the land God has given his people. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:36.100 The people of Jabesh Gilead are to drive him out, to guard and to keep this land that God has given them. 00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:38.299 He's gotten close. 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.399 That's one of his tactics. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:42.240 And as the serpent gets close, what will they do? 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:46.759 Well, another tactic is, we see in verse one, 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:51.659 The serpent demands the loyalty of God's people. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:55.379 Stealing loyalty from God and demanding loyalty for himself. 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:57.019 In verse one, we read, 00:15:57.179 --> 00:16:00.700 Like Adam, instead of guarding and keeping their city, 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:03.799 All the men of Nabesh say to Nahash, 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:05.679 We will make a covenant with you. 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:09.179 You make a covenant with us and we will serve you. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:12.219 To make a covenant or cut a covenant, 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:15.179 That was common in the ancient Near East. 00:16:15.739 --> 00:16:16.799 A more powerful king, 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:19.079 The great king, as he would be called, 00:16:19.439 --> 00:16:20.939 Would come and demand your loyalty. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:23.819 And then you would make yourself subservient to him, 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:24.879 Pay tribute to him. 00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:26.099 And you're in covenant, 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:28.979 And he'll protect you from any other, more mighty foes. 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:32.360 And the people of Jabesh Gilead are very happy 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:35.960 To enter into a subservient covenant with the serpent. 00:16:38.080 --> 00:16:39.879 Number three, what does the enemy do? 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:42.659 He makes you think that you're getting a deal. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:45.500 Look at verse two. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:50.420 Nahash the Amorite answered, 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:53.340 On this condition, I will make a covenant with you. 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:55.360 Let me give you a deal. 00:16:55.800 --> 00:16:57.800 You already recognize I'm so much more powerful. 00:16:57.920 --> 00:16:58.740 You don't stand a chance. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:01.060 Let me give you something that will be good for you. 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:05.620 Number four, he aims to make God's people powerless. 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:08.339 Here's what I'll do in this covenant. 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:10.759 I'll not slay all of you. 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:11.460 I'll let you live. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:14.420 But I will have to put out your right eye first. 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.099 I don't know. 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:17.700 I was thought about this probably too long. 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:20.259 Did they like heat up metal and shove it into one eye? 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.319 Or did they have a scoop? 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:23.099 You know, this is where my mind goes. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:25.579 I don't know how they did this, 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:27.140 But why the right eye? 00:17:27.860 --> 00:17:30.220 Well, we have a few lefties in our congregation. 00:17:30.520 --> 00:17:32.340 But if you're a soldier, 00:17:32.660 --> 00:17:35.340 You're going to need to use your sword in your right hand, 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:36.280 Your dominant hand, 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:38.560 Which means what goes in the left hand in battle. 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:40.860 Your shield will go in the left hand, 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:42.080 And you're hiding behind the shield. 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:44.000 But if your right eye is out, 00:17:44.520 --> 00:17:47.200 You're not going to have any ability to see or even fight. 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:50.000 As someone quipped, 00:17:50.080 --> 00:17:50.319 It was, 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:52.299 You can't fight what you can't sight. 00:17:52.580 --> 00:17:52.740 You know? 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:54.640 So you're hiding behind the left eye only. 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:56.200 All you can see is the back of your shield. 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.920 Not to mention depth perception. 00:17:58.660 --> 00:18:02.080 See, the tactic of the enemy is to make God's people powerless. 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:07.960 You can live a miserable, subservient existence, 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:10.359 And a subservient covenant to me, 00:18:10.439 --> 00:18:11.139 The great serpent, 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:12.579 But you'll be powerless. 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:14.599 What a deal I'm giving you. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:17.199 Number five, 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.139 Here's another tactic. 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:21.699 The enemy loves to disgrace God's people. 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:24.459 Loves to put God's people to shame. 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:27.419 I'll put out your right eye. 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.419 Look at verse two, 00:18:29.699 --> 00:18:32.480 And bring reproach to all of Israel. 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:36.759 When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:39.759 There were ancient manuscripts that are not scripture, 00:18:39.899 --> 00:18:44.079 But it confirms that this was the pattern in this Transjordanian area, 00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:44.699 The Amorites, 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:45.720 As they marched around, 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:48.179 This is what they did to every people they conquered. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:50.119 They made these covenants, 00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:51.099 Made them subservient, 00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:52.559 And put out the right eye of all the men, 00:18:52.619 --> 00:18:53.720 So they couldn't fight back. 00:18:54.199 --> 00:18:54.779 But now, 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:56.299 They're taking it a step further, 00:18:56.379 --> 00:18:57.359 And invading Israel. 00:18:57.980 --> 00:18:59.679 Now they're going to mess with God's people, 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:01.419 Make God's people defaced, 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.139 And disgraced, 00:19:02.159 --> 00:19:03.259 Like the rest of the world, 00:19:03.659 --> 00:19:04.519 That they had conquered. 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:08.619 A pastor named Brian Voss commented, 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:12.699 This serpent was not content with striking the heel only, 00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:14.740 But he has to go for the head. 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:17.860 He's not offering them a deal, 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:19.180 Or a covenant of grace. 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.960 He even admits it. 00:19:21.380 --> 00:19:23.180 It's a covenant of disgrace. 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:26.039 In verse three, 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:28.519 They buy themselves some time, 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:31.019 Let us send messengers to all the territory of Israel, 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:31.920 And then, 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:35.000 And if there is no one to save or to deliver us, 00:19:35.120 --> 00:19:36.480 We will come out to you. 00:19:37.420 --> 00:19:38.240 There's that word, 00:19:38.320 --> 00:19:39.240 The theme of the passage, 00:19:39.360 --> 00:19:41.220 If there's no one to save us, 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.400 Who will save? 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.080 Who will deliver? 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:45.220 Is there anyone in all of Israel, 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:47.519 That God will raise up to do this? 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:51.200 Some have observed, 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:52.360 It seems to think they, 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:54.000 They don't assume that Saul, 00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:55.220 The newly appointed king, 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:56.039 Could do this. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:57.799 Nahash, 00:19:57.879 --> 00:19:59.019 For one reason or the other, 00:19:59.159 --> 00:19:59.940 Agrees with them. 00:20:00.359 --> 00:20:01.579 He's willing to do this. 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:02.960 Why? 00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:03.339 So, 00:20:04.420 --> 00:20:06.079 Nahash is not being compassionate, 00:20:06.399 --> 00:20:07.839 By waiting and giving them time. 00:20:08.659 --> 00:20:09.480 Someone pointed out, 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:10.420 This is a snake, 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:12.460 Playing with its prey, 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.119 Before devouring it. 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:15.259 Have you seen that? 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:17.279 Some people have a pet constrictor, 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:20.200 And you see it get the mouse by the tail, 00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:22.059 And just play with it a little bit, 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:23.700 Before squeezing it and eating it. 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:25.539 That's what Nahash is doing, 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.580 To this people. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.600 They're looking all over Israel, 00:20:30.600 --> 00:20:32.440 For anyone who could save them. 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:35.100 And yet God has made it very clear, 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:36.240 Over and over again, 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.980 As we've seen in this book of 1 Samuel, 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:40.539 God is their great king. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:43.039 God is the one who can save them. 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:45.920 They don't need a subservient covenant, 00:20:45.920 --> 00:20:46.600 Of disgrace. 00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:49.319 God is already in covenant with them, 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:50.900 And it's a covenant of grace. 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:53.680 He is the one who will fight for them, 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:56.279 He is the one who will protect his bride, 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.860 He will deliver them, 00:20:58.299 --> 00:20:59.620 But why don't they come to God? 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:03.180 They want to be like all the other nations. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:06.180 Well church, 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:09.360 The enemy gets close to you and me too, 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:12.000 And he wants to demand our loyalty. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:14.680 He wants to make God's people, 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:16.380 Powerless to fight. 00:21:16.380 --> 00:21:20.020 And he thinks he can do that to us. 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.200 And he can't, 00:21:23.260 --> 00:21:24.740 If the Holy Spirit dwells in you. 00:21:25.040 --> 00:21:25.880 He can't. 00:21:26.360 --> 00:21:27.300 But his accusation, 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:28.280 His tactic is this, 00:21:28.380 --> 00:21:29.480 Get God's people to sin, 00:21:29.800 --> 00:21:31.300 Then hold their sin against them. 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.840 And then they're powerless, 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:33.900 They think they can't pray. 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.360 And now before you know it, 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:37.800 They're cut off from their source of power, 00:21:37.880 --> 00:21:38.580 Which is God, 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:39.860 Their gracious Lord. 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:41.500 And the reality is, 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:43.419 If you're in covenant with God, 00:21:43.479 --> 00:21:44.339 Through Jesus Christ, 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.479 You can't be cut off. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:47.240 You can't be made powerless. 00:21:47.379 --> 00:21:48.279 It's the Holy Spirit, 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.479 Who dwells in you. 00:21:49.939 --> 00:21:51.119 And you need Jesus to, 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:53.279 Preach truth over you again, 00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:54.079 Through his word, 00:21:54.179 --> 00:21:54.939 By his spirit. 00:21:56.439 --> 00:21:57.839 You are forgiven. 00:21:58.679 --> 00:22:00.219 You must continue to pray, 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:02.119 I am your great king, 00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:03.519 I'll never let you go. 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:05.219 Keep running to me. 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:09.059 You can't be accused any longer. 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:12.960 With this gospel promise, 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:17.420 God's people will not be disgraced on earth. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:19.759 Instead, we'll bring glory to God's name. 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:22.059 We'll let him be the one who fights, 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:22.980 And gets all the glory, 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.220 For every victory. 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:26.640 That's why the language in scripture, 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:28.319 Is military language. 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.600 James 4, 7. 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:31.220 Resist the devil. 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.259 Don't compromise. 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.140 Don't negotiate. 00:22:33.140 --> 00:22:35.860 Don't try to make a deal with Satan. 00:22:37.100 --> 00:22:38.080 Resist the devil, 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.340 And he will flee from you. 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:41.800 Specifically, 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:43.360 For us as a gathered church, 00:22:43.400 --> 00:22:44.240 As a congregation, 00:22:44.600 --> 00:22:45.640 1 Peter 5, 2, 00:22:46.600 --> 00:22:47.880 There's a special charge, 00:22:48.600 --> 00:22:49.240 To elders, 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:51.980 Shepherd the flock of God, 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:53.880 Among you as overseers. 00:22:55.280 --> 00:22:55.780 Shepherds, 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:56.700 Know the sheep, 00:22:57.180 --> 00:22:58.700 Care for God's people, 00:22:58.900 --> 00:22:59.440 Feed them, 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:00.580 Protect them. 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:04.599 And the strong warning in Acts 20, 28, 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.799 Take heed, 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:08.039 Pay careful attention, 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.159 To yourselves, 00:23:09.439 --> 00:23:10.559 And to all the flock, 00:23:11.159 --> 00:23:12.039 Among you, 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.579 Over which the Holy Spirit, 00:23:13.659 --> 00:23:14.960 Has made you overseers. 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:17.220 Shepherd the church of God, 00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.759 Which he purchased, 00:23:19.099 --> 00:23:20.720 With his own blood. 00:23:22.179 --> 00:23:22.740 See, 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:23.879 The tactics of the enemy, 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:26.679 Should be part of the focus of a church. 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:28.740 And we win, 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:31.360 Because Christ has already crushed the serpent's head. 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:35.120 Well, here's the third observation. 00:23:37.080 --> 00:23:38.539 God always acts, 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:41.620 And records how he acted, 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:44.380 In a way, 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:46.500 That will magnify his glory, 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:48.660 As the only savior, 00:23:49.180 --> 00:23:49.880 Of his people. 00:23:50.820 --> 00:23:51.900 What is the Bible? 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.820 That's what the Bible is. 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:55.559 It's how God has acted. 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:56.740 And, 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:57.639 It's a record, 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:59.399 Breathed out by the Holy Spirit, 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:00.039 Interpreting, 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:01.359 How God has acted. 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:02.799 So, 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:03.679 God always acts, 00:24:03.839 --> 00:24:05.179 And records how he acted, 00:24:05.379 --> 00:24:05.879 In a way, 00:24:06.419 --> 00:24:08.119 That magnify his glory. 00:24:08.439 --> 00:24:08.579 See, 00:24:08.639 --> 00:24:10.019 His glory is there all along. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.539 It just needs his spirit, 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:13.179 To cause us to behold his glory. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.879 And he does this in a way, 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:17.899 That shows he is the only savior, 00:24:18.379 --> 00:24:19.119 Of his people. 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:21.179 Why? 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:23.500 Because that's who God is. 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:25.620 And God is the one who loves, 00:24:26.060 --> 00:24:27.720 To save those who deserve it least, 00:24:27.840 --> 00:24:29.259 And who need it most. 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:31.539 So let's enjoy this story, 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:32.360 In light of that. 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.279 How has God acted? 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.840 And how has he recorded this? 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:36.299 Let's start with verse four. 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.799 So the messengers, 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:41.080 That's the first time we hear of them, 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:43.120 But they keep coming up in this passage, 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:45.220 They had quite a few weeks, 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.120 Or months of work here, 00:24:46.200 --> 00:24:46.799 These messengers. 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:49.039 They came to Gibeah of Saul. 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:50.319 Yes, 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:51.879 We did read how the messengers, 00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:53.359 Were sent all over Israel. 00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:54.519 This is part of it. 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:56.220 And they told the news, 00:24:56.299 --> 00:24:57.339 And the hearing of the people. 00:24:58.339 --> 00:24:59.319 Some have commented, 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.420 It's not necessarily, 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.579 Because Saul was there. 00:25:02.359 --> 00:25:03.159 Up to this point, 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:04.639 Saul was announced, 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.399 As the king, 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:05.819 And they said, 00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:06.599 Long live the king, 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.539 But he went back to his home, 00:25:08.659 --> 00:25:09.460 And back to work. 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:10.980 He's not, 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:12.460 Taken action, 00:25:12.539 --> 00:25:13.299 Or not followed, 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.359 The next steps, 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.480 Toward actually establishing, 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:15.960 A kingdom. 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:18.500 And all the people, 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.819 Lifted up their voice, 00:25:19.920 --> 00:25:21.319 When they heard this horrible news, 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:22.240 This horrible threat, 00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:23.079 By the Ammonites, 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:24.039 And they wept. 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:26.720 See, 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.660 When they hear this news, 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:29.920 It's not to go get Saul right away, 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:30.900 And rally the troops, 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:31.519 And make a plan, 00:25:31.600 --> 00:25:32.299 It's to weep. 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:34.059 The assumption is, 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:35.079 This is going to happen. 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.400 This is horrible. 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.539 Not even his neighbors, 00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:39.559 Necessarily went out, 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.779 To look for Saul right away. 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.839 We're told in verse 5, 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.119 Now, 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.299 There was Saul, 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:46.500 Coming behind the herd, 00:25:46.619 --> 00:25:47.299 From the field. 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:50.059 So he's coming back from work, 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.539 In verse 5, 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:53.639 We're told that, 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:54.879 Saul is, 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:55.779 You know, 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:56.519 Gone back to doing, 00:25:56.599 --> 00:25:57.339 What he knows to do, 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:58.299 Which is to be a farmer. 00:25:59.019 --> 00:25:59.680 This is, 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:00.579 A herd, 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.160 So we don't know, 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:02.059 What types of animals, 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.839 But later he uses the two oxen, 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:04.920 To slay them. 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.700 Some have pointed out, 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:07.700 Again, 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.920 This is for you to evaluate, 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:11.039 That Saul is driving, 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:12.039 The herd from behind, 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:13.759 Perhaps there's a foreshadowing, 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:14.980 Of the type of king he will be, 00:26:15.380 --> 00:26:16.860 In contrast to the good shepherd, 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:17.820 Who's out in front, 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.860 Leading the sheep, 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:20.019 Toward the green pastures. 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.160 In verse, 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.980 5 we read that, 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:25.140 They told Saul, 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.240 The words of the men, 00:26:26.640 --> 00:26:27.340 Of Jabesh, 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:27.860 When he asked, 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:29.039 Why is everybody weeping? 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.039 In verse 6, 00:26:30.120 --> 00:26:31.060 The spirit of God, 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:31.360 Then, 00:26:31.900 --> 00:26:33.039 Comes upon Saul. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.660 Now some have observed, 00:26:34.800 --> 00:26:35.360 This is not, 00:26:35.840 --> 00:26:37.519 The spirit of the Lord most high, 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.799 As other times, 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:40.079 It's described of other men, 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.980 But it's more the generic name, 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:43.500 It's the spirit of Elohim, 00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:45.079 And when that was used, 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:45.500 It was, 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.579 When the spirit, 00:26:46.579 --> 00:26:47.839 Caused Balaam's donkey, 00:26:47.940 --> 00:26:48.400 To speak. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.579 In verse 7, 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.680 Saul took a yoke of oxen, 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:53.639 Cut them to pieces, 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:54.400 And sent them, 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:56.000 Throughout all the territory of Israel, 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:57.680 By the hands of messengers, 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.119 Saying, 00:26:58.539 --> 00:27:00.059 Whoever does not go out, 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:01.599 With Saul and Samuel to battle, 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:03.220 So it shall be done, 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.599 To his oxen. 00:27:04.599 --> 00:27:07.659 The message is that Israel, 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:09.699 Still remains divided, 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:12.039 Like all these pieces of the oxen, 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:16.000 The way that this unfolds to us, 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.240 Right before the deliverance, 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.039 That the Lord brings, 00:27:18.159 --> 00:27:21.119 Is sending a very strong message, 00:27:22.259 --> 00:27:22.779 Benjamin, 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.480 Deserves no glory, 00:27:25.439 --> 00:27:26.839 They're a disgraced tribe, 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:28.279 And that's where Saul comes from, 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:29.519 Saul, 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.559 Up to this point, 00:27:30.659 --> 00:27:31.319 In verse 7, 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:33.500 Deserves no glory, 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:35.299 He's done nothing, 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:37.819 Israel, 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:38.779 As a nation, 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:39.680 Divided, 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.359 No standing army, 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:43.259 No ability to defend itself, 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:45.319 Deserves no glory, 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:48.859 So here's our fourth observation, 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:51.680 The Holy Spirit orchestrates, 00:27:51.819 --> 00:27:52.579 Every detail, 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:54.140 In both history, 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:54.859 And scripture, 00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:56.259 To prepare God's people, 00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:57.460 For the Messiah, 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:59.559 And that's what I think happens, 00:27:59.880 --> 00:28:00.220 Next, 00:28:00.220 --> 00:28:02.339 The way that God does deliver, 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.059 Is to, 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:05.019 He's already removed the objection, 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:06.819 Like no one else can claim any glory here, 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:08.420 And how does he do it? 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.940 He does it in a way that is, 00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:10.960 Sole Deo Gloria, 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.640 For God's glory alone, 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:14.940 As we just saw in verse 6, 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:16.799 The Spirit of God came upon Saul, 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:18.360 Up before that he can do nothing, 00:28:18.359 --> 00:28:20.719 And I want you to see next, 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:23.339 How God does three things, 00:28:24.159 --> 00:28:25.079 First of all, 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.779 He causes this appointed king, 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:28.579 To serve as a judge, 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:32.099 The language used to describe, 00:28:32.219 --> 00:28:33.099 What Saul does next, 00:28:33.159 --> 00:28:34.339 Is like an accumulation, 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:36.039 Of the descriptions, 00:28:36.159 --> 00:28:37.139 Of the various judges, 00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:37.899 Which is the book, 00:28:37.959 --> 00:28:39.019 Right before 1 Samuel, 00:28:39.139 --> 00:28:39.839 The book of judges, 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:41.939 So it's like, 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.759 The king of Israel, 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:44.079 Is going to be a super judge, 00:28:44.399 --> 00:28:46.379 In verse 6, 00:28:46.459 --> 00:28:46.839 When it says, 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:48.599 The Spirit of God came upon Saul, 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:51.139 The word is rushed upon Saul, 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:53.799 In the midst of bad news, 00:28:53.859 --> 00:28:54.399 And the weeping, 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.899 The Spirit of God rushes, 00:28:56.059 --> 00:28:56.859 To minister, 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.480 And that verb, 00:28:58.599 --> 00:28:59.519 To rush upon, 00:28:59.659 --> 00:29:00.480 It's only used, 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.379 Of one other person, 00:29:01.459 --> 00:29:02.119 In all the Bible, 00:29:02.919 --> 00:29:03.359 Samson, 00:29:03.720 --> 00:29:04.439 One of the judges, 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.859 So there's Saul now, 00:29:05.919 --> 00:29:07.000 Taking on some of the traits, 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:08.279 Of one of the great judges, 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.839 In verse 11 then, 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:11.220 Saul divided the soldiers, 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:12.460 Into three companies, 00:29:13.079 --> 00:29:13.960 Do you think of a judge, 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:14.519 Who did that? 00:29:15.139 --> 00:29:16.399 That's the story of Gideon, 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.879 Divided the troops up, 00:29:17.960 --> 00:29:19.339 In three different groups, 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:20.819 And they attack, 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:21.799 In the dark of night, 00:29:23.119 --> 00:29:24.460 In verse 11 we read, 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:25.519 So it was the next day, 00:29:25.579 --> 00:29:26.480 That Saul put the people, 00:29:26.859 --> 00:29:27.839 In the three companies, 00:29:28.299 --> 00:29:29.240 And they came in the midst, 00:29:29.279 --> 00:29:29.759 Of the camp, 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:30.740 In the morning watch, 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.599 Between 2 or 3 a.m. 00:29:32.619 --> 00:29:33.440 And 6 a.m. 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:34.960 And they killed, 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:36.039 The Ammonites, 00:29:36.099 --> 00:29:37.119 Until the heat of day, 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.740 Until noon, 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:40.819 So here's the appointed king, 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:42.059 Taking on the attributes, 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:43.660 Of these great judges, 00:29:44.460 --> 00:29:45.980 The second thing the king does, 00:29:46.079 --> 00:29:48.200 Is he unites God's people, 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:51.139 Without Yahweh as their king, 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.420 God's people were scattered, 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:54.259 But with Yahweh, 00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:55.619 And his anointed king, 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:57.019 Raised up to judge, 00:29:57.420 --> 00:29:58.660 God's people come together, 00:29:58.920 --> 00:29:59.839 As one man, 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:01.279 That's how they're described, 00:30:02.319 --> 00:30:03.879 Now think of the contrast, 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:05.180 At the end of this great battle, 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:06.180 The Ammonites, 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:07.000 The Ammonites who survived, 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:08.160 The serpent's army, 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:08.779 In verse 9, 00:30:08.860 --> 00:30:09.620 They were scattered, 00:30:09.900 --> 00:30:11.960 So that not one of them, 00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:13.299 Were left together, 00:30:14.100 --> 00:30:14.960 God's people, 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.299 Standing together, 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.080 As one, 00:30:18.360 --> 00:30:19.360 The serpent's army, 00:30:19.580 --> 00:30:20.060 Scattered, 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.320 All alone, 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.160 Each one, 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:26.440 The next thing that, 00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:28.040 This anointed king, 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:28.540 Who was, 00:30:29.800 --> 00:30:31.160 Taking on these attributes, 00:30:31.160 --> 00:30:31.800 Of a judge, 00:30:31.860 --> 00:30:32.820 Who united the people, 00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:33.160 Does, 00:30:33.220 --> 00:30:34.040 Is that he also, 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:35.580 Will show mercy, 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:37.539 Look at verse 12, 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:39.279 Then the people said to Samuel, 00:30:39.379 --> 00:30:40.039 Who is he, 00:30:40.699 --> 00:30:41.480 Who are those men, 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:41.939 Who said, 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:43.240 Shall Saul reign over us, 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:43.939 Bring them here, 00:30:44.359 --> 00:30:45.659 That we may put them to death, 00:30:46.379 --> 00:30:47.159 But Saul said, 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:47.980 In verse 13, 00:30:48.399 --> 00:30:50.240 Not a man shall be put to death, 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:51.460 This way, 00:30:51.659 --> 00:30:52.240 This day, 00:30:53.079 --> 00:30:55.419 He shows mercy, 00:30:55.859 --> 00:30:57.159 To men who deserve punishment, 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.960 They had not been loyal, 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:01.240 And after the victory, 00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:02.439 He shows them mercy, 00:31:02.659 --> 00:31:03.439 You still remain, 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.579 With the nation, 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:07.899 Well now we need to, 00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:08.779 Reflect a bit, 00:31:08.919 --> 00:31:10.279 Why is it that God used, 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:11.319 Saul, 00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:12.759 This weak man, 00:31:13.679 --> 00:31:15.480 This man that was like, 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.240 All the other nations, 00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:17.079 Up to this point, 00:31:17.559 --> 00:31:18.059 And yet he, 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.720 Made him to judge, 00:31:19.879 --> 00:31:20.500 Made him a king, 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.879 Put his spirit on him, 00:31:22.639 --> 00:31:23.879 Caused him to show mercy, 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:26.460 God proves, 00:31:26.579 --> 00:31:27.599 Again I believe here, 00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:28.460 That there is not, 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:29.879 A person too weak, 00:31:30.319 --> 00:31:31.819 For God to use, 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:37.240 I believe the Lord, 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.619 Wants to use, 00:31:38.619 --> 00:31:39.619 Each one of you, 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.559 And I believe the enemy, 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.579 Is spewing lies, 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:43.579 Accusing and saying, 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:44.319 You're too weak, 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:46.500 You're not qualified, 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.639 There's no way God, 00:31:47.639 --> 00:31:48.799 Could use someone like you, 00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:49.639 Or like me, 00:31:49.640 --> 00:31:53.020 There's not a person, 00:31:53.020 --> 00:31:54.180 Too weak for God, 00:31:54.320 --> 00:31:54.860 To use, 00:31:54.920 --> 00:31:55.340 In fact, 00:31:55.440 --> 00:31:56.380 In our weakness, 00:31:56.780 --> 00:31:58.160 He is made strong, 00:31:58.160 --> 00:32:00.580 I can, 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.840 Sometimes as I'm reading this, 00:32:01.920 --> 00:32:03.040 I want to read it like literature, 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:03.940 And I want to view, 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:05.080 Saul as the protagonist, 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:06.200 And I want to try to, 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.560 See you know, 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:09.000 The focus on him, 00:32:09.600 --> 00:32:11.019 Look here Saul is very good, 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:13.140 But I think what makes, 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.560 This passage special, 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:16.680 Is God's own interpretation of it, 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:19.120 Is Saul really the main character, 00:32:19.840 --> 00:32:23.080 Let's see how the Bible, 00:32:23.080 --> 00:32:24.019 Interprets itself, 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.140 Look at verse 13, 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:25.940 How does Saul, 00:32:26.380 --> 00:32:27.660 Interpret what just happened, 00:32:27.660 --> 00:32:29.740 What does he confess in verse 13, 00:32:29.820 --> 00:32:30.180 He says, 00:32:30.580 --> 00:32:30.980 Today, 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:33.560 The Lord has accomplished, 00:32:33.980 --> 00:32:35.680 Salvation in Israel, 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:38.740 It's the Lord who is the protagonist, 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.920 The Lord is the hero, 00:32:41.100 --> 00:32:41.940 Not Saul, 00:32:43.300 --> 00:32:44.820 Would you look at chapter 12, 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:45.580 Verse 6, 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:46.460 How does Samuel, 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:47.840 Interpret what just happened, 00:32:48.880 --> 00:32:50.660 Samuel stands up in front of all the people, 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:51.220 And tells them, 00:32:51.300 --> 00:32:52.140 Here's what just happened, 00:32:53.580 --> 00:32:55.180 He begins in verse 6, 00:32:55.320 --> 00:32:56.680 By giving their history, 00:32:56.820 --> 00:32:57.620 And reminding them, 00:32:58.580 --> 00:33:00.680 It is the Lord who raised up, 00:33:01.320 --> 00:33:01.620 Blink, 00:33:02.160 --> 00:33:03.120 You can start with Moses, 00:33:03.380 --> 00:33:03.820 And Aaron, 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:05.140 And work our way through your history, 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:06.600 It's the Lord who raised them up, 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:08.140 And we can sometimes, 00:33:08.200 --> 00:33:09.220 Want to create heroes, 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:10.840 Out of the history of redemption, 00:33:11.060 --> 00:33:11.880 Heroes from the Bible, 00:33:12.320 --> 00:33:13.380 Heroes from church history, 00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:15.279 And we need to do like Samuel, 00:33:15.400 --> 00:33:16.100 And remind each other, 00:33:16.220 --> 00:33:16.980 Remind ourselves, 00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:18.600 It was the Lord who did that, 00:33:19.360 --> 00:33:20.540 Yes he used this vessel, 00:33:20.640 --> 00:33:21.440 But it was the Lord, 00:33:21.680 --> 00:33:22.320 All along, 00:33:22.540 --> 00:33:23.620 He's the main character, 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:24.820 He's the protagonist, 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:26.899 It's God himself, 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:31.559 God reveals in 1st Samuel 11, 00:33:31.679 --> 00:33:32.059 I believe, 00:33:32.179 --> 00:33:33.819 A type of the Savior, 00:33:34.139 --> 00:33:35.159 He will raise up, 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:36.599 In the fullness of time, 00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:39.099 I hope you picked up on this already, 00:33:39.179 --> 00:33:40.419 But I want to make it really clear, 00:33:40.980 --> 00:33:41.879 Jesus Christ, 00:33:42.980 --> 00:33:44.259 The people are told here, 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.299 And in all the scripture, 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:47.399 Jesus will be God's anointed, 00:33:47.939 --> 00:33:49.139 King Jesus will be, 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:50.360 The mighty judge, 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:51.860 Greater than all the other judges, 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:53.540 Multiplied by one another, 00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:55.480 It's King Jesus, 00:33:55.780 --> 00:33:57.240 Who will be filled with the spirit, 00:33:57.620 --> 00:33:58.980 And who will defeat the enemy, 00:34:01.060 --> 00:34:02.360 Acts 10 verse 38, 00:34:02.540 --> 00:34:04.000 This is the message they preach, 00:34:04.420 --> 00:34:06.340 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth, 00:34:06.580 --> 00:34:07.600 With the Holy Spirit, 00:34:07.900 --> 00:34:08.619 And with power, 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:10.140 Who went about doing good, 00:34:10.220 --> 00:34:11.680 And healing all who were oppressed, 00:34:11.680 --> 00:34:12.300 By the devil, 00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:14.280 For God was with him, 00:34:15.740 --> 00:34:16.880 And having done this, 00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:18.260 Having accomplished his mission, 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:19.140 It's Jesus, 00:34:19.600 --> 00:34:20.120 King Jesus, 00:34:20.240 --> 00:34:21.020 Who turns around, 00:34:21.980 --> 00:34:23.180 And shows mercy, 00:34:23.800 --> 00:34:24.760 To those of us, 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:25.560 Who betrayed him, 00:34:27.080 --> 00:34:28.640 In Ephesians 2 verse 4, 00:34:28.720 --> 00:34:29.280 We're reminded, 00:34:29.740 --> 00:34:30.120 God, 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:32.400 Who is rich in mercy, 00:34:32.760 --> 00:34:34.060 Because of his great love, 00:34:34.240 --> 00:34:35.580 With which he has loved us, 00:34:35.800 --> 00:34:36.840 Even when we were dead, 00:34:36.880 --> 00:34:37.760 In our trespasses, 00:34:38.120 --> 00:34:39.100 Made us alive, 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:41.040 Together with Christ, 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:43.300 And it's King Jesus, 00:34:43.520 --> 00:34:45.320 Who unites his people, 00:34:46.100 --> 00:34:47.240 1 Corinthians 12, 00:34:47.239 --> 00:34:48.759 Verses 12 and 13, 00:34:48.899 --> 00:34:50.759 For as the body is one, 00:34:51.339 --> 00:34:52.779 All the members of that body, 00:34:53.219 --> 00:34:53.519 One, 00:34:53.959 --> 00:34:54.619 Being many, 00:34:54.979 --> 00:34:55.899 Are one body, 00:34:56.559 --> 00:34:57.859 So also is Christ, 00:34:58.099 --> 00:34:59.219 For by one spirit, 00:34:59.479 --> 00:35:00.359 We are all baptized, 00:35:00.639 --> 00:35:02.159 Into one body, 00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:03.739 Because King Jesus, 00:35:04.099 --> 00:35:05.279 Unites his people, 00:35:05.639 --> 00:35:06.500 Like one man, 00:35:07.500 --> 00:35:09.919 The Holy Spirit, 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:11.579 Orchestrated every detail, 00:35:11.979 --> 00:35:12.619 In history, 00:35:12.799 --> 00:35:13.419 And scripture, 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:15.119 To prepare God's people, 00:35:15.119 --> 00:35:16.220 For Messiah, 00:35:16.800 --> 00:35:19.260 Well here's the fifth, 00:35:19.400 --> 00:35:20.280 And final observation, 00:35:20.280 --> 00:35:21.740 For today from this passage, 00:35:22.400 --> 00:35:23.240 When God's people, 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:24.720 Behold his faithfulness, 00:35:24.720 --> 00:35:25.420 As savior, 00:35:25.820 --> 00:35:27.340 There is only one, 00:35:27.340 --> 00:35:28.619 Fitting response, 00:35:29.019 --> 00:35:30.860 When God's people, 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:32.920 Behold his faithfulness, 00:35:33.059 --> 00:35:34.059 As savior, 00:35:34.519 --> 00:35:35.619 There is only one, 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:37.240 Fitting response, 00:35:37.239 --> 00:35:39.879 Look at verses 15, 00:35:40.379 --> 00:35:41.459 And 14 with me, 00:35:41.979 --> 00:35:42.919 Starting at 14, 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:44.819 Then Samuel said to the people, 00:35:44.959 --> 00:35:46.319 Come let us go to Gilgal, 00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:47.559 To renew, 00:35:48.279 --> 00:35:49.559 The kingdom there, 00:35:50.099 --> 00:35:50.839 The word renew, 00:35:50.959 --> 00:35:51.719 Is to repair, 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:53.000 Or to make new, 00:35:53.799 --> 00:35:54.759 In verse 15, 00:35:54.859 --> 00:35:55.679 So all the people, 00:35:55.839 --> 00:35:56.479 Went to Gilgal, 00:35:56.739 --> 00:35:58.419 And there they made Saul king, 00:35:58.819 --> 00:35:59.759 Before the Lord, 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:00.699 In Gilgal, 00:36:01.699 --> 00:36:02.259 Gilgal, 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:02.719 There, 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:03.319 Gilgal, 00:36:03.460 --> 00:36:03.759 Gilgal, 00:36:03.899 --> 00:36:04.919 It's repeated over and over, 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:06.279 We're supposed to pay attention, 00:36:06.639 --> 00:36:07.980 This location is significant, 00:36:08.879 --> 00:36:09.879 And it's Samuel who says, 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.399 Hold on, 00:36:10.439 --> 00:36:10.759 Hold on, 00:36:11.159 --> 00:36:11.759 Come with me, 00:36:11.799 --> 00:36:12.699 We need to go somewhere, 00:36:13.059 --> 00:36:15.359 This needs to happen in a special place, 00:36:15.759 --> 00:36:16.639 So why Gilgal? 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:20.159 Joshua chapter 4, 00:36:20.259 --> 00:36:21.359 Starting at verse 18, 00:36:21.480 --> 00:36:22.519 Tells us why Gilgal, 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:23.819 Was such a special place, 00:36:24.419 --> 00:36:25.259 It's because, 00:36:25.699 --> 00:36:27.099 After God had brought his people, 00:36:27.179 --> 00:36:28.219 Out of slavery in Egypt, 00:36:28.359 --> 00:36:29.579 And after that first generation, 00:36:29.739 --> 00:36:30.539 Had wandered around, 00:36:30.539 --> 00:36:31.139 In the wilderness, 00:36:31.800 --> 00:36:32.739 It was Joshua, 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:33.420 Yeshua, 00:36:34.079 --> 00:36:35.360 Who led the people, 00:36:35.579 --> 00:36:36.519 Through the Jordan river, 00:36:36.619 --> 00:36:38.159 The Lord parted the waters again, 00:36:39.139 --> 00:36:40.119 The priests with the ark, 00:36:40.159 --> 00:36:41.139 Of the covenant of the Lord, 00:36:41.219 --> 00:36:41.880 They came up, 00:36:42.119 --> 00:36:43.079 From the Jordan, 00:36:43.539 --> 00:36:44.759 And the people came up, 00:36:44.980 --> 00:36:46.320 And they encamped first, 00:36:46.500 --> 00:36:47.219 At Gilgal, 00:36:48.500 --> 00:36:49.639 Samuel is telling, 00:36:49.860 --> 00:36:50.779 This generation, 00:36:51.199 --> 00:36:52.019 Of God's people, 00:36:52.440 --> 00:36:53.739 Let's go back to Gilgal, 00:36:54.179 --> 00:36:55.300 Let's go back, 00:36:55.300 --> 00:36:56.659 Across the Jordan river, 00:36:57.279 --> 00:36:58.920 Let's go see Joshua's, 00:36:59.179 --> 00:37:00.059 Ebenezer there, 00:37:00.059 --> 00:37:01.440 Those twelve stones, 00:37:01.539 --> 00:37:02.000 That they brought, 00:37:02.119 --> 00:37:03.199 From the bottom of the river, 00:37:03.199 --> 00:37:05.880 Verse 24, 00:37:06.039 --> 00:37:07.440 Joshua preaches to the people, 00:37:07.539 --> 00:37:08.779 The reason we're setting up, 00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:09.980 These twelve stones, 00:37:10.239 --> 00:37:10.960 This marker, 00:37:11.199 --> 00:37:12.340 Of God's faithfulness, 00:37:12.659 --> 00:37:13.699 Is that all the peoples, 00:37:13.699 --> 00:37:14.299 Of the earth, 00:37:14.380 --> 00:37:15.380 May know the hand, 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.340 Of the Lord, 00:37:16.500 --> 00:37:17.579 That it is mighty, 00:37:18.039 --> 00:37:19.340 And that you may fear, 00:37:19.420 --> 00:37:19.900 The Lord, 00:37:20.179 --> 00:37:21.159 Your God forever, 00:37:21.559 --> 00:37:22.579 That you will never forget, 00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:25.259 Let's enter God's kingdom, 00:37:25.259 --> 00:37:26.139 Again, 00:37:26.319 --> 00:37:27.039 Samuel says, 00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:28.960 It's a new creation theme, 00:37:29.639 --> 00:37:29.960 Let's, 00:37:30.059 --> 00:37:30.840 Let's go back, 00:37:30.920 --> 00:37:32.059 To the promised possession, 00:37:32.219 --> 00:37:32.759 And remembering, 00:37:33.159 --> 00:37:34.039 God fights, 00:37:34.039 --> 00:37:34.940 For us, 00:37:35.179 --> 00:37:36.900 Remember Jericho, 00:37:37.099 --> 00:37:38.319 That's where they go next, 00:37:38.319 --> 00:37:39.679 After encamping at Gilgal, 00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:41.619 You see, 00:37:41.699 --> 00:37:43.019 The only fitting response, 00:37:44.019 --> 00:37:44.899 Is verse 15, 00:37:44.960 --> 00:37:45.879 Of our sermon passage, 00:37:45.879 --> 00:37:46.440 For today, 00:37:46.940 --> 00:37:47.359 There, 00:37:47.879 --> 00:37:48.619 At Gilgal, 00:37:49.199 --> 00:37:50.419 They made sacrifices, 00:37:50.419 --> 00:37:51.599 Of peace offerings, 00:37:52.159 --> 00:37:53.119 Before the Lord, 00:37:54.119 --> 00:37:54.919 Peace offerings, 00:37:55.159 --> 00:37:55.619 Are offerings, 00:37:55.739 --> 00:37:56.819 That you enjoy, 00:37:57.019 --> 00:37:57.699 As a feast, 00:37:57.960 --> 00:37:58.839 You get to eat it, 00:37:59.219 --> 00:37:59.940 In the presence, 00:38:00.059 --> 00:38:01.019 Of the holy God, 00:38:01.019 --> 00:38:02.659 We read, 00:38:03.039 --> 00:38:03.880 In verse 15, 00:38:04.099 --> 00:38:04.619 And there, 00:38:04.840 --> 00:38:05.119 Saul, 00:38:05.480 --> 00:38:07.000 And all the men of Israel, 00:38:07.420 --> 00:38:08.800 Rejoiced greatly, 00:38:10.420 --> 00:38:10.940 Oh, 00:38:11.019 --> 00:38:11.800 Brothers and sisters, 00:38:11.940 --> 00:38:12.239 You see, 00:38:12.340 --> 00:38:13.619 We too were wicked people, 00:38:14.139 --> 00:38:15.199 In need of salvation, 00:38:15.840 --> 00:38:16.940 Tormented by sin, 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:17.900 Satan, 00:38:18.559 --> 00:38:19.900 The wickedness of this world, 00:38:20.179 --> 00:38:20.739 But remember, 00:38:20.880 --> 00:38:21.679 From this passage, 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:23.440 1 Samuel 11, 00:38:23.900 --> 00:38:25.519 No people are too evil, 00:38:25.519 --> 00:38:26.460 For God to save, 00:38:26.639 --> 00:38:27.659 There's no past, 00:38:27.920 --> 00:38:28.559 Too dark, 00:38:28.820 --> 00:38:30.179 For him to redeem, 00:38:31.019 --> 00:38:32.980 Revelation 12, 00:38:33.079 --> 00:38:33.420 9, 00:38:33.800 --> 00:38:35.259 Reminds us of this great redemption, 00:38:35.460 --> 00:38:35.840 We have, 00:38:36.139 --> 00:38:37.039 In the finished work, 00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:38.019 Of Jesus Christ, 00:38:38.440 --> 00:38:40.460 So that great dragon, 00:38:40.739 --> 00:38:42.019 Was cast out, 00:38:42.480 --> 00:38:43.500 The serpent of old, 00:38:43.599 --> 00:38:44.280 Called the devil, 00:38:44.420 --> 00:38:44.880 And Satan, 00:38:45.000 --> 00:38:46.340 Who deceives the whole world, 00:38:46.860 --> 00:38:47.699 He was cast, 00:38:47.800 --> 00:38:48.420 To the earth, 00:38:48.780 --> 00:38:50.400 His angels were cast out with him, 00:38:50.920 --> 00:38:52.780 And then I heard a loud voice, 00:38:53.099 --> 00:38:53.960 Saying in heaven, 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:54.960 Salvation, 00:38:54.960 --> 00:38:56.099 And strength, 00:38:56.300 --> 00:38:57.460 And the kingdom of our God, 00:38:57.519 --> 00:38:59.139 And the power of his Christ, 00:38:59.239 --> 00:38:59.719 Have come, 00:38:59.719 --> 00:39:01.459 For the accuser, 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:02.259 Of our brethren, 00:39:02.519 --> 00:39:03.480 Who accuses them, 00:39:03.539 --> 00:39:04.559 Before God, 00:39:04.639 --> 00:39:05.239 Day and night, 00:39:05.500 --> 00:39:06.659 He has been cast down, 00:39:06.659 --> 00:39:09.379 The only fitting response, 00:39:09.559 --> 00:39:09.959 For us, 00:39:10.459 --> 00:39:12.119 Is to do as the, 00:39:12.119 --> 00:39:13.179 People of Israel did, 00:39:13.239 --> 00:39:14.019 In verse 15, 00:39:14.119 --> 00:39:15.219 It's to gather around, 00:39:15.779 --> 00:39:16.219 God's, 00:39:16.279 --> 00:39:17.139 New covenant, 00:39:17.619 --> 00:39:18.259 Peace offering, 00:39:18.819 --> 00:39:19.619 The Lord's table, 00:39:19.699 --> 00:39:20.159 Right here, 00:39:20.879 --> 00:39:21.679 To celebrate, 00:39:21.879 --> 00:39:22.259 Christ, 00:39:22.719 --> 00:39:23.259 Our king, 00:39:24.199 --> 00:39:25.039 New creation, 00:39:25.039 --> 00:39:27.119 For some of us today, 00:39:27.759 --> 00:39:28.820 God has ordained, 00:39:28.920 --> 00:39:29.860 For this to be your, 00:39:29.860 --> 00:39:31.840 Covenant renewal ceremony, 00:39:31.840 --> 00:39:32.539 With God, 00:39:32.579 --> 00:39:33.059 Right here, 00:39:33.400 --> 00:39:34.360 At the Lord's table, 00:39:35.079 --> 00:39:36.699 For Jesus to be the king, 00:39:37.119 --> 00:39:38.059 A new in your life, 00:39:38.619 --> 00:39:40.099 For the covenant of grace, 00:39:40.159 --> 00:39:41.000 To be renewed, 00:39:41.360 --> 00:39:42.259 From Christ, 00:39:42.539 --> 00:39:43.059 To you, 00:39:43.779 --> 00:39:46.420 What we most need, 00:39:46.960 --> 00:39:48.400 And what we least deserve, 00:39:48.739 --> 00:39:49.500 Is God, 00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:50.900 To be our king, 00:39:50.900 --> 00:39:53.240 And in Christ Jesus, 00:39:53.660 --> 00:39:54.119 Alone, 00:39:54.680 --> 00:39:55.280 He is, 00:39:56.280 --> 00:39:57.160 And so we pray, 00:39:57.940 --> 00:39:59.460 As we'll sing in a moment, 00:39:59.960 --> 00:40:01.579 Be thou my battle shield, 00:40:02.059 --> 00:40:02.980 Sword for the fight, 00:40:03.400 --> 00:40:04.539 Be thou my dignity, 00:40:05.000 --> 00:40:05.940 Thou my delight, 00:40:06.639 --> 00:40:08.340 Thou my soul's shelter, 00:40:08.860 --> 00:40:10.000 Thou my high tower, 00:40:10.619 --> 00:40:12.079 Raise thou me heavenward, 00:40:12.480 --> 00:40:14.260 O power of my power.