WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.800 Please have a seat. 00:00:08.199 --> 00:00:11.460 Before we turn back to Isaiah 44, 00:00:11.620 --> 00:00:15.960 a quick reminder that we'll have a brief time of prayer 00:00:15.960 --> 00:00:18.820 about our community open day, 00:00:18.820 --> 00:00:21.640 our Buklu open day, Saturday the 3rd of June. 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:26.359 So to pray for the workings of that, 00:00:26.560 --> 00:00:28.940 but also to pray for those who will be invited 00:00:28.940 --> 00:00:30.240 that God would use that. 00:00:30.780 --> 00:00:33.439 So a short time of prayer down here, 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:35.560 pretty much straight after the service. 00:00:35.620 --> 00:00:38.020 For anyone who can give us a few minutes to pray, 00:00:38.120 --> 00:00:38.799 that'd be wonderful. 00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:41.100 So we're continuing to think about 00:00:41.100 --> 00:00:43.480 10 things that God can't do. 00:00:44.600 --> 00:00:46.680 Today, from Isaiah 44, 00:00:46.680 --> 00:00:50.620 we're thinking about the truth that God can't be surprised. 00:00:51.480 --> 00:00:53.120 And to think about why that's good news. 00:00:54.180 --> 00:00:57.680 For us, of course, we can be surprised all the time. 00:00:57.679 --> 00:01:01.000 Sometimes those surprises are good surprises. 00:01:02.039 --> 00:01:04.579 We're walking down the street and we meet an old friend. 00:01:05.700 --> 00:01:10.280 We go to a restaurant and we experience some new food 00:01:10.280 --> 00:01:10.939 and it's good. 00:01:11.480 --> 00:01:16.420 We find ourselves with an unexpected job opportunity, perhaps. 00:01:17.079 --> 00:01:17.939 There are good surprises. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:20.200 There are bad surprises. 00:01:20.299 --> 00:01:21.879 You think your car is working well, 00:01:21.939 --> 00:01:24.780 you take it to the garage and you get a steep repair bill. 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:28.840 You have the bad surprise of broken promises. 00:01:29.040 --> 00:01:30.099 Promises we break. 00:01:31.019 --> 00:01:34.040 Promises others make to us that get broken. 00:01:34.540 --> 00:01:36.140 Boys and girls, I wonder if you've ever had 00:01:36.140 --> 00:01:39.780 or been to a surprise birthday party. 00:01:41.780 --> 00:01:43.780 To me, that sounds like an absolute nightmare situation. 00:01:44.420 --> 00:01:45.079 Surprise birthday party. 00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:47.020 The first time I went to a surprise birthday party 00:01:47.019 --> 00:01:50.039 was my granny's when she turned 80. 00:01:51.039 --> 00:01:53.000 That was a very high-risk maneuver. 00:01:53.719 --> 00:01:54.500 Tell you what. 00:01:54.739 --> 00:01:56.879 See, when she walked into that hotel room 00:01:56.879 --> 00:02:00.039 full of her family and extended family, 00:02:00.179 --> 00:02:01.959 there was a moment where it looked like 00:02:01.959 --> 00:02:03.579 she might keel over with a shock. 00:02:04.560 --> 00:02:07.379 But it was a good surprise in the end. 00:02:07.379 --> 00:02:09.639 Why is it that we are surprised as people? 00:02:10.819 --> 00:02:13.439 Well, partly it's because we are time-bound. 00:02:14.579 --> 00:02:17.740 Because we don't know what's going to happen, 00:02:17.960 --> 00:02:20.359 we have uncertainty about our future. 00:02:21.359 --> 00:02:23.719 So, for example, the open day that we're planning for, 00:02:23.800 --> 00:02:25.900 we don't know who's going to show up. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:27.659 We don't know how things will go. 00:02:28.280 --> 00:02:31.159 And we are surprised because we have limited knowledge. 00:02:31.639 --> 00:02:35.300 Again, we have limited knowledge of the forces of nature. 00:02:35.300 --> 00:02:38.680 So, we don't know is it going to be a good day or a bad day weather-wise. 00:02:39.200 --> 00:02:43.439 We also have limited knowledge in terms of people's actions and attitudes 00:02:43.439 --> 00:02:45.840 as they impact on us. 00:02:45.880 --> 00:02:47.740 So, we find ourselves surprised. 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:51.720 And we talk about everybody having perfect vision, 00:02:51.840 --> 00:02:53.960 20-20 vision in hindsight. 00:02:54.500 --> 00:02:58.000 So, we can look back, maybe see and think, 00:02:58.100 --> 00:03:00.160 oh, if I'd have known that then, 00:03:00.220 --> 00:03:01.620 I would have done things differently. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:05.599 But we don't have a perfect 20-20 vision 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:07.360 when it comes to the future. 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:10.259 But, of course, that's so different for God 00:03:10.259 --> 00:03:12.740 because God can't be surprised. 00:03:13.500 --> 00:03:14.780 God is not time-bound. 00:03:14.920 --> 00:03:17.180 Rather, God is eternal. 00:03:18.500 --> 00:03:21.480 God was there before the universe was created. 00:03:21.659 --> 00:03:23.540 God was there before there was time. 00:03:23.539 --> 00:03:28.060 And everything then is 20-20 for God. 00:03:28.179 --> 00:03:31.099 He sees the future just as perfectly as He sees the present, 00:03:31.400 --> 00:03:33.199 as He sees the past. 00:03:34.819 --> 00:03:36.699 And, of course, as we thought about last week, 00:03:36.799 --> 00:03:39.340 God's knowledge is perfect. 00:03:40.399 --> 00:03:43.120 His knowledge is perfect over all the events 00:03:43.120 --> 00:03:46.120 that take place throughout this world. 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:51.139 He has perfect knowledge of all people in this world. 00:03:51.139 --> 00:03:54.859 He knows the intentions that lie in every heart. 00:03:54.979 --> 00:03:59.399 He knows the outcome of every moment. 00:03:59.579 --> 00:04:01.799 God is not like us. 00:04:03.519 --> 00:04:06.659 And I hope we'll come to see that this is really good news. 00:04:07.179 --> 00:04:10.879 In Isaiah 44, that short section that we listened to, 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:15.019 there were two messages that God delivers about Himself. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:18.600 And especially we're going to think about the fact 00:04:18.600 --> 00:04:21.720 that God can't be surprised is really good news 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:25.319 when it comes to the promises that He made. 00:04:26.600 --> 00:04:28.780 You know, when it comes to us and promises, 00:04:28.780 --> 00:04:31.759 we have something of an uneasy relationship to them 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:36.259 because sometimes we forget the promises that we make. 00:04:36.900 --> 00:04:39.460 Other times, despite our best intentions, 00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:41.900 we fail to keep those promises. 00:04:41.899 --> 00:04:44.979 Other forces take over. 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:51.299 But in God, we have one who is never surprised, 00:04:52.500 --> 00:04:56.199 one for whom there are no rivals, 00:04:56.339 --> 00:04:58.339 there are no opposing forces, 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:02.359 and so we have a God who will always keep His promises. 00:05:03.879 --> 00:05:06.679 So there is, in God, one who offers us comfort 00:05:06.679 --> 00:05:07.859 for all our days. 00:05:07.860 --> 00:05:11.240 So if you turn with me to Isaiah 44, 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:14.300 these first five verses that we read, 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:17.680 the first message we can summarize this way, 00:05:17.840 --> 00:05:21.780 your Creator keeps His promises. 00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:24.520 So this section, Isaiah 44, 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:27.780 is part of a much wider section 00:05:27.780 --> 00:05:32.500 where Isaiah is bringing a message against the idols 00:05:32.500 --> 00:05:34.759 because the idols are powerless, 00:05:34.759 --> 00:05:39.519 but He's also bringing a message against the people of God 00:05:39.519 --> 00:05:42.839 who have turned away from wholehearted trust 00:05:42.839 --> 00:05:45.899 to begin to trust in idols. 00:05:47.159 --> 00:05:51.740 And God wants to remind them and us over and over again 00:05:51.740 --> 00:05:54.500 that God is the only Savior. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:58.120 Therefore, God is the one to be trusted in. 00:05:58.860 --> 00:06:01.459 But there's a wonderful message of hope as well, 00:06:01.459 --> 00:06:06.039 that despite the unfaithfulness that God's people have shown, 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:08.479 there is mercy from God. 00:06:09.279 --> 00:06:13.759 Hope exists in God because of who God is. 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:17.339 So, to look at verse 2, 00:06:17.859 --> 00:06:19.079 what do we discover about God? 00:06:19.139 --> 00:06:22.560 We discover God is Creator. 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:25.800 This is what the Lord says, 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:27.280 He who made you, 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:29.399 who formed you in the womb, 00:06:29.800 --> 00:06:31.639 and who will help you. 00:06:32.220 --> 00:06:34.800 Now, last week we were in Psalm 139, 00:06:35.259 --> 00:06:37.480 and David was reflecting on the fact 00:06:37.480 --> 00:06:41.000 that God formed him in the womb of his mother. 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:43.300 So it was a very personal reflection. 00:06:44.660 --> 00:06:46.600 But now here we're being reminded 00:06:46.600 --> 00:06:50.100 that God is the one who has formed His people Israel. 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:53.040 God has given birth, as it were, 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:55.220 to His people, 00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:57.480 and it's He who will help. 00:06:58.600 --> 00:06:59.520 He is the Creator. 00:06:59.640 --> 00:07:01.040 He's also the covenant Lord. 00:07:02.400 --> 00:07:04.100 Again, the language there. 00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:06.500 But now listen, in verse 1, 00:07:06.760 --> 00:07:09.600 Jacob, my servant Israel, 00:07:09.760 --> 00:07:11.160 whom I have chosen. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.640 The use of Jacob, 00:07:13.760 --> 00:07:16.760 a reminder that to Abraham and Isaac and to Jacob, 00:07:16.760 --> 00:07:17.780 to that family, 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:20.019 God made covenant promises. 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:22.679 Verse 2, 00:07:22.779 --> 00:07:24.419 this is what the Lord says, 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:26.659 the personal covenant name of God. 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:28.939 This is their personal God 00:07:28.939 --> 00:07:30.219 who is speaking. 00:07:30.799 --> 00:07:31.759 And it's this God, 00:07:31.839 --> 00:07:32.939 the one who chose them, 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:34.259 the one who made them, 00:07:34.579 --> 00:07:37.799 is the one who will help them. 00:07:39.859 --> 00:07:41.699 Now, how will God help 00:07:41.699 --> 00:07:42.879 this people, 00:07:42.939 --> 00:07:43.479 this people, 00:07:43.860 --> 00:07:47.879 this people who had wandered away from Him? 00:07:49.839 --> 00:07:51.279 God will help 00:07:51.279 --> 00:07:54.819 because God will keep His promises. 00:07:56.480 --> 00:07:58.379 In verses 3 to 5, 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:00.719 we have this wonderful picture 00:08:00.719 --> 00:08:03.740 of transformation of life 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:05.360 that God brings. 00:08:06.019 --> 00:08:07.120 Let me read verse 3. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:09.139 For I will pour water 00:08:09.139 --> 00:08:11.399 on the thirsty land 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:14.360 and streams on the dry ground. 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:16.800 I will pour out my Spirit 00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:17.639 on your offspring 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:19.540 and my blessing 00:08:19.540 --> 00:08:21.519 on your descendants. 00:08:22.720 --> 00:08:24.019 So we can think about 00:08:24.019 --> 00:08:24.939 a desert 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:26.319 springing to life 00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:27.939 after the rains. 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:30.160 We can think about 00:08:30.160 --> 00:08:31.620 our peace lilies 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:32.860 being revived 00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:34.700 after a good watering. 00:08:34.700 --> 00:08:37.120 God turns to His people 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:38.100 and says, 00:08:38.300 --> 00:08:38.940 I'm going to do 00:08:38.940 --> 00:08:40.980 that kind of transforming work 00:08:40.980 --> 00:08:41.879 in your hearts 00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:42.680 and your lives. 00:08:44.460 --> 00:08:45.740 That their sin, 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:47.320 their stubborn hearts 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:48.960 will be changed 00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:51.660 by God's grace. 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:53.720 So towards the end 00:08:53.720 --> 00:08:54.620 of this chapter, 00:08:54.759 --> 00:08:55.759 chapter 44, 00:08:55.900 --> 00:08:56.940 verse 22, 00:08:57.940 --> 00:08:59.200 God says, 00:08:59.300 --> 00:09:00.300 I have swept away 00:09:00.300 --> 00:09:02.100 your offenses like a cloud, 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:04.680 your sins like the morning mist, 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:06.920 return to me 00:09:06.920 --> 00:09:09.800 for I have redeemed you. 00:09:10.420 --> 00:09:12.480 The stubborn wandering people 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:14.660 are called to return 00:09:14.660 --> 00:09:17.120 and are promised forgiveness. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:20.320 And God says also 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:21.360 He'll keep His promises 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:23.520 in sending His Spirit. 00:09:24.440 --> 00:09:25.920 This is a great hope 00:09:25.920 --> 00:09:27.300 for the people of God, 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:28.820 especially a hope 00:09:28.820 --> 00:09:30.520 for the new covenant. 00:09:31.080 --> 00:09:32.440 Looking forward to this time 00:09:32.440 --> 00:09:33.380 when the power 00:09:33.380 --> 00:09:34.740 and the presence of God 00:09:34.740 --> 00:09:37.160 would be with His people 00:09:37.160 --> 00:09:38.160 in a life-giving, 00:09:38.720 --> 00:09:40.560 life-transforming way. 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:42.120 And God says, 00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:43.780 I will bring change. 00:09:44.160 --> 00:09:44.980 I will bring change 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:45.660 to your offspring. 00:09:45.880 --> 00:09:46.820 I'll bring change 00:09:46.820 --> 00:09:47.920 to your descendants. 00:09:49.160 --> 00:09:49.940 Future promise 00:09:49.940 --> 00:09:50.920 by His gracious, 00:09:51.160 --> 00:09:52.180 redeeming love. 00:09:52.179 --> 00:09:57.019 And related to that, 00:09:57.639 --> 00:09:58.399 there's this sense 00:09:58.399 --> 00:09:59.399 of a new identity 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:00.199 for the people 00:10:00.199 --> 00:10:01.620 in verse 5, 00:10:01.719 --> 00:10:02.599 so that some will say, 00:10:02.739 --> 00:10:03.919 I belong to the Lord. 00:10:04.339 --> 00:10:05.659 Others will call themselves 00:10:05.659 --> 00:10:07.099 by the name of Jacob still. 00:10:07.239 --> 00:10:08.000 Others will write 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:08.859 on their hands 00:10:08.859 --> 00:10:10.579 the Lord's 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:12.019 and will take the name Israel. 00:10:12.559 --> 00:10:12.879 Again, 00:10:12.959 --> 00:10:13.500 here's a picture 00:10:13.500 --> 00:10:14.099 of a heart 00:10:14.099 --> 00:10:15.079 that's transformed. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:16.859 Instead of wanting 00:10:16.859 --> 00:10:17.799 nothing to do 00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:18.719 with their Lord, 00:10:19.399 --> 00:10:20.819 they're glad to say, 00:10:20.820 --> 00:10:22.879 I belong to the Lord. 00:10:24.280 --> 00:10:24.879 That this is 00:10:24.879 --> 00:10:25.800 a restoration 00:10:25.800 --> 00:10:26.580 that's going to happen 00:10:26.580 --> 00:10:27.640 within Israel, 00:10:27.640 --> 00:10:28.160 but there's also 00:10:28.160 --> 00:10:28.900 this promise 00:10:28.900 --> 00:10:30.540 that beyond Israel, 00:10:31.180 --> 00:10:32.160 as God keeps 00:10:32.160 --> 00:10:33.379 His saving promises, 00:10:34.040 --> 00:10:35.379 people will be drawn 00:10:35.379 --> 00:10:36.760 to Him. 00:10:37.760 --> 00:10:38.960 So the Lord presents 00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:39.660 this hope 00:10:39.660 --> 00:10:40.600 for their future. 00:10:41.600 --> 00:10:42.580 You will not always 00:10:42.580 --> 00:10:43.520 live in exile 00:10:43.520 --> 00:10:44.920 far away 00:10:44.920 --> 00:10:46.460 from the promised land. 00:10:47.320 --> 00:10:48.580 You will not always 00:10:48.580 --> 00:10:49.520 be hard-hearted 00:10:49.520 --> 00:10:50.540 towards God. 00:10:50.820 --> 00:10:52.780 Instead, 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:54.320 you'll be restored 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:55.000 and you'll receive 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:55.600 my Spirit 00:10:55.600 --> 00:10:56.760 and you'll belong 00:10:56.760 --> 00:10:57.860 to me once more. 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:00.640 It's a great promise. 00:11:01.780 --> 00:11:02.520 And the question is, 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:04.720 can this promise 00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:05.420 be trusted? 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:08.640 And the answer, 00:11:09.260 --> 00:11:10.020 this promise 00:11:10.020 --> 00:11:10.800 can be trusted 00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:12.940 if God can be trusted, 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:14.340 if He can be trusted 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:15.020 to work 00:11:15.020 --> 00:11:16.520 and to save, 00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:18.200 if God can be trusted 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:18.800 that nothing 00:11:18.800 --> 00:11:20.100 can throw His plans 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:21.080 off course, 00:11:21.660 --> 00:11:22.500 then there is real 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:23.540 and living hope 00:11:23.540 --> 00:11:25.200 for the people of God. 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:27.520 You know, 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:28.660 we can say to people, 00:11:29.160 --> 00:11:29.700 don't worry, 00:11:30.420 --> 00:11:31.460 things will get better, 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:33.379 things won't always 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.300 be like this, 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:36.659 but so often 00:11:36.659 --> 00:11:37.399 we know 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:38.000 that we lack 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:38.479 the power 00:11:38.479 --> 00:11:39.059 and the knowledge 00:11:39.059 --> 00:11:40.359 to bring that guarantee. 00:11:41.779 --> 00:11:43.620 Is God like us 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:46.620 or is He unlike us? 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:48.659 Then becomes a question 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:49.740 that really matters. 00:11:50.699 --> 00:11:52.620 If we are to entrust 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:53.819 ourselves 00:11:53.819 --> 00:11:56.199 for our lives 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:57.479 and for our salvation 00:11:57.479 --> 00:11:58.519 to God, 00:11:59.299 --> 00:12:00.240 then we need to know 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:01.259 that He is a Creator 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.539 who keeps His promises. 00:12:04.299 --> 00:12:04.960 That takes us 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:05.879 towards message 00:12:05.879 --> 00:12:07.700 number two, 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:09.500 intended to give hope 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:11.259 to the people of God, 00:12:11.340 --> 00:12:12.679 verses six to eight, 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:14.179 which we can summarize 00:12:14.179 --> 00:12:14.819 this way, 00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:16.500 your God and King 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:18.860 knows the future. 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:20.860 In these verses, 00:12:21.799 --> 00:12:23.200 we have the character 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:23.740 of God 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:24.580 and His greatness 00:12:24.580 --> 00:12:26.220 in contrast 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.779 to the idols. 00:12:27.860 --> 00:12:28.819 One of the great themes 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:31.280 of this larger section 00:12:31.280 --> 00:12:32.480 in Isaiah. 00:12:34.040 --> 00:12:34.680 And again, 00:12:34.760 --> 00:12:36.200 the purpose here 00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:38.280 is so that 00:12:38.280 --> 00:12:39.440 God's people 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:41.180 might turn back 00:12:41.180 --> 00:12:41.879 to Him, 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:43.600 so that God's people 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.879 might live with trust 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:46.160 in Him. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:46.920 So, it's a message 00:12:46.920 --> 00:12:48.180 that still is relevant 00:12:48.180 --> 00:12:50.160 for us today. 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:54.340 What truths about God 00:12:54.340 --> 00:12:55.820 do we discover 00:12:55.820 --> 00:12:56.740 in here 00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:57.840 that would help us 00:12:57.840 --> 00:12:59.019 to trust Him? 00:13:00.460 --> 00:13:01.259 Well, notice 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.340 all the language 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:03.919 that speaks to us 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:05.639 of God being powerful. 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:06.940 Verse six, 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:08.700 this is what the Lord says, 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:10.879 Israel's king. 00:13:11.860 --> 00:13:12.500 Here is 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:13.560 the one 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:15.039 true ruler. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:18.399 This is what the Lord says, 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:19.480 Israel's king 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:20.080 and 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:21.500 redeemer. 00:13:22.700 --> 00:13:24.080 They knew this 00:13:24.080 --> 00:13:25.100 in their history. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:27.200 God rescued them. 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:28.000 God rescued them 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:28.620 from slavery. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:29.620 God rescued them 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:31.540 from their enemies. 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:33.960 Their king 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:34.899 and their redeemer 00:13:34.899 --> 00:13:36.620 is the Lord 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.899 Almighty, 00:13:38.540 --> 00:13:39.820 the Lord of hosts, 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:41.659 the Lord of heaven's 00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:42.279 armies. 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:45.940 This powerful God 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:47.540 is the God 00:13:47.540 --> 00:13:47.920 who says, 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:48.980 I keep my promise. 00:13:50.300 --> 00:13:51.500 And their history, 00:13:51.660 --> 00:13:52.120 of course, 00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:56.080 as they look back, 00:13:56.120 --> 00:13:57.120 as we look back, 00:13:57.940 --> 00:13:59.240 gives us lots of evidence 00:13:59.240 --> 00:13:59.720 that God 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:01.720 is all-powerful, 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:03.539 that God 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:04.820 is mighty 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:05.659 to save, 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:06.820 therefore, 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:07.379 we can 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:08.039 and we should 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:08.840 trust Him. 00:14:10.120 --> 00:14:11.500 He's a powerful God. 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:13.779 He's also 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:15.000 the eternal God. 00:14:15.659 --> 00:14:16.320 See that there 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:16.940 towards the end 00:14:16.940 --> 00:14:17.700 of verse six? 00:14:17.700 --> 00:14:19.680 I am the first 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:21.180 and I 00:14:21.180 --> 00:14:22.000 am 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.120 the last. 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:25.940 This idea 00:14:25.940 --> 00:14:26.440 of the 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:27.780 timelessness 00:14:27.780 --> 00:14:28.400 of God, 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:29.220 the one who was there 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:30.100 before creation, 00:14:30.180 --> 00:14:30.620 the one who will 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:31.360 outlast 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:32.640 creation, 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:34.080 just as we have 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:34.820 about Jesus 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.980 in the book of Revelation, 00:14:36.140 --> 00:14:36.759 the Alpha 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.540 and the Omega. 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:41.620 And the God 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:42.600 who is eternal 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:43.700 is the God 00:14:43.700 --> 00:14:44.240 who sees 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.080 all history 00:14:45.080 --> 00:14:45.740 perfectly 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:47.040 in a single moment. 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.860 He is all-powerful 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:50.599 and He is all-wise, 00:14:51.099 --> 00:14:51.459 therefore, 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.439 He is able 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:54.299 with certainty 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:56.279 to bring about 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:57.000 His purposes 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:58.159 and His promises. 00:15:00.719 --> 00:15:01.759 God is powerful 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.240 and eternal. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:03.799 God is also 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:05.480 unique. 00:15:06.579 --> 00:15:07.759 End of verse six. 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:09.279 Apart from me, 00:15:09.839 --> 00:15:10.779 there is 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.419 no 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.379 God. 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:13.659 End of verse eight. 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.559 You are my witnesses. 00:15:14.839 --> 00:15:15.439 Is there any 00:15:15.439 --> 00:15:16.559 God besides me? 00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:16.959 No, 00:15:17.219 --> 00:15:18.479 there is no 00:15:18.479 --> 00:15:19.439 other rock. 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.879 I know 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:22.379 not one. 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:23.979 There are no 00:15:23.979 --> 00:15:24.899 rivals 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:26.359 to God's throne. 00:15:26.719 --> 00:15:27.659 He doesn't share 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.579 His glory 00:15:28.579 --> 00:15:29.899 or His rule 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.279 with anyone. 00:15:32.939 --> 00:15:33.659 Therefore, 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:36.139 because He is 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:36.739 supreme 00:15:36.739 --> 00:15:37.959 in majesty 00:15:37.959 --> 00:15:38.779 and glory 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.599 and authority, 00:15:39.979 --> 00:15:40.699 no one can 00:15:40.699 --> 00:15:41.599 challenge Him, 00:15:41.959 --> 00:15:42.699 no one can 00:15:42.699 --> 00:15:43.979 shake His plans, 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:45.100 no one can 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:45.820 halt His 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:46.519 purposes. 00:15:47.300 --> 00:15:48.240 This God 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:50.039 can't be 00:15:50.039 --> 00:15:50.620 surprised. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.240 And this is the 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:53.820 God who is 00:15:53.820 --> 00:15:54.500 good. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:55.700 This is the 00:15:55.700 --> 00:15:56.620 God who 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.399 makes covenant 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:58.180 promises. 00:15:58.720 --> 00:15:59.279 This is the 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:00.360 God who 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.139 saves. 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:02.820 And so, 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:03.340 He gives them 00:16:03.340 --> 00:16:04.039 some truths 00:16:04.039 --> 00:16:05.080 about God, 00:16:05.659 --> 00:16:06.539 about Himself, 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:08.699 but then He 00:16:08.699 --> 00:16:09.399 also wants to 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:10.379 draw attention 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.500 to His 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:11.980 uniqueness 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:12.679 compared to 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:13.019 the idols 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.539 in a different 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:13.879 way. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:14.899 So, 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:15.219 we need to 00:16:15.219 --> 00:16:15.559 think about 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:16.360 the test 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.459 that God 00:16:17.459 --> 00:16:18.419 sets. 00:16:19.879 --> 00:16:20.719 We are in 00:16:20.719 --> 00:16:21.839 exam season 00:16:21.839 --> 00:16:23.139 in schools 00:16:23.139 --> 00:16:24.059 and universities 00:16:24.059 --> 00:16:24.919 and that's 00:16:24.919 --> 00:16:26.199 always a 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:27.319 stressful time. 00:16:27.439 --> 00:16:27.839 Part of the 00:16:27.839 --> 00:16:28.279 stress, 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:28.719 of course, 00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:30.159 is not knowing 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:30.819 what's going to 00:16:30.819 --> 00:16:31.439 come up 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.439 in an exam 00:16:32.439 --> 00:16:32.799 paper. 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:33.359 That question, 00:16:33.479 --> 00:16:33.799 have I 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:34.559 focused on 00:16:34.559 --> 00:16:35.419 the right 00:16:35.419 --> 00:16:35.939 topics? 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.620 Imagine how 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:38.159 different your 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:38.979 study and exam 00:16:38.979 --> 00:16:39.659 experience would 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:40.339 be if you 00:16:40.339 --> 00:16:41.779 knew the 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:43.059 questions ahead 00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:43.639 of time. 00:16:45.099 --> 00:16:45.859 Look at the 00:16:45.859 --> 00:16:46.699 test that God 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.319 sets. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:48.059 Verse 7, 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:49.740 Who then is 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.139 like me? 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:50.639 Let him 00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.479 proclaim it. 00:16:51.939 --> 00:16:52.579 Let him 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:53.740 declare and 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:54.399 lay out 00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:55.359 before me 00:16:55.359 --> 00:16:56.359 what has 00:16:56.359 --> 00:16:57.159 happened since 00:16:57.159 --> 00:16:57.879 I established 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.439 my ancient 00:16:58.439 --> 00:16:59.659 people and 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.339 what is yet 00:17:00.339 --> 00:17:00.939 to come. 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:01.439 Yes, 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:02.599 let them 00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:03.659 foretell 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:05.019 what will 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.720 come. 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.480 So, 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:06.740 in this 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:07.440 test that 00:17:07.440 --> 00:17:08.200 God sets, 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:08.559 there is 00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:09.860 one topic. 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:12.000 Who can 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:12.940 declare the 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.380 future? 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.740 Who can 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:15.339 bring the 00:17:15.339 --> 00:17:16.059 future to 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:16.599 path? 00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:20.160 Taking 00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:21.059 this test, 00:17:21.660 --> 00:17:22.000 there is 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:22.279 the one 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:22.779 true and 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:23.539 living God 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:25.120 and there 00:17:25.120 --> 00:17:26.000 are the 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:26.460 idols. 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:27.480 So, 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:28.220 God says 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:28.579 to the 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:28.980 idols, 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.480 show me, 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:31.000 give me 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:32.019 evidence 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:32.980 that you 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:33.460 knew what 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:33.759 was going 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.200 to happen 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:34.599 since the 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:34.960 time I 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:36.039 called my 00:17:36.039 --> 00:17:37.180 people to 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:37.819 myself until 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:38.240 now, 00:17:38.859 --> 00:17:39.480 and show me 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:40.000 some evidence 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:40.420 you can 00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:41.480 foretell the 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:41.980 future. 00:17:44.059 --> 00:17:44.960 It's God's 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.440 way of saying 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:45.740 to us, 00:17:45.819 --> 00:17:46.099 of course, 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.279 I do that. 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.299 I've never 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:49.940 been surprised, 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:50.460 and I never 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.099 will be 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:51.660 surprised. 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.619 That's why he 00:17:55.619 --> 00:17:55.819 says, 00:17:55.879 --> 00:17:56.319 Is there any 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:57.079 God besides 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:57.460 me? 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:57.819 No, 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:58.799 there is 00:17:58.799 --> 00:17:59.259 no other 00:17:59.259 --> 00:17:59.839 rock I 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:00.179 know, 00:18:00.439 --> 00:18:01.740 not one. 00:18:02.879 --> 00:18:03.339 When it 00:18:03.339 --> 00:18:03.859 comes to 00:18:03.859 --> 00:18:04.859 knowing the 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:05.240 past, 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:05.779 the present, 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.079 and the 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:07.399 future perfectly, 00:18:08.419 --> 00:18:09.220 in this test 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:09.659 that God 00:18:09.659 --> 00:18:09.960 sets, 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:10.720 God gets 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.019 a hundred 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:11.419 percent, 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:12.980 and the 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:14.279 idols get 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:14.759 zero. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:16.799 They have 00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:18.119 no power, 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:18.679 therefore, 00:18:18.919 --> 00:18:19.639 they should 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:20.220 not be 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:20.759 trusted. 00:18:20.899 --> 00:18:21.879 But God 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:23.659 can always 00:18:23.659 --> 00:18:24.339 be trusted. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:26.240 in the 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:26.759 Old Testament, 00:18:26.919 --> 00:18:27.240 one of the 00:18:27.240 --> 00:18:27.899 tests of a 00:18:27.899 --> 00:18:29.519 prophet to 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:29.919 assess, 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:30.199 are they 00:18:30.199 --> 00:18:30.740 speaking for 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:31.159 God or 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:31.720 not, 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:33.720 do their 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.259 words come 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:34.619 true? 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:36.039 If they do, 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:36.439 they're speaking 00:18:36.439 --> 00:18:36.879 for God. 00:18:36.939 --> 00:18:37.279 If not, 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:37.759 they don't, 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.319 because God 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:38.980 can't lie, 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:39.699 God can't 00:18:39.699 --> 00:18:40.679 be surprised. 00:18:41.639 --> 00:18:42.319 The Old 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:42.659 Testament 00:18:42.659 --> 00:18:43.199 contains 00:18:43.199 --> 00:18:44.399 hundreds of 00:18:44.399 --> 00:18:44.939 predictions 00:18:44.939 --> 00:18:46.679 about future 00:18:46.679 --> 00:18:47.139 history, 00:18:47.199 --> 00:18:47.639 whether that's 00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:47.959 to do with 00:18:47.959 --> 00:18:48.819 individuals or 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:49.359 nations. 00:18:50.399 --> 00:18:51.000 Not one of 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.119 those has 00:18:52.119 --> 00:18:52.619 failed or 00:18:52.619 --> 00:18:53.399 will fail. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:54.839 So when he 00:18:54.839 --> 00:18:55.279 spoke to 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:55.779 Abraham, 00:18:56.419 --> 00:18:56.959 made great 00:18:56.959 --> 00:18:57.399 promises, 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:57.879 but said, 00:18:58.240 --> 00:18:59.579 before your 00:18:59.579 --> 00:19:01.459 descendants receive 00:19:01.459 --> 00:19:01.899 the land, 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.519 they'll be 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:03.699 imprisoned in 00:19:03.699 --> 00:19:04.299 Egypt for 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:04.740 hundreds of 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:04.939 years, 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.279 and then 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:05.500 they'll be 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:05.839 released. 00:19:05.919 --> 00:19:06.000 Well, 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.539 that happened. 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:08.159 When God 00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:08.679 speaks to 00:19:08.679 --> 00:19:09.599 Jeremiah and 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:10.220 says, 00:19:10.399 --> 00:19:10.639 here's the 00:19:10.639 --> 00:19:11.139 message for 00:19:11.139 --> 00:19:11.459 the people, 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:12.139 Babylon is 00:19:12.139 --> 00:19:12.359 going to 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:12.799 come and 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:13.500 defeat the 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:13.899 nation and 00:19:13.899 --> 00:19:14.199 make you 00:19:14.199 --> 00:19:14.720 slaves for 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.459 70 years, 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:16.079 future 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:16.480 prediction, 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.220 that happened. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.659 When Isaiah 00:19:19.659 --> 00:19:20.179 in chapter 00:19:20.179 --> 00:19:21.399 45 records 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.159 this message 00:19:22.159 --> 00:19:22.599 from God 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.039 that King 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:23.699 Cyrus will 00:19:23.699 --> 00:19:24.159 be raised 00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:25.860 up to 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:26.360 let the 00:19:26.360 --> 00:19:27.140 people go, 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.440 to give 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.680 freedom to 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.160 the exiles, 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.080 that happened. 00:19:33.380 --> 00:19:34.019 All the 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.500 Old Testament 00:19:34.500 --> 00:19:35.160 predictions that 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:35.700 we have about 00:19:35.700 --> 00:19:36.100 Jesus, 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:36.779 Messiah, 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.259 the detailed 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:38.980 prophecies about 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:39.680 his birthplace, 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.220 about his life 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.640 and ministry, 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:41.240 about his death 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:41.900 and resurrection, 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:44.060 all come true. 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:44.960 Our God 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:45.820 can't be 00:19:45.820 --> 00:19:46.640 surprised, 00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:47.740 and his 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:48.660 word and 00:19:48.660 --> 00:19:49.340 his character 00:19:49.340 --> 00:19:50.860 therefore can 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:52.740 be perfectly 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:53.339 trusted. 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:57.179 And God 00:19:57.179 --> 00:19:58.119 sends Isaiah 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:58.759 to the people 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.539 in his day 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:01.539 to show 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.000 them that, 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.159 to call 00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:03.740 them back 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:04.419 to himself. 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:06.159 And God 00:20:06.159 --> 00:20:06.559 would show 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.059 us that, 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:07.459 to show 00:20:07.459 --> 00:20:08.059 us his 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:08.919 great character, 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:10.059 his trustworthy 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:10.679 character, 00:20:10.679 --> 00:20:11.399 that he cannot 00:20:11.399 --> 00:20:12.119 be surprised, 00:20:12.199 --> 00:20:12.559 that he is 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:13.179 all-glorious, 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.879 that we too 00:20:13.879 --> 00:20:15.339 would trust 00:20:15.339 --> 00:20:15.619 him. 00:20:15.619 --> 00:20:18.519 Let's 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.159 think together 00:20:19.159 --> 00:20:20.019 about three 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:22.279 ways this 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:22.699 truth that 00:20:22.699 --> 00:20:23.239 God can't 00:20:23.239 --> 00:20:23.819 be surprised 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:24.339 is good 00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:24.719 news. 00:20:26.399 --> 00:20:26.899 We're going 00:20:26.899 --> 00:20:27.099 to think, 00:20:27.339 --> 00:20:27.759 first of all, 00:20:28.179 --> 00:20:28.500 when it 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:28.959 comes to 00:20:28.959 --> 00:20:29.659 salvation. 00:20:31.479 --> 00:20:32.079 A couple 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:33.419 of fascinating 00:20:33.419 --> 00:20:33.759 texts, 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.199 one from the 00:20:34.199 --> 00:20:34.639 Old Testament, 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:35.399 one from 00:20:35.399 --> 00:20:36.059 the New. 00:20:36.699 --> 00:20:37.119 Think about 00:20:37.119 --> 00:20:37.619 the story 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:38.659 of Joseph. 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:40.519 Do we know 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:40.799 about the 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.139 story of 00:20:41.139 --> 00:20:41.439 Joseph? 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:41.819 Genesis 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.739 37 to 00:20:42.739 --> 00:20:43.259 50 give 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:43.599 us the 00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:44.939 story of 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:46.120 this brother 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:46.580 who was 00:20:46.580 --> 00:20:47.640 sold into 00:20:47.640 --> 00:20:49.180 slavery by 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:49.680 his jealous 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.279 brothers, 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:52.039 lands up in 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:52.240 Egypt, 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:52.779 becomes a 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:54.320 prisoner in 00:20:54.320 --> 00:20:55.200 Egypt. 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.000 But then, 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.440 in the fullness 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.000 of God's 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:58.200 time, 00:20:58.279 --> 00:20:59.000 he is raised 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.340 to be 00:20:59.340 --> 00:21:00.059 prime minister 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:00.500 of that 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.039 country, 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:02.500 rescuing 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.059 the nation, 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:03.539 rescuing 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.400 many nations, 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.120 rescuing his 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:05.980 family from 00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:06.480 famine, 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:08.240 so that 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:08.820 he can, 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:09.140 so that 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:10.840 God is 00:21:10.840 --> 00:21:11.200 shown to 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:11.680 be faithful 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:11.960 in his 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.420 promises. 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:14.000 But anyway, 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:15.339 once Joseph's 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:16.519 father dies, 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:17.700 Joseph's 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:18.099 remaining 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:18.720 brothers are 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.299 nervous. 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.079 Is Joseph 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:20.440 going to 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:20.900 turn on 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:21.380 us now 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:22.160 that our 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:22.700 dad isn't 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.140 around? 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:24.380 And we 00:21:24.380 --> 00:21:24.619 have that 00:21:24.619 --> 00:21:24.920 wonderful 00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:25.680 statement in 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:26.559 Genesis 50, 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.599 as Joseph 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:28.720 reflects on 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.339 the actions 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:29.680 of his 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:30.680 brothers all 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:31.140 those years 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:32.200 ago when 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:32.579 they sold 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:32.920 him into 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.420 slavery. 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:34.900 He said 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:35.119 to them, 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:35.799 you intended 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:36.220 it for 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:36.660 evil, 00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:38.779 but God 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:39.339 intended it 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:39.920 for good, 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.460 for the 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:41.960 saving of 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:42.740 many lives. 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:44.319 So he 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:44.579 says to 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:44.700 the 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:44.940 brothers, 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.019 you did 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:46.319 what you 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:46.680 wanted, 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:46.980 you were 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.720 free agents, 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:48.259 and you 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:48.720 did what 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:49.480 was evil, 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:50.759 but what 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:51.000 does he 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.339 say about 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:51.819 God? 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:52.799 God 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.400 intended it 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:53.920 for good. 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:55.440 God 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:56.099 stood behind 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:56.700 and above 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:57.480 their actions. 00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.140 This God 00:21:59.140 --> 00:21:59.640 who can't 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.220 be surprised 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:00.619 was able 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:01.579 to turn 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.200 that evil 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.079 into good. 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.420 That God 00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:05.759 in his 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.140 wisdom 00:22:06.140 --> 00:22:06.579 brought 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:07.599 salvation 00:22:07.599 --> 00:22:08.519 and kept 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.700 his promise 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.500 to Abraham's 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:11.000 family. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.119 salvation. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:13.519 The fact 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:13.940 that God 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.380 can't be 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:14.779 surprised 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.200 is good 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:15.539 news when 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:15.880 it comes 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.680 to salvation. 00:22:17.559 --> 00:22:18.140 When we 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:18.460 think in 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:18.759 the New 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.140 Testament, 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:19.519 we think 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:20.099 about Jesus. 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:22.059 We began 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:22.779 our service 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.380 with Acts 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.319 chapter 2. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.380 What did 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:26.720 we hear 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:27.180 about there 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:27.539 again? 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:27.940 We heard 00:22:27.940 --> 00:22:28.460 about wicked 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.099 men doing 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:29.519 what they 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:31.359 pleased in 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:31.980 putting Jesus 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.640 to death. 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:33.980 But we 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:34.519 also heard 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:35.299 about God, 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:37.160 that God 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:38.660 had predetermined 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.840 and planned 00:22:39.840 --> 00:22:41.279 the death 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:41.640 of his 00:22:41.640 --> 00:22:42.980 son as 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:43.320 God's 00:22:43.320 --> 00:22:43.700 way to 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:43.940 save 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.300 sinners. 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:46.100 So again, 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:46.620 we have 00:22:46.620 --> 00:22:47.160 ultimate 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:48.960 evil turned 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:49.700 to ultimate 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.980 good by 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:51.540 this God 00:22:51.540 --> 00:22:52.060 of all 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:52.580 knowledge who 00:22:52.580 --> 00:22:53.019 can't be 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:54.320 surprised to 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:55.200 bring salvation 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.420 for many 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:56.840 lives. 00:22:58.120 --> 00:22:58.920 So we 00:22:58.920 --> 00:22:59.440 can trust 00:22:59.440 --> 00:22:59.860 God when 00:22:59.860 --> 00:23:00.340 it comes 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:01.779 to God's 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.680 saving plan 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.480 to recognize 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.259 that truly 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.060 it is 00:23:05.060 --> 00:23:06.279 unstoppable. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:08.440 There is 00:23:08.440 --> 00:23:09.859 no wickedness, 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.180 there is 00:23:10.180 --> 00:23:11.200 no force 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:11.720 that will 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:13.180 derail 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:14.559 the saving 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.319 purposes 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:17.160 of God. 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:18.160 Joseph's 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:18.399 story, 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:18.759 not in 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:19.059 Jesus' 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.440 story, 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:19.899 not in 00:23:19.899 --> 00:23:20.420 the story 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:22.240 of Jesus 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:22.940 building his 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:23.440 church in 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:23.879 the world. 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:26.139 We were 00:23:26.139 --> 00:23:27.000 hearing recently, 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.420 weren't we, 00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:28.660 about Iran. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.180 And Iran 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:30.879 before the 00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:31.279 Islamic 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.019 revolution of 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.399 the late 00:23:32.399 --> 00:23:33.059 70s 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.720 probably only 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:35.059 had hundreds 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.799 of believers. 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:37.700 But since 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:38.480 that revolution 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:38.960 and since 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.839 persecution, 00:23:41.819 --> 00:23:42.440 those believers 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.119 now number in 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:43.500 the hundreds 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.139 of thousands 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:46.019 because God's 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:46.639 saving plan 00:23:46.639 --> 00:23:47.440 is unstoppable. 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:49.599 And that's 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:50.279 also good 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:52.000 news when 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:52.480 it comes 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.700 to our 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:54.500 trust for 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.619 God's work 00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:56.139 in our 00:23:56.139 --> 00:23:56.579 lives. 00:23:58.059 --> 00:23:58.539 Think about 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.440 Paul's message 00:23:59.440 --> 00:23:59.859 to the 00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:00.619 Philippians 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:02.460 where he 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:02.819 could write 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:03.160 in chapter 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:03.579 1 and 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:04.099 verse 6 00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:04.359 of his 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:04.599 letter, 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.440 being confident 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:05.940 of this, 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.259 that he 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:06.900 who began 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:07.380 a good 00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:07.880 work in 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:09.200 you will 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:10.240 carry it 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.600 on to 00:24:10.600 --> 00:24:11.140 completion. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:14.680 God has 00:24:14.680 --> 00:24:16.019 begun the 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.500 work of 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:18.120 salvation by 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:18.860 calling us 00:24:18.860 --> 00:24:19.299 to put our 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:20.059 trust in 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.400 the Lord 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:20.900 Jesus. 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.240 And Paul 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:23.799 reminds us 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.080 that our 00:24:24.080 --> 00:24:24.600 hope for 00:24:24.600 --> 00:24:25.400 eternal 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:26.240 salvation 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:28.240 is sure 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.000 and steadfast 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.360 because it 00:24:29.360 --> 00:24:29.980 rests with 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:30.900 our all-powerful, 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:32.400 all-wise 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:33.320 God. 00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:35.080 So, 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:35.519 those who 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.180 are trusting 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.480 in the 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.060 Lord Jesus 00:24:37.060 --> 00:24:37.500 can have 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.040 confidence 00:24:38.040 --> 00:24:39.040 that nothing 00:24:39.040 --> 00:24:40.500 can separate 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.019 us from the 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:41.519 love of God 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.019 that is in 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:42.720 Christ Jesus. 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:44.980 God can't 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.700 be surprised. 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:46.420 There are 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.380 no forces 00:24:47.380 --> 00:24:49.019 that can 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:50.120 derail his 00:24:50.120 --> 00:24:51.259 saving plan 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.759 for his 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.420 people. 00:24:54.300 --> 00:24:54.759 That's good 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:55.060 news. 00:24:57.780 --> 00:24:58.680 That God 00:24:58.680 --> 00:24:59.060 can't be 00:24:59.060 --> 00:24:59.640 surprised is 00:24:59.640 --> 00:25:00.280 also good 00:25:00.280 --> 00:25:01.080 news when 00:25:01.080 --> 00:25:01.520 it comes 00:25:01.520 --> 00:25:03.180 to security. 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:04.600 Again, 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:05.460 Israel is 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.060 being encouraged 00:25:06.060 --> 00:25:06.460 to put 00:25:06.460 --> 00:25:07.220 their trust 00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:08.060 in God. 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:10.360 Israel, 00:25:11.060 --> 00:25:11.720 like us, 00:25:11.800 --> 00:25:12.380 lived in 00:25:12.380 --> 00:25:12.820 changing 00:25:12.820 --> 00:25:13.360 times. 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:15.120 There were 00:25:15.120 --> 00:25:15.620 military 00:25:15.620 --> 00:25:16.460 forces 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:17.400 always 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:18.200 maneuvering, 00:25:18.560 --> 00:25:19.200 empires 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:20.240 always 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.440 looking to 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:21.960 conquer. 00:25:23.020 --> 00:25:23.420 They were 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:24.060 a farming 00:25:24.060 --> 00:25:24.800 society, 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.220 so there 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:26.180 was seasonal 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:27.300 changes and 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:28.259 fluctuations. 00:25:29.640 --> 00:25:30.080 And one 00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:30.259 of the 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:30.520 things you 00:25:30.520 --> 00:25:31.300 discover in 00:25:31.300 --> 00:25:32.500 Israel's 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.800 history is 00:25:33.800 --> 00:25:34.980 that temptation 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:37.080 to turn to 00:25:37.080 --> 00:25:38.380 idols as 00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:39.340 an insurance 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:39.980 policy. 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:42.360 So they 00:25:42.360 --> 00:25:42.960 would continue 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:44.120 to go to 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:45.460 the temple 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:45.759 and they 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:46.259 would continue 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.180 to offer 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:48.220 sacrifices to 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.580 God, but 00:25:48.580 --> 00:25:48.860 they would 00:25:48.860 --> 00:25:50.960 also offer 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.900 sacrifices to 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.580 the idols in 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:53.220 the hope that 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:54.240 perhaps they 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:54.720 would provide 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.460 peace or they 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:56.100 would provide 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:57.600 good crop. 00:25:59.640 --> 00:26:01.820 those changes 00:26:01.820 --> 00:26:02.940 and insecurity 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:04.800 led them 00:26:04.800 --> 00:26:05.480 often away 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:06.500 from God. 00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:09.980 Our world 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:10.700 looks different, 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:11.560 of course, 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:12.880 but we 00:26:12.880 --> 00:26:13.540 recognize, too, 00:26:13.620 --> 00:26:14.080 that threats 00:26:14.080 --> 00:26:14.840 and uncertainty 00:26:14.840 --> 00:26:15.520 are everywhere. 00:26:17.300 --> 00:26:18.120 Whether people's 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:18.600 fears are 00:26:18.600 --> 00:26:19.280 related to 00:26:19.280 --> 00:26:19.840 climate, 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:21.900 whether it's 00:26:21.900 --> 00:26:22.320 the growing 00:26:22.320 --> 00:26:22.960 health care 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:23.480 crisis, 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.340 whether it's 00:26:24.340 --> 00:26:24.820 fears about 00:26:24.820 --> 00:26:25.440 an economy 00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:25.780 and our 00:26:25.780 --> 00:26:26.360 jobs, 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:28.519 it's easy 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:28.879 to be 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:29.379 fearful, 00:26:30.219 --> 00:26:30.859 it's easy 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:31.419 to lose 00:26:31.419 --> 00:26:31.939 hope. 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:33.599 And the 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:34.179 temptation 00:26:34.179 --> 00:26:35.179 that we 00:26:35.179 --> 00:26:35.779 face as 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.159 Christians 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:38.319 today may 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:38.839 be similar 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:39.579 to an 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.099 Old Testament 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.740 believer to 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.479 look to find 00:26:41.479 --> 00:26:42.919 our insurance 00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:45.319 policy in 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:45.979 something beyond 00:26:45.979 --> 00:26:46.779 God also. 00:26:50.419 --> 00:26:51.359 Find rest 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.059 my soul in 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:53.199 God alone 00:26:53.199 --> 00:26:54.439 was the 00:26:54.439 --> 00:26:54.899 message of 00:26:54.899 --> 00:26:55.740 Psalm 62. 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:57.859 But can't 00:26:57.859 --> 00:26:58.219 we be 00:26:58.219 --> 00:26:59.719 tempted 00:26:59.719 --> 00:27:01.179 to say, 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:01.539 well, I 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.179 feel like 00:27:02.179 --> 00:27:02.839 if I can 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:03.419 just find a 00:27:03.419 --> 00:27:04.079 good secure 00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:04.879 job, 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:06.559 then there's 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:06.799 where I'll 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.119 find the 00:27:07.119 --> 00:27:07.699 security I 00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:07.819 need. 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.319 Or if I've 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:09.659 got a 00:27:09.659 --> 00:27:10.519 healthy bank 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:10.919 account, 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:11.399 then I can 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:12.179 deal with 00:27:12.179 --> 00:27:12.500 some of the 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.079 fluctuations 00:27:13.079 --> 00:27:13.479 that are 00:27:13.479 --> 00:27:13.899 happening and 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:14.319 I can feel 00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.619 a sense of 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:15.959 security. 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:16.539 Or maybe if 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.079 I have a 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:17.919 strong family 00:27:17.919 --> 00:27:18.459 or a network 00:27:18.459 --> 00:27:19.039 around me, 00:27:19.139 --> 00:27:20.079 then there's 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.639 where I'll 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:21.259 look to for 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.079 my security 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:25.459 instead of 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.400 finding rest 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:26.900 my soul 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:27.299 in God 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:27.779 alone. 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.500 We 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:31.360 recognize 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:33.000 that each 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.319 of those 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:33.900 are limited. 00:27:35.620 --> 00:27:35.900 Every 00:27:35.900 --> 00:27:36.740 created thing 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:37.200 is subject 00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:37.840 to change 00:27:37.840 --> 00:27:38.559 and can 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:39.400 be lost. 00:27:40.340 --> 00:27:40.759 But our 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.220 God, 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:43.900 verse 8, 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:44.640 there is 00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:45.680 no other 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:46.460 rock. 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:51.519 perfect sense 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.620 all those 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:53.039 hundreds of 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:53.440 years ago 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:53.840 when Edinburgh 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:54.440 Castle was 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.019 being built 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.340 that they 00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:56.059 would situate 00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:56.319 it on 00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:56.940 Castle Rock. 00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:57.299 There's a 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.079 strong place, 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:58.480 there's a 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.220 stable place, 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.559 there's a 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.819 place for 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:02.000 security. 00:28:03.840 --> 00:28:04.740 It makes 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.559 sense for 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:07.660 us to 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.160 look to 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:09.420 our greatest 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:11.640 source of 00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:12.200 security, 00:28:12.860 --> 00:28:14.000 to trust 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.960 and to rest 00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:15.840 in our 00:28:15.840 --> 00:28:16.340 God, 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:17.160 the rock, 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.640 the one 00:28:18.640 --> 00:28:19.240 who can't 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:20.220 be surprised, 00:28:21.319 --> 00:28:22.319 the one 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:23.360 who knows 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:24.960 how the 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:25.860 story ends 00:28:25.860 --> 00:28:27.400 and all 00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:28.140 the uncertainty 00:28:28.140 --> 00:28:28.660 of our 00:28:28.660 --> 00:28:29.180 futures. 00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:30.299 There is 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:30.799 one who 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.360 knows. 00:28:31.860 --> 00:28:32.180 That's 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:32.440 God 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:33.039 himself. 00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:34.680 He knows 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:35.039 how the 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:35.600 story of 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.340 salvation is 00:28:36.340 --> 00:28:36.579 going to 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:36.860 end, 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:38.299 that there 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:38.620 is a 00:28:38.620 --> 00:28:39.079 certainty 00:28:39.079 --> 00:28:39.600 that Jesus 00:28:39.600 --> 00:28:40.100 is going 00:28:40.100 --> 00:28:40.819 to return 00:28:40.819 --> 00:28:41.700 as king 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.279 and judge, 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.600 that Jesus 00:28:43.600 --> 00:28:44.860 will establish 00:28:44.859 --> 00:28:45.699 the new 00:28:45.699 --> 00:28:46.379 heavens and 00:28:46.379 --> 00:28:46.699 the new 00:28:46.699 --> 00:28:46.959 earth, 00:28:47.719 --> 00:28:50.079 that Jesus 00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:51.079 will dwell 00:28:51.079 --> 00:28:51.539 with his 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.799 people forever. 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.919 That's where 00:28:54.919 --> 00:28:55.659 our certainty 00:28:55.659 --> 00:28:56.299 and security 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:56.899 is to be 00:28:56.899 --> 00:28:57.240 found. 00:28:59.000 --> 00:28:59.679 That's why 00:28:59.679 --> 00:29:00.000 we must 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.599 never forget 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:01.199 the future 00:29:01.199 --> 00:29:01.939 promises of 00:29:01.939 --> 00:29:02.500 the gospel, 00:29:03.419 --> 00:29:03.979 that we 00:29:03.979 --> 00:29:04.639 look back 00:29:04.639 --> 00:29:05.039 with such 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:05.899 gratitude to 00:29:05.899 --> 00:29:06.319 what Jesus 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:06.919 did on the 00:29:06.919 --> 00:29:07.259 cross. 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:08.479 But we 00:29:08.479 --> 00:29:09.039 also need 00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:09.319 to look 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:09.679 forward, 00:29:09.819 --> 00:29:10.279 always with 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:10.679 hope, 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:11.799 to what God 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.399 will do in 00:29:12.399 --> 00:29:12.919 Jesus when 00:29:12.919 --> 00:29:13.379 he comes 00:29:13.379 --> 00:29:14.139 back again, 00:29:14.140 --> 00:29:14.600 because those 00:29:14.600 --> 00:29:16.160 promises are 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:16.900 rock solid. 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:18.900 Because our 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.480 God can't 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.320 be surprised, 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:21.840 his purposes 00:29:21.840 --> 00:29:22.660 cannot be 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.259 derailed. 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:26.660 One last 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.400 thing about 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.740 how this 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:29.100 truth that 00:29:29.100 --> 00:29:29.560 God can't 00:29:29.560 --> 00:29:30.020 be surprised 00:29:30.020 --> 00:29:30.500 is good 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:30.960 news. 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.720 It's good 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.020 news when 00:29:33.020 --> 00:29:33.440 it comes 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:34.000 to our 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:34.960 service of 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.180 him. 00:29:36.340 --> 00:29:36.940 In verse 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.380 8, 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.440 we find 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:39.740 this, 00:29:39.840 --> 00:29:40.140 do not 00:29:40.140 --> 00:29:40.680 tremble, 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:41.680 do not 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:42.400 be afraid, 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:43.420 did I 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:43.640 not 00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:44.100 proclaim 00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:44.380 this 00:29:44.380 --> 00:29:44.540 and 00:29:44.540 --> 00:29:45.040 foretell 00:29:45.040 --> 00:29:45.460 it long 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:45.880 ago, 00:29:46.580 --> 00:29:47.400 you are 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:47.700 my 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.340 witnesses. 00:29:49.560 --> 00:29:49.920 Is there 00:29:49.920 --> 00:29:50.360 any God 00:29:50.360 --> 00:29:51.120 besides me? 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:51.400 No, 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.019 there is 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:52.720 no other 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.259 rock. 00:29:55.220 --> 00:29:55.840 God 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:56.560 calls his 00:29:56.560 --> 00:29:57.140 people to 00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:57.600 be his 00:29:57.600 --> 00:29:58.200 witnesses, 00:29:59.320 --> 00:30:00.100 to bear 00:30:00.100 --> 00:30:01.019 witness to 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:01.800 the reality 00:30:01.800 --> 00:30:02.360 that he 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:03.640 is that 00:30:03.640 --> 00:30:04.580 unchanging 00:30:04.580 --> 00:30:05.580 rock in 00:30:05.580 --> 00:30:06.060 changing 00:30:06.060 --> 00:30:06.580 time, 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:07.740 that he 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.019 is the 00:30:08.019 --> 00:30:08.320 one who 00:30:08.320 --> 00:30:08.840 has made 00:30:08.840 --> 00:30:10.360 rock-solid 00:30:10.359 --> 00:30:11.199 gospel 00:30:11.199 --> 00:30:12.399 promises to 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:13.659 us in 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.059 the Lord 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:14.459 Jesus. 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:16.979 And so, 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:17.439 as Christians 00:30:17.439 --> 00:30:17.959 and as a 00:30:17.959 --> 00:30:18.479 church, 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.059 we are 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:19.859 invited to 00:30:19.859 --> 00:30:20.740 live and 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:21.839 to speak 00:30:21.839 --> 00:30:24.019 to show 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:24.359 that there 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:24.699 is a 00:30:24.699 --> 00:30:25.119 place of 00:30:25.119 --> 00:30:25.639 security, 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:26.839 that there 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.939 is living 00:30:27.939 --> 00:30:28.579 hope, 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.319 even in 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:31.059 uncertain 00:30:31.059 --> 00:30:31.719 times. 00:30:34.459 --> 00:30:35.279 And to 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:35.799 recognize, 00:30:35.979 --> 00:30:36.519 as we 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:37.099 seek to 00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:37.459 live as 00:30:37.459 --> 00:30:37.919 witnesses, 00:30:38.259 --> 00:30:38.519 as we 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.079 go into 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:39.559 our 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:40.379 Monday 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:40.919 morning, 00:30:42.619 --> 00:30:43.439 remember 00:30:43.439 --> 00:30:44.960 that God 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.559 will not 00:30:45.559 --> 00:30:46.500 be surprised 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:48.259 by any 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:49.039 situation we 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:49.740 find ourselves 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.079 in. 00:30:50.859 --> 00:30:51.559 God will 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:52.179 not be 00:30:52.179 --> 00:30:52.919 surprised 00:30:52.919 --> 00:30:54.179 by any 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:54.919 conversation 00:30:54.919 --> 00:30:55.500 we find 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:55.919 ourselves 00:30:55.919 --> 00:30:56.299 having, 00:30:56.919 --> 00:30:58.179 even if 00:30:58.179 --> 00:30:58.720 we are, 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.419 and often 00:30:59.419 --> 00:31:00.019 we are. 00:31:02.359 --> 00:31:03.299 And in 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:04.299 those moments, 00:31:04.939 --> 00:31:06.179 we can 00:31:06.179 --> 00:31:06.919 trust his 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:07.519 promises, 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:09.420 because we 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:09.859 know he 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:10.160 doesn't 00:31:10.160 --> 00:31:10.740 change, 00:31:11.139 --> 00:31:11.460 and we 00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:11.839 know he 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.200 can't be 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:12.680 surprised, 00:31:12.680 --> 00:31:13.619 so we 00:31:13.619 --> 00:31:14.039 can trust 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:14.599 his promise 00:31:14.599 --> 00:31:15.039 to be 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.839 with us, 00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:17.400 trust his 00:31:17.400 --> 00:31:18.059 promise to 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:19.180 help us, 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:20.779 trust his 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.400 promise to 00:31:21.400 --> 00:31:22.440 give us 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.039 the words 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:23.859 to speak 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:25.099 through the 00:31:25.099 --> 00:31:25.680 Holy Spirit 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:26.619 just when we 00:31:26.619 --> 00:31:27.519 need them. 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:29.879 So if we 00:31:29.879 --> 00:31:30.460 find ourselves 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:31.259 surprised by 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:31.940 opportunities 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.639 this week, 00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:34.620 we're 00:31:34.620 --> 00:31:35.160 invited to 00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:35.600 pray with 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:36.980 trust to 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.320 the God 00:31:37.320 --> 00:31:37.800 who saw 00:31:37.800 --> 00:31:38.900 that, to 00:31:38.900 --> 00:31:39.460 the God 00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:40.940 who planned 00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:42.560 that, because 00:31:42.560 --> 00:31:42.960 our God 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:43.640 can't be 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:44.280 surprised. 00:31:45.280 --> 00:31:46.020 He is the 00:31:46.020 --> 00:31:46.740 only rock, 00:31:47.620 --> 00:31:48.280 he is the 00:31:48.280 --> 00:31:49.920 king, he 00:31:49.920 --> 00:31:50.259 is the 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:50.680 redeemer. 00:31:51.780 --> 00:31:52.520 Let's pray 00:31:52.520 --> 00:31:52.960 to our God 00:31:52.960 --> 00:31:53.240 tonight. 00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:56.940 Lord, our 00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:57.579 God, we 00:31:57.579 --> 00:31:58.120 thank you 00:31:58.120 --> 00:31:59.180 for the 00:31:59.180 --> 00:31:59.740 truths that 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:00.099 you give 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:00.740 us in 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.380 your word 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:02.400 that are 00:32:02.400 --> 00:32:03.220 intended to 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:04.039 give us 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:05.779 confidence in 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.680 you and in 00:32:06.680 --> 00:32:07.400 your character 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:08.279 and in your 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:09.019 word of 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:09.500 promise. 00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:11.539 We thank 00:32:11.539 --> 00:32:12.640 you that 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:13.160 you give 00:32:13.160 --> 00:32:13.599 us these 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.859 images of 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:16.240 strength and 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:17.079 of life 00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:19.079 to show 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:19.519 to us 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.620 that security 00:32:20.620 --> 00:32:22.000 and salvation 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.500 come from 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.140 you and 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:24.680 from you 00:32:24.680 --> 00:32:25.180 alone. 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:27.000 Again, we 00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:28.119 confess our 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:29.319 temptation and 00:32:29.319 --> 00:32:31.259 tendency to 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:31.960 look to 00:32:31.960 --> 00:32:33.200 other things 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:33.980 apart from 00:32:33.980 --> 00:32:35.240 you to 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:36.039 find our 00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:36.819 source of 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:37.900 security and 00:32:37.900 --> 00:32:38.339 hope. 00:32:39.380 --> 00:32:39.859 May you 00:32:39.859 --> 00:32:40.839 cause us 00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:42.000 to find 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:43.079 rest in 00:32:43.079 --> 00:32:44.359 God alone. 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:46.460 May we 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:47.140 increasingly 00:32:47.140 --> 00:32:48.420 understand 00:32:48.420 --> 00:32:50.420 the hope 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:51.160 that we 00:32:51.160 --> 00:32:51.839 have 00:32:51.839 --> 00:32:53.159 from trusting 00:32:53.159 --> 00:32:53.500 in a 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:54.099 God who 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:55.000 sees and 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:55.959 knows all 00:32:55.959 --> 00:32:56.539 things, 00:32:58.159 --> 00:32:58.619 that you 00:32:58.619 --> 00:32:59.139 are able 00:32:59.139 --> 00:32:59.919 to guide 00:32:59.919 --> 00:33:00.939 us and 00:33:00.939 --> 00:33:01.519 to keep 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:02.619 us and 00:33:02.619 --> 00:33:03.220 to help 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:03.579 us, 00:33:04.879 --> 00:33:05.399 that all 00:33:05.399 --> 00:33:05.759 of your 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:07.399 promises are 00:33:07.399 --> 00:33:08.119 yes and 00:33:08.119 --> 00:33:09.039 amen in 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.419 Jesus, 00:33:10.459 --> 00:33:10.839 that not 00:33:10.839 --> 00:33:11.839 one of the 00:33:11.839 --> 00:33:12.279 precious 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:13.159 promises we 00:33:13.159 --> 00:33:13.659 find in 00:33:13.659 --> 00:33:14.139 your word 00:33:14.139 --> 00:33:14.740 will ever 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.220 fail. 00:33:16.099 --> 00:33:16.720 So, Lord, 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:17.220 as we go 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:18.039 into this 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:18.720 new week, 00:33:19.379 --> 00:33:19.899 we thank 00:33:19.899 --> 00:33:20.240 you that 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.679 while we 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:21.160 don't know 00:33:21.160 --> 00:33:21.420 what's 00:33:21.420 --> 00:33:21.660 going to 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.000 happen, 00:33:22.060 --> 00:33:22.420 although we 00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:23.180 make plans, 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.160 you know 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:25.660 exactly what 00:33:25.660 --> 00:33:26.380 will happen. 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:27.720 Help us to 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:28.480 trust in 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:29.600 you, help 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:29.900 us to 00:33:29.900 --> 00:33:30.539 call on 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:31.900 you, help 00:33:31.900 --> 00:33:32.220 us to 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:33.000 worship you, 00:33:33.400 --> 00:33:34.100 we pray. 00:33:34.620 --> 00:33:35.279 In Jesus' 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.560 name, amen. 00:33:36.559 --> 00:33:40.220 now let's 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:42.220 close singing 00:33:42.220 --> 00:33:42.839 the hymn 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:43.779 Christ the 00:33:43.779 --> 00:33:45.019 Sure and 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:46.259 Steady Anchor 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:48.960 to remind 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:49.899 us of the 00:33:49.899 --> 00:33:50.879 basis of 00:33:50.879 --> 00:33:51.980 our confident 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.460 trust and 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.099 let's stand 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:54.599 as we sing 00:33:54.599 --> 00:33:55.019 together. 00:33:55.019 --> 00:34:15.239 together.