WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.120 Well, good morning, church. It's good to see you all this morning. Would you turn with me to Isaiah chapter 9? 00:00:07.839 --> 00:00:18.100 ! That's page 536 in the Pew Bible. Today we come to the end of our four-part Advent series that we've called Glory to the Newborn King. 00:00:19.100 --> 00:00:26.420 Each week we've looked at a different Old Testament text that shows us something about who Jesus the Messiah is. 00:00:26.420 --> 00:00:34.880 And each week we've seen a different aspect of His glory, the glory that the Old Testament foresaw and that Jesus fulfills. 00:00:35.900 --> 00:00:44.480 We've seen that Jesus is the humble King from Micah 5, and we've seen that He's the compassionate shepherd King from Jeremiah 23. 00:00:45.780 --> 00:00:49.960 Last week we saw that He is the victorious King from Numbers 24. 00:00:49.960 --> 00:00:59.140 And last, today, we come to a familiar Advent text, Isaiah chapter 9, verses 2 through 7. 00:01:00.079 --> 00:01:08.799 And with our time together, I want to focus on the last verse, verse 7, where we see that Jesus is the eternal King. 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:18.359 It's here that we see that the reign of this humble, compassionate, victorious King will be a reign that lasts forever. 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:20.500 He is the eternal King. 00:01:21.140 --> 00:01:27.120 So let me pray, and then I'll read Isaiah 9, 2 through 7, and then we'll study this text together. Let's pray. 00:01:27.120 --> 00:01:42.560 Father, Son, Holy Spirit, three in one, God above all, you alone inhabit eternity, and you fill every moment of our creaturely time with your presence and power. 00:01:42.560 --> 00:02:02.320 Father, we ask that as we listen to your word today, you would reveal yourself to us, granting us faith that we might hear, believe, trust, and obey, and that we might honor and glorify you as you alone deserve. 00:02:03.400 --> 00:02:07.760 We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord, the Son of the living God. Amen. 00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:11.920 All right, Isaiah chapter 9, starting with verse 2. 00:02:12.980 --> 00:02:16.860 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 00:02:17.800 --> 00:02:21.819 Those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shown. 00:02:23.240 --> 00:02:25.040 You have multiplied the nation. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:27.259 You have increased its joy. 00:02:27.980 --> 00:02:33.740 They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 00:02:33.740 --> 00:02:42.879 For the yoke of his burden and the staff of his oppressor, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:53.020 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 00:02:53.020 --> 00:03:10.100 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:15.180 Of the increase of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. 00:03:15.919 --> 00:03:25.960 On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness, from this time forth and forevermore. 00:03:27.039 --> 00:03:32.759 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:03:32.759 --> 00:03:42.359 So, it's December 21st, the shortest day of the year. 00:03:43.879 --> 00:03:48.000 Apparently, the sun is going to set this afternoon at 426 p.m. 00:03:49.479 --> 00:03:49.840 426! 00:03:51.319 --> 00:03:58.759 Why do we live in New England when there are other places of the world where the sun does not set at 426 p.m.? 00:03:58.759 --> 00:04:09.859 But tomorrow, the days will begin to lengthen, and in just a few short days, it will be Christmas morning when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:10.579 --> 00:04:12.819 It's exciting to look forward to something. 00:04:13.679 --> 00:04:19.259 Many of us are looking forward to Christmas, to the gifts, to the time with family, to the vacation from school and work. 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:20.339 It's a great time of year. 00:04:20.339 --> 00:04:27.739 But oftentimes, these celebrations can feel short-lived, can't they? 00:04:28.979 --> 00:04:36.219 The excitement of the gifts, whether it's a new toy or a new set of clothes or a gadget that you've had your eye on for quite some time, the excitement fades. 00:04:37.259 --> 00:04:40.719 And pretty soon, the vacation will be over, too. 00:04:41.319 --> 00:04:45.500 So, it's back to work, back to school, back to the grind. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:49.879 Now, I don't mean to be a Grinch and a Killjoy. 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:54.060 Holiday break hasn't even started yet, and here I am talking about how it will soon be over. 00:04:55.139 --> 00:05:00.240 My point is simply that most things in life tend to fade. 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:04.699 Nothing good lasts forever, as the saying goes. 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:07.680 So, you have to enjoy it while you can. 00:05:09.300 --> 00:05:12.480 Nothing good lasts forever, so make the most of it now. 00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:19.540 But what if there were something good that did last forever? 00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:27.220 What if there were a reality that didn't fade or rust or lose its glow? 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:33.759 In a world where even the best things in life tend to expire and grow old, 00:05:33.759 --> 00:05:39.680 what if the supremely best thing was unending? 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:48.139 Isaiah's prophecy in verse 7 points us to just that. 00:05:49.480 --> 00:05:54.620 After telling us about the light that will break into the darkness, in verse 2, 00:05:54.620 --> 00:06:00.459 and after telling us about the joy that will erupt in our sadness, in verse 3, 00:06:00.759 --> 00:06:06.340 he speaks of a coming king who will bring liberty to the oppressed, in verse 4, 00:06:06.459 --> 00:06:11.340 who will lift the burden from our shoulders and bring an end to all of our strife, in verse 5. 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:15.740 And this king, we're told, will be like no other king. 00:06:17.420 --> 00:06:20.340 Isaiah gives us the names by which this child will be called. 00:06:20.339 --> 00:06:27.099 And remember, in the ancient world, a name was a sign of your nature, of who you were in your essence. 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:30.119 So, what or who will this child be? 00:06:31.799 --> 00:06:40.479 Well, he will be named the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:47.040 So, this child then is no mere human ruler, no mere human king. 00:06:48.180 --> 00:06:53.160 But in this child, the living God of Israel, the creator and ruler of all things, 00:06:53.220 --> 00:06:57.460 has come down in human flesh to save and to reign. 00:07:00.259 --> 00:07:03.220 But what will come of this saving work? 00:07:04.560 --> 00:07:06.780 What will come of this saving reign? 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:09.759 Nothing good lasts forever, right? 00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:15.060 Look at the reign of David and Solomon, Israel's greatest kings. 00:07:16.120 --> 00:07:20.319 Their reign only lasted a handful of decades, and it was gone. 00:07:21.579 --> 00:07:23.659 What of the other kingdoms and empires of the world? 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:26.139 What of Alexander's Greece? 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:28.680 What of Caesar's Rome? 00:07:29.740 --> 00:07:31.539 What of Charlemagne's France? 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:33.879 What of Victoria's England? 00:07:33.879 --> 00:08:03.879 No woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman woman 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:10.240 forever. He actually says that twice in verse 7. In the first two lines we read, 00:08:10.319 --> 00:08:15.540 of the increase of his government, there will be no end. There it is. And again, in the middle of 00:08:15.540 --> 00:08:20.079 the verse, Isaiah says he'll rule with fairness and justice on the throne of his ancestor David, 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:27.199 what? From this time forth and forevermore. So here's a king who will rule forever. Here's a 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:33.980 kingdom that will never end. The eternal God has taken flesh in the man Christ Jesus, 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:40.700 and this incarnate Lord Jesus, the eternal Son of the eternal Father, in the power of the eternal 00:08:40.700 --> 00:08:48.740 Spirit, this Jesus Christ the Messiah has lived, died, and been raised to indestructible life. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:54.759 And he is now seated at the right hand of the Father, from whence he will reign until all things 00:08:54.759 --> 00:09:03.460 are put under his feet, and God is all in all. The gospel proclaims a king who now rules forever 00:09:03.460 --> 00:09:15.419 in a kingdom that will never end. And in this verse, Isaiah 9-7, we're shown two things that Jesus the 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:27.620 Messiah's unending kingdom means for us. And the first is this, Jesus' unending kingdom means our 00:09:27.620 --> 00:09:35.559 unending peace. His unending kingdom means our unending peace. Look again at how verse 7 begins, 00:09:35.559 --> 00:09:41.000 of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:52.440 In other words, as his kingly rule increases, so peace will increase more and more for all eternity. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:10:01.059 How many mere human kingdoms or governments can honestly say that as their dominion has increased, 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:03.519 so has peace increased? 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:12.559 I mean, the history of human empire seems to be one long story of human pride and greed increasing 00:10:12.559 --> 00:10:16.899 to the benefit of some while resulting in the degradation of others, right? 00:10:18.720 --> 00:10:25.519 And then, tragically, when the oppression finally becomes unbearable and people rise up to overthrow 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:31.659 their oppressors, sadly, these newly installed rulers seem to just repeat the process. 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:40.159 The once oppressed become the newly minted oppressors, and whatever short-lived peace may have come about 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:45.639 is soon lost in the same cycles of greed and pride and violence. 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:58.779 But Jesus' kingdom is different. When His reign advances in hearts, in families, 00:10:58.779 --> 00:11:06.240 in relationships, in church communities, there peace abounds. 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:17.740 The kingdom of the crucified and risen one does not operate according to the principles of this world. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:24.939 His kingdom does not advance through coercion or through the sword. It cannot. 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:31.840 And whenever the kingdoms of this world have proclaimed to advance His kingdom through coercion and through the sword, 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:38.060 they have proven by that very act that they are not operating according to this king, 00:11:38.059 --> 00:11:40.059 but to the kingdoms of this world. 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:48.059 Because this kingdom advances not through coercion but through grace. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:54.500 Through divine forgiveness received and through forgiveness extended. 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:59.000 Through divine grace received and through grace extended. 00:11:59.559 --> 00:12:03.439 Through divine generosity received and through generosity extended. 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:13.480 Jesus talked about His kingdom advancing not through territories claimed or military victories won, but how? 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:19.260 Through cups of cold water given to the least of these in His name. 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:26.860 Through mustard seed acts of self-giving kindness and forgiveness and generosity. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:32.000 Through solidarity with the outcast and the weak and the fatherless and the poor. 00:12:34.300 --> 00:12:35.940 Through a message of grace. 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:46.820 The grace of His own self-giving love on the cross for sinners granting justification and new spiritual life to all who repent and trust in Him. 00:12:46.820 --> 00:12:53.340 You see, where His kingdom increases, peace increases. 00:12:54.540 --> 00:12:57.460 Peace between humans and God, first of all. 00:12:58.040 --> 00:13:01.740 And peace between humans and each other as a result. 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:11.740 And this peace is not fragile or flimsy but unending, Isaiah says. 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:12.740 Peace. 00:13:12.740 --> 00:13:16.220 This is not some tentative ceasefire agreement. 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:19.659 But peace everlasting. 00:13:21.340 --> 00:13:26.360 Because it is established by the one whose very name is Prince of Peace. 00:13:29.080 --> 00:13:30.740 But where do we find this kingdom? 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:33.820 If we were to look for it, where do we see it? 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:34.799 Where do we find it? 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:38.320 Where does it take shape and live and breathe today? 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:43.460 Well, friends, it's not in a particular nation state. 00:13:44.540 --> 00:13:49.020 Not in a particular country or territory or global power. 00:13:50.140 --> 00:13:50.680 No. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:55.800 The reign of the Messiah is spreading throughout the world. 00:13:56.540 --> 00:14:00.400 Not in a political entity taking up the sword. 00:14:01.400 --> 00:14:02.720 But in the church. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:05.139 In the church. 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:05.160 In the church. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:11.800 This transnational, multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic community. 00:14:13.540 --> 00:14:16.980 Who confesses that Jesus is the Christ. 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:20.220 Israel's Messiah and the world's true Lord. 00:14:22.060 --> 00:14:28.320 The church is that people who embody and extend the peace of this King. 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:29.980 In our life together. 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:32.519 And in our service to the world. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:37.340 And that does mean. 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:39.480 That when churches. 00:14:40.060 --> 00:14:42.000 Do not exhibit this peace. 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:45.300 Do not live in this peace of the gospel. 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:47.060 Freely given and freely received. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:50.620 Then perhaps we've begun to forfeit our name. 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:51.540 As church. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:55.660 Just as Jesus came as servant. 00:14:55.800 --> 00:14:57.960 So the church goes forth as servant. 00:14:58.500 --> 00:15:01.100 Bringing a message of peace to all who hear. 00:15:01.100 --> 00:15:05.960 Now let's consider some of the implications of this. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:07.680 I mean consider first. 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:11.239 That if his kingdom lasts forever. 00:15:11.239 --> 00:15:15.539 Then that means what we do for his kingdom. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:17.299 Will last forever. 00:15:17.299 --> 00:15:21.719 If we seek in our families. 00:15:21.979 --> 00:15:22.919 In our workplaces. 00:15:22.919 --> 00:15:23.919 In our communities. 00:15:23.919 --> 00:15:27.779 To live under the reign of his grace and peace. 00:15:27.779 --> 00:15:28.399 If we seek to obey him. 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:29.500 If we seek to obey him. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.199 And honor him. 00:15:30.199 --> 00:15:32.879 As an outflow of that grace and peace. 00:15:33.339 --> 00:15:34.939 If we live for his kingdom. 00:15:34.939 --> 00:15:36.139 And not our own. 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:39.379 Then our works of love. 00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:42.460 And our deeds of faith. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:44.679 And our labors of hope. 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:47.360 These things we do for his reign. 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:49.620 Will have. 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.840 Eternal significance. 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:57.379 Whether we seek peace in the name of his kingdom. 00:15:58.179 --> 00:15:59.500 Wherever we do it. 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:02.539 Wherever we seek that peace. 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:04.779 Whether it be. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:07.719 In the hard work of restoring a broken marriage. 00:16:07.719 --> 00:16:10.419 Or rehabilitating a broken neighborhood. 00:16:11.199 --> 00:16:13.620 Or simply offering kindness to a neighbor. 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:14.599 In Jesus' name. 00:16:14.699 --> 00:16:16.079 These acts of peace. 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:18.019 Have eternal significance. 00:16:18.339 --> 00:16:18.639 Why? 00:16:19.019 --> 00:16:20.240 Because his kingdom. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:21.740 Is forever. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:21.860 Forever. 00:16:24.560 --> 00:16:27.220 Now we may not see exactly how. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.639 Our acts now. 00:16:29.639 --> 00:16:32.139 Are connected to the grand story. 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:34.560 Of his renewal of all things. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:37.940 But friends they are. 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:41.440 You have your part to play. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:46.419 And when the fullness of this kingdom dawns. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:50.120 And the earth is finally made whole again. 00:16:50.120 --> 00:16:52.659 And all things are made new. 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:56.980 Your part in the story will be seen. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:17:01.500 And our prince of peace will be glorified in you. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:04.200 And in the part you have played. 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.599 But consider another implication. 00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:13.440 Isaiah says of the increase of his government and of peace. 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:14.619 There will be no end. 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:16.699 Now think. 00:17:16.699 --> 00:17:23.419 How could his reign of peace go on increasing without end? 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:30.799 I mean when in the age to come all the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our God. 00:17:30.859 --> 00:17:31.859 As Revelation says. 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:35.759 When in the age to come there is no more sighing or sickness. 00:17:36.199 --> 00:17:36.919 No more death. 00:17:37.439 --> 00:17:41.219 When shalom is restored throughout the new heavens and the new earth. 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:46.279 When the fabric of creation is rewoven in beauty and strength. 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:47.720 And God is all in all. 00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:50.140 I mean on that day. 00:17:50.259 --> 00:17:54.779 Won't that be the end of the increase of his kingdom and of peace? 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:55.779 Ah. 00:17:55.779 --> 00:18:00.579 But don't you see. 00:18:02.399 --> 00:18:03.619 Even on that day. 00:18:04.899 --> 00:18:07.559 When the glory of God covers the earth. 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:09.559 Like the waters cover the sea. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:12.039 Even on that day. 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:15.279 The hearts of the redeemed. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:20.359 We'll only be seeing and savoring. 00:18:20.359 --> 00:18:30.700 A tiny fraction of the infinite glory and peace of God and of Christ. 00:18:32.379 --> 00:18:36.379 Because the beauty and glory of Christ are without end. 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:42.960 Then the ravishing reign of his glory in our hearts will be without end. 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:47.800 This will be a peace that increases and never ends. 00:18:48.680 --> 00:18:49.440 I mean just think. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:54.580 If you can stare at the night sky on a dark winter evening. 00:18:54.580 --> 00:18:58.120 And never get bored by the vast array of stars. 00:18:58.760 --> 00:19:01.200 If you can listen to a Mozart symphony. 00:19:01.360 --> 00:19:05.100 And constantly be amazed by the intricacy and beauty of the music. 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:10.119 If you can gaze at the ocean stretching far into the horizon. 00:19:10.679 --> 00:19:14.039 And not lose your sense of wonder as the waves crash the shore. 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:17.919 Then just imagine what it will be like. 00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:20.879 To behold the creator. 00:19:21.719 --> 00:19:24.959 The infinitely holy God for all eternity. 00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:30.719 To commune with God without any trace of sin in our hearts. 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:33.859 To behold Jesus Christ in all his beauty. 00:19:33.859 --> 00:19:35.479 What joy. 00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:36.159 What peace. 00:19:36.479 --> 00:19:39.859 What unending satisfaction that will be. 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:42.759 World without end. 00:19:43.679 --> 00:19:45.539 And that ocean knows no bottom. 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:48.779 So Christian. 00:19:50.439 --> 00:19:51.859 Don't be overly troubled. 00:19:52.479 --> 00:19:54.079 By the disappointments. 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:57.299 Or the discouragements of this fallen world. 00:19:57.299 --> 00:20:00.659 This fallen world as it is. 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:02.399 Is not meant to satisfy your soul. 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:05.039 But there is one who can. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.740 And who will. 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:10.399 And of the increase of his kingdom and of peace. 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.539 There will be no end. 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:14.960 So as you endure the trials of this life. 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:17.299 Fix your eyes on your eternal king. 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:20.200 He will be your satisfaction. 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:21.680 Now and forever. 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:24.059 Because his unending kingdom. 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:25.920 Means our unending peace. 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:32.500 But let's consider the second thing that Isaiah shows us in verse 7. 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:36.380 What else does Jesus' unending kingdom mean for us? 00:20:36.380 --> 00:20:38.600 Well we see in the rest of verse 7. 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:40.040 That his unending kingdom. 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:43.880 Means our unending security. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:47.360 It's our unending security. 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:49.700 That his unending kingdom results in. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:52.460 Verse 7 continues by saying. 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:54.980 That Jesus will reign on the throne of David. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.880 And over his kingdom. 00:20:56.300 --> 00:20:58.120 To establish it and uphold it. 00:20:58.260 --> 00:21:00.020 With justice and with righteousness. 00:21:00.340 --> 00:21:01.560 From this time forth. 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:02.480 And forever more. 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:05.740 So if we were to ask. 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:09.339 What is it that establishes and upholds this kingdom? 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:12.640 What makes this kingdom unshakable and secure. 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:15.339 For everyone who takes Jesus as their king? 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:18.059 How does Isaiah answer? 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:21.880 Well it's not your performance. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:23.200 Or your deeds. 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:24.819 No. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.940 It's his righteousness. 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.620 And his justice. 00:21:30.360 --> 00:21:32.460 There is nothing this king. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.579 Will ever do. 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:35.960 That is imperfect or unjust. 00:21:36.599 --> 00:21:38.660 He has established his kingdom. 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:39.700 In perfect righteousness. 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:42.559 And he will uphold his kingdom. 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.599 In perfect righteousness. 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:46.299 And it will continue to be upheld. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:47.839 By his perfect righteousness. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:49.259 From this time forth. 00:21:49.559 --> 00:21:50.519 And forever more. 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:54.579 But it's not just righteousness. 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:56.140 That guarantees this kingdom. 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:57.839 The end of verse 7. 00:21:57.960 --> 00:22:00.660 Also points us to God's zeal. 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:01.900 Isaiah says. 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:02.200 Isaiah says. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:04.040 The zeal of the Lord of hosts. 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:05.019 The Lord Almighty. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.500 Will do this. 00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:09.140 So what is this zeal? 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.840 That Isaiah speaks of. 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.340 Well zeal. 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:16.080 When ascribed to God. 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:16.960 In the Old Testament. 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:20.440 That's talking about God's passionate. 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:22.259 Faithful. 00:22:23.120 --> 00:22:23.860 Exclusive. 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:25.080 Love. 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:26.519 For his people. 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:28.240 And for his glory. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:30.179 Older translations. 00:22:30.179 --> 00:22:31.720 Would speak of God. 00:22:31.879 --> 00:22:33.159 Using these same languages. 00:22:33.419 --> 00:22:35.039 As a jealous God. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:37.579 That is. 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:39.619 God loves his people. 00:22:39.679 --> 00:22:41.000 So intensely. 00:22:41.559 --> 00:22:43.319 That he will protect them. 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:44.899 And keep them. 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:46.879 And never share them. 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:49.059 With any other false God. 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:49.139 God. 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:53.720 And so the kingdom of our eternal king. 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:54.379 Is upheld. 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.319 By perfect righteousness. 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:59.679 And by passionate love. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:03.359 And if that is true. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:06.099 What could shake this kingdom? 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:09.960 If both the divine justice. 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:11.440 And the divine love. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:12.940 Have established it. 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:14.139 And uphold it. 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:17.200 If you are in this kingdom. 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:19.480 What could possibly shake you? 00:23:21.580 --> 00:23:23.060 If God's righteousness. 00:23:23.060 --> 00:23:24.000 And God's zeal. 00:23:24.140 --> 00:23:25.380 Are both for you. 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:28.160 What could possibly be against you? 00:23:29.560 --> 00:23:32.000 What promise of God's word. 00:23:33.100 --> 00:23:34.940 Will God not fulfill. 00:23:35.880 --> 00:23:37.240 If his righteousness. 00:23:37.840 --> 00:23:39.140 And his love. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.380 Are for you. 00:23:40.560 --> 00:23:41.180 In his kingdom. 00:23:42.520 --> 00:23:43.820 What enemy of this world. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:44.659 Could possibly. 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:46.000 Prevail against you. 00:23:47.339 --> 00:23:48.240 Would the world. 00:23:48.399 --> 00:23:48.899 The flesh. 00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:49.439 The devil. 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.819 Stand any chance. 00:23:51.179 --> 00:23:51.759 Against you. 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:52.799 If his righteousness. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.240 And his love. 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:55.460 Are for you. 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.619 In his kingdom. 00:23:58.859 --> 00:23:59.919 What trial. 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:01.019 Could you not face. 00:24:01.079 --> 00:24:01.859 With courage. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.039 With hope. 00:24:03.679 --> 00:24:04.720 Even with joy. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:07.019 If his righteousness. 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.679 And his love. 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:10.079 Are for you. 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:10.919 In this kingdom. 00:24:11.079 --> 00:24:11.980 That cannot be shaken. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:16.220 If the righteousness of God. 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.079 And the love of God. 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:17.859 Are yours. 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.839 In Christ Jesus. 00:24:19.639 --> 00:24:21.119 Is there anything to fear? 00:24:23.159 --> 00:24:23.759 Friends. 00:24:23.859 --> 00:24:24.159 Here. 00:24:24.839 --> 00:24:28.319 Is unending security. 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:31.319 When rains. 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:31.339 When rains. 00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:31.939 And storms. 00:24:31.939 --> 00:24:32.539 Come. 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.659 When disappointments. 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.500 Assail you. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.779 When weariness. 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:37.359 Seems to overtake you. 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.439 When your grip. 00:24:38.559 --> 00:24:39.779 Seems to be giving way. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.539 When your foot. 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:41.799 Seems to be slipping. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:42.899 Here. 00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:44.000 Is the rock. 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:45.639 Under your feet. 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:47.819 That will never move. 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:49.000 Here. 00:24:49.159 --> 00:24:50.179 Is the firm hand. 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.779 That will never let you go. 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:53.740 His righteousness. 00:24:54.419 --> 00:24:55.099 Not yours. 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:57.000 His love. 00:24:57.939 --> 00:24:58.639 Not yours. 00:25:02.879 --> 00:25:03.559 So friend. 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:04.240 Do you know. 00:25:04.939 --> 00:25:05.839 Do you know. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.099 This security. 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:12.919 A security that doesn't depend on the size of your bank account. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:16.819 A security that doesn't depend on the circumstances you're going through. 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:19.959 A security that won't ebb and flow. 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:21.199 Or wax and wane. 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:24.700 But will remain strong no matter what life brings your way. 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:28.660 A security that will not give way. 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:31.220 Even in the face of death itself. 00:25:32.640 --> 00:25:34.700 Do you have that sort of confidence? 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:37.120 That sort of security? 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.580 To face life. 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:41.779 And the life to come with confidence. 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:44.700 You can. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:50.299 But it won't be found in trying to build up your own righteousness. 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:52.960 Or multiplying your own works of love. 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:55.120 It can only be found. 00:25:56.120 --> 00:25:58.700 In the perfect righteousness and love of God. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.900 In Christ Jesus. 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:01.700 Given to you. 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:03.039 In this kingdom. 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.819 That will never end. 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.600 Your sins have separated you from God. 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.660 And his kingdom. 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:12.019 But Christ has died. 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:14.660 So that your sins might be forgiven. 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:18.559 And so that you can be welcomed into this kingdom. 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:21.079 Not merely as a subject. 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.980 Not merely as a servant. 00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:25.180 But as a son. 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.779 As a daughter. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:29.480 As a fellow heir of this kingdom. 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:32.480 This eternal king Jesus. 00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:32.500 This eternal king Jesus. 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:34.420 Stretches out his hands. 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:36.980 And commands everyone. 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.319 Everywhere. 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:39.640 To repent. 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:42.059 And trust in his righteousness. 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:44.299 And surrender their lives to him. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:47.039 And to know. 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:49.480 This unending kingdom. 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:52.160 And to experience it. 00:26:52.640 --> 00:26:53.839 And to rest in it. 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:55.420 And to rejoice in it. 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:55.940 Forever. 00:26:55.940 --> 00:26:56.059 Forever. 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:01.580 And that is the question. 00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:02.960 That Isaiah 7. 00:27:03.080 --> 00:27:04.220 Presses upon us. 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:07.360 We have seen the unending peace. 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:08.440 And the unending security. 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:10.039 That this unending kingdom brings. 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:11.460 The question now is. 00:27:11.700 --> 00:27:13.059 Will we place ourselves. 00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:15.140 Under the lordship of this eternal king? 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:17.299 Will we admit. 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.860 That our attempts to run our lives. 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.680 Our own way. 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:21.860 Have not just been kind of a bad idea. 00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:24.339 But have offended God. 00:27:24.659 --> 00:27:26.299 And placed us under his just judgment. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.500 And will we confess. 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:32.659 That Jesus is the prince of peace. 00:27:32.719 --> 00:27:33.519 The mighty God. 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.719 The incarnate Lord. 00:27:34.979 --> 00:27:37.139 Who has reconciled sinners to God. 00:27:37.399 --> 00:27:38.959 Through his life and death and resurrection. 00:27:39.919 --> 00:27:40.879 And will we now. 00:27:41.079 --> 00:27:42.439 Entrust our lives. 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.639 To this eternal king. 00:27:44.439 --> 00:27:46.359 Not depending on our own works. 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:48.479 Or efforts to gain peace and security. 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:50.819 But trusting wholly in him. 00:27:50.819 --> 00:27:52.500 And in his finished work. 00:27:54.119 --> 00:27:55.659 Will we bring our lives. 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:56.839 Under his lordship. 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.960 And having done so. 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:02.240 Will we now live. 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:04.779 As agents of his eternal kingdom. 00:28:06.139 --> 00:28:07.839 Will you and I live our lives. 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:09.059 As ambassadors of this king. 00:28:09.159 --> 00:28:11.139 Will we make the pursuit of peace. 00:28:11.139 --> 00:28:12.119 In the name of his kingdom. 00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:13.519 Our agenda and our aim. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:16.919 Not working out of anxiety. 00:28:17.139 --> 00:28:17.980 Or fear. 00:28:18.159 --> 00:28:18.980 Or worry. 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:21.860 But working out of that peace and security. 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:23.059 That his kingdom brings. 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:25.360 Going forth in freedom. 00:28:26.860 --> 00:28:29.180 Seeking to bring his kingdom to bear. 00:28:29.400 --> 00:28:31.160 In every sphere of life. 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:33.360 In every corner of his creation. 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:37.899 This kingdom will have no end. 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:40.299 Our eternal king. 00:28:40.819 --> 00:28:42.779 Presides over an eternal kingdom. 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:45.879 And to know this eternal king. 00:28:46.619 --> 00:28:48.859 And to live in his eternal kingdom. 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:50.899 That friend. 00:28:51.419 --> 00:28:52.139 Truly is. 00:28:52.619 --> 00:28:53.500 Eternal life. 00:28:56.159 --> 00:28:56.859 Let's pray. 00:28:56.859 --> 00:29:07.740 Lord Jesus, when we think about the concept of eternity, our finite minds stagger at the door. 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:15.659 Lord, how can we who are so bound to the fleeting passage of time comprehend You 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:29.420 presiding over all of time in beautiful sovereignty? And yet, God, as we consider that in the incarnation 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:36.300 Your eternal life entered into our fleeting world to give us a kingdom that will never end 00:29:36.300 --> 00:29:40.860 and stretch forever, God, how it brings joy to our hearts 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:51.899 that You have acted to rescue not just Your created order, but we, Your image bearers. 00:29:54.139 --> 00:29:58.299 Oh, Lord, help us to experience this Christmas season, this peace, 00:29:59.019 --> 00:30:06.939 this security that Your unending kingdom brings. Let us live as those who are not shaken by the 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:13.980 affairs of this world, but who are secure in Your eternal peace. 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:17.980 We pray this in Your mighty name, Jesus. Amen.