WEBVTT 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:04.459 But we begin our worship this evening. We're going to sing to God's praise. 00:00:05.160 --> 00:00:11.220 We're singing in Psalm 146 in the Singed Psalms Version, page 191. 00:00:14.359 --> 00:00:23.800 Psalm 146 on page 191. We're going to sing from verse 5 down to the end of the psalm. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:28.120 The tune is Sussex, Psalm 146 at verse 5. 00:00:28.120 --> 00:00:32.600 Blessed is the one who truly looks for help to Jacob's God. 00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:37.020 Blessed is the one who places all his hope upon the Lord. 00:00:37.200 --> 00:00:41.179 He who made the earth and heaven and the seas with all their store. 00:00:41.320 --> 00:00:46.179 He who keeps his every promise, who is faithful evermore. 00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:49.120 We'll sing from verse 5 down to the end of the psalm. 00:00:49.540 --> 00:00:51.380 To God's praise we stand to sing. 00:00:51.380 --> 00:01:09.560 Blessed is the one who truly looks for help to Jacob's God. 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:23.280 Blessed is the one who places all his hope upon the Lord. 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:36.219 He who made the earth and heaven and the seas with all their store. 00:01:36.219 --> 00:01:48.980 He who keeps his every promise, who is faithful evermore. 00:01:48.980 --> 00:02:02.719 He delivers from oppression and relieves the hungry flight. 00:02:02.719 --> 00:02:15.939 He releases those in prison to the blight the Lord gives sight. 00:02:15.939 --> 00:02:22.939 Those who are by town he raises. 00:02:22.939 --> 00:02:28.359 God delights in righteousness. 00:02:28.359 --> 00:02:42.759 He protects and cares for strangers, widows and the fatherless. 00:02:42.759 --> 00:02:49.759 He frustrates the wicked's purpose. 00:02:49.759 --> 00:03:01.759 So the Lord through endless days reigns to every generation. 00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:08.759 Praise your God, O Zion, praise. 00:03:12.759 --> 00:03:18.219 Let's unite our hearts in prayer. 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:19.099 Let us pray. 00:03:22.759 --> 00:03:28.439 O Lord, our gracious God, we are blessed to be called the children of God. 00:03:28.899 --> 00:03:33.639 We are blessed to be able to call upon you as our Father in heaven. 00:03:33.639 --> 00:03:42.539 We are blessed to be able to sing praise to you and to come and offer up our worship to you for all your goodness to us. 00:03:42.639 --> 00:03:49.439 For the blessings that are ours through your word, through your spirit, through your son, Christ Jesus. 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:52.439 We thank you for this, your day. 00:03:52.439 --> 00:04:09.400 We thank you that is a day for the very purpose in which we have spent it in worshiping you, in coming and hearing your word, fellowshipping with one another, gathering round to lift up our voices to you in praise and prayer. 00:04:09.400 --> 00:04:39.379 We thank you for this, Lord, to receive from you, Lord. 00:04:39.379 --> 00:04:41.379 We thank you for this, Lord, to your heart, to your heart, for your heart, and to your heart. 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:52.500 We thank you for this, Lord, that as we gather this evening too, that we come with that sense of thankfulness for the great sacrifice that was made for us. 00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:57.159 And we thank you that we can sing and echo these words of the psalm. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:01.959 Blessed is the one who truly looks for help to Jacob's God. 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:07.040 Blessed is the one who places all his hope upon the Lord. 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:27.960 And may we seek to do that once again this evening, and not just this evening or today, but in all the days ahead, that we would go on in the wake ahead, seeking to do all these things, to place our hope upon the Lord, to continue to look to you as the one who made the earth and the heaven and the seas and all their store. 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:57.939 We thank you for the wonder of the world. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:06:00.920 Glorify and praise your name, O Lord, to glorify and praise your name all our days. 00:06:01.719 --> 00:06:12.040 But yet, O Lord, as we think of the remembrance that we have had today, we remember that Jesus came to die for us, for we are sinners. 00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:17.500 That in our relationship with you there is a breakdown in it because of sin. 00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:23.120 There is a great void that came between you and your people. 00:06:23.779 --> 00:06:32.819 But yet we thank you, Lord, that even though it was all of us running away from you, turning our back to you and seeking to worship other gods, 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:38.060 that you have remembered us and that you continue to call us to yourself. 00:06:38.060 --> 00:06:43.079 That you continue to remind us that all our life is found in you. 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:46.800 That it is only in you that we live, move, and have our being. 00:06:47.540 --> 00:06:51.340 And we pray, Lord, that we will evermore depend upon you. 00:06:51.639 --> 00:06:55.319 That we will look to you for all the grace that we need for day to day. 00:06:55.819 --> 00:07:02.360 That we will look to you for grace to serve you, to love you, to honour you, and to honour your people. 00:07:02.360 --> 00:07:05.699 That you will unite us together in our hearts. 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:09.340 That you will bind us together in the cords of your love. 00:07:09.580 --> 00:07:12.160 To enable us, Lord, to be your witnesses. 00:07:12.980 --> 00:07:18.199 To enable us to be a people who will go out from here and into the week ahead, 00:07:18.840 --> 00:07:23.379 rejoicing in the goodness of God and showing forth our praise of you. 00:07:23.520 --> 00:07:29.879 Telling others of the wonder of the one who is able to give life and give it abundantly. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:33.319 We thank you that your gospel is good news. 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:36.659 That is a great news for the world in which we live. 00:07:37.159 --> 00:07:38.659 A great news of hope. 00:07:39.279 --> 00:07:43.019 A great news that no matter what else comes our way in this world, 00:07:43.620 --> 00:07:46.959 that in Christ we have one who will stay close. 00:07:47.100 --> 00:07:49.379 Closer than any brother, as the word says. 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:55.079 And so we pray, Lord, that you will help us to go on in the strength of the Lord. 00:07:55.079 --> 00:08:00.180 Not seeking any glory for ourselves, but seeking the glory be yours. 00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:03.659 For worthy is the Lamb who was slain. 00:08:04.319 --> 00:08:07.419 And so, Lord, we thank you for our praying people here. 00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:13.639 We thank you for the longing, the desire you put in our hearts to be united together today 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:16.159 and in all the times of worship we have. 00:08:16.659 --> 00:08:20.180 And we pray that you will continue to increase that desire. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:26.139 Not just to be together on the Lord's Day or the midweek, but to fellowship with one another. 00:08:26.699 --> 00:08:29.620 To enjoy the company of one another. 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:30.939 Encouraging one another. 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:32.639 Helping one another. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:34.039 Praying for one another. 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:39.960 May you make us a community of your people for whom it is such a natural thing 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:46.600 to be united together in one spirit, one mind, one heart, under one Christ. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:51.780 We pray, Lord, that that would be something that would spread throughout our community, 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:56.019 throughout our islands, throughout our land, and throughout the world. 00:08:56.400 --> 00:09:01.080 That your people will be built up and strengthened to all ends of the earth. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:06.400 And we thank you, Lord, that you are indeed a God who is building his church. 00:09:06.399 --> 00:09:09.879 That you are the one who is at work near and far. 00:09:10.360 --> 00:09:13.159 That you are the one who is calling a people to himself. 00:09:13.699 --> 00:09:19.519 That you are the one who will frustrate the wicked's purpose in this world. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:24.759 When we see so much wickedness around us, Lord, we thank you that you are the one who is able 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:31.240 to frustrate these purposes for which wicked men turn their hands to. 00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:33.860 We think of all that is wrong in our world. 00:09:33.919 --> 00:09:37.340 And we think of the wickedness that we see near and far. 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:39.740 We pray, Lord, that you will have mercy. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:41.299 That you will come in your power. 00:09:41.860 --> 00:09:47.919 That you will direct men and women, boys and girls, to turn from their evil ways. 00:09:48.019 --> 00:09:49.580 And to turn to you. 00:09:50.180 --> 00:09:54.620 We thank you that your reign is to every generation. 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:57.919 And that for that we are able to praise your name. 00:09:58.460 --> 00:10:02.019 And to lift up our prayers in a sense of hope. 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:07.120 We come in faith, O Lord, and help us that our faith will increase. 00:10:07.679 --> 00:10:10.460 That when we feel weak, Lord, you will give us strength. 00:10:10.940 --> 00:10:18.500 That when we feel that sense of unable to go on, Lord, that you will uphold us and strengthen us. 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:20.820 That you will guide our every step. 00:10:20.940 --> 00:10:23.259 That you will sustain us on this journey. 00:10:23.259 --> 00:10:29.299 And we thank you, Lord, that we come with that sense of prayer for one another. 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:35.620 And we think of all that's going on in our communities, in our homes, in our families just now, Lord. 00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:39.080 We continue to remember those with particular needs. 00:10:39.580 --> 00:10:40.679 Those who are unwell. 00:10:41.319 --> 00:10:42.360 Those who are grieving. 00:10:43.080 --> 00:10:48.659 Those who are going through various times of distress and trials in their lives. 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:53.080 Lord, we thank you that you know each and every one. 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:56.779 That you are able to bind up the brokenhearted. 00:10:57.299 --> 00:11:02.179 That you are able to lift up those who are bowed down. 00:11:02.679 --> 00:11:07.519 That you are the one who protects and cares for the strangers, the widows, the fatherless. 00:11:07.840 --> 00:11:10.519 That you are the one who releases those in prison. 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:13.720 That you are the one who gives the blind their sight. 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:17.960 That you are the one who has all power and authority over all things. 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:22.580 That you will draw near to all your people. 00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:24.540 To all who call upon you. 00:11:24.800 --> 00:11:27.860 To all who call upon you in truth. 00:11:28.660 --> 00:11:33.240 And Lord, we ask that you will continue with us this evening as we worship your name. 00:11:33.420 --> 00:11:35.600 As we open your word together. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:39.320 A word again that reminds us of why you came. 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:43.360 That we might have life and have a life abundantly. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:49.840 and we pray Lord that you will continue to teach us through your word to guide her every step by it 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:56.320 and to live according to your truth so bless us in all that we do Lord the reading of your word 00:11:56.320 --> 00:12:03.120 the singing of your praise help us to lift our voices up to you with joy with delight as offering 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:09.539 up our praise to the only one who is worthy bless our fellowship this evening too as we thank you 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:14.919 to be able to share in these times together we pray that you will encourage us through it that 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:21.919 you will bless Martin as he comes to speak to us at it Lord help us to pray for him and be encouraged 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:28.559 by him and that he would be encouraged through coming to speak to us and Lord go before us in 00:12:28.559 --> 00:12:34.879 the week ahead be with us in all we seek to do in the meetings of our church as a congregation in so 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:40.960 many different ways whether it's in person in prayer meetings and serving you in different ways 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:48.740 whether it's online as a focal gather on Tuesday to have a time of prayer with Muriel Lord we remember 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:54.700 her and pray for her that you will surround her and bless her and keep her make your face to shine 00:12:54.700 --> 00:13:01.779 upon her may she be encouraged as she serves you and as she encourages us Lord to look faithfully to 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:10.100 you and to trust in you so Lord hear all our prayers go before us in all our needs and pardon us for all 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:17.959 our sin as we confess them anew this evening hour Lord we fall short of your glory so often but we thank 00:13:17.959 --> 00:13:24.679 you for the forgiveness that you give so Lord hear us and go before us now and all we ask we ask in Jesus 00:13:24.679 --> 00:13:28.259 precious name and for his sake amen 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:40.959 well again we'll sing to God's praise this time in Psalm 23 and we'll sing Psalms page 28 of the Psalm book 00:13:40.959 --> 00:13:51.539 Psalm 23 on page 28 again we'll sing the whole of this Psalm the tune is Tarawathi 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:58.799 the Lord is my shepherd no one shall I know he makes me lie down where the green pastures grow he 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:05.980 leads me to rest where the calm waters flow again this Psalm is our Psalm we sing often maybe not to 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:13.179 sing Psalms version as often but the words constantly remind us that our life our hope is found in the Lord 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:18.379 who is our shepherd so we'll sing the whole of this Psalm to God's praise 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:41.179 the Lord is my shepherd no one shall I know he makes me lie down where the green pastures grow 00:14:41.179 --> 00:15:08.179 he leads me to rest where the calm waters flow my wandering steps he brings back to his way in straight paths of righteousness making me stay 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:15.179 and this he has done his great name to display 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:27.179 though I walk in this valley where darkness is near 00:15:27.179 --> 00:15:46.179 because you are with me no evil I'll fear your road and your staff bring me comfort and cheer 00:15:46.179 --> 00:16:14.179 in the sight of my enemies at able you spread the isle of rejoicing you pour on my head my cup overflows and I'm graciously fed 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:32.179 so surely your covenant mercy and grace will follow me closely in all of my ways 00:16:32.179 --> 00:16:39.179 I will dwell in the house of the Lord almighty 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:50.679 we'll turn together to read in the gospel of Mark 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:53.179 we're reading in chapter 10 00:16:53.179 --> 00:16:56.519 we take up our reading at verse 32 00:16:56.519 --> 00:17:03.519 Mark's gospel chapter 10 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:05.519 I'm taking up our reading at verse 32 00:17:05.519 --> 00:17:09.519 and we read down to the end of this chapter 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:24.519 Jesus and the disciples and the crowd are here traveling on their way up to Jerusalem on their way to Jerusalem just before the crucifixion 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:27.519 and as we see they come to the town of Jericho 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:29.519 and as they're leaving Jericho 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:35.519 they come to this encounter with Bartimaeus which is going to be our focus this evening 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:37.519 but we take up our reading at verse 32 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:44.519 and they were on the road going up to Jerusalem and Jesus was walking ahead of them 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:47.519 and they were amazed and those who followed were afraid 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:53.519 taking the twelve again he began to tell them what was to happen to him saying 00:17:53.519 --> 00:18:01.519 see we are going up to Jerusalem and the son of man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:06.519 and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:12.519 and they will mock him and spit on him and flog him and kill him 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:16.519 and after three days he will rise 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:21.519 and James and John the sons of Sebedee came up to him and said to him 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:27.519 teacher we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:31.519 and he said to them what do you want me to do for you 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:39.519 and they said to him grant us to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:44.519 Jesus said to them you do not know what you are asking 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:47.519 are you able to drink the cup that I drink 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:51.519 or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:55.519 and they said to him we are able 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:59.519 and Jesus said to them the cup that I drink you will drink 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:03.519 and with the baptism with which I am baptized you will be baptized 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:09.519 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:13.519 but is for those for whom it has been prepared 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:19.519 and when the ten heard it they began to be indignant at James and John 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:22.519 and Jesus called them to him and said to them 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:27.519 you know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:29.519 lord it over them 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:33.519 and their great ones exercise authority over them 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:36.519 but it shall not be so among you 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:41.519 but whoever would be great among you must be your servant 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:46.519 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:50.519 for even the son of man came not to be served 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:55.519 but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:57.519 and they came to Jericho 00:19:57.519 --> 00:20:00.519 and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.519 and a great crowd 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:04.519 Bartimaeus a blind beggar 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:07.519 the son of Timaeus was sitting by the roadside 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:10.519 and when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:13.519 he began to cry out and say 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:16.519 Jesus son of David have mercy on me 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:20.519 and many rebuked him telling him to be silent 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:22.519 but he cried out all the more 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:25.519 son of David have mercy on me 00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:28.519 and Jesus stopped and said call him 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:31.519 and they called the blind man saying to him 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:33.519 take heart get up 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:35.519 he is calling you 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:37.519 and throwing off his cloak 00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:39.519 he sprang up and came to Jesus 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:41.519 and Jesus said to him 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:44.519 what do you want me to do for you 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:46.519 and the blind man said to him 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:49.519 Rabbi let me recover my sight 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:52.519 and Jesus said to him 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.519 go your way 00:20:53.519 --> 00:20:56.519 your faith has made you well 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:59.519 and immediately he recovered his sight 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:03.519 and followed him on the way 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:05.519 Amen 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:08.519 and may God bless that reading from his word 00:21:08.519 --> 00:21:12.519 so before we come to look at this passage 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:15.519 we'll sing together again in Psalm 34 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:18.519 in the Sing Psalms version 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:21.519 page 40 of the psalm book 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:23.519 Psalm 34 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:29.519 and we'll sing from verse 8 down to verse 14 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:34.519 Psalm 34 at verse 8 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:37.519 come taste and see the Lord is good 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:39.519 who trusts in him is blessed 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:41.519 oh fear the Lord you saints with need 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:43.519 you will not be oppressed 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:45.519 and then down at verse 12 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:47.519 we have these words 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.519 does anyone delight in life 00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:51.519 and long to see good days 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:53.519 then keep your tongue from evil speech 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:55.519 your lips from lying ways 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:57.519 depart and turn from evil paths 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:59.519 and practice what is right 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:02.519 desire to know the way of peace 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:04.519 pursue it with your might 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:07.519 we'll sing from verse 8 down to verse 14 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:09.519 the tune is Kilmarnock 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:23.519 come taste and see the Lord is good 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:30.519 who trust in him is blessed 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:38.519 oh fear the Lord you saints with need 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:44.519 you will not be oppressed 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:54.519 young lions may grow weak and faint 00:22:54.519 --> 00:23:01.519 and hunger for their food 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:10.519 but those who wait upon the Lord 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:17.519 will not lack any good 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:27.519 come here my children gather round 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:33.519 and listen to my word 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:43.519 and I will help you understand 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:50.519 how you may fear the Lord 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:58.519 does anyone delight in life 00:23:58.519 --> 00:24:05.519 and long to see good days 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:15.519 then keep your tongue from evil speech 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:21.519 your lips from lying ways 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:31.519 depart and turn from evil paths 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:38.519 and practice what is right 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:45.519 desire to know the way of peace 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:53.519 pursue it with your might 00:24:53.519 --> 00:25:05.519 well we can turn back to our reading in the Gospel of Mark chapter 10 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:08.519 our focus this evening in particular is on 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:11.519 verse 46 down to the end of the chapter 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:14.519 where Jesus meets with this man Bartimaeus 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:19.519 and in verse 51 we read these words 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:22.519 after blind Bartimaeus had got up on his feet 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:24.519 and came running to Jesus 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.519 Jesus said to him 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:28.519 what do you want me to do for you 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:31.519 and the blind man said to him 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:34.519 Rabbi let me recover my sight 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:36.519 and Jesus said to him 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.519 go your way 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:40.519 your faith has made you well 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:43.519 and immediately he recovered his sight 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:46.519 and followed him on the way 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:51.519 as we come to the close of our communion weekend 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:55.519 I want to once more just consider this passage 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:57.519 where we read of Bartimaeus 00:25:57.519 --> 00:26:01.519 but consider it in light of the verse that we've been thinking about 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:03.519 in each of the services over the weekend 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:08.519 considering the reason for Jesus coming into the world 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:12.519 and that verse has been John 10 verse 10 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.519 where it says 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:17.519 the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:21.519 I came that they may have life 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:23.519 and have it abundantly 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:26.519 Jesus came that we might have life 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:28.519 and have it abundantly 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:32.519 and we began last evening by looking at Deuteronomy 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:34.519 chapter 30 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:38.519 where we considered the choice that was put before the people 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.519 there 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.519 there 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:42.519 the choice between life 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.519 and death 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:45.519 Jesus came 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:47.519 that we might have life abundantly 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:49.519 but there is another who seeks to 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.519 steal and kill 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:51.519 and destroy 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:54.519 and so we often have that choice 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:56.519 before us 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.519 who are we listening to 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.519 which way are we going 00:26:58.519 --> 00:27:00.519 does anyone delight in life 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:02.519 as the psalmist said 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:04.519 and we are to pursue it 00:27:04.519 --> 00:27:05.519 with all our might 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.519 to pursue the Lord 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:07.519 with all our might 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:09.519 so we had that choice 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.519 put before us 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.519 then this morning 00:27:11.519 --> 00:27:13.519 as we gathered for the Lord's 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.519 supper 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:18.519 we were considering the one who is the source of life 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:21.519 Jesus who gave his body 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.519 and his blood 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:24.519 that we might have life 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.519 through him 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:28.519 and tonight I want us to conclude 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:31.519 this theme of the way of life 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:33.519 looking at the way of life 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:37.519 the life that Jesus is able to give in abundance 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:41.519 and what does abundant life look like 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:44.519 and how do we live it 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:46.519 if you were to meet Bartimaeus 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:49.519 and be part of the crowd that was leaving Jericho 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.519 and see Bartimaeus 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:53.519 your first impression wouldn't be 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:56.519 there's one who has an abundant life 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:59.519 there's not someone who has life 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:01.519 and life to the full 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.519 he's a beggar 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.519 he's blind 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.519 and yet as we're going to see 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:07.519 he saw more 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.519 than those who were walking with Jesus 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:11.519 even at that time 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:13.519 he cried out in his great need 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:15.519 Jesus son of David 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:17.519 have mercy on me 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:21.519 his plea was for life 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:25.519 and as we look at the life of Bartimaeus 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:29.519 we see the compassion of Jesus 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:32.519 we thought about it recently in the Gospel of Mark 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:37.519 how Jesus saw the crowd and had compassion on them 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:43.519 well here is another instance of Jesus showing that compassion 00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:47.519 compassion towards this blind beggar 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:51.519 and we see how he gives life 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:54.519 and life abundant to Bartimaeus 00:28:54.519 --> 00:29:00.519 and what Bartimaeus does is follow him on the way 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:02.519 and that way wouldn't be easy 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:06.519 that way wouldn't be all perfect in every way 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.519 it would have its ups and its down 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:10.519 like everyone who comes to follow Jesus 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:13.519 and find the life that Jesus offers abundantly 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:16.519 is not a life separate to challenges and trials 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:20.519 but it's a life with that great hope 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:21.519 and assurance 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:23.519 of not just life for now 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:25.519 but life abundant 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:27.519 and life eternal 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.519 through him 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:34.519 a missionary society once wrote to David Livingston 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:37.519 after he was out in Africa for some time 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:39.519 and they asked him 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:42.519 have you found a good road to where you are 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:49.519 if so we want to know how to send other men to join you 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:53.519 well David Livingston's reply was to write back and say 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:57.519 if you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:59.519 I don't want them 00:29:59.519 --> 00:30:05.519 I want men who will come if there is no road at all 00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:10.519 and that is the call that Jesus puts on our lives 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:14.519 not that the way will be easy and perfect and straightforward 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:20.519 he says whoever will come after me will take up his cross and follow me 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:25.519 there will be burdens for us in this life 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:27.519 but it is not without hope 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:31.519 it is not without the security that he is with us 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:34.519 that he has come to give us life 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:37.519 and life in abundance 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:41.519 because the thief comes to steal and kill and destroy 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:45.519 but he has come that we might have life 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:49.519 and so as we look at this passage in Mark 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:51.519 up to this point 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:54.519 Mark is a fast moving gospel 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:58.519 things move from one place to another very quickly 00:30:58.519 --> 00:31:01.519 and here as we come into chapter 10 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:04.519 we are seeing Jesus, the disciples 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:08.519 and a crowd making their way up to Jerusalem 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:11.519 and they have come to Jericho 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:15.519 a large town about 18 miles from Jerusalem 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:18.519 and they have gone through this town 00:31:18.519 --> 00:31:20.519 and as they are leaving this town 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:26.519 we have this wonderful encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus 00:31:27.519 --> 00:31:31.519 in all the accounts of Jesus meeting with people 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:33.519 encountering people 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:36.519 this one often stands out for me 00:31:36.519 --> 00:31:39.519 we may all have our different preferences 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:43.519 of Jesus' encounters with different people 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:45.519 you might think of the woman at the well 00:31:45.519 --> 00:31:47.519 or other people that Jesus met 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:50.519 so often there is very personal encounters 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:52.519 that Jesus has with people 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:54.519 but this is one of my favourites 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:58.519 and it is my favourite for a number of different reasons 00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:01.519 because you see a few things here 00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:03.519 as he meets with Bartimaeus 00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:06.519 there is the timing of it 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:10.519 and there is the attitudes of those involved in it 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:12.519 when you think of the timing 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:17.519 Jesus has just told them in verse 32 to 34 00:32:18.519 --> 00:32:19.519 of what he is going to do 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:21.519 as he comes to Jerusalem 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:24.519 they were on the road going up to Jerusalem 00:32:25.519 --> 00:32:26.519 Jesus was walking ahead of them 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:28.519 and he started to explain to them 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:29.519 why they were going to Jerusalem 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:32.519 the son of man must be delivered over 00:32:32.519 --> 00:32:34.519 to the chief priests and the scribes 00:32:35.519 --> 00:32:36.519 they will condemn him to death 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:38.519 and deliver him over to the Gentiles 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.519 he is explaining to them 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:42.519 why they are going 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:45.519 and the timing in this is 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:48.519 he is just before his crucifixion 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:52.519 and yet even in the midst of this timing 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:56.519 there is still this purpose in what he is doing 00:32:56.519 --> 00:32:58.519 he is on his way to Jerusalem 00:32:59.519 --> 00:33:00.519 to fulfil this 00:33:00.519 --> 00:33:01.519 but you might excuse him 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:04.519 to not want any distractions along the way 00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:07.519 and especially a blind beggar 00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:10.519 who is crying out at the side of the road 00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:13.519 but then you see his attitude 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:16.519 it is one way he has time 00:33:17.519 --> 00:33:19.519 when he has time for Bartimaeus 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:22.519 because he came 00:33:22.519 --> 00:33:25.519 as we read in verse 45 00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:27.519 the son of man came not to be served 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.519 but to serve and to give his life 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.519 as a ransom for many 00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:33.519 he came that we might have life 00:33:34.519 --> 00:33:35.519 and have it abundantly 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:37.519 and he came that he might meet with 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:39.519 the likes of Bartimaeus 00:33:40.519 --> 00:33:42.519 who he still had time for 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:45.519 and his attitude was one of compassion 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:47.519 towards him 00:33:47.519 --> 00:33:52.519 and it contrasts the attitude of those who were with him 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:54.519 the disciples 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:56.519 the crowd 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.519 and the attitude you see from them 00:33:59.519 --> 00:34:00.519 is one of mocking Bartimaeus 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:02.519 shouting at him to be quiet 00:34:03.519 --> 00:34:04.519 to get away 00:34:05.519 --> 00:34:06.519 don't bother the master 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.519 and you see the attitude of James and John 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:10.519 in the previous section 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.519 verse 35 to 45 00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:14.519 their attitude of wanting glory 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:15.519 glory for themselves 00:34:15.519 --> 00:34:17.519 to sit one at the right 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:18.519 and one at the left 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:19.519 in glory 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:21.519 this is the kind of attitudes 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.519 that were there 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:26.519 James and John 00:34:27.519 --> 00:34:28.519 if you just want to notice 00:34:29.519 --> 00:34:31.519 they come to Jesus with demands 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:33.519 in verse 35 00:34:34.519 --> 00:34:35.519 teacher we want you to do for us 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:37.519 whatever we ask of you 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:39.519 they are demanding 00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:41.519 and look at what Jesus says 00:34:42.519 --> 00:34:43.519 he said to them 00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:44.519 what do you want me 00:34:44.519 --> 00:34:45.519 to do for you 00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:48.519 and what do you see 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.519 with Bartimaeus 00:34:51.519 --> 00:34:52.519 he didn't come 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:54.519 making demands 00:34:55.519 --> 00:34:56.519 he came crying out to Jesus 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:58.519 Jesus son of David 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.519 have mercy on me 00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:01.519 but look at what he says in verse 51 00:35:02.519 --> 00:35:03.519 to Bartimaeus 00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:05.519 Jesus said to him 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.519 what do you want me to do for you 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:09.519 the very same question 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:12.519 that he'd asked of James and John 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:15.519 but that attitude was one of seeking glory 00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:18.519 and you see the contrast here in Bartimaeus 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.519 when Jesus says 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:23.519 what do you want me to do for you 00:35:24.519 --> 00:35:25.519 he says Rabbi 00:35:26.519 --> 00:35:27.519 let me recover my sight 00:35:30.519 --> 00:35:32.519 so this is a wonderful encounter 00:35:33.519 --> 00:35:36.519 it's a reminder to us of the personal nature 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:38.519 of Jesus's ministry 00:35:39.519 --> 00:35:40.519 how he came 00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:42.519 how he had time 00:35:42.519 --> 00:35:43.519 how he had compassion 00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:45.519 how he came to give life 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:49.519 and I want us to think for ourselves this evening 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:53.519 of three things from Bartimaeus' experience 00:35:54.519 --> 00:35:57.519 three things that we can so easily apply to ourselves 00:35:57.519 --> 00:36:02.519 as we think of what is it to have abundant life 00:36:03.519 --> 00:36:07.519 and how do we live this life of abundance 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:11.519 well the first thing we're going to see is his condition 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:13.519 Bartimaeus' condition 00:36:14.519 --> 00:36:16.519 the second thing we'll see is his cry 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:20.519 and then thirdly we'll see his cure 00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:25.519 so first of all we see Bartimaeus 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:27.519 and his condition 00:36:28.519 --> 00:36:30.519 the diagnosis for Bartimaeus is bleak 00:36:31.519 --> 00:36:34.519 in terms of what kind of life he'd had 00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:36.519 and what the future held for him 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:38.519 people would have seen him as hopeless 00:36:39.519 --> 00:36:41.519 they were leaving Jericho 00:36:42.519 --> 00:36:43.519 with his disciples in a great crowd 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:45.519 Bartimaeus a blind beggar 00:36:46.519 --> 00:36:47.519 the son of Timaeus was sitting 00:36:47.519 --> 00:36:49.519 by the roadside 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:52.519 as I said this isn't someone you would look at 00:36:53.519 --> 00:36:55.519 and think here's someone who has great hope 00:36:56.519 --> 00:36:57.519 in his life 00:36:58.519 --> 00:36:59.519 and the crowd mocked him 00:37:00.519 --> 00:37:01.519 and rebuked him 00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:04.519 but what of Bartimaeus' condition 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:06.519 how would you think first of all 00:37:07.519 --> 00:37:08.519 that this is a hopeless case 00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:10.519 well firstly he's blind 00:37:11.519 --> 00:37:13.519 and this isn't something that was uncommon 00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:15.519 in Jesus' day 00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:18.519 many eye conditions 00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:19.519 that could easily be treated today 00:37:20.519 --> 00:37:22.519 they were incurable in Jesus' day 00:37:23.519 --> 00:37:24.519 and people who were blind 00:37:25.519 --> 00:37:26.519 were often cast to the side 00:37:27.519 --> 00:37:28.519 they were often seen as a burden 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:29.519 to even their own families 00:37:30.519 --> 00:37:31.519 so they were put away 00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:33.519 and they had nowhere to turn 00:37:34.519 --> 00:37:37.519 to be blind was to be struck down in many ways 00:37:38.519 --> 00:37:40.519 and your case was hopeless 00:37:41.519 --> 00:37:42.519 and the only option was 00:37:42.519 --> 00:37:43.519 was what we see secondly about him 00:37:43.519 --> 00:37:44.519 his condition was 00:37:45.519 --> 00:37:46.519 he was a beggar 00:37:47.519 --> 00:37:48.519 he was needy 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:49.519 he was dependent on others 00:37:50.519 --> 00:37:51.519 and their generosity 00:37:52.519 --> 00:37:53.519 to help him survive 00:37:54.519 --> 00:37:55.519 and that is how he would seem 00:37:56.519 --> 00:37:57.519 in the eyes of those 00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.519 or many of the eyes of those 00:37:59.519 --> 00:38:00.519 who are passing by 00:38:01.519 --> 00:38:02.519 even in our own eyes 00:38:03.519 --> 00:38:04.519 today as you read this passage 00:38:05.519 --> 00:38:08.519 Bartimaeus initially maybe seems like just a hopeless case 00:38:08.519 --> 00:38:11.519 and yet as you read through 00:38:12.519 --> 00:38:13.519 you see Bartimaeus 00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:16.519 had a greater vision than many who were passing by 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:19.519 he may have been physically blind 00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:23.519 but his eyes were seeing something else on Jesus 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:26.519 how so? 00:38:27.519 --> 00:38:31.519 well first of all we see that he knew what to do 00:38:31.519 --> 00:38:33.519 Jesus and the crowd 00:38:34.519 --> 00:38:35.519 they were leaving Jericho 00:38:36.519 --> 00:38:37.519 on the way up to Jerusalem 00:38:38.519 --> 00:38:39.519 and as we were thinking of this morning 00:38:40.519 --> 00:38:41.519 this was the time 00:38:42.519 --> 00:38:44.519 when they were going to prepare the Passover 00:38:45.519 --> 00:38:47.519 so many people would have been making their way up to Jerusalem 00:38:48.519 --> 00:38:49.519 just like Jesus and his disciples 00:38:50.519 --> 00:38:52.519 going to observe the Passover 00:38:53.519 --> 00:38:55.519 and so Bartimaeus is here 00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:57.519 he's in the hot spot if you like 00:38:57.519 --> 00:38:59.519 for collecting from people 00:39:00.519 --> 00:39:01.519 it's like we would see today 00:39:02.519 --> 00:39:03.519 people sitting outside train stations 00:39:04.519 --> 00:39:05.519 or busy high streets 00:39:06.519 --> 00:39:07.519 there's the prime locations 00:39:08.519 --> 00:39:09.519 where people will fight and jostle over 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:11.519 to get the prime spot 00:39:12.519 --> 00:39:13.519 where they're likely to get something 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:16.519 well Bartimaeus is here outside Jericho 00:39:17.519 --> 00:39:19.519 where many people are passing by 00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:21.519 but more importantly 00:39:22.519 --> 00:39:25.519 although he was able to provide for his needs 00:39:25.519 --> 00:39:26.519 in this way physically 00:39:26.519 --> 00:39:29.519 there was something else about Bartimaeus 00:39:30.519 --> 00:39:33.519 that would make us see that he was not a hopeless case 00:39:34.519 --> 00:39:36.519 he was blind physically 00:39:37.519 --> 00:39:38.519 but he was not deaf 00:39:39.519 --> 00:39:42.519 and as he'd been hearing people passing by 00:39:43.519 --> 00:39:44.519 he'd have been hearing 00:39:45.519 --> 00:39:47.519 maybe over a number of weeks or even months 00:39:48.519 --> 00:39:51.519 he'd have been hearing people talking about Jesus 00:39:51.519 --> 00:39:54.519 he'd have been hearing what was happening 00:39:55.519 --> 00:39:57.519 in different places through the miracles of Jesus 00:39:58.519 --> 00:39:59.519 through the works of Jesus 00:40:00.519 --> 00:40:04.519 he was hearing of one who was able to help 00:40:05.519 --> 00:40:09.519 so his condition may seem hopeless initially 00:40:10.519 --> 00:40:13.519 but actually behind it all there is hope 00:40:14.519 --> 00:40:15.519 he was listening 00:40:16.519 --> 00:40:18.519 he was in the right place 00:40:18.519 --> 00:40:20.519 we ask ourselves 00:40:21.519 --> 00:40:23.519 what is our condition today 00:40:24.519 --> 00:40:27.519 what is your condition in this sense tonight 00:40:28.519 --> 00:40:32.519 are you here listening to what God is saying 00:40:33.519 --> 00:40:35.519 are you here seeing you're in the right place 00:40:36.519 --> 00:40:38.519 that you're hearing the word of God 00:40:39.519 --> 00:40:40.519 are you deaf 00:40:41.519 --> 00:40:42.519 are you shunning it 00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:44.519 or are you listening to what is being said 00:40:44.519 --> 00:40:47.519 are you realizing the importance of it 00:40:48.519 --> 00:40:49.519 that here we have 00:40:50.519 --> 00:40:52.519 Jesus as it were passing by 00:40:53.519 --> 00:40:55.519 that he is speaking to us 00:40:56.519 --> 00:40:58.519 Bartimaeus was blind 00:40:59.519 --> 00:41:02.519 and yet he was able to see his greatest need 00:41:03.519 --> 00:41:05.519 and for ourselves too 00:41:06.519 --> 00:41:08.519 surely we need to see our greatest need is Christ 00:41:09.519 --> 00:41:13.519 our greatest need is here before us this evening 00:41:13.519 --> 00:41:16.519 our greatest need is perhaps something 00:41:17.519 --> 00:41:19.519 we've been hearing about over many many years 00:41:20.519 --> 00:41:22.519 but we've been deaf to it 00:41:23.519 --> 00:41:24.519 we've not been listening 00:41:25.519 --> 00:41:27.519 but we see our condition 00:41:28.519 --> 00:41:32.519 we are indeed helpless and hopeless without Christ 00:41:33.519 --> 00:41:35.519 but here we are under his word 00:41:36.519 --> 00:41:39.519 it is a time of opportunity 00:41:39.519 --> 00:41:42.519 it is another time to hear the gospel 00:41:43.519 --> 00:41:45.519 of the riches of Christ 00:41:46.519 --> 00:41:47.519 who is able to give us life 00:41:48.519 --> 00:41:50.519 someone else who 00:41:51.519 --> 00:41:53.519 recognized his own condition 00:41:54.519 --> 00:41:57.519 was the man John Newton 00:41:58.519 --> 00:42:00.519 in many ways he had his life 00:42:01.519 --> 00:42:02.519 all planned out 00:42:03.519 --> 00:42:04.519 he was in the slave trade 00:42:05.519 --> 00:42:06.519 he was making money 00:42:06.519 --> 00:42:07.519 living a riotous life 00:42:07.519 --> 00:42:08.519 he thought he had his life 00:42:09.519 --> 00:42:10.519 all planned out 00:42:10.519 --> 00:42:11.519 but then he began to realize 00:42:12.519 --> 00:42:13.519 his condition 00:42:14.519 --> 00:42:16.519 and that's what brought him to write those words 00:42:17.519 --> 00:42:18.519 amazing grace 00:42:19.519 --> 00:42:20.519 and how sweet the sound 00:42:21.519 --> 00:42:23.519 but look at how he describes himself in that hymn 00:42:24.519 --> 00:42:25.519 a wretch 00:42:26.519 --> 00:42:27.519 one who was lost 00:42:28.519 --> 00:42:30.519 one who was blind 00:42:30.519 --> 00:42:34.519 that is how he saw his condition 00:42:35.519 --> 00:42:37.519 but what made the difference 00:42:38.519 --> 00:42:39.519 in his life 00:42:40.519 --> 00:42:41.519 grace 00:42:42.519 --> 00:42:43.519 it was grace that taught 00:42:44.519 --> 00:42:45.519 my heart to fear 00:42:46.519 --> 00:42:47.519 and grace my fears relieved 00:42:48.519 --> 00:42:49.519 how precious did that grace appear 00:42:50.519 --> 00:42:52.519 the hour I first believed 00:42:53.519 --> 00:42:55.519 he recognized his condition 00:42:56.519 --> 00:42:58.519 a wretch who was lost 00:42:58.519 --> 00:42:59.519 who was lost 00:42:59.519 --> 00:43:00.519 and who was blind 00:43:01.519 --> 00:43:02.519 but he was able to say 00:43:03.519 --> 00:43:04.519 I am found 00:43:05.519 --> 00:43:06.519 and now I see 00:43:07.519 --> 00:43:08.519 and that is the wonder 00:43:09.519 --> 00:43:11.519 of what Jesus has come to do 00:43:12.519 --> 00:43:14.519 to open the eyes of the blind 00:43:15.519 --> 00:43:17.519 to help us to see him 00:43:18.519 --> 00:43:20.519 John Newton recognized his condition 00:43:21.519 --> 00:43:24.519 Bartimaeus recognized his condition 00:43:24.519 --> 00:43:27.519 and if we recognize our condition today 00:43:28.519 --> 00:43:30.519 as lost and helpless sinners 00:43:31.519 --> 00:43:32.519 what can we do about it 00:43:33.519 --> 00:43:34.519 how then can we find 00:43:35.519 --> 00:43:37.519 this abundant life 00:43:38.519 --> 00:43:39.519 that Jesus offers 00:43:40.519 --> 00:43:41.519 well we learn again our second lesson 00:43:42.519 --> 00:43:43.519 from Bartimaeus 00:43:44.519 --> 00:43:45.519 what did he do? 00:43:46.519 --> 00:43:47.519 as Jesus was passing by 00:43:48.519 --> 00:43:49.519 what did he do? 00:43:50.519 --> 00:43:51.519 he cried out 00:43:51.519 --> 00:43:52.519 out 00:43:52.519 --> 00:43:53.519 in verse 47 00:43:54.519 --> 00:43:55.519 and when he heard 00:43:55.519 --> 00:43:57.519 that it was Jesus of Nazareth 00:43:58.519 --> 00:43:59.519 he began to cry out 00:44:00.519 --> 00:44:01.519 and say 00:44:02.519 --> 00:44:03.519 Jesus son of David 00:44:03.519 --> 00:44:04.519 have mercy on me 00:44:05.519 --> 00:44:06.519 what a cry 00:44:07.519 --> 00:44:08.519 he had 00:44:08.519 --> 00:44:09.519 and even though it goes on to say 00:44:10.519 --> 00:44:11.519 they began to rebuke him 00:44:12.519 --> 00:44:13.519 telling him to be silent 00:44:13.519 --> 00:44:14.519 what did he do? 00:44:15.519 --> 00:44:16.519 he was stubborn 00:44:17.519 --> 00:44:18.519 he cried out all the more 00:44:18.519 --> 00:44:20.519 son of David 00:44:20.519 --> 00:44:22.519 have mercy on me 00:44:23.519 --> 00:44:26.519 he wasn't going to be turned away 00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:30.519 he had heard who Jesus was 00:44:31.519 --> 00:44:33.519 he was hearing that he was passing by 00:44:34.519 --> 00:44:36.519 and he cried out 00:44:37.519 --> 00:44:40.519 he knew that Jesus could help 00:44:41.519 --> 00:44:43.519 he would have heard of the miracles of Jesus 00:44:44.519 --> 00:44:45.519 healing lepers 00:44:45.519 --> 00:44:47.519 healing the demon possessed 00:44:48.519 --> 00:44:50.519 even bringing the dead 00:44:50.519 --> 00:44:51.519 back to life 00:44:52.519 --> 00:44:53.519 and here is the one 00:44:53.519 --> 00:44:54.519 who is the source 00:44:55.519 --> 00:44:56.519 of life 00:44:57.519 --> 00:44:58.519 and the choice 00:44:58.519 --> 00:44:59.519 is there before Bartimaeus 00:45:00.519 --> 00:45:01.519 do I cry out 00:45:02.519 --> 00:45:03.519 or not? 00:45:04.519 --> 00:45:05.519 life or death 00:45:06.519 --> 00:45:07.519 which is it going to be? 00:45:07.519 --> 00:45:08.519 well he cries out 00:45:08.519 --> 00:45:09.519 and he cries out all the more 00:45:10.519 --> 00:45:11.519 Jesus son of David 00:45:12.519 --> 00:45:13.519 have mercy on me 00:45:13.519 --> 00:45:16.519 and we have to recognise 00:45:16.519 --> 00:45:21.519 who Jesus is 00:45:22.519 --> 00:45:23.519 for ourselves 00:45:24.519 --> 00:45:25.519 look at the way he says it 00:45:26.519 --> 00:45:28.519 Jesus son of David 00:45:29.519 --> 00:45:30.519 so much understanding 00:45:31.519 --> 00:45:32.519 behind his cry 00:45:33.519 --> 00:45:34.519 it's not just Jesus 00:45:35.519 --> 00:45:37.519 Jesus son of David 00:45:38.519 --> 00:45:40.519 the fulfilment of the scriptures 00:45:40.519 --> 00:45:42.519 the promise of God 00:45:42.519 --> 00:45:43.519 the promise of God 00:45:43.519 --> 00:45:44.519 that he would send his son 00:45:44.519 --> 00:45:46.519 into this world 00:45:47.519 --> 00:45:48.519 the one who was going to come 00:45:49.519 --> 00:45:50.519 he is here before Bartimaeus 00:45:51.519 --> 00:45:53.519 in the same way 00:45:53.519 --> 00:45:57.519 as he appeared to the woman of Samaria at the well 00:45:58.519 --> 00:46:01.519 and said we know that Christ is coming 00:46:02.519 --> 00:46:05.519 and Jesus says I who you speak of 00:46:05.519 --> 00:46:06.519 am he 00:46:07.519 --> 00:46:08.519 he was there 00:46:09.519 --> 00:46:10.519 he is here with Bartimaeus 00:46:11.519 --> 00:46:12.519 and we can cry out 00:46:12.519 --> 00:46:13.519 to the same Jesus 00:46:14.519 --> 00:46:15.519 ourselves 00:46:16.519 --> 00:46:17.519 Jesus son of David 00:46:18.519 --> 00:46:19.519 have mercy on me 00:46:20.519 --> 00:46:21.519 that is the cry 00:46:22.519 --> 00:46:23.519 we need to have 00:46:23.519 --> 00:46:24.519 if we want to have 00:46:24.519 --> 00:46:25.519 that abandoned life 00:46:26.519 --> 00:46:27.519 if we want to know 00:46:28.519 --> 00:46:29.519 that assurance of eternal life 00:46:30.519 --> 00:46:31.519 we need to cry out 00:46:31.519 --> 00:46:32.519 and sometimes it's to cry out 00:46:32.519 --> 00:46:33.519 all the more 00:46:34.519 --> 00:46:35.519 Jesus son of David 00:46:36.519 --> 00:46:37.519 have mercy on me 00:46:38.519 --> 00:46:40.519 you see Bartimaeus 00:46:41.519 --> 00:46:42.519 he realised 00:46:42.519 --> 00:46:43.519 what Jesus could do 00:46:44.519 --> 00:46:46.519 and is there anyone here 00:46:46.519 --> 00:46:47.519 who doesn't know 00:46:48.519 --> 00:46:49.519 what Jesus can do for you 00:46:50.519 --> 00:46:53.519 the Bible makes it so clear 00:46:54.519 --> 00:46:56.519 what Jesus can do for you 00:46:57.519 --> 00:46:58.519 is to give you life 00:46:58.519 --> 00:47:01.519 and life abundantly 00:47:02.519 --> 00:47:04.519 because the alternative is 00:47:05.519 --> 00:47:06.519 the thief who comes 00:47:07.519 --> 00:47:08.519 to seek to kill and destroy 00:47:09.519 --> 00:47:12.519 but Jesus has come 00:47:13.519 --> 00:47:14.519 that we might have life 00:47:15.519 --> 00:47:16.519 and Bartimaeus saw 00:47:17.519 --> 00:47:18.519 his greatest opportunity 00:47:19.519 --> 00:47:20.519 had come 00:47:21.519 --> 00:47:22.519 for years he would have been sitting here 00:47:23.519 --> 00:47:24.519 a blind beggar 00:47:25.519 --> 00:47:26.519 helpless in so many ways 00:47:26.519 --> 00:47:30.519 but as Jesus is passing by 00:47:31.519 --> 00:47:32.519 he realises the opportunity 00:47:33.519 --> 00:47:35.519 and he's not going to let 00:47:36.519 --> 00:47:38.519 this opportunity pass him by 00:47:39.519 --> 00:47:40.519 he recognises 00:47:41.519 --> 00:47:42.519 just like Peter and the disciples 00:47:43.519 --> 00:47:44.519 who said 00:47:45.519 --> 00:47:46.519 you know to whom else can we go 00:47:47.519 --> 00:47:49.519 for you have the words of eternal life 00:47:50.519 --> 00:47:51.519 there's nowhere else 00:47:52.519 --> 00:47:53.519 that this help is going to come from 00:47:53.519 --> 00:47:54.519 and for Bartimaeus 00:47:54.519 --> 00:47:56.519 there's no other help for him 00:47:57.519 --> 00:47:58.519 apart from in Christ 00:47:59.519 --> 00:48:01.519 so he cries out 00:48:02.519 --> 00:48:05.519 and he recognises that this opportunity 00:48:06.519 --> 00:48:07.519 could easily pass him by 00:48:08.519 --> 00:48:11.519 you know if Bartimaeus had sat silently 00:48:12.519 --> 00:48:15.519 Jesus wasn't going to pass that way 00:48:16.519 --> 00:48:17.519 again 00:48:18.519 --> 00:48:19.519 he was on his way to Jerusalem 00:48:19.519 --> 00:48:21.519 on his way 00:48:22.519 --> 00:48:24.519 to give his life as a ransom for many 00:48:25.519 --> 00:48:26.519 and for so many 00:48:27.519 --> 00:48:28.519 that opportunity 00:48:29.519 --> 00:48:30.519 you let it pass by 00:48:31.519 --> 00:48:33.519 the cry doesn't come 00:48:34.519 --> 00:48:37.519 and Jesus is here tonight 00:48:38.519 --> 00:48:40.519 for Bartimaeus 00:48:41.519 --> 00:48:43.519 no cry would have been tomorrow 00:48:44.519 --> 00:48:46.519 just another day like the one before 00:48:46.519 --> 00:48:48.519 the one before and the one before that 00:48:49.519 --> 00:48:50.519 no different 00:48:52.519 --> 00:48:54.519 but as we cry out to God for help 00:48:55.519 --> 00:48:56.519 he is able to give us 00:48:57.519 --> 00:48:58.519 as it were a new tomorrow 00:48:59.519 --> 00:49:01.519 a new tomorrow where we go 00:49:02.519 --> 00:49:03.519 in the strength of the Lord 00:49:04.519 --> 00:49:07.519 we rejoice in the hope that he gives 00:49:08.519 --> 00:49:10.519 the life and life abundant that he is able 00:49:10.519 --> 00:49:12.519 to give to us 00:49:13.519 --> 00:49:14.519 in faith 00:49:15.519 --> 00:49:16.519 we are to recognise that this 00:49:17.519 --> 00:49:19.519 this opportunity could easily pass 00:49:20.519 --> 00:49:21.519 us by 00:49:22.519 --> 00:49:23.519 and you don't want to be in that situation 00:49:24.519 --> 00:49:25.519 where you say 00:49:26.519 --> 00:49:27.519 if only 00:49:27.519 --> 00:49:28.519 I had another opportunity 00:49:31.519 --> 00:49:32.519 today 00:49:33.519 --> 00:49:34.519 if you hear his voice 00:49:35.519 --> 00:49:36.519 as the psalmist says 00:49:36.519 --> 00:49:37.519 do not harden 00:49:37.519 --> 00:49:38.519 your heart 00:49:39.519 --> 00:49:41.519 cry out 00:49:42.519 --> 00:49:43.519 Jesus 00:49:44.519 --> 00:49:45.519 son of David 00:49:46.519 --> 00:49:47.519 have mercy 00:49:48.519 --> 00:49:49.519 on me 00:49:50.519 --> 00:49:52.519 the third and final thing we see here 00:49:53.519 --> 00:49:54.519 is his cure 00:49:55.519 --> 00:49:58.519 when Jesus heard 00:49:59.519 --> 00:50:00.519 his cry 00:50:00.519 --> 00:50:01.519 he said 00:50:01.519 --> 00:50:02.519 call him 00:50:03.519 --> 00:50:04.519 and they called him 00:50:04.519 --> 00:50:05.519 and said 00:50:06.519 --> 00:50:07.519 take heart 00:50:07.519 --> 00:50:08.519 get up 00:50:08.519 --> 00:50:09.519 he is calling you 00:50:10.519 --> 00:50:11.519 Jesus 00:50:11.519 --> 00:50:12.519 stopped 00:50:13.519 --> 00:50:14.519 it's an amazing 00:50:15.519 --> 00:50:16.519 image this 00:50:17.519 --> 00:50:18.519 the crowd rebuking 00:50:19.519 --> 00:50:20.519 Bartimaeus 00:50:21.519 --> 00:50:22.519 mocking 00:50:23.519 --> 00:50:24.519 telling him to be silent 00:50:25.519 --> 00:50:26.519 but Jesus stopping and saying 00:50:27.519 --> 00:50:28.519 call him 00:50:28.519 --> 00:50:29.519 the climb 00:50:29.519 --> 00:50:30.519 up to 00:50:30.519 --> 00:50:31.519 up to Jerusalem 00:50:31.519 --> 00:50:32.519 facing up to the fact 00:50:32.519 --> 00:50:33.519 that he was going to his death 00:50:34.519 --> 00:50:35.519 Jesus has this 00:50:36.519 --> 00:50:37.519 compassion and concern 00:50:38.519 --> 00:50:39.519 to look at the beggar 00:50:40.519 --> 00:50:41.519 and to have time 00:50:42.519 --> 00:50:43.519 for him 00:50:44.519 --> 00:50:45.519 you know in many ways 00:50:45.519 --> 00:50:46.519 you could have thought 00:50:46.519 --> 00:50:47.519 James and John 00:50:48.519 --> 00:50:49.519 they would have been so much more important 00:50:49.519 --> 00:50:50.519 than this beggar 00:50:51.519 --> 00:50:52.519 if they were to ask 00:50:52.519 --> 00:50:53.519 you know whatever 00:50:53.519 --> 00:50:54.519 what do you want 00:50:54.519 --> 00:50:55.519 we want you to do for us 00:50:55.519 --> 00:50:56.519 whatever we ask of you 00:50:56.519 --> 00:50:57.519 you think Jesus 00:50:57.519 --> 00:50:58.519 just tell me 00:50:58.519 --> 00:50:59.519 and I'll do it 00:51:00.519 --> 00:51:01.519 but he doesn't 00:51:01.519 --> 00:51:02.519 because 00:51:02.519 --> 00:51:03.519 their motive 00:51:03.519 --> 00:51:04.519 was wrong 00:51:05.519 --> 00:51:06.519 they wanted glory 00:51:07.519 --> 00:51:11.519 and so Jesus rebuked them 00:51:12.519 --> 00:51:13.519 but what would they have thought now 00:51:13.519 --> 00:51:14.519 as they're seeing Jesus 00:51:14.519 --> 00:51:15.519 saying 00:51:15.519 --> 00:51:16.519 those very same words 00:51:17.519 --> 00:51:18.519 to this blind beggar 00:51:18.519 --> 00:51:19.519 what do you want me 00:51:20.519 --> 00:51:21.519 to do for you 00:51:22.519 --> 00:51:24.519 but look at the simplicity 00:51:24.519 --> 00:51:27.519 of Bartimaeus' answer 00:51:28.519 --> 00:51:29.519 Rabbi 00:51:30.519 --> 00:51:31.519 let me recover 00:51:32.519 --> 00:51:33.519 my sight 00:51:34.519 --> 00:51:35.519 who is important 00:51:36.519 --> 00:51:37.519 to Jesus in this passage 00:51:38.519 --> 00:51:39.519 they all are 00:51:40.519 --> 00:51:41.519 because Jesus 00:51:42.519 --> 00:51:43.519 is showing his compassion 00:51:44.519 --> 00:51:45.519 to James and John 00:51:45.519 --> 00:51:46.519 even in rebuking them 00:51:47.519 --> 00:51:48.519 he's teaching them 00:51:48.519 --> 00:51:49.519 what it means to be a disciple 00:51:49.519 --> 00:51:50.519 to follow him 00:51:50.519 --> 00:51:51.519 to follow him 00:51:51.519 --> 00:51:52.519 you need to let go 00:51:52.519 --> 00:51:54.519 the hope of glory 00:51:55.519 --> 00:51:56.519 you need to let go 00:51:57.519 --> 00:51:58.519 the sense of status 00:51:58.519 --> 00:51:59.519 and power 00:52:00.519 --> 00:52:01.519 whoever would be first among you 00:52:02.519 --> 00:52:03.519 must be slave of all 00:52:03.519 --> 00:52:04.519 he said 00:52:05.519 --> 00:52:06.519 for even the son of man 00:52:06.519 --> 00:52:07.519 came not to serve 00:52:08.519 --> 00:52:09.519 to be served 00:52:09.519 --> 00:52:10.519 but to serve 00:52:10.519 --> 00:52:11.519 and to give his life 00:52:11.519 --> 00:52:12.519 as a ransom for many 00:52:12.519 --> 00:52:13.519 there was teaching in that 00:52:14.519 --> 00:52:16.519 but he had a concern 00:52:16.519 --> 00:52:17.519 concern 00:52:17.519 --> 00:52:18.519 for Bartimaeus too 00:52:19.519 --> 00:52:20.519 he was important as well 00:52:21.519 --> 00:52:23.519 and that's a reminder to us 00:52:24.519 --> 00:52:25.519 maybe we don't feel 00:52:26.519 --> 00:52:27.519 important to Jesus 00:52:28.519 --> 00:52:30.519 he won't trouble himself 00:52:31.519 --> 00:52:32.519 with me 00:52:33.519 --> 00:52:34.519 he'll see nothing in me 00:52:35.519 --> 00:52:37.519 well what he sees is 00:52:38.519 --> 00:52:39.519 that you are made in his image 00:52:40.519 --> 00:52:41.519 that you have a soul 00:52:42.519 --> 00:52:43.519 that is precious to him 00:52:43.519 --> 00:52:46.519 and that is why he came 00:52:47.519 --> 00:52:48.519 because the thief 00:52:49.519 --> 00:52:50.519 wants to steal and kill 00:52:51.519 --> 00:52:52.519 and destroy that soul 00:52:53.519 --> 00:52:54.519 but Jesus has come 00:52:55.519 --> 00:52:56.519 that you might have life 00:52:57.519 --> 00:52:58.519 and have it abundantly 00:53:01.519 --> 00:53:02.519 so as he says 00:53:03.519 --> 00:53:04.519 what do you want me 00:53:04.519 --> 00:53:05.519 to do for you 00:53:05.519 --> 00:53:06.519 he says Rabbi 00:53:07.519 --> 00:53:08.519 let me recover my sight 00:53:09.519 --> 00:53:10.519 let me see 00:53:11.519 --> 00:53:12.519 isn't that a beautiful response 00:53:12.519 --> 00:53:13.519 of all the things 00:53:13.519 --> 00:53:15.519 he could have asked for 00:53:16.519 --> 00:53:17.519 he just says 00:53:18.519 --> 00:53:19.519 Rabbi, teacher 00:53:20.519 --> 00:53:21.519 let me see 00:53:22.519 --> 00:53:24.519 and isn't that the response 00:53:25.519 --> 00:53:27.519 that we should all want 00:53:28.519 --> 00:53:29.519 not glory 00:53:30.519 --> 00:53:31.519 not status 00:53:32.519 --> 00:53:33.519 not power 00:53:34.519 --> 00:53:35.519 not any of these things 00:53:36.519 --> 00:53:37.519 but just to come 00:53:37.519 --> 00:53:38.519 Lord have mercy on me 00:53:39.519 --> 00:53:40.519 let me see 00:53:40.519 --> 00:53:41.519 see 00:53:41.519 --> 00:53:42.519 because this is about 00:53:42.519 --> 00:53:43.519 not just seeing 00:53:43.519 --> 00:53:44.519 physically 00:53:45.519 --> 00:53:46.519 but seeing 00:53:47.519 --> 00:53:48.519 spiritually 00:53:48.519 --> 00:53:49.519 this is coming 00:53:49.519 --> 00:53:50.519 as you see 00:53:50.519 --> 00:53:51.519 what Jesus' response 00:53:52.519 --> 00:53:53.519 go your way 00:53:53.519 --> 00:53:54.519 your faith 00:53:55.519 --> 00:53:56.519 has made you well 00:53:57.519 --> 00:53:58.519 the faith was there 00:53:59.519 --> 00:54:01.519 and Jesus opened his eyes 00:54:02.519 --> 00:54:04.519 and I'm sure for many here tonight 00:54:05.519 --> 00:54:06.519 the faith is there 00:54:06.519 --> 00:54:07.519 faith is there 00:54:07.519 --> 00:54:08.519 but your eyes 00:54:08.519 --> 00:54:09.519 but your eyes just need 00:54:09.519 --> 00:54:10.519 to be opened 00:54:11.519 --> 00:54:12.519 and that's our prayer 00:54:13.519 --> 00:54:14.519 Rabbi 00:54:14.519 --> 00:54:15.519 teacher 00:54:15.519 --> 00:54:16.519 let me see 00:54:17.519 --> 00:54:22.519 sometimes we just need 00:54:23.519 --> 00:54:24.519 to be disturbed 00:54:25.519 --> 00:54:26.519 in our life 00:54:27.519 --> 00:54:28.519 and there's a prayer 00:54:29.519 --> 00:54:30.519 often attributed to 00:54:30.519 --> 00:54:31.519 Francis Drake 00:54:31.519 --> 00:54:33.519 and it's a prayer 00:54:33.519 --> 00:54:35.519 that we could all pray 00:54:36.519 --> 00:54:37.519 where he says this 00:54:38.519 --> 00:54:39.519 disturb us Lord 00:54:40.519 --> 00:54:41.519 when we are too well pleased 00:54:42.519 --> 00:54:43.519 with ourselves 00:54:44.519 --> 00:54:45.519 when our dreams have come through 00:54:46.519 --> 00:54:48.519 because we have dreamed too little 00:54:49.519 --> 00:54:50.519 when we arrive safely 00:54:51.519 --> 00:54:53.519 because we have sailed too close to the shore 00:54:53.519 --> 00:54:54.519 the shore 00:54:55.519 --> 00:54:56.519 disturb us Lord 00:54:56.519 --> 00:54:59.519 when with the abundance of things we possess 00:55:00.519 --> 00:55:01.519 we have lost our thirst 00:55:02.519 --> 00:55:03.519 for the waters of life 00:55:04.519 --> 00:55:06.519 having fallen in love with life 00:55:07.519 --> 00:55:09.519 we have ceased to dream of eternity 00:55:10.519 --> 00:55:13.519 and in our efforts to build a new earth 00:55:14.519 --> 00:55:18.519 we have allowed our vision of the new heaven to dim 00:55:18.519 --> 00:55:20.519 disturb us 00:55:21.519 --> 00:55:22.519 disturb us 00:55:23.519 --> 00:55:24.519 that's sometimes 00:55:25.519 --> 00:55:26.519 what we need 00:55:27.519 --> 00:55:28.519 disturb us 00:55:28.519 --> 00:55:31.519 when we see the abundance of things we possess 00:55:32.519 --> 00:55:34.519 and yet we have lost our thirst 00:55:35.519 --> 00:55:37.519 for the waters of life 00:55:38.519 --> 00:55:42.519 may God give us a thirst for him 00:55:43.519 --> 00:55:45.519 a desire to see him 00:55:45.519 --> 00:55:47.519 that as we come away 00:55:48.519 --> 00:55:49.519 from the Lord's table today 00:55:50.519 --> 00:55:51.519 as we come away from the Lord's day 00:55:52.519 --> 00:55:54.519 and this season of communion 00:55:55.519 --> 00:55:57.519 that we would come away with the response 00:55:58.519 --> 00:55:59.519 of Bartimaeus 00:56:00.519 --> 00:56:01.519 Rabbi let me see 00:56:02.519 --> 00:56:05.519 and to know the blessing of the cure that Jesus gives 00:56:06.519 --> 00:56:08.519 go your way 00:56:09.519 --> 00:56:11.519 your faith has made you well 00:56:11.519 --> 00:56:13.519 and to respond 00:56:14.519 --> 00:56:15.519 like Bartimaeus 00:56:16.519 --> 00:56:17.519 who immediately recovered his sight 00:56:18.519 --> 00:56:20.519 and followed him 00:56:21.519 --> 00:56:22.519 on the way 00:56:23.519 --> 00:56:24.519 let us look 00:56:25.519 --> 00:56:26.519 to Jesus 00:56:27.519 --> 00:56:28.519 and see the one 00:56:29.519 --> 00:56:30.519 who is able to give us life 00:56:31.519 --> 00:56:32.519 and life abundant 00:56:33.519 --> 00:56:34.519 and follow him 00:56:35.519 --> 00:56:36.519 on the way 00:56:37.519 --> 00:56:38.519 let us pray 00:56:38.519 --> 00:56:41.519 our Father in heaven 00:56:41.519 --> 00:56:42.519 we give you thanks 00:56:42.519 --> 00:56:43.519 oh Lord 00:56:43.519 --> 00:56:44.519 for your 00:56:44.519 --> 00:56:45.519 remembrance of us 00:56:46.519 --> 00:56:47.519 for your compassion towards us 00:56:48.519 --> 00:56:49.519 that is so great 00:56:50.519 --> 00:56:51.519 that despite 00:56:51.519 --> 00:56:52.519 our hopelessness 00:56:53.519 --> 00:56:54.519 despite all 00:56:55.519 --> 00:56:56.519 the scars of sin 00:56:57.519 --> 00:56:58.519 in our lives and in our hearts 00:56:59.519 --> 00:57:00.519 that you are the one who shows us 00:57:01.519 --> 00:57:02.519 so much compassion 00:57:03.519 --> 00:57:04.519 that you are the one who even comes 00:57:04.519 --> 00:57:05.519 and you this evening 00:57:05.519 --> 00:57:06.519 asking us 00:57:07.519 --> 00:57:08.519 what you want me 00:57:09.519 --> 00:57:10.519 to do for you 00:57:11.519 --> 00:57:12.519 and we pray Lord 00:57:12.519 --> 00:57:14.519 to have the faith of Bartimaeus 00:57:15.519 --> 00:57:16.519 and the hope of Bartimaeus 00:57:17.519 --> 00:57:18.519 to cry out to the Lord 00:57:19.519 --> 00:57:20.519 Lord Jesus 00:57:21.519 --> 00:57:22.519 son of David 00:57:23.519 --> 00:57:24.519 have mercy on me 00:57:25.519 --> 00:57:26.519 and as we come 00:57:27.519 --> 00:57:28.519 help us to see 00:57:29.519 --> 00:57:30.519 help us to see you 00:57:30.519 --> 00:57:31.519 and follow you on the way 00:57:31.519 --> 00:57:32.519 as we ask it all 00:57:32.519 --> 00:57:33.519 in Jesus name 00:57:33.519 --> 00:57:34.519 Amen 00:57:34.519 --> 00:57:38.519 We'll conclude 00:57:39.519 --> 00:57:40.519 this evening by singing 00:57:41.519 --> 00:57:42.519 to God's praise 00:57:42.519 --> 00:57:43.519 the words of 00:57:43.519 --> 00:57:44.519 Psalm 16 00:57:45.519 --> 00:57:46.519 in the singed Psalms 00:57:46.519 --> 00:57:47.519 on page 17 00:57:48.519 --> 00:57:49.519 from verse 8 00:57:50.519 --> 00:57:51.519 down to the end 00:57:52.519 --> 00:57:53.519 of the Psalm 00:57:54.519 --> 00:57:55.519 a wonderful Psalm 00:57:55.519 --> 00:57:56.519 that reminds us 00:57:56.519 --> 00:57:57.519 as we come away 00:57:57.519 --> 00:57:58.519 from the Lord's table 00:57:59.519 --> 00:58:00.519 how we are to live 00:58:00.519 --> 00:58:01.519 we are to go on 00:58:01.519 --> 00:58:02.519 in the life 00:58:02.519 --> 00:58:03.519 of the strength 00:58:03.519 --> 00:58:04.519 of the Lord 00:58:04.519 --> 00:58:05.519 is to set him 00:58:05.519 --> 00:58:06.519 constantly 00:58:06.519 --> 00:58:07.519 before us 00:58:07.519 --> 00:58:08.519 before me 00:58:08.519 --> 00:58:09.519 constantly 00:58:09.519 --> 00:58:10.519 I set 00:58:10.519 --> 00:58:11.519 the Lord alone 00:58:11.519 --> 00:58:12.519 because he is 00:58:12.519 --> 00:58:13.519 at my right hand 00:58:13.519 --> 00:58:14.519 I'll not be 00:58:14.519 --> 00:58:15.519 overthrown 00:58:15.519 --> 00:58:16.519 therefore my heart 00:58:16.519 --> 00:58:17.519 is glad 00:58:17.519 --> 00:58:18.519 my tongue 00:58:18.519 --> 00:58:19.519 with joy 00:58:19.519 --> 00:58:20.519 will sing 00:58:20.519 --> 00:58:21.519 my body too 00:58:21.519 --> 00:58:22.519 will rest secure 00:58:22.519 --> 00:58:23.519 in hope 00:58:23.519 --> 00:58:24.519 unwavering 00:58:24.519 --> 00:58:25.519 we'll sing 00:58:25.519 --> 00:58:26.519 from verse 8 00:58:26.519 --> 00:58:27.519 to the end of the Psalm 00:58:27.519 --> 00:58:28.519 to God's praise 00:58:28.519 --> 00:58:29.519 verse 9 00:58:29.519 --> 00:58:38.519 forget 00:58:38.519 --> 00:58:39.519 before me 00:58:39.519 --> 00:58:40.019 constantly 00:58:41.519 --> 00:58:42.519 Eve 00:58:42.519 --> 00:58:43.519 set the heart 00:58:43.519 --> 00:58:44.519 alone 00:58:44.519 --> 00:58:45.519 because 00:58:45.519 --> 00:58:46.519 He 00:58:47.519 --> 00:58:48.519 ила 00:58:48.519 --> 00:58:49.519 set 00:58:49.519 --> 00:58:50.519 the heart 00:58:50.519 --> 00:58:51.519 alone 00:58:51.519 --> 00:58:52.519 because 00:58:52.519 --> 00:58:54.519 He 00:58:54.519 --> 00:59:08.519 At my right hand I'll not be overthrown. 00:59:08.519 --> 00:59:27.519 Therefore my heart is glad, my tongue which I will sing, 00:59:27.519 --> 00:59:46.519 My body too will rest secure in open way for me. 00:59:46.519 --> 01:00:04.519 For you will not allow my soul in death to stay, 01:00:04.519 --> 01:00:22.599 Nor will you leave your Holy One to see the tomb decay. 01:00:22.599 --> 01:00:42.599 You have made known to me the path of life divine. 01:00:42.599 --> 01:01:02.839 This shall I know at your right hand, Joy from your face will shine. 01:01:03.960 --> 01:01:08.500 Now as we're going next door, I'll give thanks for the food that's been prepared 01:01:08.500 --> 01:01:10.679 and then close with a benediction. 01:01:10.679 --> 01:01:14.619 And after the benediction, if you'll allow James to go to the main door, 01:01:14.699 --> 01:01:17.359 I'll go to the door to my left hand side here. 01:01:18.399 --> 01:01:22.980 Lord, our gracious God, we continue to look to you for all the good gifts 01:01:22.980 --> 01:01:25.119 that you provide for us day by day. 01:01:25.579 --> 01:01:28.799 We give you thanks, O Lord, for this day, for our fellowship, 01:01:29.419 --> 01:01:32.879 for the blessings you have bestowed upon us, Lord, with encouragement, 01:01:33.699 --> 01:01:35.599 with your word, with sacrament. 01:01:36.299 --> 01:01:38.799 And we pray, Lord, that your blessing would go with us, 01:01:38.800 --> 01:01:42.740 that we will continue in our fellowship next door to enjoy your presence 01:01:42.740 --> 01:01:44.039 and your peace with us, 01:01:44.500 --> 01:01:48.840 that you will bless our time and bless all the provision that has been made for us. 01:01:48.900 --> 01:01:54.860 Lord, we thank you for all who help in every way in serving you and your people here. 01:01:55.460 --> 01:01:58.860 And now may grace, mercy, and peace from God, 01:01:59.240 --> 01:02:04.340 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rest upon and abide with you all, 01:02:04.740 --> 01:02:05.940 now and forevermore. 01:02:05.940 --> 01:02:06.700 Amen. 01:02:06.700 --> 01:02:06.800 Amen.