WEBVTT 00:00:00.660 --> 00:00:07.860 Well, please do have a seat and grab your Bible again and we'll be in Hebrews 12 for the next wee while together. 00:00:08.859 --> 00:00:19.280 Join us on the penultimate episode of our series, Out from the Shadows, as we've looked at the book of Hebrews for the last number of months. 00:00:19.280 --> 00:00:25.539 This morning we arrive in Hebrews chapter 12, verses 18 to 29. 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:29.199 Jesus, greater reality. 00:00:30.339 --> 00:00:34.600 Next week in Hebrews 13, the writer gets very pastoral. 00:00:34.679 --> 00:00:36.359 He's going to give us lots of instructions. 00:00:36.939 --> 00:00:46.859 But this passage this morning really does literally become the pinnacle of all that he said so far in Hebrews. 00:00:46.980 --> 00:00:52.420 So if we're going to learn great and life changing things from it, let's pray together. 00:00:55.539 --> 00:00:58.299 Father God, we come to this, your word. 00:00:59.200 --> 00:01:03.600 Father, we come in humility and foolishness. 00:01:04.120 --> 00:01:11.640 But Lord, we come with heart burning that you might teach us wonderful things about yourself from it. 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:18.680 So Lord, may we see all that we now have because of your son, Jesus. 00:01:19.739 --> 00:01:22.759 Father, melt our hearts afresh, we pray in Jesus name. 00:01:23.379 --> 00:01:23.700 Amen. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:23.780 Amen. 00:01:25.200 --> 00:01:29.480 This is Samuel Pierpont Langley. 00:01:30.060 --> 00:01:39.060 A name I'm sure most of you know nothing about, but he was a really big deal at the end of the 19th century. 00:01:39.060 --> 00:01:50.340 He was the arch rival of Wilbur and Orville Wright in the race to produce the world's first manned flying machine. 00:01:50.340 --> 00:01:58.380 And looking at it objectively, you'd have to say that Samuel Pierpont Langley probably should have won. 00:01:58.680 --> 00:02:02.439 We should probably know Langley far better than we know the Wright brothers. 00:02:02.439 --> 00:02:07.039 Samuel Pierpont Langley was well funded. 00:02:07.039 --> 00:02:14.240 He had a grant of $70,000 to do these experiments in flight. 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:21.820 He had a crack team of well educated physics professors and engineers. 00:02:22.320 --> 00:02:28.780 He was on the board of Harvard and he selected the best to be on his team to make this flying machine. 00:02:28.780 --> 00:02:34.699 He was also the curator of the Smithsonian Museum. 00:02:34.840 --> 00:02:37.639 So he had lots of textbooks and resources. 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:40.979 Langley and his team also were full time. 00:02:40.979 --> 00:02:47.919 They devoted all of their waking hours to making this plane that would fly. 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:54.939 Wilbur and Orville Wright, on the other hand, didn't have a college degree between them. 00:02:55.539 --> 00:03:00.399 They funded themselves on the meager earnings from their bicycle repair shop. 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:04.500 And they did it all in their spare time. 00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:09.480 This really was a David versus Goliath race. 00:03:12.060 --> 00:03:15.180 However, we are familiar with the Wright brothers. 00:03:16.540 --> 00:03:22.280 And most of us have only heard of Samuel Pierpont Langley for the first time this morning. 00:03:22.280 --> 00:03:28.400 And the reason Wilbur and Orville won and Samuel didn't was not in ability. 00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:33.500 It was not in their goal to produce a flying machine. 00:03:33.620 --> 00:03:34.800 It was in their motivation. 00:03:36.139 --> 00:03:39.300 Samuel Pierpont Langley kept telling his team, 00:03:39.840 --> 00:03:42.800 if we produce the first flying machine, we will be rich. 00:03:44.860 --> 00:03:47.460 Wilbur and Orville, on the other hand, 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:50.659 had this consistent mantra written on the wall of their workshop. 00:03:50.659 --> 00:03:55.659 If we produce the first flying machine, we will change the world. 00:03:56.740 --> 00:04:01.579 And therefore, it was Orville and Wilbur that won. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:03.979 And that's a great lesson, isn't it? 00:04:03.979 --> 00:04:07.199 That it's not just hearing the instruction, we need to build a flying machine. 00:04:07.439 --> 00:04:10.960 But it's also having adequate motivation in order that that will happen. 00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:16.879 If we make a flying machine, we will change the world. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:19.720 And you have to say, they have. 00:04:20.660 --> 00:04:24.600 As we all jet off on exotic holidays over Easter. 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:33.520 Exhortation plus motivation is a really powerful concoction 00:04:33.520 --> 00:04:39.680 that brings about real change and real action and real fruit in people's lives. 00:04:40.480 --> 00:04:43.400 Exhortation plus motivation. 00:04:43.399 --> 00:04:50.139 And as we come to the end of Hebrews 12, the writer is giving us lots of exhortation. 00:04:51.039 --> 00:04:54.319 And he's giving us wonderful motivation. 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:59.180 So last week in Hebrews 12, we had this exhortation. 00:04:59.959 --> 00:05:05.459 Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 00:05:05.680 --> 00:05:09.860 And let us run the race with perseverance that is marked out for us. 00:05:09.899 --> 00:05:11.159 That is an exhortation. 00:05:11.959 --> 00:05:14.000 Get rid of things that hinder, throw off sin. 00:05:14.379 --> 00:05:15.620 Run with perseverance. 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:18.500 And then we get the motivation. 00:05:19.300 --> 00:05:26.240 Do this because of the glorious example of Jesus who's run this race better and before us. 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:32.860 And do it because of the loving discipline of our Heavenly Father in the gymnasium of life. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:34.980 Exhortation. 00:05:36.040 --> 00:05:36.860 Throw off. 00:05:37.300 --> 00:05:38.480 Run with perseverance. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:38.720 Experience. 00:05:39.360 --> 00:05:39.920 Motivation. 00:05:40.020 --> 00:05:40.900 Because of Jesus. 00:05:42.020 --> 00:05:47.100 And because of the love of your Heavenly Father who's training you so it might be done. 00:05:48.400 --> 00:05:52.660 And so in the remainder of chapter 12, we're going to get three more exhortations. 00:05:53.420 --> 00:05:55.620 And three more wonderful motivations. 00:05:56.220 --> 00:06:00.080 And if we see these, they really will be life transforming. 00:06:00.759 --> 00:06:03.680 So the first one is this. 00:06:03.680 --> 00:06:10.180 Be holy because you have come to a better mountain. 00:06:10.400 --> 00:06:14.819 Be holy because you have come to a better mountain. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:20.240 Verses 14 to 17 have been this exhortation to be holy. 00:06:20.899 --> 00:06:25.000 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:28.439 Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. 00:06:28.920 --> 00:06:31.460 We then get verse 16 which is the negative example. 00:06:31.459 --> 00:06:34.659 Don't be like Esau who was immoral. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:36.739 Who got it wrong. 00:06:37.500 --> 00:06:41.419 And so the exhortation that comes is be holy. 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:46.519 And what follows in verses 18 to 24 is the motivation. 00:06:46.799 --> 00:06:47.899 Why should we be holy? 00:06:48.240 --> 00:06:50.120 Why should we live set apart for God? 00:06:50.179 --> 00:06:52.560 Why should we be marked out as different? 00:06:53.079 --> 00:06:54.679 Because of our faith in God. 00:06:55.539 --> 00:07:00.879 Well the answer given is because we've come to a better mountain. 00:07:01.459 --> 00:07:05.000 We've come to a better mountain. 00:07:05.779 --> 00:07:09.199 Verses 18 to 24 are a simple compare and contrast. 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:17.740 The writer is comparing the physical Mount Sinai and Israel's experience as they receive the old covenant in the wilderness. 00:07:18.599 --> 00:07:25.459 With the spiritual Mount Zion which is ours through the new covenant inaugurated by the Lord Jesus. 00:07:25.459 --> 00:07:29.279 And so this is Anapure in Nepal. 00:07:29.919 --> 00:07:32.779 It is the most dangerous mountain in the world. 00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:36.959 There have been 200 successful climbs to the summit. 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:40.839 And 61 fatalities. 00:07:42.019 --> 00:07:43.699 200 people got to the top. 00:07:43.799 --> 00:07:46.039 61 people died trying. 00:07:46.419 --> 00:07:49.459 That gives it what is called a fatality rate of 32%. 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:50.259 32%. 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:52.959 One in three people who tried to climb it die. 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:54.959 K2. 00:07:55.699 --> 00:07:57.539 26.5%. 00:07:57.539 --> 00:07:58.779 And Everest. 00:07:59.199 --> 00:08:00.919 3.9%. 00:08:00.919 --> 00:08:06.399 But what we have here in 18 to 21 is a far more deadly mountain. 00:08:06.399 --> 00:08:16.359 18 to 21 reminds us of Israel's experience at the foot of Mount Sinai. 00:08:16.979 --> 00:08:20.579 And the description is petrifying. 00:08:21.539 --> 00:08:25.639 Picks up all the imagery from Exodus 19 and Deuteronomy 4. 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:30.899 And the writer paints to the Hebrew readers and to us a familiar picture. 00:08:30.899 --> 00:08:34.360 Seven distressing details. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:38.879 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched. 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:42.199 That is burning with fire. 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:44.500 To darkness, gloom and storm. 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:48.559 To a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words. 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:53.299 That those who heard it begged that no further word would be spoken to them. 00:08:53.759 --> 00:08:56.419 Because they could not bear what was commanded. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:09:00.799 If even an animal touches the mountain it must be stoned to death. 00:09:00.899 --> 00:09:05.699 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, I tremble. 00:09:07.199 --> 00:09:09.799 It is an ominous picture. 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:16.620 As they looked at this mountain that was burning. 00:09:17.579 --> 00:09:19.360 That was shrouded in gloom. 00:09:19.539 --> 00:09:20.840 That was stormy. 00:09:21.100 --> 00:09:24.579 The air was filled with a deafening trumpet noise. 00:09:25.699 --> 00:09:29.240 And a voice spoke and it was unbearable. 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:35.039 What we see in Exodus 19 is when they get there the people are pressing right up close to the mountain. 00:09:35.419 --> 00:09:39.600 But once the trumpet blast comes they start to move backwards. 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:42.779 And the elders have to say, no you need to come forward. 00:09:42.779 --> 00:09:52.860 A commandment that was unbearable about the absolute ferocious utter holiness of God. 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:57.879 Meaning that even an animal that touched the mountain must be killed. 00:09:57.879 --> 00:10:06.519 A terrifying picture of the holiness of God come down on Mount Sinai. 00:10:07.320 --> 00:10:13.299 The whole message at Sinai is that God is so holy you dare not approach. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:19.860 God is ferociously holy and people that come into contact will be consumed. 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:23.519 Just to top it all look at verse 21. 00:10:24.539 --> 00:10:30.419 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear. 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:36.000 I've always had the utmost respect for pilots. 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:39.279 Do you know when you're on a plane and you go through turbulence. 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:43.139 And even people that are staunch atheists are having prayer meetings together. 00:10:43.240 --> 00:10:44.779 The turbulence is so awful. 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:48.579 And the pilot comes on so calm. 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:53.600 Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the slight discomfort that you've just had. 00:10:53.639 --> 00:10:55.159 It's very reassuring, isn't it? 00:10:56.779 --> 00:10:59.019 Well just imagine being these people. 00:10:59.639 --> 00:11:03.299 Where Moses, the guy who's supposed to be calm and have it all together. 00:11:03.600 --> 00:11:06.199 He is trembling with fear. 00:11:06.699 --> 00:11:09.980 He is supposed to be the mediator of this old covenant. 00:11:09.980 --> 00:11:16.200 And yet his knees are knocking just as much as the people of Israel. 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:27.720 Sinai was a mountain of dread as the holiness of God descends and is witnessed by Israel with even Moses, the mediator. 00:11:28.680 --> 00:11:30.840 Unable to bear the experience. 00:11:30.840 --> 00:11:32.040 Sinai was a mountain of dread. 00:11:32.040 --> 00:11:33.019 Sinai was a mountain of dread. 00:11:33.019 --> 00:11:36.480 And the writer to the Hebrews is saying, this is not the mountain you've come to. 00:11:37.259 --> 00:11:40.360 You have not come to this mountain. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:47.680 You've come to Mount Zion, which in stark contrast is completely other. 00:11:48.480 --> 00:11:51.420 But you have come to Mount Zion. 00:11:52.780 --> 00:11:56.080 To the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. 00:11:56.460 --> 00:12:00.100 You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:03.480 To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. 00:12:03.920 --> 00:12:05.800 You have come to God, the judge of all. 00:12:05.860 --> 00:12:07.920 To the spirits of the righteous made perfect. 00:12:08.360 --> 00:12:10.820 To Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:17.100 And to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 00:12:18.320 --> 00:12:23.000 And whereas the picture of Sinai was ominous and petrifying, 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:27.899 the picture of Zion is glorious and joy-filled. 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:30.480 The city of the living God. 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:37.220 The new Jerusalem and Mount Zion are so often used synonymously in the Old Testament. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:40.720 This is not a place where the holiness of God has descended. 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:43.279 This is the place where God himself dwells. 00:12:44.220 --> 00:12:46.439 It is a place of light. 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:55.980 When you fly into Edinburgh, you know where Edinburgh is because over and against the Lothians and North Lanarkshire and West Lothian, 00:12:56.480 --> 00:13:01.680 there's this, the sky is filled with light and this is the city to which we've come. 00:13:01.780 --> 00:13:03.020 It's totally different. 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:12.000 To thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, the celebration to end all celebrations. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:14.019 To the church of the firstborn. 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:18.139 To the people of the Lord Jesus. 00:13:19.679 --> 00:13:25.679 To all the people that have gone before whose names are written on the heavenly guest list. 00:13:25.679 --> 00:13:29.679 To the spirits of the righteous made perfect. 00:13:30.459 --> 00:13:35.839 All those people that we read about in Hebrews 11, who despite failing and struggling, got there. 00:13:36.659 --> 00:13:40.339 And the grace of the Lord Jesus was enough to get them in. 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:41.659 To the judge of all. 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:46.299 And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. 00:13:46.299 --> 00:13:54.379 Not Moses cowering, doing his best to mediate a covenant between God and man as a fallen human being. 00:13:54.379 --> 00:13:57.620 But to Jesus, the perfect mediator. 00:13:58.740 --> 00:14:01.120 And to sprinkle blood. 00:14:01.579 --> 00:14:04.639 Not the blood of Abel from Genesis 4. 00:14:05.339 --> 00:14:08.899 Abel murdered by his brother whose blood cries out from the grave. 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:10.219 Vengeance. 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:11.240 Justice. 00:14:12.059 --> 00:14:12.620 Punishment. 00:14:14.059 --> 00:14:15.759 Not that blood. 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:20.579 But Jesus' blood that speaks a better word. 00:14:21.099 --> 00:14:23.959 That speaks the best word. 00:14:24.539 --> 00:14:26.399 Words of forgiveness. 00:14:27.339 --> 00:14:28.179 Words of love. 00:14:28.319 --> 00:14:29.240 Words of mercy. 00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:30.339 Words of grace. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:32.259 Words of reconciliation. 00:14:32.719 --> 00:14:34.120 Words of restoration. 00:14:34.519 --> 00:14:35.559 Words of welcome. 00:14:37.339 --> 00:14:41.000 Jesus' blood that speaks a better word. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:42.000 Words of mercy. 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:46.360 And so, whereas the message of Sinai was you're not welcome. 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:51.299 The message of Zion is come on up. 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:53.679 And what's the difference? 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.159 Well, God is the same. 00:14:57.259 --> 00:14:59.179 We're going to read that at the end of the chapter. 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:01.000 He's still awesomely holy. 00:15:02.199 --> 00:15:04.120 The difference is the Lord Jesus. 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:07.759 That we now have a better mediator. 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:16.620 We now have a mediator that's perfectly able to mediate between a holy God and sinful people. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:20.659 And he did it by the shedding of his own blood. 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:26.819 The difference between Sinai and Zion is not that God has lightened up. 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:37.100 The difference between Sinai and Zion is that Jesus has now suffered and died and bids us come. 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:40.379 It is a much better mountain. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:43.960 It is a far better experience. 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:47.159 And now as those welcomed onto the mountain, what is our response? 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:48.320 Well, it is to be holy. 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:51.919 It is a present reality, see. 00:15:52.320 --> 00:15:54.500 Verse 22, but you have come. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:59.019 This is not talking about something future when Jesus comes back or when we die. 00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:01.799 This is a present reality that is ours. 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:05.720 That we can come into God's presence. 00:16:05.820 --> 00:16:07.179 We've already seen it. 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:13.739 We've already seen that we can boldly approach the throne of grace in Hebrews. 00:16:14.739 --> 00:16:17.279 That we have a standing before God. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.279 That's exactly what he's saying here. 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:21.599 You can come into God's very near presence. 00:16:22.479 --> 00:16:25.019 Now, because of Jesus. 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:33.139 Abel's blood, vengeance, punishment, judgment, justice. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:36.759 Jesus' blood, grace, hope, joy. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.179 Reconciliation. 00:16:38.559 --> 00:16:42.239 This week, we've seen an awful lot about the British steel industry. 00:16:43.019 --> 00:16:48.939 We've seen pictures of these enormous blast furnaces, particularly in Port Talbot in Wales. 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:55.919 These blast furnaces that run at 1,535 degrees. 00:16:56.299 --> 00:17:00.059 And what is astonishing is that people are working in their near proximity. 00:17:00.059 --> 00:17:03.379 Why are they working there? 00:17:03.439 --> 00:17:08.819 Well, because they've got these amazingly expensive suits that repel all the heat and keep them cool. 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:15.419 In a far greater sense, we're welcomed on Mount Zion. 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:21.079 Where the holiness of God burns far hotter than any blast furnace. 00:17:22.159 --> 00:17:27.179 And our only protection is the asbestos righteousness that is ours in Jesus Christ. 00:17:27.919 --> 00:17:33.159 If we try to go up the mountain without Jesus, we are in terrifying trouble. 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:37.620 And yet, because of Jesus, we're welcomed. 00:17:38.380 --> 00:17:42.560 We have come to the city of the living God. 00:17:43.840 --> 00:17:48.560 Whilst God does not change our position, it's utterly transformed by Jesus. 00:17:50.140 --> 00:17:54.560 A present reality that is ours. 00:17:54.559 --> 00:18:02.099 So in a very real sense, the writer to the Hebrews is laying out to his readers the starkness of the choice they face. 00:18:02.419 --> 00:18:08.419 If you remember, every week in Hebrews, we've seen these people that attempted to go back to Old Testament Judaism. 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:14.220 And you see, when he puts before them the choice of these two mountains, why would you go back? 00:18:15.079 --> 00:18:17.599 Why would you choose Sinai over Zion? 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:21.579 It's a no-brainer in every sense of the word. 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:31.279 Why would you go mountaineering up, terrifying Sinai when you are welcomed on glorious Zion because of the Lord Jesus? 00:18:32.939 --> 00:18:36.500 And so it's a similar choice for us not to go back to Sinai, 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:41.039 but to go back to all the danger and darkness of the world. 00:18:42.139 --> 00:18:47.899 Instead of residing forever on this glorious mountain that we're welcomed on. 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:56.300 Whether we'll turn to the fleeting pleasures of sin that will last for such a short while and will end in ultimate death. 00:18:56.759 --> 00:19:03.560 Or whether we'll keep on going and ascend this glorious mountain on which we're welcomed because of Jesus. 00:19:05.140 --> 00:19:10.440 And so do you see in response because we're welcome, the right response is to be holy. 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:15.820 The exhortation is to be holy and the motivation is because you're welcome. 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:22.100 Because you're welcome in the presence of a holy God because of the Lord Jesus. 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:24.680 Be holy. 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:28.019 The exhortation, why? 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:30.980 The motivation, because we've come to a better mountain. 00:19:32.080 --> 00:19:34.680 A far better mountain. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:42.019 Second point is this, be listening because we're receiving a permanent kingdom. 00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:44.400 See verse 25. 00:19:45.840 --> 00:19:49.720 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:57.080 If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, 00:19:57.080 --> 00:20:02.440 how much less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:06.920 Exhortation. 00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:08.180 Keep listening. 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:11.600 Don't refuse him who speaks. 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:15.680 To keep on listening and obeying what God is saying to us in Jesus. 00:20:16.140 --> 00:20:18.080 Warning us from heaven itself. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:21.740 Listening has been a major theme of Hebrews. 00:20:22.320 --> 00:20:24.960 The book commences with our God who speaks. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:30.740 Who spoke to our forefathers many times in various ways, 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:34.880 but has now spoken fully and finally in his son. 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:39.279 Then the rest of the book exhorts us to keep on listening, 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:42.859 to keep on hearing, to keep on obeying. 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:47.920 Here in these verses he gives us final motivation to keep on listening. 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:51.339 The exhortation, keep on listening. 00:20:52.620 --> 00:20:55.319 The motivation comes in the form of a warning. 00:20:55.319 --> 00:21:01.039 It's an argument from the lesser to the greater. 00:21:02.159 --> 00:21:04.740 He states if Old Testament Israel didn't survive 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:08.079 when they ignored him who warned from earth, 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:11.980 how much less will we escape 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:17.399 if we shut our ears to the living God who warns us from heaven? 00:21:18.939 --> 00:21:22.779 If in the Old Testament refusing to hear God's warning resulted in death, 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:24.819 how much more terrifying will it be 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:29.359 if we stop listening to one who's speaking clearer 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:34.359 and more fully in the Lord Jesus from heaven? 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:37.160 If you touch the mountain at Sinai, 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:38.359 you would be shot and killed. 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:41.099 How much more terrifying will it be 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:43.480 if we come to this mountain 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:46.539 and don't heed this warning? 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:52.920 The writer to the Hebrews has already stated in Hebrews 10, 31 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:56.359 that it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 00:21:57.139 --> 00:22:00.059 And therefore it will be eternally devastating 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:02.000 to stumble into God's presence 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:05.019 and face God's judgment on account of our sin, 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:07.839 having ignored and forgiven our only hope, 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:09.000 which is the Lord Jesus. 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:13.259 You don't want to find yourself a Zion without Jesus 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:15.019 because it will be more terrifying 00:22:15.019 --> 00:22:19.200 than it would to be on the top of Sinai uninvited. 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:24.960 The writer to the Hebrews is right in 927 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:27.579 when he says people are destined to die once 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:29.720 and after that to face judgment. 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:32.779 To meet this God, how will you meet him? 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:37.859 In all the holiness of Sinai 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:43.539 or in all the welcome and joy of Zion. 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:47.000 Devastating loss and eternal judgment 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:51.000 on account of arriving unprepared 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:56.420 or eternal hope and life 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:58.160 through trusting Jesus, 00:22:58.279 --> 00:22:59.619 now meaning we escape judgment. 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:02.779 It's the choice we have. 00:23:02.939 --> 00:23:05.239 Listen and be accepted, 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:08.159 refuse and don't escape. 00:23:09.739 --> 00:23:12.699 And a second motivation comes in the form of a promise. 00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:14.559 Look at verse 28. 00:23:16.179 --> 00:23:18.719 Keep on listening because if you don't, 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:22.019 there'll be terrifying consequences. 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:24.799 But also keep on listening 00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:26.559 because we're receiving a kingdom 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:28.439 that cannot be shaken. 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:31.479 It comes in the form of a promise, 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:34.000 the promise of graciously receiving from God 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:37.759 and inhabiting with God an unshakable kingdom. 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:40.500 He quotes Haggai 2 verse 6 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:44.799 saying that the God who shook the earth 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:47.939 from Sinai will again shake the earth. 00:23:48.939 --> 00:23:50.859 And not just the earth, 00:23:50.919 --> 00:23:53.119 it will be a more profound shaking 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:54.659 because he will shake the earth 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:56.860 and the heavens in final judgment. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.779 He will speak, 00:24:00.600 --> 00:24:02.140 the earth will shake, 00:24:02.440 --> 00:24:04.440 and everything that can be shaken, 00:24:04.600 --> 00:24:05.019 that is, 00:24:05.340 --> 00:24:07.240 created things will be removed. 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:11.040 And what cannot be shaken will remain 00:24:11.040 --> 00:24:13.800 in God's unshakable kingdom. 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:16.700 A time when internal reality, 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:18.960 a time when the, 00:24:19.560 --> 00:24:21.740 what we experience by faith on Zion 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:24.059 will be the reality for everyone 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:25.740 in the world. 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:29.019 A time when eternal reality 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:30.180 will come to the fore 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:32.339 and the shadowlands of this finite 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:33.700 and transitory world 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:36.579 will be shaken and destroyed. 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:39.000 I don't know about you, 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.319 but the longer I live, 00:24:40.359 --> 00:24:42.519 the more shaky this world feels. 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:45.519 It's not quite set on the foundations 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.140 as it should. 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:48.320 It feels like a wobbly world. 00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:50.840 Fading health. 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.640 Fluctuating economies. 00:24:53.860 --> 00:24:55.160 Fracturing relationships. 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:56.440 Fragile jobs. 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:58.380 Far-reaching tragedies. 00:24:58.600 --> 00:25:00.000 It doesn't seem as permanent 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.360 as we'd like it to be. 00:25:02.580 --> 00:25:03.920 It's all kind of crumbling. 00:25:05.280 --> 00:25:07.040 It's all kind of wobbling, 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:07.580 seemingly, 00:25:07.780 --> 00:25:08.820 on its very foundations. 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.940 And the reason it is 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:11.840 is because it wasn't meant to last. 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:17.279 It was always quite shaky and shakable. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:20.240 It was tarnished by sin. 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:23.299 But Hebrews 12 tells us 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:24.039 one day 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.819 this shaky world 00:25:25.819 --> 00:25:27.279 will be shaken and destroyed. 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:29.659 And what will remain 00:25:29.659 --> 00:25:31.720 will be that which is unshakable, 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.819 that that is built 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:35.500 on the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:38.839 The full reality of Zion 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.619 will be here. 00:25:39.619 --> 00:25:40.919 Sinai will be shaken. 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:44.899 Zion will stand. 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:47.579 What a glorious promise 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.699 that we will be welcome 00:25:48.699 --> 00:25:50.559 in an unshakable kingdom forever 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:52.019 because of Jesus 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:54.079 if we keep on listening. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.220 The difference between 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.980 being shaken in judgment 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:59.619 and standing firm 00:25:59.619 --> 00:26:01.459 is listening, 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.359 trusting and acting 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:04.279 upon the warning 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.839 that God has given us 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:07.500 from heaven in his son. 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:10.759 So we will trust Jesus Christ 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:12.420 and be unshakably safe 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:14.700 when God finally shakes the earth 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.319 and the heavens 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:16.500 in judgment. 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:18.500 This is 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:20.900 Sabir-Gotken International Airport. 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:22.079 Do you see how there's flying 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:22.740 like weave 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.660 throughout this summer? 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.440 This is 00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:28.259 Sabir-Gotken International Airport. 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.960 It was completed last year 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.099 and it is officially 00:26:31.099 --> 00:26:32.680 the most earthquake-proof 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:34.819 structure in the world. 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:36.379 It will withstand 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.299 something that is 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:38.359 8.7 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:40.240 on the Richter scale. 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:42.519 That if you're in 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.200 Turkey, 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.700 the place you want to run to 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:45.839 in an earthquake is this, 00:26:45.939 --> 00:26:47.720 but the terrifying truth is 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.159 that when God speaks 00:26:49.159 --> 00:26:50.799 and shakes the world, 00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:54.099 Sabir-Gotken International Airport 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.200 will be reduced to 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:56.200 rubble 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.500 and powder. 00:26:57.500 --> 00:27:00.259 when the God of the universe 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.079 shakes the earth 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:01.720 in judgment, 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.440 this structure will be 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.200 as nothing. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.940 The only structure standing 00:27:06.940 --> 00:27:07.799 will be the church 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:08.900 of Jesus Christ 00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:10.660 and all those that have found 00:27:10.660 --> 00:27:13.039 refuge and salvation 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.579 in him. 00:27:14.900 --> 00:27:17.000 And so the second exhortation 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.779 be listening. 00:27:18.619 --> 00:27:19.059 Why? 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:20.140 Because we're receiving 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:21.500 an unshakable kingdom 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:24.700 and we remain 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.900 and find refuge in it 00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:27.480 if we keep on listening 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:28.540 to what God is saying 00:27:28.540 --> 00:27:29.380 in the Lord Jesus. 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.140 Lastly, 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:32.540 and quickly, 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:34.540 verse 28, 00:27:35.280 --> 00:27:35.620 therefore, 00:27:35.840 --> 00:27:36.700 since we are receiving 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.740 a kingdom that cannot 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:38.360 be shaken, 00:27:39.060 --> 00:27:40.340 let us be thankful 00:27:40.340 --> 00:27:42.380 and so worship, 00:27:42.560 --> 00:27:43.620 so serve God 00:27:43.620 --> 00:27:45.240 acceptably with reverence 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:45.800 and awe. 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:47.580 For our God 00:27:47.580 --> 00:27:49.540 is a consuming fire. 00:27:51.540 --> 00:27:52.880 God has not changed 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:53.560 since Sinai. 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:56.220 He is still ferociously holy. 00:27:56.379 --> 00:27:57.440 He is still described 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:59.440 as the same consuming fire 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:01.639 we find in Exodus 19. 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:03.359 And yet, 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:05.139 two wonderful things happen 00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:06.119 as we get this. 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:09.200 The firstly is we see God 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.819 as so different to us, 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:12.500 so perfect to us, 00:28:12.539 --> 00:28:14.440 so other than us, 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:16.960 that he is truly worth worshipping. 00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:19.659 One who is so perfect 00:28:19.659 --> 00:28:21.079 in every way, 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:23.659 who is all of the omnis 00:28:23.659 --> 00:28:24.819 rolled into one. 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:26.240 And as I get that, 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:28.399 I realise just how worthy 00:28:28.399 --> 00:28:29.980 of worship that he is, 00:28:30.119 --> 00:28:31.059 that I declare that 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:32.579 you are worthy. 00:28:34.159 --> 00:28:36.720 You are this consuming fire 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:38.619 of absolute perfection, 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:41.599 of wondrous power. 00:28:41.599 --> 00:28:41.639 fire. 00:28:44.139 --> 00:28:45.639 The more I understand 00:28:45.639 --> 00:28:47.139 how utterly unapproachable 00:28:47.139 --> 00:28:49.419 God is as a consuming fire, 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:51.559 the more I realise 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:52.399 and appreciate 00:28:52.399 --> 00:28:54.039 and cling to the Lord Jesus, 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:57.179 who despite my sinfulness, 00:28:57.359 --> 00:28:58.599 despite my unholiness, 00:28:58.759 --> 00:29:00.379 despite my worldliness, 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:02.439 I can approach that God 00:29:02.439 --> 00:29:04.219 in all his ferocious holiness 00:29:04.219 --> 00:29:06.339 because of Jesus Christ. 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:10.839 That is a wonderful reality 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:13.039 and as I get how different God is 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:15.019 and how welcome I am in Jesus, 00:29:15.459 --> 00:29:16.799 no wonder I'm thankful. 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:20.099 No wonder I've got the motivation 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:21.099 to be thankful. 00:29:21.959 --> 00:29:23.259 When I realised that I was 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:24.539 utterly undeserving, 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.859 utterly unholy, 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:28.439 utterly soiled in my own sin 00:29:28.439 --> 00:29:31.939 and yet clothed in the righteousness 00:29:31.939 --> 00:29:32.579 of Jesus, 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.419 I can come close. 00:29:34.420 --> 00:29:36.680 I don't come to a God 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:38.940 who is just a consuming fire. 00:29:40.360 --> 00:29:41.900 I come to a God 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:44.480 who accepts my worship in Jesus. 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.560 I come to a God 00:29:46.560 --> 00:29:47.880 who even through Jesus 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:49.960 lets me call him Father. 00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:53.140 I come to a God 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:54.640 who is so worthy of worship 00:29:54.640 --> 00:29:57.640 and a God I'm able to worship 00:29:57.640 --> 00:30:00.620 and serve with reverence and awe, 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:02.240 understanding who he is, 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:04.400 not casually approaching 00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:07.540 but approaching in and through 00:30:07.540 --> 00:30:08.519 Jesus Christ 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:10.860 who's made a new and living way 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:12.680 that we can come close. 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:15.960 And seeing who God is 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:17.380 in all his brilliance 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:21.380 generates not only heartfelt thankfulness 00:30:21.380 --> 00:30:23.620 but a new reality in worship. 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:26.820 I realise that I cannot come casually 00:30:26.820 --> 00:30:27.700 or arrogantly. 00:30:28.080 --> 00:30:29.560 I understand that I cannot come 00:30:29.560 --> 00:30:31.800 presumptuously or unpreparedly. 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:34.940 I know in the light of who God is, 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:36.480 him being a consuming fire 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:39.220 is that I can only come through 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:41.500 and because of trusting in 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:43.359 and clinging to Jesus Christ 00:30:43.359 --> 00:30:45.960 whose blood speaks a better word 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.659 that I'm welcome 00:30:46.659 --> 00:30:49.159 and I'm welcome forever. 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:53.119 Be thankful and worship rightly 00:30:53.119 --> 00:30:55.639 because our God is a consuming fire. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.299 Throughout Hebrews, 00:30:56.299 --> 00:30:57.440 we've had exultation 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:59.700 and we've had motivation. 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:03.159 Be holy because we've come 00:31:03.159 --> 00:31:04.119 to a better mountain. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:07.879 Be listening because we're receiving 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:09.180 an unshakable kingdom. 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:12.240 Be thankful 00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:15.379 because our God is a consuming fire. 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.980 So in closing, 00:31:18.139 --> 00:31:20.700 we all have a binary decision, 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:22.299 a commitment or a recommitment 00:31:22.299 --> 00:31:23.720 to make. 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:26.940 That we all have two choices 00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:28.399 in all of these things. 00:31:29.839 --> 00:31:30.960 Which mountain 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:33.680 will be our experience? 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:36.859 The terror of Sinai, 00:31:37.399 --> 00:31:39.759 the exclusion of Sinai, 00:31:40.440 --> 00:31:42.440 or the joyous welcome of Zion 00:31:42.440 --> 00:31:43.399 and the difference will be 00:31:43.399 --> 00:31:44.460 whether we choose Jesus. 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:48.180 We have two kingdoms 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:49.240 to choose between. 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:51.859 Whether we make this transitory, 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:54.019 wobbly world our kingdom 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:56.440 with all its consequences 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:58.859 of being shaken and destroyed. 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:02.440 Or whether we listen to Jesus 00:32:02.440 --> 00:32:03.319 and trust him 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:04.700 and have the joyous hope 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:06.759 that all that God promises 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:07.859 will be ours 00:32:07.859 --> 00:32:09.599 in an unshakable, 00:32:09.819 --> 00:32:10.440 permanent, 00:32:11.059 --> 00:32:11.960 joy-filled kingdom 00:32:11.960 --> 00:32:13.519 with God at the very center, 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:15.400 dwelling with his people. 00:32:15.400 --> 00:32:18.080 And we can choose 00:32:18.080 --> 00:32:19.840 two experiences of God. 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.880 The warm welcome 00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:23.400 of a loving, 00:32:23.820 --> 00:32:24.740 heavenly Father 00:32:24.740 --> 00:32:27.180 in and through Jesus Christ. 00:32:28.140 --> 00:32:29.180 Or the terrifying 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:32.320 inferno of judgment 00:32:32.320 --> 00:32:33.240 as we stand before 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:34.240 our holy God 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:36.940 who was and is 00:32:36.940 --> 00:32:38.040 and will forever be 00:32:38.040 --> 00:32:40.000 a consuming fire. 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:43.120 And so we left 00:32:43.119 --> 00:32:44.219 to be holy, 00:32:45.099 --> 00:32:47.199 to be listening, 00:32:48.319 --> 00:32:50.159 and to be thankful. 00:32:50.979 --> 00:32:51.699 Let's pray. 00:33:03.639 --> 00:33:04.399 Father God, 00:33:04.479 --> 00:33:05.679 when faced with the reality 00:33:05.679 --> 00:33:06.639 of this passage, 00:33:06.759 --> 00:33:07.839 how could we choose 00:33:07.839 --> 00:33:09.000 anything but Jesus? 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:12.640 Father, 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.599 when seeing 00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:14.940 the greater reality 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.339 we have because of him. 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:18.559 Father, 00:33:18.660 --> 00:33:19.299 why would we be 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:20.019 ever tempted 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:22.140 to descend Mount Zion 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:23.680 and pursue other things? 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:25.160 Father, 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:26.099 why would we ever 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:26.660 be tempted 00:33:26.660 --> 00:33:27.500 to let our roots 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.279 go down deep 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:30.240 in this transitory kingdom? 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:32.680 Father, 00:33:32.799 --> 00:33:33.559 why would we choose 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.200 to be anything 00:33:34.200 --> 00:33:34.980 but thankful 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:37.059 because of the way 00:33:37.059 --> 00:33:37.940 that you bid us 00:33:37.940 --> 00:33:38.580 welcome 00:33:38.580 --> 00:33:41.120 in Jesus Christ? 00:33:43.360 --> 00:33:43.620 And so, 00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:43.840 Lord, 00:33:43.880 --> 00:33:44.840 I pray for all of us 00:33:44.840 --> 00:33:45.620 that we would choose 00:33:45.620 --> 00:33:46.940 the better reality 00:33:46.940 --> 00:33:49.660 by choosing 00:33:49.660 --> 00:33:51.059 your son. 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:52.759 Father, 00:33:52.860 --> 00:33:53.799 help us know him, 00:33:54.380 --> 00:33:54.960 trust him, 00:33:55.620 --> 00:33:56.900 and help us daily 00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:59.240 to hear the better word, 00:33:59.340 --> 00:34:00.519 the best words 00:34:00.519 --> 00:34:02.880 that are spoken to us 00:34:02.880 --> 00:34:04.180 from the cross 00:34:04.180 --> 00:34:05.539 as his blood 00:34:05.539 --> 00:34:06.900 is poured out for us. 00:34:07.800 --> 00:34:08.119 Father, 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:08.760 help us 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:09.440 hear these things 00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:10.019 on our hearts, 00:34:10.099 --> 00:34:10.519 we pray, 00:34:11.240 --> 00:34:11.940 and give us 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:13.539 eyes fixed on you. 00:34:15.320 --> 00:34:15.780 Father, 00:34:15.920 --> 00:34:16.340 bless us 00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:16.900 and help us 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.700 in Jesus name. 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:18.720 Amen. 00:34:18.720 --> 00:34:18.840 Amen.