WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.260 And we pray this in His name. Amen. 00:00:04.360 --> 00:00:10.279 And we're going to read together a couple of short passages, both from the New Testament. 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:17.059 First, the book of Acts, chapter 1, page 1092, if you're using a church Bible. 00:00:18.039 --> 00:00:23.059 Acts, chapter 1, we're going to read the first 11 verses, and then after that we'll go to Philippians, chapter 2. 00:00:24.060 --> 00:00:27.560 So this is Acts, chapter 1, and this is God's Word. 00:00:27.559 --> 00:00:36.799 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven 00:00:36.799 --> 00:00:41.579 after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 00:00:42.679 --> 00:00:48.780 After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:54.060 He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 00:00:54.060 --> 00:00:58.000 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command, 00:00:58.840 --> 00:01:04.260 Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. 00:01:04.820 --> 00:01:10.219 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 00:01:11.020 --> 00:01:16.180 Then they gathered round Him and asked Him, Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? 00:01:16.180 --> 00:01:22.620 He said to them, It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority, 00:01:23.320 --> 00:01:28.720 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem 00:01:28.720 --> 00:01:32.200 and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. 00:01:33.160 --> 00:01:39.360 After He had said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:46.599 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:51.319 Men of Galilee, they said, Why do you stand here looking into the sky? 00:01:51.780 --> 00:02:00.859 This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven. 00:02:00.859 --> 00:02:17.360 And then in Philippians chapter 2, it's wonderfully rich theology to address a really practical need within the church in all times and places. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:20.500 So Philippians 2, it's on page 1179. 00:02:20.800 --> 00:02:24.020 We're going to read from verse 5 to 11. 00:02:24.020 --> 00:02:54.000 Listen, 00:02:54.020 --> 00:02:56.020 Amen. 00:02:56.020 --> 00:03:23.219 So we're going to return to the ideas within those texts. 00:03:23.219 --> 00:03:24.800 in just a few moments. 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:29.939 But first, we're going to sing a hymn that we've learned in the last few months, 00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:36.900 Hail to the Lord's Anointed, which again reminds us of the position Jesus has in heaven. 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:39.819 So again, let's stand together to sing. 00:03:53.219 --> 00:04:07.180 Hail to the Lord's Anointed, 00:04:07.180 --> 00:04:11.560 His reign on earth begun 00:04:11.560 --> 00:04:16.300 He comes to break oppression 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:21.300 To set the captives free 00:04:21.300 --> 00:04:26.040 To take away transgressions 00:04:26.040 --> 00:04:29.120 And rule in equity 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:37.600 He comes and succors speedy 00:04:37.600 --> 00:04:42.079 To those who suffer wrong 00:04:42.079 --> 00:04:46.259 To help the poor and leading 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:50.259 And build the weakly strong 00:04:50.259 --> 00:04:55.699 To give them songs for sight 00:04:55.699 --> 00:04:59.699 Their darkness turned to light 00:05:00.219 --> 00:05:04.699 Her soul's condemned and lying 00:05:04.699 --> 00:05:08.699 Were precious in His sight 00:05:08.699 --> 00:05:15.699 We shall come down like showers 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:20.839 Upon the fruitful earth 00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:24.699 Of joy and hope like flowers 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:28.699 Spring in His path to birth 00:05:29.539 --> 00:05:33.699 Before Him on the mountains 00:05:34.579 --> 00:05:38.699 Shall peace the herald come 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:42.699 And righteousness in fountains 00:05:43.819 --> 00:05:46.699 From hill to valley flow 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:54.699 Kings shall fall down before Him 00:05:54.699 --> 00:05:59.860 And gold and incense spring 00:05:59.860 --> 00:06:03.699 All nations shall adore Him 00:06:03.699 --> 00:06:07.699 His praise all people sing 00:06:07.699 --> 00:06:12.699 To Him shall prayer unceasing 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:17.699 And daily vows ascend 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:21.699 His kingdom still increasing 00:06:21.699 --> 00:06:26.699 A kingdom without end 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:33.699 For every foe victorious 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:38.699 He on His throne shall rest 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:42.699 From age to age for glorious 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:46.699 A blessing and a bless 00:06:46.699 --> 00:06:51.699 The tide of time shall never 00:06:51.699 --> 00:06:55.699 His covenant remove 00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:59.699 His name shall stand forever 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:04.699 The name to us is life 00:07:04.699 --> 00:07:05.699 The name to us is life 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:09.699 The name to us is life 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:10.699 The name to us is life 00:07:10.699 --> 00:07:14.699 The name to us is life 00:07:14.699 --> 00:07:19.699 And now we're going to turn to 00:07:19.699 --> 00:07:24.699 Psalm 24 on page 555 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:26.699 If you're using the church Bible 00:07:26.699 --> 00:07:30.699 As we're working our way through 00:07:30.699 --> 00:07:32.699 The Apostles' Creed 00:07:32.699 --> 00:07:33.699 The Apostles' Creed 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:34.699 We get to consider this evening 00:07:34.699 --> 00:07:37.699 Jesus as the exalted King of glory 00:07:37.699 --> 00:07:41.699 The one spoken of in anticipation here 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:43.699 Psalm 24 00:07:43.699 --> 00:07:46.699 The earth is the Lord's and everything in it 00:07:47.699 --> 00:07:49.699 The world and all who live in it 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:52.699 For He founded it on the seas 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:54.699 And established it on the waters 00:07:55.699 --> 00:07:57.699 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord 00:07:58.699 --> 00:08:00.699 Who may stand in His holy place 00:08:00.699 --> 00:08:03.699 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:06.699 Who does not trust in an idol 00:08:07.699 --> 00:08:08.699 Or swear by a false God 00:08:09.699 --> 00:08:11.699 They will receive blessing from the Lord 00:08:12.699 --> 00:08:14.699 And vindication from God their Saviour 00:08:15.699 --> 00:08:17.699 Such is the generation of those who seek Him 00:08:18.699 --> 00:08:20.699 Who seek your face, God of Jacob 00:08:21.699 --> 00:08:23.699 Lift up your heads, you gates 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:26.699 Be lifted up, you ancient doors 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:28.699 That the King of glory may come in 00:08:28.699 --> 00:08:30.699 Who is this King of glory? 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:34.700 The Lord strong and mighty 00:08:35.700 --> 00:08:37.700 The Lord mighty in battle 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:41.700 Lift up your heads, you gates 00:08:42.700 --> 00:08:43.700 Lift them up, you ancient doors 00:08:44.700 --> 00:08:46.700 That the King of glory may come in 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:48.700 Who is He? 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:50.700 This King of glory 00:08:51.700 --> 00:08:52.700 The Lord Almighty 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:55.700 He is the King of glory 00:08:56.700 --> 00:08:57.700 Amen 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:04.700 Let's begin with the crowning of the King 00:09:05.700 --> 00:09:08.700 I don't know how many of us watched King Charles' coronation 00:09:09.700 --> 00:09:12.700 But if you can cast your mind back a little 00:09:12.700 --> 00:09:15.700 You might remember that in Westminster 00:09:16.700 --> 00:09:19.700 Abbey, at a certain point in the coronation ceremony 00:09:20.700 --> 00:09:22.700 A question is asked 00:09:23.700 --> 00:09:25.700 It goes something like this 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:29.700 I present to you your undoubted King 00:09:30.700 --> 00:09:32.700 Will you do him homage? 00:09:32.700 --> 00:09:33.700 You give him homage 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:35.700 You give him honour 00:09:35.700 --> 00:09:37.700 And the response of the Abbey at that point 00:09:38.700 --> 00:09:41.700 Triumphant cheers of a saint 00:09:42.700 --> 00:09:44.700 Well the great theme of the Bible 00:09:45.700 --> 00:09:47.700 Is that the Old Testament and the New Testament 00:09:48.700 --> 00:09:50.700 Are presenting to us 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:54.700 Jesus as God's Messiah King 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:57.700 And so the key question then for our lives 00:09:58.700 --> 00:10:00.700 Is if this is God's King 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:02.700 And that's undoubted 00:10:03.700 --> 00:10:04.700 Do we honour Him? 00:10:05.700 --> 00:10:06.700 To use the language of Psalm 2 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:09.700 We are called to kiss the Son 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:12.700 To use the language of Philippians 2 00:10:13.700 --> 00:10:15.700 To gladly bow 00:10:16.700 --> 00:10:18.700 And for our tongues to confess that Jesus is Lord 00:10:19.700 --> 00:10:22.700 So we're working through the ideas of the Apostles' Creed 00:10:22.700 --> 00:10:27.700 And this one deals with Christ ascending and taking the throne of heaven as the exalted King 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:30.700 We believe He ascended into heaven 00:10:31.700 --> 00:10:34.700 And is seated at the right hand of God the Father 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:36.700 Jesus is King of heaven 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:38.700 Today Jesus is King of heaven 00:10:38.700 --> 00:10:39.700 Why does that matter? 00:10:40.700 --> 00:10:41.700 Why is this truth important? 00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:43.700 How does it help faith? 00:10:44.700 --> 00:10:46.700 Why does it matter that in the Psalms 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:49.700 We have this reality of God's King being praised 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:53.700 And everyone being called and commanded to honour Him? 00:10:54.700 --> 00:10:56.700 Why does it matter that in the book of Revelation 00:10:57.700 --> 00:11:03.700 We have the songs of heaven praising the Lamb who sits upon the throne, our King Jesus? 00:11:04.700 --> 00:11:10.700 How can it be, think of it slightly differently, that Jesus in John chapter 16 will say to His anxious disciples 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:15.700 Knowing He's about to leave, to die, to rise, to ascend to heaven 00:11:16.700 --> 00:11:20.700 How can He say it's for your good that I am going away? 00:11:21.700 --> 00:11:26.700 How can separation from the Lord Jesus be good news? 00:11:27.700 --> 00:11:29.700 Well, only if He ascends the throne of heaven 00:11:29.700 --> 00:11:33.700 So two simple questions as we think about this 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:35.700 One, where is Jesus now? 00:11:35.700 --> 00:11:37.700 Secondly, what is Jesus doing now? 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:40.700 Simple questions with profound answers 00:11:41.700 --> 00:11:42.700 Where is Jesus now then? 00:11:43.700 --> 00:11:44.700 First question 00:11:45.700 --> 00:11:47.700 If we were to ask the New Testament, ask Jesus Himself 00:11:48.700 --> 00:11:49.700 The answer is clear 00:11:49.700 --> 00:11:50.700 If we read when He was on trial 00:11:50.700 --> 00:11:56.700 You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the mighty one 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:59.700 Matthew chapter 26 verse 64 00:12:00.700 --> 00:12:02.700 In Acts chapter 1, what did we just read of? 00:12:03.700 --> 00:12:05.700 We read of the disciples witnessing the ascension 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:07.700 Jesus being taken up 00:12:08.700 --> 00:12:10.700 And Peter is one of those eyewitnesses 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:12.700 In Acts chapter 2, as he preaches at Pentecost 00:12:13.700 --> 00:12:17.700 Will declare, Jesus is now exalted to the right hand of God 00:12:18.700 --> 00:12:20.700 And so the clear testimony of the New Testament is 00:12:21.700 --> 00:12:23.700 Jesus ascended, exalted to the right hand of God 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:25.700 He's ascended to heaven 00:12:26.700 --> 00:12:27.700 The place where God dwells 00:12:28.700 --> 00:12:31.700 The place where God's will is always done 00:12:32.700 --> 00:12:34.700 The control center of the universe 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:36.700 Jesus goes up 00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:38.700 To sit upon the throne 00:12:38.700 --> 00:12:40.700 To take the right hand of the Father 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:43.700 The place of power and authority 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:48.700 So that tonight we can understand 00:12:49.700 --> 00:12:50.700 And begin to marvel at the fact that 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:54.700 The physical, risen, glorified Jesus 00:12:55.700 --> 00:12:57.700 A man of a certain height 00:12:58.700 --> 00:12:59.700 A man of a certain weight 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:03.700 Physically sits on the throne of the universe 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:04.700 The kingdom of the universe 00:13:04.700 --> 00:13:07.700 Is king over this world 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:09.700 Is king over his church 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:13.700 Is lord and king over us all 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:17.700 I want us to think about Psalm 24 00:13:18.700 --> 00:13:21.700 To think about how it speaks to us of Jesus 00:13:22.700 --> 00:13:23.700 The king of glory 00:13:24.700 --> 00:13:25.700 And to think about how that fits into the story of the Bible 00:13:25.700 --> 00:13:26.700 Psalm 24 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:30.700 When it was originally composed and used 00:13:31.700 --> 00:13:34.700 Was likely sung when the ark of God 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:36.700 Representing God's throne, God's rule 00:13:37.700 --> 00:13:39.700 When the ark was taken up to Jerusalem 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:41.700 To be seated in the tabernacle 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:45.700 And also it seems most likely that Psalm 24 00:13:46.700 --> 00:13:49.700 Would be sung whenever the ark of God 00:13:50.700 --> 00:13:52.700 Returned to Jerusalem after God and his armies 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:55.700 Had won a victory in battle 00:13:56.700 --> 00:14:01.700 So the ark would be carried up the hill to Jerusalem 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:04.700 The ark symbolizing God the king of glory 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:07.700 Returning home and he is welcomed 00:14:08.700 --> 00:14:09.700 And he is worshipped by his people 00:14:10.700 --> 00:14:11.700 That's the picture we have in Psalm 24 00:14:12.700 --> 00:14:14.700 When we sing it, and we'll sing it 00:14:15.700 --> 00:14:17.700 And as we close, we'll sing 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:19.700 And we do sing, New Testament believers 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:23.700 Sing to Jesus, the ascended, the exalted king of glory 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:25.700 And so what we're going to do is 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:26.700 We're going to think about it briefly 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:28.700 In its original setting 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:30.700 And then we're going to see how it applies to Christ 00:14:31.700 --> 00:14:32.700 So if you have your Bible, Psalm 24 00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:34.700 Look at the first two verses there 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:37.700 The earth is the Lord's and everything in it 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:39.700 The world and all who live in it 00:14:40.700 --> 00:14:41.700 So there's where we begin 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:45.700 God is creator, God is owner of everything 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:48.700 He founded it on the seas 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:52.700 The seas, pictures of chaos and trouble 00:14:53.700 --> 00:14:54.700 He brings order out of chaos 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:58.700 When he creates this world that he now owns 00:14:59.700 --> 00:15:00.700 God is the creator 00:15:01.700 --> 00:15:03.700 Then there's this interesting turn 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:05.700 In the next few verses 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:07.700 That follow logically 00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:09.700 God is the goal 00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:11.700 God is the goal of life 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:14.700 And that's introduced by way of tension 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:17.700 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord 00:15:18.700 --> 00:15:19.700 Who may stand in his holy place 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:22.700 Entering into God's presence 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:25.700 Was the great hope and the promise 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:27.700 That God offered to his people 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:31.700 How might we enjoy life with him? 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:33.700 It's the great promise 00:15:34.700 --> 00:15:35.700 The great goal of the covenant 00:15:36.700 --> 00:15:38.700 God with his people 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:41.700 That's why he redeemed Israel from Egypt 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:44.700 That's why he calls his people out 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:46.700 To be a holy people 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:49.700 That we might enjoy life and fellowship with him 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:51.700 That's the great promise 00:15:52.700 --> 00:15:53.700 But then there's also that great tension 00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:55.700 Well, who may ascend? 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:58.700 Did we hear the answer in verse 4? 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:01.700 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:06.700 Who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:09.700 Who is clean? 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:12.700 Who has that pure heart? 00:16:13.700 --> 00:16:16.700 Who has that undivided and true worship? 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:19.700 And of course an honest look at ourselves 00:16:20.700 --> 00:16:21.700 A look through the Bible reveals 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:23.700 Well, that wasn't true of Adam 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:25.700 The first man though 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:28.700 He was given this wonderful garden to live in 00:16:29.700 --> 00:16:30.700 And he enjoyed life with God 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:32.700 And he was made sinless and perfect 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.700 He didn't stay clean and pure 00:16:34.700 --> 00:16:38.700 It wasn't true for the nation of Israel 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:41.700 They often turned away from God into impurity 00:16:42.700 --> 00:16:44.700 And very much divided worship 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.700 It wasn't true of David 00:16:47.700 --> 00:16:48.700 The great king 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:50.700 The king after God's own heart 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.700 He certainly wasn't always clean and pure and true 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:55.700 Nor is it true of us 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:59.700 But there's a wonderful 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:00.700 As much as there's great tension 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:01.700 There's also great grace 00:17:02.700 --> 00:17:03.700 There's also great grace 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:05.700 Introduced 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:08.700 When we remember in the storyline of the Bible 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:11.700 That God provided a way 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:14.700 For sinful people to be made clean 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:17.700 To be washed from sin 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:19.700 And in particular 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:23.700 God established the priesthood 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:25.700 The priests 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:27.700 So we can think for example 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.700 About the Day of Atonement 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:31.700 If you want to read about the Day of Atonement 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:32.700 Leviticus chapter 16 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.700 Well on that day 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:35.700 In that chapter we discover lots of things 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:38.700 That there was one day per year 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:41.700 Where the high priest could enter into God's presence 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.700 Into the Holy of Holies 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:47.700 And we'll think about why that mattered 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.700 But before that happened 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:51.700 Before he entered 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.700 There were a certain number of things that happened 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:56.700 First of all we see the high priest standing before the people 00:17:57.700 --> 00:18:02.700 Because the job of the high priest was to represent God's people before the Holy God 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:06.700 So he is the representative of his people 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:08.700 But he's also the mediator 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:13.700 Standing between a Holy God and sinful people 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:17.700 And to enter into God's presence 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:21.700 The priest couldn't just wander in as he was 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:23.700 There were certain things that needed to be done 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:26.700 He needed to cleanse himself 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:32.700 Even the most holy person in Israel was not in and of themselves clean 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:34.700 So he needed to cleanse himself 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:37.700 He needed to put on his special clothing 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:40.700 The high priest's garments 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:45.700 Which included that wonderful imagery of the breastplate containing the names of the twelve people 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:48.700 The priest would bear the names of the people on his heart 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:50.700 As he went into God's presence 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:52.700 Sacrifice would have to be offered for himself and for the people 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.700 Blood must be sprinkled 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:58.700 And then and only then could he go in and intercede for mercy and for forgiveness 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.700 And so the point of the priesthood, the point of the tension of our psalm is clear 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:00.700 That to reach the goal, the goal of life with God, we need to be washed 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:30.700 We need to be cleansed 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:32.700 And that from the inside out 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:34.700 It's not just about our hands, our actions 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.700 We need a pure heart also 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:41.700 Well having said that, verse 7 to 10 says to us 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:46.700 Not only is God created and goal, God is also the king 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:50.700 So we've been following in Luke chapter 19 in the mornings 00:19:50.700 --> 00:19:53.700 Jesus on this procession up to Jerusalem 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:56.700 And we've been getting that sense of excitement that goes with that 00:19:57.700 --> 00:19:59.700 Well imagine a different scene 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:04.700 Imagine the ark of God being carried in joyful procession 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:07.700 The priests and the Levites leading the way 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:09.700 Nearing the city of Jerusalem 00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:12.700 Great victory has been won 00:20:13.700 --> 00:20:14.700 Worship breaks out 00:20:14.700 --> 00:20:17.700 As the ark approaches, there's this call and response 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.700 Who is the king of glory? 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:21.700 The Lord is 00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:24.700 The Lord strong and mighty 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:26.700 There's joy 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.700 There's joy in Jerusalem 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:30.700 Why? 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:34.700 Because it's another evidence for them that the Lord is for us 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:40.700 The God who created is the God who has entered into covenant 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:44.700 The covenant is the God who has been fighting for his people 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:46.700 Who's been protecting his people 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:50.700 And not just the Lord is for us, the Lord is with us 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:55.700 Ruling from the ark 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:58.700 Ruling in the tabernacle and the temple 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:01.700 God with his people 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:03.700 The goal of the covenant 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.700 The goal of life 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:07.700 The king who goes up 00:21:08.700 --> 00:21:11.700 To be the centre of authority and worship 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:14.700 Is the Lord God 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:20.700 Now let's think about how we sing this about Jesus 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:27.700 Another psalm that we sang, Psalm 110 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:31.700 Anticipated the truth that the Messiah king 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:34.700 Would be a priest king 00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:37.700 In the order of Melchizedek 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:40.700 The only person we meet in the Bible who is both priest and king 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:43.700 The book of Hebrews says that's fulfilled in Jesus 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:47.700 We have this need of a priest who will wash us 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.700 And a king who will rule for us 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:54.700 Jesus is first of all our great high priest 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:57.700 He represents us 00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:03.700 That's the significance of him becoming fully and truly human 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:05.700 That's the significance of the incarnation 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.700 If Jesus didn't become truly human 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:10.700 He couldn't truly represent us before God 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.700 So he represents us perfectly 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.700 He's also the perfect mediator 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:19.700 The perfect person to represent God to man and man to God 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:22.700 Because he is truly God and truly human 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:29.700 When we think about the clothing that the high priest put on 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:31.700 Jesus our great high priest 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.700 The clothing he put on 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:36.700 Bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:38.700 Becoming one of us 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:41.700 Making his dwelling among us 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:47.700 And this great high priest he too wears his people on his heart 00:22:48.700 --> 00:22:50.700 He loves his people, he loves his church 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:54.700 The sacrifice that Jesus offered 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:59.700 Not an animal for cleansing 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.700 He offers himself 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.700 The great high priest offers himself 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:06.700 As the great once and for all sacrifice 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:09.700 So that we are washed by his blood 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:12.700 And Jesus our great high priest 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:15.700 He too intercedes 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:18.700 Not just for a time 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:21.700 But as Hebrews 7.25 tells us 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.700 He always lives 00:23:24.700 --> 00:23:25.700 To make intercession for us 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:28.700 He is always pleading our case 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:31.700 On the basis of his merits 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:35.700 On the basis of his completed sacrifice 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.700 That question 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:42.700 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:44.700 Who may enter his holy place 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.700 There is one 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.700 It's Jesus 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:50.700 Son of God 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:52.700 And because he is pure 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:54.700 Because he is clean 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.700 And because he has acted for us 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.700 We can come 00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.700 Enter in 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.700 He is our great high priest 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.700 But Jesus is also 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.700 Represented to us in the Bible 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.700 As our great king 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:09.700 He has ascended 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:12.700 And taken the throne of heaven 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.700 And just as here 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:16.700 There is praise offered 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.700 To the Lord strong and mighty 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.700 The Lord mighty in battle 00:24:21.700 --> 00:24:22.700 Praise belongs to Jesus 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:24.700 Because he has gone 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.700 To take the throne of heaven 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:27.700 Having won a decisive victory 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:30.700 In a great spiritual battle 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:33.700 We read in Philippians 2 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:36.700 That Jesus humbled himself 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.700 To become one of us 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.700 He humbled himself 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.700 To the point of dying on the cross for us 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:44.700 And then did you notice 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.700 Philippians 2 said 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.700 Therefore 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:49.700 Because Jesus was obedient to death 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:52.700 Because Jesus went into and won 00:24:53.700 --> 00:24:54.700 The decisive spiritual battle 00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:56.700 Therefore he is exalted 00:24:56.700 --> 00:24:57.700 He is exalted 00:24:58.700 --> 00:24:59.700 He is exalted because he was victorious 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:02.700 Victorious over Satan 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.700 And sin 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.700 And death 00:25:07.700 --> 00:25:08.700 For the sake of his church 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:10.700 He is exalted 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:12.700 He is exalted having completed 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.700 His atoning work on the cross 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.700 So that moment of Jesus' life 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:18.700 Where he knew humiliation 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.700 Leaving the glory of heaven 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:22.700 Becoming truly human 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.700 Knowing humiliation 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:24.700 Knowing humiliation 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.700 Going to the point of death 00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:26.700 On the cross 00:25:26.700 --> 00:25:27.700 Now there is that upward curve 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.700 Now ascended 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:31.700 And exalted 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:35.700 Now they sing of him in heaven 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:38.700 Revelation 5 verses 9 and 10 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:41.700 There is loads of songs in Revelation 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:43.700 Whenever there is a new era of salvation 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.700 God's people sing 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.700 Well here is a song from heaven 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.700 Revelation 5 verse 9 00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:49.700 You are worthy 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.700 You are worthy 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:52.700 To take the scroll 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:53.700 And to open its seals 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.700 Because you were slain 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:56.700 And with your blood 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:57.700 You purchased for God 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.700 Persons from every tribe 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.700 And language 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:02.700 And people and nation 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.700 You have made them to be a kingdom 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:06.700 And priests 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.700 To serve our God 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:11.700 And they will reign on the earth 00:26:12.700 --> 00:26:13.700 This exalted king 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.700 The exalted king 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.700 Is welcomed with joy 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:17.700 Into heaven 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:19.700 Acknowledged as the one 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:21.700 Who has won the decisive victory 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.700 So that now the goal of your life and mine 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:28.700 Is to worship this exalted king 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.700 To worship Jesus 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.700 The exalted king of glory 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:35.700 To enter into and to enjoy 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:38.700 Life with God 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.700 Just like a royal procession 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:41.700 Where we are to enter into the presence of God 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.700 Just like a royal procession 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:45.700 Where we are to enter into the presence of God 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:51.700 Because we follow after and we are united to Jesus 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:56.700 Our great priest king 00:26:57.700 --> 00:27:00.700 So that is our first question 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:02.700 Where is Jesus now? 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:05.700 He is the king on the throne of heaven 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:06.700 He is the king on the throne of heaven 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.700 Our second question 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:11.700 What is Jesus doing now? 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:14.700 It is also a very important question 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:16.700 In Matthew 28 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:18.700 We have what is known as the great commission 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:21.700 So this is just before Jesus ascends to heaven 00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:23.700 And there is many things 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.700 But there is two truths to think about 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.700 Jesus said 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:29.700 At the very end 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.700 I am with you always 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.700 To the very end of the age 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:34.700 That wonderful promise 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:35.700 That great truth 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.700 For his people 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:39.700 So that we know 00:27:40.700 --> 00:27:41.700 In reality 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.700 As Christians 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.700 Jesus is with us 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.700 That is always a precious truth 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:47.700 For the church 00:27:47.700 --> 00:27:48.700 In every age 00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.700 In every place 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:50.700 But there is one thing 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:51.700 That we might 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:52.700 Be more likely to overlook 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:55.700 Jesus begins the great commission 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.700 Recognizing 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:58.700 I have all authority 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.700 He speaks to us 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.700 As one who has authority 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:02.700 As king 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:06.700 Jesus is with us 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.700 God with us 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.700 Jesus is king 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.700 For us 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.700 Something sometimes we overlook 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:16.700 That right now 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.700 The same Jesus 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.700 That the women and the disciples saw 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:22.700 On Easter Sunday 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:26.700 Is the Jesus who sits physically 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.700 On the throne of heaven 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.700 As king 00:28:30.700 --> 00:28:31.700 So that our risen saviour 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:33.700 Our physical glorified saviour 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:36.700 Is our physically risen glorified exalted king 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:40.700 And our faith actually needs that connection 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.700 I think 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.700 Let me suggest four reasons why 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.700 The first reason is 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:48.700 It reminds us 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.700 Right basically 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:50.700 That Jesus our king 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:52.700 Is ruling 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.700 Remember Philippians 2 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:57.700 King Jesus is seated in glory 00:28:58.700 --> 00:28:59.700 Every knee should bow 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.700 And every tongue should confess 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:02.700 That Jesus is Lord 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:04.700 Because 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:05.700 His atoning work is finished 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:07.700 Because 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:08.700 The penalty has been paid 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:11.700 Because the price has been paid in full 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.700 And that matters for us 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.700 When we think about Jesus 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.700 Seated on the throne of heaven 00:29:17.700 --> 00:29:18.700 Our king and our saviour 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:20.700 If our faith is in him 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:22.700 We don't need to fear the future 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.700 Because Jesus reigns 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:27.700 Having won the victory 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.700 Over sin and death 00:29:30.700 --> 00:29:32.700 We see the connection 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.700 We sing of it sometimes 00:29:35.700 --> 00:29:36.700 In Christ alone 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.700 No power of hell 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.700 No scheme of man 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.700 Can ever pluck me from his hand 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:42.700 For yet not I 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:43.700 But through Christ in me 00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:44.700 No fear I dread 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.700 I know I am forgiven 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.700 The future sure 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.700 Why? 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:51.700 Because the price that has been paid 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:55.700 So we can live with hope 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:58.700 Because a king seated on a throne 00:29:59.700 --> 00:30:01.700 Is a sign that his work has been accomplished 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:06.700 We can also live with hope for the future 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:10.700 As we recognise Jesus the light of the world has come 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:14.700 The light has broken in 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:17.700 The light of Jesus glory has shone 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.700 Sometimes it can seem like 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:22.700 Just a crack of light under the door 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:24.700 You know when you are in your room at night 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.700 And maybe the hall light is on 00:30:25.700 --> 00:30:27.700 And you see that little strip of light 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:29.700 But you know 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.700 You open the door 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:32.700 And the light is going to break in 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:35.700 We understand that in this world 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:38.700 There is still so much darkness 00:30:39.700 --> 00:30:41.700 Sometimes it can seem hard to recognise 00:30:42.700 --> 00:30:44.700 And comprehend the rule of Christ 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.700 But to read the New Testament 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:48.700 We understand that the writers were confident 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:50.700 Because Jesus has risen from the dead 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:52.700 Because he has ascended to heaven 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.700 Because he is seated on the throne 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:57.700 One day the light will fully dawn 00:30:58.700 --> 00:31:01.700 And we are invited to live with that same confidence 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:04.700 Even as life can seem hard and dark 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:09.700 The glory of King Jesus will shine fully and brightly 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:12.700 His kingdom will come 00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:15.700 His eternal kingdom will come 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:21.700 And because Jesus our King is ruling 00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:23.700 We can also live with security 00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:26.700 As we serve 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:30.700 Remember Colossians chapter 3 00:31:31.700 --> 00:31:32.700 Colossians chapter 3 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:34.700 We have that invitation 00:31:35.700 --> 00:31:37.700 To set our hearts 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.700 On things above 00:31:40.700 --> 00:31:41.700 Where Christ is 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.700 To set our minds on the earth 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:45.700 To set our minds on things above 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:48.700 To recognise that we have died to sin 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:52.700 And we now have a life that is hidden with Christ in God 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:55.700 So we have eternal security 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:58.700 Our life is hidden with Christ in God 00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:03.700 And that changes the way we approach life 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:05.700 Or it can and it should 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:11.700 It's going to help us to be ready to surrender our plans and priorities 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:15.700 It's going to help us to be ready to suffer for Him 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:18.700 Because we know He reigns 00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:20.700 And we know He is worthy 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.700 And we know He's got us 00:32:23.700 --> 00:32:25.700 The King of kings and the King of glory 00:32:26.700 --> 00:32:27.700 So there's the first, what is Jesus doing now? 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.700 He is ruling 00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:34.700 Second thing we can say about what Jesus is doing right now 00:32:35.700 --> 00:32:36.700 Jesus our priest king is interceding 00:32:36.700 --> 00:32:38.700 Back to Hebrews 7 verse 25 00:32:39.700 --> 00:32:42.700 He is able to save completely 00:32:43.700 --> 00:32:45.700 Those who come to Him 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.700 Because 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:50.700 He ever lives to intercede for them 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:52.700 See the connection there? 00:32:53.700 --> 00:32:55.700 Our confidence of future salvation 00:32:56.700 --> 00:32:59.700 Rests in our confidence that Jesus is never going to stop 00:32:59.700 --> 00:33:03.700 Being the high priest that we need 00:33:04.700 --> 00:33:09.700 Our confidence to enter and to enjoy God's presence 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:11.700 Never rests in ourselves 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:14.700 It always rests in Jesus and His finished work 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:16.700 And His ongoing work 00:33:17.700 --> 00:33:21.700 His ongoing work of praying for us and pleading our cause 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:28.700 So that we understand that His is the hand that opens the door 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:32.700 His is the hand that welcomes us in 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:36.700 Our security, our assurance rests entirely 00:33:37.700 --> 00:33:39.700 In Christ alone 00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:43.700 Christ our priest king who is interceding 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.700 If our security was to be found in our circumstances 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:49.700 If our security was to be found in our circumstances 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:53.700 Be very fragile 00:33:54.700 --> 00:33:57.700 We'd have despair 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:59.700 If we don't get the job 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:01.700 Or if our health fails us 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:04.700 Or if everything seems to fall apart 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:09.699 If our security was found in our obedience 00:34:09.699 --> 00:34:14.699 We'll be on that rollercoaster ride of pride when things go well 00:34:15.699 --> 00:34:18.699 And utter despair when things go badly 00:34:19.699 --> 00:34:22.699 But when our assurance rests 00:34:23.699 --> 00:34:24.699 In Jesus 00:34:25.699 --> 00:34:28.699 When we look up and we see Jesus on the throne 00:34:29.699 --> 00:34:30.699 Praying for us 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:34.699 Present Himself to the Father as the basis for our acceptance 00:34:35.699 --> 00:34:37.699 That's unshakable confidence 00:34:37.699 --> 00:34:41.699 That's humble, unshakable confidence and joy 00:34:42.699 --> 00:34:44.699 That rests entirely in the truth 00:34:45.699 --> 00:34:48.699 About Jesus, the exalted king interceding for us 00:34:49.699 --> 00:34:50.699 What else is Jesus doing now? 00:34:51.699 --> 00:34:53.699 Jesus, our priest king, is also sending help 00:34:54.699 --> 00:34:58.699 In Hebrews chapter 4 verses 15 and 16 00:34:59.699 --> 00:35:04.699 We're introduced to Jesus, our sympathetic high priest 00:35:04.699 --> 00:35:10.699 We do not have a high priest who's unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses 00:35:11.699 --> 00:35:13.699 But we have one who's been tempted in every way 00:35:14.699 --> 00:35:16.699 Just as we are, yet he did not sin 00:35:17.699 --> 00:35:20.699 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence 00:35:21.699 --> 00:35:25.699 So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need 00:35:25.699 --> 00:35:29.699 Jesus has been tempted in every way 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:31.699 But never gave in 00:35:32.699 --> 00:35:33.699 And never sinned 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:36.699 And the wonderful thing is that Jesus wasn't 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:39.699 A superman 00:35:40.699 --> 00:35:43.699 Whose life is entirely different to ours 00:35:44.699 --> 00:35:45.699 How does Jesus do His ministry? 00:35:45.699 --> 00:35:47.699 How does Jesus do His ministry? 00:35:48.699 --> 00:35:49.699 What does the Bible say? 00:35:49.699 --> 00:35:50.699 How does Jesus do His ministry? 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:54.699 He does His ministry in the power of the Spirit 00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:58.699 How does Jesus live to the Father's glory? 00:35:59.699 --> 00:36:01.699 He lives to the Father's glory in the power of the Spirit 00:36:02.699 --> 00:36:04.699 How does Jesus resist temptation? 00:36:04.699 --> 00:36:09.699 Not because He floats above the ground and is separate from temptation 00:36:10.699 --> 00:36:13.699 No, He resists real and fierce temptation by the Word of God 00:36:14.699 --> 00:36:15.699 And the wonderful thing 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:21.699 Is that those same resources, the Spirit and the Word 00:36:22.699 --> 00:36:25.699 Are the resources our ruling King sends to us 00:36:26.699 --> 00:36:27.699 Our ruling King 00:36:27.699 --> 00:36:30.699 He rules over us by His Word 00:36:31.699 --> 00:36:32.699 By His Spirit 00:36:33.699 --> 00:36:35.699 Our gracious King supplies His Word 00:36:36.699 --> 00:36:37.699 Supplies the Spirit 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:40.699 So we can say no to sin 00:36:41.699 --> 00:36:42.699 And we can say yes 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:45.699 To living obedient, faith-filled lives 00:36:46.699 --> 00:36:49.699 Our King supplies from heaven 00:36:50.699 --> 00:36:51.699 From the throne of heaven 00:36:52.699 --> 00:36:55.699 What we need to live lives of worship 00:36:55.699 --> 00:36:59.699 We're not left to our own resources 00:37:00.699 --> 00:37:01.699 To our own grit and determination 00:37:02.699 --> 00:37:04.699 We're given His presence, His Word 00:37:05.699 --> 00:37:06.699 And His Spirit 00:37:07.699 --> 00:37:10.699 There's another thing Jesus is doing now 00:37:11.699 --> 00:37:12.699 What else is Jesus doing now? 00:37:13.699 --> 00:37:14.699 Jesus our King 00:37:15.699 --> 00:37:17.699 Is preparing a home for us 00:37:18.699 --> 00:37:20.699 I love John 14 00:37:21.699 --> 00:37:24.699 Again, Jesus wanting to comfort and minister to 00:37:25.699 --> 00:37:26.699 troubled disciples 00:37:26.699 --> 00:37:29.699 Knowing He was about to depart for the cross 00:37:31.699 --> 00:37:32.699 And there in verse 2 00:37:32.699 --> 00:37:33.699 He says, 00:37:33.699 --> 00:37:34.699 My Father's house has many rooms 00:37:35.699 --> 00:37:37.699 If that were not so 00:37:37.699 --> 00:37:40.699 Would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you 00:37:41.699 --> 00:37:42.699 And if I go and prepare a place for you 00:37:43.699 --> 00:37:44.699 I'll come back 00:37:45.699 --> 00:37:46.699 And take you to be with me 00:37:46.699 --> 00:37:48.699 And I also be where I am 00:37:49.699 --> 00:37:52.699 The preparation of Jesus 00:37:53.699 --> 00:37:55.699 Included His going to the cross 00:37:56.699 --> 00:37:58.699 To pay the penalty for our sin 00:37:59.699 --> 00:38:00.699 Included His resurrection 00:38:01.699 --> 00:38:02.699 Included His ascension 00:38:03.699 --> 00:38:06.699 Includes His ruling from the throne of heaven 00:38:06.699 --> 00:38:10.699 And having secured this victory over sin and death 00:38:11.699 --> 00:38:12.699 We have this wonderful promise 00:38:13.699 --> 00:38:15.699 That our victorious and glorious King 00:38:16.699 --> 00:38:17.699 He's preparing a home 00:38:18.699 --> 00:38:22.699 He's preparing an eternal Sabbath rest 00:38:23.699 --> 00:38:26.699 He's preparing for us to be with Him forever 00:38:26.699 --> 00:38:31.699 He is preparing to return to make everything new 00:38:32.699 --> 00:38:34.699 Including His people 00:38:35.699 --> 00:38:37.699 That's where we're going to be next week 00:38:38.699 --> 00:38:39.699 But think about that 00:38:40.699 --> 00:38:43.699 Right now, Jesus, our King who sits on the throne 00:38:44.699 --> 00:38:45.699 He's preparing a home for us 00:38:45.699 --> 00:38:46.699 Jesus is the King of glory 00:38:47.699 --> 00:38:48.699 The Bible records Him ascending to heaven 00:38:49.699 --> 00:38:50.699 Taking the throne of glory 00:38:51.699 --> 00:38:54.699 The coronation moment has taken place 00:38:55.699 --> 00:38:59.699 And God is asking a question of us in His word 00:39:00.699 --> 00:39:03.699 Jesus Christ is the undoubted King of heaven 00:39:04.699 --> 00:39:06.699 Will you and I pay Him homage? 00:39:07.699 --> 00:39:09.699 Do we welcome Him? 00:39:09.699 --> 00:39:12.699 Will you and I pay Him homage? 00:39:13.699 --> 00:39:16.699 Do we welcome Him as our King? 00:39:17.699 --> 00:39:22.699 The one who has gained for us a welcome into life with God 00:39:23.699 --> 00:39:26.699 The promise of welcome into God's presence 00:39:27.699 --> 00:39:31.699 Do we serve Him as our King? 00:39:32.699 --> 00:39:35.699 This one who has served us by His sacrifice 00:39:36.699 --> 00:39:38.699 This one who serves us by His prayers